RAM 1500 4WD AUTO Pros vs Cons | Should You AVOID IT??
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- Опубліковано 27 вер 2024
- I review the 4wd AUTO option on RAM 1500 trucks, specifically I go over the differences between the two transfer case options on the fifth gen ram truck the BW 48-11 clutch pack transfer case and the BW 48-12 true locking transfer case for off-road performance and see if there are improvements over the earlier fourth gen model ram trucks with the BW 44-44 clutch pack transfer case.
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I hope everyone is having a great week. I thought it would be interesting to compare the 4th gen trucks to the newer 5th gen trucks when it comes to 4wd options and more specifically the 4wd auto and the clutch pack transfer case options.
the 4th gen ram trucks with the bw44-44 transfercase really disappointed some poeple because of its lack of off-road performance and the truck would often times disengage the clutchs and not send full power to your front wheels.
Ram apparently has tried to improve the newer generation of clutch pack transfercase with the fifth gen trucks in their bw48-11 4wd auto transfercase. So i set out to do some tests to see if the newer transfer case was an improvement.
after my tests it became very clear that the newer bw48-11 transfercase were a great improvement and i was happily surprised by the results!
Hope you guys liked the video.
These are only my Educated Opinions not to be taken as Fact. - Авто та транспорт
Wife was in a heavy rain. Just told her to turn on 4wd Auto and she was in great shape. These 5th Gen Ram 1500 are so comfortable and sure footed. Love ours!!
I have a 19 Ram 1500. I love the auto option gets lots of use and is very noticeable for me when active. Live in WI. I would never get a truck without it again.
Fair enough, seems like alot of people love 4wd auto. And honestly for on road driving it is a great feature to have.
Lame, your trans will take a dump before 100k
I live in northern Michigan, currently drive a Subaru but looking at replacing it with a RAM to pull a camper. I love the Subaru AWD and have been wondering about how 4x4 would perform for my needs/use (likely not doing much proper offroading -or at least not as much as I imagine!) Your comment is helpful.
For lazy folks
I'm in WI as well, picking up a 2022 limited in a week here! Can't wait for 4 auto!
Took my 2022 1500 V-6 to the New Mexico mountains and used all the 4X4 settings. It was a solid performer. Very pleased with this RAM truck.
Ram Mechanic told me i should only run my 2019 1500 Longhorn 4WD Auto when off road or inclimate weather, other than that they said stick to the 2WD Mode. He said leaving in 4WD Auto will cause heavy wear and tear to my system and should not be used for road driving.
Exactly. I never do it except when I hit the top of the hill at the state landfill which is as off road as it gets and also towing my dumper.
As soon as I dump and head downhill I’m back in 2wd for good.
I have a 2022 1500 and I love the 4w auto for driving around the city in the winter time. You can still turn into parking spots without the truck bucking like you would in 4x4
The Ford 4Auto system seems to not suffer from the problems that the previous RAM did. The Borg-Warner clutch unit seems to work as intended, and the only one I've ever heard of slipping in 4H mode was modified with over 800HP. Even then it was slipping on hard drag strip launches. The Raptor unit has a additional lock in 4H to hold the clutch assembly, so there must be a limitation somewhere, but I doubt it impacts road going F150s in even the most extreme cases. Now if you could just get the 4A option in a truck that was under $70k.
I personally think RAM just screwed up the programming on the previous 4Auto trucks, and it is nice to see it seems to be fixed. 4auto is what 99% of all drivers actually need in slippery road conditions. Thanks for the videos and tests.
Good info here. 4WD auto is my go to with a hemi on rainy days. Easy to light up the rear tires with the Hemi… nice that the fronts will grab on take off/driving moments. My 2015 Limited, along with my current 2023 limited are not off road trucks for me. They’re luxury trucks. They see snow…. But if I truly want to off road, I’m looking for a Jeep or something more along those lines. Great vid, appreciate it.
Thanks for this test! I had a 2014 Ram 1500 Sport and now a 2023 Ram 1500 Sport, and I am happy to see a definite improvement between both generations 4WD Auto transfer case. I am not doing much off-roading, only occasionally and nothing crazy anyway so I get more use out of the 4WD Auto system when driving on snowy or wet roads.
Hello from Oklahoma. I bought my 2019 Limited new. I only used 4WD auto in our last ice storm a couple weeks ago- worked great!!
Great video. I did learn this though: Canada, where dry roads are roads with no snow, but still wet. Love it!!
