2 vs 4-Wheel Drive?

[A B4 D]

I have a 2016 F150 and tow a 25FB Twin and I'm about to embark on a trip from CO to CA and points in between. My question is it safer to tow in 4 wheel drive mode all the time or is 2 wheel drive just as good. On wet roads I would use 4wd but it seems 2wd is easier on the truck and would get better mileage. Thought?

[azflycaster]

Check your owners manual. Driving in 4x4 mode can be harmful on paved roads. I only go into 4x4 mode when needed.

[PaulnGina]

I have my own ideas, but I bet your owners manual has some guidance.

[Nightmare67]

I have a ‘17 Ram 3500 with 4x4. Here is an excerpt from my manual.

“The 4WD LOCK and 4WD LOW positions are designed for loose, slippery road surfaces only. Driving in the 4WD LOCK and 4WD LOW positions on dry hard surfaced roads may cause increased tire wear and damage to the driveline components.”

It’s up the the operator to decide how “slippery” the conditions are to warrant 4x4.

[HeadWest]

It depends on the transfer case in your truck. Your F150 probably has a full time 4wd mode that would be labeled Automatic. This allows the front and rear wheels to go at different speeds, which normally happens when making turns. This mode can be used on dry roads and mixed conditions without any adverse effects. Going into 4w high or 4w low locks the transfer case (center differential) for better traction but cannot be used on dry or non slippery surfaces without a lot of driveline and tire wear or damage.

With our move from an F150 to an F350, the biggest thing I miss is not having a full-time 4wd option and the much better turning radius. I'm assuming it is not available because of the substantial torque and higher loads with the diesel engine. They do discuss a full-time 4wd option in the F350 owners manual but I would assume it did not make it to market or maybe it was only going to be offered on trucks with the gas engine. All guesses on my part.

Going back to your question, if you have the full-time option (Automatic), I would not hesitate to drive in it on wet or dry roads, towing or not. I use our F150 in Automatic when the roads are very wet, especially when not towing for added stability (less likely to have oversteer). Our setup with the Airstream and hitch (Propride) is rock solid and therefore I don't feel there is much need for any added stability or traction.

[tvketchum]

4x4 is not the same as All Wheel Drive. AWD will have a differential in the transfer case, to prevent the lock up between axles......

[Dan and Liz]

There’s no need for 4WD on dry roads, and normally not on wet ones. 4WD helps you go on ice or in mud or in real off-road conditions, but not to slow or stop nor necessarily to steer. Probably would drop your fuel economy by one or two MPG as well by turning unneeded parts and adding unnecessary wear.

[aftermath]

Do you normally switch into 4wd when it rains? There really is no need for that and I am thinking that it most likely could cause issues with your truck. You are right about the mileage too.

[HeadWest]

Originally Posted by tvketchum

4x4 is not the same as All Wheel Drive. AWD will have a differential in the transfer case, to prevent the lock up between axles......

Our 2013 F150 has the center differential in the transfer case to prevent lock up when in Automatic mode (full time or AWD). It also can be put in center dif locked mode in 4w high and 4w low mode for better traction.

If I remember correctly, when we bought our 2013 F150 the Lariat trim levels and above came with the additional Automatic mode, the others were only the traditional part time 4wd systems.

[moosetags]

We have always towed in two wheel drive, rain or shine. The only time we use four wheel drive is off the paved road.

Brian

[DKB_SATX]

Originally Posted by A B4 D

I have a 2016 F150 and tow a 25FB Twin and I'm about to embark on a trip from CO to CA and points in between. My question is it safer to tow in 4 wheel drive mode all the time or is 2 wheel drive just as good. On wet roads I would use 4wd but it seems 2wd is easier on the truck and would get better mileage. Thought?

If your F150 is a Lariat or fancier, with the "4A" position on the drive selector knob, it should only harm your fuel mileage to run in 4A but it shouldn't be necessary for normal towing. (It dents MPG because it keeps the front hubs "locked" and thus keeps more equipment turning unnecessarily.)

I've found that when it first starts raining, the truck is sometimes a little tail-happy in 2H if you need to apply much power, and at the beginning of a rain storm after a dry spell I'll use 4A. Of course in potentially-icy conditions I'd use 4A. Otherwise on the highway I always run in 2H.

If you have an XLT or XL you have 4WD that you shouldn't be using on non-slick pavement.

[inthralled]

We live in a very wet area of Washington State. 4 wheel drive is never used in the rain, only off road and then only when needed such as snow or off pavement.

[Keithkleinmd]

I invest in an oil company and would absolutely love you to drive in 4x4 mode all the time!
Does that answer your question?

[A B4 D]

Thanks all - I could have been clearer in that I should have said AWD not 4WD. (Lariat version of the F-150) Would never think about using locked differentials on the highway. Seem like the consensus is 2WD is sufficient in most circumstances. Always a useful forum.

[DBinSD]

We have also towed in only 2wd.

4wd engaged in snow, ice or very loose gravel.

[guskmg]

One thing not mentioned: Use 4x4 when traveing in campgrounds with out pavement. This will greatly decrease flying gravel that comes up from 2 X4 use only. Just remember no to use 4x4 when maneuvering into a site.
guskmg

[WhereStream]

Originally Posted by guskmg

Just remember no to use 4x4 when maneuvering into a site.
guskmg

Why is that?

[bbandeddie]

Originally Posted by WhereStream

Why is that?

Extreme steering angles in 4x4 locked are extraordinarily hard on driveline components.

[Adventure.AS]

Originally Posted by WhereStream

Why is that?

With front diff locked the turning radius is much larger. You will likely experience wheel hop too at full steering input.

[Preligen]

I use to have a 25' International and I towed it with a 2014 Silverado 1500. The instruction manual and the GMC website said that I should only use 4wd on snow and off road. Using it on paved surfaces can cause damage and wear and tear to the components. Also remember, all semi trucks towing 80,000+ lbs trailers only have 2wd. And they travel all across the country all year round. Even snow time in Colorado. On paved surfaces, it's the tires that makes the difference rather than the 4wd. Snow specific tires on a 2wd will always outperform all season tires on a 4wd. This is from Consumer Reports tire test. Hope this helps.