In my experience with 4x4 's in deep snow high range was best. If things got sketchy a few times i would try low range , no comparison. So I've always wondered about lockers front and back in low range (powerwagon) in a foot of snow pulling a trailer, is it still going to be better in high range with positraction in rear or ? The only time I've used low successfully is coming down a hill especially if its icy. Curious as to what others have found.
Powerwagon
- Thread starter Mr. BB
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volcano buster
Well-known member
When are you thinking you would be using the lockers?
I have a 4A mode in my F150 which I like for towing on the highway when it starts to get snow/clear/snow/clear. Then when it turns to just snow/slick I go to 4WD. The truck also has an electric locker in the rear but my experience is that it wants to push the front end so I reserve that for the "oh crap" times I need more traction.
Now if you are towing in rough logging roads or something similar where the tires are constantly looking for traction, I would think the lockers would be nice so any chance a tire gets to grab traction it has the power to do it.
I typically use 4L for slow speed work if loaded and backing up hills where I think it gives me more control and reaction time.
I have a 4A mode in my F150 which I like for towing on the highway when it starts to get snow/clear/snow/clear. Then when it turns to just snow/slick I go to 4WD. The truck also has an electric locker in the rear but my experience is that it wants to push the front end so I reserve that for the "oh crap" times I need more traction.
Now if you are towing in rough logging roads or something similar where the tires are constantly looking for traction, I would think the lockers would be nice so any chance a tire gets to grab traction it has the power to do it.
I typically use 4L for slow speed work if loaded and backing up hills where I think it gives me more control and reaction time.
IMO the Power Wagon would be a pretty darned good tow rig unless you were regularly towing larger than about a 6,000-lb trailer (IE, 28' 4 place with 4 sleds). If I was regularly towing anything bigger than that I'd want a diesel, and then I'd get eLockers installed aftermarket.
If you're talking about a snowmo rig and having lockers, there are really only a couple times I think you'd ever want to lock the axles in ...
One would be if you're towing a trailer, you park and it dumps 2' of snow on you overnight, and you need all the traction you can get breaking free in the morning ...
Two would be if you have a sled deck and you're driving in to find snow early winter or late spring and you wind up in a snow/mud hole and need to break yourself out of that ...
Rear locker, any time you're in deeper snow or mud go ahead and lock it in, but towing down the highway you don't want your rear axle locked ...
If you're stuck and in a bind, lock the, both in get broke out then disengage the front locker or you won't be able to steer.
I'd really be happy if my 3500 Cummins would have come with front and rear eLockers, even if I only used them once in a blue moon I know that much
If you're talking about a snowmo rig and having lockers, there are really only a couple times I think you'd ever want to lock the axles in ...
One would be if you're towing a trailer, you park and it dumps 2' of snow on you overnight, and you need all the traction you can get breaking free in the morning ...
Two would be if you have a sled deck and you're driving in to find snow early winter or late spring and you wind up in a snow/mud hole and need to break yourself out of that ...
Rear locker, any time you're in deeper snow or mud go ahead and lock it in, but towing down the highway you don't want your rear axle locked ...
If you're stuck and in a bind, lock the, both in get broke out then disengage the front locker or you won't be able to steer.
I'd really be happy if my 3500 Cummins would have come with front and rear eLockers, even if I only used them once in a blue moon I know that much
powerwagon
I should have been more clear in what I 'm curious about and this is directed to anyone that has a Powerwagon or similarly set up whatever pick-up. So u r in a sno-park the new snow is pretty deep lets say and u start to pull out in high range 4wd. And it's a no go so u shift into low range and engage lockers, will that usually get u out to where u can shift back into high range (no lockers). I think the PW has posi in rear,but not sure. My truck I have now if I can't move forward in high range I'm sure not going to make it in low. Get out the shovel or tow strap. The Ford with the locking rear-end sounds like a nice step up and I'm considering going in that direction. My understanding is that u engage it manually, but it will shift out of " locked" automatically if 25 mph is exceeded for safety reasons. GM has an Eaton rear locker that engages and disengages automatically but don't know how that is working out. Their video makes it sound great.
I should have been more clear in what I 'm curious about and this is directed to anyone that has a Powerwagon or similarly set up whatever pick-up. So u r in a sno-park the new snow is pretty deep lets say and u start to pull out in high range 4wd. And it's a no go so u shift into low range and engage lockers, will that usually get u out to where u can shift back into high range (no lockers). I think the PW has posi in rear,but not sure. My truck I have now if I can't move forward in high range I'm sure not going to make it in low. Get out the shovel or tow strap. The Ford with the locking rear-end sounds like a nice step up and I'm considering going in that direction. My understanding is that u engage it manually, but it will shift out of " locked" automatically if 25 mph is exceeded for safety reasons. GM has an Eaton rear locker that engages and disengages automatically but don't know how that is working out. Their video makes it sound great.
Lots of variables. I find it is easy to break traction in 4low. Selectable lockers have their place. I think chains would take you further. Chains and lockers being the best.
If your anywhere close to stuck in 4hi. 4 low will do absolutely nothing for you.
Buy tire chains, practice installing them and keep them with you when ever it’s winter or when off Road. 4 low should never be used due to a slippery/icy/ slick condition. It wont help you. Even in a down hill. It creates resistance just like hitting the brakes does. It’ll send you into a slide.
Buy tire chains, practice installing them and keep them with you when ever it’s winter or when off Road. 4 low should never be used due to a slippery/icy/ slick condition. It wont help you. Even in a down hill. It creates resistance just like hitting the brakes does. It’ll send you into a slide.
I’ve used the rear locker to get out of sticky situations. Don’t use it all the time but it’s nice to have when you need it.
I can’t speak for all makes but I know my dodge will only turn traction control completely off when I’m 4 lo.
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