2wd or 4wd while backing in & out

[spartanpele]

Just a simple question for everyone. I have an Explorer Sport and will be trailering a 17ft Bayliner cuddy, 85hp. Should I be in 4wd while backing and out, or am I ok with 2wd? This car as automatic hubs, so if I go with 2wd and get stuck, hitting the 4wd button won't help because the wheels have to be moving to engage them.<br /><br />Straight logic dictates I go to 4wd right before getting to the launch, then dropping back to 2wd once loaded and heading home.<br /><br />Anyone else have any thoughts...right now I'm thinking better safe then sorry.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: 2wd or 4wd while backing in & out

The wheels do not have to be moving to engage 4WD. The front drive shaft will spin and make the connection to the front wheels in an instant. The rear wheel(s) will spin about 1/2 to 1 round before that happens. If you have a locking rear differential, chances are 2WD is all you need except on extremely slippery sandy ramps.

 

[spartanpele]

Re: 2wd or 4wd while backing in & out

Hmm... My understanding of the automatic hubs was that the wheels needed to be moving for the hubs to engage. Although the drive shaft for the front will engage immediately upon the transfer case pivoting, I thought the hubs would not engage unless moving. On locking hubs obviously this isn't an issue...its on the automatic hubs that I'm worried. I'll hit the 4wd forum and see what I can find out.

 

[DaveM]

Re: 2wd or 4wd while backing in & out

I think Upinsmoking is taking about a locking differential (although Ford may call it "limited slip"), not locking hubs. Most vehicles will spin just 1 wheel when traction is lost and a locking differential will lock in the opposite wheel when 1 looses traction. Auto hubs means you don't have to jump out and spin the front hubs to engage the front wheels.<br /><br />Back to the subject, do you expect to have traction issues when backing up, or are you talking generalities? You will not hurt the 4WD by engaging it, if that is your question. In fact, 4 out of 5 mechanics surveyed recommended frequent engagement of 4WD for those how have 4WD. Sort of a "Use it to lube it or loose it" line of thinking.

 

[salty87]

Re: 2wd or 4wd while backing in & out

why not use it if you have it?

 

[Nos4r2]

Re: 2wd or 4wd while backing in & out

I use 4x4 and low range every time I launch. It's less stress on the engine and geartrain.Makes for an awful lot less wear to the clutch on a stickshift in lowrange too. It gives you better control for reversing too as you have full drive at a much lower speed. Definitely preferable when your boat is only held on by the winch strap.

 

[rottenray6402]

Re: 2wd or 4wd while backing in & out

The down side of engaging the 4 wheel drive is if you are turning sharp you tend to "rachet" around the turn. This puts a lot of stress on the front end components and usually will even leave tire marks. I only engage 4 wheel when you spin in 2 wheel pulling out. Don't know if this helps or not.

 

[spartanpele]

Re: 2wd or 4wd while backing in & out

My general thought was to simply engage it as I'm approaching the launch, and disengage it when leaving for the day. I'm not expecting any difficulties at the ramp, but would hate to have a problem then suddenly realize I can't get into 4wd to get out.<br /><br />So, I guess I'll use the 4wd early and not worry about it. (Although it solves the problem...its going to bug me now wondering about those auto hubs..LOL)

 

[Nos4r2]

Re: 2wd or 4wd while backing in & out

Agreed-but you shouldn't have to turn sharply if you line up on the right curve in the first place.

 

[496 Cubic Inches]

Re: 2wd or 4wd while backing in & out

Are you sure you need to be moving in order for the 4x4 to kick in? <br /><br />I had a '98 Ford Ranger with the auto-locking hubs and as soon as I flipped the switch on the dash to 4Hi I was in 4WD.

 

[CATransplant]

Re: 2wd or 4wd while backing in & out

What I do is to engage 4WD after I line up to back down the ramp. When I pull out, I disengage it as soon as I'm clear of the ramp. Works very nicely, and gives my 4WD something to do when it's not wintertime.

 

[JRJ]

Re: 2wd or 4wd while backing in & out

I would find some soft sand and try it out in 2-w and 4-wd.

 

[nitedmn]

Re: 2wd or 4wd while backing in & out

Originally posted by 496 Cubic Inches:<br /> Are you sure you need to be moving in order for the 4x4 to kick in? <br /><br />I had a '98 Ford Ranger with the auto-locking hubs and as soon as I flipped the switch on the dash to 4Hi I was in 4WD.

When you push the button on the dash it will immediatly enguage the transfer case but it doesn't lock the hubs. My understanding is that the wheels have to turn a little bit before the autolocking hubs will engage.<br /><br />I was pulling out of a snow bank (I backed up to my house to unload something. I wasn't stuck ) this last winter and waited to use the 4WD untill my tires were spinning. Once I engaged it I started to pull forwared and out of the snow bank. I then hit the gas a bit harder and apparently one of the hubs had not locked yet. There was a very loud bang as the front left tire suddenly started spinning.<br /><br />If you do need the 4WD I would suggest turning it on before you back up. This way the hubs are already locked when you need to pull out.<br /><br />Also. To unlock the hubs after you turn off the 4WD you need to go about 10ft in opposite direction you were last traveling (If you were last going forward in 4WD you would need to back up. If you were last going backwards in 4WD you would need to drive forward.<br /><br />I belive the Rangers of the same era have the same 4WD system as my Explorer and I don't think they have changed it much over the years.

 

[rascal38]

Re: 2wd or 4wd while backing in & out

IMHO: Given that you have 4WD it makes little sense NOT to use it. Why wait until you're in trouble to engage? You also have the benefit of a lower gear range and a more controlled speed when backing down. As someone pointed out, it gives the hubs a little use and some lubrication.

 

[Dyna]

Re: 2wd or 4wd while backing in & out

I prefer AWD for this situation. When I pull out the tires may tend to slip a tiny bit but then awd kicks in & away I go.

 

[spartanpele]

Re: 2wd or 4wd while backing in & out

I plan on using the 4wd as I approach the ramp, therefore being safe vs sorry. I can then turn 4wd off once the trailer is reloaded and I head out to the highway.<br /><br />As for the answer to the original question, I posed it on the ford truck forum and most of the gear heads over there agree that although your transfer case will pivot and allow the front axle to engage right away, the hubs themselves will not engage till the wheels are actually moving. Therefore, if stuck on a ramp (rear wheels spin, front ones aren't spinning because car isn't moving), 4wd auto-hubs won't help you.<br /><br />Thus ends the problem.... Engage to be safe.