Read dum brake locking up periodically

I have a 2016 Tacoma and the rear passenger side wheel keeps locking up randomly. It happened the other day (all within a week) and I just kind of hit the gas not fully realizing it was locked up because I was on a hill. Then it happened the other morning where it wouldn't move at all and finally I turned it off and got out and came back 5 minutes later and it was free. Today there was a snow storm and I had it in 4 wheel drive and had somewhat of a tough time getting out of the driveway then I found myself going sideways down the street and it was locked up. Immediately pulled over and took it out of 4WD and noticed the read passenger side not spinning. It would free up when I would put it in reverse and be free for about 20ft when I put it in drive and then it would lock up again.
I read some other post about washing the truck and letting it sit. I washed it one night in colder temps (40's) and didn't move it overnight but it was fine the next morning. Any advice or help would be greatly appreciated

 

Is it locking up while you’re moving and attempting to slow, or after you’re parked and attempting to dive away for the first time?
If the latter, it’s probably the drum and liner sticking.

 

Both, 2 days now I went out and went to drive my truck and it felt like I was hooked up to a tree but today it was happening at speed (very low speed) but I would just lock up

 

If they're locking up randomly something is likely broken in there. Remove the drums and take a look

 

I'd love to but we are getting dumped on with snow right now so figured I'd ask here first to see if anyone might have some insight on a similar issue

 

Both, 2 days now I went out and went to drive my truck and it felt like I was hooked up to a tree but today it was happening at speed (very low speed) but I would just lock up

 

They're drum brakes. What else is there to do besides take the drums off and look?

 

Automatic or stick?

 

not interested in putting my truck on a Jack or Jack stands or trusting wheel chocks on a driveway full of snow and ice man

 

Automatic

 

Do you use the emergency brake?

 

yes very often

 

Stop using it.

 

doesn't help my currently situation but ok.

 

From what I gather, the transmissions in these trucks are robust enough to take the weight of the truck without issue.

I had to stop using mine and that was the end of my sticking issues.

 

She'll eventually defrost and release, then don't put it on again.

 

You're thinking of a sticking cable, which is common. That can happen if dirt and water gets in there, like through a cut in the sleeve

Inside the drum, that stuff gets used every time you touch the brake pedal

The wheels and drums have to be removed to check both areas

 

yep

 

it's not the sticking when I'm parked issue. It's locking up while under way

 

Then you have to take off the drums, clean them up and take a look. I dont see what you see or feel what you feel but if you get any crud in between the brake shoes and the drum, it will drag and stick. if there's any moisture in that crud, the freezing will cause the water to expand, making the dragging into a sticking issue. I'd drive it making sure not to use the emergency brake and the dragging should stop. If the wheel is completely locked up and it doesn't stop, then you need a brake job whether you like it or not, at that point, the truck has made the decision for you.