Can a Basic Ram 1500 4WD Work Truck Survive the TFL Slip Test and the Tumbleweed Off-Road Course?

[@FreakyT333]

With no lsd I’m quite impressed, that performed better than I would have bet my money on… wow

[@jg8263]

Traction control function is equivalent to left foot braking. Really, an all open diff 4x4 relying on traction control, as is here, is functioning more like an AWD than 4x4 with LSD or lockers. Still, cannot argue with the results, it works.

[@Cloud30000]

This uses brake limited slip, which is independent per wheel; left foot cannot do that, which is why these things keep impressing those that only expect left foot brake levels of performance. Drawback is that it causes brake wear and requires you to stop periodically to cool them and prevent brake fade, which makes maintaining momentum tough on long stretches.

[@jg8263]

@@Cloud30000 great point, traction control is better than left foot braking in that sense, but with its own set of drawbacks. Thanks for the additional context!

[@bigballz4u]

So you're saying he would have performed better on LSD. I agree : )

[@Tonyx.yt.]

that's also a quite lighter vehicle than an heavy duty diesel with crew cab and long bed...

[@americanrambler4972]

This is the stubby Ram that is punching above its station in life. This truck is just working so good. Everywhere. Whoever gets this truck after you guys are done with it are getting a truly great little truck.

[@backwoodstherapy]

Dodge needs an SUV built on this platform. I know Stellantis has jeep and they make tons of money but the Grand Cherokee is all independent suspension now and is more about hauling your family in luxury than anything. And the Wrangler can be pretty punishing with it's ride. But a 4 door truck based SUV with a solid rear axle would be a nice sweet spot. Even the Durango is independent suspension all around and unibody.

[@TheAnnoyingBoss]

Idk bro it's an "affordable" Fiat product. You're really giving it a lot of credit

[@bradlaflamme6127]

@Backwoods Therapy I would like to see a full size van aswell built on this platform with the same 4wd system

[@americanrambler4972]

@@TheAnnoyingBoss actually, this is not a Fiat, based on a European platform, but a heritage Chrysler/Dodge platform dating all the way back to 1972. And it has evolved into the current next generation Ram platform for the 1500,2500 and 3500 sold now. The short wheelbase regular cab short box has gone away because nobody is buying them anymore. The closest thing to a van this platform saw was the Dodge/Plymouth Ramcharger/Trailduster SUV’s from the 1970’s and 1980’s. And the 3.6 pentastar engine is an American design, not Asian or European. The Dodge/Plymouth vans were based on the ‘B’ monocoque (unitized) platform that ended in 2003 and was replaced with the Mercedes Sprinter van under Daimler ownership, then that was replaced with the Fiat Ducato van under Fiat ownership, which continues with Stellantice ownership today.

[@Hydra360ci]

lol or an incredibly abused truck... I wouldn't want it after all the crap they're doing to it. 80mph non-variable break in for how many miles? 400 or something? Low air pressure test for I don't remember...how many miles. 50? 100? Overloaded tow for 1000 miles or so? with them running at a consistent 4-5 grand on the RPM's (cause they must pass cars on the way up there and back) and then them flooring it for 10 or so miles... on that 7% grade and not manually downshifting to keep the trans from bouncing gears... (which it was doing.) And now this test? Nah... the next guy who buys this truck is gonna have all sorts of problems with it.

[@vr4787]

The base model single cab still has a trick up its sleeve, well done 👍

[@ALMX5DP]

This is why it’s nice to review base models. I feel so many see reviews and videos and think they need lockers or trick limited slip/offroad mode type systems, when a basic 4wd with open diffs and a decent traction control will suffice for most.

[@Pesmog]

Traction control systems on trucks seem to have significantly improved in recent years. That looked better than many AWD cars and SUV's and wasn't far off of the Toyota and Land Rover systems in terms of effectiveness. Good advice about not mashing the throttle. Minimal and steady gas pedal inputs work best with traction control.

[@thedirtlifesupreame]

They should treat Andre to this lesson. lol

[@jeepindave5464]

@@thedirtlifesupreame yeah keep him out of the sxs? Lol

[@BigWheel.]

