Nice summary. The performance in snow is the most challenging. As you mentioned, so much depends on the snow's condition. You mentioned that in sand, part of the control's function when repeatedly starting/stopping was to backfill a divot. Another purpose is that giving the sand (or snow) just a second to be still enables the material to settle, compact and conform to the tire's tread and profile. This incrementally aids traction. The analogy is stiction (friction/traction is greater prior to slippage than it is once slippage occurs) en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stiction
@@OverlandPNW Thanks for the compliment. I doubt it's worth a sustained pin. The pin should migrate as other comments arise. I ride a lot in the snow, and have a pretty good understanding of that particular media. I occasionally assist others getting unstuck. As you showed, momentum counts for a LOT. One other tip for sand that I learned from a video posted by a Saudi citizen (they have plenty of sand!) is to constantly steer left/right/left/right, while slowly spinning the tires. While he did not provide a reason, he demonstrated its effectiveness. I think that by doing so, the front tires find more 'nearby' sand to grab and backfill the divot. Give it a try!
Crawl control saved my butt this weekend. Trying to get home, iced narrow steep uphill road. Halfway up the hill, I started sliding backwards, toward a creek and narrow bridge I had just crossed. Stopped, went 4L, set cc to low speed, and it literally climbed the windblown ice hill..Absolutely incredible..
I would have benefitted even more from this video a few days ago. I attempted a descent on a steep sand dune over the weekend, entrusting my crawl control. The 4Runner accelerated quickly. I reacted slowly. We both struck the base of the dune hard, damaging the grill and bumper. 😑 I could have studied the manual again before my failed attempt, but your videos are more interesting. Besides, nothing lasts longer than than a hard lesson learned. Great video.
Hope the damage was not too bad. So true that nothing lasts longer than than a hard lesson learned. I've had my fair share of those kind of lessons ha ha!
got cocky in Winter #3 this year, buried in a snow drift just turning around where my dog likes to poop...... luckily my buddy was up the road plowing snow, by the time he got there had the strap ready and he didn't think he ever tightened the strap, it popped out so smooth..... I was real close! heh heh heh first ever need for help
You produce the best videos! As an overland newbie with a 4Runner, I learn so much from your videos - thank you! I have been puzzled with when to use what, crawl control, ATrac, lock rear diff, etc. Whew! Really appreciate your work and updates :)
Wow! Super thorough and informative video. Now I've got FOMO....because my 100 series doesn't have any of those fun buttons and knobs to play with. It's all just up to the knob (me) behind the wheel. Keep up the great work!
I'm only 27 seconds into the video and already I want to say THANK YOU! I'm considering a 4Runner and it's hard to find anything other than people who know how to get into trouble but not out, and people who just want to see what they can do with cool feature A or cool feature B. I'm not a top shelf off roader and don't have a desire to be one, but some of my activities do take me off road in order to get the the place. THIS is the kind of video I need.
Fantastic. Now I can send the nay sayers here to this link when they need demonstrations of how CC works as advertised. As opposed to showing them my content I have made for the sole purpose of proving they don't know what they are talking about. lol I like how you emphasize the fact people need to give it time to do its job. All to often I see people give up too quick and say "I'm stuck". A little resistance and it is amazing how many people will quit and seek other options they did not have to, to move them out of a challenging spot.
I've been driving my 4Runner since 2017, ALL OVER TARNATION...and I'm ashamed to say that I never even tried out the crawl control! But I'm going camping on the beach next week, so I'll try it out. Thanks for this!
Excellent video!!! The title holds true haha Also, I believe CRAWL Control also works with your factory rear locker locked. Now I wonder what would happen if you used CRAWL Control with the rear AND front locked 😬 On top of that, Toyota's new generation of trucks no longer make the machine gun sound when you activate CRAWL Control!
I have to say. This is by far the best channel on TH-cam that has to do with off roading in a Toyota!! I've learn so many things about my 4Runner through watching you guys. Thank you for all the time and dedication you put into your channel. Also, maybe I'll get a chance to go out with you guys some day. 😀
Samuel, thank you very much for the channel support and kind words, both are greatly appreciated. My brother does a crazy amount of research and puts in tremendous effort on the backend editing, so again, thank you.
@@aired-downoverland9239 as someone who records lots of videos myself and edits them for family and personal viewing, I know how much time can go into it. Not an easy task by far. This channel is awesome. Anytime I see a video of your brother's, I get the urge to jump into my 4Runner and go somewhere. My lady and kids love going out too so that's helps as well. Keep up the fun and informational videos. I look forward to seeing more!!
Yes, the silver 4Runner has about a 3" lift on Ironman foamcell pro stage 3 suspension. His tires are BF Goodrich T/A K02 285/75R17. His front bumper/fenders are modified for clearance. He has the Southern Style Offroad front bumper with the High Clearance Side Protection Option. Cheers!
By far one of the best videos I have seen that demonstrated how the CrawlControl is used. It would have been amazing if similarly or identically equipped vehicles to try the same obstacle without the CrawlControl to truly reveal its effectiveness.
great video. last year I was going up a hill in about 4" of fresh powder snow. I went sideways off the road into the grass and got stuck. I couldn't back down due to a tree. I put it in 4lo with the locker and crawl control got us out. it would have been another story if I didn't have that...
All you need is a rear lock, no need for crawl control. Many, many videos out there to prove it. If your a newbie to 4x4 or just dont have skills then waste the $ on it. Otherwise just do 4x4 and buy and install a rear lock diff out back and your good. Its proven better than crawl control. The gimmick is for the unskilled newbs and just more stuff to break and increase cost of maintanence by 30%..
