Question for Northerners...

[834k3r]

I know it's early (by 6 months or so), but I like to plan ahead.

I live where we get a lot of snow, and the roads (especially secondary and tertiary) can be snow-packed and slick. In previous winters, I didn't have to worry much about my previous truck's ability to get around (the Ridgeline's AWD acts like a FWD until it needs the added traction).

What do you folks use for weight in the back of your Rams? How much weight do you put in the back?

I've seen the tubes of sand at Home Despot and other big-box stores, but the plastic bags disintegrate over time and I'd rather not deal with that mess. So, give me your ideas please!

 

[wallyuwl]

I don't put anything in the back. No issues in WI, including Northern WI.

 

[834k3r]

I don't put anything in the back. No issues in WI, including Northern WI.

Do you leave your transmission in 4WD Auto?

 

[Fatherof3]

I know it's early (by 6 months or so), but I like to plan ahead.

I live where we get a lot of snow, and the roads (especially secondary and tertiary) can be snow-packed and slick. In previous winters, I didn't have to worry much about my previous truck's ability to get around (the Ridgeline's AWD acts like a FWD until it needs the added traction).

What do you folks use for weight in the back of your Rams? How much weight do you put in the back?

I've seen the tubes of sand at Home Despot and other big-box stores, but the plastic bags disintegrate over time and I'd rather not deal with that mess. So, give me your ideas please!

I haven’t used anything in the back of mine either . I use 4WD high if it gets too slippery otherwise I leave it in 2WD .

 

[Tones1975]

Previous Ram was an 18 Sport and it had 4wd auto. Worked well and no weight in the bed.
Current 19 rebel doesn't have it and like Fatherof3, i don't put weight in the bed and just use 4wd hi when I predict ill need it. Works great and I'm up in central Ontario so there is snow here for sure.

 

[mikeru82]

I've only ever put weight in 2WD trucks I've owned in the past. Haven't ever added weight in any 4x4 truck. Not that it would hurt anything except slightly decrease your fuel economy and take up valuable cargo space. I use Auto4WD if equipped, but that isn't a must-have either. Tires are arguably the most important variable for winter driving as far as equipment goes. But the number one variable is the driver mod.

 

[JoeCo]

No weight, 2wd with good all terrains and some wheel slip and counter steer every once in a while. I only use 4wd when it's literally needed, but I enjoy having a bit of fun in the snow and the all terrains can do that while also getting you around. Of course in deeper snow they have their limits and then I'll go into 4 wheel more.

 

[Royalist_Ram]

Live in the snow belt, I keep the truck in 4WDAuto year round, 4HI or 4LO as needed if the snow is really bad. I'll keep like 2 or 4 50 lb feed bags in the bed if the roads are bad enough. All I can say is these Falken Wildpeak A/T3WA's are really good for factory tires. They came with the Off-Road Group I ordered on this '21 Limited EcoDiesel.

 

[1D32319]

Also in the no weight camp for 4WD vehicles. Driven pick ups much of my life and have lived in three different New England states, Indiana, and Alaska. This is my first year in a truck with the "auto 4WD" thing, but I probably won't use it much-TBD on that.

Good tires, occasional use of 4Hi, a light gas pedal, and some smarts tend to get most folks through the storms and cleanup.

 

[Trippi]

Live in Upstate /Western NY - nothing in the back of my truck. I do not have 4WD Auto (had it my Silverado) and now just use 4WD when I need it - I think as experienced drivers we would know when this is. But as long as the roads aren't dry I don't think it would hurt to leave in 4WD if it makes you feel better.

 

[millerbjm]

I switch to Blizzaks in winter and use 4auto when conditions get sketchy. No weight a d 2wd most days with the winter tires. If I was running all season or A/T maybe 4auto for regular driving.

 

[wallyuwl]

Do you leave your transmission in 4WD Auto?

2WD unless the roads are snow covered or slippery, then 4WD auto or HI.

 

[GreatWhite]

Weight in the back? Thats wasted fuel!

In all seriousness, my truck performs very well in the snow. Im in 2wd until I start to slip around a bit, and then I put it in 4hi as needed.. I never have the truck in 4auto as I dont want the added wear and tear. And that way I know when the truck is shifting into 4x4.

