Tacoma Traction Issues Thread

Driver input and experience is a part of the equation, but a quality snow/ice radial makes all the difference in the world.

 

This too...

I got rid of the stock "rugged fails" before I hit 1000 miles... I would like to have an extra set of wheels with dedicated studded snow tires, but for now I have some Big O Bigfoot AT's that work great...

 

When you choose something for ballast, consider that it may try to join you in the cab in the event of an accident. Things like bricks, rocks or concrete block could become deadly projectiles.

Yes and yes. IME proper snow/ice tires make a huge difference. (Not all season tires - tires designed specifically for traction on ice and snow.)

 

I have to agree somewhat. I also have noticed quite a few threads about driving in snow and ice. And some of the comments have been interesting. Like the one who stated he only put his truck in 4x4 to get started then back to 2wd - What?????.
If the conditions call for 4hi," like my back end started sliding on the snow/ice ", put it in 4x4 and leave it untill the conditions no longer make your truck slide or lose traction. Its a 4 wheel drive truck, thats what its designed for !! One of the biggest factors are the tires. If your running the stock tires, guess what, they suck in the snow. That why i got a set of Duratrac's install on my truck before the snow came. I have had no issues driving in the snow and ice covered roads. Third, driving in snow and on ice is only learned by experience. the more you have the better you will be, and that still doesnt mean you wont still lose it one day. But to say that these trucks are not good in the winter is a crock. tacos are some of the best winter driving vehicles around, and im sure most would agree to that. So if your having problems driving in the winter, get better tires, use your 4x4 more often , and get some experience driving in it.



Try these, they have been working great in the snow!

 

I equate driving in the snow/ice with all season tires to driving after a few drinks. Sure you think that you are in control and you have done it for years and years without a problem. Yada yada... that doesn't mean it isn't f**king stupid.

Yes driving style is a huge factor but so is driving a properly equipped vehicle.

 

Drove 350 miles through the big storm Friday night. No problems at all and I haven't driven in snow/ice in almost 10 years. Janster is right, the driver is the largest factor.

 

My 2010 is far more capable in deeper snow and packed snow in 2WD than my 2000 was. In 4WD it is even better. No problems here. Was out playing yesterday after the storm here. FUN!

 

Anybody living in regions that get a lot of snow and are still running stock Dunlops are asking for trouble. I had to make a two hour run one night the winter before i got my snow tires on and the roads were pretty slushy and let me tell ya it was pretty scary even when the truck was in 4x4.

 

I have a 1st gen prerunner and it didnt make it out of the driveway till yesterday....and that was being towed my a 77 k10......in 2wd!

 

Couple thoughts:

1. Tires matter. Want winter traction? Get a well-siped tire with soft tread compound. I run Firestone Winterforce studded tires as narrow as possible.

2. Put weight in the bed to hold the rear down, as others have mentioned. 300lbs of tube sand goes a long way.

3. 4x4 is there if you need it, but driving a RWD vehicle in winter is a good skill to master. Be featherlight on the throttle, keep your RPMs low, and always listen to what the rear end is telling you.

Dave

 

I have not had too many problems that were not caused by driving too fast for the conditions. I have found just slowing down, airing down and anticipating what the truck will do have cured most of the problems for me on hard packed ice/snow or in the deep fluffy powder, and this is with the stock Dunlop tires.

 

I see 2x2 trucks, rear wheel drive cars w/ no trac. control driving in the same conditions as me and they seem to do just fine without 4x4. Proof it is all in the driver.
4x4 helps you get going quicker, but the 5.0 mustang beside me eventually catches up by the next stop light.
If Im in 4hi, then I can assure you I'm not running 55 mph, because its probably slick out!

 

I had no problems this morning with my Tacoma. I do not run sand bags either. I just take my time and try not to make any sudden turns, starts or stops.

Follow at a safe distance especially if the person in front of you does not know how to drive on the ice and snow.

 

2x2? Is that like an AWD motorcycle?

 

awwww, very funny

 

Check this out - My new tire mod