Off-roading order of operations

[mtbikernate]

I'll throw in my $0.02 from a towing perspective (6K lbs BS HQ15): 2W on pavement unless we need to get out of a jamb or it is slippery. 4H on pretty much everything else as long as it's fairly level (<3 degrees on average). 4L on anything >3 degrees for any great distance - the reason being that things will overheat very quickly when towing off-road, especially if the AC is on; 4L seems to mitigate this well. The fan is a good signal here, as well. For us the locker is used as needed to get over or through things that stop us in 4L (in advance when we can), and the winch is used to get us out of trouble and act as an indicator that it's time to unhitch and/or turn around.

Not sure this video is going to work on this forum - I'll post a link to a facebook entry that works if not. This is on the eastern side of the Sierra Nevada, about 9K elevation, slope is >10 degrees. Hmm, here's the fb link: 2019+ Ford Ranger Club USA | Ranger near it's limit here - but man what a fun ride | Facebook

hmm, this seems to be quite the opposite of STIL. looks a lot steeper than 10 deg.

Sponsored

 

[ProtonDecay]

hmm, this seems to be quite the opposite of STIL. looks a lot steeper than 10 deg.

Yeah, it wasn't so much the steepness, it was the slick from the rain. Shortly after that the road below completely washed out and a bunch of vehicles behind us had to spend an hour or two moving rock to rebuild it. Fun times

 

[D Fresh]

It is well worth the cost, if you are interested in going more than once or twice. Also, a lot of the trails are free to review too. They do 'pay wall' some trails, but I used the free version for awhile before I upgraded to paying.

I might try them out sometime.

But, I've never found CoTrex to be lacking and it's free.

 

[mtbikernate]

Yeah, it wasn't so much the steepness, it was the slick from the rain. Shortly after that the road below completely washed out and a bunch of vehicles behind us had to spend an hour or two moving rock to rebuild it. Fun times

is the video not upside down for you like it is for me?

 

[Deleted member 15875]

Just got a 22 xl stx with 4x4 and locking diff. This is my first 4wd vehicle. I’m wondering if anyone that off roads has any advice on when would I use 4hi, lo, and the locking diff. I have had trouble finding good info on this. I want to take the kids out and hit a few easy trails but would like to have a decent idea of where to start if 4wd is needed and how to approach when to use each mode. Owners manual told me how to use each but not much info on when. Appreciate any help for a beginner such as myself.

Based on the road conditions you describe, you can safely use 4H. If the road isn't steep and there's nothing to slip (e.g. sand, mud, ice, etc), you can probably easily drive in 2H or 4H, whichever you prefer. I was testing 2H this past weekend in some lose sand a few inches deep and got a fair amount of tire spin until I put it in 4H, but keep in mind I was flooring it from almost a dead stop in lose dirt. 4H or 2H will likely be more than adequate for your needs and super easy to use. Just get off the accelerator or stop, turn the knob to 4H and wait for it to stay lit, and you'll be good to go!

 

[20XLRangerFraptor]

I'll add to the mix.... I stay in 2Hi until it no longer gets me where I'm trying to go then i put in 4H. I dont have a locker on my truck and it has surprised me on more than one occasion that the truck will do it computer magic and keep both rear tires spinning as it needs. I will disagree with some on here (frenchy) you don't need 4H as soon as you lewave pavement. Just this past weekend I went up north to Flagstaff to play in the snow. Only used 4H maybe 5% of the whole time I was out. Was a 2h most the time "playing" hooning whatever you wanna call it. Traveling in trails with no other tracks driving through 5-7" of snow in 2H just fine. I think tires play a big role in offroading. my tires(generall grabber atx) surprised the hell out of me in the snow. I like to play offorading and will slide, drift, spin as much as I can and until the truck no longer moves forward in 2H then its time for 4H.

 

[NOVA_Ranger]

Set the truck to 4H and lock the rear differential when approaching rough areas off-road. Also disable traction control. Should be all you really need to do more than that for 99% of situations. Keep it simple…

 

[Friday yet?]

It is absolutely required that you bling your truck out before being able to navigate any off road trails.

You MUST buy Max Trax. Their usefulness is questionable but no bro-dog will acknowledge you on the trail without $300 worth of plastic strapped to the side of your truck.

You NEED an air down tool and a Gucci Australian air compressor. Your portable air compressor and pressure guage just won't cut it offroad. They aren't designed for it.

You must have tire plug kit. Even if you don't know how to plug a tire. It gives you instant credibility. It's not like you have a spare.

And finally you have to spend money on an offroad application for your phone. Lord knows your state probably doesn't offer the same thing for free. And nobody ever offroaded before apps.

So once you've spent at least $500 in gear you need to strap it all to your truck in the most conspicuous way possible. Then head out to the toughest trail you've heard of and just sit there, right in the middle, trying to figure out how to operate your rig.

Now you'll fit in with everybody else.



Seriously, though. Find some locals who can take you out and show you a few things. Not only can they teach you techniques, they can help you make INFORMED decisions on recovery gear to carry. If you have any off road parks near you, popular back east, check with them. They might offer some beginners classes.

