4runner off roading and all the nannies (VSC, A-trac etc)

[h&t]

I searched the forums, but couldn't find direct answer to my questions...
Although some good info.

This past winter I got my 2011 SR5 stuck in a snow in a farm lane.

Even though I have had it for couple years, I mostly have been driving my 96 4runner and don't have a lot of hours on the 2011.

So, the question is - how do I use (or don't use) all those gizmos in off roading scenarios? E.g. driving in deep snow first and getting out of being stuck in deep snow (or mud)..?

If it matters, I was following another truck (Tacoma) that plowed through, but I slipped off the iced ruts covered by approx. a foot of snow and got stuck. There was a slope off the lane on the right and my front right wheel was in a deeper snow. The problem with that snow was once disturbed - it turned into nasty mash. F250 diesel couldn't get me out, a tractor jerked me couple feet (after getting stuck) and that made it possible for me to drive back. I have a pic, but it doesn't make justice to the situation :noidea:

Oh, I have Michelin AT tires.

Thanks

 

[blizz86]

I searched the forums, but couldn't find direct answer to my questions...
Although some good info.

This past winter I got my 2011 SR5 stuck in a snow in a farm lane.

Even though I have had it for couple years, I mostly have been driving my 96 4runner and don't have a lot of hours on the 2011.

So, the question is - how do I use (or don't use) all those gizmos in off roading scenarios? E.g. driving in deep snow first and getting out of being stuck in deep snow (or mud)..?

If it matters, I was following another truck (Tacoma) that plowed through, but I slipped off the iced ruts covered by approx. a foot of snow and got stuck. There was a slope off the lane on the right and my front right wheel was in a deeper snow. The problem with that snow was once disturbed - it turned into nasty mash. F250 diesel couldn't get me out, a tractor jerked me couple feet (after getting stuck) and that made it possible for me to drive back. I have a pic, but it doesn't make justice to the situation :noidea:

Oh, I have Michelin AT tires.

Thanks

Users manual + toyota's youtube channel + google + this forum is your friend. Lol Theres SO MANY THINGS

 

[Newf4R]

I was following another truck (Tacoma) that plowed through

A pick-up truck should not show you up in the snow! Tires could have been your problem... or simply driver error. I drive 5 months of the year in snow... Two of those months it snows all day every day, and no matter how deep it gets I never have to push a single button. If you want to do some bad ass donuts though, hold down the traction control off button for a few seconds and you will see on your dash that both traction and stability control have turned off completely. Let er rip!

 

[Mick1]

Did it look something like this?

Who said Range Rovers were good off road!!*- - YouTube

:roadkill:

 

[scanny]

I searched the forums, but couldn't find direct answer to my questions...
Although some good info.

This past winter I got my 2011 SR5 stuck in a snow in a farm lane.

Even though I have had it for couple years, I mostly have been driving my 96 4runner and don't have a lot of hours on the 2011.

So, the question is - how do I use (or don't use) all those gizmos in off roading scenarios? E.g. driving in deep snow first and getting out of being stuck in deep snow (or mud)..?

If it matters, I was following another truck (Tacoma) that plowed through, but I slipped off the iced ruts covered by approx. a foot of snow and got stuck. There was a slope off the lane on the right and my front right wheel was in a deeper snow. The problem with that snow was once disturbed - it turned into nasty mash. F250 diesel couldn't get me out, a tractor jerked me couple feet (after getting stuck) and that made it possible for me to drive back. I have a pic, but it doesn't make justice to the situation :noidea:

Oh, I have Michelin AT tires.

Thanks

If you slipped off the icy road no gizmoz will help to get back on that icy road. Good tires might help, but no too much on the ice. In general I'd say if you can't get out with 4LO and ATRAC turned on - it's time to look for help : )

 

[Coveman]

Did it look something like this?

:roadkill:

Wow. He's in desperate need of some better tires! Looks like his 4wd was actually functioning properly though. Ill bet he had just finished punching it, making a big scene and going nowhere, and was just sculking away. :suspicious:

 

[1engineer]

I searched the forums, but couldn't find direct answer to my questions...
Although some good info.

This past winter I got my 2011 SR5 stuck in a snow in a farm lane.

Even though I have had it for couple years, I mostly have been driving my 96 4runner and don't have a lot of hours on the 2011.

