When off-roading, do you use goat modes or do you manually configure your Bronco?

[TruckCamper]

Goat modes = not needed and more potential for issues.

Biggest problem with goat modes is they are reset when turning off engine. This makes to much more likely to have issues as modes engage/disengage locker, 4wd and sway bar. (Unless you turn everything off before shutting down)

Only time our Raptor got a wrench was with using modes. I prefer just normal with selecting features.

I also do not appreciate the modes messing with throttle response, steering force or shifting logic. It's much easier to master a vehicle in technical driving situations when you adjust and learn how it responds to input. Modes just mess all that up.

Of course Ford is targeting new drivers and trying to remove driver skills. But that is just lazy and not helpful in high risk situations. I don't want it to hold brakes or do anything else. I want to drive!!!

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[AK SNO RIDER]

I only use them because Ford decided it was okay to lock out features unless you switch modes. Manual control over everything would be so much better.

 

[HalfmuleFarmer]

Biggest problem with goat modes is they are reset when turning off engine. This makes to much more likely to have issues as modes engage/disengage locker, 4wd and sway bar. (Unless you turn everything off before shutting down)

I‘d concur that it’s general good practice to return everything to default ‘normal‘ mode once you’re off the trail or if you’re stopping for lunch, etc. Lockers should def be turned off before turning off the engine, but I’m having a hard time imagining a situation/driver when that wouldn’t happen — but possible!

 

[jwilliesd]

Baja Mode is GREAT for Off roading in the Deserts of Eastern SoCal and the High Desert. Slippery, on serious snowy nights on the highway has also been a butt saver more than once.

 

[dgorsett]

I shift to 4H or 4L as needed, I may engage both more than most folks because I dont want to tear up the trail and appreciate the additional control of 4L. I use the locker only when needed. I used Sand in sand once didn't like it and have used Mud and Ruts a couple times.

I would like Ford to provide detailed info on what each mode does. Like what @HalfmuleFarmer shared. OM says to use Sand if stuck but not why. Do any Modes provide enhanced traction control? My son's Toyota does and it can be handy.

 

[CalvinT]

In ROCK CRAWL there’s 3-sec automatic braking if you release the throttle, so you don’t roll backward halfway up an obstacle,

This probably only applies to those with an automatic. No danger of rolling back with a manual unless you push in the clutch.

 

[MilesTeg]

This probably only applies to those with an automatic. No danger of rolling back with a manual unless you push in the clutch.

Ford really should publish, in detail, what everything does in all vehicle configurations. Might make me use the annoying dial when/if there's something useful.

Maybe they have but I've only seen charts that state pretty vague things like "change in throttle/steering feel".

 

[HalfmuleFarmer]

Ford really should publish, in detail, what everything does in all vehicle configurations. Might make me use the annoying dial when/if there's something useful.

Maybe they have but I've only seen charts that state pretty vague things like "change in throttle/steering feel".

Yeah, excellent idea. It’s probably out there somewhere. I mean, the Off-Roadeo instructors know, so someone is telling them. I was disdainful of the modes too, before being almost knee deep in clay mud in Moab. Like I said earlier, I don’t bother going to them very often, and certainly, one should understand how and why the manual approach to things works — but there’s some interesting tech in there.

 

[CalvinT]

I have two charts that claim to explain each of the G.O.A.T. modes does, except they don't agree with each other. There has be an accurate table somewhere.

Most information I find "dumbs it down" telling you the situation to use each mode, but only describes in vague terms what they do.

 

[HalfmuleFarmer]

I have two charts that claim to explain each of the G.O.A.T. modes does, except they don't agree with each other. There has be an accurate table somewhere.

Most information I find "dumbs it down" telling you the situation to use each mode, but only describes in vague terms what they do.

Yeah, I mean stuff like a dampened airbag response in BAJA and a micro, asymmetrical wheel stutter in MUD & RUTS to shake off mud is *very* interesting. The 3-sec auto-brake in ROCK CRAWL (yes, for the automatic) is def useful on rock inclines. The tighter steering is good too, in situations where the trail wants to jerk the wheel. I mean, the tech is IN there — we all paid for it. I’d rather know about it and choose to use it or not than to just ignore it.

 

[dgorsett]

Ford really should publish, in detail, what everything does in all vehicle configurations. Might make me use the annoying dial when/if there's something useful.

Maybe they have but I've only seen charts that state pretty vague things like "change in throttle/steering feel".

THIS

 

[dgorsett]

Yeah, I mean stuff like a dampened airbag response in BAJA and a micro, asymmetrical wheel stutter in MUD & RUTS to shake off mud is *very* interesting. The 3-sec auto-brake in ROCK CRAWL (yes, for the automatic) is def useful on rock inclines. The tighter steering is good too, in situations where the trail wants to jerk the wheel. I mean, the tech is IN there — we all paid for it. I’d rather know about it and choose to use it or not than to just ignore it.

...and I'm sure there is more, but if I knew I might use it..."we all paid for it. I’d rather know about it and choose to use it or not than to just ignore it."

 

[Scooter M'Gee]

No off-road GOAT here. Hi or Low 4WD / lockers manually as needed. The only GOAT mode I have used is Slippery on the road with snow.

 

[AZ_Liberty]

Pretty sure I haven't touched the stupid dial more than twice since I've owned it.

 

[SHANUT]

As the title says, when you’re off-roading do you manually set all the settings for 4x4 or do you use the pre-canned goat modes?

I despise the idiot knob.

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