Revisiting this video now that I have a 2023 4Runner TRD Offroad. I have had limited opportunities to test it, but I used crawl control first during the ice storm at the end of December in the Portland area. The ice was thick, but a little nobbly, providing some traction. Worked well getting out of my driveway. Have used crawl control in mud when I couldn't get out in regular 4WD. I was at Silver Star Mountain on the weekend. Didn't need any special traction features, despite it being a terrible road, with very deep ruts. Toward the top, there was a corridor of deep snow. I turned on A-Trac and got right up it. I think I would have gotten stuck without it, because I was facing a combination of deep ruts beneath deep snow. I could feel the drive going to different wheels.
Congrats on the 2023 TRD Offroad! Crawl Control is pretty impressive. In our testing, we only really had problems on very steep inclines and very slippery surfaces. Other than those two, Crawl Control tackled everything we threw at it.
Sunk in pea gravel up to the hubs in our 4Runner. Pass side rear quarter a foot from large tree, slight uphill. Any skinny peddle just moved us closer to the tree. Long story short, crawl control got us out, unassisted. Fantastic bit of engineering by Toyota!
crawl control impressed me coming down some icy hills this past winter. The Multi Terrain Select system also demonstrated to my why Toyota does not have a front locker. Went up a steep, icy, rutted hill, 4L, Rock and Sand mode. I almost crested the hill and heard the right front hit an icy tree root and spin. I kept on the gas, suddenly the right front tire stopped spinning and I heard the left front start to spin, and up and over the truck went. I was super impressed. No need for a front locker when the truck will do that on it's own!
The advancements in 4x4 over the last 15 to 20 years is quite amazing. I love my 05 Tundra double cab, especially now that I changed the diff gear ratio from 3.91 to 4.88 and installed a Torsen limited slip in the rear end, but it will never be able to do what these new 4runners can do.
The advancements really are amazing but I also like some of the earlier versions. I once owned a 1967 Nissan Patrol. It had manual locking hubs, a hand crank start (no kidding), a manual transmission, and a clutch so hard to depress, I'd swear it came from an old tractor. Not a single modern "traction control" device of any kind. I really miss that rig!
Excellent video. Actually used the crawl control at Lake Powell while stuck in the sand. Pulled me up and out. Great feature....have had 4 wheel drive trucks for decades and this feature once practiced should be a great aid. Thanks for the information.
Can you please compare the downhill assist control (DAC) with the downhill on the crawl control. Alot of us GX460 folks have added crawl control and MTS which gets rid of the DAC. Second. Do you have to go into MTS to select the condition before you initiate crawl or are MTS and crawl are totally independent system. My understanding has been that you have to select the terrain via MTS and then crawl control works as a cruise for the terrain selection through MTS.
My 4Runner does not have DAC. So, I have never used it but my limited understanding of DAC is that it functions essentially the same as Crawl Control. The main difference being that Crawl Control has adjustable speed settings and DAC does not. Crawl Control and MTS are independent systems. They use the same sensors and at first pass may seem redundant but the main differentiators are that with Crawl Control (1) the throttle/acceleration is fully automated and, (2) Crawl Control seeks to maintain a constant speed. Cheers!
This series of “Finally” videos is excellent! Can you tell me what suspension and tires/size you have on your 4Runners? Thanks again for sharing your knowledge!
Thanks! My current tire (white 4Runner) is BF Goodrich T/A K02 315/70R17. When this video was filmed I believe I was on a smaller BF Goodrich T/A K02. It would have been 285/70R17. My lift is about a 3" Icon Stage II. My brother's (silver 4Runner) tires are BF Goodrich T/A K02 in size 285/75R17. He has an Ironman lift. Also 3". Cheers!
Great information about crawl control. I have a 2019 4Runner and have never needed to use crawl control , but had always wondered how to use. Thank. Also what video camera did you use, excellent video quality? Thanks for sharing
Thank you for the amazing detailed real world testing. This will definitely keep me away from a lot of now unnecessary trial and error. I’ll probably still get stuck on something dumb somewhere and cry like a baby😂
Superb explanation and analysis of Crawl Control. I have a new 2024 Lexus GX 550 Overtrail and now I'm going to dig into the manual to see what differences I discover, and see how eKDSS might change the Lexus recommendations. Thanks again for making such an informative video.
Sorry we never use that what happened to foot on gas peddle like the old days I don’t need a compared to do the things I know how to do why don’t you just put the cruise on while you’re at it don’t have curse
nice video but you have a bad example of NOT staying on the road. DO NOT DRIVE OFF THE ROAD the government will close the area due to the damage caused by "off roading" stay on the road!!!
Great vid but unless you’re pressing the pedals with your hands, putting them out the window seems senseless. Stick both your feet out the window, I’ll be impressed😂
Only part I really dislike was the dude hanging on the outside of the vehicle on the ice road. Extremely dangerous. One slip and he would have been red, greasy, gut squeezed stain on the ice. Other than that pretty good video.
I have a front and back locked 4x4 and I have a crawl control 4Runner, I’ve been let down by the crawl control every time I needed it. Sand and especially snow seem too much for it. Traction control is only for the highway it’s caused the vehicle to get stuck as well. No you cannot turn it all the way off it will turn itself on. If you want to drive off road old is better the computer doesn’t have intelligence it has a one track mind. Once I abandoned crawl control I was able to get the vehicle out with determination and skill, the 4Runner of today is a scam. Heck don’t get me started about modifying the things either.
I learned to off-road in a 1967 Nissan Patrol. It had manual locking hubs, a hand crank start (no kidding), a manual transmission, and a clutch so hard to depress, I'd swear it came from an old tractor. Not a single modern "traction control" device of any kind. I really miss that rig!
I am a Toyota guy. All started with a new FJ40 in 1972. Still have a 85 Toy. truck to hunt and call coyotes. Just bought a new 2023 Tacoma TRD off road. Was wondering what the crawl control is all about..now I know...thanks for the excellent video. Can't wait to get the Tacoma out and see how it performs..
Excellent video with a very clear explanation of crawl control. I haven’t really used mine yet but could you tell me if you can use CC with the rear diff locked or does it have to be off?
