Steep Downhill in Snow/Ice - Advice

I recently purchased property in the mountains which is at the top of a ridge. The road (graveled) has a very steep straight incline then curves sharply as you reach to top. This area does not receive a lot of sun so it has a lot of packed snow and ice. Going up is not my concern, it’s coming down. Since I am new owner of a 2006 Tacoma 4WD, I am trying to understand what is the proper setting for this type of scenario. To come down the hill, I’m having to start off in a sharp curve, then try to straighten up into a rapid decent. Today, I used 2nd gear and 4 hi and still ended up sliding down the hill luckily to a spot where it was dirt and I got traction back. Wondering what is the best way to maneuver down this curve/hill? What about chains? Reading where chains can’t be used with Tacoma’s?! Any advice appreciated!

 

I’d suggest 4W lo. The trick is to keep the wheels turning slowly so that you can keep some steering. Locked and skidding wheels won’t give any control.

 

I agree with trying 4lo. You can also manually select gears in the automatic. Start in low. I have blizzak dmv2 on my truck and find the brakes and abs are not that great. My Elantra feels much more in control when descending steep and icy hills. I am running cheap studded tires on it. I would think about getting some studded tires on rims or snow tires if you plan to keep the truck. Lots of great deals to be had on rims and tires. it adds life to your summer set and keeps them in nice condition.

 

Back in idaho we shoveled dirt onto icy patches. If icey no 4x4 setting will be useful.

 

Chains, yes, chains.

 

4WD for sure so both axles are used for braking. If 4hi in 2nd gear is too fast, use 4lo in 2nd or 3rd gear.
Chains can be used in the rear, but they are more for deep snow than ice. Front tires don't have clearance with the suspension to accommodate chains.
Studded tires are more effective on ice, so you can run them if your area allows them in the winter. Beware they'll be noisy on pavement.
You can always salt the icy areas to melt them and get a bit more traction if the incline isn't too long.

 

There ain’t much you can do for traction going down hill on ice. 4wd doesn’t really help. Once you start sliding down hill on ice you are shit out of luck. About the best you can do is to get some studded tires and or chains. I’d get studded tires if legal in your state.

 

Studded tires for sure, keeping then rolling as mentioned is critical.

 

100%

 

Quality on-shore snow tires and have them studded.

chains suck when the road gets clear. It’s messy and annoying putting them on and off.

 

Be careful ! The law of averages eventually will come into play.

 

But on the subject of Captain Xavier:

 

4lo, 1st gear. Another trick I've used is to push in the parking brake 1-2 clicks. If your rear wheels lock up you can still steer with the front.

Chains are a PITA, but often the only choice. They make chains for close clearance fitment. Toyota does not recommend chains at all, but they can be used if you stay away from the V-Bar versions. If you have oversize tires forget chains unless you also have a lift with plenty of clearance. While they don't work as well in deep snow cables do fine in light snow and ice. They are also easier to put on, take off, and if you have to drive through some clear patches are better than chains.

I live on top of a similar hill about 1/2 mile to the bottom with a sharp 90 degree left turn going down hill. Fortunately there is a hay field at the bottom of the hill and when snow is predicted every one of my 21 neighbors parks one vehicle at the bottom of the hill. Then walk the hill.

We have two 4X4 trucks. In addition to the Tacoma I have a 4X4 F150. I will often park the Ford in the field and chain up the Tacoma. I'll use the Tacoma to get up and down the hill. Once I'm on level ground I'll switch to the Ford with no chains. then back to the Tacoma to get home until the snow melts.

 

I had a long steep uphill driveway in Bearsville, NY that had similar issues. After plowing out a few times and building up snow piles on both sides, it would melt on warm days and freeze shiny between the piles.
One time I was heading up fast with cheater chains, strap ons in the rears in my brand new company ride 280z Datsun, threw a chain that was hitting the bodywork so I had to stop to deal with it, and the z slid down backwards fast till I lost sight of it in the dark. The doors were open and the z was stopped when the backwards movement began, and both doors were destroyed from hitting the drifts. I had gotten out, but my girlfriend freaked & froze & rode it down backwards in pitch dark screaming.
Luckily I found my girlfriend safe at the bottom of hill, we had to climb the ice frim tree to tree to get home, and next morning after sliding down on our butts and tying the doors somewhat shut, I found an old trasher IH Scout mail truck and permanently put chains front & rear and filled it with firewood for weight. Kept it parked all winter at the bottom whenever I went out till I eventually traded the 280z for a Datsun 4wd which almost always made it up & down safely with studs & caution. Chains & 4lo moving slow will keep you safe & sane, but it's a pita to put real chains on & off outside a warm garage. Studded winter ice & snows are pretty good.
Keep it smooth & slow, gearing low.

 

4lo first gear for sure. If you start sliding giver her a little throttle (its counterintuitive) to match the wheel speed to vehicle speed (static friction coefficient is greater than sliding). But really some chains or better yet some good snow / ice tires would be better.... or a good SxS or snowmobile and park the truck at the bottom.

 

He's not implying that both axles aren't used for braking in a normal scenario. He's implying that by locking the front and rear ends together through the driveline and transfer case, that you now have both engine braking and more effective pedal braking by kindof forcing the vehicle into traction via the driveline.

Edit: and to be clear, I agree with him 100% and have used this technique for a long time.

 

I understand and wouldn't have blinked if it had read 'engine braking'. Apparently, based on a few 'likes', some other folks read it the same way I did.

In a sketchier situation I've even gone forward in reverse gear, using the throttle gently to help slow the vehicle by spinning the wheels backwards.

 

The engine braking helps, but having it in 4x4 also helps to prevent your front brakes from locking while the rears do nothing.