SR5 vs Trail

[Bicepus Maximus]

I had a 2011 SR5 and now have a 12 Trail. I prefer and recommend the trail as the ride and handling is better. The SR5 has some nose dive when braking or at least it did in 2011. I only miss the heated leather seats and turn signals on the mirrors. Other than that I love, love, love the Pre '14 TE.

2014 TEp has heated leather seats and turn signals on the mirrors.

If the OP is looking at a 2014, it should be a pretty obvious choice.

 

[Intruder]

Why is there so much fail in this thread? Tons of incorrect or bad info.

A locker is good in deep snow as long as your tires are getting traction otherwise you end up polishing three spots instead of just two (4wd with no lockers results in two wheels spinning when there's no traction, 4wd with rear locker engaged results in three wheels spinning). You also want to go easy on the throttle in deep snow or else you risk just digging yourself in. We air our tires down a bit more in winter just to get a better contact patch and also because then your tires get more flotation.

You should never use a locker on a paved road unless it's covered in 3 feet of snow. First, you need to be in 4Lo to engage it. To get into 4Lo you need to stop, put the transmission in neutral, engage 4Lo, then go back into drive. You need to do the same thing to get back out of 4Lo if you suddenly get back to dry pavement. Pretty sure that driving 25mph in 4Lo is also going to blow up your diff at some point, let alone driving that speed with the locker engaged.

If driving on snow-covered roads with part-time 4wd is a concern then just skip the SR5 or TE and get a Limited instead.

 

[sf jakey]

Yeah, if you have a 1972 Chevy or something lol. Instead of starting a bunch of threads you really need to be reading some that are already posted. Here, let me give you some key words to search:

Use this exact nomenclature in that little google bar on this page
5th gen VSC operation
5th gen ATRAC operation
5th gen TRAC operation

The ONLY time I would ever even think about using 4LO and locked rear for snow is if I were going across some of the trails [MENTION=66300]Intruder[/MENTION] does in the winter. That means miles and miles of slow driving through trails only. Not a paved road, not a gravel road, not a dirt road. A trail and it would have to be a long one at that. In reality 4LO and locker would be more for the ground conditions UNDER the snow more than the snow itself.

Exactly right. But a limited slip will help under all snow conditions 4hi 4 lo or even 2wd. Ive owned and heavily wheeled many rigs and each one i built myself. Nothing like hammers but many fordyce and rubicon trips

 

[1engineer]

Exactly right. But a limited slip will help under all snow conditions 4hi 4 lo or even 2wd. Ive owned and heavily wheeled many rigs and each one i built myself. Nothing like hammers but many fordyce and rubicon trips

Good for you. 2010 - 2012 Toyota 4Runner - Active Trac (ATRAC) | Toyota

 

[TEQ.FZJ]

Locker is good in deep snow trying to gain traction and forward progress. Limited slip allows traction to both rear wheels on a snow covered road, increasing traction and minimizing slip. With a locker, you have an open diff unless it is locked, which isn't advisable driving down a normal snow/ice covered road. It can induce a slide in a braking situation when you let off the throttle, and if it grabs a patch of hard pavement during a slip at 25mph it can grenade your rear end. So in a nutshell, a locker isn't as good as limited slip in normal snow driving.

This post makes me want to bash my head against a wall.

Back on topic, why not just get a regular Trail instead of the Trail Premium? Always lots of those in stock. If you don't like the cloth seats just get a custom leather package. That usually goes for about $1500 from a dealer.

 

[sf jakey]

Because I want the moonroof. Only available in Premium as far as I can tell.
I didn't post my experience and history to brag, simply to put my knowledge and understanding of off road vehicles in perspective. I know absolutely nothing about all the electronic stuff which is in every vehicle today, but have a pretty firm grasp of the mechanical side of things. That is why I am here, looking to educate myself before I purchase. Maybe I am asking questions which seem obvious to you who are very familiar with these vehicles, but if I am unaware of what these things are, like ATRAC, then I wouldn't even know to search that. My experience comes from axles, lockers, transfer cases, transmissions and engines, as well as suspension design in a solid front axle vehicle. I know nothing about computer controlled traction systems. I do appreciate the input and knowledge shared with me.

 

[1engineer]

Because I want the moonroof. Only available in Premium as far as I can tell.
I didn't post my experience and history to brag, simply to put my knowledge and understanding of off road vehicles in perspective. I know absolutely nothing about all the electronic stuff which is in every vehicle today, but have a pretty firm grasp of the mechanical side of things. That is why I am here, looking to educate myself before I purchase. Maybe I am asking questions which seem obvious to you who are very familiar with these vehicles, but if I am unaware of what these things are, like ATRAC, then I wouldn't even know to search that. My experience comes from axles, lockers, transfer cases, transmissions and engines, as well as suspension design in a solid front axle vehicle. I know nothing about computer controlled traction systems. I do appreciate the input and knowledge shared with me.

