Driving Systems: Who Uses Them?

My new Tacoma and its various driving systems has my head spinning.

H4/L4 (as opposed to one 4WD mode w/ option to manipulate low gears)
A-Trac
Auto LSD (sounds like fun)
VSC
Rear diff lock system (ok I know this and I'll use it)
Downhill Assist a Control (really?)
Hill start assist (seriously?)
Trailer sway assist
TRAC

Reading the manual, most of these systems work only under specified conditions and only in combination with other systems activated in a specified sequence.

I live in Minnesota. I anticipate using this truck for the usual stuff, hauling lumber, cut wood, hunting, etc... I really don't foresee using several of these systems and I'm worrying that non-use will degrade/erode/deteriorate their functionality, like springs and shocks of a sports car driven by a grandma (trust me that happens).

I guess I'm hoping for thoughts and feedback from some of you longtime Tacoma owners on the real world usefulness of this stuff and how frequently you've used it.

Thanks.

 

The auto lsd and atrac(trac) are just electronically controlled and are part of the abs brake system. You won't "lose" downhill assist and Hill start if you don't use them. If you ever off road on some steep terrain they can be useful.

As per the manual, engage h4 and l4 (once a month if I recall?) to keep the transfer case properly lubed. Just don't do this on pavement or only on very straight sections of road.

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/te...uto-lsd-explained-easy-understand-i-hope.html

 

Thank you Mutilated!

 

Downhill assist control can keep your foot from getting tired from
modulating the brake on long gravelly downhills

I've been on big mountain roads and my shin hurts from so much brake control

do you need DAH ? no.
can it make life easier from wheeling all day ? yup, sometimes

 

I found that the DHA helped greatly on a long downhill ice covered country road. I just put it into DHA mode and kept my foot off of the break and gas and I made it safely down to the bottom. It was a steeply graded narrow curvy road with a high crown and the slightest slide would have put me into the ditch or into the barbed wire fence that lined both sides of the road. I was impressed with how well it worked automatically applying power or brakes to individual wheels to keep the truck on track.