Screw all that noise. I'll mash the pedal on my 97 yukon with no working TC or ABS and pray to the lord I don't fishtail into a house.

[@jeffk464]

Yeah, I wonder if its going to get to the point where rear lockers are totally unnecessary. Seems like you can have a dirt mode where it is very aggressive in shutting down wheel spin.

[@huntsbychainsaw5986]

4wd low significantly alters throttle response on these trucks as well.

[@DouvikasC]

Ok, this has by far been my favorite series of recent videos by TFL.

[@ransom8006]

I’m very surprised on the 4wd systems ability to function at that level. With all the tech these days, having 3 wheels slipping seems to still post a problem for a lot of vehicles in the market. Truly impressed. 5 stars, 2 thumbs up.

[@jayhiggins5239]

5 stars for the penta-star

[@michelleluna4278]

Too often it seems a vehicle can’t overcome an obstacle because of tires. While no ONE test is indication of its off-road capability, one GREAT thing about the slip test is it takes tires out of the equation. Keep up these tests!

[@c4pt1n54no]

I'd say that's not really accurate. The rollers are small enough that different tread could affect how well they roll. I was actually thinking while watching, it almost seems like there's friction in the rollers allowing slow movements to not start them spinning. The treads get wedged between them. These rollers don't equal ice or snow they equal rollers, which doesn't invalidate the test but I feel should be considered

[@nickf5204]

@@c4pt1n54no I have to agree w the rollers, they might invalidate the testing but it’s a decent starting point to compare, but the basic ram did quite well in the off road course w the stock tires

[@superchargedpotato]

I really liked how these tests demonstrated the trucks capabilities, I would love to see this become a standard test for all 4wds that y'all review.

[@jeffk464]

Did they do this on the cheapest bronco with no lockers?

[@scottamy6496]

I have a 2017 Chevrolet Silverado single cab short bed 4x4 with the manual transfer case on the floor, as God intended and the G80 “locking” rear-end and in combination with the traction control, I have been extremely impressed and pleased with the system! It’s very similar to the system seen here and it’s everything I need and nothing I don’t! I love this series on the barebones truck and look forward to seeing what y’all have in store for the future!

[@vivillager]

I've got a 1993 Chevrolet Cheyenne, manual transfer case in the floor. I love it. Only issue with mine was that it was the out-dated style with a thermal switch for the front axle. Years back, I replaced it with the new and improved stepper motor style, and has never failed me since. I don't have lockers, but my truck is a pavement queen. Only need 4WD when I go uphill on snow with 12,000 lbs behind me.

[@selfcarefordudes]

Very solid. I’ve always been impressed with Ram/Jeep 4x4 systems.

[@JacobEvansAviation]

I have the crew cab 5.7L version of this truck, same otherwise except I added BFG K02s, and I’m actually impressed in how the traction control system does. I go to some fairly rough places to get to a fishing or camping spot and I haven’t gotten close to stuck yet.

[@austinsims-cgc3568]

I used to have a 2004 stubby ram. Loved it! It was Laramie trim with the Hemi and 2wd... but this video series is making me want one again!

[@halflife103]

i am actually quite impressed by this. Calssic 4x4 with a non intrusive Traction Control system. Pretty good.

[@4mrholsterco981]

Limited slip or similar rear differential is really important to me, for what I ask of a truck it makes the difference of being stuck or not, even with 4wd. My ram with the “anti spin” rear diff has kept me from being stuck in the middle of nowhere with no cell reception. Been my favorite truck I’ve had to far, 2017 ram hemi. It’s been many places I hunt, even wintertime, has not let me down. Proper tires matter too, Duratracs being my favorite. You guys keep up with the awesome videos, y’all are great, great content.

[@haroldbeauchamp3770]

So glad to see Tommy using these rollers and giving us the content we want!

[@Doncan0823]

Now that’s a truck. Simple, basic and gets the job done.

[@stringbladestudios]

Please do this with a Ram that has 4WD Auto. Love these tests.