Thanks! My 4Runner manual states that A-TRAC will work (on the front axle) with the rear locker engaged but only at speeds below 4 mph. However, the manual is silent on whether Crawl Control will work (on the front axle) with the rear locker engaged. I've never tested CC with a locked differential. So, unfortunately I do not have an answer to your question. I'll have to test it on one of my next trips. Cheers!
Thank you so much for checking that out! I am just starting a mild build on mine with a focus on overlanding and I plan to reference your channel quite a bit. I am going with a few basics first and will add things as the need presents itself. Great content! Keep it up!
Regardless of the speed setting, when activating crawl control will it have a gradual start before getting up to speed. In other words, if I set it to speed 5, will it be a jolt of speed/wheels spinning or does it learn the terrain and adjust the speed accordingly?
If you set crawl control to speed 5, it will take off. It is not a jolt but the system does not start slow and very gradually build up to level 5. It gets to 5 pretty fast. If you play around with the speed settings on some flat, easy terrain, you will see what I mean.
I think every new 4 runner and Tacoma owner the dealership should show these videos!! They don’t show you shit on the 4 wheel drive system of these awesome vehicles. Excellent work
your techical reviews of the equipment available are great, thanks for the thorough job. Do you happen to know if there is a maximum speed one can drive in 4HI in an off road premium or TRD PRO? I know the system can be engaged until 55 MPH but there is no info on max speed like highway driving? thanks
Your are correct. The manual does not state a maximum speed limit for 4WH after it is engaged. There are a lot of anecdotal accounts in different forums from people claiming different speed ranges are safe. There was even one I read of a guy that drove his 3rd Gen in 4WH to max speed every year on the salt flats. I'd say just use good judgement based on road conditions. If you heard of any reliable info on this topic, let me know. Thanks!
It seems the implied premise is flawed in its expectation that 4wd (in whatever tweaks involving locking differential, etc) works in all terrain types and configurations but crawl control just doesn't work in those conditions. The reality is that ALL vehicles will get stuck no matter what technology, momentum,, tire types, etc.....even military tanks.
Thanks for watching. We all agree that any vehicles can get stuck. 4WD is no exception. In fact, we get stuck in our 4WDs in almost every video we make.
Appreciate the post. Great summary on crawl control and here in Colorado, we don't have sand but I have used it on slow crawl for mogul uphill and downhill and find it effective. Was it needed, not really but I find that it's more consistent in maintaining speed and control. I most situations, low 4 works fine. With the popularity of 4Runners/Tacomas, I have seen just way too many vehicles that just looks unnecessarily weighted down with accessories and metal bumpers, racks, and body armor. I did see a 4runner in the video which appear to be less modded. I often wonder how the added weight affects crawl control and just off-loading capabilities in general.
Thank you!! I’m so tired of sorting through videos that just show the car getting unstuck and NOT showing how to make that happen with the Off Road controls.
What year model/s are these? I know they came out with crawl control in '08, but it's it as capable as these? Looking at possibly a 2010/12 model for my family beach cruiser. Thanks in advance! 3:41
The 4Runners in this video are 2018 and 2020. I have not been able to find any reliable information on whether the smart sensors (braking sensors, stability control sensors, and wheel speed sensors) or on board computer software has been upgraded since the 2008 introduction of crawl control.
Toyotas features are great however there are scenarios where front and rear lockers in 4-Low are just one option for all scenarios that just works really well. It just “tractors” over obstacles, through sand, or up steep obstacles. Several of these scenarios are your trying to get stuck. A little different than getting to a spot you can’t get out of. A great video would be head to head with say a Jeep Rubicon with similar gear. Toyota on highway is superior but off-road I don’t see anything in this video that would be a challenge.
Not really sure why they're sticking their hands out... shouldn't they be sticking their feet out?....anyways I'm an 05 4runner v8 owner with a center diff lock and not sure if I can ever get stuck.
what are dual lockers? I have a rav 4 limited on lease and was considering a 4 runner TRD Pro so I was looking up what Crawl control is , this is all new to me but I''ve been taking peeks into the overlanding community for a couple of years now and I think ti makes more sense to get a 4 runner for longevity and scalability of my family although its just me for now
The term '"locker" refers to locking differentials. On four wheel drive vehicles, they increase traction by forcing both tires on an axle to turn in tandem. Some four wheel drive vehicles do not have any locking differentials. You can get a locker on the front axle, the rear axle or on both axles. If you have lockers on both axles, it is called "dual lockers." The 4Runner TRD Pro comes stock with a locker on the rear axle. If you are new to off roading, the 4Runner TRD Pro is a great family vehicle and is very capable off road.
I have had my FJ Cruiser since I was 16 (I'm 29 now) and have now owned two 5th gen 4Runners in the past 11 years. My current 2019 TRD Offroad has the Magnuson supercharger. I sold it to a friend, awhile back. He had to return to Asia, so I bought it back lol, and was VERY happy, because I missed it lol. I'll never sell it again! It will stay with me, just like my FJ Cruiser has been with me for nearly half of my life😊. I drove a brand new Tacoma TRD Pro at Toyota's recent press event, on an offroad course, so I'm confident the offroad performance of the 6th gen 4Runner is going to surprise 5th gen 4.0 4Runner loyalists, as it did me. It is an upgrade, in every way! Just the price is expensive, so I reserved a GX 550, to get a bit more capabilities and comfort. Do not dismiss it because of the 4 cylinder engine. I promise 4Runner loyalists will love it! Invaluable information in your video! Thanks!😊
@@OverlandPNW The Mag honestly makes the 5th gen feel like an SUV her size always should have, but nothing crazy, plus that great supercharger sound😊. It adds about 30% power and torque, so as well as enhance the already great offroad performance, it allowed me to FINALLY overtake other vehicles on the freeway lol, like a proper V8. I hate putting my foot down for nothing lol
I drive a Ford because I'm 6'-7" but Toyota seems like the best overland vehicle right out of the box, the premier choice of the Taliban and Isis as well.
