Trail or Limited for snow on city roads

[MechaPumpkin]

Hi guys,

This is my first post to this forum as I don't own a 4Runner yet, but am likely buying one this week.

This may be a stupid question, but . . .

Is the Trail Edition or Limited Edition better for snow on regular city streets?

I have no intention of taking my 4Runner off road, at least in the near future, but I live in Toronto (Canada) and we get some pretty serious snow at times.

I really like the 4Runner, and aesthetically I prefer the Trail Edition, but I'm wondering if there's any advantage or disadvantage to getting it, if the only difficult terrain I'll be facing is snow and ice.

Thanks in advance for any advice you can give!

(By the way, up here in Canada you can't get the nav system on the Trail Edition, and that makes the Limited a little more appealing, even though I WAY prefer the looks of the Trail)

 

[mikey's2010SR5]

Limited...Full time 4wd with a center diff.

But if you like the Trail, get the Trail, you will just have to pull the lever to get 4wd:fishing:

 

[MechaPumpkin]

So wait ('cause I don't really understand how these things work), are you saying the center differential is a plus? Or just that the center differential is good enough? I assume the Trail doesn't have a center differential?

I don't mind pulling a lever (I need to stop the truck first, right?), I've been driving a 2002 Nissan Xterra for 9 years and that's how it works. I see snow, I put it in 4 before I leave the house.

 

[SeattleMike]

So wait ('cause I don't really understand how these things work), are you saying the center differential is a plus? Or just that the center differential is good enough? I assume the Trail doesn't have a center differential?

I don't mind pulling a lever (I need to stop the truck first, right?), I've been driving a 2002 Nissan Xterra for 9 years and that's how it works. I see snow, I put it in 4 before I leave the house.

I spent most of the day driving snow covered roads in my TE today. I was not only fine in 10"-12" of fresh snow, I was fine climbing the snow banks left by the plows.

The advantage of the LE's Torsen is that it is full-time and good for areas where you are driving on a mix of snow/slush/wet pavement. You probably want a Limited based on your stated driving needs, but the ATRAC on the TE will get the job done, too.

 

[MechaPumpkin]

That's some good advice. That makes me ask a new question.

If I see snow, in either vehicle, is it ALWAYS better for me to put it into 4, or is there actually an advantage to leave the Limited in the Full-Time (without putting it into 4 high or low)?

So if I'm a careful driver and put it in 4 when I see snow, and am always careful and conscious of this, is there no advantage to the Limited?

 

[MechaPumpkin]

By the way, I should point out, the Limited is $3,000 more than the Trail in Canada (without nav . . . $5,000 with Nav).

I'm not looking to get the Trail to save money, but I thought that might help with perspective on my decision.

 

[03_4x4Runner]

If you have limited 4x4 knowledge you should probably get the limited with the full time 4x4. You will not have to remember to do anything. It will do it by itself. You will not have to remember to pull the lever back to get 4 wheel drive and then remeber to take it back out on dry pavement. Even the limited has atrac and will pull you through just fine. Now if you are going to play in snow on mountain trails definattely get the trail with the rear locker. Do not forget to turn the locker off on the Trail Edition as you make tighter turns in the snow because it will try to make the vehicle go straight and slid the front end.

 

[moonpath]

If you can afford the Limited, I would go this route for the following reasons. I also live in the Midwest north of Chicago and do a lot of winter driving in Wisconsin. In our areas we receive a good amount of snow. Most of the time it is not 10 to 12 inch snowfalls, but numerous 3-6 inches snowfalls over time. This creates a lot of slick spots interspersed with dry pavement. For example, a road may be clear and suddenly snowpacked by blowing snow. You go in and out of snow on the road within just a few miles. Here, Full time 4wd is a big plus because you can keep it on while driving, and not have to shift out when you hit dry pavement. If you get into deep snow, you can always put it in part time 4WD as needed. Given that you do not plan to do much off-roading, you will find the full time 4WD very convenient. I have an full time 4WD option in my 2005 chevy trailblazer and like it. I wish the SR5s had it along with part time. Granted the trail may look cool, but it does not have full time 4WD. Of course, this may not be a big issue if you are willing to shift in and out of the part time 4WD.

 

[MechaPumpkin]

Thanks moonpath. I have the same question for you as I mentioned previously. If I don't mind putting it into 4 when I see snow (it's usually either snowy or not here, for the most part), am I better off in part time 4 than full time?

Also, there is a lot of talk on this forum about making sure your truck is OUT of 4 when on dry surfaces. I never knew that and was never really concerned about it on my Xterra. Is this a big deal?

Thanks for all your advice guys, I'm really glad I found this forum!

 

[4RFan]

Another vote for the Limited - full-time 4WD makes the most sense for winter driving. Usually after a storm when the roads are plowed certain areas are dry and other areas have ice or drifts of snow - maybe a parking lot is still snow covered but the main roads are not. It will be a hassle to constantly turn on and off your part-time 4WD.
Also, standard heated seats, mirrors, windshield warmer.

 

[MechaPumpkin]

Okay, but again, I am wondering if part time is superior for snowy conditions, and what is the disadvantage to putting it into part time?

I don't mind changing it, and leaving it. I'm actually more concerned about being complacent and leaving it in full-time because it should be "good enough" and having a problem where I wouldn't have had a problem if I had made a conscious decision and put it into part time. Know what I mean?

 

[4RFan]

Part-time = front and rear locked together - not meant for dry pavement - thus the name 'part'-time.

Full-time on the Limited can be set to lock the center diff giving you basically part-time.

 

[TOYSTRY]

Okay, but again, I am wondering if part time is superior for snowy conditions, and what is the disadvantage to putting it into part time?

