Getting out of a jam check list

Lexington

Lexington

Member
Hello All

I wanted to create a check list should I ever get stuck in snow or mud with my 4Runner. I occasionally travel up to the Sierra Mountains and been in the mud and snow but I’ve never been stuck. But I’ve been watching some video and thought it would be helpful making a check list should it ever happen.

I’m particularly interested in when’s the best time to uses Crawl and A-Trac as I have not used these features very much. Anyway, any helpful comments are appreciated.

Here’s what I’ve created.

If stuck do the following.

1. Turn off Traction Control
2. Engage 4 Low
3. If Steps 1 & 2 are unsuccessful engage A-Trac and Crawl control.
4. If Steps 3 fails engage differential lock
5. Use traction board if available
6. Deflate tires to 20 psi
7. Use winch

If anyone has used A-Trac or crawl in mud or snow, which setting did you find most useful?

Thanks
 
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Lexington said:
Hello All

I wanted to create a check list should I ever get stuck in snow or mud with my 4Runner. I occasionally travel up to the Sierra Mountains and been in the mud and snow but I’ve never been stuck. But I’ve been watching some video and thought it would be helpful making a check list should it ever happen.

I’m particularly interested in when’s the best time to uses Crawl and A-Trac as I have not used these features very much. Anyway, any helpful comments are appreciated.

Here’s what I’ve created.

If stuck do the following.

1. Turn off Traction Control
2. Engage 4 Low
3. If Steps 1 & 2 are unsuccessful engage A-Trac and Crawl control.
4. If Steps 3 fails engage differential lock
5. Use traction board if available
6. Deflate tires to 20 psi
7. Use winch

If anyone has used A-Trac or crawl in mud or snow, which setting did you find most useful?

Thanks
Click to expand...

Thanks. Good list. I have an SR5 so it does not have differential locks.

The A-Trac acts like a differential lock. It is most useful (mandatory?) when opposite corner wheels are hanging over deep ruts; I call it the teeter-totter mode. I've had to use it at times during off roading on the Alpine Loop in western Colorado.
 
This combo has always worked for me in the city:

1. face mask
2. gloves
3. duck tape
4. glock 19
5. body glitter and baby powder.

On the trail:
0. Air down (always)
1. 4hi
2. 4lo
3. 4lo + atrac
4. 4lo + rear locker
5. 4lo + twin locked...(easy button)
 
Last edited:
mrblah said:
This combo has always worked for me in the city:

1. face mask
2. gloves
3. duck tape
4. glock 19
5. body glitter and baby powder.

On the trail:
0. Air down (always)
1. 4hi
2. 4lo
3. 4lo + atrac
4. 4lo + rear locker
5. 4lo + twin locked...(easy button)
Click to expand...

1. face mask
2. gloves
3. duck tape
4. glock 19
5. body glitter and baby powder.



1. 4hi
2. 4lo
3. 4lo + atrac
4. 4lo + rear locker
5. 4lo + twin locked...(easy button)

Thanks
 
mrblah said:
This combo has always worked for me in the city:

1. face mask
2. gloves
3. duck tape
4. glock 19
5. body glitter and baby powder.

On the trail:
0. Air down (always)
1. 4hi
2. 4lo
3. 4lo + atrac
4. 4lo + rear locker
5. 4lo + twin locked...(easy button)
Click to expand...

MrBlah

What do you mean by 4lo + twin locked? I know you can lock your rear diff but I didn’t know there is a option to lock your front or center diff.
 
And remember your winch won't help you if there's nothing to pull from. I got mine high centered in snow once and the atrac nor locker nor crawl control helped of course. And it was before I had a winch. I just did what I have always done and dug it out with a shovel. I always carry a recovery bag with two 20 foot tow straps, a tree strap, receiver shackle, and 2 extra shackles.

It could just be me but I will typically use the locker and Atrac off road if I feel they may be advantageous. Not for when I get stuck. When I got hung up in the snow I was on my own property so it's not like I was worried. You kind of just get a feel for the capabilities of your vehicle over time and what it can and can't do. That day I learned it really needed a lift and larger tires.
 
you could throw traction boards, hi lift and land anchors into the mix


edit: hitting the trails with another rig is a strong suggestion as well
 
Last edited:
It sounds like maybe you are planning to do these things sequentially? Don't do that - as you spin your wheels, you'll dig yourself in deeper and be less likely to get out.

