Getting out of a jam check list

ANoob said:
CCW in California? Really?
Click to expand...

It all depends if you have a conservative or Libtard Sheriff in your county. Once you have it it’s good for the whole state. Mostly the counties surrounding SF and LA are hard to get. The rest of the state it’s not too difficult.
 
Last edited:
There's not necessarily a best solution for all conditions. The best bet for each situation is something you'll learn from experience. In general some combination of low tire pressure, 4x4, and traction aids is going to work best. But it's just not always the same.

I don't normayl go through a process of adding each next thing. If the trail is technical I'm going to 4lo rear diff locked and start about 18psi and I almost only use MTS in rock setting. I wouldn't normally wait until I'm stuck before using the extra tools. Except the winch. I'm usually stuck before I pull a winch rope in my 4Runner.

I don't use crawl very often. But it has gotten me through a few obstacles that I couldn't get otherwise. I can think of maybe twice it's really amazed me. Most times it doesn't help. But worth a try. It's magic for when someone new is behind the wheel.

My best advice is to bring a shovel, a Jack, and a second vehicle. Go slow. It's easier to get unstuck than unbroken. The more time you spend in the dirt the more you'll get used to different conditions and what settings you'll want.
 
Last edited:
Having the quick reference card explaining when to use things will help me ... was thinking of doing the same thing. Some of the features on my SR5 weren't available on my old 2005.

Great info ...
 
JL-2022 said:
Having the quick reference card explaining when to use things will help me ... was thinking of doing the same thing. Some of the features on my SR5 weren't available on my old 2005.

Great info ...
Click to expand...

Thanks I’m still tinkering with this. I’m also creating a quick reference guide on the functions of TRAC OFF, A-TRAC, Crawl, MTS and Rear Diff Lock and the best time to use them. I’ll post it here when I’m done.
 
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...


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
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 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.
Click to expand...

Compared to my Subarus, the 4Runner is pretty awkward in snow or mud, LOL.

Jeremy is of course right. Activate whatever you may need before you need it. And never the locker while wheels are spinning.

If the terrain is 4H and there is any sand, I ALWAYS keep the MTS at sand which is the only function that works in 4H.

If the terrain is 4L, then I normally use whatever MTS function I like for the given terrain, with the sand one as default.

If I have to deal with mud, which I avoid so I have done very little in the 4R, nothing like the 40-miles of Utah mud in a Subaru, I would do 2nd gear, selected manually with MTS.

In snow, I would not touch the locker given how sophisticated MTS is and the tendency of lockers to make the vehicle slide in snow. The 4R does very well indeed in trail snow though it is a joke vs a Subaru in urban snow.

I have done some questionable stuff solo, but generally, since we are almost exclusively solo, I simply don't go out when there is danger of serious mud. Mud is not hard to avoid in the SW!

Not that you asked, but before any seriously loose rocky spot, be in 4L and have the locker early so it can engage before you get to the spot. In 4H, the 4R has a very nasty tendency to move abruptly sideways on you, which was very unnerving the first time it happened to me (a Subaru would just spin in place when it cannot proceed, while the 4R moves sideways pretty nastily if not using the traction aids). The MTS function for rock is amazing. I only use the locker when I feel I need maximum control in rocks, mostly on tight spots between rocks.
 
Last edited:
MAST4R said:
Compared to my Subarus, the 4Runner is pretty awkward in snow or mud, LOL.

Jeremy is of course right. Activate whatever you may need before you need it. And never the locker while wheels are spinning.

If the terrain is 4H and there is any sand, I ALWAYS keep the MTS at sand which is the only function that works in 4H.

If the terrain is 4L, then I normally use whatever MTS function I like for the given terrain, with the sand one as default.

If I have to deal with mud, which I avoid so I have done very little in the 4R, nothing like the 40-miles of Utah mud in a Subaru, I would do 2nd gear, selected manually with MTS.

In snow, I would not touch the locker given how sophisticated MTS is and the tendency of lockers to make the vehicle slide in snow. The 4R does very well indeed in trail snow though it is a joke vs a Subaru in urban snow.

I have done some questionable stuff solo, but generally, since we are almost exclusively solo, I simply don't go out when there is danger of serious mud. Mud is not hard to avoid in the SW!