So, the question is - how do I use (or don't use) all those gizmos in off roading scenarios? E.g. driving in deep snow first and getting out of being stuck in deep snow (or mud)..?

If it matters, I was following another truck (Tacoma) that plowed through, but I slipped off the iced ruts covered by approx. a foot of snow and got stuck. There was a slope off the lane on the right and my front right wheel was in a deeper snow. The problem with that snow was once disturbed - it turned into nasty mash. F250 diesel couldn't get me out, a tractor jerked me couple feet (after getting stuck) and that made it possible for me to drive back. I have a pic, but it doesn't make justice to the situation :noidea:

Oh, I have Michelin AT tires.

Thanks

You learn to drive on a deserted, snow covered field or parking lot not the internet.
With that said you probably should study up some on VSC. VSC can really cause you grief if you leave it on in certain situations. 99% of the time VSC is a wonderful thing, keeping everything spinning at the right RPM and in the right direction but there are a few instances where VSC can and will get you stuck. For example:

Getting started on a slick snow or mud covered hill. If you are stopped on a slick hill and start to accelerate, you will probably attempt to spin. VSC will try to control that spin by r e t a r d i n g the throttle and applying the brakes to the spinning wheel. This is fine unless those actions prevent you from moving, thereby rendering it useless. A simple press of the VSC button will allow you to spin some and possibly move forward enough to build momentum. I have taught both of my children (17 and 20) this technique repeatedly so they are comfortable and understand the physics and operation of this feature. That scenario is very common here in the mountains during winter.
I turn VSC off if I anticipate this condition in the snow or if I am off roading in muddy areas. It is a great feature to have as I said 99% of the time and it will turn itself back on every time you start the truck. It is a very powerful feature though and only turn it off if you know what you are doing. Make sure to turn it back on after getting through that tough spot as it can save you from a crash during normal on highway driving.

Also note that there are certain situations you can get yourself in that no amount of technology can get you unstuck. Sometimes you just gotta punt...or winch.

 

[phillyd2]

These will get you started.

2010 2012 Toyota 4Runner Active Trac ATRAC - YouTube

2010 Toyota 4Runner: Downhill Assist Control (DAC) - YouTube

2010 Toyota 4Runner: Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) - YouTube

2010 Toyota 4Runner: Transfer Case - Manual Lever - YouTube

2010 Toyota 4Runner: Multi-Terrain Select Control - YouTube

2010 Toyota 4Runner: Crawl Control - YouTube

The above may also be in the Video section of the forum.

As 1E correctly said, sometimes its more important to turn off VSC to force your way through situations where the VSC actually works against you. One more important mistake I see too many people making is forgetting to turn off the side air bags when going off road. I've seen a few pop and its a very expensive lesson for the student.

 

[Intruder]

So, the question is - how do I use (or don't use) all those gizmos in off roading scenarios? E.g. driving in deep snow first and getting out of being stuck in deep snow (or mud)..?

Did you go into 4Lo or just stick to 4Hi? In 4Lo all the nannies are turned off and you will get maximum torque to your wheels. ATRAC can be turned on in 4Lo and may help you get out but you have to keep on the gas and not let off when you hear it kick in.

If it matters, I was following another truck (Tacoma) that plowed through, but I slipped off the iced ruts covered by approx. a foot of snow and got stuck. There was a slope off the lane on the right and my front right wheel was in a deeper snow. The problem with that snow was once disturbed - it turned into nasty mash. F250 diesel couldn't get me out, a tractor jerked me couple feet (after getting stuck) and that made it possible for me to drive back. I have a pic, but it doesn't make justice to the situation :noidea:

Please tell me you were using a proper recovery strap connected to a recovery point or receiver shackle. If an F250 couldn't get you out using proper dynamic recovery techniques it's doubtful you could've done anything to get out on your own unless you started digging and had some salt or gravel handy. There's a reason I keep a good shovel, axe, hatchet, wrecking bar, Hi-Lift, and ice melt in my truck.

Also note that there are certain situations you can get yourself in that no amount of technology can get you unstuck. Sometimes you just gotta punt...or winch.

Yup, this. I've been in this situation plenty of times and having shackles and a good quality strap are key if you don't have a winch. Can't count the number of times I've been recovered or recovered someone else.

 

[Johnny Utah]

These will get you started.