Alright.
Trail Editions make up only about 6% of total 4Runner sales.
Trail Edition Premium is about 33% of that for a total of 2% of all 4Runners sold.
This is why you can't find one down at the corner either new or used. The 2010-2013 TE's (like mine) come with a special fabric over the seats that is water resistant and cleans easily and is pretty tough to tear.

I listed all those things to search for in a previous post because WE DON'T HAVE limited slip diffs anymore. what we have is ATRAC and VSC. ATRAC uses the brakes and to limit wheel slip. VSC is how you turn all that stuff on and off. It also won't let you slide on the slick stuff. Most of us have tried, unsuccessfully, to slide out in a corner on snow with the VSC on. It's possible but hard. The TE's have:
VSC
KDSS
ABS
DAC
Grade Logic
Several ECU's
ATRAC
Crawl Control
ADD
and they are all electronic, so you need to learn because some of these take the place of mechanical systems of yesterday. Seriously, watch a bunch of youtube videos on it and you will learn a lot. I first started messing with 4X4's back in the early '70's. I bought a 4Runner in 1984 and it was all mechanical. The only thing that one had in common with my '12 TE is the name and it is a SUV.

 

[sf jakey]

Thank you. I will drop the thread now and read more. I'm headed to look at an 11 trail certified pre-owned with 25k on it now. Seems like this may be the best route for me, since I'm not all that fond of the new front end, although I do like the improved interior. Not necessarily $10k better, though.

 

[Falls]

I had a 10 TE and now a 13 TE. Love the truck !!

My only complaint in both vehicles is not having a small V8 option , like the did pre-5th gen. That little 4.7L was a great motor on my 06 v8 Sport.

I went for a 13 when the 14's were coming out as I did not like the 14's front end.

 

[GRIMACE]

If driving on snow-covered roads with part-time 4wd is a concern then just skip the SR5 or TE and get a Limited instead.

I have a question for you Alberta folks. Since you guys got so much snow this year, have you been driving around town/highway in Part Time? Or just rely on 2 wheel drive with the VSC? Just curious.

 

[NoDak]

well historically the 2014 TEp are a rare bunch. they average around 200 units of inventory across the usa per month. now split those 200 with all the Toyota dealers in the usa and your chances of finding one are slim to none.

it gets worse if you try and get a blue, they average around 20-30 units across the usa. red is next, then grey then black, white and silver being the most.

now if you try to get a 4x4 SR5p, your chances go up to around 700-800 units across the usa, with the same color allocation as above.

now if you must have a moonroof, you could try a LE since Toyota inventory sits around 1300-1400 units across the usa.

 

[Ol'Baditude]

I have a question for you Alberta folks. Since you guys got so much snow this year, have you been driving around town/highway in Part Time? Or just rely on 2 wheel drive with the VSC? Just curious.

If the roads are covered in snow, ice and slush and it's assured I'm going to have enough wheel slip to feel absolutely no driveline binding, then I'll definitely drive in part time 4HI, disengaging in areas where I can see the pavement. For the other 90% of winter it's 2HI with a few shifts in and out of 4HI to get me through tough intersections or up steeper inclines or wherever needed. I find I miss my 4th gen quite often during most of the winter here in Calgary.

 

[NoDak]

If the roads are covered in snow, ice and slush and it's assured I'm going to have enough wheel slip to feel absolutely no driveline binding, then I'll definitely drive in part time 4HI, disengaging in areas where I can see the pavement. For the other 90% of winter it's 2HI with a few shifts in and out of 4HI to get me through tough intersections or up steeper inclines or wherever needed. I find I miss my 4th gen quite often during most of the winter here in Calgary.

yeah the above is the #1 reason I went with a LE, full time 4wd with center diff lock for when I need it. since I deal with multiple road conditions just in town or going to work, I would be constantly shifting in/out all the time. main ambulance roads are clear, side streets are crap and my subdivision doesn't even see a front end loader/scraper until 3 days later after a decent snowfall. and the entrance to my sub division is uphill to get out and uphill to get to the entrance.

 

[Intruder]

I ran Nokians in the winter this year and only had to use 4Hi on the worst of days. Those days were bad enough that I just left it in 4Hi all the time until I pulled into a parking lot. Occasionally I'd put it in 4Hi to get started from a red light at an icy intersection but otherwise I just let the tires, VSC, and TRC take care of it (unless I wanted to have fun, then VSC and TRC got turned off). Having run Duratracs in the winter before I can say that the mountain snowflake on them is a joke compared to the Nokians considering how much less I used 4Hi this year.

 

[eddiebx]

I ran Nokians in the winter this year and only had to use 4Hi on the worst of days. Those days were bad enough that I just left it in 4Hi all the time until I pulled into a parking lot. Occasionally I'd put it in 4Hi to get started from a red light at an icy intersection but otherwise I just let the tires, VSC, and TRC take care of it (unless I wanted to have fun, then VSC and TRC got turned off). Having run Duratracs in the winter before I can say that the mountain snowflake on them is a joke compared to the Nokians considering how much less I used 4Hi this year.

