Best use of 2x4 and 4x4 in the snow

Hello all,

I have a 1st 4x4 and recently moved to Colorado from Alabama. Currently it’s snowing like crazy.

I read that you shouldn’t stay in 4x4 on the road unless you’re just slipping like crazy, but what about 2x4 low or 2x4 high?

I don't have a locking rear axle or solid axle so usually only one tire spins to move the truck.

What modes are best for which conditions?

Also, my truck bed is currently filled almost to the brim with snow (and still snowing). Would this be enough to weigh it down in the back, or should I put my rock & sand filled buckets back there?

I have towing & recovery straps in case I get stuck, but rather not get stuck.

Any helpful advice appreciated. I’ve only owned this truck a little over a year and haven’t seen snow with it yet.

 

If the roads currently look like they do in your photo there, I would keep it in 4hi at all times. Switch back into 2wd if you are turning into a covered/dry parking garage or gas station, but with that kind of snow cover on the ground you can stay in 4wd and not have any issues.

4low I wouldn't use unless you find you need it for some reason. Like if you can't get traction in 4hi on a hill. You don't want to be going around town in 4lo though unless you were having to drive through walls of snow.

 

winter tires and couple tubes of sand, best combo for me at least

 

With 6-12" in our forecast in the front range area I would absolutely be running in 4wd unless the roads are clear and dry, especially if you are not experienced with driving in the snow.

Bags of sand are around $3-5 at Lowes or Home Depot for 30-50lb bags so it would be worth picking up two for the winter

 

A google search of good snow driving practices will be more helpful, but generally you want to keep a nice long follow distance and start slowing down far ahead of stops.

And as far as 4x4 goes, use it any time you want in town as long as you’re on a slippery surface like ice/snow/gravel.

The only time leaving it on is an issue is if it could “bind” or in other words whenever your tires have good grip/traction (especially when turning).

If you’re on dry pavement, leave it in 2WD.

If you’re taking off from a stop on ice or snow put it in 4H.

If you’re driving in deeper snow and don’t want to lose momentum you can put it in 4H.

If you’re on a straight away and want to play it safe because it’s really icy out 4H can help you stay on track.

But shift back into 2WD when you’re turning and/or on good traction dry pavement.

Also when you start slipping on ICE never slam on your brakes. Instead let of the gas and pump the brakes carefully (this is where a good long follow distance helps) if you’re going straight down the road.

If you’re vehicle is going off the side of the road slightly AND you’re in 4H you can give it some throttle and the front wheels will help pull you the direction you’re turning. In that scenario if you brake you’re just going to slide like you’re on skis.

4Lo is for when you’re really stuck and should only be shifted into while in neutral and not moving.

You can shift between 2WD and 4 High as much as you want on the fly up to 62mph.

 

being from Bama also and having driven in the snows of upstate New York..first off hope you enjoy the new location second get some sand bags and keep in the bed til spring i used 4-6 stacked between the wheel wells, you don't want the front end to ride to high just enough to get the back to droop a little, it'll help with the one tire fire...plus if you get real stuck cut open a sand bag and free yourself...it'll ride weird at first but you'll get used to it...think of snow like slick mud and you'll be fine, if your tires aren't the best get better ones, AT tires work good in snow...

 

if there is snow on the road you will be fine in 4x4.

 

Thanks for the quick replies!

The pic was taken right before I submitted the thread.

I’ve driven in snow many times, just never with my truck....usually FWD and AWD vehicles.

I have new set of Cooper discoverer AT3 on the truck.

 

you'll be good then...generally speaking being in 4hi isn't any different than being in AWD. Just remember to switch back into 2wd if conditions improve or the situation calls for it. With AWD you never had to worry about that but with part time 4wd you do.

 

thats good to hear you have some experience, RWD vehicles tend to want to get away from you more than anything else so just remember turn into the skid and feather the gas..bring a shovel and strap if you're one of those people who helps others get unstuck...be careful out there