LC200 | How to drive in sand | Traction Control | ATRAC & VSC | 4x4 sand dunes & beaches |200 series
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- Опубліковано 4 сер 2024
- Today we go driving in the dunes with the 200 series, but it’s not as easy as it sound… With ATRAC and VSC, traction control and with as many buttons as a F1 car, what settings works best for these vehicles when hitting the soft stuff.
Today we go into how each of the electronic features work within the 200 series Landcruiser, why they exist, how to activate them and what, if any combination works best when off-roading, specifically in sand.
As mentioned in the video, I have a few videos on the 200 series TC systems:
Traction Control: • Landcruiser 200 | EVER...
Crawl Control (sand bog): • Toyota Landcruiser CRA...
Turn Assist: • TOYOTA TURN ASSIST | T...
I hope this can help a few of you out when taking your 4WD’s out onto the beach or into the dunes and make that 4x4 experience that little more enjoyable.
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nice one, I've driven on sand all my life and I learned a thing or two today. Much appreciated.
Cheers mate, glad to hear you enjoyed the video.
Thanks, Nathan.
Hey Nathan, I've been following your channel recently and have to admit the quality of your content is above what is often shown on TV these days. Appreciate the time you take to make these and keep it coming. Cheers Alex
Thanks mate, I appreciate the feedback. It's encouraging the hear that people are enjoying the content and getting some use from the videos.
Cheers mate.
Most informative video I’ve seen explaining how Toyota’s traction and stability control systems affect sand driving. Excellent production Nathan, thanks very much.
Awesome, thanks mate. I'm glad this has been helpful. These system can definitely get confusing, but hopefully with this information and some practice, they will become a lot easier to use.
Cheers mate.
This is he best site for LC 200 owners that I have come across, many thanks for such informative content, the factory manual doesn't adequately explain any of these systems. As a relatively new GX owner I have learned a lot from these videos dealing with the different systems & scenarios.
Awesome, thanks mate, those comments are extremely encouraging. I'm glad you have received some value from these videos and I hope to continue to be able to assist.
Cheers, Nathan.
Just got my LC 3 weeks ago😍😍
I’m learning a lot specially with the 4wd
application thru your videos.
Thanks a lot and stay safe 👍👍👍
Awesome, thanks for the feedback mate. Glad to hear that my videos are helping you out.
All the best with your LC200 and your new adventures.
Cheers, Nathan.
Thank you again Nathan, for explaining how the MTS/ATRAC/VSC works on sand driving.
I cannot find a better explanation from anywhere else than what you have presented.
I am a car nerd myself and I THOUGHT I knew enough how all these works together in my 150 Prado Kakadu! But time to time I still got stuck at this place named Ngkala rocks on Fraser island (south bond).
Now you have explained the fact that using "Mud and Sand mode" (which I used to think it's THE GOSPEL :p) I won't have full access to the full power of the engine which explains EVERYTHING.
As there were couple of times I went thru without any problem because I forgot the turn on the MTS (but did turn off both ATARC/VSC) and I thought I just got lucky.
Again thank you heaps!
Thanks mate, glad you enjoyed it!
Yes, I've heard of Ngkala, yet to get there though. If what I've seen is accurate, then this is definitely one place that would benefit from little to no TC intervention.
Thanks mate, hopefully we'll see you out there sometime!
Cheers.
When it comes to the 200 series i always think of u first n trust ur info ur the man Nathan Just read the many positive comments below which is testament to u
I am doin my first sand trip to south oz beaches in april I hope to meet u one day on the tracks Thanks again n hooroo Tanna
Thanks mate, really appreciate the comments. Hopefully we'll see you out on the tracks some day! All the best with your beach runs! I'm sure you'll have some good fun 🤙
Incredible channel - best 4WD advice out there
Thanks mate, I appreciate the comments.
Cheers, Nathan.
Thanks Nathan, as a new purchaser of a 200 series, your videos, and explanation of the options are greatly appreciated.
Cheers mate, glad you are enjoying them.
Thanks.
Amazing indepth explanation! This is why i follow you.
Thanks mate! Glad you found it useful. The vehicle may be full of electronics, but once understood makes for a very capable off-roader...