I don't mind changing it, and leaving it. I'm actually more concerned about being complacent and leaving it in full-time because it should be "good enough" and having a problem where I wouldn't have had a problem if I had made a conscious decision and put it into part time. Know what I mean?

If you don't want to worry if you need to shift depending on the weather, get the Limited, it's dummy proof for inclement weather. If you like to have more control and are experienced, get the Trail as it has more bells and whistles for the off-road enthusiast.

 

[MechaPumpkin]

Well, now I am VERY glad I found this forum! You guys totally convinced me. I'm going to go with the Limited Edition with Nav.

For those of you interested, this is what it comes with for $49,665 in Canada (yes, we get reamed on price):

- Delete Clearance and Backup Sonar
- 4WD Full-Time
- Steering Wheel Audio Controls
- X-REAS Sport Suspension
- P245/60R20 Tires
- Tires: Radials
- Tires: All Season
- Full Size Spare
- 20" Aluminum Alloy Wheels
- Dual Zone Automatic Climate Control
- JBL Audio System
- Bluetooth Capability
- Integrated XM Satellite Radio
- 4-Disc CD Changer
- USB Audio Input
- 15 Speakers
- Subwoofer
- Satellite Roof Mounted Fin Antenna
- 3rd Row Seats
- Leather Seat Surfaces
- Heated Front Seats
- Push Button Start
- Smart Key System
- 120V/400-watt Power Outlets: 1 Front, 1 Rear
- Optitron Instrumentation Gauges
- Voice-activated DVD Navigation System
- Backup Camera in Navigation Display
- XM Real-time Traffic Capability
- Power Moonroof
- Front and Rear Underbody Spoilers
- Front Door Handle Touch Sensor Lock/Unlock
- Chrome Grille
- Chrome Fog Lamp Surround
- Chrome Finished Door Handles
- Rear Trunk Chrome Trim
- Coloured Fender Flares
- Unique Running Boards
- Roof Rails with Chrome Trim
- Limited Grade Front Grille
- Integrated Signal Lamps
- Puddle Lamps
- Leather Wrapped Steering Wheel
- Leather Wrapped Shift Knob
- Theft Deterrent System
- Automatic Headlamp System
- Rear Door Courtesy Lamp

Thanks again to all of you!!

 

[03_4x4Runner]

Part-time = front and rear locked together - not meant for dry pavement - thus the name 'part'-time.

Full-time on the Limited can be set to lock the center diff giving you basically part-time.

When you say locking the center diff gives you basically part time that is not correct. Part time means 2 wheel drive until put into 4 wheel drive. A full time is always in 4 wheel drive. Without the center diff locked it distributes the load 40% to the front and 60% to the rear or whatever is needed. When the center dif is locked it is just like putting a part time 4x4 into 4 wheel drive. It will bind up going around corners on dry pavement with the center diff locked.

 

[4RFan]

When you say locking the center diff gives you basically part time that is not correct. Part time means 2 wheel drive until put into 4 wheel drive. A full time is always in 4 wheel drive. Without the center diff locked it distributes the load 40% to the front and 60% to the rear or whatever is needed. When the center dif is locked it is just like putting a part time 4x4 into 4 wheel drive. It will bind up going around corners on dry pavement with the center diff locked.

Yes, I should have been more clear - Center diff locked on Limited is basicallly like the part-time 4WD system when IN 4WD mode. My point was that you are not losing that option (a locked - front and back - 4WD) with the Limited.

 

[4RFan]

Well, now I am VERY glad I found this forum! You guys totally convinced me. I'm going to go with the Limited Edition with Nav.

For those of you interested, this is what it comes with for $49,665 in Canada (yes, we get reamed on price):

- Delete Clearance and Backup Sonar
- 4WD Full-Time
- Steering Wheel Audio Controls
- X-REAS Sport Suspension
- P245/60R20 Tires
- Tires: Radials
- Tires: All Season
- Full Size Spare
- 20" Aluminum Alloy Wheels
- Dual Zone Automatic Climate Control
- JBL Audio System
- Bluetooth Capability
- Integrated XM Satellite Radio
- 4-Disc CD Changer
- USB Audio Input
- 15 Speakers
- Subwoofer
- Satellite Roof Mounted Fin Antenna
- 3rd Row Seats
- Leather Seat Surfaces
- Heated Front Seats
- Push Button Start
- Smart Key System
- 120V/400-watt Power Outlets: 1 Front, 1 Rear
- Optitron Instrumentation Gauges
- Voice-activated DVD Navigation System
- Backup Camera in Navigation Display
- XM Real-time Traffic Capability
- Power Moonroof
- Front and Rear Underbody Spoilers
- Front Door Handle Touch Sensor Lock/Unlock
- Chrome Grille
- Chrome Fog Lamp Surround
- Chrome Finished Door Handles
- Rear Trunk Chrome Trim
- Coloured Fender Flares
- Unique Running Boards
- Roof Rails with Chrome Trim
- Limited Grade Front Grille
- Integrated Signal Lamps
- Puddle Lamps
- Leather Wrapped Steering Wheel
- Leather Wrapped Shift Knob
- Theft Deterrent System
- Automatic Headlamp System
- Rear Door Courtesy Lamp

Thanks again to all of you!!

Great choice - you are going to love it!

 

[scanny]

If price is not an issue and you don't mind all that chrome on Limited then I think it's makes sense to go for Limited because of Full time 4x4. In Trail or SR5 you'll need to remember to turn on 4x4 when it's slippery and turn it off when you coming to a dry paved parking lot.

 

[jca21]

Trail with multi terrain abs!

 

[philsey]

- Delete Clearance and Backup Sonar

Out of curiosity, why is this deleted? I find it to be a very useful feature.