RAM 1500 4WD AUTO Pros vs Cons | Should You AVOID IT??
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.
What I Use:
Engine Oil - amzn.to/3sVnAoX
Engine Oil Filter - amzn.to/44Vk3nG
Engine Air Filter - amzn.to/3JMmMVV
Cabin Air Filter - amzn.to/3JMZAHh
Gear Oil - amzn.to/3PoIcxa
Penetrating fluid - amzn.to/3EOclkx
Rust protection - amzn.to/3Zo0Rh6
Towing Gear:
10 ton Pintle hitch (2.5" receiver) - amzn.to/3r7Axvm
7 Ton Adjustable hitch (2" receiver) - amzn.to/46i2iAf
Adjustable Pintle hitch mount (2.5" receiver) - amzn.to/3RqHGS3
15 Ton Pintle hitch - amzn.to/45SaCqv
10,000lbs Tie Down Straps - amzn.to/3ZBnxeh
My Camera Gear:
Go Pro Hero 10 - amzn.to/3ObZdJJ
Go Pro Hero 8 - amzn.to/36grzkM
Go Pro Accessories - amzn.to/3JLhlXo
Sony A6400 - amzn.to/3vkqzob
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.
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
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
Great video. I did learn this though: Canada, where dry roads are roads with no snow, but still wet. Love 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.
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!
Your content is very interesting, super simple formula with a lot a valuable knowledge. Keep on the good work!
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! Very informative with excellent demonstrations on the road. I recently got a 2019 5th gen 1500 limited after watching your videos. I love it so far.
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
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
Some great info here. I'm picking up a used 2021 RAM 1500 (with 4WD auto) tomorrow. I live in North Alabama so the only real time I would use 4WD is in muddy conditions when I head off the beaten path to go kayaking.
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!
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.
Great video. Curious about GM's Autotrack system as well.
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?
Good to know this great video I have better understanding of how the 5th gen 4x4 works thank you
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?
Great demo. I always hated the fact that even in 4wd lock I really wasn't. I don't really use it for serious off-roading, so the auto mode is fine. Glad they improved it though.
Ive got a 4th gen with the 44-45 and part of the reason I made that decision was because of you're last video on Ram 1500 4wd systems. My focus is on simplicity, longevity and 4wd capability so a transfer case without clutch packs was the clear winner for me. I don’t often use 4wd on road most of the time I'm using it in deep snow and muddy conditions.
Great video. Subscribed!! Appreciate the detail
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!
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.
I have the 2019 Ram Limited with the Auto4wd and it works great in the snow and on our steep inclined driveway
Thx man, helps me make my decision on buying 4A
Getty great clips as always thank you , Just quick reminder BW 48-11 is in my 2020 ram 1500 Works so much better for me than conventional BW 48-12 Because when in 4WD auto Is in Active mode temperature outside is bellow 40F dry condition you are in 4×4 all the time, Just little wet on roadways when even 90F outside temperature 4×4 in on all the time as long as roadways are wet, Only once long steep off road in 4 low had clutch pack heated and truck when in reduced 4×4 mode still capable. Again thank you for all your time and God Bless 🇺🇸
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.
Great video, I learned some stuff today.
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 appreciate your explanation on this. Thanks
Thank you sir!
I love your demos of ability and w 4wd function but You did the turn test in 4h but I wish you did it in 4 auto as well. Still, very useful to know as a potential buyer.
@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.
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.
Could you do the same thing for the GM auto 4wd system? they've been doing it for much longer and I wonder if its means better components and such.
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!
Awesome video. Got a 19 RAM Big Horn Crew cab hemi 4x4. Love the truck. Live in the south, so snow is not an issue, neither is salt damage. But, I do go up to the mountains and nice to have 4 auto. RAM trucks are good trucks and if you maintain them you can easily get 200000 miles from them.
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..🤔
Great Info!
Excellent explanation
Thank you sir!
We need some snow videos, please!!
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.
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?
Always appreciate your in depth review. Ford advertises the transfer case in the f150 Tremor has a clutch for auto 4wd plus mechanical lock for part-time 4wd. Do you know about the transfer case in the Tremor? 402a package with auto 4wd, and part time 4wd.
I don’t think it’s tremor specific is it? Don’t all the f150’s equipped with 4A have it?
Lariat and above have auto 4wd but Tremor and raptor have a different transfer case from the other trims from what I understand.
I have not looked into the tremors in depth to be honest. but that sounds like the best of both worlds!
Maybe a topic for a future video. Keep up the good work
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.
