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07-29-2017, 08:38 AM
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#1
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2017
Location: San Antonio
Posts: 194
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Pulling TT w/4x4?
For those who have a 4x4 do you pull your TT using your TV in 4x4 mode or do you keep it in 4x2 mode?
I have a Ford FX4 and reading the manual I can drive in all 4 mode at normal speeds so I started thinking it might be helpful in pulling the TT.
If the WDH puts weight back to the front would it make sense to drive in 4x4 mode?
Has anyone done this and what are the pros and cons?
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07-29-2017, 08:49 AM
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#2
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Mid-Mi
Posts: 1,492
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I only use 4wd when needed. If the "all 4 mode" which it probably still in 2wd unless the system detects wheel slippage, which would then engage the front axle. At least that is how the GM "4 Auto" mode works.
There is a chance if it works like the GM 4 auto, the transfer case is engaged, which results in slightly lower gas mileage. How it would impact the mileage while towing is hard to say since towing a rolling brick is bad enough.
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07-29-2017, 08:50 AM
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#3
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Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: Pennsylvania
Posts: 1,880
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4 x 2 mode unless I need 4 x 4.
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2012 Ford Expedition EL
2016 28BHBE, Elite and Thermal Packages.
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07-29-2017, 08:53 AM
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#4
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: New Hampshire
Posts: 249
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We have pulled various sized TTs, most recently a 34ft Puma and have never towed in 4 wheel drive. IMHO, it is a waste of gas and not necessary to towing a TT.
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2018 Chevy Silverado 2500HD High Country 4X4, towing pkg, Vortec 6.0 ltr, 4.10 gears,6.6' bed,Reese Titan 16K hitch.
2018 Eagle HT 27.5 RKDS
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07-29-2017, 09:04 AM
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#5
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Swift Current
Posts: 159
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I have used 4x4 once in a sketchy looking trail leading to the campground. Otherwise it's always 4x2.
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2015 Ram 2500 Limited 6.4L Hemi, 3.73 LS
2007 Jay Feather 254 EXP "HMCS Anchovy" :Canada:
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07-29-2017, 09:11 AM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Elizabethtown, PA
Posts: 1,560
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Agree with using 4X2 mode The only time I need to use 4X4 is when I am in the storage area when the grass is Very wet
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2004 Jay Feather 25E
2001 Ford Expedition 4X4 EB 5.4 3.55 rear
2004 Ford Expedition 4X4 EB 5.4 3.73 rear
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07-29-2017, 09:13 AM
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#7
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Walpole, NH
Posts: 365
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With the tongue weight of your trailer on your truck, you will have all the traction you will need except for really low traction situations like mud, soft soil, steep hills and so on.
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TV 2013 RAM 1500 4x4 Tradesman W/5.7L Hemi 6spd auto w/3.55 rears
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07-29-2017, 09:17 AM
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#8
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Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: FL
Posts: 11,281
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Towing, I have used 4x4 a few times just to help ensure I didn't have a problem on questionable surfaces (ie wet grass, loose stones). I've never used it at towing over the road.
I use 4x4, too, when parking my TT next to the house; backing up hill on loose stones.
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07-29-2017, 09:49 AM
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#9
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Alberta
Posts: 557
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Quote:
Originally Posted by oldmanAZ
Towing, I have used 4x4 a few times just to help ensure I didn't have a problem on questionable surfaces (ie wet grass, loose stones). I've never used it at towing over the road.
I use 4x4, too, when parking my TT next to the house; backing up hill on loose stones.
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This....
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07-29-2017, 10:08 AM
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#10
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Abingdon
Posts: 6,177
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Always tow highway speeds in 2WD. You can tow in 4WD, but I wouldn't recommend it. Works the front hubs and transfer case way too hard. Not to mention it uses more fuel. There's a lot of plastic in the front hubs that can't handle highway speeds. And transfer case would get blood red. It's mainly geared for lower speeds on the F Series trucks. I'd say 40-50 mph max.
