Snow Mobile: FX4 XLT on stock tires is a beast

[markal49]

No, you don't. By design they tuck below the hood line when not in use. Turn the wipers on then just shut the truck off when the wipers are at the highest point in their travel. I've been doing this with my European cars for decades.

You definitely can, I’ve done it. Are you arguing that one should not do this. If so, why?

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[chiefdave]

I'm surprised that the Territory's did so well. My 2020 F150 had the same tires and I got stuck in a pasture with wet grass. One tire spun until I engaged 4x4 then 2 tires spun. Locking the rear axle got it moving. My new Ranger will be getting a set of Cooper's.

 

[stemplar]

You definitely can, I’ve done it. Are you arguing that one should not do this. If so, why?

At the very least, there's no need to adjust the wiper location. Simply turn the wipers on, then shut the truck off when the wipers are pointing up. If we call our attention to the owners manual we'll see that it states, "To place the wiper arms in a service position, switch your vehicle on in accessory mode, switch on the wipers and switch your vehicle off when the wipers are at their highest position." Do this and the wiper arms fold safely and easily away from the windshield.

By design they tuck below the hood level when not in use in order to reduce wind noise and resistance. Adjusting them up so you don't have to follow the instructions above can also make them extend too far at their highest position.

 

[Dillon M]

You definitely can, I’ve done it. Are you arguing that one should not do this. If so, why?

This is what I've been doing. Just grab them, rotate them, and then lift them off the window

 

[chasc]

No, you don't. By design they tuck below the hood line when not in use. Turn the wipers on then just shut the truck off when the wipers are at the highest point in their travel. I've been doing this with my European cars for decades.

This is what I’ll do because it’s what they call for in the manual. Seen enough warnings about other motor driven things to assume it’s not OK to just yank on em.

All my euro cars you tapped the wiper stalk once within 5 seconds after key-off and they move straight up and stay. I assume if Ford could have done that they would, so maybe it’s due to lack of angle encoder in the wiper mechanism that they rely on you to turn power off at the right position.

 

[stemplar]

This is what I've been doing. Just grab them, rotate them, and then lift them off the window

Here's the full "Note" from the Owner's Manual: "Note: Do not manually move the wiper arms to service position, doing so may damage the wiper motor. To place the wiper arms in a service position, switch your vehicle on in accessory mode, switch on the wipers and switch your vehicle off when the wipers are at their highest position."

https://www.fordservicecontent.com/...ingEnabled=False&userMarket=USA&buildtype=web

 

[markal49]

Here's the full "Note" from the Owner's Manual: "Note: Do not manually move the wiper arms to service position, doing so may damage the wiper motor. To place the wiper arms in a service position, switch your vehicle on in accessory mode, switch on the wipers and switch your vehicle off when the wipers are at their highest position."

https://www.fordservicecontent.com/...ingEnabled=False&userMarket=USA&buildtype=web

Thanks for posting that

 

[Aberk25]

Glad you had good results. The reviews on the wranglers are not good (specifically the Wrangler Territory at/s). I’ve them to be okay in snow, but pretty weak off road. I just switched them out for more aggressive AT tires.

Having seen a lot of those reviews too I think is why I was so pleasantly suprised. Did not expect much and an also planning on switching them out when they wear out. Which tires did you go with?

 

[Ranger #1]

In north east ohio this weekend we've been suffering from our first big lake effect snow blizzard with over 3 feet of snow most places and I have to say my FX4 XLT is a beast in the snow, driving around with zero worries about getting stuck or having difficulties with traction has made every penny spent on this truck worth it alone

Nice ,good moisture , hey do you have the rear locking differential also I have it on mine ,its a XL 4x4 crewcab had about 10 inches of snow here in New Mexicoback in the middleofNovember, I used the rear differential locks in my truck only got around easily,didn't even need the to lock the front differential

 

[mrmike7189]

I am so glad to hear that the stock Goodyear AT tires are good in winter. When I bought my other 4x4 it came with highway tread tires. The Bridgestone DuelerHT......worst tire in history! At least Ford put AT tires on a 4x4 truck.

 

[Breakthrough]

I wouldn't say the stock Goodyear ATs are "good" in winter, they struggle at times in just light rain. It's more of an issue when trying to stop though or in 2wd... With 4x4 it's pretty hard to get stuck. I got some winters to help out next season (Yokohama).

I want to replace the stock Goodyear ATs for summer use as soon as possible. Are there any good recommendations for better ones that don't break the bank?

 

[superj]

Not from me, we dont get snow or ice in south texas but maybe 3 times in a lifetime

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