It seems extremely evident to me that so called “crawl control” is for drivers that have no business being off-road in any sense of the word. It’s not doing anything that a driver cannot do themselves, with proper gear select and proper throttle control. This to me seems like another one of those options for someone who has more money than experience, and wants a “fail safe” to help them because they don’t know how to drive the truck in those conditions themselves.
Thank you for sharing your point of view. I learned to off-road in a 1967 Nissan Patrol. It had manual locking hubs, it came with an included hand-crank start, a manual transmission, and a clutch so hard to depress, I'd swear it came from an old tractor. Not a single modern "traction control" device of any kind. As a practice, I do not use modern traction control systems in the field but I do like testing them and tinkering with them to see what they can do. If you look across all 4x4 brands, there are millions of vehicles with modern traction control systems. Most people do not by them for serious off-road use and they do not want to be serious off-roaders. They use them for family ski trips or they live in a snow belt region or they live in or near the mountains.
Great tutorial I will have to watch and rewatch your videos, 9ne question.. will Crawl control with work alongside MTS? I thought you can only use one at a time?
A little late to the game with this video, but have a question with the crawl control sand test (not the uphill scenario). Would crawl control have done an even better job if you dug out a little and used your traction boards in addition to the crawl control feature? Thanks!
Nice summary. The performance in snow is the most challenging. As you mentioned, so much depends on the snow's condition.
You mentioned that in sand, part of the control's function when repeatedly starting/stopping was to backfill a divot. Another purpose is that giving the sand (or snow) just a second to be still enables the material to settle, compact and conform to the tire's tread and profile. This incrementally aids traction. The analogy is stiction (friction/traction is greater prior to slippage than it is once slippage occurs) en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stiction
Great point! Thanks for leaving comment! I'm going to pin it so it will appear at the top of the comments. Cheers!
@@OverlandPNW Thanks for the compliment. I doubt it's worth a sustained pin. The pin should migrate as other comments arise. I ride a lot in the snow, and have a pretty good understanding of that particular media. I occasionally assist others getting unstuck. As you showed, momentum counts for a LOT.
One other tip for sand that I learned from a video posted by a Saudi citizen (they have plenty of sand!) is to constantly steer left/right/left/right, while slowly spinning the tires. While he did not provide a reason, he demonstrated its effectiveness. I think that by doing so, the front tires find more 'nearby' sand to grab and backfill the divot. Give it a try!
Crawl control saved my butt this weekend. Trying to get home, iced narrow steep uphill road. Halfway up the hill, I started sliding backwards, toward a creek and narrow bridge I had just crossed. Stopped, went 4L, set cc to low speed, and it literally climbed the windblown ice hill..Absolutely incredible..
Awesome story! It is a great system. Thanks for sharing that!
Which year 4runner and was it stock ?
@vietphan916 2024 TRD ORP. Stock except for Wildpeak at4 tires.
Your time spent producing and sharing is appreciated. thanks!
Big thanks for the nice comment!
As an engineer, this is the level of detail I want to see in a video to learn something about the topic I'm researching
As a hamburger flipper and part time pimp, I feel the same way.
@@Beef5 As an unemployed person with too many cats, I agree.
I would have benefitted even more from this video a few days ago. I attempted a descent on a steep sand dune over the weekend, entrusting my crawl control. The 4Runner accelerated quickly. I reacted slowly. We both struck the base of the dune hard, damaging the grill and bumper. 😑 I could have studied the manual again before my failed attempt, but your videos are more interesting. Besides, nothing lasts longer than than a hard lesson learned. Great video.
Hope the damage was not too bad. So true that nothing lasts longer than than a hard lesson learned. I've had my fair share of those kind of lessons ha ha!
Time for a heritage grille and a new steel bumper! :D
got cocky in Winter #3 this year, buried in a snow drift just turning around where my dog likes to poop...... luckily my buddy was up the road plowing snow, by the time he got there had the strap ready and he didn't think he ever tightened the strap, it popped out so smooth..... I was real close! heh heh heh first ever need for help
What kinda dumbass goes off road in a 40k+ car without knowing how to use it's features..
You produce the best videos! As an overland newbie with a 4Runner, I learn so much from your videos - thank you! I have been puzzled with when to use what, crawl control, ATrac, lock rear diff, etc. Whew! Really appreciate your work and updates :)
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave that comment! Comments like this make all the work worth it! Cheers!
Crawl control and A-trac are both great features that make the 4Runner a stellar off-road performer. Thanks for the comprehensive video
So true!
Wow! Super thorough and informative video. Now I've got FOMO....because my 100 series doesn't have any of those fun buttons and knobs to play with. It's all just up to the knob (me) behind the wheel. Keep up the great work!
Your 100 series doesn’t need this fanciful stuff to crush any terrain; 100 series envy
@@aired-downoverland9239 Hahaha, that's a fair point. Maybe I should just install some dummy knobs and buttons to make my inner 8 year old happy.
Thanks! Loved your Avoid These 5 Mistakes video!
I'm only 27 seconds into the video and already I want to say THANK YOU! I'm considering a 4Runner and it's hard to find anything other than people who know how to get into trouble but not out, and people who just want to see what they can do with cool feature A or cool feature B. I'm not a top shelf off roader and don't have a desire to be one, but some of my activities do take me off road in order to get the the place. THIS is the kind of video I need.
Big thanks for this comment! It is comments like this that make all the hard work worth it! Cheers!
Fantastic. Now I can send the nay sayers here to this link when they need demonstrations of how CC works as advertised. As opposed to showing them my content I have made for the sole purpose of proving they don't know what they are talking about. lol I like how you emphasize the fact people need to give it time to do its job. All to often I see people give up too quick and say "I'm stuck". A little resistance and it is amazing how many people will quit and seek other options they did not have to, to move them out of a challenging spot.
