Do I really need Crawl Control and terrain select versus A-trac?

I'd also add that one thing about having the MTS/Crawl Control package. An issue that bugs me with this system is that with the locking differential, when it is not locked it is 100% open. It's not limited slip or anything, when one wheel starts to spin it spins freely. Usually just slapping it into 4hi solves my problem, but having a totally open diff when driving in 2wd is something I find annoying. I really liked the Eaton G-80 lockers that the Chevy Trucks have and almost wish the 4Runner had something like.

Do the SR5's have a fully open differential? Do they get a limited slip in place of the locking diff? Or does the A-Trac system extend to the rear wheels for the SR5?

 

Jeeps are exactly the same way.

 

We had CRAWL control on our Tacoma, did I use it alot? No, did it ever come in handy? Yes. A slip into the ditch (too close to the edge during wet conditions) made me a believer in CRAWL control, while it was in 4 hi, it wouldn't come out, CRAWL control on.... out of the ditch. It was a situation where I almost was sideways with the rear end in the ditch, one front tire off the ground. I'm with the Oldtoyotaguy on this, the electronics of the system are hard to beat. It sure makes alot of weird noise when the CRAWL control is engaged though.

 

Thanks everyone for all of your advice, personal opinions and stories of your adventures with and without Crawl Control and the Multi-Terrain Selector. I am of the opinion that with my mild to moderate trail excursions, 4-wheel H, L and A-Trac should be more than efficient. All that being said, when I get ready for my next 4Runner, I will chose the OFF Road Pro. Thanks again!

Robert

 

Oooo something new to debate about whats better?!

 

TRD OFF-ROAD FTMFW!!!!

 

The main concern is whether if to spend money to be less stuck. If you like your current truck, spend relatively little money on recovery gear first. Test your limitations, get stuck and recover yourself. With a few off-road trips you'll know exactly what you need.

 

I’ll probably never use those features (I’ve only ever used 4hi, and 4low just once lol), but it’s nice to know I have them if I really need them

 

TRD OFF ROAD PRO VENTURE TRAIL is better though.

 

I do a lot of off road usage, and I occasionally use MTS and crawl and the rear locker. I've never needed them. They are gadgets that are occasionally fun or applicable. There are always other alternatives, including "do not put a wheel in there"...
Skills and experience, tied to a sensitive foot and seat of the pants knowledge of what the tires are doing, are what gets you out of the ditch or mud or sand. I feel sorry for the folks who's plan for bad situations is that the crawl or mts button will get them home.

 

It's kind of like people who carry everything but the kitchen sink, there are certain things you keep in your ride, window cleaner a couple of tools etc., they are fine. But who the hell wants to carry jacks, grills, televisions, awnings, traction boards etc? Exactly.... they are there if you want them, a comfort "device". I have been wheeling for lots of years and when I started, if something like crawl control would have been available, maybe it would have come in pretty handy. Bottom line, if you can afford it what does it hurt to have it? If you ever decide to sell your vehicle, it will be worth a bit more with the added features. I also meant to add it's choice, good luck on making yours!

 

I like the comfort of having it all because most of my trips are solo vehicle camping trips.

 

flyinhoot,
I agree totally, there are times I carry it "all", for the most part I like to travel lite. But planning prevents me from carrying stuff I'll never use on the trip, I call it clutter, having it and not having to use it is ok, but too need it and not have it along... well that sucks, I get it. It is the same thing with crawl control, diff lock, etc. BTW, where do you like to go to get "lost"(camp)?

 

Unfortunately I need to find some new spots. One (lake Utica) years back got overrun and over developed and the other (Letts Lake) has been closed a long time due to fires. However these spots I would go with my 2wd tacoma and are basic dirt road access. The places im searching out now are all only 4x4 accessable.

 

I used to be stationed in Cal., Camp Pendleton long ago (1979), I got to travel around alittle bit, I haven't heard of the places you mentioned. Also drove over the road semi truck, that's when I got to really see Cal. north, south , all over. My wife and I have a plan to go by the redwoods.. in our 4runner of course, maybe around Garberville or something in that area, yep, on one of those "one vehicle" camp outs!

 

I have been around up there. There is some cool campsights but most places anymore you have to reserve ahead of time and they fill up like 4 months out. I never know what im doing that far in advance.

 

Eh, I say just use ATRAC if you have to and don't worry about the crawl control and terrain select. Your brain, hands, and feet are your crawl control and terrain select. Of course, if you have those other two bells and whistles, then you already have a rear locker which will get you further than ATRAC and your brain, so whatever.

 

So....

 

Someday, I'll be back.

 

It’s comments like that that make me want to keep driving my 2WD Tundra instead of dumping 50k into a TRD ORP.

But with my luck I’ll be in the middle of White Rim Road, and rain will come along and turn everything to mud. Making me wish I had 4WD!

 

I saw this quoted and it reminded me of last weekend. I had my 4WD high on, and I was like "I don't need it" and turned it off. Then I saw a BMW sports car.

 

I’ve been on trails that I’d consider not safely doable without a high clearance 4x4 vehicle and then see grandpas in station wagons and it makes me rethink why I spent so much money on my rig

 

This reminds me of the time some friends and I were driving out to Las Vegas in a built V8 Mustang. We hit this stretch where we were going 110mph and we thought we were hot shit going so fast. Some grandpa in a fvcking Saturn blows by us like we were standing still.

 

It's good to exercise your 4wd.

 

I bought my 2018 SR5P last year in May and had felt exactly like this for a good minute. I had been bugging my wife non-stop to upgrade to the ORP, but she saw no point in it haha. After long consideration, I decided to stick with the SR5 too; I think we made the right call.

The T4R has gone on some "hard" trails where lockers were "needed" and did just fine with A-trac. Having a set a good tires does most the work in my OP. The SR5 4x4 is a beast and is extremely capable off road.

Cheers,

Edgar

 

i didnt want the ORP either, but the SR5 comes in 7 seats in canada, so we said no.
3 months after I got mine, they launched the trail, exactly what I was looking for, CLOTH SEATS !!!! and 7k cheaper.

 

I'm super happy I went with a Trail Premium, simply for the Crawl Control feature. Does it get used, not really. But it works great when needed.
And I love the manual differential shift lever!