What to expect

I drive 57 mi 1 way highway/Pa Turnpike but plows are usually out. If not the morons are!! Never had any issues W/FJ form 2008 till I traded last spring. Will find out how the Tacoma handles it this weekend!

 

Shucks, I went too far from Philly. You have a TON of members in your area.

 

Really! Sweet

 

Mine does just fine so far, haven't even turned on the 4x4 yet. No weight added and one stock duncraps lol

 

I have the DC version of your truck. Not impressed with the duelers in snow after having more aggressive tires on my last TRD. I'm torn between replacing them now after 8k miles or waiting til the fall. They are great in the wet though. Can't have it all I guess.

 

That's really scary. Could someone please explain what a rear locking diff does to prevent this? What goes wrong that makes this kind of thing happen? We have a 4X4 Sport truck.

 

i think someone was trying to make a joke.

 

In all honesty, above should never happen unless you are traveling at an imprudent speed. That being said. Lockers should not be used for over the road travel. Lockers should be used to go down truck trails or assist in getting un-stuck.

When you lock your rear axle you create a situation where both wheels are traveling at the same speed. Why is this bad or dangerous when both wheels of an axle are traveling at the same speed? I am glad you asked. When both wheels are traveling at the same speed you are traveling in a straight line with the assumptions that each wheel has the same frictional resistance and same circumference. When either wheel is has the slightest variation in frictional resistance or circumference your vehicle will travel toward the the side that has the smaller circumference, or in the case of snow/ ice - towards the object where the frictional resistance is lost, resulting in spin-outs etc..

Modern autos have open differentials so that vehicles can travel straight down the road with out chirping tires around turns and to keep everyone safe. Also, the modern technology with wheel speed sensors and electronically actuated brakes to assist in limiting across axle speed variance has led to much safer cars and trucks.

I wouldn't be too worried, just take appropriate precautions.
- limiting maximum speed
- early braking
- extended following distance
- added weight for traction

 

Thank you very much mr Toyko Joe. I think I understand. The wheels fight with each other? Can you tell if a 2014 double cab TRD Sport with 4X4's has "lockers"? If it does, how do I make sure it is turned off?

 

Lockers not availible on Sport per Toyota. Why have no Idea if it's a TRD it SHOULD be!!

 

Totally, post up in the PA section and say hi! Don't forget to put your city in your info.

 

Whe

I can view my profile, but do not see where to edit it?

 

I would advise against adding weight in the bed. It may help your rear get traction for accelerating, but at the loss of safety to you and anyone in the vehicle. It raises your center of gravity so handling is negativly effected and it shifts weight off the tires that do the most work stopping/steering the vehicle, leading to understeer in a snowy and slushy situation. Usually leading to an accident.

Most people dont think about this, but it is a bad idea. Every time.

 

I also have heard IF you're in an accident the Insurance Co. may NOT pay because of the +added" weight. Those bastards will use ANYTHING NOT to pay BUT are there telling you IF you miss a premium you WILL be cancelled!!! I hate those MFer's!!

 

Weight in the bed helps immensely with traction while taking off, steering, and braking. Anyone who says different doesn't drive in snow. Lockers are only useful in deep snow offroading - you don't want them for on road driving. On road, you actually want one wheel coasting as you go around corners - it provides better traction.

As mentioned above, your truck is very capable and tires are the real key to snow driving. My base model access cab without lockers (or ATRAC) does a great job on and off road in the snow. I work full time at a ski area in the winter and have a 45 minute commute in all imaginable road conditions. Tires, Tires, Tires.

Playing in the snow (yes, a bit of a poser pic but I did drive up hill through the snow bank to get back on to the plowed section)



My parking spot at work



ETA: Read and understand the explanation of the traction modes in the link

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...rols-trac-auto-lsd-a-trac-rear-locker.212057/

 

Like others have said, TRD Sport does not come with a "locker". A "locker" is a locking differential, TRD Off Road has an electric locking differential, and others add aftermarket locking differentials for Off Road use.

Your truck has ATrac which is an electrical actuated/controlled limited slip. ATrac prevents large differences in wheel speed between each side of your axle. So if your left rear tire is spinning on ice, your truck will apply brake pressure to the left rear wheel forcing the right rear wheel to begin to turn.

I hope this helps you!

 

So I'd be better off with an empty bed? In the really deep stuff, wouldn't the weight help while going slowly? What about when pulling someone else out?

It's my first truck, can you tell?

 

Just to clarify Sport models do not have ATRAC.

ATRAC can only be turned on when in 4lo and in Off Road models. Which means you should not be using ATRAC for on road driving.

 

If all you are doing is driving around slowly in deep snow and helping pull others then yes it will help. But if you are driving down plowed roade or even roads with and inch or so of snow., that extra weight may bite you some day. Most people up here in maine dont use weight in the bed for good reason.

 

Extra weight in the bed never helps with braking or steering in slippery conditions. Absolutly not. Please dont give the new guy bad advice.