^^Truth! I remember how excited I was the first snow fall with my brand new 4runner and duratracs mounted up. Left it in 2wd because I figured it was basically invincible, only to find out I couldn't even back out of my slopped driveway with just a few inches of snow :tape:

My piece of shit beater Honda with worn down blizzaks could do better than that, lol.

 

[lukeskywalker]

I find myself in a strange dilemma - if you can call it that. As I'm considering adding an ARB rear locker to my 2014 SR5 4x4, I began contemplating a trade-in for a similar Trail Premium in terms of miles and wear.

I've already added AT2's, bilstein 5100's and Rear Spacer, and FN black rims, as well as TRD front trim and Skid Plate.

The SR5 has performed flawlessly on every trail, only getting stuck once -- on a muddy trail in CO national park on a mountain, a large snow bank about 3.5 feet high and a few meters long. I didn't get enough momentum and got stuck, engaging 4lo and A-trac. I know that if I had a rear locker, I could have stopped some wheel spin and gotten out without resorting to the shovel.

Just to bounce this off and get some opinions, i found a TE Premium for about 35k USD in my area (same color same miles). I have about 40,000 miles on the 2014 SR5. Would you make the trade? Or just stick with what I have so far. Im also wanting to bounce back some thoughts on the financial hit I'll take or somethings I might not be considering. Trade in maybe around 27k (do you think thats too much?) So that's about 9k (+sales tax and registration right?) more for:
- a rear elocker
- a hood scoop
- selectable terrain
- leather interior
- heated seats
- Entune Nav
(My Sr5 came with an aftermarket moonroof, which to me is practically OEM.

I dont care to much about the leather or Nav. Using a phone / tablet works waaaay better. The scoop looks cool but is not functional. So it's basically the rear locker and selectable terrain...

Any thoughts would be cool. None of my friends would even begin to understand this as a dilemma. :fishing:

 

[msk2u]

Car paint choice

To add to the OPs query -any thoughts on the white paint being trail friendly. That's the only one that's none metallic right. A search through the forum didn't throw up any issues with it; that I could find. Thoughts on the white paints durability/fading etc?!

 

[lukeskywalker]

Here are some pics:





I made these snow tracks initially, just going back from the trail. After the tire install without bilsteins.

[/ATTACH]

 

[Vettethret]

There is absolutely nothing wrong with the SR5. I had a 2011 model. It does great goes great etc.
I have no clue what the price difference is between the SR5p and the TEp but the big difference is KDSS and rear locker. KDSS is amazing on road. Can you get an aftermarket suspension to imitate it? Sure you can but that will be very expensive and you won't get the ability to "effectively" disconnect the swaybars (it doesn't really but it moves the pivot, which effectively disconnects them) and have you priced the air locker? Get what you want but you can't build the TE from a SR5 with the same dollars. Now, if you are going to go big then by all means get the SR5 and save money on the KDSS. Go get a King or high number Icon setup and have a blast. Again, I have had both and the KDSS, just for on road use, is worth it.

Find one in Colorado, get a cheap plane ticket and go get it. #

YOLO

This is exactly what I did. Couldn't find one in CA. Demello referred me to his dealer in CO. Flew out there, picked it up and drove home. You use yours the same way I will use mine, go with the KDSS, love the way mine rides on the street!

 

[lukeskywalker]

I find myself in a strange dilemma - if you can call it that. As I'm considering adding an ARB rear locker to my 2014 SR5 4x4, I began contemplating a trade-in for a similar Trail Premium in terms of miles and wear.

I've already added AT2's, bilstein 5100's and Rear Spacer, and FN black rims, as well as TRD front trim and Skid Plate.

The SR5 has performed flawlessly on every trail, only getting stuck once -- on a muddy trail in CO national park on a mountain, a large snow bank about 3.5 feet high and a few meters long. I didn't get enough momentum and got stuck, engaging 4lo and A-trac. I know that if I had a rear locker, I could have stopped some wheel spin and gotten out without resorting to the shovel.

Just to bounce this off and get some opinions, i found a TE Premium for about 35k USD in my area (same color same miles). I have about 40,000 miles on the 2014 SR5. Would you make the trade? Or just stick with what I have so far. Im also wanting to bounce back some thoughts on the financial hit I'll take or somethings I might not be considering. Trade in maybe around 27k (do you think thats too much?) So that's about 9k (+sales tax and registration right?) more for:
- a rear elocker
- a hood scoop
- selectable terrain
- leather interior
- heated seats
- Entune Nav
(My Sr5 came with an aftermarket moonroof, which to me is practically OEM.

I dont care to much about the leather or Nav. Using a phone / tablet works waaaay better. The scoop looks cool but is not functional. So it's basically the rear locker and selectable terrain...

Any thoughts would be cool. None of my friends would even begin to understand this as a dilemma. :fishing:

No bites huh? :moping: