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I've recently had to start driving 40 miles on an interstate highway several times a week. With snow and ice it would be handy to use the 4WD. Not sure about leaving it engaged for several miles. Used to on dirt and off road (when covered in snow and ice), but now I'm going about 40-45 mph. That's new for me. I drive a Ram 1500 and my winter tires are Blizzaks.
Location: East of Seattle since 1992, 615' Elevation, Zone 8b - originally from SF Bay Area
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It’s built to handle that kind of speed, but only if it is sloppy. Additional wear to the drive systems will result if the pavement is smooth but just icy, and 4WD won’t help you stop. I have that problem this morning, 27F and freezing fog, which means black ice here and there, but I won’t use 4WD on my F150, just go slow especially around curves, and drop to 2nd going down steep hills. You have good tires for it, but it still helps to put 3-4 sand bags in the bed over the rear tires.
It’s built to handle that kind of speed, but only if it is sloppy. Additional wear to the drive systems will result if the pavement is smooth but just icy, and 4WD won’t help you stop. I have that problem this morning, 27F and freezing fog, which means black ice here and there, but I won’t use 4WD on my F150, just go slow especially around curves, and drop to 2nd going down steep hills. You have good tires for it, but it still helps to put 3-4 sand bags in the bed over the rear tires.
Thanks. I have six tubes of sand back there. Two small passes to go over. What you say makes sense.
Once had a highway patrolman follow me into town and while we were gassing up (one-station town) he said, "Well, I'll never have to meet you in a ditch." Since I go so slow.
It isn't the distances that will get you, its ignoring the road conditions if they improve. Driving 4x4 (as it exists in the current Ram AFAIK) on dry pavement is a no-no. But, if it is icy or snowy you should have no issues.
It isn't the distances that will get you, its ignoring the road conditions if they improve. Driving 4x4 (as it exists in the current Ram AFAIK) on dry pavement is a no-no. But, if it is icy or snowy you should have no issues.
I have no idea why people go on forums and give false information. 4WD with the axles locked together is DANGEROUS on ice and snow. It's ONLY to be used to get unstuck. The lack of ability for the axles to spin at different speeds causes traction to be lost
With a ram on Blizzaks and weight in the bed you will almost never have any need for 4x4. Heavy snow, ice and slush. It is rare that any of these are on the freeway. However if does not hurt anything. I have diven from Allendale to Grosse Ile in 4x4 when it was needed and not had any problems. Just gets terrible MPG. Also if the pavement is dry, turning in 4x4 can be bad. You have 4 wheel auto also do you not?
If you need 4x4 you are not going to be driving very fast. 45 to 50 tops. If it is safe to drive fast, you do not need 4x4.
I have no idea why people go on forums and give false information. 4WD with the axles locked together is DANGEROUS on ice and snow. It's ONLY to be used to get unstuck. The lack of ability for the axles to spin at different speeds causes traction to be lost
4wd simply engages the front drive shaft.
Did someone mention engaging lockers and I missed it?
If so, then yes you are correct and it would also a be quick
way to destroy some very pricey components.
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