Excellent video. Explanation is comprehensive. So good.
Thanks mate, glad it was hopefully 👍
Just bought a 200 series sahara and was wondering about sand driving.. cheers for the great vid
Cheers mate, I hope this can be of some help to you!
They can be a little frustrating to learn at the start, but once you get the hang of it, these vehicles are very capable!
All the best with the new vehicle.
This is so detailed and organized. Thank you
No problems, hopefully it can help out somewhat 👍
Great video, very well explained. Thank you.
Thanks mate, glad to hear you enjoyed it! Hopefully these techniques work well for you too.
Hi Nathan thanks for another grouse video on the cruiser I hav one n i am learning so much of u
Your welcome mate, glad you enjoy the channel content. Cheers 👍
Great video mate!
Glad you enjoyed it
Great video mate 🤙🏾
Thanks mate 👍
Excellent video mate recently bought a 200 thank you.
Thanks mate 🙏 Cheers, Nathan.
G’day Nathan, good job explanations! Loved the up hill run, the sound is „Gold“ had to replay it 10 times.. please please next time look for monster Dune and stick the mic into the 4“ barrel ! Ahem... tail pipe... cheers and keep the sunny side up!
Haha mate, I know the feeling. I love hearing that exhaust! One of my favourite modifications on the vehicle to date.
I'll be sure to look out for some big dunes!
Cheers mate.
I agree with you Alex. brilliant videos
Cheers mate, appreciate it.
Very informative … thanks champ!
Cheers, thanks mate 👍
well done son .. lots to be learnt from this
Cheers mate, glad you enjoyed it.
Very use full information.👍
Thanks mate, appreciate the feedback and glad to hear it helped.
Cheers, Nathan.
Great video 😀 Thanks
No problem 👍
This was an interesting watch, being a Victoria, beach/sand driving is pretty much not allowed to, so have zero experience on it.
But I did find something interesting, on the 150 Kakadu, as soon as you put it into L4, ATRAC and VSC automatically turn off and you cannot turn them on again. I think it might have something to do with the way MTS is integrated into the car. Thinking when you turn on MTS it engages the other two.
I also have to look into the second start lol
Glad to hear this video helped out somewhat.
For sure, there are soo many variable in these systems, its just a matter of getting out there and practising what works and what doesn't.
Cheers, Nathan,.
Sincerely appreciate the time and effort you put into educating the unwashed masses like me Nathan. Camera work superb, and your direct, comprehensive and succinct presentation style is fantastic. Well done again. My Prado VX doesn't arrive until July this year, so I'm anxious to get out and try this stuff.
Awesome, thanks mate! That's very encouraging. All the best for your new vehicles arrival, I'm sure with a bit of familiarisation and practice you be able to get that vehicle anywhere!
Cheers, Nathan.
Good job
I can see I need a bit of practice to understand how/when to use this Nathan. Great video and I'm learning all the time watching your vids. Tks for sharing.
Thanks mate, glad to hear it's been somewhat helpful. Definitely a system that works best with some practice, but it isn't too hard to pickup with time.
All the best. Thanks again.
Great info thanks! Wondering which setting would be best for snow/ice. Next time it snows is oz make us a vid. 🤪 (I know, I know, you guys get snow occasionally)
Haha, mate I'm sorry I won't be able to comment on that. There is no snow within 3000km of where I live and I've never driven on it myself. I wish I could help, but don't want to comment on something that I don't have experience with.
Cheers, Nathan.
Thankyou I learnt a heap
Awesome to hear. Glad you enjoyed it, hopefully it all works well for your next sand drive!
Cheers, Nathan.
Very informative video for lc200 owners, I always had issues with soft sand when traction control kicks in especially at high speed and that weird ticking noise. One question, why do we use center difflock ?
Thanks mate, glad you enjoyed it!
Using centre diff lock just helps to even the power between the front and rear axles. Although you might be just fine without it, it may potentially send more power back or front which again could result in less traction and loss of momentum. Lock the centre diff, sending the power 50/50 split between the axles will help keep that traction and momentum.
Cheers, Nathan.
Very Interesting and Informative; Particularly Because the Remedy is Counter-Intuitive! For Safety Concerns, a Valuable Public Service Which Would Be Crucial in Remote Areas Where You Could Easily Find Yourself Essentially Marooned!