Great points! Thanks for the comment!
I've been driving my 4Runner since 2017, ALL OVER TARNATION...and I'm ashamed to say that I never even tried out the crawl control! But I'm going camping on the beach next week, so I'll try it out. Thanks for this!
Hope the beach trip is a ton of fun and that the crawl control works well!
Nice! Need to borrow a new jeep and compare it to Jeeps off road cruse button. (Same thing, less options of terrain)
I don't know much about he Jeep system but I bet it is rock solid!
Excellent video!!! The title holds true haha
Also, I believe CRAWL Control also works with your factory rear locker locked. Now I wonder what would happen if you used CRAWL Control with the rear AND front locked 😬
On top of that, Toyota's new generation of trucks no longer make the machine gun sound when you activate CRAWL Control!
Awesome! Thanks for the additional info. I have some friends with older rigs that don't make the machine gun sound either.
I have to say. This is by far the best channel on TH-cam that has to do with off roading in a Toyota!! I've learn so many things about my 4Runner through watching you guys. Thank you for all the time and dedication you put into your channel. Also, maybe I'll get a chance to go out with you guys some day. 😀
Best comment ever! Thanks man!
Samuel, thank you very much for the channel support and kind words, both are greatly appreciated. My brother does a crazy amount of research and puts in tremendous effort on the backend editing, so again, thank you.
@@aired-downoverland9239 as someone who records lots of videos myself and edits them for family and personal viewing, I know how much time can go into it. Not an easy task by far. This channel is awesome. Anytime I see a video of your brother's, I get the urge to jump into my 4Runner and go somewhere. My lady and kids love going out too so that's helps as well. Keep up the fun and informational videos. I look forward to seeing more!!
I second this comment!!!
Any chance you know the suspension and tire setup on the silver 4Runner at 9:00
Yes, the silver 4Runner has about a 3" lift on Ironman foamcell pro stage 3 suspension. His tires are BF Goodrich T/A K02 285/75R17. His front bumper/fenders are modified for clearance. He has the Southern Style Offroad front bumper with the High Clearance Side Protection Option. Cheers!
By far one of the best videos I have seen that demonstrated how the CrawlControl is used. It would have been amazing if similarly or identically equipped vehicles to try the same obstacle without the CrawlControl to truly reveal its effectiveness.
Awesome video and great content, thanks and greetings from Down Under,, Tony.
Thanks and loved your last fishing video!
Take a shot evertime he says crawl control 🥴
I've watches alot of crawl control videos to get familiar with the system and this is by far one of the best! Good job 👏 👍
Big thanks for that comment!
great video. last year I was going up a hill in about 4" of fresh powder snow. I went sideways off the road into the grass and got stuck. I couldn't back down due to a tree. I put it in 4lo with the locker and crawl control got us out. it would have been another story if I didn't have that...
All you need is a rear lock, no need for crawl control. Many, many videos out there to prove it. If your a newbie to 4x4 or just dont have skills then waste the $ on it. Otherwise just do 4x4 and buy and install a rear lock diff out back and your good. Its proven better than crawl control. The gimmick is for the unskilled newbs and just more stuff to break and increase cost of maintanence by 30%..
What extra maintenance is required?
Revisiting this video now that I have a 2023 4Runner TRD Offroad. I have had limited opportunities to test it, but I used crawl control first during the ice storm at the end of December in the Portland area. The ice was thick, but a little nobbly, providing some traction. Worked well getting out of my driveway. Have used crawl control in mud when I couldn't get out in regular 4WD. I was at Silver Star Mountain on the weekend. Didn't need any special traction features, despite it being a terrible road, with very deep ruts. Toward the top, there was a corridor of deep snow. I turned on A-Trac and got right up it. I think I would have gotten stuck without it, because I was facing a combination of deep ruts beneath deep snow. I could feel the drive going to different wheels.
Congrats on the 2023 TRD Offroad! Crawl Control is pretty impressive. In our testing, we only really had problems on very steep inclines and very slippery surfaces. Other than those two, Crawl Control tackled everything we threw at it.
AWESOME MY FRIEND! THANKS ALOT!! ............one less book i have to read
Big thanks for the awesome comment!
Wow..!! This is amazing. Thank you for taking time and effort and explaining very clearly. .🔥
Thanks! Your HomeLink video was great!
@@OverlandPNW Thank you for your kind words..😀
Sunk in pea gravel up to the hubs in our 4Runner. Pass side rear quarter a foot from large tree, slight uphill. Any skinny peddle just moved us closer to the tree. Long story short, crawl control got us out, unassisted. Fantastic bit of engineering by Toyota!
Great story! I've had my bacon saved by Crawl Control a few times as well!
Love to hear stories like this.
One other reason crawl control cancels is if you push the gas pedal or brake inadvertently. This could be a problem on steep inclines or declines.
You are correct...good points!
Thanks for this very informative video guys, you sure do know a lot about this stuff and I always enjoy watching!
Big thanks for the comment!
Wow crawl control is awesome!!!
Great video on how to use it properly!!!
Big thanks for the comment!
So what about using rear locker with crawl control? I would think it hinders as it doesn't allow individual differences in rear.
You are correct that you can use the rear locker with crawl control. It would be a situational choice. Cheers!
crawl control impressed me coming down some icy hills this past winter. The Multi Terrain Select system also demonstrated to my why Toyota does not have a front locker. Went up a steep, icy, rutted hill, 4L, Rock and Sand mode. I almost crested the hill and heard the right front hit an icy tree root and spin. I kept on the gas, suddenly the right front tire stopped spinning and I heard the left front start to spin, and up and over the truck went. I was super impressed. No need for a front locker when the truck will do that on it's own!
Awesome story! It is an impressive system!