I have a 17 ram 1500 with the 4wd auto. Personally, it's never let me down and has handled everything I've needed it to. I'd prefer to have the 44-45 but I can't lie the 4wd auto has been a nice feature.
Great video, very informative. I had a 4th Gen Rebel without Auto 4WD, it was a great system but you do need to know when and how to use it. In my ‘21 5th Gen Rebel I ordered it with the Auto 4WD and love it, especially on the rural roads where we live. I also have a basic plow I use on it to clear my laneway and when I’m in 4WD Lock and I get to the asphalt road to turn around, it does hop when turning sharp if the road is clear from being plowed already. Both are great trucks and the 4WD systems haven’t let me down so far!
Alex. Prior to my 2022 Rebel, I had a 2002 Dodge Dakota Quad Cab, V-8, loaded with AWD ALL THE TIME. I know that's a different system than what's in my Rebel, but that truck was the most sure footed truck, over all, that I ever had particularly in the rain. I use the 4 Auto quite a bit in my Rebel and never been stuck...so far! Great video as usual Alex.
The Rebel won't let you down!
Also bought one 6 months ago in Germany. The truck is just great and moreover easy to drive (even through the city). Is it possible to request a Video where u can show us the (2wd, 4 Auto, 4 High, 4 Low and Lock) functions compared to each other in a real world test and tell us when you would use them specifically? Thanks for the great content!
I have the 2019 Ram Limited with the Auto4wd and it works great in the snow and on our steep inclined driveway
I am waiting for a hurricane HO 2500 series.. perfect truck - thanks for the deep dive you do on trucks
Thanks...I subscribed dude. I've got a 20 RAM 1500 limited and I've learned a fair bit watching your content.
Appreciate it sir!
I have the BW 48 12 in a 22 1500 4th gen. Glad I have the right one for my truck. If I ever get a 5th gen I won't worry about getting the 4wd auto.
Just traded my 4x2 2020 Ram 1500 Big Horn for a 2020 Laramie 4x4. No off road planned. But towing in rain and snow possible. This was a great relief to know that I got the auto 4x4 and will work great! Thanks for your content, subscribed and smashed the like button!
I have a 2024 now for a month, had a 2017 before that and a 2014 before that! I'm a farmer / logger and would sometimes forget to turn off 4wd coming out the muddy logging roads turning on to the "paved" road. A ways down would feel the chirping and feel it in the steering to remind me. Being tired and all. The 4wd auto will mitigate the damage is my view when that happens. I like the concept. This one thing the 2024 has I'm on the fence about is that e--torque. For what ever reason I'm not getting the mileage my 2017 did even with the same gearing. Wasn't that e-torque supposed to help? Where I was averaging 18 or 19 with the 2017 and 22 on the highway; the 2024 MIGHT get 20-21 on the highway but my average is down around 15.5 16.
😮
Great video. I have a Gen 5 Rebel Hemi with the additional 4WD Auto. Been off road in it with the factory Goodyear Duratrac tires, and it performed well. 4W Auto works great when it rains as the open diff (the electronic locker disengages automatically at 25 MPH) spins easily in RWD only, otherwise. Love the truck and still glad I bought it.
I have it on my F150 and love it.Especially in heavy rain and snow.If you forget to take it out when conditions improve no big deal unlike 4hi which would bind and grind on dry rds.
Exactly, 4wd auto is perfect for that stuff.
Are you planning on continuing the topic and comparing 4x4 systems of half-ton trucks of current generation to discuss pros and cons? E.g. GM not having manually locking rear axle vs Ram having it etc? Then "at the end of the season" you can do some sort of a rating "Alex's truck of choice for ..." for daily driving, off-roading, modifications, long-term ownership etc. Just pitching some ideas on how to keep this channel attracting more subscribers :)
I have a 2016 Ram 1500 that I tried trading at one point. At the time the dealer thought my 4wd wasn't working because it didn't bind up and I thought that was odd too. Seeing this video I now know why they experienced it and why I have as well. For me that's okay as I don't off road off road. It's great in the snow and wet roads here so I can't complain but I can see why the 5th Gen Ram auto system would be much better for the guy that buys a Rebel and wants to overland or off road a lot
Your content is very interesting, super simple formula with a lot a valuable knowledge. Keep on the good work!
I put 700,000kms on a GMC Yukon running AutoTrac with many fishing and hunting trips. Zero issues, works fantastic, when the shit hits the fan then yes 4 High is the best option but in general AutoTrac is the bomb. 2L of GM AutoTrac oil every year for an oil change and they will last forever.
