Wheeling with a manual

So guys I finally have my rig set up to a point (suspension/tires) where I can start doing some of the more challenging off-roading. My question for you manual owners out there is how different is it to wheel with a manual vs an automatic. Harder? Easier? Got any tips for me? I've never done any serious wheeling and I'm looking to go out and do a little bit of the technical stuff this weekend.

 

So I had wheeled for the first time with my tacoma, which is a manual. It was tricky at first, but I've learned how to properly do it now. My big tip is 4lo is your friend. That gear reduction is insane! It's really handy for low speed stuff so you're not riding the clutch at all. If I'm in a more technical area, I'll go up to 3rd gear in 4 lo so I'm not constantly switching between hi and lo. Your best bet is to just get out there and go! If you have a friend who wheels with a manual, ride along with them for a ride. You'll learn a lot that way too.

 

In tricky spots keep your foot off of the clutch and let it stall; that's what the clutch start cancel button is for. The starter motor is the lowest gearing in your truck, use it if you have to.

 

Have you done this before? I have yet to "meet" anyone on here who has and am curious about it. I was under the impression it takes a toll on your battery.

 

Since you are bringing up the clutch cancel, how exactly does it work? I've never used it before and to be honest it's slightly intimidating. Does it basically turn it into an automatic in first gear?

 

It allows you to start your truck without depressing the clutch. So if your truck is in 1st and you start it, it'll lurch forward

 

So should I not be pressing the brake when I start it like this?

 

I agree with Eat Sleep tacos. You may think the truck will stall so you think you need to ride the clutch. But you don't. It takes a lot for the truck to stall in 4 lo. Here is an example. Take your rig off pavement. A flat dirt road is all. Put it in 4 lo. Disengage the clutch. The truck will roll forward obviously. Let it roll then slowly apply the brake. You will see how slow you go before it stalls.

 

I have been doing it for years in all of manually equipped wheelers, including my Tacoma. It allows you to start in gear and I suspect you would get enough starts out of it to get out of the tough spot and then allow the alternator to recharge the battery.

The last thing you want to do in a tricky spot when you're afraid of rolling backwards is hit that clutch. Let it stall and the engine will keep you in place.

 

In this instance, no. The goal is to get it to lurch forward over/up an obstacle so you can then hit the gas and continue on your way.

x2

Go find somewhere not pavement and put it in 4lo and mess around a little. If it's not loose ground, try not to turn.

 

I've always just used my e brake at times like that to prevent from rolling backwards, but that's just my preference. Maybe I need to do more technical terrain!

 

I will try that after work then. Is the battery life the only thing that will be hurt by the clutch cancel?

 

That I don't know since I don't have any personal experience with it. I'll let someone else chime in. Personally I avoid it because my other e brake method+4lo works just fine for my type of wheeling.

 

The clutch cancel is only to start the truck. That's it.

 

I'm 99% sure I read in the manual the clutch cancel is for off roading, like mentioned above.

 

Whaaaat! I'm getting my manual now. I don't remember that.

 

Haha! Yeah, I read my whole manual when I bought the truck. I just downloaded an electronic version to double check myself.

 

I would use it sparingly but when you start getting tippy, let it stall.

 

You learn something new everyday. I'll try that on my next trip.