[@iancurrie8844]

I just picked up a ram classic 4x4 quad cab with the pentastar. I'm super happy with it. I took it on a hunting trip with some off road elements and it's outstanding. I couldn't be happier.

[@markstacy9708]

Thanks for doing a truck for us commoners! I'm impressed!

[@johnendsley5462]

Many don''t seem to know, but the transfer case in your basic Ram is the better one. The one with the Auto 4X4 has no real 4X4 lock as yours and mine do. I don't remember the number indications for the two, but the one with 4X4 Auto does not actually ever lock into true 4X4. It allows the wheels to slip in every mode before attempting to transfer power. Your stubby truck is great for what it is, and that seems to be a basic capable truck. I am impressed. BTW, the Ram community as a rule likes the OE Bridgestones far better than the OE Goodyears on yours. Mine had the Bridgestones, and they were excellent (I never did any "Real" offroading). I added Continental Terrain Contact's when the OE tires wore out. Keep it up. Great content. Great real world tests going on over there. And I love the scenery up in the mountains.

[@steveb6287]

I do like the Classic style and glad Ram still has it in production.

[@ThatGuy-wz3or]

The regular cab short bed classic is no longer available for 2023

[@bobkonradi1027]

I think Jeep / Ram learned its lesson with the Cherokee from back around 2000 (+/-) Recall that they had the Jeep Cherokee, then then came out with the Jeep Grand Cherokee, but for whatever reason they kept the older version around. The older version sold fairly well to people who couldn't afford the new model. All the tool and development costs were paid for, so the car was pure profit except for the marginal costs of production. With this "legacy" Ram truck, there's a lot of profit to be had with it, plus you can carve out any niche for it that you'd want if you were Ram. They've "niched" it into a work truck, which means "standard cab, "no exotic current production whiz-bangs' to run up the price, and all the stampings, etc are already paid for. Its really a "win-win" situation for them and makes the truck accessible for somebody who can't afford a current-version crew cab.

[@h.rivera4726]

Great Video Tommy 👏👏 I'll be waiting for this truck to be up for sale on TFL Bids .

[@CherokeeChief.]

Traction control is an amazing thing in 4wds. I rented one when my sequoia was in the shop last year during a Denver snow storm and I was very impressed with the results. It didn’t do quite as well as my sequoia but it was a base model compared to a limited. That has all the goodies. I was very impressed

[@Bren553Gaming]

Just got a set of 35" KO2s on my 18' Ram 4x4, it is impressive!

[@bettabegoodjr2104]

Good job buddy I got the same

[@brianhurley8617]

Dude you are so good at this….really enjoy your reviews.

[@TFLtruck]

thanks!!

[@eamonob84]

I just bought a Ram 1500 with an open diff and have been wondering how it will perform this winter. I’m really glad to see this test and I’ve got a lot more confidence in the system now.

[@SSO1025RET]

I have this same Ram, a 2014 5.7 crew cab with the same Goodyear tires. I have to admit I didn’t think my truck would perform the test that I just witnessed. And it looked like their test truck was the six cylinder. Still very impressive.

[@cjmoore7240]

Thank you for this informative video! I bought a RAM Longhorn Limited 4×4 with the same set up. Now I know what my truck can do. KEEP ON ROCKING!

[@alanyoung159]

Yes, the rollers are back!! Love the roller tests!

[@machfive916]

Very impressive performance for an entry level 4-wheel drive full-sized pickup truck. Good narration by Tommy!

[@Gene1969]

I had to keep reminding myself that this is an open diff truck. Damn impressive! Imagine what it could do with a set of Goodyear Duratechs on it.

[@reyfuentes4572]

Bfg ko2*

[@jamiewallenberg3920]

I have the KO2’s and my Ram will handle tough terrain and deep snow with ease.

[@bettabegoodjr2104]

My BF Goodwrench A/T ko2 are pretty amazing.

[@the_jarmel]

Good Morning TFL Family and Fans ... Have a beautiful day Everyone ✌️

[@RPD91]

That Borg Warner 4wd system is amazing and the performance of the truck was way better than I expected it to be for a V6 engine.