I have a 2015 ram 1500 crew cab with a 5.7 hemi, and since it’s a Laramie, it has the four-wheel-drive auto and I have definitely noticed that in the light to medium snow where some roads are cleared, the four-wheel-drive auto does a lot better than the four-wheel-drive lock. And then I can go down the freeway going 65 to 70 mph and it does just fine. I don’t have to constantly be going back-and-forth between 2 Wheel Dr. and four-wheel-drive, 2 Wheel Dr. four-wheel-drive. I don’t actually go off-roading and “four wheeling” so the auto works great for me.
our 2017 1500 has the mechanical locking, nonauto transfer case. it rarely gets used in the winter, our most used situation is moving our 6000lb travel trailer around on slippery wet grass or mud in the crazy places we like to camp, mactaquac park in the older wooded section is a fine example!
I drive GM products my last 3 trucks, including current had/have 4wd auto. I rarely turn it off. Never a single issue. Power when I need it without even knowing I need it. Perfect.
I have a 2020" Ram with the auto. It's pretty much comen sense? If it's snowing, icy, snow packed, on streets...hit "Auto". If you're off roading...4-high, 4-low. In Colorado on them snowy days to work, it's Auto. Works well, never had a problem.
What a great video man you explained it so well not many videos out there that truly explains the way you did you rock on all your videos 🍻 enjoy the BC snow lol
Thanks man! It can be a confusing topic just tried to simplify it.
@@TheGettyAdventures you think there is any harm in driving in auto all the time even when it’s dry?
I have the 4wd auto in my 2016 1500. It works extremely well in the snow.
I always put my older truck with electronic dif. in heavy rains into 4wd. It gave such a feeling of stability. I had a work truck with auto 4wd and it never felt as stable as full 4wd.
The wheel spin lockup in circle is an option called "locker" and/Or "limited Slip" differential. Nothing to do with the transfer case. You can Make the Back Tires chirp on dry pavement in a turn if you engage Deferential locker in 2WD 4WD is not needed for the Locker in the back. 4WD Auto let the front tires coast while the driveline is in a bind. 4wd High just spilts 100% the torque to the front and back full time with no transfer case clutch involved. Thats why when you tried the test you had it in 4WDH and both front and back spun.
I wheel for hours and hours on end in snowy hills in BC and in hit summer trails in and around kamloops and never had any overheating..
I my 2020 Raptor when in snow and doing donuts or large drifts I over heated the front 4WD Auto. This certainly limited out fun. My new F350 doesn’t have the Auto and which I am happy about after seeing this.
Great video! I would love to see you break down the BW44-46 (SO Cummins, electric shift) compared to the BW44-48 (HO Cummins). Does the BW44-48 just have upsized parts, or are there other things allowing it to handle the higher power.
The 4WD Auto is a game changer on my GM trucks.
We need not just more snow videos but also MORE snow! 38° in northern MI in January is depressing.
Same in Metro Detroit.
Same in Minnesota. It sucks.
it's unsettling.
I'm from Saskatchewan my 2023 ram bighorn has only known 2wd, but I have all those other options 😂, blizzard 2wd, uphill ice 2wd, off-road 2wd, just so good 😂
Loved the video and throwback clips! Love seeing the progression of the videos and the trucks! Please keep up the amazing work! Love learning from your videos!
Thanks big guy, next we'll chain up the 2500 limited, test out the old T-case 😉
@@TheGettyAdventures that wouldn’t make a good video the 2500 just pulling that block away ahaha
I had a 2013 Ram 1500 for ten years. The first surprise was that in Lock, the transfer case was not locked. The back wheels have to spin for the transfer case to lock. This is not good in off camber situations.
The second surprise was that this truck never felt secure on slippery roads. It did not matter weather it was in 4 auto or 4 lock. Even with expensive winter tires. I have never had a truck that felt so bad on ice. I drove a 2wd F150 for ten years prior to this truck. The Ford was better on ice. The Ram only went sideways once in ten years, although i was always the slowest vehicle on the road. I don’t understand why. Other Rams always drove faster than I was able to. I loved everything else about the truck. Just my experience.
I have a Chevy now that feels great on winter roads. Same winter tires.
In other words, for the casual onroad driver, 4wd auto is best.
Nice re irw!
I actually love the 4wd auto option in my ram. My 15 tacoma sometimes get annoying having to turn on and off 4wd when the roads are like in between from snow to dry roads. U know. Daily driving. Most rams are used for daily drivers anyways. If u want a fully offroad. Get a tacoma. Its amazing. But its the same reason why i moved to ram. Not comfortable for everyday driving
My 4th gen ram does bind up in tight turns on dry pavement. And yes it's the auto transfer case.
