Sounds like crawl may be useful in deep snow. I would like to see it work in deep snow myself someday.
I like the description of MTS being ATRAC tune 1 - 4.... Standard ATRAC being the most aggressive mode, although I have seen Toyota marketing info saying it impacts throttle response.
Another thing to consider is what happens to ATRAC.. as you increase tire size. I've heard FJ guys say it becomes much less effective on 35s. To the point where it becomes mostly useless.
One question for those with a trail. When can the rear e-locker be used. I thought I remember something about it not working with atrac over a certain speed....Does that include the MTS settings?
Can it be activated in 2wd. I like doing that on mine. It's fun!
Does crawl work in conjunction with all the other stuff (e-locker, MTS. ATRAC) or does it do its own thing in isolation.
Somewhat ironically the manual has this to say about CRAWL in the snow:
Conditions under which the system may not operate correctly - Snow-covered roads, or other slippery surfaces. I think these systems are pretty cool but they can't change the laws of physics.
Also in the manual: When a terrain mode is selected in accordance with terrain conditions, engine power and active traction control system is controlled to enhance
off-road drivability.
It would be nice to know exactly what the mean when they refer to engine power. Is that just throttle tip in, more linear throttle response, or something cool like disabling torque management? I guess only Akio Nishimura knows for sure.
The rear locker can be used with A-TRAC up to 4 MPH, and with MTS according to the manual. It cannot be used in 2WD and is much more difficult to "hotwire" than in the older models.
CRAWL does function with the rear locker, low speeds only. No CRAWL with MTS either. When you shift in to 4L, VSC and TRAC are disabled. When the locker is engaged these systems are also disabled: ABS, Multi Terrain ABS, Brake assist system, VSC (Duh, you are in 4L) and Hill-start assist control. I've had lockers in previous vehicles so I'm well aware of their unique ability to totally change the direction you are going if you use them too much.
The last time I was in the woods I went up and down this hill and played with each and every setting. I've been on this hill in at least four different trucks. The picture does not do it justice, or include 70% of the hill covered in softball sized rocks. I slid all over the place in my boots trying to even walk on it.
Totally stock and the trail was damp. I went up and down just fine without any aids, but it was nice to have the extra gizmos available to limit excessive wheel spin on my stock tires. I found myself carrying much more speed, but when I used CRAWL or MTC wheel spin was non existent and I went much slower. This provided the illusion of increased safety and confidence.
Can't say that my pre-traction control trucks would have tackled this hill so easily, that is what impressed me the most with the various systems. My JK did it just fine without the extra rocks thanks to similar systems, our old element (tried it just for fun) failed to make this specific hill. My quadradrive equipped GC required more speed and had far more wheel spin. My older wranglers would likely require a little help or tons of speed.
Just my random thoughts...sorry for the novel.
