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Driving in 4hi

QCHunter

QCHunter

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I have a 21 2500 CTD with 4x4. I am not a seasoned ice or snow driver living in the valley of Arizona but went on a trip to play in the snow and it started snowing while driving up there. The roads got wet and and there was snow sitting on the road. I naturally slowed down with the rest of the slow traffic, still running the stock tires. But there were still folks passing in the fast lane. It’s was only 32*f outside when it was snowing.

Just curious when the folks in snow country start running around in 4 high?
 
When you're starting to spin tires. You still need to be able to slow down, so getting up to speed quicker isn't a great thing to do.
 
QCHunter said:
I have a 21 2500 CTD with 4x4. I am not a seasoned ice or snow driver living in the valley of Arizona but went on a trip to play in the snow and it started snowing while driving up there. The roads got wet and and there was snow sitting on the road. I naturally slowed down with the rest of the slow traffic, still running the stock tires. But there were still folks passing in the fast lane. It’s was only 32*f outside when it was snowing.

Just curious when the folks in snow country start running around in 4 high?
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Not to sound like a smart ass, but I run in 4 hi when 2 hi just isn’t cutting it.
 
Driving in snow is different and can be different each time. Some people throw her in 4hi and run like they own a rally car on dry roads. Others drive like they are 90 headed to church on sundays.

Depending where everyone falls is the big thing. Your question centers around using 4hi and as stated above when you’re struggling to maintain a safe and controllable speed then you should lock it in following guidelines in your manual.

You will notice the “sliding or waking rear end” or what might feel like a “slipping tranny” as far as pressing the accelerator and “you no go”.

The more important aspects is you’re really unfamiliar with snow ice conditions is just watching the following distance, breaking distance, and having an eye out for cowboys and grandmas. Both can be equally hazardous. Good luck genuinely. Snow and ice turns me into a grumpy old man.
 
WisHawk said:
Since this the case use 4 hi and drive at a comfortable speed maintain your distance and stay alert.
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Agreed, your likely to be caught off guard if the rear end kicks out and you slide a bit.

Run 4 HI, don't worry about it. These drivelines aren't fragile and weak like some folks think they are.

My truck has only been out of 4 HI once or twice in the last 2-3 months.
 
I am from Canada eh and living in the mountains in BC. We just got a nice Christmas dump of snow over the last few days which added up to about 4 feet total. Most of the time I will drive in 4 Hi when the road is snow covered. Sometimes I only switch to 4 Hi when I am getting ready to pass on a two lane. One thing I've learned is that in 2 Hi if you hit some ice and the back end kicks out, in most cases, you can just let off the throttle and the truck will straighten out. In 4 Hi if you lose it and start to skid there's a very good chance you will not get it back and end up in the ditch. Done a couple of 360's in the middle of the highway in the past and I think if I was in 2 Hi I could've avoided it.
 
QCHunter said:
I have a 21 2500 CTD with 4x4. I am not a seasoned ice or snow driver living in the valley of Arizona but went on a trip to play in the snow and it started snowing while driving up there. The roads got wet and and there was snow sitting on the road. I naturally slowed down with the rest of the slow traffic, still running the stock tires. But there were still folks passing in the fast lane. It’s was only 32*f outside when it was snowing.

Just curious when the folks in snow country start running around in 4 high?
Click to expand...


We were in Williams and Flagstaff Az this past week.... I never touched 4Hi since the snow was patchy and slush on the paved roads. I typically do not use it unless I am dealing with roads that have not been cleared and you are driving on snow and not pavement any longer.
 
The only time i use 4wd is when i am plowing or i cant take off in 2wd
 
QCHunter said:
I have a 21 2500 CTD with 4x4. I am not a seasoned ice or snow driver living in the valley of Arizona but went on a trip to play in the snow and it started snowing while driving up there. The roads got wet and and there was snow sitting on the road. I naturally slowed down with the rest of the slow traffic, still running the stock tires. But there were still folks passing in the fast lane. It’s was only 32*f outside when it was snowing.