Great Content, Exactly the information I was looking for on my 24 RAM Laramie Night Edition 4WD auto settings.
Good to know this great video I have better understanding of how the 5th gen 4x4 works thank you
My belief / experience: 4WD Auto works as an automatic limited slip differential in the front. When a rear wheel starts to spin / slip it engages the front axle. No one has been able to tell me how long it stays engaged / continues to drive ( micro seconds, seconds, a minute ) After the spin condition is past. Not needed on normally wet roads Unless hydroplaning conditions, but definitely if near freezing temps and of course, ice, mud, snow, gravel, sand, etcetera. Definitely reduces mpg / mpkm, . . . 'eh ? ☆
I've got the 4th Gen 1500 Sport. I wish it had a NV249 transfer case. Just always felt like much more of a case that is a true mechanical 4WD unit. Pushing a button vs mechanically throwing a vehicle into 4WD via a physical lever. Just seems like it's more of a cost for a manufacturer to make the multiple actuators to have push button is silly.
I have had 4 or 5 GM trucks with Autotrac. Same concept. Have ever had a failure or issue with any of them. And I use anytime there is any snow or ice present in Alberta where I live. A requirement as far as I’m concerned.
I have a ram 2500 4x4, wrangler 4x4 & a Durango AWD with the real transfer case for 4x4 low range
When on icy roads or snowy driving conditions the Durango AWD is far nicer to drive than the wrangler or ram since you aren’t suppose to be driving on the road in 4x4 when it isn’t a low traction environment so i end up shifting in and out of 4x4 hi many times while driving in the mountains
I have a 2019 Ram 1500, and I use the 4wd auto when the roads may be slick or it’s snowing. I use 4wd when driving through snow, on ice, or know there a good chance I’ll get stuck without 4wd, and I also turn traction control off in those situations because it sucks in snow.
What you say at 8:13 is incorrect. The inner rear wheel isnt forced to skip along, cause the rear axle isnt locked, only the transfercase. Its a limited slip diff at the 4th gens.
My 2010 would bind up while in 4wd. Not knowing what it was, it worried the hell out of me. In my 2020, I've only ever used auto, on snow and a little ice, to work and back.
my girlfriend called me one day freaking out thinking she broke the truck. turned out she accidently hit the 4wd high button. the binding can certainly surprise you if you aren't aware lol.
@@TheGettyAdventures Lol, the reason never occurred to me until one of your vids explained it. Suddenly it made sense. Thanks
I appreciate your explanation on this. Thanks
Thank you sir!
I have a 2015 ram with a 6 speed no auto 4wd but I do have the limited slip and it is great in the snow and off road
fantastic set up. that limited slip will help a ton in the snow.
Had limited slip on my 4thGen, and now on 5th. "Must have" option for snow and offroad.
Buddy ripped off his drive shaft. He tried to get unstuck in a snowy ditch. I couldn't believe it. Was in 4wd locked. Now the truck is being towed.
Funny thing is that the Off-road package for 1500 doesn't come with BW 48-12. It adds a locking rear diff, 1" lift etc, but still keeps the BW 48-11.
yes sir, you would think it would come with the bw12 but I guess not. I think the Bw12 are much harder to come by then the fourth gen bw44-45. I believe only the rebel, tradesmen and Bighorn can be optioned with these bw48-12. I could be wrong but that's what I read.
It's pretty useless in my 06.I installed locking hubs on my 06 1500 and it was the best mod.Having the lsd works wonders as well.
I miss 4 auto. I had it in my 2013 RAM 1500 but recently purchased a 2023 RAM power wagon that does not have 4 auto..
I dumped my 2016 F150 because it didn't have this. It was just a problem on town where some roads are icy, some are not.
I've had my 2019 since new with the Auto. It was gave me overheat warning lights a few times on snow and gravel roads. You did answer z question for Mr though. I was wondering if the Off Road package changes the transfer case. But I guess it does not.
🤯 Ford or RAM: I thought that when you switch from 4-Auto to 4H, the truck no longer switches in and out of 4x4 on its own. If that’s not true, what is the purpose of the button?!
Great video. Curious about GM's Autotrack system as well.
Do you have to turn on the 4wheel drive every so often for a certain amount of miles for lubrication? My Toyotas recommend that in the manual. I’m new to RAM so I’m not sure..🤔
So driving the 4 auto on even just some snowy roads where its not being used much it will shut it off?
