What does 'Terrain management' actually do?

[RoadBoss]

debating between getting a ranger with the FX4 package, or just the locking diff option.

I'm pretty experienced at 4wd-ing, and the 'Trail Control' system seems really cheesy to me, I can't imagine where'd I'd actually use it, and not want complete instant control of the throttle for myself.... though I can imagine new or inexperienced drivers could benefit from it.

the little tilt/roll screen in the gauge cluster is pretty cool/useful, but not worth the extra cost alone.

my only question is, what does 'terrain management' actually do. Is it a traction control system, or does it just re-map the throttle input and transmission shift points (when left in auto)? this alone seems really pointless for me as well, as I'd prefer to shift it manually anyway, and have developed a pretty sensitive right foot over the years.

the skid plates don't mean much to me as I will likely upgrade them anyway, as well as the wheels and tires and shocks/springs.

also, I'm planning to get a very basic XL model, so the FX4 will also require me to also get the stx package, which means like $2400 extra, vs. just $420 for the locking diff only. I'm pretty set on getting the diff only, but want to make sure there's not something to the terrain management system that I'm missing out on.

thanks

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[MT19RANGER]

debating between getting a ranger with the FX4 package, or just the locking diff option.

I'm pretty experienced at 4wd-ing, and the 'Trail Control' system seems really cheesy to me, I can't imagine where'd I'd actually use it, and not want complete instant control of the throttle for myself.... though I can imagine new or inexperienced drivers could benefit from it.

the little tilt/roll screen in the gauge cluster is pretty cool/useful, but not worth the extra cost alone.

my only question is, what does 'terrain management' actually do. Is it a traction control system, or does it just re-map the throttle input and transmission shift points (when left in auto)? this alone seems really pointless for me as well, as I'd prefer to shift it manually anyway, and have developed a pretty sensitive right foot over the years.

the skid plates don't mean much to me as I will likely upgrade them anyway, as well as the wheels and tires and shocks/springs.

also, I'm planning to get a very basic XL model, so the FX4 will also require me to also get the stx package, which means like $2400 extra, vs. just $420 for the locking diff only. I'm pretty set on getting the diff only, but want to make sure there's not something to the terrain management system that I'm missing out on.

thanks

Download the electronic version of the Owners Manual, pages 167,168 give some explinations.

https://www.ranger5g.com/forum/thre...l-quick-reference-guide-packaging-guide.1071/

 

[rangerdanger]

FX4 vs regular 4x4 discussion: https://www.ranger5g.com/forum/thre...ot-take-the-4wd-option.1288/page-2#post-19706

 

[RoadBoss]

Download the electronic version of the Owners Manual, pages 167,168 give some explinations.

https://www.ranger5g.com/forum/thre...l-quick-reference-guide-packaging-guide.1071/

thanks, I actually had read through that already, as well as the discussion thread linked.

I guess I should be more clear, I was hoping to hear some real world experience anyone has had using it.

 

[Roofhopper]

Definitely worth the extra cost just for the suspension upgrades, the FX4 package makes for a nice smooth ride on the roads. Haven’t had a chance to get it really off road yet, but hopefully will in the coming weeks

 

[VAMike]

If you're planning to change it the suspension and skid plates anyway I wouldn't bother. TM does do stuff with traction control but nothing you can't do manually I think.

 

[THLONE]

With the xlt you can get the big tv to watch while off roading on cruise control. Its for rookies.

 

[Wes Siler]

debating between getting a ranger with the FX4 package, or just the locking diff option.

I'm pretty experienced at 4wd-ing, and the 'Trail Control' system seems really cheesy to me, I can't imagine where'd I'd actually use it, and not want complete instant control of the throttle for myself.... though I can imagine new or inexperienced drivers could benefit from it.

the little tilt/roll screen in the gauge cluster is pretty cool/useful, but not worth the extra cost alone.

my only question is, what does 'terrain management' actually do. Is it a traction control system, or does it just re-map the throttle input and transmission shift points (when left in auto)? this alone seems really pointless for me as well, as I'd prefer to shift it manually anyway, and have developed a pretty sensitive right foot over the years.

the skid plates don't mean much to me as I will likely upgrade them anyway, as well as the wheels and tires and shocks/springs.

also, I'm planning to get a very basic XL model, so the FX4 will also require me to also get the stx package, which means like $2400 extra, vs. just $420 for the locking diff only. I'm pretty set on getting the diff only, but want to make sure there's not something to the terrain management system that I'm missing out on.

thanks

Terrain Management uses the stability control system to electronically mimic the function of locking diffs by applying brakes to individual wheels to "lock" their speeds together. It does this more quickly, and seamlessly then an actual front locker would achieve. In effect, you only have that "front locker" on in the precise moment it's needed, and off all the rest. So, you don't lose the ability to steer until you can get the locker disengaged. It does this all the time, without your input. It does this not only on the front axle, but across all four wheels.

I'm doing a pretty significant build with my truck, and am actually debating whether or not a real front locker isn needed at all, since I have Terrain Management. I'll probably wait and use the truck a fair bit, and see if I find anything lacking before making that decision. There's plenty of very experienced types who swear that the computer-based lockers outperform old school mechanical ones.