The advancements in 4x4 over the last 15 to 20 years is quite amazing. I love my 05 Tundra double cab, especially now that I changed the diff gear ratio from 3.91 to 4.88 and installed a Torsen limited slip in the rear end, but it will never be able to do what these new 4runners can do.
The advancements really are amazing but I also like some of the earlier versions. I once owned a 1967 Nissan Patrol. It had manual locking hubs, a hand crank start (no kidding), a manual transmission, and a clutch so hard to depress, I'd swear it came from an old tractor. Not a single modern "traction control" device of any kind. I really miss that rig!
Or better yet.. it'll last half a century!!
Excellent video. Actually used the crawl control at Lake Powell while stuck in the sand. Pulled me up and out. Great feature....have had 4 wheel drive trucks for decades and this feature once practiced should be a great aid. Thanks for the information.
Why drivers are showing their hands sticking out of the windows?
Stick the legs out.
CrAwL CoNtRoL Bud that’s why
Once again too the point well researched clearly stated facts and information. Thanks again for all the time and effort you out into your videos
Big thanks for the kind comment!
Wish I could buy a 4Runner .. these things just look awesome and seem to perform very well for a very long time. Thanks for sharing, OPN!
Can you please compare the downhill assist control (DAC) with the downhill on the crawl control. Alot of us GX460 folks have added crawl control and MTS which gets rid of the DAC. Second. Do you have to go into MTS to select the condition before you initiate crawl or are MTS and crawl are totally independent system.
My understanding has been that you have to select the terrain via MTS and then crawl control works as a cruise for the terrain selection through MTS.
My 4Runner does not have DAC. So, I have never used it but my limited understanding of DAC is that it functions essentially the same as Crawl Control. The main difference being that Crawl Control has adjustable speed settings and DAC does not. Crawl Control and MTS are independent systems. They use the same sensors and at first pass may seem redundant but the main differentiators are that with Crawl Control (1) the throttle/acceleration is fully automated and, (2) Crawl Control seeks to maintain a constant speed. Cheers!
I think Toyota should sponsor us. 😏
Totally agree!
The crawl control works fine until it's hot. The tranny overheats on the hot sand where I'm at.
I checked out your channel and saw you have a lot of experience with sand recoveries! I subbed. Watching the Land Rover is a good time!
@@OverlandPNW I appreciate it.
I wish my FJ had crawl control.
I Don't even have crawl control but I still enjoyed the video!! Seems like crawl control is the modern version of granny gear. 😂
Totally agree!
Amazing instruction on the crawl control feature. Not a Toyota owner but had to see what it was all about. That’s a pretty sweet feature
Thanks for taking the time to watch!
That sound was really scary.. lol. Lot of good info. Thanks for sharing 😊🤙👍
Thanks for watching!
Offroading isn't just about the destination; it's the journey, the camaraderie, and the love of the great outdoors.
Well said!
This series of “Finally” videos is excellent! Can you tell me what suspension and tires/size you have on your 4Runners? Thanks again for sharing your knowledge!
Thanks! My current tire (white 4Runner) is BF Goodrich T/A K02 315/70R17. When this video was filmed I believe I was on a smaller BF Goodrich T/A K02. It would have been 285/70R17. My lift is about a 3" Icon Stage II. My brother's (silver 4Runner) tires are BF Goodrich T/A K02 in size 285/75R17. He has an Ironman lift. Also 3". Cheers!
Interesting .. lots of great information.
Thanks for the video
Thanks man!
Now I know what I've been doing wrong, I've been using two hands!🤷 Next time I'll get it for sure.
🤣
Such a great experiences sharing which useful to me. Thanks ❤❤
So nice of you
Great information about crawl control. I have a 2019 4Runner and have never needed to use crawl control , but had always wondered how to use. Thank. Also what video camera did you use, excellent video quality? Thanks for sharing
Thanks! We shot the entire video in 4k with GoPros.
@@OverlandPNW thank you.
Thank you for the amazing detailed real world testing. This will definitely keep me away from a lot of now unnecessary trial and error. I’ll probably still get stuck on something dumb somewhere and cry like a baby😂
Big thanks for the very nice comment! Your Puncture video was cool !
@@OverlandPNW thank you
Carry a shovel.
Superb explanation and analysis of Crawl Control. I have a new 2024 Lexus GX 550 Overtrail and now I'm going to dig into the manual to see what differences I discover, and see how eKDSS might change the Lexus recommendations. Thanks again for making such an informative video.
That noise is the abs module
That makes sense. Thanks!
Good real world data!
Thanks so much!
Sorry we never use that what happened to foot on gas peddle like the old days I don’t need a compared to do the things I know how to do why don’t you just put the cruise on while you’re at it don’t have curse
Great video! Thank you I just bought my first Toyota, a 24 TRD OR. The systems are a little confusing. That cleared it all up!
nice video but you have a bad example of NOT staying on the road. DO NOT DRIVE OFF THE ROAD the government will close the area due to the damage caused by "off roading" stay on the road!!!
Very informative, even though I drive a gladiator. Well thought out!
Thanks! Your Gladiator is very nicely set up.
Sooo informative! Wow, thank you for this content. Can't wait to try some of these new learnings.
Big thanks for that comment!
Very interesting video, helped me understand the features better than reading the OM. I like to see the actual real world test.
Great vid but unless you’re pressing the pedals with your hands, putting them out the window seems senseless. Stick both your feet out the window, I’ll be impressed😂
Very well explained, great content.👍 What size tires on the 4Runner’s?
Thanks! We both run 34s. Mine (white 4Runner) are BF Goodrich T/A K02 315/70R17
My brother's are K02s as well 285/75R17. Cheers!
Only part I really dislike was the dude hanging on the outside of the vehicle on the ice road. Extremely dangerous. One slip and he would have been red, greasy, gut squeezed stain on the ice. Other than that pretty good video.
