First drive in the rain...
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Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 2,816
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From: Los Angeles, CA
First drive in the rain...
Since I bought my RAM and what an experience it was!
On dry pavement I have to be careful of spinning the tires around turns because of the V10, but on wet roads...look out, fishtail city! Doesn't take much to break the rear loose, even in a straight line. My Jeep had the better transfer case that allowed it to be locked in on pavement and in the rain I'd throw it in 4X and it would ride like it was on rails in the wet stuff. The RAM does not have this and feels really loose in the rain. I'm sure a lot of it was because it is our first rain since February and the oil film on the roads is so thick. I could see it on my truck after hitting a few puddles.
Anyone ever lock their 4WD in on the wet pavement? This is too big and heavy a truck to be sliding all over the place.
On dry pavement I have to be careful of spinning the tires around turns because of the V10, but on wet roads...look out, fishtail city! Doesn't take much to break the rear loose, even in a straight line. My Jeep had the better transfer case that allowed it to be locked in on pavement and in the rain I'd throw it in 4X and it would ride like it was on rails in the wet stuff. The RAM does not have this and feels really loose in the rain. I'm sure a lot of it was because it is our first rain since February and the oil film on the roads is so thick. I could see it on my truck after hitting a few puddles.Anyone ever lock their 4WD in on the wet pavement? This is too big and heavy a truck to be sliding all over the place.
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Joined: Jan 2008
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From: Sioux Falls, SD
Did you do a search? This has been discussed before, I think. 
You'll find arguments all over the place, from both sides, whether its a good idea or not. I think its silly... you learn how to drive in it and learn what your particular tires do in the rain (and plan accordingly for when your tires come for replacement), and I can see it being hard on the drivetrain when you hit a dry patch. I was taught never to use 4x4 unless you're in the mud or in the snow/ice.
If its utterly ridiculous, which it sounds like it might be, I'd throw some sandbags back there (or anything that won't really expand/get messy when it gets wet) for some weight. Thats what we do when we get ice up here. I usually have 300-400 lbs of sand in the back all winter long. I put it right over the wheel wells/humps.
You'll find arguments all over the place, from both sides, whether its a good idea or not. I think its silly... you learn how to drive in it and learn what your particular tires do in the rain (and plan accordingly for when your tires come for replacement), and I can see it being hard on the drivetrain when you hit a dry patch. I was taught never to use 4x4 unless you're in the mud or in the snow/ice.
If its utterly ridiculous, which it sounds like it might be, I'd throw some sandbags back there (or anything that won't really expand/get messy when it gets wet) for some weight. Thats what we do when we get ice up here. I usually have 300-400 lbs of sand in the back all winter long. I put it right over the wheel wells/humps.
Last edited by jasonw; Oct 13, 2009 at 05:31 PM.
Professional
Joined: Jul 2008
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From: Home: Southern KY; Stationed: Southern California
That's strange Miami because I can haul in the rain in my 360 extended cab. Could it be in relations to the tires?
And to the point of 4WD: I'm with Jason, I would never use 4WD on the road because of "Driveline Binding"
I was always taught part-time 4WD is to never be used on dry pavement, wet pavement or anything that requires super amounts of traction. Just my two cents.
And to the point of 4WD: I'm with Jason, I would never use 4WD on the road because of "Driveline Binding"
If you use 4WD on dry pavement, you may experience your tires jumping occassionally in order to relieve tension that builds up in the transfer case from the axles turning at a slightly different speed. This puts a lot of strain on all components from the differentials to the drive shafts, and most especially on the transfer case. You may, in fact, total your transfer case by causing it to bind up. One axle is trying to to make 1/2 rotation while the other wants to make a full rotation after a turn in which the front wheels travel farther than the rear wheels. Pop! You've broken an expensive element in your drive train, and now you need a tow, because the transmission can no longer output to the rest of the car.
Record Breaker
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,031
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From: Vermont
I have the same problem. Just today I wasn't paying attention in the rain and went around
a car and punched it a little too much around 50mph causing the rear end to kick out.
Just have to learn to ease into the throttle better in the wet conditions.
a car and punched it a little too much around 50mph causing the rear end to kick out.
Just have to learn to ease into the throttle better in the wet conditions.
Nope, says dont drive on dry pavement in 4WD. You can drive in 4WD on wet roads all you want.
Ahhhhhh....Anyone remember vmann?
Did you do a search? This has been discussed before, I think.
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Champion
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 3,363
Likes: 1
From: ohio
i do...lol ,,,,,wait till he see's snow....hahahah
Miami i wish i had your 300hp/rain problem
"i" wouldnt run 4wd on the street because of the Driveline Binding could happen on turns,,ect
Miami i wish i had your 300hp/rain problem
"i" wouldnt run 4wd on the street because of the Driveline Binding could happen on turns,,ect
Last edited by dodgeram07; Oct 13, 2009 at 07:25 PM.