Not that you asked, but before any seriously loose rocky spot, be in 4L and have the locker early so it can engage before you get to the spot. In 4H, the 4R has a very nasty tendency to move abruptly sideways on you, which was very unnerving the first time it happened to me (a Subaru would just spin in place when it cannot proceed, while the 4R moves sideways pretty nastily if not using the traction aids). The MTS function for rock is amazing. I only use the locker when I feel I need maximum control in rocks, mostly on tight spots between rocks.
Click to expand...

Hi MAST4R

These are very helpful tips. I drive up to the Sierra in the snow about 1-3 times a year so I have some snow driving experience. In the past it was either in my wife Subaru, which handles superbly in the snow, or my old Isuzu Trooper. It was more like the 4R Limited. Push one button and I was in 4WD but if I wanted to go 4L I had to shift the 4WD gear. That said it was a very capable SUV. I had not problem driving on the Sierra trails in dirt snow or mud and rain.

With the 4R there are so many options it can be a bit confusing to decide what off road function is best for what condition. But during my time off over the Holidays I’ve had time to watch a lot of videos and reread my manual. So I have a much better understanding now. That said, the manual doesn’t say a whole lot about driving in the snow so your comments were very helpful!

I have a question about the 4H. You said that it has a tendency to move to the side. Do you have any idea why the 4R in 4H does this? Does this happen in all condition or certain road conditions and does it happen when the MTS is on too?

Also, the manual says when using the MTS, only the Mud & Sand will work in 4H. The manual says you can only engage the MTS at 7mph or less. What if you’re in 4H? Can you engage the MTS mud & sand at a higher speed?

Thanks again!
 
Last edited:
Lexington said:
Hi MAST4R

I have a question about the 4H. You said that it has a tendency to move to the side. Do you have any idea why the 4R in 4H does this? Does this happen in all condition or certain road conditions and does it happen when the MTS is on too?

Also, the manual says when using the MTS, only the Mud & Sand will work in 4H. The manual says you can only engage the MTS at 7mph or less. What if you’re in 4H? Can you engage the MTS mud & sand at a higher speed?

Thanks again!
Click to expand...

I think it also happens in 4L with no traction aids used. I think it happens because of the wild wheelspin, not sure about the exact physics of it, sorry! The conditions are very loose inclines, either with deep holes/ruts or with rocks. Basically, if it is 4x4 terrain, use some sort of traction aid.

No, it does not happen with MTS, that's the whole point. MTS is really effective (I never use A trac, tested it and did not like it as much). When you use it in rock setting it does a very good job at killing wheel spin. With sand and mud you don't want to do that. You need some wheel spin. Hence a much milder setting for that.

No, you cannot engage MTS at higher speeds.

It is a weird comparison vs Subaru. Extremely different vehicles. The Subarus are so much fun in some scenarios and so much headache in others, lol. The 4R is the true Swiss Knife and the perfect family do-it-all mobile.

Of course, nothing is invincible. Just two days ago I read about some folks who rented a UTV and tried 80 mph in 4 ft whoops. These are people who are totally clueless about offroad driving, lol. Of course they rolled. When they returned the UTV they tried to pretend that nothing much had happened. They did not know that there is footage PLUS data feed which the rental guys calmly pulled and showed exactly what, where, and how had happened :)
 
I have a 2015 SR5. I spend a lot of time in snow getting the family out skiing. It's been said here many times but good snow tires are really worth it. For when they aren't enough I carry a snatch strap, shackles, tree strap and traction boards. So far ive only had to use the strap to recover others. By and large ATRAC has been able to deal with anything I've blundered into.
 
ANoob said:
What happens if you get stopped in a highly restrictive place like the Bay Area? Does your CCW from home apply?
Click to expand...

It should but I would avoid San Francisco. However, I would strongly recommend contacting your local NRA rep for the most up to date info on CCW laws.
 
It applies State-wide. I carry in SF all the time. Only thing to watch out for in some municipalities is magazine capacities. Although I have never been stopped by SFPD or any restrictive area...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Members online

Total: 381 (members: 1, guests: 380)

Forum statistics

Threads
278,316
Messages
3,554,110
Members
248,016
Latest member
Advally Service

Share this page

Trending content

Back
Top