For sure, glad you enjoyed the video. Cheers!
Hi Nathan , great videos..
Perth based like yourself..
I've got a ever growing box of 12v gear and electrical upgrades to do.
Can you recommend a guru auto sparky who lives and breathes landcruisers and does 12v work ????
Thanks mate, glad you're enjoying the videos.
So I've had all my electrical work completed by Ultimate 4WD Equipment in Bibra Lake. They have done my last 3 modified 4WD's now and nothing has gone wrong to date.
I've done a video on my 12V system a while back and you can see the types of equipment they use and the quality of their work.
Cheers, Nathan.
Hey Nathan great info as always hey when driving on the beach what would be the maximum speed you you would go in 4lo ? Cheers
Thanks mate, so personally I will try and stick under 40km/h in low range. If I find I'm constantly getting up to these speeds then I stop and switch to high range.
Cheers.
Hi nathan 👍every time when driving in soft sand you should lock or unlock center diff ?
Thanks for this, just took delivery of a 300 series from a Y62. I would not have thought about the long press to disable everything in sand, good to know before I get bogged…You would have thought sand mode would automatically disable vsc/ etc.
Congrats! I'm sure you'll have some fun in that new vehicle. Yes, although the sand mode 'relaxes' the TRC and VSC, a long press is still the best option in my opinion.
Cheers, Nathan.
Hey Nathan, great video and very helpful for driving out in the Simpson. One quick question, what setting do you set for just gravel road driving? Do you leave all your stability control on I assume. Do you use the centre diff lock on gravel road at higher speeds?
Cheers
Thanks mate, glad this was useful. For high speed gravel roads I generally leave everything as normal and lock the centre diff if required. The traction control systems are very handy in those conditions, particularly if things get a little out of control.
Great
Thanks mate 🙏
Great video Nathan, but i was wondering why toyota added a sand mode if it doesn't work?
Thanks mate. So the sand mode is definitely a big advantage over the other modes, however it still retains the VSC settings which is advised for safety. This stops the vehicle sliding sideways, particularly at speed, therefore much safer. Although it's still much better there are certainly times that all intervention modes switched off are going to advantageous.
Hope this makes sense...
Thanks, Nathan, for this clear expanation. I have although a question for you: What about the rear diff locker, and shouldn´t we drive in sequencial (manual) mode?. The setup that I use on loose sand is TRC off; MTS off; low gear; sequencial mode and central and rear diffs locked (I have a Prado). Im I doing it right?
F
Hey mate, so there are many factors that would determine exactly what settings to use in each vehicle. What you are doing sounds like a good combination, however I would say that generally lockers aren't used in sand application. Lockers can sometimes have the same effect as traction control and contribute to loss of momentum.
Again, if this is working for you, then they would be no reason to change!
Cheers, Nathan.
Gday there mate. I have an '08 gxl and have had a great time on medium to harder sand. However, whilst down in Bremer Bay I was introduced to another of the big girl's "quirks". Long story short, big hurry before dark to get to camp, tired grubs in the back and trc off. Is there any way to bypass trc re-engaging at speed on soft sand? Cooking smells coming from the car at dusk on talcum powder sand is unsettling with water lapping at the wheels.
Cheers.
Hey mate, so if you hold that TC button down for 3 seconds and disable both VSC and ATRAC then it shouldn't re-activate at speed. If you only short press the button, then yes, it will reactivate automatically at speed.
Further, every time you turn the vehicle off/on again, the setting will return to normal.
Not entirely sure what the burning smell might be, maybe overusing the TC system and overheating the brakes?
I could imagine a scary situation and not one that we want to find ourselves in...
Hi Nathan, bit off topic, what mount are you using for your gps/maps unit?
All good mate, this is just using a standard RAM mount as supplied with the Garmin Overlander GPS unit. I'll be sure to do a review on this unit in the future.
Cheers, Nathan.
