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2017 TRD Sport 2WD - Thoughts on Snow

Discussion in '3rd Gen. Tacomas (2016-2023)' started by jimbo805, Jan 27, 2021.

  1. Jan 28, 2021 at 10:29 AM
    #21
    Joe Joe

    Joe Joe Well-Known Member

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    AWD > 2WD any day of the week in snow...
     
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  2. Jan 28, 2021 at 10:30 AM
    #22
    tonered

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    There are stability considerations. Putting weight near the TG can cause more oversteer / pendulum effect, depending on a few factors. When my Taco was new and still on the Stock Toyos for the first couple snow falls and icy roads, I lashed tube sand over the axle. After getting a feel for it, I moved it back to the TG for balancing. The rear was planted nicely when messing around in corners, where it was twitchy with no weight in the slick stuff.

    Since, I have gone to ATs with some permanent weight back there (Softopper, bed mat, and a storage case that is probably 50lb or 60lb). So, no need for tube sand. I've hit some ice patches and was impressed how balanced things are now. Completely driveable with the throttle.


    Start conservative and get a feel.
     
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  3. Jan 28, 2021 at 10:30 AM
    #23
    jimbo805

    jimbo805 [OP] Active Member

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    EB112DE9-C2A4-4B4D-A5D7-842A6C562895.jpg Here’s a photo of her, this is when I had the wild peaks.
     
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  4. Jan 28, 2021 at 10:37 AM
    #24
    gudujarlson

    gudujarlson Well-Known Member

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    The AWD car is infinitely better in the snow than your 2wd pickup; albeit I’ve never used chains.
     
    Last edited: Jan 28, 2021
  5. Jan 28, 2021 at 10:44 AM
    #25
    gudujarlson

    gudujarlson Well-Known Member

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    Yes I agree that handling can be affected. I mentioned in my first post. But in this case we are after traction so that we can get started from intersections, parking spots, up hills, etc. You don’t need great handling if you can’t move forward. :)
     
  6. Jan 28, 2021 at 10:47 AM
    #26
    tonered

    tonered bartheloni

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    Yep. I saw that. Just answering your question.
     
  7. Jan 28, 2021 at 10:48 AM
    #27
    gudujarlson

    gudujarlson Well-Known Member

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    I edited my post after you quoted it.
     
  8. Jan 28, 2021 at 10:53 AM
    #28
    tonered

    tonered bartheloni

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    That is true, but the weight is going to be back there. I had a pretty good feel for my Taco just goofing around in the wet. Dealing with doubts and first tries, I play it conservative then expand the envelope. The TG spot worked for me. I have no idea how it will react with a differently balanced DCLB 4x2 with KBros and a canopy.
     
  9. Jan 28, 2021 at 11:03 AM
    #29
    gudujarlson

    gudujarlson Well-Known Member

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    I wouldn't be surprised if a more forward position might be optimal for hiway use where handling is more important and a more rearward position be optimal for in-town and off-road use where traction is important. I might be splitting hairs though. I have vague memory of some race trucks that could reposition weight in the bed.

    Personally I haven't put any weight in the back of my OR either winter I have owned it. I did put 150 lbs in the back of my SR5 4wd with street tires though. The OR with AT or MT tires does decently well in 2wd unless there is a significant amount of snow/ice on the road.
     
    Last edited: Jan 28, 2021
  10. Jan 28, 2021 at 11:15 AM
    #30
    tonered

    tonered bartheloni

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    You're right. 120lb on a 5,000lb Taco is about 2.5%. But, I definitely noticed that it helped me and there was no adverse effect with it where I wanted it.

    It was pretty interesting that I had my bed empty for the first time in a long time and noticed that the rear was bouncy without any weight on it.


    I seem to remember that about race trucks also. Not sure where from though.
     
