Would a v6 Toyota Tacoma 4x2 drive good in the snow??

Question

I've heard that trucks can fish tail in the snow because the bed is lighter than the front of the truck

Answer 1

I personally dirve a Toyota Tacoma 4WD - which of course is seletable between 2 wheel drive and 4. In 2WD mode, the vehicle is prone to fishtaling. However this is true of the vast majority of rear wheel drive trucks.

The key factor for rear wheel drive trucks and snow traction is a combination of three factors- weight, tires and traction control systems.

With an empty bed in the back, trucks are very light. All of the weight is biased to the front with the engine and passengers up there. So it is important to add weight in-between the wheel wells. Sandbags are ideal and easy to get. Not only does it add weight, it gives you extra security if you do get stuck. Just take out a bag, rip it open and pour it on the ground by the tires to gain traction on the surface. More weight in the back - less fishtaling. Don't be afraid to put over a 100 lbs back there!

The second is tires. Winter tires are always a good choice for snow covered roads. The sipes in the tire are important. Sipes are essentially the little cuts in the surface. You will notice that winter tires have lots of them. A good section choice is an All-Terrain tire. Better the tire, less fishtaling.

The third item is the traction control system. New Toyota Tacomas, on certain models, have a electronic stability control as an option. This uses the Anti-lock brakes to keep you going the direction you are steering. But honestly few Tacomas have this. Most Tacomas have a mechanical system in the rear differential. There are three styles - open, limited slip and locked. Open is what 90% of cars on the road have. You get stuck in the snow and only one tire spins - usually the one with least traction. With a limited slip, there is a mechanical device to help both spin during that situation. This aids in winter traction considerably. Some Tacomas have these from the factory. Limited slip = less fishtaling.

The third traction item is a locked differential. Tacoma's listed as "PreRunners" or 2WD models with the TRD package have these. Essentially this is a switch that electrically locks the rear wheels so both the left and right side turn at exactly the same speed. Please do not let a salesman tell you locking differentials help with driving in the snow. This is a traction device designed for off-roading and SLOW speed use - not on the road. In a 2WD truck with the locker engaged on snow covered roads you will fishtale MORE than if the locker is disengaged (and the differential is thus listed as open).

Hope that helps! By the way Tacoma's are great vehicles. If you want to learn more about them, go an search the posts at the sources I listed below...

Pete

Answer 2

absolutely true...also their center of gravity is higher so they skid easier...having a rear wheel drive truck with the power of the V6, you will need to be extra careful on snow and ice. Even 4 wheel drive trucks slide in the right conditions (I know I've owned a few)

Answer 3

Very true. best to put heavy weights in back that do not slide. Also use snow tires. you can skid easy in a light pickup with no load. You need the extra traction on the drive wheels in slick conditions. use sacks of concrete that are hardened or blocks or iron or something to get the weight up in back. Fasten them down.

Answer 4

shop your cool and don't panic below any circumstances, that is maximum intense. pay interest no longer in basic terms to the vehicle in front of you yet each and all the site visitors in front of you, if a automobile that is 6 automobiles in front of you jams on his brakes, each and all the automobiles that persist with could have much less distance to end so be attentive to what's happening. turn off your telephone, or greater effectual yet go away it at abode, do no longer fuss with the radio or the air, and make sure all your mirrors are coated up until now you even get on the line. first and maximum appropriate, stay comfortable and concentrated on using.

Answer 5

What you said is true, but having larger wheels makes it very hard to drive. In snow the theory is: "No matter how you tune your car, the car withe the smaller wheels will have all the advantage.

Answer 6

You've heard right. Any pickup should have ballast over the rear axle in winter, 4x2 or 4x4.