[@andrewavery4417]

Always appreciate Tommy’s real world yet somewhat scientific approach and he explains what hes doing very well

[@STIGRS]

Please make sure you lubricate the bearings on the roller. Some times the fiction is too high so the vehicle still can move forward on the roller.

[@cpear760]

Awesome Tommy! Now I wish I had a "Stubby" of my own.

[@em2965]

Chrysler brake lock differential system works very well. Controlled by the ABS system, same reason why a wrangler in low range doesn’t even need the lockers most of the time. The BLD activated in low range will handle a lot

[@peep39]

I have the 2005 version of that truck. came with a limited slip diff, but it's worn out now. When it was new, in 4wd, it was treacherous to drive in snow because the rear would do nothing but wander back and forth. It's less capable now, but actually more stable to drive in that situation.

[@terryivanov5435]

Very good and unexpected performance for this little truck, love it.

[@JHuffPhoto]

My last two trucks had rear electronic locking differential. I don't drive off road but we have occasional small amounts of snow. I engaged the locker once in the snow. It felt like the truck was trying to kill me. It moved forward with some pretty good authority but it tended to make the front end just plow when I tried to steer. I do not need lockers for my use case scenario and I have found the open diffs to be just fine. My current truck has a limited slip rear end (anti-spin RAM calls it) but this is my first winter with it. I am confident that it will do just fine.

[@igotursixx2665]

The basic Ram 4×4 system is so under rated.

[@kevinthomson6324]

I’m super impressed with the rams traction control programming. It actually out performed the bronco on what I’m assuming was the same day with a much more “street” tire. Allowing the wheels to keep spinning and successfully sending enough torque to the required wheel to maintain momentum. But it definitely shows the benefits of a locker having the extra control to get up the hill and control your line better.

[@Flydevice1]

Finally reviewing trucks that the majority of people will get. Great video series. 👍🏻

[@BullittHilts]

Wow! Super impressed it made it up through the ruts to the top!

[@josephcastro5894]

I have a 4th gen Ram so I thank you kind Sir’s for this video. ❤

[@smittywerbenjagarmanjensen3059]

Super glad they still review actual affordable trucks for most people unlike the $80-90k trucks

[@BennyHubba]

Holy cow. I was not expect that. I’m impressed!

[@poppyneese1811]

What a wake up, the Professor and Stubby, going be a good day!!! Tommy always does a great job and yep he’s a Gear Head x 2, what shall we learn about Stubby, going be good!

[@vulcanman64]

I had a 2016 and I loved it. Just traded it for a quad cab but I admit I made a mistake. I miss that beast.

[@Matt-zs6qx]

I love and have been impressed with my Laramie Bighorn and with a new set of Falken Wildpeaks it hasn't let me down, hoping for a good snow to test the new shoes.

[@danaberman6929]

Very impressive little truck..

[@tonynagy2042]

All in ALL, it always comes down the having the right tires for the conditions, and even then there can be challenges depending on the terrains grade. This is where plan 'B' comes into effect, having a winch, and if that doesn't work?. Which brings me to plan 'C', having good hiking boots/gear/food and water. Cheers. 👍.

[@joshc606]

Finally!!!! Basic 4wd truck test

[@trailrunnah8886]

Very impressive! When I was a kid I had a square body Chevy on 35s and open diffs. It never would have made it off the rollers, it would have just sat there and spun all day.

[@SB-sr3xt]

Tommy, this shows exactly what it should. For what most people put full size trucks through, a good set of tires, maybe a LSD instead of an opinion diff, and some skill, will be more than adequate for even up to moderate trails. Not to mention, for a budget off-roader or an overlander this would be a great option.

