A-trac really works

I have a 2012 trd off road 4x4 and trailer a 18 foot flats boat approximately 3000 lbs. Went fishing on lake and had to put boat in on a soft muddy lakefront with about a 20% grade. Putting boat in with truck in 4lo was not a problem, however pulling boat out I could almost get out but would lose traction at crown of hill, as the ruts keep getting deeper, So I was getting a little worried till I remembered I had A-trac feature that I have never used before. So I pushed button and gave it a little gas and the chatter was loud but it slowly crept up the hill and pulled boat right out. I always thought A-trac was some novelty feature but it really works. Would recommend any one looking for a 4x4 Tacoma should consider this option.

 

What is A-trac?
I read in the manual how to use it but don't know what it does.

 

This was exactly my first thought when I read about it in my manual. I always assumed it was just a placebo light on my dashboard. I haven't actually had to use it yet, but I am glad to hear it actually does something.

What does it do exactly? Is it just posi-traction for the front end?

 

atrac is the electronic brake controller version of front and back limited slip differentials

it lets all 4 tires do some work [the non slipping tires]
instead of just tire one up front and one in back possibly slipping

 

I haven't even seen an A-trac button on my 07 Sport anywhere. Do I not have this feature?

 

Nope, we don't.

 

only 09+ TRD off road 4x4's get atrac.

Throw the rear locker in and turn on atrac and its impressive where the lil truck will go! Atrac and the rear locker have made getting over obstacles easy and controlled where if i didnt have em it would of been not nearly as nice.

 

Isnt there a trick for atrac to work well, like you cant gun it, take it low and slow?

 

ATRAC only works in 4 low (only on trd Offroad models). It disengages automatically around 4mph

 

Here's a little reading for those wanting an explanation
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/a-trac-trac-auto-lsd-explained-easy-to-understand-i-hope.70551/

 

Yup. ATRAC is great. As stated, in 4-LO, lock the rear too, and truck will damn near climb up a wall.

 

So A trac disenguages when you turn on the locking rear diff, you dont want to be breaking those wheels independent unless you want to toast your gears

 

No, it stays engaged with the locker on. It only works when it detects slipping and there is no slipping with the locker engaged. It works as normal at the front while the locker is engaged which makes for a very capable 4x4.

 

Unless im reading it wrong thats only when the locker is engaged

 

I know you can use ATRAC regardless of if you are locked or not, but I'm not sure of the low speed thing. I thought that was ATRAC related not locker related

 

You are correct.

 

Atrac has been turned on since I bought the truck. Only works under 5mph in 4lo and over a couple thousand RPMS. Its saved me a few times.

 

rear locker + Atrac makes these trucks dam near unstoppable

 

ATRAC is the best thing on my truck. I've used it a few times and it saved me once, the other times I was just messing with it but works as intended.

 

Just drive normally.

A-Trac at work on a Prado (foreign 4Runner). Note the wheel is braked when it loses contact with the ground:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lyl7ytk1YIw