Available traction controls??

Hello all. New to the site and I am currently shopping for a new Tacoma. I pretty much know what model/options I want, except for the available miscellaneous traction controls.

The brochure lists VSC, TRAC, HAC, and DAC in the options section, but I cant find a description or cost for these in the brochure or even on Toyotas web site (seems very odd). I may or may not want these, but I would like to know how much ease costs, and whether or not I can turn them 'off' if I want to.

If anyone has knows the facts or where I can can get them, I would greatly appreciate it.


Thanks!

 

Those are usually options that you have to order from the factory. It's rare to find one on the lot with those options. They're not really necessary, unless you just have some money to burn.

active traction (A-TRAC) and vehicle skid control (VSC) hill-start assist control (HAC) and downhill assist control (DAC)

 

The dealers local to my area (I'm in Canada, so maybe this is different in the U.S.) even have difficulties figuring out how to get trucks with these options on them. Every single salesman tells me something different. Some tell me the VSC and A-TRAC are standard on some automatic 4x4 models.

The thing that bugs me about Toyota is that you can't even find out how good their A-Trac or VSC might be (what kind of technology are they using). I think these features might (does anyone have a truck, that can testify?) be good for me in the winter months.

 

All that is standard on all 4x4 dbl cab auto Tacomas. The other models you have to order them and I don't believe their nessicary unless you do a lot of towing and hauling. You can't turn them off inless you wire up a switch to them like I have, but the dealership doesn't like that too much.

 

brant_trd-

I thought the point of having ATRAC & VSC was for skid out/sliding/spinout situations?

 

Personally, depending on where one lives, I'm sold on VSC. After this winter in NE Ohio, I'm here to tell you with certainly VSC ''works as advertised''. Additionally, unlike previous Tacoma's, the 07' does have a on/off VSC switch. VSC, does not come standard with any Tacoma package or model and has to be ordered as an additional option. Also, keep in mind when you order VSC, you get the auto limited slip differential. If you have the TRD package, you get the best of both worlds; the rear locker for off-roading, and the auto limited slip for winter driving on the roads. Well worth the $800-900 option... IMO. Also, during my research I found this cool video on yahoo explaining exactly how VSC works. Check it out:
http://video.yahoo.com/video/play?vid=938fd0442e2deace992de3168e3ce105.689732

 

Naw. That stuff is not standard. The only thing that is standard is ABS brakes.

You have to get the VE option package, which includes VSC + TRAC w/Hill Start Ascent Control (HAC) and Downhill Assist Control (DAC)

 

Pb is right, none of that is standard. IMO, if you have 4 wheel drive and are careful, thats all you need in the winter months.

 

As a guy that investigates/reconstructs accidents, mainly defence work. They don't call us unless there is a cleansing of the gene pool or a life changing injury.

I love you PB...but that is the furthest from the truth.

If you can afford it...get it....you will have a safer vehicle...it will make a difference...It can/does change the dynamics of an accident. I don't care how great you think you are in making defensive maneuvers...that system will think a 1000 times faster and react just as fast. It is not fool proof but in the majority of cases it will make difference IN YOUR FAVOR if you find yourself in a situation. When you have a vehicle already that has a higher propensity to roll and a significant higher CG...you need all the help you can get.

In the not so distant future this will be standard...to me it is sad it's not already.

 

Thanks to everyone who replied. All of your input is appreciated.

 

EXACTLY, I wish I had a dime for every time someone mentioned: "if you just buy 4 wheel drive and just be careful". This is old school thought. 4 wheel drive won't do you any good when you find yourself spinning out of control on a major interstate with traffic.. Yes, I agree driving technique can not replace technology; however, flying airplanes for a living and having the latest technologies from keeping an aircraft skidding out of control or crashing is great to have in your back pocket on a dark and stormy night. Why one wouldn't want all the available proven technologies(as VSC has shown) keeping a driver on his/her intended path..is a mystery to me. I don't care how good of a driver you may think you are, VSC can react by applying individual wheel braking, quicker and faster than human response. Hence, saving life.

 

The reason why I made a switch was so I can do a burnout otherwise the ATRAC kicks in so I cant, plus I like sliding out of control.

 

Did you buy?

 

your truck has a HVAC system too btw, but no 8 track

 

I have the sport TRD 4x4 DC with VSC. I thought A-TRAC, HAC and DAC were options that came on the TRD off-road along with the e-locker.

 

A-TRAC IS HUGE if you off-road at all. I would have bought a different model had I known my truck didn't have it....