4wd low traction

[Odmeister]

Couple days ago I was driving on the highway while it was raining normally in the 2wd setting on my ram bighorn. Now usually when I’m driving I heavy raining conditions I activate 4wd low and I’m usually fine. In this case I didn’t think it was raining hard enough so I didn’t and I needing up doing a full 360 on the damn highway but luckily enough I gripped it and no damage was done. Now after that happened I wanted to put my ram in 4wd low and now when I switch it my traction control and electronic stability automatically turn off. I’ve done research and I have started using 4wd auto and I learned about 4wd low more but how do I fix this.

 

[JohnnyMac]

I'm pretty sure you should only use 4wd Low when you are off road and need maximum traction. It can do damage to the truck because everything is wrapped up so tight. I believe 4 Low is designed to turn of TC and EDS because of that fact. You should only use 4 lock or 4 auto when traveling on pavement. And slow down.

 

[BrewCrew]

You switched into 4LO on the Hwy?? Eeek.

 

[19Jake]

4WD LOW — provides low speed four-wheel drive. Maximizes torque to the front driveshaft; allowing front/rear wheels to rotate at the same speed. Provides additional traction & maximum pulling power for loose, slippery road surfaces. Don't exceed 25mph

 

[pacofortacos]

Unless something has changed in the 19's it is impossible to go into 4 Low when the truck is moving or moving over 5 mph - one of those 2.
I am thinking maybe 4 lock is what he means?

 

[JoeCo]

Learn how to counter steer? I've never used 4wd in the rain before, and barely use it in snow. At the very least you should know how to counter steer/ throttle out of a situation, just a good skill to know/have. If you're going to use it though, as others have said, definitely don't use 4 low. 4 high (higher speed) or more likely 4 auto would be the more ideal choice.

Also, what kind of tires are you running? Might look to upgrade there too.

 

[Arvid]

Sounds to me like he hydroplaned and from what I’ve read the tires these trucks come with can do that. Not sure if any 4x4 setting will help in that situation.
And why I’ll be getting Michelin’s soon

 

[JoeCo]

Sounds to me like he hydroplaned and from what I’ve read the tires these trucks come with can do that. Not sure if any 4x4 setting will help in that situation.
And why I’ll be getting Michelin’s soon

Yeah really either way, hydroplane or lost traction, I agree that better tires would be a good idea. I've never had anything like that happen (full hydroplane) but I've always ran all terrains on my rams. Great wet/snow traction.

 

[mikeru]

You're definitely not shifting into 4 low while traveling at highway speeds. I think you mis-typed what you meant to say. As far as losing control, always drive for the conditions. If it's raining hard enough for the water to puddle on the highway you need to slow down. And try to avoid the puddles if you can safely do that.

Sounds to me like he hydroplaned and from what I’ve read the tires these trucks come with can do that. Not sure if any 4x4 setting will help in that situation.
And why I’ll be getting Michelin’s soon

FYI...not all of these trucks come with the Goodyear SR-A's which everyone complains about. My truck came from the factory with Falken Wildpeak A/T3W A tires. These tires so far have worked excellent in the rain and snow. No issues with hydroplaning. So far I'm very pleased with them.

 

[Arvid]

I mine came bridgstone duelers. They suck as well

 

[Odmeister]

4WD LOW — provides low speed four-wheel drive. Maximizes torque to the front driveshaft; allowing front/rear wheels to rotate at the same speed. Provides additional traction & maximum pulling power for loose, slippery road surfaces. Don't exceed 25mph
View attachment 190447

Thank you I’m sorry I meant 4wd lock not low. I didn’t know what 4wd auto was before today but I’m now in 4wd auto constantly.


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[Odmeister]

Learn how to counter steer? I've never used 4wd in the rain before, and barely use it in snow. At the very least you should know how to counter steer/ throttle out of a situation, just a good skill to know/have. If you're going to use it though, as others have said, definitely don't use 4 low. 4 high (higher speed) or more likely 4 auto would be the more ideal choice.

Also, what kind of tires are you running? Might look to upgrade there too.

My ram went a full 90 degrees in the matter of .2 seconds. The reason there was no damages to my truck was because I counted steered after that. I have the stock Goodyear tires. Seems i need to upgrade them based on what I’ve seen today.


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[Odmeister]

Sounds to me like he hydroplaned and from what I’ve read the tires these trucks come with can do that. Not sure if any 4x4 setting will help in that situation.
And why I’ll be getting Michelin’s soon

Yea a full hydroplane very terrifying and I almost flipped but it ended well. Which Michelin’s are you getting?


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[JoeCo]

My ram went a full 90 degrees in the matter of .2 seconds. The reason there was no damages to my truck was because I counted steered after that. I have the stock Goodyear tires. Seems i need to upgrade them based on what I’ve seen today.


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Good save then! And yes if you have the goodyears I would upgrade those asap, just my opinion but those things do not belong on trucks.

 

[Odmeister]

Good save then! And yes if you have the goodyears I would upgrade those asap, just my opinion but those things do not belong on trucks.

No lies on that one man I had no idea how bad they were. Thanks for the help!


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[Arvid]

Michelin defender for all season.

 

[Quyonmob]

Living in a snow belt, hearing that people use 4wd in the rain blows my mind.

 

[soapy]

Tire traction problem not a vehicle problem. Hey better tires.

 

[hoss2695]

I have Goodyear sr a tires. I love them never had an issue with them. I use 4w auto in heavier snow conditions an when I’m going to launch the truck at a green light. The truck has only been in 4w low once to make sure it was working. I drive close to a 100000 miles a year in a semi. So driving for the conditions of the road makes any tires safe. Even the best tires will hydroplane if Excessive speed is happening. Just my opinion

 

[Marshall]

Couple days ago I was driving on the highway while it was raining normally in the 2wd setting on my ram bighorn. Now usually when I’m driving I heavy raining conditions I activate 4wd low and I’m usually fine. In this case I didn’t think it was raining hard enough so I didn’t and I needing up doing a full 360 on the damn highway but luckily enough I gripped it and no damage was done. Now after that happened I wanted to put my ram in 4wd low and now when I switch it my traction control and electronic stability automatically turn off. I’ve done research and I have started using 4wd auto and I learned about 4wd low more but how do I fix this.

4WD Low, You may switch it to that , but the truck will not go in, read the book that came with your truck.
4WD auto is what you want, but that will not stop hydro planing, that is from driving too fast, poor tiers, not knowing what you are doing.