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2013 Jayco Eagle 328 RLTS
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07-29-2017, 10:08 AM
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#11
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Eagle River, AK
Posts: 900
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Quote:
Originally Posted by oldmanAZ
Towing, I have used 4x4 a few times just to help ensure I didn't have a problem on questionable surfaces (ie wet grass, loose stones). I've never used it at towing over the road.
I use 4x4, too, when parking my TT next to the house; backing up hill on loose stones.
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x2, rarely ever use 4 wheel drive when driving down the highway or improved dirt roads unless other extenuating circumstances warrant (snow, ice, rain, mud, etc., call for it)
I get a little extreme with places I am willing to go since I like to hunt and fish a lot (therefore, I boondock a lot), and I have at times utilized 4 wheel low range to creep the TT into place while backing it up at home or elsewhere.
4 wheel drive is there, why not used it?
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We are just a humble drinking couple with a hunting and camping problem.
2018 Jayco Octane 260
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2021 Argo Aurora 8x8/2008 Arctic Cat M1000 SnoPro
Previous: Komfort 5er/Jamboree MH/Lance Cabover/Jayco Whitehawk 25BHS TT
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07-29-2017, 10:29 AM
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#12
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: Orange County
Posts: 644
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When we had a TT, never used 4X4 on any paved road. Don't recommend it unless you find yourself in a very low traction situation (snowstorm, ice, flash flood, mud). I used 4wd often when towing off road while accessing an open place to boondock and park, or in the rare instance we found ourselves in deep sand on some isolated dirt road in the desert. In short, if you don't need it, don't use it, and never at highway speeds as it severely heats up the transfer case and destroys mileage, not to mention several other potentially damaging results (such as lock-up of the drivetrain caused by slight difference of rpm between front and rear axles).
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2006 Jayco Seneca 34SS
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07-29-2017, 12:23 PM
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#13
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: Lower Alabama
Posts: 1,482
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I have a F250 FX4 and have not had to use the 4 wheel drive. We always pull our TT in 2 wheel drive but we don't go places where it is needed. I'm pretty sure your gas mileage will suffer.
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2018 Jayco Eagle HT 28.5 RSTS
2017 Ford F-250 Lariat FX4, 6.2L, 4.30 gears
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07-29-2017, 12:32 PM
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#14
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Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: FL
Posts: 11,281
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 2nOZ
I have a F250 FX4 and have not had to use the 4 wheel drive. We always pull our TT in 2 wheel drive but we don't go places where it is needed. I'm pretty sure your gas mileage will suffer.
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FYI: Do you have 'shift on the fly'? If so, shift into 4wd and low range occasionally. I didn't for a LONG time and when I tried, it wouldn't shift. Thankfully, my mechanic got things moving without having to replace anything. Now I shift into 4wd and low range every few weeks and it has worked great.
Maybe the technology has changed, but mine seems to be a 'Use it or lose it' kind of thing.
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Sherm & Terry w/rescue Eydie (min Schnauzer) & Charley (std Poodle)
SOLD:2015 Jay Flight 27RLS, GY Endurance (E), Days: 102 '15, 90 '16, 80 '17, 161 '18, 365+ '20
SOLD: 2006 Ford F350 PSD, 4WD, CC, LB, SRW, Camper pkg., 375,000mi
Full timing: Some will think you're crazy, some will be envious, just enjoy the freedom!
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07-29-2017, 12:43 PM
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#15
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: Lower Alabama
Posts: 1,482
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Quote:
Originally Posted by oldmanAZ
FYI: Do you have 'shift on the fly'? If so, shift into 4wd and low range occasionally. I didn't for a LONG time and when I tried, it wouldn't shift. Thankfully, my mechanic got things moving without having to replace anything. Now I shift into 4wd and low range every few weeks and it has worked great.