  11. Jan 28, 2021 at 2:08 PM
    #31
    tirediron

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    Because your steer tires need some love too! If you place the weight behind the rear axel, you cause a pivot effect, and actually reduce the weight on the front end, albeit slightly, but in a skid, every little bit counts. If you place the weight directly over the rear axel, you get maximum tractive effort, yes, but there's no benefit to the front end, whereas if you place the weight forward of the rear axel (and bear in mind, I mean only slightly forward), then you still get maximum tractive effort, but you also get some benefit to the front end. This is the same reason why, if you chain up, you should chain up all four wheels. It's great to have the drive tires biting in, but if the steer tires hit ice or compact snow and cause the front end to swing, guess what... it's taking the back with it!
     
  12. Jan 28, 2021 at 2:23 PM
    #32
    GrundleJuice

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    I had some KO2's on my 03 prerunner. Started off with them in FL for a year+, then moved to MI. The first couple inches of snow showed the weakness. They were unimpreesive in the wet, in the snow, forgattaboutit.
     
  13. Jan 28, 2021 at 2:48 PM
    #33
    gudujarlson

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    My point is that if the goal is to increase traction of a 2wd pickup so you don't get stuck, then you want to increase the rear/front weight ratio and the most efficient way to accomplish this goal is to put the weight as far back as possible. Handling at high speeds is a different goal with different solutions. See my discussion with Tonered above.

    One of the problems we are trying to solve by putting weight is the bed of the truck is the frustration that occurs when not being able to get started at an intersection because snow/ice plus a slight incline cause the wheels to spin in place. Additional weight on the front axle does not help solve this problem.

    Another context where this comes up is when riding a mountain bike in a low traction situation. You learn to push your butt backwards to maximize weight on the rear tire.
     
    Last edited: Jan 28, 2021
  14. Jan 28, 2021 at 3:04 PM
    #34
    MaverickT883

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    AWD will always slaughter 2wd accelerating and going up hills and around corners in the snow. That's just basic physics. But, there are things that you can do to make 2wd better in the snow. You have done all these things. The Mazda will still be better in the snow, but the Tacoma won't be terrible.
     
  15. Jan 28, 2021 at 3:16 PM
    #35
    T-yoda

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    Make sure to add weight to in the bed.... I had my bed filled with wood and was in the mud thinking I needed 4x4 ... not with the weight I didn’t ....
     
  16. Jan 28, 2021 at 3:16 PM
    #36
    gudujarlson

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    Compared to what? No tire is going to drive on snow/ice like it drives on pavement, dirt, or just about any surface. CAVEAT: studded tires on ice are about as good as a normal tires on damp dirt.
     
    Last edited: Jan 28, 2021
  17. Jan 28, 2021 at 3:20 PM
    #37
    CRSTRD

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    This thread is why I have always bought 4x4 trucks. I don't use it often but when I have needed it, I was very glad I had it. Can literally be a life-saver.
     
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  18. Jan 28, 2021 at 4:17 PM
    #38
    GrundleJuice

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    Compared to the all seasons it came with and the last two tires I have had on my trucks. None were dedicated winters. All besides the OEM fit rubber were some flavor of A/T. I loved the KO2s on dry pavement and most of the time off road. I wasn't expecting them to be like a snow tire, but they performed below average for any tire on snow covered roads IMO.
     
  19. Jan 28, 2021 at 4:25 PM
    #39
    gudujarlson

    gudujarlson Well-Known Member

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    Interesting. I found the stock all-terrains on my 2020 OR to be significantly better than the stock all-seasons on my 2016 SR5. So much so that I decided I didn’t need weight in the back of the OR. So I would rate the stock all-seasons poorly. The KO2’s must be atrocious. Lol. I’m surprised an all terrain could not out preform an all season in snow.
     
  20. Jan 28, 2021 at 4:38 PM
    #40
    Shwaa

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    Make sure you report back on how it went OP, if you do take the Tacoma. Mammoth has gotten HAMMERED the last cpl days. Good luck, have fun!
     

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