The auto is amazing, I use it in heavy rainfall and in slushy Conditions.
BTW I don't think you can actually turn off TC .
Can you do a video with the GM transfer cases too? My AT4 has 4Auto and is considered an off-road truck. Would be odd if these styles were considered weaker too.
We need some snow videos, please!!
Thank you for these tests and video! Although I would never do it with my truck! Yikes! Lol
My 15 ram skips and it roasts the tires in the front when I have it in 4 high and turning left to right. I'm thinking u had an issue with ur 4x4 on ur 4th gen..
Always good reviews, thank you. I have a 23, 1500 limited, my issues is choosing tires. The stock 22s with these Perelli all season look like car tires. I’m having real trouble deciding if I want to put 33s on or go down to 20 inch rims with a tire Pkg. Not quite sure what a different diameter tire would do, either going up slightly with the 22s for a slightly larger diameter with 33s, or getting a 20 inch rim and sticking to the stock diameter, which will still be more tire sidewall wise. Is there a rule of thumb that you should stay with your stock diameter?
Own a 2020 RAM 1500. Love the 4wd Auto option. Works flawlessly in slippery conditions basically making the truck behave like an AWD vehicle.
If you turn off traction control, do you still have the disengagement issue? I have owned Jeep Wranglers/Gladiator for over 40 years. Traded my Gladiator for a Ram 1500 Bighorn. I do mostly trail running on easy to moderate trails, but most trails have difficult sections. I have no words to describe my disappointment in this Ram system-BW-11. I have had AWD Hyundais perform better.
Noticed my 5th gen makes more gear noise in 4wd auto than my 4th gen did 🤷♂️
What models come with the E-locker, just the Rebel and TRX?
What would be recommended for driving on the beach?
This is probably a stupid question but i am going to have to get a new transfer case. My truck is a 2017 1500 Longhorn with the 44-44 that needs replacing.
Is it possible for me to switch to the latest transfer case with the 4 wheel auto? I The BW 48-11 I think it is. I am assuming that it wont work but i am curious.
I would prefer the BW-48-12.
Just my 2 cents. I have a 2012 1500 with 5.7 and when i first got it i left it in 4 auto and when i made a sharp right turn my transfer case made a binding sound. Who knows why but i didnt use it till years later and still use it and hasnt done me wrong since. I wonder if it disengages when you turn the wheels to avoid binding? Guess its not my 2 cents i guess its more of a question.
Any chance you could look into the 4WD and the 4WD with Auto in the Wrangler/ Gladiator? is it the same thing with the two transfer cases? Would they really use a set of clutch packs in the wrangler and gladiator?
2011 4th gen with the 4x4 auto got stuck in 2wd backing a jetski in a lake ina rly bad mud auto pulled the truck and trailer out no problem
I have a 5th Gen Ram and was curious Would 4WD auto be hard on your truck at highway speeds and for a long road trip in the winter??? Or is perfectly safe for your working component’s ?
Which truck options have the bw-48-12
@TheaGettyAdventures I share same thoughts about getting stranded and loosing 4wd.
Do you have any thoughts on swapping the clutched TC of a5th gen for the chained one?
How about installing a geared one like Atlas?
I love the truck but having a weak TC makes me not trust it in off-roading conditions.
Correct me if I’m wrong but i plan on getting into some thick off-road stuff, is it not what the 4-wheel low is designed for?
I use my auto 4wd when towing
Great video, thank you.
What kind of transfer fluid does the 48-11 bw 44-44 4wdauto transfer case use?
What is your opinion on long-term durability of four-wheel-drive auto on snowy roads?
That's the most practical use of auto 4wd.
@@cyborg2048but like if I leave it on all winter, will it wear the clutches?
should be good durability. Ideally the clutches are disengaged for most of the time and power is only sent to the front wheels when slippage is detected.
To my knowledge there are no transfer case options on RAM 1500's so you get the auto transfer case whether you want it or not and who's buying $70-100K half tons to go off roading??
good info
Its crap for city bad weather. Cheap plates can burn out if pulling something heavy, steep rugged terrain. Stellantis made a fiat with a ram badge.
Great topic, any advice on the TRX with 4wdauto.
I haven't looked into that beast. but I would imagine there are some pretty heavy duty clutches or planetary gear sets to take that power and torque.
Obviously you wouldn’t use 4a in severe off road situations Alex
Is there a top speed to 4wheel auto?
What about "Axel Lock"? Is that any good?
I would never buy a truck without 4 auto
what about trx? what type is installed
Do ford f150 4A video