[@shoveI]

I've had a stubby ram like this for 8 years, bought it new and modified it for off road travel. I don't own it to get people's opinions but when people have supplied them 90% have been negative or telling me what they think I did wrong. Interesting seeing how differently people respond to TFL

[@keither7731]

Hi Tommy; Just watched your test of the bronco on the rollers, it did better. But using lockers. I think STUBBY acquitted it self very good

[@The_Hi_Life]

Dodge has alway had a really solid 4wd system. My 1999 Ram single cab 4wd (non off road model) was a beast in the mud. I could go anywhere my friends Z71s and FX4s could go. Pulled several of them out of the mud as well!

[@r0guestorm964]

I have an almost identical Ram and it is good to see what it can do.

[@frankleonard6570]

those rams are great trucks. yeah a lot of guys dont like the rear coil springs but if you want a hauler get a heavy ram with leaves and air bags. . the coils cant take much weight but the ride is great! i like the ram. also known as a "dodge" to most people!

[@Spillercb21]

I think your testing proves something. For 90% of 4x4 pick up drivers in the US standard HI/LO four wheel drive is totally adequate, no need for all the fancy modes.

[@theirthereandtheyre2947]

I’ve never had to put my Ram into 4wd living in Texas but this is good to know.

[@ColeSpolaric]

Having those tires on my truck, I can say they do surprisingly well in most situations.

[@metalted6128]

Great video!! Always good info from your channel. Thank you!!

[@deangoeller8440]

Great video , nice differential performance 👏

[@johnparks5697]

Really enjoy this series of shows. An old school truck!

[@jesusgodinez9738]

Congratulations you have convinced me to buy this truck 🎉🙌😎

[@martingriggs6362]

Thanks for buying the same truck I just bought. Now I don't have to find out on my own what the truck can do. I read that the stock tires aren't very good.

[@badgerpa9]

Lil Stubby is a nice pickup.

[@orenkieth2753]

I had Goodyear sr-a tires on my old Silverado, they are surprisingly good in snow considering they are trash in rain.

[@jonmopar7917]

Gotta keep the momentum going always. These trucks are great

[@williamgordon764]

Really impressed with the little truck, nice to know cheap trucks can still hang with the big boys. I'd like to see tests with cheaper models from other brands to see if they perform as well.

[@kantill]

I have always been impressed with my old 2013 ram and the traction control. I drive on frozen lakes all winter long up here in Alaska and I have to turn the system off if I want to have fun. Otherwise, the traction control keeps you going.

[@TheAnnoyingBoss]

Here's you're friendly reminder that demcorat left wing ideologies have killed orders of magnitude more people inside USA than al Qaeda ever did by flying planes into skyscrapers

[@WitchDRofKabul]

This is the truck 🙌. I love my crew cab classic V6 4x4. A regular cab would be my preference, but I got kids lol

[@Marathon13240]

Hey @TFL! I think yall forgot to edit in the cut to show the cars that struggled @ 7:14 , love the videos as always especially this series but thought yall should know incase you missed it!!

[@trailrunnah8886]

Totally loving this truck! Such perfect proportions on a regular cab. I would love to see a small build on this, maybe a 2-in lift and 33s. Even if you left the suspension alone, and just added some good all-terrain or mud tires, it would make worlds difference.

[@atodaso1668]

those are 33's

[@trailrunnah8886]

@@atodaso1668 are they really? They look so small. Okay, at least 33 inch all terrains, and maybe 35s would fit with a 2-in lift then.

[@johncooper5491]

They are 31s not 33s

[@atodaso1668]

@@johncooper5491 no way are they 31's, unless they made the tires smaller for the newest versions of this truck.

[@shaolin224]

Not sure if it matters much with results, but it looks like one of those rollers is out of true or slightly bent

[@alexhitsdrums]

6 min in and waiting for torture to be applied on to this. 😂

[@Synwright]

Excellent controlled text! Stubby has done it again! What a truck for the price. ✌️out.

[@jnmaher1967]

Thank god the regular cab Ram is still here.

[@xcmalvarez4]

I have this on my 2015 ram! I love it!!!!

[@joshcarmo]

Was that crab walk mode lol

[@ramonmacias9013]

Might be the only new truck I might consider buying. 4x4 with an effective traction control and a simple am/fm radio and I am good

[@jedironin380]

Who knew a base model Dodge work truck came with Crab Mode, just like the Bronco?! LOL!

