I have general interest and general concerns

I have never been off-roading before and this is my first 4wd vehicle. Ive always stuck with speed and pavement. I have a general interest in trying some light to medium off roading but other than basic knowledge really have no clue what Id be doing. That I could learn. My concerns are putting a $37k truck through this and potentially damaging some stuff. Anyone else have this internal struggle? I live north of Atlanta so choices for light trail riding or "mudding" as the locals call it around here are pretty slim as far as I know.

 

Drive where you need to in order to get where you want to go. Never go ‘mudding.’ You’ll be fine.

 

Get’er dirty man. I was very impressed how well the Off-road tacked the trails. I started on 4hi before figuring out the activation of 4lo. After setting 4lo the trail even got more fun and exciting.

 

If your concerned about the 37k then don’t go off road in the end your gonna tear shit up (Murphy Law). Buy a beater truck and off road the shit out it!

 

Light and medium off-roading is subjective. That being said if you go legit off-roading you should expect some scratches from various things like branches.

What I recommend is joining a website like AllTrails or something and reading about different trails and their ratings. Then start on the easy ones and work your way up to the point of your comfort level and enjoy.

 

Start small (easy), wheeling on the beach is fairly easy, air down, watch your transmission temps, stay out of the ocean. Fire roads also same basic rules. Find some people to go with who have experience and aren’t a-holes. You will need some basic stuff, tow rope, jack, board. You don’t need armor until later. You will know when.

 

Yep, join a group, check on fb for local offroad groups near you. Also if you are worried about damaging the truck. Get a used 4 wheeler and practice playing in the mud and dirt with that first.

 

I drive the forest roads in North GA all the time without tearing up the truck. Beyond that it might get expensive.

 

Agree on joining a local 4WD group. TW, TLCA, Jeep, Nissan, etc. Some groups have tech days, tutorial sessions, beginner outings, etc. Your reputable 4WD shop may know of some good groups to join as well.

 

Logging roads the get the places where you want the camp/recreate - go ahead, use the daily driver. Actual off-loading as a pursuit? Get a beater. You'll tear stuff up, it's part of the game.

 

You've got tons of options within 1-2 hrs of you. All over the north Georgia mountains there are great trails and even fire roads will get you some off-the-grid excitement. Then into TN or NC you have the Cherokee and Nantahala National Forests not too far from you that are filled with great off-pavement options. you will be amazed at how well your stock truck will do. if you get into anything very rocky, have a spotter to maintain clearance

 

Don't do something stupid, expect a few scratches.

 

Armor it up with sliders, bumpers and skids it'll protect most of the truck just don't go mud slinging with it and you'll be fine. Mud gets into parts and bearings that's causes premature failures

 

"Well we don't rent pigs and I figure it's better to say it right out front because a man that does like to rent pigs is... he's hard to stop" - Augustus McCrae

What the Shit ?

 

Take it easy and get a feel for it before getting crazy with it. Some people get overly excited, and let that cloud their judgement. Be smart, use common sense, and you will be fine.

 

I do a lot of mountain biking all over that area. I just don't know what is public use land and what is not. There is some just north of me in Cartersville I may give a go. Its public hunting land so I figure it can't be horrible. I don't want to rock crawl or intentionally go mud slinging. If I have to cross a puddle or rut fine but I prefer more off the road stuff just for fun. My best friend has a gnarly jeep with rock sliders, full coil overs, 40's and a whole bunch of other stuff. No way I can follow him

 

Find some light trails. I’ve got ocean front property for if you believe everyone that drives a Tacoma is bouncing thru the boonies with absolutely no regard for their truck. I drive my stuff like I’m the guy responsible for paying to fix regardless whether it’s my truck, atvs, boat etc...