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pjbim10
16th April 2013, 12:39 PM
I was towing my caravan a few days ago and it started to rain. Having stopped at traffic lights with a huge hillstart ahead of me, I had a skidding good time trying to get traction - the van and ball weight are within weight limits for my CRD. I have been wondering if driving on the bitumen in 4WD would be OK in these conditions and if so, what setup should I use for the hubs? Would I be advised to revert to 2WD once the particular problem is overcome or could I continue in 4WD while the rain persists? Does anyone have any educated opinions?
Best Regards, PJM.

Winnie
16th April 2013, 12:45 PM
I would have used 4wd to take off then changed to 2wd after.

If you're happy and you know it tap a post!

Maxhead
16th April 2013, 12:52 PM
Seems strange you had no traction.... I've never spun a wheel towing our 2.7t expanda with our CRD.
The more weight at the back the more traction you should have as well.

Maybe the rear was being pushed up by too much weight at the back of the van???? Unlikelly but just a thought







.........on the move

threedogs
16th April 2013, 01:02 PM
leave hubs in auto , sometimes mine spins up heaps on a slope on bitumen.
might just be greasy roads

pjbim10
16th April 2013, 01:36 PM
Thanks Guys. Anybody know of Nissan's view on driving on bitumen in 4WD?

Wazza_66
16th April 2013, 01:42 PM
Not to be done. Maybe you need to change your driving style. I would suggest that you back off a bit when it begins to spin to allow the rear wheels to regain traction and then accelerate again. What sort of distance are we talking about that it continued to spin, or wouldn't it move at all?

lorrieandjas
16th April 2013, 01:52 PM
If you look at what is recommended for 4wd - it should be used on slippery surfaces where wheels lose traction - so in a straight line start off I would engage 4wd, then when you have traction transfer back to 2wd.

Jas

Alitis007
16th April 2013, 02:02 PM
If your hubs are auto to go back from 4wd to 2wd you will need to reverse for the hub to disengage the transfer. Try driving with lower tyre pressure or take off in second instead of first or you could also use the handbreak to slow the spin without loosing the boost..

rottodiver
16th April 2013, 02:25 PM
X2 with jas

Dominator
16th April 2013, 03:09 PM
X2 with jas

Yep, I also agree with jas.

jack
16th April 2013, 05:12 PM
I was towing my caravan a few days ago and it started to rain. Having stopped at traffic lights with a huge hillstart ahead of me, I had a skidding good time trying to get traction - the van and ball weight are within weight limits for my CRD.

Hi PJM, not so worried about the hillstart, I'd be concerned if you were coming down the hill and had to stop suddenly at the lights. Was it the first rain after a dry spell? that often draws the oil to the surface at places were cars regularly stop.

Kymbo75
20th April 2013, 09:03 PM
If you do put in 4wd drive on the bitumen, only do it for short distance and kept it straight, if you turn to much or if your tyres are different in rolling circumference because of varying tread depth, you may find it difficult to disengage 4wd because of axle wind up.

happygu
20th April 2013, 09:24 PM
If you have to go down to Low Range, then go carefully, go straight, and pull over and stop to change back to 2WD as soon as you can.

You can change between 2WD and 4HI as you are driving, but make sure that you don't spin any wheels or turn any corners, as you WILL get wind up in the transmission on a hard surface such as bitumen, which can make it hard to get out of 4WD or even damage transmission components. Have a look at the placard on your Drivers Sun Blind and follow directions as indicated.

Mic

mudnut
21st April 2013, 07:13 PM
Thread hijack. If ya had've spun ya wheels in Qld ya might've had ya vehicle impounded.

Chris79
21st April 2013, 07:57 PM
There is a clear difference between having the hubs locked in and having selected 4wd on the transfer. As you have auto hubs engaging 4wd on the transfer for a short distance driving strait ahead will not be a problem, particulary in this case as its required. Any wheel slip due to the slippary conditions will eliminate transmission wind up.
As another member noted you will eventually have to reverse to disengage the hubs, however it will cause you no problems to continue on with the hubs locked for the time being providing you have selected 2wd on the transfer.
If for any reason you do have issues going back to 2wd due to a slight wind up, pull over immediatly to avoid damage by continuing on.