Sliding in Snow

[Chris23Ram]

Tires!

That used to happen to me when I was running 4-seasons.....Even with weight in the back.

I'm running winters this season with the bed empty and I am yet to have an issue.

I have falken wildpeaks at4 with less then 20k miles on them rotated every 5-6k

 

[kapinallinen2]

I had to actively try to get it to spin the tires.

Same here.

 

[Threesuns1]

Actually the running boards pre dated the lock out hubs by many years, I can recall when the locking hubs were an option or not even available from the factory.

I had to special order my 2000 F250 to get the lock out hubs and manual t-case.

 

[OlegShv]

Uneven traction can cause this instability even if you drive in 4h or 4a. Tires do play some role, but if there is pure ice, then it won’t really matter if you have Wildpeaks or even dedicated winters.
Also, it seems that 4wd auto is more of a rear biased mode, while 4wd high is supposed to transfer torque 50/50 front to rear. Does anyone have information about the default torque distribution in 4wd auto?

 

[Willwork4truck]

A Feb 24, 2020 ram1500diesel.com post said this:
“Hey chizzle, if you search my posts you will find a bunch of information on how your truck transfers power with the transfer case. I have a FoxWell tool that gives me all of the data from the Transfer case. Basically, in auto 100% to the rear until there is slip. Something to consider is that the same transfer happens in reverse. If you are rolling down the driveway and the rear starts to slip in deceleration, it will transfer power.”.
(End of copied post reply)

Making a presumption that information applies.

 

[KingChu]

Weight the bed. A few heavy sandbags over the rear axle would help but nothing will help if you are driving like it’s just some rain. I would err on the side of caution and slow down if the rear is kicking out. May be some compacted and icy stuff underneath.

 

[cpetku]

I suspect the issue is driver error. You are just going too fast while turning on ice or packed snow.

Your truck should have 3 independent systems and any one of them operating alone should help prevent the rear end from kicking out in snow. It's very unlikely all 3 systems are broken.

1. 4 x 4 powers the front wheels helps pull the truck and keep it straight.
2. Traction Control - Senses wheel spin and reduces power to appropriate wheel to reduce spin. Turn off by pushing the Traction Control Button once.
3. Electronic Stability Control - Senses when the rear tires are at risk of kicking out and passing the front and applies brakes to wheels to stop the spin out. Turn off by holding down the Traction Control button for 5 or 6 seconds.

To add....none of these systems are magic and your truck can still get sideways in slick surfaces even with all 3 systems operational without careful driving. I see as many, if not more, 4x4s in ditches in snowy weather because some who own 4x4s tend to throw caution to the wind and think they are invincible in a 4x4.

DEG, a basic question. I have been driving a Grand Cherokee CRD for 15 years and gasser GC's before that. I've always liked the way the 4WD/AWD handled on Michigan snow covered roards. Should I expect the same from a 1500 or is the 1500 transfer case setup and an empty bed result in a vehicle which will slide much more than a GC?

 

[HSKR R/T]

DEG, a basic question. I have been driving a Grand Cherokee CRD for 15 years and gasser GC's before that. I've always liked the way the 4WD/AWD handled on Michigan snow covered roards. Should I expect the same from a 1500 or is the 1500 transfer case setup and an empty bed result in a vehicle which will slide much more than a GC?

I've had no issues with sliding in the snow, unless I was trying to

 

[kapinallinen2]

The Grand Cherokee that my daughter had, felt way more planted and balanced in the snow compared to a 1500 4X4 truck.

 

[mplaramie]

I have a my23 GC 4xe and my24 Ram. The GC handles the snow better but the Ram still feels good. Little weight and snow tires helps......

 

[DEG]

DEG, a basic question. I have been driving a Grand Cherokee CRD for 15 years and gasser GC's before that. I've always liked the way the 4WD/AWD handled on Michigan snow covered roards. Should I expect the same from a 1500 or is the 1500 transfer case setup and an empty bed result in a vehicle which will slide much more than a GC?

No, the Ram will not handle nearly as well in the snow as the GC. The Ram is so much heavier and not nearly as nimble as the GC.

 

[BlueHemi1500]

To add weight to the bed, use bags of dirt, mulch, sand, gravel, or whatever can be easily obtained from a hardware store. The bags of goods can easily removed and used around the house after winter.
Use the auto 4wd setting in the transfer case.
Drive slower than normal.
Do not brake hard ... brake slowly and gently.
Try and follow previous tracks if possible....this can be a double-edge sword: ice can form in the previous tracks, and they can act like slots to keep you on the road.

BlueHemi1500

 

[dajogejr]

DEG, a basic question. I have been driving a Grand Cherokee CRD for 15 years and gasser GC's before that. I've always liked the way the 4WD/AWD handled on Michigan snow covered roards. Should I expect the same from a 1500 or is the 1500 transfer case setup and an empty bed result in a vehicle which will slide much more than a GC?

As someone living in MI with snow, several RAM trucks going back to 2006, and a couple of Jeeps (early 2000 GC, 2015 Cherokee and 2023 GC Overland, and a few Wranglers thrown in)…there’s really no comparison between the GC and Ram in the snow.

I’m going to catch flack for this I’m sure…but I’m gonna say it anyways.
The GC was made to drive in the snow and the elements.
The 4x4 Ram was meant to be drive”able” in the snow.
QuadraTrac is far superior for snow than 4x4 Hi or even 4x4 Auto.
With no weight in the bed, with 4 auto or 4hi, you will ABSOLUTELY slide the rear end MUCH easier in a Ram than a GC.

Part of this is rims/tires on the 1500. 20 inch and now 22 inch tires look great. Plant great on dry pavement.
But when it comes to snow…those wide, flat footprint tires are not ideal.

BlueHemi has offered outstanding advice above as well.