4x4 and towing

[94redranger]

Why is it that 4x4 tow less than two wheel drives?

 

[JohnnyU]

Care to elaborate?

 

[Ozwynn]

I think he wants to know why the factory de-rates the towing capacity on 4wd's

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

4x4's weigh more.

but then again they also have larger brakes and usually lower gearing.

 

[Jspafford]

Yup, They weight a little more because of the transfer case and differential.

 

[94redranger]

oh thats all I thought it was something different. Another question is the factory has their tow ratings on 4x4 when it is in 2 hi I assume. Is it alright to use 4 lo to tow big loads like pulling a boat out of a lake on a steep ramp or are the transmissions not able to handle it?

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

Is it alright to use 4 lo to tow big loads like pulling a boat out of a lake on a steep ramp

thats fine. i do that with mine all the time in fact (easier on the clutch). if you have manual hubs, leave them unlocked unless the ramp is slimey and you need the extra grip of 4WD (this keeps your front driveline from binding on a high traction surface, but allows you to utilize the deep gearing of low range).

 

[Ozwynn]

It would handle it better............ lower gears means less torque loss. they rate the towing capacity in 2wd because you don't go down the road in 4wd or in low range. I use low range in my Sububuran to move trailers when I am in the grass. I would not hesitate to pull a bout up a wet ramp in 4lo....... that being said....... how big of a boat?

 

[94redranger]

I was just thinking a 2800 lb boat but on a steep ramp that sure is a lot of riding the clutch in 2 hi just to get things moving

 

[Ozwynn]

you would be fine ........ use your Lowe range to pull it up the ramp

 

[Jspafford]

Low Range in reverse will also help slow you down. Just keep the clutch out while backing up.. It will engine brake.

Something I noticed on rangers the front brakes seem to lock up pretty easy. That could be a bad thing on a boat ramp, if you had it in 4-LO with the hubs locked it would give you 4 wheel braking because it locks the front axle and rear axle together. Therefore setting your e-brake would also lock all 4 wheels and not just the back.

FYI

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

Therefore setting your e-brake would also lock all 4 wheels and not just the back.

true, but when a cable or spring snaps, you still loose all "4" brakes.

never, never, never, NEVER rely on your e-brake to hold your truck on a boat ramp. ive seen too many trucks go swimming this way. ALWAYS get the truck and trailer where you want it, SHUT IT DOWN, use park (auto)/reverse(manual) AND your e-brake. i always have my girlfriend with me while im launching/loading, and i even have her sit in the truck and stand on the service brakes while im messing with the boat. you just cant be too careful on the boat ramp.

2800lbs with your truck sounds like a perfect combo. like everyone said, just use low range on the ramp and have fun

 

[Jspafford]

I wasn't emplying that he rely on the e-brake, but that is just one other benefit to being in 4WD. I know in the winter my B2 front brakes lock up just by talking about snow... So when it actually snows a lot of times I pop it into 4WD when coming to a stop so I don't skid out of control.

 

[ronclark]

Does anyone know if its ok to tow in low down the road.
if your going up and down hills so your not go in between gears.
if it is how fast and how much can you tow?

 

[pcollins]

Does anyone know if its ok to tow in low down the road.
if your going up and down hills so your not go in between gears.
if it is how fast and how much can you tow?

no, don't ever go down the road in low gear. its not meant for that at all. the maximum speed rating in low gear is 35 if i remember right?