4WD on 2017 3500 not as good as 2003 2500?

[brillmtb]

Is it just me or the fact that my 3500 is that much heavier with larger tires that make it perform far worse in snow and ice compared to my 2003 2500. It doesn't even feel like the front wheels are engaging when placed in 4wd? In otherwords, I don't feel the front "pulling" me out of a slide like would happen with my 2500.

Potential issues could be

1. increased wt
2. 35inch tires Toyo AT extremes too big to be good in snow, last truch was 285s
3. 4wd not engaging??? lets hope not I will have to figure out a way to check that.

 

[JR]

I'd say #2 is a big factor depending on overall width and pressure.

My 14 is nearly worthless empty in 2wd, click into 4 and it handles very well on snow and ice covered roads.

 

[kthaxton]

My guess would also be tire differences.
Are you basing this on a one-time occurrence, or many?

 

[Ozymandias]

Traction Control switched to Lv.1?

With TC fully active (Standard config.) no way in deep snow.

With Chains TC needs to be switched to Lv.2, fully OFF!

 

[nukegm]

when i was ordering my 18 2500, i made sure to include limited slip diff. as i have quickly glanced at many 3500's - it seems that they do not have that option? i may be mistaken. there is no limited slip option on them when on the ramtrucks.com website either. no " posi " is a huge difference in the snow. cheers!

 

[JR]

Traction Control switched to Lv.1?

With TC fully active (Standard config.) no way in deep snow.

With Chains TC needs to be switched to Lv.2, fully OFF!

Even with the TC button depressed to "off" there is no such thing as full disable. I can feel the brakes independently grab in attempt to straighten the vehicle out. It is a real nuisance!
And a disappointment to put it lightly that I cant teach my boys vehicle control the way I was taught

 

[jgillott]

Not to detract from the 4th gens in any way, but both of our 3rd gens have been absolute animals in the snow.

 

[Cummins12V98]

What’s snow and ice???

 

[brillmtb]

In response to several of you.

Yes. 2003 5.9 2500 way better I could feel the front pull me out.

I have limited slip and YES I turned it off to get up my driveway and it was better like that in 2wd then on in 4wd

I need to jack up my truck off all four and see if my front is engaging

I have a second set of rims due to damage local tire store did to my new first set and bought them back. Perhaps winter tires if they make them for this truck and studs will be needed.

I like the wider Toyo 35 inch AT but wow. What a step back from my 285 size. If it’s the tire difference it is impressive how fast traction drops off with wider tires

 

[JR]

What pressures are you running?

 

[jhenderson]

when i was ordering my 18 2500, i made sure to include limited slip diff. as i have quickly glanced at many 3500's - it seems that they do not have that option? i may be mistaken. there is no limited slip option on them when on the ramtrucks.com website either. no " posi " is a huge difference in the snow. cheers!

Limited slip is standard on 3500s.

 

[Shiner]

Years ago, we always ran a thinner/skinnier tire for winter. Wide tires were always a handful. Temp and moisture content of the snow makes a huge difference too. When "re-tiring", like to do it right before winter to keep the "sipes" fresh for at least one season. I have the TransForce HTs on my truck and until they wear out, I will use them. The truck does like to slide the rear with these. I have the same tires on my 01 3500 and it does fine with the extra 2 out back...….and more weight from the stake bed. I drive on limestone gravel which chunks tires pretty bad. I like my Firestone destinations M/T's on my plow truck.

 

[EZeis]

4wd drive is the sma

Limited slip is standard on 3500s.

Yep


Earl

 

[brillmtb]

So I am wondering with my second set of rims if I should set up with dedicated winter tires and stud them. Not many options out there it seems. I think I cant get away with the 65psi E tires since not towing in the winter. Any thoughts on specific tire for dedicated winter tire with studs?

 

[jgillott]

We have Goodyear Duratracs with studs on our old 04.5 plow truck. Great tires.

 

[Slaw32]

Even with the TC button depressed to "off" there is no such thing as full disable. I can feel the brakes independently grab in attempt to straighten the vehicle out. It is a real nuisance!
And a disappointment to put it lightly that I cant teach my boys vehicle control the way I was taught

.


I have a 2018 , on page 213 of manual it starts talking about traction control then goes on to talk about eltronic stability control and having to hold button in for 5 seconds to fully disable system

 

[AH64ID]

I like the wider Toyo 35 inch AT but wow. What a step back from my 285 size. If it’s the tire difference it is impressive how fast traction drops off with wider tires

It happens very fast!

Dad has a '17 3500 with a set of 265 snow tires on spare 18" wheel. It's very stable on snow/ice.

I don't recall what they are, but I think General Grabber Arctic LT's and they take 80 psi. He'll be here Wednesday night and I can look.

Even with the TC button depressed to "off" there is no such thing as full disable. I can feel the brakes independently grab in attempt to straighten the vehicle out. It is a real nuisance!
And a disappointment to put it lightly that I cant teach my boys vehicle control the way I was taught

Traction control and skid control are 2 different things.