Last part looked like Yakima Washington 🤔
Similar look, but that’s central Oregon
@@aired-downoverland9239 looks just like it good stuff 👊🏻
Close and great eye! It is definitely PNW coast!
everyone sticking their hands out the window like they had them on the gas and brakes the whole time...
Way overly engineered vehicles, I hate all the unnecessary electronics on off road vehicles. Some stuff is fine but most is just overkill.
i use it every time I go off road on a hill decent ( steep hills ), great video 👍
Nice! Crawl Control is pretty amazing!
my 4runner sr5 doesn't have crawl control but it does have a-trac can i use a-trac instead of crawl control 🤷🏽♂️
@@JohnRivers-ol5tv It works a little differently but, yes you can use A-TRAC. I have another video that talks all about A-TRAC.
@@OverlandPNW thanks
This is THE BEST VIDEO in regards to CC System hands down...
Thanks man!!
Off-roading newbie here, curious why the dude in the sand at the beginning wasn’t turning to the side while trying to crawl out?
4Runners are trash ok
I have a front and back locked 4x4 and I have a crawl control 4Runner, I’ve been let down by the crawl control every time I needed it.
Sand and especially snow seem too much for it. Traction control is only for the highway it’s caused the vehicle to get stuck as well.
No you cannot turn it all the way off it will turn itself on.
If you want to drive off road old is better the computer doesn’t have intelligence it has a one track mind.
Once I abandoned crawl control I was able to get the vehicle out with determination and skill, the 4Runner of today is a scam. Heck don’t get me started about modifying the things either.
I learned to off-road in a 1967 Nissan Patrol. It had manual locking hubs, a hand crank start (no kidding), a manual transmission, and a clutch so hard to depress, I'd swear it came from an old tractor. Not a single modern "traction control" device of any kind. I really miss that rig!
I am a Toyota guy. All started with a new FJ40 in 1972. Still have a 85 Toy. truck to hunt and call coyotes. Just bought a new 2023 Tacoma TRD off road. Was wondering what the crawl control is all about..now I know...thanks for the excellent video. Can't wait to get the Tacoma out and see how it performs..
So knowledge outperforms pushing a button. Go figure
What is that moulding on Steve's front end where he high clearanced the front fender called?
My husband calls crawl control the breakdown button because it makes such a racket 😂
Excellent video with a very clear explanation of crawl control. I haven’t really used mine yet but could you tell me if you can use CC with the rear diff locked or does it have to be off?
Thanks! My 4Runner manual states that A-TRAC will work (on the front axle) with the rear locker engaged but only at speeds below 4 mph. However, the manual is silent on whether Crawl Control will work (on the front axle) with the rear locker engaged. I've never tested CC with a locked differential. So, unfortunately I do not have an answer to your question. I'll have to test it on one of my next trips. Cheers!
I tested this yesterday on my 4Runner. Crawl Control worked (on the front axle) with my rear diff locked.
Thank you so much for checking that out! I am just starting a mild build on mine with a focus on overlanding and I plan to reference your channel quite a bit. I am going with a few basics first and will add things as the need presents itself. Great content! Keep it up!
Good video. Is the Tacoma lifted? Thanks.
Yes, it is. About 3". Cheers!
@@OverlandPNW thanks for the reply. Is that the factory lift? I also wondered if the rear locker was used during the testing.
@@8626John The rear locker was not used during the testing.
Regardless of the speed setting, when activating crawl control will it have a gradual start before getting up to speed. In other words, if I set it to speed 5, will it be a jolt of speed/wheels spinning or does it learn the terrain and adjust the speed accordingly?
If you set crawl control to speed 5, it will take off. It is not a jolt but the system does not start slow and very gradually build up to level 5. It gets to 5 pretty fast. If you play around with the speed settings on some flat, easy terrain, you will see what I mean.
Fantastic video! Great explanation of all various features on differing terrain.
Many thanks!
I think every new 4 runner and Tacoma owner the dealership should show these videos!! They don’t show you shit on the 4 wheel drive system of these awesome vehicles. Excellent work
Thank you for that comment!
Thanks for that great comment! Yeah, it is a lot trying to figure it out from scratch.
@@OverlandPNW
You got that right! 😂
Especially if you’re new to Toyotas like me coming from Fords my last 20 plus years.
Part of the problem with those guys in the sand is their tire pressures aren't lowered!!
Great video! Been interested in learning about crawl control 👍🏽
Thanks! Loved your ToughTrail to Fossil Beach video!
@@OverlandPNW Thanks sir. Appreciate it 🙏🏽
I always knew Toyota was superior to Subaru in the awd off road aspect
👍
I use crawl control every morning on the 405 fwy.
Crawl control oh yes, like perfect pass for 4 runner boyos.
Crawl control and A-trac, for people who don't know how to drive offroad.
your techical reviews of the equipment available are great, thanks for the thorough job. Do you happen to know if there is a maximum speed one can drive in 4HI in an off road premium or TRD PRO? I know the system can be engaged until 55 MPH but there is no info on max speed like highway driving? thanks
Your are correct. The manual does not state a maximum speed limit for 4WH after it is engaged. There are a lot of anecdotal accounts in different forums from people claiming different speed ranges are safe. There was even one I read of a guy that drove his 3rd Gen in 4WH to max speed every year on the salt flats. I'd say just use good judgement based on road conditions. If you heard of any reliable info on this topic, let me know. Thanks!
My favorite part about crawl control is the "look, no hands"....to make the wheels spin...🤔
Yeah too funny...has nothing to do with crawl control!
It seems the implied premise is flawed in its expectation that 4wd (in whatever tweaks involving locking differential, etc) works in all terrain types and configurations but crawl control just doesn't work in those conditions. The reality is that ALL vehicles will get stuck no matter what technology, momentum,, tire types, etc.....even military tanks.
Thanks for watching. We all agree that any vehicles can get stuck. 4WD is no exception. In fact, we get stuck in our 4WDs in almost every video we make.
