How do you drive a 4x4?

Mostly correct, except the bold parts. There is no increase in power, only throttle response, and it adjust shift pattern to hold gears longer for improved torque performance when when towing. I guess you could say it improves power delivery, but your actual power stays the same.

 

I guess they changed it since my parents looked at one in 2009.

 

True 4x4 vehicles are a bit different than your full time or AWD rigs, so there will be a bit of a learning period if you're not used to them.

The Tundra has solid power and torque, so any kind of 2WD heavy throttle action is going to try to pull the rear wheels loose. That's the because the drive axles have very little weight over them, so there is less friction. Combining this low friction with the power and torque means that you cannot aggressively accelerate in 2WD if there is any kind of friction loss due to loose dirt/gravel, rain, snow, ice, etc. You will just have to learn a bit of finesse and become familiar with how a pickup truck drives. It's a skill that you can learn, but it'll take some time and practice. Be patient and open to learning, and you will grow to love what a truck can do!

 

Heck, if there's a little bit of loose gravel in the (paved) parking lot at work, I have to put our Sierras into 4Auto just to back out of the stall without spinning the tires (don't need the safety guys on my ass).

 

Alaskan here who drives half the year in winter, and 100% agree. Am on my 3rd Tundra and for all it’s incredible qualities and advantages over the Big 3’s half tons, winter / snow / ice driving is not one of them.

For winter conditions, the auto 4x systems of the Big 3 are WILDLY superior. It drives me nuts that Toyota has this feature in some Lexus full size SUV’s and Sequoia, but doesn’t put it in at least the Limited and Platinum Tundras.

Like others have said. Extra weight in the bed, think ahead, lighter foot on the fun pedal, and better tires help out a bunch.

 

Boooo! I like my old fashioned 4WD. It means I can have fun with it if I want to, and there's no computer to say otherwise.

 

Haha, I hear ya! I swear the traction control on our trucks does more harm than good at times.

Just saying it’s also nice to be able to switch between RWD / 4WD / on demand 4WD.

 

I am ok with those features on a different vehicle, but I like my truck to be "older" at it's core.

Honestly, I know it's a girly rig, but I quite liked my little Jeep Renegade Trailhawk. Easy to park, good fuel economy (tank was waaaaay too small), good ground clearance for it's size, chicks loved the way it looked, and it was totally capable for what 90% of drivers would ever ask of it. Honestly, it was a perfect little runner for around town, grabbing groceries, and could still get to plenty of fishing holes. For all the Fiat hate that it gets, in 2018 it was the ONLY thing with a Jeep badge that was projected to have good reliability.

Sorry for the tangent.

 

Apples. You’ve successfully change some words.

 

It is mostly not a big deal, and I get that. I'm sorry. I've just dealt with so many people that have no common sense that I over clarify things to those that do. Old habits die hard.

 

Mostly not a big deal.
What common sense is needed to hit the tow haul button and feel an increase in response or the illusion of power?