Hi Nathan, thanks for the vids and explanations. How would this look on a cruiser without MTS? It's really hard to find anything on a pre-MTS 200 series, please send links if you know of any resources. Thanks 👍🏼
Thanks mate, glad these are helpful. So the pre-MTS cruiser still have a traction control system, however it's just not adjustable like this system. This means that you would have one level of traction control intervention, so you might need to use more acceleration in rock type situations to activate more brake force and it might hinder a little more in the soft sand.
It's very similar to the system we use to run in our Prado 150 and still very capable, its just a matter of practice and use with it to become familiar and competent with choosing the right settings for the right situations 👍
Hi I didn’t think you could drive for a long period with the centre diff lock engaged?
Appreciate you are sharing this information, I own a hilux and imagine the result is the same regarding trc disengaged, I wonder if I can tow my camping trailer on sand L4 continually where the tracks are soft.
Cheers
Hey mate, yes the systems will be similar, however I don't think they will have the same adjustability.
There should be no problems towing on soft sand in L4, just try and keep the speed below 40km/h and make sure those tyre pressures are lowered 👍
@@XploringOz thank you for your advice
Cheers
@@tonypucheta354 No problems mate, all the best
Nice vid.
How did your remap go?
Cheers mate. Went very well, I'll be sure to dedicate some time to talk about that in the future. Has some great benefits, but there are a couple of myths to be dispelled as well.
Cheers.
Hi Nathan, a bit of the subject, but knowing you are awaiting your new van in this year, I would like the rear suspension question again with do respect to full air suspension in the rear adjustable to heavy load plus towing and having +250 kg on the ball vice not towing and unloaded. A spring only set up would work for either or scenario and helper air bags would not really allow to drop the tail full down for loading. Well know that you rund helper airbags in the rear and are ok with it, but would like to raise the question for your meaning.. guess others would be interested too. Cheers and waiting for your new vid.
Thanks mate. So are you asking whether I've considered changing the springs and helper airbags out for full airbag replacement coils?
So far I've found the constant 400kg springs in the LC200 with the airbag helpers to be quite universal and work well for what I'm doing at the moment. Even without towing or being heavily loaded, my LC200 is still very heavy at about 3300kg (empty). This means that the 400kg constant springs are essentially taking up all of the weight from the permanently mounted accessories. The airbags will then allow the adjustment for the extra weight of touring and camping accessories and the ball weight of a van.
Unfortunately the new van has been pushed back longer than I would like, but I can't wait to get it and start making some videos in regards to it!
@@XploringOz Hi Nathan, thanks for reply. Sorry to hear that your van has another delivery delay! Yep, that’s the subject: full air suspension set on the rear full height adjustable vs. 2 new springs 400kg + helper airbag set, not real height adjustable. Since set up for 2 person the added rear footwell 105 ltr. Water bladder will add up. Nice things to play with... and to think about it. Good luck for your van delivery time. Cheers
@@holgermuller2987 For sure, it's something I have thought about previously, however I had already fitted the current suspension setup to the vehicle and didn't want to start again. Full airbag suspension of vehicles don't seem to be overly popular here in Australia, I'm not exactly sure of the reason... maybe something to test out in the future.
Hey mate I just rewatched your video on fuel system clean, still not sure about which tank feeds first if both are full so how much boost cleaner did you add and do you think it worked okay regards Rodney
Hey mate, so generally the main 90L tank will fill first, just in the nature of the design of the filler pipe. Once this is full, it will force the remaining fuel into the rear 50L tank.
I haven't seen or noticed any dramatic results from adding this additive and believe that the cleaner would be most effective as a direct injector cleaner.
Cheers, Nathan.
@@XploringOz thanks mate keep up the good work
@@rodkennedy4330 Cheers mate.
@Xploringoz what GPS mount are you using? Thanks in advance!
Hey mate, I use the Garmin Overland with the stock mount that has been attached to one of the side plastic trims 👍 Cheers
Did it blow that much smoke pre exhaust upgrade? Might need a tune.
It's actually the tune that has brought that smoke in. The exhaust had no effect. It's just the extra fuel injected in during initial hard acceleration. Not something I'm too worried about at the moment. The cruiser really moves now though when I put my foot down!
Cheers.
Does the 3 second VSC off work on the USDM LC200 V8?
I can't comment on that as I don't have any personal knowledge of that model. It wouldn't hurt to try and see though.