Appreciate the post. Great summary on crawl control and here in Colorado, we don't have sand but I have used it on slow crawl for mogul uphill and downhill and find it effective. Was it needed, not really but I find that it's more consistent in maintaining speed and control. I most situations, low 4 works fine. With the popularity of 4Runners/Tacomas, I have seen just way too many vehicles that just looks unnecessarily weighted down with accessories and metal bumpers, racks, and body armor. I did see a 4runner in the video which appear to be less modded. I often wonder how the added weight affects crawl control and just off-loading capabilities in general.
Agree that in most situations, low 4 works just fine. CC really isn't an option that experienced off roaders will use as a go-to.
Hello friends nice videos friends great super like videos friends 👍👍👍 👍👍👍👍
Thank you.
Thank you!! I’m so tired of sorting through videos that just show the car getting unstuck and NOT showing how to make that happen with the Off Road controls.
What year model/s are these? I know they came out with crawl control in '08, but it's it as capable as these?
Looking at possibly a 2010/12 model for my family beach cruiser. Thanks in advance! 3:41
The 4Runners in this video are 2018 and 2020. I have not been able to find any reliable information on whether the smart sensors (braking sensors, stability control sensors, and wheel speed sensors) or on board computer software has been upgraded since the 2008 introduction of crawl control.
Toyotas features are great however there are scenarios where front and rear lockers in 4-Low are just one option for all scenarios that just works really well. It just “tractors” over obstacles, through sand, or up steep obstacles. Several of these scenarios are your trying to get stuck. A little different than getting to a spot you can’t get out of. A great video would be head to head with say a Jeep Rubicon with similar gear. Toyota on highway is superior but off-road I don’t see anything in this video that would be a challenge.
I have dual lockers on my 4Runner. I installed an ARB air locker on the front axle. So, I have to agree that nothing beats twin lockers.
Not really sure why they're sticking their hands out... shouldn't they be sticking their feet out?....anyways I'm an 05 4runner v8 owner with a center diff lock and not sure if I can ever get stuck.
Really?
what are dual lockers? I have a rav 4 limited on lease and was considering a 4 runner TRD Pro so I was looking up what Crawl control is , this is all new to me but I''ve been taking peeks into the overlanding community for a couple of years now and I think ti makes more sense to get a 4 runner for longevity and scalability of my family although its just me for now
The term '"locker" refers to locking differentials. On four wheel drive vehicles, they increase traction by forcing both tires on an axle to turn in tandem. Some four wheel drive vehicles do not have any locking differentials. You can get a locker on the front axle, the rear axle or on both axles. If you have lockers on both axles, it is called "dual lockers." The 4Runner TRD Pro comes stock with a locker on the rear axle. If you are new to off roading, the 4Runner TRD Pro is a great family vehicle and is very capable off road.
I have had my FJ Cruiser since I was 16 (I'm 29 now) and have now owned two 5th gen 4Runners in the past 11 years. My current 2019 TRD Offroad has the Magnuson supercharger. I sold it to a friend, awhile back. He had to return to Asia, so I bought it back lol, and was VERY happy, because I missed it lol. I'll never sell it again! It will stay with me, just like my FJ Cruiser has been with me for nearly half of my life😊.
I drove a brand new Tacoma TRD Pro at Toyota's recent press event, on an offroad course, so I'm confident the offroad performance of the 6th gen 4Runner is going to surprise 5th gen 4.0 4Runner loyalists, as it did me. It is an upgrade, in every way! Just the price is expensive, so I reserved a GX 550, to get a bit more capabilities and comfort. Do not dismiss it because of the 4 cylinder engine. I promise 4Runner loyalists will love it!
Invaluable information in your video! Thanks!😊
I’d love to have a Magnuson supercharger! The GX 550 is an amazing vehicle. I like the way you think!
@@OverlandPNW The Mag honestly makes the 5th gen feel like an SUV her size always should have, but nothing crazy, plus that great supercharger sound😊. It adds about 30% power and torque, so as well as enhance the already great offroad performance, it allowed me to FINALLY overtake other vehicles on the freeway lol, like a proper V8. I hate putting my foot down for nothing lol
I drive a Ford because I'm 6'-7" but Toyota seems like the best overland vehicle right out of the box, the premier choice of the Taliban and Isis as well.
Hmmm...I'd feel better if the Taliban made a different choice.
It seems extremely evident to me that so called “crawl control” is for drivers that have no business being off-road in any sense of the word.
It’s not doing anything that a driver cannot do themselves, with proper gear select and proper throttle control.
This to me seems like another one of those options for someone who has more money than experience, and wants a “fail safe” to help them because they don’t know how to drive the truck in those conditions themselves.
Thank you for sharing your point of view. I learned to off-road in a 1967 Nissan Patrol. It had manual locking hubs, it came with an included hand-crank start, a manual transmission, and a clutch so hard to depress, I'd swear it came from an old tractor. Not a single modern "traction control" device of any kind. As a practice, I do not use modern traction control systems in the field but I do like testing them and tinkering with them to see what they can do. If you look across all 4x4 brands, there are millions of vehicles with modern traction control systems. Most people do not by them for serious off-road use and they do not want to be serious off-roaders. They use them for family ski trips or they live in a snow belt region or they live in or near the mountains.
Great tutorial I will have to watch and rewatch your videos, 9ne question.. will Crawl control with work alongside MTS? I thought you can only use one at a time?
You are correct, you can only use one at time. You can however use CC or MTS (on the front axle) if you have your rear differential locked.
Incredibly thorough video, thank you! This really helped me grasp the technology and its uses. I'm saving this video!
Big thanks for that comment!
A little late to the game with this video, but have a question with the crawl control sand test (not the uphill scenario). Would crawl control have done an even better job if you dug out a little and used your traction boards in addition to the crawl control feature? Thanks!
Yes, I believe so. The more traction it gets, the better it works.