Which GOAT mode to use for snow

[rasII]

It's the reason I bought a Sport-for the Kentucky winters when it snows. The BL has a locking differential which I hope will keep me going for the most part but I'm wondering which mode would be best in the snow?
Any suggestions woukd be appreciated

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[Mark S.]

It's the reason I bought a Sport-for the Kentucky winters when it snows. The BL has a locking differential which I hope will keep me going for the most part but I'm wondering which mode would be best in the snow?
Any suggestions woukd be appreciated

To be honest, I've rarely felt a need to use any mode other than NORMAL. If I were you I would read through the manual in the section about drive modes. The manual does a pretty good job of describing what each mode does and offers tips on when to use them. For example, the description for the MUD/RUTS mode includes the following note:

This mode may help get your vehicle unstuck from deep snow or sand.

For SLIPPERY mode the manual states:

For less than ideal road conditions such as snow or ice covered roads. This mode can be used for crossing terrain where a firm surface is covered with loose, wet or slippery material. Slippery mode lowers throttle response and optimizes shifting for slippery surfaces.

To me, this suggests the best mode for snow-covered roads is SLIPPERY, with the understanding that you can use MUD/RUTS if you get stuck.

BTW, the manual includes a caveat for both of these modes: You shouldn't use them on dry pavement. Which brings me back to my original statement: Use NORMAL mode unless you have a problem. It's rare that I will drive all the way from point a to point b on completely snow/ice-covered roads. In NORMAL the system will automatically adjust when the road conditions change with no worries about causing undue wear or harm.

 

[magicbus]

You should check out this great explanation.

https://www.broncosportforum.com/forum/threads/goat-modes-terrain-management-system-explained.1373/

 

[BSBB4Les]

I usually go between normal and slippery when driving on roads plowed and unplowed on a single trip. Where we live, main roads are plowed while back and residential roads are often not. Since you can switch from one mode to another very easily, that's what I do. I generally just drive in normal mode any other times. We have a Big Bend, which doesn't have the locking rear. It also doesn't have mud/ruts mode.

 

[Escape2Bronco]

I agree with Mark. I would leave it in normal unless you get into deep unplowed snow and feel like you are loosing the ability to keep going. Personally, with a Badlands, I would use the buttons around the knob, rather than the goats. I do not like the goat mode for slippery surfaces. Basically, all it does is reduce the throttle response. While in principle, this may be good but personally, I’d rather control the throttle than the vehicle trying to control me. But then I’m an old goat myself so that could explain a lot.

 

[Tall Timbers]

I normally leave it in normal mode, but two days ago I returned to learn we'd had about 20 inches of snow and it was just too much for my daughter to plow with the atv or blow with the snow blower. She tried but we ended up with a mess. When she was driving us home from the airport she got stuck half way up the driveway. I locked the wheels in 4X4 and she was able to get us into the garage. The next day when I was coming up the driveway I put it in sand mode and it went up real easily. Those are the first times I've used anything other than normal.

 

[Gadget]

I'm in North Idaho & find Normal works quite well. When the residential streets are unplowed and slushy, I've used Slippery mode. You'll feel an immediate difference in the throttle and engine as the vehicle slows much faster when you let off the gas. There is purposefully less torque because you don't want the wheels to spin. Also, when you shift back to Normal you'll feel the dynamics "loosen up" and you'll feel like the car really wants to go. Anyway, I'm not convinced it handles so much better in Slippery, but it definitely instills a more confident feel. ?

 

[CherylRay]

I don't have any suggestions for snow because we try to stay away from that. However, we really like the Eco mode as we drive long distances. Since we got our Hot Pepper Red Bronco Sport at the end of July we've put over 10,000 miles on it with no problems except a screw in one tire. The Eco mode seems to be great for trips, and otherwise we just use Normal.

 

[The YETI]

I normally leave it in normal mode, but two days ago I returned to learn we'd had about 20 inches of snow and it was just too much for my daughter to plow with the atv or blow with the snow blower. She tried but we ended up with a mess. When she was driving us home from the airport she got stuck half way up the driveway. I locked the wheels in 4X4 and she was able to get us into the garage. The next day when I was coming up the driveway I put it in sand mode and it went up real easily. Those are the first times I've used anything other than normal.

Had the same issue up here in Michigan, put the Big Bend in Sand mode and had a blast with it! Loving the Bronco in snow with Toyo AT IIIs

 

[Wyo]

Sand mode in deep snow is a blast! Most of the time normal or slippery is all you need but sometimes in the deeper snow, I want the revs and no chance for the traction control to kick on.

 

[13MikeH]

SE Michigan I've used eco mode to lower throttle with light snow. I've used slippery on light cover. We've had some days/weeks with 12"+ and I went slippery with lock on using my slip/engagement screen as a guide. 99% of the time it stays on front wheel only unless it's rough/locked. The BS is no joke.​

 

[Wyo]

No, you're right, it's a beast in the snow. We had a recent 15" storm and I could not get it to remotely feel like it was struggling. Didn't even slip period and this was on unplowed roads and open fields.

 

[TSP Overland]

With a mild snow covering, it's a toss-up between Normal and Slippery. They both do a great job. For driving in deeper snow (say more than 7-8"+), we have found that Sand mode seems to work the best. It gives more of the control to the driver as the driver aids intervene the least. No pesky TCS kicking when you need wheel speed.

 

[Barry S.]

Hey guys, I'm jealous. I'm in North Carolina. It was cold over the weekend but no snow and temperatures are back in the 50's. I'm missing out on all the fun.?

 

[Broncette]

I live in Ohio's snowbelt. I will use the slippery mode if there is snow on the road. If it's really bad then I turn on the 4wd lock. I don't use the rear differential lock because my husband said it was for off roading and we to never turn that on unless he tells me so I'm too scared to use it lol.

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