Buying a Tacoma in Jan/Feb- need help w/questions!

Hi everyone,

I've finally joined the forum after reading for quite a while. I plan on buying a 2010 quad cab off-road Tacoma sometime in the early new year. Generally, this would be driven on-road, however, I'm a geologist and would be using it as a primary field vehicle in NV/ID/CO mountains (hence why I want the locker, etc.).. I've never owned a truck before, but driven many SUVs in similar settings, usually rentals & I'm looking forward to finally having a capable vehicle. However, I"m a little concerned about the OE tires that are packaged withe off-road (BFG rugged trails I believe). So, here's the questions:

1) Does anyone have any comments about their performance and durability on primarily rocky trails (e.g. should I constantly worry about flats w/them; I know they are not great in mud). I don't like the fact that they are not LT tires.

2) Anyone have any luck getting better tires out of Toyota when buying the vehicle? Is that even possible? I was wondering if they would give me credit for the OE set that I could apply toward a new set of more appropriate tires (BFG All terrain K/Os or other options- I'm open to suggestions).

Long posting, but any thoughts would be appreciated!

 

Dont think you will get any where with the dealer on different tires. The truck itself is outstanding for off-road applications. Porbabaly all you would have to do is replace the tires if the stock ones did not perform to your liking.
With less than 4000 miles on my new 09 double cab, I replaced my stock tires with a set of Goodyear Wrangler Duratracs. Love them, they were designed as a worktruck tire to handle all types of driving requirements. Steet, Mud, Snow. and glad i did, we just had our first major snow today and they performed outstanding in the snow. I would definitly go a look at a set.

 

Welcome to TW. I doubt that you will get anything from the dealer. Best bet is to craiglist them or something like that. Just take them off right away and you can probably get a decent amount for them to pay for some BFGs

 

plinian,
i just got my '10 and no luck on dealer to change or credit tires to the one you like. mine came with dunlops at20 which i changed to bfg at ko. i agree with topgun155's suggestion to upgrade tires. welcome to tw.

 

My dealer let me pay the difference in the tires to upgrade them to the all Terains. Get with the manager not the salesman. Make it a deal breaker.

 

Another vote to change the tires to Goodyear Duratras! I love these tires!!! Very good, all around tires.

 

Welcome to the forum!!

Quad Cab?? You must be a Dodge guy.....

I would recommend just getting the truck 'as is' with the stock tires. Then - later on, you can decided to put some suspension upgrades on the truck or maybe go with a slightly larger tire as well as a better performing tire for the trials.

You can easily sell the stock tires when you take 'em off.

You won't be disappointed with a tacoma. I've wheeled with them for many many years.

 

Thanks for all the comment so far & the welcome. Not a dodge guy, I'm a Subaru owner..My Forester is a great vehicle, just not totally appropriate for rough trail use

I plan on buying a cap for the truck bed, so don't want to spend huge amounts of $$ right away on tires (limited budget), hence why I was interested in working something out w/the dealer.. it sounds like it might be worth a shot. Probably what I'll end up doing if the dealer won't play is just what you mention Janster (at some point, I'd like to upgrade with a 2-3" lift)..

The Goodyears look great, do you guys think they are better overall than Goodyear silent armors (e.g. more durable and capable off road, good on-road)?

 

I had no problem with BFG tires on my truck. I had my truck since August 2009. I went off road, street and little mud. I don't see any problem with the BFG. Good on snow too. I was planning to buy different tires but I am on limit budget and my plans to get Goodyear tires next year when I get my tax refund.

 

10silver- good to hear about the tires.. I had an unfortunate experience a few years back w/a Hummer H3- three flats within 1.5 hrs (running OE Goodyear RT/S)... Luckily, patch kits and an air compressor saved me from a very long hike (I think I ran over obsidian chips in a very overloaded vehicle.. some of the holes were punctures that went right through the tread). This incident clouded my already skeptical view of stock tires on 4 x 4 vehicles...

 

Welcome to the forum, this is a place with a wealth of knowledge and experience.

I've read through your thread and have just a few comments and suggestions.

First is a bit of humor in regards to the stock tires, there is a joker about the rugged trails being called rugged fails. While I have not had any personal experience with them, I'm sure someone could tell you if there is any truth to the joke.

Another idea for you; If the plan is to use this as a research vehicle and regular wheeling is going to be in order, why not buy a newer used truck and spend the extra money on the lift, tires and cap. That way you don't get into a situation a stock truck can't handle very well. Additionally, why pay a premium on a truck only to possibly tear it up in the name of science. (sorry I couldn't help myself)

Like many people will tell you here; if your going to do it, do it right the first time. from the sounds of it, you will be doing some serious off roading, setting the truck up for that may be crucial to your success and safe return. It sounds like you have an idea of what you need, but often times one thing lead to another and it can wind up being more expensive than one would think. You may also consider some sliders to add with you list of mods, they can save you from a world of hurt and cost.

In regards to tires, I can't remember the brand, but there are some new ones out there that are made using Kevlar. From the sounds of it, that would be a good tire for someone like yourself who goes off road in sharp rocky areas.

Again welcome to the forums, I hope you find it useful.

 

Welcome plinian/ fellow geologist!!! good to see a few of us around now! Ive got an 09 TRD OR and so far i cant complain about the tires, they do just fine down here in Georgia with the clay, and on some rocky trails.....nothing like CO though. I will be replacing them when they wear out or maybe sooner if i can gather the funds to get a lift and tires all at once. You might as well try the dealer route, all he can say is no. Good luck, Ill be PMing you to see what you do out in CO, Im very interested in moving out there