I'm going to take the truck up to the snow for the first time (first time owning a 4x4 as well), if it's snowing...is it a good idea to buy some chains or should i be fine w/ having 4x4 on?

How fast can i drive w/ 4x4 on? Example...raining/snowing conditions. It rained pretty hard the other day and the thought crossed my mind as i was driving on the freeway. i know i'd get better traction but i just wasn't sure if i could go 70mph w/ 4x4 on.

Again...it's my first time owning a 4x4. It really comes in handy mudding and going to the dunes. So i'm learning as i drive.

 

First thing, chains are not a requirment by any means. Doesn't mean you can't have them. If you get some you need to practice putting them on and getting them tight before you are trying to do it in a foot of snow. But you will be surprised at how well these trucks do in the snow with only 4X4, so I really wouldn't aorry about chains.

As far as how fast; 70 is pretty high, will the truck do it probably, but I wouldn't recommend it. As a sort of rule of them, if traffic is doing 70 I don't think you need 4x4. And I would not use it in just rain. The tires are gripping a lot more than you think in the rain.

 

If you travel in California snow areas you must still carry chains even if you have a 4X4. The snow isnt the bad part its the ice underneath 70 would be a bit fast. Just my $.02

 

I am THINKING that the owners manual says not to go over 50 in 4x4.

Don't quote me on this, but I think its close.

 

I was wrong, the manual says not to engage into 4x4 at speeds in excess of 55. It does not seem to say how fast you can go. I myself, have never gone over 45. Kinda seems a little crazy, if you need 4x4, to drive over 40.

So, there ya go. Facts and my worthless opinions.

 

When it comes to driving in winter weather slow and steady is the name of the game. Just because the speed limit says you can do 65 doesn't mean you can just cause you have 4wd. I drive in 2wd as long as I can till I feel as though its not safe for me to do so then I'll pop in to 4x4. But if staying control means driving at 5-15mph on a snow covered highway then thats what I do. 4wd is a great supplement but shouldn't be something to rely on just to go fast down the road in bad weather. Use it when you absolutely need it until you feel safe and then to go back to 2wd and stay reasonable. Keep your speeds down, keep plenty of distance bewtween the cars in front of you, slow throttle and brake control (let the truck work for you), don't try to accelerate up hills just nice and steady, and most importantly JUST TAKE YOUR TIME! No reason to be in a rush. JMO and this is coming from a life long New Englander.

 

thanks for that info, that's good to know if i ever plan on going to south tahoe or to big bear.

 

Dont bother with the chains, 60 is the fastest i would go in 4wdhi.

 

I couldt agree more, my truck was hit on Sunday because someone was going too fast and couldnt stop.

 

if i feel the need to use the 4x4, i sure wouldn't be going that fast, but i've also rolled my last lifted truck in the winter 12.50 wide and slush ain't a good combo i guess

 

Chains are for driving in extreme situations like snow deeper than the height of the body, or steep inclines on ice. For normal snow on the road you'll do just fine just having raw 4x4 on.

If you can drive 70, then you don't need 4x4. If the road is slippery and the back end is breaking loose, putting it in 4x4 will make all four wheels track better. When the drive wheels are not sliding around and tracking well you'll feel like you can drive faster, but keep in mind that 4x4 does not help you corner better and it does not help you stop faster. Your not limited by how fast you can go, just like every one else, your limited by how fast you can maintain control of your truck.

4x4 is great for getting out of the hole at stop signs. Many 4x4s that end up in the ditch, just drive right out. I've hear stories of multiple car pile ups where 4x4 trucks went off road and drove around the confusion. Also, some hills can only be climbed with 4x4.

 

I agree with what everyone has said about driving in the snow and keep in mind that 4x4 doesn't do much when you brake. 4 wheel or 2 wheel the braking is the same.

 

If speed is an issue in 4Hi then why is the fulltime 4x4 out there..I have a friend at work who has a dodgram hemi that is all wheel drive...His fuel tab sucks

 

In CA, if that's where you're traveling to, the chain conditions are as follows:
R1 - vehicles must have chains, except 4X4 with m/s tires on at least the two wheels. Still, 4X4 has to carry chains. CHP might not let you go if you don't show them some kind of chains.
R2 - Same as above, but the m/s tires gotta be on all four corners.
R3 - EVERYONE has to have chains on, even 4X4. No big rigs allowed. This was the case in Big Bear on 12/17/07.

The best advice came earlier. Do EVERYTHING slowly. No fast movements. Stay away from all the tards that will be on the road as well.

 

TNC...i'll be traveling to north tahoe at the end of feb. how/where do i find out the above road conditions?