 

[t4thfavor]

Terrain Management uses the stability control system to electronically mimic the function of locking diffs by applying brakes to individual wheels to "lock" their speeds together. It does this more quickly, and seamlessly then an actual front locker would achieve. In effect, you only have that "front locker" on in the precise moment it's needed, and off all the rest. So, you don't lose the ability to steer until you can get the locker disengaged. It does this all the time, without your input. It does this not only on the front axle, but across all four wheels.

I'm doing a pretty significant build with my truck, and am actually debating whether or not a real front locker isn needed at all, since I have Terrain Management. I'll probably wait and use the truck a fair bit, and see if I find anything lacking before making that decision. There's plenty of very experienced types who swear that the computer-based lockers outperform old school mechanical ones.

I can say this. I pulled a ton of little shrubs out with the ranger this weekend, with the rear locked, on some of the larger ones, all four wheels dug holes, so I'm not entirely certain that a mechanical locker in the front is needed.

 

[RoadBoss]

Terrain Management uses the stability control system to electronically mimic the function of locking diffs by applying brakes to individual wheels to "lock" their speeds together. It does this more quickly, and seamlessly then an actual front locker would achieve. In effect, you only have that "front locker" on in the precise moment it's needed, and off all the rest. So, you don't lose the ability to steer until you can get the locker disengaged. It does this all the time, without your input. It does this not only on the front axle, but across all four wheels.

I'm doing a pretty significant build with my truck, and am actually debating whether or not a real front locker isn needed at all, since I have Terrain Management. I'll probably wait and use the truck a fair bit, and see if I find anything lacking before making that decision. There's plenty of very experienced types who swear that the computer-based lockers outperform old school mechanical ones.

so it DOES function as traction control? damn, it was sounding like it was just throttle and transmission mapping, which I couldn't care less about. Ford definitely doesn't do a very good job of explaining how it works then...

Do you have any experience using in the real world yet?

 

[Wes Siler]

so it DOES function as traction control? damn, it was sounding like it was just throttle and transmission mapping, which I couldn't care less about. Ford definitely doesn't do a very good job of explaining how it works then...

Do you have any experience using in the real world yet?

No one does a good job explaining this stuff. It's complicated, and consumers like stuff to be shiny and simple.

I just got my Ranger on Monday, and it's been pouring rain here in Montana ever since, so I haven't really played with it yet. But, I do have extensive experience using it on other Ford products, and in Land Rovers, where I believe Ford got the technology from back when they owned the brand. It's worked really impressively well in my experience. That ability to lock wheelspeeds together instantaneously, on the fly, is just a lot more user friendly than a mechanical locker will ever be (regardless of activation mechanism). I just haven't experienced it working on larger tires, in really extreme duty yet. There's nothing there to indicate that it won't work in that scenario.

 

[technological_marvel]

so it DOES function as traction control? damn, it was sounding like it was just throttle and transmission mapping, which I couldn't care less about. Ford definitely doesn't do a very good job of explaining how it works then...

Do you have any experience using in the real world yet?

I have used the Mud/Ruts setting on my FX4 Terrain Management. It does change shift points and throttle response but also as others have said changes how the traction control system responds to various conditions. I took it down a some extremely rutted, sticky wet muddy roads both with 4-HI and TM Mud/Ruts setting and in regular 4-HI mode. The truck definitely responded better to steering and throttle inputs under the mud setting in those conditions, and I wasn't taking it easy out there, either.

As for the trail control setting, it has it's uses. Most of the time you might want finer control with your foot but it is more than a gimmick. It controls the ABS individually on each of the four tires in addition to sending throttle to the axles as needed, so even in extreme situations where you might have one or two wheels in the air it will still keep you safe and rolling in the right direction and at a speed that you set.

 

[t4thfavor]

I used Snow/grass/ice mode a few times this winter, I can also say that it would be much harder to manage throttle inputs on glare ice without it. The Traction control tries pretty hard to keep the wheels with traction turning.

There was a similar system in my Focus ST which was quickly outgunned by the engine's power once i departed from stock power levels. The wheels would get to turning so fast that the traction control system couldn't catch them in time to slow or stop the one without traction.

I don't see that being a problem in the Ranger though.

 

[RoadBoss]

Well after taking into account how often I used the A-trac on my FJ cruiser (never), I ended up ordering an XL 4x4 with rear locker and copilot 360. I'm super excited and the wait is going to drive me crazy.

Also maybe I'll be able to use forscan eventually to get the offroad screen in the productivity display! but I won't be too disappointed if not.

 

[Fish]

No one does a good job explaining this stuff. It's complicated, and consumers like stuff to be shiny and simple.

I just got my Ranger on Monday, and it's been pouring rain here in Montana ever since, so I haven't really played with it yet. But, I do have extensive experience using it on other Ford products, and in Land Rovers, where I believe Ford got the technology from back when they owned the brand. It's worked really impressively well in my experience. That ability to lock wheelspeeds together instantaneously, on the fly, is just a lot more user friendly than a mechanical locker will ever be (regardless of activation mechanism). I just haven't experienced it working on larger tires, in really extreme duty yet. There's nothing there to indicate that it won't work in that scenario.

Thank u very much Wes! This info I have been looking to get 4 a while. Very valuable info!
Hope u have had time to enjoy ur Ranger. Ford says, I should get mine May 4th and I can't wait.

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