2010 2012 Toyota 4Runner Active Trac ATRAC - YouTube

2010 Toyota 4Runner: Downhill Assist Control (DAC) - YouTube

2010 Toyota 4Runner: Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) - YouTube

2010 Toyota 4Runner: Transfer Case - Manual Lever - YouTube

2010 Toyota 4Runner: Multi-Terrain Select Control - YouTube

2010 Toyota 4Runner: Crawl Control - YouTube

The above may also be in the Video section of the forum.

As 1E correctly said, sometimes its more important to turn off VSC to force your way through situations where the VSC actually works against you. One more important mistake I see too many people making is forgetting to turn off the side air bags when going off road. I've seen a few pop and its a very expensive lesson for the student.

good links. thanks for posting

 

[DannyLlama]

One more important mistake I see too many people making is forgetting to turn off the side air bags when going off road. I've seen a few pop and its a very expensive lesson for the student.

Great links.

Please elaborate in regards to air bags? Wouldn't it be safer to leave them on?

 

[1engineer]

Great links.

Please elaborate in regards to air bags? Wouldn't it be safer to leave them on?

NO NO NO!!! The side airbags work when the vehicle tilts too far left or right or during lateral acceleration (think getting t-boned at an intersection). Just think of driving across a hillside at 5 mph and your front wheel dips into a slight ravine.....BOOM! Or you drop the left side wheels into a ditch...BOOM AGAIN! You just got a high dollar lesson (cost of new wheels and tires) because you did not think to push the button beforehand.

Side airbags are great for when you get hit in the side by another vehicle or during a high speed rollover. If you are slowly rolling into a ditch while off roading at 5 mph the airbag could deploy and collapse before the vehicle even gets all the way over! I always turn them off when I go off road, even if I am not going to be off camber. I don't want to spend thousands when I could just push a button.

 

[DannyLlama]

Thanks 1E!

I never would've imagined. In fact, I figured they would help in case I roll over.

So much to learn from everyone on here, amazing :thumb:

 

[Mick1]

Hmm.

Ok, color me guilty for not turning off the side airbags. :doh:

So the manual is pretty thick, however it is mostly dedicated to the stupid complicated radio, but anyway it is neatly tucked away in the garage.

Can you tell me where the button to turn off the side airbags is?

Yes I am that lazy....:madgrin:

 

[Go JayBee]

Hmm.

Ok, color me guilty for not turning off the side airbags. :doh:

So the manual is pretty thick, however it is mostly dedicated to the stupid complicated radio, but anyway it is neatly tucked away in the garage.

Can you tell me where the button to turn off the side airbags is?

Yes I am that lazy....:madgrin:

It is on the lower dash to the left of the steering wheel, labeled "RSCA OFF"

■This switch only should be used
In a situation where the inflation is not desired (such as during extreme offroad
driving).
■Operating conditions when the “RSCA OFF” indicator is illuminated
●The curtain shield airbags and seat belt pretensioner will not activate in a
vehicle rollover.
●The curtain shield airbags will activate in a severe side impact.

 

[G8RB8_12SR5]

So this is definitely a new think I did not know about side airbags. With that how do you turn them off? or is this one of those :rtfm: if it is I'm not averse to going downstairs and grabbing it. I just don't remember reading it.

 

[Intruder]

So this is definitely a new think I did not know about side airbags. With that how do you turn them off? or is this one of those :rtfm: if it is I'm not averse to going downstairs and grabbing it. I just don't remember reading it.

The post right before yours has the info. RSCA Off button. RSCA = Rollover Side Curtain Airbags.

 

[G8RB8_12SR5]

The post right before yours has the info. RSCA Off button. RSCA = Rollover Side Curtain Airbags.

AH HA! that's what that stands for :doh: I know I know :frusty:

Anyway, thanks again for clarifying.

 

[h&t]

thanks all, I heard VSC can be a problem... also good info about nannies being off in 4lo, I didn't know that. The manual is almost useless for those things...
For those giving useless advice - yes I read the manual, yes, I have my driver's license, yes, I drove in snow before, yes, I do doughnuts in parking lots (just couple months ago I was showing my 9 yo son what a truck does in the snow with 'nannies' off). :blah:

 

[Mick1]

Thanks for the info on where the button is.

I read about its some more. The source I was looking at indicated it was Roll Sensing Curtain Airbag, I did not verify, but whatever the acronym is......

At least a few more know what it is now