Ask The Editors: Turning AWD into 4WD
Good or too good to be true?
I found a kit – Knight ATV 4 Sure Override; I think I like this idea. My question: Is this a good idea? I would like to hear the pros/cons from experienced users. I use this machine as utility – in the woods pulling logs; plowing snow; pulling trailered loads and not for sport riding.
These kits do work but it’s important to know how they do. Contrary to common misconception, they are not offering a mechanical engagement mechanism similar to true 4×4 ATVs of yesteryear but rather an electrical bypass connected to a new handlebar mounted switch that allows you to send signal to the hubs as you see fit rather than waiting for its traction sensors to detect slippage.
That said, if that’s what you’re looking for – they absolutely do work. The only real con that we are aware of is the installation can be a little bit tricky. If you aren’t afraid of a little electrical work – you are essentially adding a relay circuit direct from the battery that feeds into the coil.
We’ve actually seen this mod performed before without a kit of any kind – backyard engineers just wiring in a simple toggle switch connected to the battery and directly to the coil wires for the hubs. The official kit is doing the same thing albeit with much better instructions and support if you get in over your head. There are many Youtube videos of the installation to follow in fact.
Some online reviews come down pretty hard on these systems, stating that a properly working machine does a better job of deciding which wheels should be receiving power, all the while saving you fuel in the process. Of course, we also understand the benefit of wishing to leave your machine in four-wheel while attempting a given task. It works as advertised if that’s what you’re hoping to accomplish.
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