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.
I've had my auto 4wd in my 14 for 8 years and really like it. I want to test the cranking wheels sinario, now. I've never really paid attention or noticed it driving around town.
Great video, thank you.
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.
Great information
Thank you for these tests and video! Although I would never do it with my truck! Yikes! Lol
What models come with the E-locker, just the Rebel and TRX?
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 the 4wd auto in my 2016 1500. It works extremely well in the snow.
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 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.
What kind of transfer fluid does the 48-11 bw 44-44 4wdauto transfer case use?
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 do have the BW48-11 transfer case but I do not do any real off roading, just towing a trailer with ATV's in a dirt parking lot.
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.
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
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.
What about "Axel Lock"? Is that any good?
What would be recommended for driving on the beach?
Own a 2020 RAM 1500. Love the 4wd Auto option. Works flawlessly in slippery conditions basically making the truck behave like an AWD vehicle.
Is there a leveling kit in that truck?
clutch pacs wear out so i miss the days of awd along with 4x4 lock. like the np242!
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.
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 :)
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.
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 ?
what about trx? what type is installed
I have read that the 44-45 performs better in the snow. I’m looking at used 2021 Ram 1500 Rebels and the 44-44 with auto 4WD is tough to find. Anyone out there have any opinions on the 44-44 vs the 44-45?
Is there a top speed to 4wheel auto?
My 4th gen ram does bind up in tight turns on dry pavement. And yes it's the auto transfer case.
Unfortunately, 4WD Auto is partly a result of government fuel economy standards. The old Part Time/Full Time transfer cases--for example, the New Process/New Venture 242--had true full-time 4WD capability, using a center differential to reduce or eliminate "driveline windup" on dry roads and/or short turning situations. The NP/NV242, in particular, was tough and reliable even in hard-core 4 wheeling situations, but its design did exact at least a small penalty in fuel economy. A lot of people think that today's 4WD Auto systems are just another name for the "conventional" full-time systems like the 242, but they are not, and they are not as tough or durable, either. As you point out in your video, the problem with the clutch-pack 4WD Auto system is that it can let you down (disengage or slip) at inopportune moments. Like many things in life, in 4-wheeling, nothing is worse than thinking that you have something (4WD) when you ain't. I have a vehicle with the NP/NV242 transfer case and it does very well in winter driving using full-time 4WD--I plan on keeping it.
The 4WD Auto is a game changer on my GM trucks.
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.
GM started auto four wheel. My 99 Yukon had it plus 4 I and low worked great
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.
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.
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.
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..
Great video but FYI no ones going off roading with their truck lol. Would like to see a video comparing work trucks like the new Ram Warlock vs the chevy custom trail boss both with the V8s
I’d disagree 😂 I got my 18 3years old at the time loaded big horn threw a lift on it and 35s and went straight to a mud park 😂 with like 30k miles people do it weather it’s intentional or not is different. The road to our property is a seasonal road so we get mud and snow my 18 with the clutch transfer case hates trying to spin 35s it really does I’ve almost gotten stuck multiple times because the front just won’t engage enough
I got a 2023 limited longhorn, $77k msrp. Dealer put a lift and 35 12.5 r20 on it. If this sucker goes off road it's purely by mistake, or Maybe if climate nuts block my exits.
you are probably right. but around here there are tons of logging roads and I always see guys in their pick ups driving down the trails. in the winter its not unhear of to have 2 feet of snow drop overnight so it's nice to have a capable truck.
@@TheGettyAdventures Canadian winters man love them Here is a question for u What would be a good first truck Ford XLT 5.0 Ram tradesman warlock 5.7 etorq Chevy custom trail boss 5.3
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.
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.
What surprised me that the cheapest 4x4 4th gen Ram with no LSD in rear actually had brake based AWD ... TFL had it on rollers and it pulled out on single front wheel
IDK, I have a 2016 Ram 1500 with auto 4x4 and I don't use it. I tried it once and the engagement was so loud and chunky that I was concerned prolonged use would damage the vehicle.
Do ford f150 4A video
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.
Does that truck have a limited slip rear differential? Just curious.
No it doesn't, it had a rear locker actually.
@@TheGettyAdventures Was the locker turned on during your tests?
I have it but I don't use it. 2wd and only 4WD HIGH during severe snow and have to get to work/home.
Hornets in Auto it's good for the highway where there's snow and then there's Street, wine and four-wheel drive high it is not using the clutch packs it is locked with the chain
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.
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.
Nice