Maybe the technology has changed, but mine seems to be a 'Use it or lose it' kind of thing.
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I do have shift on the fly. I have never tried the 4wd. Thanks for the info and I'll give it a try. Better to find out now.
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07-29-2017, 02:12 PM
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#16
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: Orange County
Posts: 644
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Quote:
Originally Posted by oldmanAZ
FYI: Do you have 'shift on the fly'? If so, shift into 4wd and low range occasionally. I didn't for a LONG time and when I tried, it wouldn't shift. Thankfully, my mechanic got things moving without having to replace anything. Now I shift into 4wd and low range every few weeks and it has worked great.
Maybe the technology has changed, but mine seems to be a 'Use it or lose it' kind of thing.
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This is something every owner of a 4X4 vehicle ought to do. Old or new technology, that system needs to be exercised once in a while, even if it's merely to spread the lube around again. On many modern systems, there are several mechanisms that can get very sticky if they aren't moved once in a while, and that's likely what you experienced. Even on my old CJ5 with a full manual transfer case and full manual hubs, it was a good idea to get it on a dirt road after I had not been using it for a while and just get it all moving around again.
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2006 Jayco Seneca 34SS
2006 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon Toad
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07-29-2017, 04:13 PM
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#17
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Saskatoon Sask Canada
Posts: 10,714
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Driving in 4X4 on hard surface (asphalt or concrete) is hard on the drive train 4X4 requires the wheels to have some slip. Also you will wear out parts faster and your mileage will suffer.. But YES every so often you need to "exercise" the 4x4 system by using it but personally I would avoid doing that on the highway.. take it on a gravel or sand road.
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2004 Chev Silverado Duramax optioned past the max. 2009 Jayco Eagle 308 RLS 900watts of solar, Lithium batteries (400amp hour), 2000 watt (4000 surge) whole house inverter.
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07-29-2017, 04:55 PM
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#18
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Winnipeg
Posts: 942
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Sometimes if the site is sloped a lot and I have to back the trailer up onto a stack of blocks to level it, I pop the truck into 4x4 low to get a little more torque, making it easier to creep the trailer into place. But normal every day towing, 4x2 with tow/haul mode turned on.
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2013 Ford F-150 XTR SC Ecoboost
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Winnipeg, Manitoba
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07-29-2017, 05:05 PM
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#19
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 1,588
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I also sometimes use 4LO for pulling heavy boats out of steep launches, or hauling a farm wagon with firewood on it down the road to my place. The gearing is incredible. I only lock it all up if it's a straight line pull or loose surface traction.
There are a couple guys I know that have modified their trucks to include 2LO which is very intriguing. They basically put the truck into 4LO and then block the signal to the front hubs via vacuum or electric so the truck thinks it's in 4LO but the front end is steer only. Genius.
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07-29-2017, 06:31 PM
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#20
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: DFW
Posts: 2,211
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dustdevil
When we had a TT, never used 4X4 on any paved road. Don't recommend it unless you find yourself in a very low traction situation (snowstorm, ice, flash flood, mud). I used 4wd often when towing off road while accessing an open place to boondock and park, or in the rare instance we found ourselves in deep sand on some isolated dirt road in the desert. In short, if you don't need it, don't use it, and never at highway speeds as it severely heats up the transfer case and destroys mileage, not to mention several other potentially damaging results (such as lock-up of the drivetrain caused by slight difference of rpm between front and rear axles).
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I did it once by accident on this truck. The good people at GM decided it would be a good idea to make the headlight knob and 4wd selector identical and right next to each other. Was towing at 65 and in an attempt to turn on the headlights, I selected 4lo. Thankfully, the truck is smarter than me and didn't make it past 4hi.
I used it once on another truck towing. I was going down a steep grade that was gravel and used 4lo to help me stay slow (5-10mph) without riding the brakes as bad. It was only a few miles, but it helped.
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