ATRAC vs MTS

Typically when going into 4-Low I engage MTS and select the "rock" setting. I believe this is the most aggressive MTS setting and limits wheels spin very well. I usually don't mess with ATRAC.

My question is,

Are there situations which ATRAC would actually be a better system to use? And why?

 

MTS limits slipping to some degree, but ATRAC improves traction by eliminating slipping from the tire with no/little grip by giving power to the one that does. Its used like a front/rear locker combo for when the terrain is very uneven in 4 low. MTS is a good proactive feature to limit over throttle wheel spin, where ATRAC is a great get me out/through this difficult situation feature.

I have used MTS for snow, but that's about it.

 

Basically Mall Control uses the function of ATRAC. If you prefer to use your own feet to control your speed, use ATRAC.

Edit: I misunderstood. ATRAC is full bore, MTS give you control over the sensitivity of it.

 

I hope this helps answer some of your questions or explains things better:

 

I prefer A-Trac, it is more fun.

 

MTS/Crawl control is not good when you need to momentum a tad up a slick hill climb. I prefer a-trac instead and rear locked.

 

Watch how beautifully A-Trac does it, as good as the front locker. A-Trac is my most favorite feature on this truck.

https://youtu.be/y-txV1NTMP8?feature=shared

 

ATRAC looks to be the ticket.
Glad I have it.

 

It needs a little practise though, not too slow, not too fast. You need to get the feel.

 

Yes, thanks, to be honest even though I get to off road, I haven’t been in a situation where basic 4wd didn’t work. But it’s nice knowing I have that available if needed.

 

No difference between MTS in "Rock" mode and A-Trac in my experience in the Tacoma. Trails in my region alternate between mud and rocks, so the MTS knob is turned either full left or full right.

 

At some point you will come across a rough steep hill. One front tire in a hole and you will be glad A-Trac is there lol

 

I was on a trail few weeks back when A-Trac was working for a good 30 seconds at a time. It is pretty fun. Don't freak out about the noise, that's the beauty of it, keep cruising at 10 mph.

 

A-trac is one of my favorite features. I would have to think long and hard about upgrading to a front locker.

 

Lockers are an important feature for those that actually venture off the pavement, but I am thankful that my basic SR5 is equipped with ATRAC in the event that I am faced with a situation that requires it’s employment.

 

Our rig will run out of angles before it runs out of traction. Front Locker is a Jeep thing. I got a front Locker during the regear, and I was only charged for the part. I said heck let's do it

 

ATRAC all day. Dirt/rock, sand and snow.

 

I've used ATRAC on a snowy incline a few times. Worked like a charm.

 

A front locker isn't the SLIGHTEST bit interesting to many of us on this vehicle...I guess most of us just never venture offroad.

 

Thanks guys. Sounds like is MTS will actually limit your throttle inputs which isn’t ideal in many scenarios.

I have experienced this when I was stuck in a muddy area. At the time it felt like traction control limiting throttle inputs… in hindsight it was likely MTS limiting how much throttle I could actually provide.

I wonder how ATRAC would have done in that shituation

 

IMO, ATRAC is better when you're stopped and can't go, while MTS works best when you're not already stuck.

 

MTS is changing the traction control depending on the type of terrain selected (how much wheel spin it’ll allow the vehicle to have). For example in snow or mud, you don’t want traction control to kick in and cut the power. By selecting this mode on MTS, TC will not kick in right away.

ATRAC acts as a “locker” by applying brakes to the wheel that doesn’t have traction so the other wheel can spin
You’d want to use it only if you’re stuck or can’t go through an obstacle because some of your tires are getting all the power and the other side is not spinning at all.

Rear locker is the same thing as ATRAC, but a little better as both tires will spin no matter what. You don’t have to wait for the system to figure it out. It’s similar to ATRAC but smoother. Also more likely to break something if not used correctly


PS: MTS might use some wheel braking similar to ATRAC if it senses wheel spin on certain modes when in 4LO. Unlike ATRAC, it’s done automatically so it might not be as strong?

 

One last question,

With MTS I typically set and forget. Most of the time this is enough to get the rig through any low traction/ wheel lift scenario with minimal wheel spin.

With ATRAC, do I need to disengage this when going through tight corners? (Like you do with the rear locker) Or can I just leave ATRAC on like I do with MTS's "Rock Mode"?

 

Leave on, won’t hurt during cornering unlike a traditional locker.

 

@

Atrac can just be left on. It will just brake on a free spinning wheel to give the opposite wheel traction if needed.

MTS is not the same and basically just adjusts ABS behavior and throttle modulation.

 

A-Trac eliminates (or tries to eliminate) wheelspin, so you could bog down that situation and possibly overheat the brakes.

In sand, mud, and deep snow, I'm usually in 4low, 2nd gear, rear locker engaged, and often hitting the rev limiter:

 

ATRAC simulates a very good limited slip. Think Eaton Truetrac. Very predictable behavior because the goal is just stopping wheel spin via braking the spinning wheel. This was (is?) functionally equivalent to the tightest MTS setting in my experience as you only get MTS on the Tacos.
MTS is similar but allows for some wheel spin. It's more forgiving to a novice in terrain where you want some spin like snow and sand. Not as predictable because it adjusts on the fly.
Crawl Control is basically off-road cruise control and is very effective paired with MTS if you want lazy mode. Modulates the throttle to maintain traction.
Rear Lockers mechanically link the rear wheels which means three of your tires will all spin together. Best traction possible in stock form but you risk breaking something if abused.

All off these disable over a certain speed which I think is 8mph. This is why some of us prefer the aftermarket locker options... you can't always full send a factory locker.

You can generally leave ATRAC or MTS on while in 4Lo without issue (though constant use can heat up the brakes). Crawl Control will help getting over/through obstacles or getting you unstuck. Lockers should be used if the others fail and if you disagree with this statement you probably already know what you are doing and didn't need this post in the first place.

 

Finally got a chance to watch this. Very helpful!

From watching the video I've gathered that (basically) ATRAC is the winner because it does not limit throttle inputs.
MTS is great on the move and will hopefully prevent you from getting stuck in the first place. But if you get stuck, and you don't want the 4R to limit throttle inputs, ATRAC is the go-to.

Going into very tricky obstacles I will likely be engaging the rear locker and ATRAC beforehand. Forgoing MTS entirely.

 

It’s all good, just different tools for different situations. In time you will know what system is most appropriate for a given situation.

Driver experience and good judgment should still take precedence over the gadgets. Basic 4wd and good tires will get 98% of the drivers where they want to go.

 

I agree with that. That said, knowing what gadget is best for which scenario is crucial. When wheels are in the air things can get sketchy fast. So knowing the difference between these systems is important.