4WD/AWD and Boat Ramps

[Okie Boarder]

Thanks for the input guys. Usually I don't have issues with my 2WD F-150, but something to think about. Most of the ramps around here are pretty good, but some are steep and I often worry and pay close attention to stay off the slime and the rear tires out of the water. Looking at upgrading the truck and have a few AWD/4WD options I'm looking at.

[cadunkle]

Avoid AWD, run a real transfer case. Much stronger and better traction than those goofy differential cases.

[Okie Boarder]

I think the 1st choice I'm looking at is actually 4WD...just electronic, not manual. Does have an "auto" mode though which I'm trying to better understand...if this all pans out.

[haugy]

Avoid AWD, run a real transfer case. Much stronger and better traction than those goofy differential cases.

Depends on the vehicle. The adaptive AWD is very nice for this situation. For real serious offroading it's not desirable since the situation varies so quickly the AWD tries to calculate and change too much. But for a ramp where it's simple traction issues, they are extremely handy.

Auto mode is a limited slip with an electronic shifting system. Which means when certain wheels detect slip (which is easily detectable in the rear differential) it sends a signal to active and engage the 4wd system with a small clutch system, and Voila, 4wd automatically. If you have no slip, no 4wd.

They are also great on the newer vehicles where the sensors and engaging systems are much more advanced and smooth. But get an older one and they are a little rougher, and you run the risk as well of them being worn out or damaged.

Are you looking at a particular vehicle? As Cadunkle mentioned earlier is a locked rear end. I've told many of my friends to do this and they have been pleased. Basically for my friends who only need traction at the ramp, they installed a locking rear differential that is selectable on/off. Tire spins at the ramp. Then stop, engage the rear locker, and now both tires spin at the same speed, meaning even though one tire may not have traction, the one that does will keep pulling. This is a great option if you already have your ideal vehicle, but are looking for more security at the ramp.

[Okie Boarder]

#1 choice right now is a Chevy Avalanche 4WD. It has the Auto mode you're talking about, along with selectable 2WD, 4H, 4L.

[haugy]

#1 choice right now is a Chevy Avalanche 4WD. It has the Auto mode you're talking about, along with selectable 2WD, 4H, 4L.

Perfect vehicle. If you have concerns at a ramp, put it in auto, and let it do the rest. Or if you know it's going to be tricky, put it in 4-high so you don't start slipping at all. Which is a big problem on loose terrain ramps. If you spin, and dig, you're already in trouble.

I only recommend AWD on family SUV's where the wife might drive it daily with the kids, and then they use that to put the boat in. It's nice because it's family security, and great at the ramp. Other than that, get the selectable 4wd for gas mileage. There are very few AWDs that do well on gas mileage, AND can tow a sizeable boat at a ramp.

[Okie Boarder]

Thanks for the feedback all. We'll see what happens on this deal.

By the way, I do have my truck for sale at the moment. If I don't sell it by the time everything is ready, I'll likely just trade it (was offered a pretty fair price). I know most everyone on here is a ways away from me, but thought I'd go ahead and throw it out there.

2004 Ford F-150 Super Cab XLT in nice shape. Some added extras and fairly low miles (~70K). Asking $13k.

[Cgilboski]

Just as long as it's not a chevy

[jet]

Avoid the AWD unless you want to be friends with gas stations. You cant take it out of 4WD so it KILLS the gas mileage.

[Blackntan90]

I have one of each- Chevy suburban w/4wd, and a Subaru outback w/awd. I will say a locking rear is great, and there is a code on the glovebox door(inside) that will let you know if you have it(but I can't remember it at the moment). That said, the Subaru is great in the rain, snow, dry, but no where near enough power to tow the boat with, but gets 27 mpg.The suburban has plenty of power with the 6.0L engine, but suffers on fuel economy at around 10mpg. I personally do not use the 'Auto' setting, but I suppose I should, at least in the rain- a buddy of mine runs his in 'Auto' all the time, and it seems to work fine- I just wish I had the 4-wheel steer option he got, awesome in parking lots!