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Disappointed with handling on wet / icy roads with 18' Tundra TRD Off Road

Discussion in '2.5 Gen Tundras (2014-2021)' started by breyton490, Feb 14, 2019.

  1. Feb 14, 2019 at 9:56 PM
    #61
    Twinky

    Twinky Keep the shinny side up!

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    The Tundra's traction control system is pretty good but its not very intuitive, at least it wasnt for me. The link below is the best consolidated explanation of the how, what, and whys of the different systems.

    https://www.tundras.com/threads/traction-control-everything-you-want-to-know.21697/

    ABS
    - Antilock Braking System. Prevents wheel lockup during braking to keep control over directional changes while braking hard or in a panic situation. A modern 4-Channel ABS system can individually brake each wheel as needed, and monitors all four wheel speeds in relation to each other. The ABS is always "ON". You cannot (conventionally) shut it off.

    TRAC - Traction Control helps maintain traction on wet, icy, loose or uneven surfaces. When one of the wheels begins to slip, TRAC applies a wheel brake individually to the tire without traction and reduces engine output to help assist the driver with control of the vehicle in a straight line.

    ATRAC - Or A-TRAC, this is Toyota's Active Traction Control. It applies the brakes to stop a spinning wheel. Can also retard engine timing to reduce power applied to the driveline (to prevent breakage of driveline parts). When loss of traction is detected the wheel slip light flashes and you’ll hear ticking noises until traction is returned. ATRAC is defaulted to "ON" when the truck is started in any drive mode (2WD, 4HI, 4LO).
    Special Note: If you hit the brake pedal while ATRAC is actively working, it shuts off. It will start working again when you release the brake pedal.
    Even More Special Note: Hold the rpms consistently from 1800-2200 rpms. That is the sweet spot of ATRAC. If you hit the pedal harder, ATRAC thinks you are trying to get unstuck from deep mud/snow and releases brake pressure and allows maximum wheel spin to free the vehicle. It also protects the driveline/transfer case/axles/ differentials and braking system/rotors/pads from being over stressed from the high torque of the motor. If you reduce the throttle during a climb and the RPMS drop below 1800, the system stops locking the wheels.
    Super Special Note: A-TRAC only works if at least one tire has traction. On a sheet of ice where all 4 tires are on ice without traction, from a stand-still, climbing an incline, the only thing you can do is give her the beans and build some momentum. Good luck.

    VSC - Vehicle Stability Control. Uses the ABS sensors along with steering wheel sensor and yaw sensors to determine if the vehicle is not following the path intended by the driver. Will apply brakes and cut throttle to "steer" the vehicle back into the intended line of travel. VSC is defaulted to "ON".

    Auto LSD - Automatic Limited Slip Differential. The Auto LSD senses wheel speed differences between the two REAR tires only, and lightly applies the brakes to add drag to the wheel that does not have traction. This simulates having traction to that wheel and forces equal amounts of power to both sides of the differential. If the initial light pressure does not work, the system will gradually apply more "drag" to that wheel to help send power to the other side of the axle. It does not cut power from the engine. Auto LSD only works in 2wd, and is defaulted to "OFF".

    Theres more info provided in the link above. Definitely check it out.
     
    Terndrerrr and ColoradoTJ like this.
  2. Feb 14, 2019 at 10:20 PM
    #62
    speckmon

    speckmon Must. Have. Pow.

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    Tires, tires, tires! My '07 DC is great in the snow, slush, and ice with KO2's...I chase snow storms and chance I get for some powder, which generally means leaving before the plows are out, and don't have issues. And i never fuck with T/C unless i'm off-road.

    When in doubt throw it in 4HI and engage tank mode!
     
    Last edited: Feb 15, 2019
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  3. Feb 15, 2019 at 2:47 AM
    #63
    Adam

    Adam New Member

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    We don't usually get enough snow in Iowa to justify chains or studs. Know some people from that. It happened in Ames. People were driving too fast for the rapidly changing conditions...and I-35 there is like a racetrack.
     
  4. Feb 15, 2019 at 4:19 AM
    #64
    NjPro

    NjPro New Member

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    To reaffirm as others have provided the answer.


    Auto Lsd off to allow wheel spin.
     
    Last edited: Feb 15, 2019
  5. Feb 15, 2019 at 6:18 AM
    #65
    Hbjeff

    Hbjeff New Member

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    This is the default mode when truck is started
     
    Rica25 likes this.
  6. Feb 15, 2019 at 7:44 AM
    #66
    r1-superstar

    r1-superstar Kailua Boy

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    Drove on black ice all morning. Tundra held up GREAT with the OEM Bridgestone Dueler Alenza H/Ls. :thumbsup:
     
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  7. Feb 15, 2019 at 8:00 AM
    #67
    Jengel451

    Jengel451 Misanthropist

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    Screw it, i'm doing a 60's throwback. Ice won't be a problem for me anymore.