 

[GATORB8]

Live in the snow belt, I keep the truck in 4WDAuto year round, 4HI or 4LO as needed if the snow is really bad. I'll keep like 2 or 4 50 lb feed bags in the bed if the roads are bad enough. All I can say is these Falken Wildpeak A/T3WA's are really good for factory tires. They came with the Off-Road Group I ordered on this '21 Limited EcoDiesel.

Auto keeps the front axle engaged, no reason for the extra wear when you don’t need it.

 

[Royalist_Ram]

Auto keeps the front axle engaged, no reason for the extra wear when you don’t need it.

There’s still going to be wear on the front axle even when not engaged because front axle parts are still moving, even in 2WD. There was discussion on this a few years back. I’ve never had an issue, just make sure to inspect it Every now and then. No noticeable mpg hit for my prior vehicles, my Limited is new tho, I’ll see if there is one but I doubt it would be greater than 1 mpg.

Auto 4WD all the time?

As winter has firmly cast its spell here in the Northeast, I've been leaving my truck in 4WD auto all the time. There's a decent chance I may hit ice/snow/slush at some point during my daily driving, and I don't want to be caught without 4WD if I suddenly need it. My impression is that the 4WD...

www.ram1500diesel.com

 

[MarvsAMartian]

I feel compelled to reply to this thread. If you Google where I live it's the definition of "north" (Literally, Northwest Territories).

When I had my old Toyota Pickup, I added sandbags in the box only because it was such a light truck. Two people could literally lift the rear wheels off the ground. Even in 4x4 it slid all over the roads. With my RAM I don't add any weight. 4Auto all winter, 4HI if need be. These trucks have enough weight that you really don't need to add any. My advice is just invest in a good set of tires. AT/MT will do (I'm using Falken Wildpeaks) but can never go wrong with a winter set either.

That said I'm sure it won't hurt to add a little weight over the rear axle, if anything just for the added security. If it helps you feel more confident in the snow by all means. Ice on the other hand... you're fluffed no matter what you do short of studded tires. Sorry I don't have any recommendations on what sandbags to add. I literally used the tubes (x4) like you said although mine were in canvas bags. Don't know where they're from as they were gifted to me.

 

[Dragonmaster13]

I live in Calgary, Alberta and commute to my wife’s parents place through the Rocky mountains to interior BC a few times a year. No weight, 2wd unless stuck. Never had 4auto, new rebel won’t have it either. Quite often those that use 4 auto full time can get into more trouble not knowing the road is slippery and when it comes time to corner or brake the shoot hits the fan.


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[Tones1975]

No weight, 2wd with good all terrains and some wheel slip and counter steer every once in a while. I only use 4wd when it's literally needed, but I enjoy having a bit of fun in the snow and the all terrains can do that while also getting you around. Of course in deeper snow they have their limits and then I'll go into 4 wheel more.

My

No weight, 2wd with good all terrains and some wheel slip and counter steer every once in a while. I only use 4wd when it's literally needed, but I enjoy having a bit of fun in the snow and the all terrains can do that while also getting you around. Of course in deeper snow they have their limits and then I'll go into 4 wheel more.

My rebel won't let me kick the back end out; it automatically works the brakes to counteract my attempts at that sort of fun. Only time that turns off fully is in 4wd. So I just have to resort to 4 wheel drifts in 4wd. Lol

 

[Biga]

I have not added any weight in the back of my 4x4 trucks. When I had a 2wd truck I would put about 350 lbs. of tube sand in the back for extra traction but don't need it with the 4x4.

 

[JoeCo]

My

My rebel won't let me kick the back end out; it automatically works the brakes to counteract my attempts at that sort of fun. Only time that turns off fully is in 4wd. So I just have to resort to 4 wheel drifts in 4wd. Lol

That's strange, I turn my traction control off and it certainly doesn't turn completely off but enough to slide around a bit if it's a little slick. Hoping my 21 on order is the same way, it's bad enough they won't give you the option of turning the t/c completely off as it is (well other than in 4lo).