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Old 01-27-2023, 07:07 AM   #1
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Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Compass 23TW
State: Nevada
Posts: 63
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AWD really works!

It’s winter in the mountains so we decided to give the new Compass 23TW AWD a test run for the All Wheel Drive. Ours is the 2023 Ford Transit 350 HD gas model. The AWD feature was a big plus for us.
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We have a sorta steep gravel driveway. The RV storage is at the bottom of the driveway where it’s flat. At the time of the test the snow was about 4” deep.
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It passed with flying colors! I wish I could post the video of the Compass moving through the snow. In the video you can see how steep the driveway is. For a “keep’em honest” test Jim decided to drive part way up the hill, stop on the steepest section, then start again. Worked like a champ! We used the mud and ruts drive mode.
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On a different trip returning home through the Sierra the snow was sticking on I-80 over Donner Pass. (Chain laws went up 30 minutes later) There we used the slippery mode and had no difficulty whatsoever. We carry chains but hope to never need to use them.

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Old 01-27-2023, 01:40 PM   #2
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Model: Miramar 37.1
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It was better to test it out fully now and not on the road on a trip to make sure everything works. I bet you are glad you had the opportunity to test it out.


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Old 01-27-2023, 03:46 PM   #3
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That is a great feature to have. It can really pay off when you need it.
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Old 01-27-2023, 04:44 PM   #4
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Is the system "All Wheel Drive" (full time always engaged) or 4-Wheel Drive (part time only - manual engage as needed).

Just wondering what division Ford sourced the system from - trucks or cars.

Regardless, either way, having that feature can be a life saver!
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Old 01-27-2023, 05:11 PM   #5
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Model: 2015 ACE 29.3
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Up here in the rust belt ...If you drive your rv in the snow and salt (brine)... in a few years there would be nothing left....i try to avoid any weather like that....
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Old 01-27-2023, 06:27 PM   #6
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Wonder how it would do down here on the beach? Been in snow country one time too many in my life...living the Salt Life now but not the street salt. Nice report!!
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Old 01-27-2023, 06:45 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Chateau_Nomad View Post
Is the system "All Wheel Drive" (full time always engaged) or 4-Wheel Drive (part time only - manual engage as needed).

Just wondering what division Ford sourced the system from - trucks or cars.

Regardless, either way, having that feature can be a life saver!
I don't know for sure, but since it has selectable modes I would suspect it has 4WD capability.
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Old 01-28-2023, 12:32 AM   #8
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Model: Compass 23TW
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Chateau_Nomad View Post
Is the system "All Wheel Drive" (full time always engaged) or 4-Wheel Drive (part time only - manual engage as needed).

Just wondering what division Ford sourced the system from - trucks or cars.

Regardless, either way, having that feature can be a life saver!
The system is full time All Wheel Drive. The only driver input is selection of the Mode which can be changed via a page on the center display.

The system has 5 modes: Normal, Eco, Slippery, Tow/Haul, and Mud/Ruts. Ford has never provided any detailed documentation of each of the modes which have different torque maps, throttle maps, shift points, and traction control settings.

Most reviews say Mud/Ruts is the best mode in snow.

On start the system always comes up in Normal Mode which is a hassle if you prefer Eco Mode.

The system is sourced from the truck division.

This rig has the stock Hankook Dynapro HT all season tires which have very good reviews for traction in snow. We concur.
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Old 01-28-2023, 02:12 AM   #9
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Interesting post. I am wondering why the preferred mode for snow would be mud/ruts as opposed to slippery. Perhaps mud/ruts is a 4 wheel locker mode?
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Old 01-28-2023, 03:38 AM   #10
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Originally Posted by MJC62 View Post
Interesting post. I am wondering why the preferred mode for snow would be mud/ruts as opposed to slippery. Perhaps mud/ruts is a 4 wheel locker mode?
The posts (aka speculation) in Ford Transit forums say that the torque is split 50/50 front/rear in Mud/Ruts Mode. Also, the traction control is off per the dash display. This is counterintuitive but the results speak for themselves. (Traction control is achieved by braking each corner individually as required via an electric actuator on each brake. If active for a long period, the brake(s) can overheat.)

In hindsight I should have made a run up the driveway using each mode so I could compare. On the other hand, Mud/Ruts worked so well that I am a happy camper.

Jim
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Old 01-28-2023, 06:37 AM   #11
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I have Dynapros on our E-Series class C... AND on my 2017 F-150... although I think the F-150 tires have a different spec. They definitely wear very well.
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Old 02-06-2023, 07:08 AM   #12
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Thanks for sharing, that’s awesome.

People have asked me, and used to ask about my Class A, “How does it do on snow?” I reply, “I hope I never find out.”
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