You should use all of your equipment to avoid getting stuck in the first place. It is much easier to NOT get stuck with momentum and all of your traction aids on your side. If you do get stuck, stop. Get out and assess the situation. Make a plan A, B and maybe C. If things don't work out, don't keep digging with your tires.

ARB is an air locker which is powered by compressed air via a solenoid that is electrically actuated (switch in the cab).
 
Last edited:
Lexington said:
Hello All

I wanted to create a check list should I ever get stuck in snow or mud with my 4Runner. I occasionally travel up to the Sierra Mountains and been in the mud and snow but I’ve never been stuck. But I’ve been watching some video and thought it would be helpful making a check list should it ever happen.

I’m particularly interested in when’s the best time to uses Crawl and A-Trac as I have not used these features very much. Anyway, any helpful comments are appreciated.

Here’s what I’ve created.

If stuck do the following.

1. Turn off Traction Control
2. Engage 4 Low
3. If Steps 1 & 2 are unsuccessful engage A-Trac and Crawl control.
4. If Steps 3 fails engage differential lock
5. Use traction board if available
6. Deflate tires to 20 psi
7. Use winch

If anyone has used A-Trac or crawl in mud or snow, which setting did you find most useful?

Thanks
Click to expand...

Is there an open diff 2WD version of this check list?

EDIT: I'm not serious, just a joke.
 
Last edited:
Jeremy556 said:
It sounds like maybe you are planning to do these things sequentially? Don't do that - as you spin your wheels, you'll dig yourself in deeper and be less likely to get out.

You should use all of your equipment to avoid getting stuck in the first place. It is much easier to NOT get stuck with momentum and all of your traction aids on your side. If you do get stuck, stop. Get out and assess the situation. Make a plan A, B and maybe C. If things don't work out, don't keep digging with your tires.

ARB is an air locker which is powered by compressed air via a solenoid that is electrically actuated (switch in the cab).
Click to expand...

To a certain extent yes but you’re suggesting to use as much as you can the first time around is better?

What motivated me to create this list is I have several neighbors who own 4Runner and Tacoma TRD Pros or Off Trail. None of us has had a lot of opportunities to use our A-Trac, Crawl or MTS function. So we thought it might be best to create a laminated card to keep in our vehicles as a quick reference card that explains each function and a get out of a jam check list. We understand that each situation will be different and dependent on the tools we have on hand. Everyone has a winch and some have a traction board. That’s why I listed those tools. I’m sure it would also be helpful to have a tow straps and kinetic rope as well.
 
Last edited:
Lexington said:
To a certain extent yes but you’re suggesting to use as much as you can the first time around is better?

What motivated me to create this list is I have several neighbors who own 4Runner and Tacoma TDR or Off Trail. None of us has had a lot of opportunities to use our A-Trac, Crawl or MTS function. So we thought it might be best to create a laminated card to keep in our vehicles as a quick reference card that explains each function and a get out of a jam check list. We understand that each situation will be different and dependent on the tools we have on hand. Everyone has a winch and some have a traction board. That’s why I listed those tools. I’m sure it would also be helpful to have a tow straps and kinetic rope as well.
Click to expand...

what jeremy is trying to say has more about assessing the trail/obstacles and then asking yourself what traction aids when you come across a obstacle, so you don't get into a "ooooh shieeet" moment. This has more to do more specifically with obstacles and offshoots to the main road..etc.
 
mrblah said:
what jeremy is trying to say has more about assessing the trail/obstacles and then asking yourself what traction aids when you come across a obstacle, so you don't get into a "ooooh shieeet" moment. This has more to do more specifically with obstacles and offshoots to the main road..etc.
Click to expand...

No I get it and yes you are both absolutely right. The biggest battle is knowing when to avoid putting yourself in a situation in the first place and also understanding your driving skills and your vehicle’s capabilities of getting you out of stuck situation.

But my focus for the list is when is it best to use the multiple off road function of your 4Runner should you get stuck for any reason. Most 4Runner owners don’t fully understand the functions, capabilities and when best to use Trac Off, A-Trac, Crawl, Locking Diff and MTS. My goal was to create quick reference card to help guide me and my friends in this area. I’m also creating a quick reference card that explains each function from the owners manual.
 
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