Before we go into detail on the driving modes, let’s talk about the traction control button. Each mode automatically adjusts the traction control settings (see the Quick Reference Card), but system interference can be reduced by hitting the button once, and even further reduced by holding it for 5 seconds. It can never be turned fully off.
For clarity throughout this guide, I’ll refer to a single TC press as the ‘Veteran’ setting, and the press + hold as the ‘Expert’ setting. This means each driving mode has three TC settings (Baja Normal, Baja Veteran, Baja Expert). They are not equal across the board. The manual isn’t clear on this, nor have I found anyone that knows any details about it, so I’ve resorted to figuring it out myself. I’ve also documented what settings people find themselves using to corroborate my findings.
The offroad default TC settings are looser than the on-road Veteran settings - Baja normal is less restrictive than Normal Veteran, for example. To my surprise, the Veteran and Expert settings DO in fact make a difference in the offroad modes, and TC parameters differ even between the offroad modes.
It seems that the settings more or less correspond to the Gen 1 parameters. For most drivers, BlueSVT recommends using the Veteran settings. While I generally agree, I think it is best to use the most restrictive settings possible that don’t interfere with your driving. So if you are in Baja mode going up a hill, and you find yourself fighting TC, then hit the button and eliminate that problem. But if you don’t have TC fighting you, don’t just jump straight into Expert mode just because you can. I was ******** around in weather mode one rainy day, and used Weather Expert to see what it was like. I floored it around a corner and slid a full lane over (don’t worry, I had anticipated this happening, and made sure it was clear before I tried it). The system is designed to keep you and your truck safe. Don’t be afraid to dial in back as necessary, but in most cases you won’t need to. I’ll talk more about my personal recommendations in the driving mode section.