Just curious when the folks in snow country start running around in 4 high?
Click to expand...
Well, I live in the snow belt in upstate NY, not to be confused with the communist down staters....LOL But, I run load range E snow tires and carry about 700lbs in sandbags just slightly ahead of the rear axle. I will normally go into 4 wheel drive when going through un plowed areas 4 inches or more of snow, when things get "slushy" ie the road crews dump salt and turn the snow into a slushy mess, or whenever I pull in my driveway which is uphill, thus preventing any spinning and making it icy at the bottom. Other than that I keep it in 2 WD. A word of CAUTION.... just because you can go in the snow, does not mean you can UNGO in the snow... 4WD will not stop you any faster than 2WD! That is why the dumba$$ stuck in the median is typically a 4WD vehicle. Also the rule of thumb for the HD pick ups is only use it when you need too, and DO NOT use it on dry pavement.
 
sstoner911 said:
We were in Williams and Flagstaff Az this past week.... I never touched 4Hi since the snow was patchy and slush on the paved roads. I typically do not use it unless I am dealing with roads that have not been cleared and you are driving on snow and not pavement any longer.
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We were between Munds park and Flagstaff when it started snowing. The plows were running but there was some snow showing where wheels weren’t driving. I did stay in 2wd and held our lane and 65 until our turn off.
 
RKlass said:
I am from Canada eh and living in the mountains in BC. We just got a nice Christmas dump of snow over the last few days which added up to about 4 feet total. Most of the time I will drive in 4 Hi when the road is snow covered. Sometimes I only switch to 4 Hi when I am getting ready to pass on a two lane. One thing I've learned is that in 2 Hi if you hit some ice and the back end kicks out, in most cases, you can just let off the throttle and the truck will straighten out. In 4 Hi if you lose it and start to skid there's a very good chance you will not get it back and end up in the ditch. Done a couple of 360's in the middle of the highway in the past and I think if I was in 2 Hi I could've avoided it.
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I made sure I stayed in my lane because I was worried about getting spun out. I’m probably over thinking it being from the desert.
 
QCHunter said:
We were between Munds park and Flagstaff when it started snowing. The plows were running but there was some snow showing where wheels weren’t driving. I did stay in 2wd and held our lane and 65 until our turn off.
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We don't hit snow very often when we are towing...we try to go higher elevations during the summer....but the few times we have in Flagstaff or up by Telluride Co, my wife is always fearful the trailer will start to face the opposite direction of the truck when we have hit a icy spot. I just try to keep my speed in check. I think people get in to trouble when they are driving to fast for the road conditions and by the time they are in trouble it's to late.
 
One other thing that I forgot, never use the engine brake when it is slippery, you will find yourself facing the other way…
 
sstoner911 said:
We don't hit snow very often when we are towing...we try to go higher elevations during the summer....but the few times we have in Flagstaff or up by Telluride Co, my wife is always fearful the trailer will start to face the opposite direction of the truck when we have hit a icy spot. I just try to keep my speed in check. I think people get in to trouble when they are driving to fast for the road conditions and by the time they are in trouble it's to late.
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Biggest thing to do when towing in the winter is if its slippery turn down the gain on the trailer brakes i have seen plenty of guys pulled in to the ditch from the trailer sliding while braking
 
H3LZSN1P3R said:
Biggest thing to do when towing in the winter is if its slippery turn down the gain on the trailer brakes i have seen plenty of guys pulled in to the ditch from the trailer sliding while braking
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That's good advice...
 
js4024 said:
Totally disagree sir.... You have your engine brake engaged on an icy road and you will wind up in trouble. I promise you... but hey, you do as you want... LOL
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Refer to 2022 HD Owners manual...... CAUTION! Do not use the exhaust brake feature when driving in icy or slippery conditions as the increased engine braking can cause the rear wheels to slide and the vehicle to swing around with the possible loss of vehicle control, which may cause an accident possibly resulting in personal injury or death. Page 147
 
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