    [​IMG]
     
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  8. Feb 15, 2019 at 8:01 AM
    #68
    Outbound

    Outbound SSEM #2.5, Token AmeriCanadian

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    Studded Nokian Hakkapellita tires and 4x4 will take me up Everest. Ice and compact snow is a non-issue.
     
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  9. Feb 15, 2019 at 8:12 AM
    #69
    panicman

    panicman Everyone remain calm.

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    We had our first snow in the Portland and surrounding area, and I wound up picking some staff up.

    The tundra did awesome on the AT tires it came equipped with, and I was on icy/frozen hills. I did engage 4hi, and I did use tow/haul. I never felt and slippage. I was stoked.

    With the weather being anticipated, I did get two bags of sand in the bed and I know that helped.

    I live in almost perpetual rain from November to June, ranging from drizzle to utter driving downpour. I don’t know why you’d have to engage 4hi?
     
    Last edited: Feb 18, 2019
  10. Feb 15, 2019 at 9:00 AM
    #70
    apwisher

    apwisher New Member

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    Who's complaining? I said they are both tanks in the snow. My DC is just worse in the wet than my CM. It is an observation.
     
  11. Feb 15, 2019 at 9:04 AM
    #71
    apwisher

    apwisher New Member

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    But mine are the opposite, my DC has a canopy and it is worse in the wet/ice than my CM with nothing in the back. I think it is just the Toyo A/Ts I'm running on the DC.
     
  12. Feb 15, 2019 at 9:26 AM
    #72
    NJUplandTundra

    NJUplandTundra Toyota Fanatic

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    Thank you for this info
     
  13. Feb 15, 2019 at 10:29 AM
    #73
    Dano8855

    Dano8855 New Member

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    Thanks for this info. Great explanation. I've been on muddy snowing logging trails and a blizzard so far, with the stock tires, and a few bag of sand and this truck has performed much better than my Ram 1500 that I traded in. Glad I made the decision to go with the Tundra!
     
  14. Feb 15, 2019 at 10:44 AM
    #74
    kparrow

    kparrow New Member

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    Honestly considering the full-time 4WD swap that was performed by ViktorG on the other Tundra site. Apparently....the T-Case from a Sequoia is direct bolt in to the 07-13 Tundra and almost "plug and play". This mod WON'T work on the 14 and up. The T-Case from the Sequoia is full time 4WD because it has a center diff as well. You have to have the rear driveshaft cut 1-1/4" shorter and rebalanced, replace the 4wd ECU behind the glovebox with one from a Sequoia, and install the center diff lock button into a switch blank. Since the cluster doesn't have the diff lock light, wire in a LED near the button to illuminate when its locked and you're GTG. You could also swap the cluster but that's just more work that isn't needed and more cost. He state's it could be done for around $1000, which to me is potentially going to be a small price to pay for full time 4wd during winter, but we shall see. Still haven't decided.

    It would then operate just like the Sequoia, quoted from ViktorG's post.....when you shift your truck to 4HI, it will be in 4HI free (AWD) and then once you shift the transmission into neutral and hit the center diff lock switch, it will be in 4HI locked (4x4).

    If they fit so easily...it makes me ask why the heck didn't Toyota just do this on the Tundra from the get go!?!?!??!?!?!?!?!?! To me it would have reduced the parts they had to stock! Instead of 2 different T-Cases, 4wd ECU's, 4 different dash clusters.....just doesn't make sense.

    He's in Calgary and I have extended family there so thinking I may just drive up and have him do it for me if I decide to do it.

    Fry me for the link if you must, he's only on this site.
    https://www.tundratalk.net/forums/t...ications/542745-awd-conversion-completed.html
     
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  15. Feb 15, 2019 at 10:48 AM
    #75
    NjPro

    NjPro New Member

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    Oops, I guess I meant on.
     
  16. Feb 15, 2019 at 11:58 AM
    #76
    alpinepro4

    alpinepro4 What is your MPG Today!

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    I request a tire pressure recommendation for General and according to my weight TRD Pro DC I should be at 37 psi front and 42 psi rear. Tried it and tires didn't grip as well in the snow and road a bit stiff. Sticking with 35 psi all around. What stamped on the door seems a bit low for my use.
     
  17. Feb 15, 2019 at 12:36 PM
    #77
    Field Walker

    Field Walker New Member

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    I highly recommended a Subaru Saab or Volvo for what you are asking for
     
  18. Feb 15, 2019 at 12:49 PM
    #78
    kparrow

    kparrow New Member

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    Check out my post about the Sequoia swap. Of the 3 transfer cases used in the 5.7L Toyota family....the Sequoia one has the most flexibility. It is both part time and full time 4wd, unlike our trucks that are part time, and the Land Cruiser which is full time only. Like I said, seriously considering the swap and I don't understand why Toyota wouldn't have just put this T-Case in all three models. Seems to be the best option.
     
