Snow Question

[sdingeldein]

In snow is it best to lock the differential?

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[The Weatherman]

I would say no. The truck has superior traction control and works well in snow.

Now if you’re off-road and stuck all bets are off you do whatever you can to get moving.

 

[21st Century Truck]

In snow is it best to lock the differential?

Not really. Just take it slow, and yes it might help if You select OFF ROAD mode in select types, like when driving through the ice piles up here in Northern Virginia the past week+.

The locked differential is there to avoid single wheel spin when already in a difficult traction situation (read "when already almost stuck").

The Lightning power delivery to each wheel is wonderfully optimized by its power delivery computer system, and this helps a whole bunch in snow.

 

[sdingeldein]

Thanks folk!

 

[SpaceEVDriver]

Snow vs ice can be very different. Snow and ice is also different from both, but more like ice than just dry or mildly wet snow.

Don't use the locker when ice is present or likely to be present.

You can use the locker when it's just dry snow. But you probably don't need it.

 

[Heliian]

Always normal or slippery mode for new trucks. I use 2 pd in snow/ice/slush so I can coast on decel. The traction control is fantastic, don't switch to diff lock or off road until you're stuck

 

[RickLightning]

Most people never lock the differential.

 

[Peddyr]

I live in New England and I've had my truck for 3.5 years, haven't run into a situation where I've had to lock the differential. The truck is a pig with AWD...I'm not sure I see the need.

 

[fhteagle]

In snow is it best to lock the differential?

Never say never, but generally no.

If you lock the rear diff, and the front tires have very low traction + asymmetric rear traction , the back end will try to step out toward whichever side of the rear has better traction. If you aren't used to and ready for this, you can end up headed the wrong way very quickly.

 

[Adventureboy]

I would split this into 2 scenarios.

1. On hard slippery roads, travelling at speed - Absolutely not. The differential lock disables part of the traction control, and you don't want that.
2. If you are not on hard roads and have traction issues (like you are stuck in the snow). Engage the differential lock to help with getting unstuck only at low speeds, then turn it back off.

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