And don't listen to the gatekeepers. Get out there and play with your truck. You'll enjoy it. Just be smart.

You were trying to be funny, and you were!!! But it is almost sad just how true your comments are. And the very idiots you are making fun of would NEVER recognize themselves in your comments. That's a bit sad in and of itself. Funny as hell though.

 

[AzScorpion]

I'll add to the mix.... I stay in 2Hi until it no longer gets me where I'm trying to go then i put in 4H. I dont have a locker on my truck and it has surprised me on more than one occasion that the truck will do it computer magic and keep both rear tires spinning as it needs. I will disagree with some on here (frenchy) you don't need 4H as soon as you lewave pavement. Just this past weekend I went up north to Flagstaff to play in the snow. Only used 4H maybe 5% of the whole time I was out. Was a 2h most the time "playing" hooning whatever you wanna call it. Traveling in trails with no other tracks driving through 5-7" of snow in 2H just fine. I think tires play a big role in offroading. my tires(generall grabber atx) surprised the hell out of me in the snow. I like to play offorading and will slide, drift, spin as much as I can and until the truck no longer moves forward in 2H then its time for 4H.

Most times I do the same but this all depends on the area and terrain. I kind of like to see what this truck can do in 2wd and how far I can push it (safely) before engaging 4wd. I've been shocked on more than one occasion how far I've been able to go and stuff I've gone over in only 2wd. Now I wouldn't recommend doing this as a novice or on very steep inclines/declines when you're not familiar with your vehicle. I can't comment on snow because well we don't have any down in the valley and I haven't been up north to Flag yet. But back in MA with my F150's 2wd would only get you so far in snow and it's best to engage it right away for safety reasons.

 

[Friday yet?]

I'm not much in hooning.. got that out of my system in the green machines. But can appreciate the sentiment.

Frank

Age, and the fact that in my vehicle I'm paying for it, pretty much took care of my hooning itch.

 

[20XLRangerFraptor]

Most times I do the same but this all depends on the area and terrain. I kind of like to see what this truck can do in 2wd and how far I can push it (safely) before engaging 4wd. I've been shocked on more than one occasion how far I've been able to go and stuff I've gone over in only 2wd. Now I wouldn't recommend doing this as a novice or on very steep inclines/declines when you're not familiar with your vehicle. I can't comment on snow because well we don't have any down in the valley and I haven't been up north to Flag yet. But back in MA with my F150's 2wd would only get you so far in snow and it's best to engage it right away for safety reasons.

I agree with you as well as a novice may be worth playing it safe and shifting to 4h early until you learn the truck. I know some areas that area steep where I’ll need it I’ll go ahead and shift at the bottom. I go up to flag any chance I get when it snows. That snow was kinda weird and it may have just been the circumstance of that. Where it had been there all week slowly melting away each day but the tires had fairly good traction on it. We should get together and do some off-road sometime. I need to find others to go out with. I’m always by myself. I’m putting deavers on today!

 

[AzScorpion]

I agree with you as well as a novice may be worth playing it safe and shifting to 4h early until you learn the truck. I know some areas that area steep where I’ll need it I’ll go ahead and shift at the bottom. I go up to flag any chance I get when it snows. That snow was kinda weird and it may have just been the circumstance of that. Where it had been there all week slowly melting away each day but the tires had fairly good traction on it. We should get together and do some off-road sometime. I need to find others to go out with. I’m always by myself. I’m putting deavers on today!

We should! I need to get new tires first my Nittos are about done right now. I'm looking to get new Toyo OC AT3's soon and would love to head up there. Sedona has a few nice trails too.

 

[Deleted member 15875]

I agree with you as well as a novice may be worth playing it safe and shifting to 4h early until you learn the truck. I know some areas that area steep where I’ll need it I’ll go ahead and shift at the bottom. I go up to flag any chance I get when it snows. That snow was kinda weird and it may have just been the circumstance of that. Where it had been there all week slowly melting away each day but the tires had fairly good traction on it. We should get together and do some off-road sometime. I need to find others to go out with. I’m always by myself. I’m putting deavers on today!

I grew up in the snow and didn't own a truck or have 4WD. Did pretty good all those years!

 

[Motorpsychology]

I do believe that the locker will auto disengage if too much stress is detected Like Chris alluded to above but I still kind of treat it like an older "dumb" locker.

It will not.

I abuse the shit out of my locker.

In fact quite the opposite. It will remain engaged under stress. Up to at least 80mph or so.

I don't think there is a disengage for high stress. If there was, the Owner's Manual wouldn't caution against locking up on hard surfaces. It will disengage above 25mph and reengage at 20mph. In Sand Mode: 55/60/55

Whether you can perceive it or not, the locker will disengage at speeds quite bit lower than 80mph, unless you are in 4L.

 

[Motorpsychology]

I'd encourage you to leave it in 2WD next time. 2WD cars are shockingly capable. I do a fair bit of mud, rut driving and 4WD is on maybe half of the time.

Now there's no harm in using and not needing, but... If you think you need 4WD the second you hit gravel I'd suggest you stick to pavement.

10-4; least traction assist necessary.

Sponsored