How does your 3rd gen handle driving in snow?

Just another data point: I regularly drive over the Sierras in both my 2nd and 3rd gen Tacoma, and they are some of the best vehicles for snow this side of a unimog. For the record though I have caps on both which probably helps with rear end grip.

 

I would love to have a Unimog! Coolest truck EVER!

 

You and me both haha. I only had the chance to drive one once (in Colorado), but that thing was unstoppable. Literately went through 3+ foot drifts like it was nothing. Someday...

 

Many times around here the snowplow will only make a single pass down the very center of the road so when you drive the passenger side wheels are in snow and slush while the drivers side would be on somewhat dry pavement, the Factory Goodyear Kevlar's were basically awful for this type of winter driving situation, but I can report feels much better on the Wildpeaks.

 

Yup...stock tires & rims from Pro.
265/70/16

 

I’m on KO2’s and my TACO did great in the snow. More ground clearance would be nice but that was on a trail with pretty deep snow, on regular roads no problem at all.

 

I agree the Limited 4Runner performs very well in snow, but one has to remember that the Limited 4Runner has a Torsen Locking Center Differential. I run Michelin Ice X tires on my Limited 4Runner and find the setup great for Colorado winter travel. In my opinion, the locking center diff in the 4Runner makes the 4Runner great for snowy roads, much better on snowy roads than the part time system used in my FJ and my Tacoma. Check out the difference between the two systems.

4BYTOY

 

4BYTOY,

i agree the 4runner is a little better given most snow conditions; however i also think adding a shell to the Tacoma does help. but still it doesn't hang with the 4 runner. But my wife went from a 4runner to one of those new Subaru accents and that thing is awesome in the snow!

 

Pickups are the worst handling vehicles in the snow...hands down.
Maybe they're ok if you're an adv guy with a few hundred pound tent and a few roto-pax attached to a bed bar system....rendering the bed useless.

Tires and what you have in the bed make a huge difference in how it'll handle but it's a plastic bed pu........with drum brakes.

 

Haha what ?

 

boldy bold boulder.....to use the pickup truck as a pickup truck.

 

Well aware of how to use a pickup. I'd hardly say a setup like that renders the bed useless. Just gave me a good chuckle that's all.


Guess I'll put my 2c in. My 17' OR handles well in snow. Some weight and good judgement helps. An SUV or AWD car handles better. But no real complaints. Better than all the other MT trucks I've owned for sure

 

Not reading through 10 pages...….. I've never driven a Taco in the snow. But I have driven a 4x2 Ranger in the snow. And it did great. It all depends if you know how to drive in snow. Might sound a bit egotistical. But learning to drive in the snow is a skill. Cars and trucks handle different in the snow...…...Duh. A truck made for off roading, 4x4, will handle different. Friend that has a 2017 RS says it drives awesome in the snow.

 

My truck is excellent in the snow. I purchased a set of snowflake rated Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3 un-studded winter tires this year and they're great in all of the scenarios they've been put through. I put a healthy amount of sandbags in the bed (3), along the axle to provide some extra weight. I don't slide, snow traction is excellent, ice traction is amazing, hell even slush traction is great. I don't slide unless I MAKE myself slide and that takes a lot of effort and a lead foot. With the snow we get I get a bit more weight which doesn't hurt too much. If you have 4x4 you'll have a great, safe winter - just get some proper snowflake rated winter tires either brand new or used with a lot of tread left and use your judgement. Put 4x4 on if you need it, gear down to come to a stop if you have to, and drive conservatively.

 

All good!!
I've had MT's with manual hubs for the past 30 years, scout2, cherokee, blazer pathfinder, all were good in the snow.
The extra weight of the roof etc was the gist of my comment.....makes a PU weight distribution similar to an suv.....not many of the current mini van suvs.

 

Haha the snowplow issue can be real at times. I feel you on that one. The light side of the MTN

 

With a set of Falken wildpeak at3 tires and 150lbs of sandbags in the bed corners the truck handled 10ft of snow in 3 days like it was made for it. Crud, ice, powder, slush, mud, simply flawless and confidence inspiring.

 

My wife and I recently moved to Montana as well. My 4x4 TRD Sport has had no issues in the snow. Just prior to moving I purchased a set of BFG KO2’s. My wife drives a Subaru Forester. Subaru is good in snow as well.

 

Tires and weight in the back make a big difference. I put Falken Rubitrek tires on when I bought my Tacoma and have not been disappointed. Previously had KO2 which were good on snow but absolute hockey pucks on the ice.

 

I bought my Tacoma to drive in the snow. It's my favorite thing to do. I put some weight in the back and bought General Grabbers.. really fun now.