[@jordangraf673]

Man that looked fun! Awesome truck.

[@scotturich]

Would love to see that rig with maybe a KO2 and see how it performs

[@BikerJim74]

KO2's are awesome

[@sapperROSS]

They really should have put a solid 33" m/t on it or aggressive a/t

[@fifthcircle1]

Budget minded.... Get some Treadwright Warden tires. Basically, a retread that is the same as the BFG.

[@donleamon8653]

@@fifthcircle1 - nothing like betting your life with Chinisium shoes

[@therucha]

Honestly really impressive

[@mrrayramos]

Definitely entertaining and informative, well done. I own a 2020 RAM 2500 4X4 REG CAB 8FT 6.4L BASIC TRADESMAN W/ SNOW PLOW PKG.. Looking forward to more videos.

[@RoGuExPaNcAkE]

I drive a 22’ ram classic 1500 with the same v6 for work. I get to take it home. It’s almost identical except for the 8 foot bed. And the one I drive doesn’t have 4high it has 4low and 4lock. Great truck so far tho.

[@dannyo6699]

Take the truck to Walmart and have the Auto Care Techs install a set of Goodyear Wrangler ATS tires on it. That tire is only available in a P265/70R17, which I saw is the size the truck has. They have a more aggressive grip but are fairly inexpensive. Good value and a cheap upgrade.

[@GettingthruLife]

TFL terms like fantastic condition and the cheapest most affordable truck make me raise an eyebrow and give off a little chuckle.

[@formerice]

I have a 2017 Bighorn Ecodiesel and a Subaru Outback. When the snow gets bad, I'll take the Ram every time. Ram also gets better mpg.

[@eamonob84]

Interesting. I just traded in my Subaru Impreza for a Ram 1500 and have been wondering how the difference in snow driving will be. The Subaru was basically unstoppable in snow but I haven’t had a chance to drive the Ram in snow yet. Looking forward to it and I’m glad to see you feel it performs better than a Subaru. That gives me a lot of confidence for the winter.

[@formerice]

@@eamonob84 Normal snow driving use 4 x4 auto mode, but serious off road, 4x4 Low will get you anywhere. 4x4 auto is AWD like a Subaru with traction control. Both vehicles are great though, provided tires are up to it.

[@Spoolingturbski]

I’ve noticed TFL they shoot straight for 4WL. You should always start 4WH and attempt to get out and only use 4WL as a last resort. Hell I’ll even try to manage not using 4WD at all if it can be helped. With that said, Tommy has done something really cool here with these slip tests and has become top tier review status.

[@atvseatexchange2176]

Great job Tommy.

[@7777xm]

Understanding how the differential works may help understand this whole setup. You have your input speed that is split 50/50 when going straight. When you start to turn whatever percentage decrease you get on one side is the percentage increase on the other. It will always add 100%. If you're going straight in one wheel starts losing traction, then that wheel will spin faster than the one that still has traction. The roller wheels have100% of the input. So if you slow that spinning wheel down, that power is automatically transferred to the stuck wheel by using the brakes. Traction control applies it to just the correct wheels so there's no additional energy lost trying to prevent a stuck wheel from moving.

[@radseven89]

Incredible that 1 tire can propel such a heavy mass forward.

[@rgonza43]

The BW 44-44 is a mechanical transfer case compare to the BW 44-45 that uses clutches (4WD auto) that are found in higher trims. In 4LOW the traction control is disabled, compared to 4HI that you have to press the switch for 10 seconds to be fully deseable

[@quicktoevil]

are you sure you have that right? I think the BW44-45 is a fully mechanical transfer case.

[@DavidStewart-np3cj]

Stubby is putting all the FX4s, AT4s and TRDs to shame for 30k less.

[@emmett8food481]

Ima stick with my 2001 Dodge Ram 1500. It's got 4wd, it's got a 5.9lt V8 and it's a single cab with a 6ft box. Works well imo, and I'm very impressed with the new rams