  19. Feb 15, 2019 at 5:14 PM
    #79
    Hammy68

    Hammy68 Peak Bagger

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    I seriously apologize @apwisher for quoting your comment instead of the OP’s first post. In my haste, I went to the top of the page and quoted your comment instead of theirs. I totally agree with your post!
     
  20. Feb 15, 2019 at 5:57 PM
    #80
    Twinky

    Twinky Keep the shinny side up!

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    That is a pretty awesome mod and considering the cost its quite appealing.
    Good info.
     
  21. Feb 15, 2019 at 8:19 PM
    #81
    hi_rawb

    hi_rawb New Member

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    Should’ve said,, Nitto ridge grapplers!!
     
  22. Feb 15, 2019 at 8:45 PM
    #82
    big_jarv

    big_jarv New Member

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    I had pretty good success with my stock tires up in big bear last weekend.
     
  23. Feb 15, 2019 at 9:56 PM
    #83
    kgb4187

    kgb4187 New Member

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    If it's slippery, you should engage 4x4. That's what it's for.
     
  24. Feb 16, 2019 at 5:48 AM
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    Slayer

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    Chris..
    as others have stated good tires, weight & knowing how your truck's systems are designed will help greatly.
    find a big parking lot covered in snow. go have some fun & run that truck thru all the different variables.

    I run Michelin Defenders & have no trouble plowing thru 12" of snow.

    you will find your truck is very capable.
    you also may discover the "limitations" might be your own.
     
  25. Feb 16, 2019 at 6:01 AM
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    polymerhead

    polymerhead New Member

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    I’m on stock TRD tires with my ‘18 Limited TRD, and we had terrible conditions here yesterday. Recent rain washed off all road treatment, and then some very slick snow fell. You might have seen the pileups in MO on TV or social media. I put my Tundra in 4hi and made it 12 miles home just fine on the same interstate. There were cars off the road right and left. When I got to my neighborhood, I did a lap around the subdivision, goosing it to get a feel for my truck’s handling since it’s my first winter with it. I was able to get it sideways, but it actually took effort. I was very happy with my truck’s performance yesterday.
     
  26. Feb 16, 2019 at 8:42 AM
    #86
    ZappBrannigan

    ZappBrannigan The mind is willing but the flesh is weak

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    Some of you guys are really giving this guy hell. He has a legitimate gripe here. I came from a 2014 Z71 GMC Sierra and that thing was a mountain goat...when it would start. The e-locker in the rear along with the auto 4WD were very useful features for varying environmental conditions. Again this didn’t really matter when the truck wouldn’t start but it would be nice to have such things in the Tundra.
     
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  27. Feb 18, 2019 at 3:58 PM
    #87
    Hbjeff

    Hbjeff New Member

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    So after spending 3 days driving around in the snow. I think I understand the OP’s point better. Toyota’s traction control system sucks. Totally worthless technology that actually makes driving in the snow difficult and dangerous. I didn’t feel safe until i turned it off.


    It’s a feature that i wish could be easily disabled permanently without a dap tune
     
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  28. Nov 30, 2022 at 2:55 PM
    #88
    Alex21DC

    Alex21DC New Member

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    I echo @Hbjeff fully. I came to a '21 Tundra from a '93 4Runner. It had no traction control. Either RWD or 4x4, and in either mode, if you slipped, you had the choice to let off the throttle, or if conditions required, gas it and throttle through, which is a necessary approach in many circumstances.

    Fast forward to the Tundra, there's 4" of snow on the ground, I've got great tires, and I'm in 4x4H. I round a corner I know very well and have rounded in the 4Runner endlessly, and I've got people behind me. I feel the slide initiate, and I go to throttle it out - however, the throttle is f*cking dead. Instead of being able to continue rounding the corner, the truck is literally forcing me off the road by killing its own power to move itself forward. Absolutely f*cking infuriating and genuinely dangerous in certain circumstances.

    And for those of you who want to say "just turn off a-track with the little button there" - spoiler alert - that sh*t turns itself back on if you hit above 30mph at any point - sorry, but I don't want to have to babysit my goddamn truck just to make sure it is able to respond to the commands I want to give it. This is beyond flawed judgement on the dev side and I genuinely welcome any input on how to disable this throttle cut bullsh*t.
     
  29. Nov 30, 2022 at 3:15 PM
    #89
    GODZILLA

    GODZILLA Hail to the King, Baby.

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    This is a really old thread you are reviving. That's fine, but don't expect a ton of active responses as most probably won't get notifications of the old thread.


    I can't remember where I saw it, but I think somebody had a mod for an all nannies off setting that would stay that way unless you turned it on. If I stumble across it I'll link it for you. No promises as I'm not actively hunting for it.
     
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  30. Nov 30, 2022 at 3:31 PM
    #90
    reywcms

    reywcms New Member

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    Too many mods to come

    There's a harness

    https://www.harmoncustoms.com/product/tundra-automatic-traction-control-disabler/
     

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