2013 trd off-road traction options

In need of some guidance. I bought a 2013 trd off-road dcsb. I am used to just having the options of 2H, 4H, 4L and locking hubs. Now that I have a truck with what seems like a million options for off-road traction I am confused as to when to use what. I am familiar with 4H and 4L but not so much with when to use ATRAC, VSC, locker etc. does anyone know where I can find a good write up? Or does anyone want to do one? I've done a search already without much luck.

 

Um...no offense..did you try the manual?
I thought it was explained pretty clear myself.

 

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2n...-controls-trac-auto-lsd-trac-rear-locker.html

surprised David K's A trac Radar didn't go off

 

Look in da book.
There are some good explanations on here, try a search.

 

Book marked...better than the manual.

 

4L with A Trac on is flat out amazing. I read the manual over and over but I was still a bit confused. David K's post is pretty good, I learned a lot.

I learned the most when I went out and saw what the truck could do with different things engaged. I can tell you that in 4L, hit the A Trac button, it is amazing. You Tacoma can do so much, you will be amazed. You might not ever use your rear locker, but it is great if you actually get stuck.

The downhill assist button I will never use. I used it once and the sounds the engine made scared the crap out of me, but it is normal I learned after.

 

It's not clear at all in the manual IMO.

Read this OP. Breaks it down for you very clearly.

 

Thanks for the help guys. The manual was just confusing. Hopefully I can get it out to the woods tomorrow and mess with it.

 

Sorry to hear your troubles.

 

No trouble at all, really. I guess you're smarter than the average bear. Apparently I'm not the only one who didn't quite get the cryptic explanation in the manual.

 

If you don't understand something then you're having trouble...right?
How many times are you gonna go on about how you don't understand?
First you quote Cmurder's Hyperlink after Doording double quote's and then go on and on like a four year old trying to call me out.
Sheez,let it go will ya?
If you want to stir up sh!t stick your finger up your nose....lol

 

Wut? Where did I go on and on? Please explain, as I obviously don't understand you either.

 

amen brother

 

Wut?

 

I SAID AMEN BROTHER

 

Wut

 

I'm still not understanding. Maybe wgreenlee1021 could please explain it to me.

 

Hello and thanks for asking here on TW!

This was where I got some answers shortly after I got my 2010 Tacoma (in Dec. 2009) and while it was my third OFF ROAD 4WD Tacoma, it was nearly a totally different and more amazing animal than my previous two!

In my link below (and linked in this thread by my fellow TW'ers above) I try and help make logic out of the sometimes confusing words Toyota uses to address the traction options.

In 2012 they added a 10th traction option (9 just wasn't enough?!) so there is one more choice in H4 than what my 2010 has... The old TRAC in H4 was renamed TRAC OFF and the new TRAC (in H4) has engine regulation, like it does in H2.

That VSC button (car with skiddy lines) controls TRAC and VSC. These two are the confusing choices for folks, so more on that later...

The A-TRAC works only in L4 and in my opinion there is no reason not to have A-TRAC button depressed when you first go into L4, and leave it that way. A-TRAC is a super limited slip that is much more like front and rear differential lockers than limited slip. You are only in L4 for extreme four wheeling anyway, so why have free spinning tires (one in front and one in the rear) instead of any to all four tires working for you?

The rear locker is for 'emergency' unstuck use, and works only in L4. If you have the A-TRAC on, it would surprise me that you got stuck... but you got a rear locker just in case. I use mine to pull others up hills they can't climb (see video below). A-TRAC has throttle control, but with the locker on the A-TRAC doesn't activate until you drop below 3 mpg.

Okay, back to TRAC and TRAC OFF...

TRAC (since 2012) is traction control to help you move ahead when one tire is on a slippery surface. There is engine output regulation (throttle override) in TRAC (so you don't spin the tires too much). This is the standard mode in H2 and H4 (no button pushing). Use this until you loose traction from snow. ice, etc.

TRAC OFF (also called AUTO LSD in H2) is traction control with engine regulation OFF. In other words, full power to the traction tire(s) to pull you out. This feature requires a quick push of the button (moving or parked).

VSC is Vehicle Stability Control and is a system that keeps you driving in the direction you intend (while moving) by preventing sliding out-of-control. A quick beep-beep-beep and flashing light tells you it's working and maybe you should slow down.

VSC and TRAC can be disabled (together) by STOPPING the truck and then pushing in the button for a few seconds (until VSC OFF light comes on). This may be uisefull in snow or mud where you want the tires to spin to clean out the tread for traction. This is basically 'open differentials' and no traction control. The VSC will come back on automatically if you truck is driven unsafely to try and keep you from rolling over, or when you restart the truck.

VSC is off in AUTO LSD up to 30 mph, or in L4 (in which case you won't be driving fast anyway).

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

What do you use?
H2 until the road surface is questionable or you slip.
Press quickly the VSC button to improve traction (AUTO LSD).
H4 until you lose traction.
Press quickly the VSC button to improve traction (TRAC OFF).
L4 with A-TRAC button depressed for steep grade, crawling, deep mud, etc.
L4 with A-TRAC and Rear Diff Locker when all else fails or extracting your friends with 2WDs or non A-TRAC 4WDs!

Remember, in deep sand you don't want high RPMs or to spin your tires, so H4 with TRAC OFF is best and lowering the air pressure in your tires by 50% or more will be the ticket to float over it instead of digging into it.

 

I sure hope so DoorDing!