Why No Full-time AWD Pick Ups?

[red-beard]

The Ford F150 4WD has mode 4A which is fulltime all-wheel drive.

2H - 2 Wheel Drive High
4H - 4 Wheel Drive High
4L - 4 Wheel Drive Low
4A - All Wheel Drive High

https://www.automasterx.com/how-to-use-4-wheel-drive-ford-f150/

[fanaudical]

Originally Posted by jhynesrockmtn

I was surprised when shopping half tons early last year to see some with 4 auto. My F150 hybrid is a Lariat trim and has 4 auto, 4 hi, 4 lo and 2h. I just leave it in 4 auto all winter. It's nice to have where we live where. Winter can be long with snow/ice on the streets for long periods, and it's my daily driver. Switching in/out of 4wd depending on pavement conditions can be a pain. Often the arterials here are de-iced, the other neighborhood roads are not.

My 2007 Dodge 1500 has a "4WD Auto" feature. Not sure how the F150 works, but on mine it's essentially RWD until the ABS system detects rear wheel slippage and then it engages the transfer case to supply power to the front. Response time isn't great. I'm spoiled by many years of Audi quattro ownership...

[jhynesrockmtn]

Originally Posted by fanaudical

My 2007 Dodge 1500 has a "4WD Auto" feature. Not sure how the F150 works, but on mine it's essentially RWD until the ABS system detects rear wheel slippage and then it engages the transfer case to supply power to the front. Response time isn't great. I'm spoiled by many years of Audi quattro ownership...

I now have some winter driving time in my 2024 F150 with the 4auto capability. Your description is my understanding of how the F150 works as well. I do have a set of Blizzak's on it. The Powerboost hybrid I have comes with 20inch wheels and the stock tires are much more biased toward quiet and mpg driven use vs good all around traction. I went back and forth between switching out for a better snow rated tire or getting a dedicated set of winter wheels/tires. I stumbled on a good used setup that fit great for a good price. Done. We've had packed snow on the ground for a few weeks now. Typically the well travelled roads and highways will get plowed and deiced with neighborhood roads remaining packed snow/ice. It's nice to not have to switch back and forth between 2H and 4H like I've typically done with trucks. The system is not as good as a dedicated AWD like a Subie or Audi (I've had both), but it does a good job for what it is. Overall I am pleased.

[911 Rod]

If it has a transfer case, and not a diff in the center, is it really all wheel drive (4auto)?
Or is it just marketing?
I'd assume all the running gear on the regular 4x4 is the same as 4auto.

[911 Rod]

If it has a transfer case, and not a diff in the center, is it really all wheel drive (4auto)?
Or is it just marketing?
I'd assume all the running gear on the regular 4x4 is the same as 4auto.