In Prado 150, 2013
When I am driving in sand dunes what would be the best settings?
4H with central difflock
Or
4H without central difflock
Personally, I'd be driving with centre diff lock on. This is just going to provide even 50/50 split of power between the front and rear axles and provide a even spread of power between the extremities of the vehicle 👍
Heading to Fraser tomorrow
Awesome mate, hopefully this can help out 🤙 Enjoy!
What exhaust do you have?
Hey mate, looks like you may have found my other video on the exhaust? All the details in there.
Cheers.
You don't need the centre diff lock engaged.
If you have let the tyres down to the pressure required . Pit into H4 OR L4 . Hold in the traction control for 5 seconds ( cause if you just push the traction control without holding it it only temporarily disengages and put light on dash. It's not actually fully turned off )
All that other fancy electronics is useless at the beach and just loads up the engine and brakes uneccesirilly.
Sure, you don't need to activate the centre diff lock, however it's good habit. We purchase the vehicle to own and use a 4WD, I'll be sure to use it whenever I'm heading off-road.
Cheers, Nathan.
It seems that disabling all electronic tc systems works best in all sand driving scenarios - when if ever is ‘mud & sand’ mode used to advantage??
It definitely can seem like that, but there are some scenario's where the mud&sand TC system can assist. This would help for boggy conditions that may have a little more traction. Every situation and scenario will be that little bit different and locations can vary from time/season and weather etc. You may be surprised what can work in certain circumstances.
Cheers, Nathan.
@@XploringOz Ok,how is it that our old Discovery 4 was fantastic in sand,using Sand Mode, yet it was impossible to turn Traction Control off, no TC switch, although DSC(VSD on the 200),had to be off or getting stuck was guaranteed.
@@paulbarry1044 I guess all vehicles are going to be slightly different and react differently to electronic input. The 200 series is a very capable vehicle, however when driving in soft sand, works best with no input. I can't make comment on other vehicles like the Disco 4 as I don't have extensive experience with them...
So when it's ok to use mud and sand mode?
All situations are going to be slightly different, however hard pack sand and mud would be a good place to start with that setting. The softer and less predictable to surface the less traction control interference you won't to have.
Cheers, Nathan.
@@XploringOz got you, thanks!
I wonder how an SUV like Mazda CX-5 or Toyota Rav4 (hybrid) would do in such a scenario.
It would depend on a couple of factors, but if the vehicle was able to even distribute power around to all wheels, theoretically it should do alright...
I haven't had much personally experience, so I can't make an informed comment on these vehicles.
I also believe that a lack of clearance could cause issues quickly if the vehicle started to get bogged down.
So basically the driving modes are pointless? Just lock the centre diff, turn off all driver aids and punch it?
Like Tony said here, they all have some benefit, however this benefit it heavily based on the terrain and situation you find yourself. In my opinion soft sand benefits from no traction control intervention.
Cheers, Nathan.
If You Go To Inskip
Tires Must Have Max Pressure 40psi
Then
Spin Tires Fast As Possible To Dig In Deep
Haha, hopefully that won't be me when I head over there!
15psi. TC off. Floor it
Toyota expected their owners to be smart enough to figure this out. Most owners don't know this.
Every time I go check on a stuck Toyota/Lexus I find the owner reading the manual or searching UA-cam 😅
@@Agent.K. I own a 200 and I feel embarrassed when I see someone stuck in easy stuff. I found someone stuck and I explained to him to turn on center diff lock and he got out. He owned it for years and said he never knew about it. SAD
For sure, not something that people expect to have to learn when picking up their new vehicle. But if you plan on using it this way, then this will definitely prove useful in off-road situations!
For the money, they should have sent them with front and rear lockers and be done with it. Most owners unfortunately don't understand these electronics.
Yeah, lockers would have been nice, especially since they are on the 70 series now, but this system works well when it is used as designed. Just some education and practice required.
Cheers, Nathan.
It was so much easier 50 years ago, just add alcohol and go.
Haha, maybe simpler, but definitely not as comfortable or powerful... compromises for everything.
Informative - however I feel like sitting in a meeting and this dude just ranting. Add some zeal and zest to your delivery. Just my 2cents. 🙏