Traction Control in the sand

Yesterday we were cruising through a Florida state wildlife area. Mostly packed roads with trails that range from sand to swamp. We were on a deep
Sand trail when the wheels dug in. This was my first experience getting stuck. When I gave it gas, the tires would spin and then the engine cut out to nothing. Each time I tried to give it gas, the wheels broke loose and it cut out. I had three guys trying to push me but didn’t make any progress because the tires spin and I lose power. Long story short, a guy yanked me out w a strap no big deal. Then I realized traction control was ON. If I would have turned OFF traction control, would this give me full power? I could spin the wheels and dig my way out if I wanted to? How’s traction control work in loose sand and what’s the protocol here? And yes I did let some air out of the tires but not enough.

 

I can't say about sand but I was crawling up a trail in Colorado last fall when I got to a moderate rock I had to climb over. Couldn't get over it with traction control on, pressing the gas felt like zero power going to the wheels, it just wouldn't go. Turned off traction control and suddenly felt power going to the wheels, crawled over the obstacle as if it was nothing.

 

Traction control off before anything off road.

 

Yeah that’s my thinking! I Probly could have torqued my way out of this sand pit if I had power but w traction control on, I had zero power as soon as the tires spin. Rooky look leak for me

 

When diving in sand make sure traction control is off. Even then you don’t want your tires spinning. You’ll just dig yourself deeper by giving it full power in hopes of climbing out.

 

VSC is kicking in which cuts power to the wheels. if you hold the traction button for a full 5+ seconds it will disable it whereas just pressing the button leaves VSC on and will continue to lock up the wheels (only applies to 2wd/4HI not 4Lo)

See https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/3rd-gen-traction-control-modes-explained.530695/

 

Pretty sure You can turn it off in 2hi as well.

 

You're correct. I meant to say it doesnt need to be done in 4lo as 4lo disables it by default

 

Did you air down your tires at all?

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/3rd-gen-traction-control-modes-explained.530695/

 

Of course. I spent all my winter in 2wd no traction control. Just more fun.

 

All you have to do is hold the button for about 5-7 seconds or so and it'll disable TC. But yes, it should have helped. Lots of comments ripping on Winder Towing in their video with a Tacoma stuck in the sand dunes because they kept trying to power up a dune with TC still on. There will be an indicator on the dash when it is off as well.

 

When i cruise sand its auto lsd on, ect buttun pushed and S2 gear selected. I'm only a 2wd and i do fine in sand. Aired down my 265/75R16 DuraTracs to 15psi last time, will try 12psi next time.15psi woul be the max psi i would run in the sand.

 

Thanks much! Appreciate the sand input. I’ll give that a roll next time. I also didn’t realize until this thread that the traction control had more than one mode within it. Now I have to look into a compressor on board. Im sure theres A thread or two on that !

 

I just bought a viair 88p and its a great little compressor.

$83 VIAIR 88P - 00088 Tire Inflator Portable On/Offroad Air Compressor for Car, Truck, SUV & RV | 12V Heavy Duty Pump 120 PSI, Alligator Clip, Twist Chuck

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B005ASY23I?ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

 

Sounds like this horse is being beaten to death thoroughly, so I'll throw a few tips out here too lol

I like to surf perch fishing in some pretty remote areas so I drive in some deep sand pretty often. My fav fishing beach is on the other side of a very steep dune, so I have to have my shit dialed to even get over it to go fishing.

Here's my $0.02 of opinion -

1) Turn off traction control by holding down the button for 5sec

2) Air the f down. 15psi will get you over and through anything lol. If you're worried about airing down that low, just go down to 20 psi. It's really hard to roll a bead at pressures over 12 psi by just driving around on sand, so don't sweat that.

3) Get a set of Staun tire deflators if you feel like spending some cash on something useful, if not, just use your key to air down enough to have some belly in the tire.

4) Put it in 4L to optimize torque distribution. You shouldn't need speed to gain traction, quite the opposite actually. If you're driving on sloped shit, use your digital level monitors to avoid rolling your truck over.

5) When I'm done fishing, I use the

$103 Viair 88p Portable Compressor Kit (12V, 120 Psi, Forup to 33" Tires)

Viair 88p to air up. Whatever you do, do not buy a compressor that plugs into your car lighter plug - you'll blow a fuse. Get one that connects directly to your battery. An onboard air compressor is overkill for 99% of the Instalanders on this site. Save your cash buddy.

Hope this helps. You owe us pictures of your adventure. Here's a pic from one of my fishing trips to inspire you

 

I take it your truck is a 4x2 ? If u had 4x4 going into 4 low turns all that traction control etc off .

 

That scenario , an off-road with crawl control would definitely get you out. Crawl control is useful in getting out of sand. Anyway since you have the sport, a traction board is useful . Time to get a couple.

 

Does a long press completely defeat traction control? I tried it and it seemed like it was still on

 

Sounds like when cc benefited. Factors when buying pro or offroad vs sport or other trims. But like everyone else said deflation and some traction boards and you'll be out in a sec!!!