Off Roading

I have a 2016 TRD Sport Tacoma with a 3.5L v6 and double cab with long bed. I was wondering if I can go off roading with this truck stock and if not what do I need to change? What are some beginner trails in southern California?

 

Yes you can.... try rowher flats or cleghorn, but stay on the fire road.
First thing would be skid plate and sliders.

 

Where in SoCal are you? I've gone to a few areas around here with my stock 2010 sport 4x4, both before and after lifting +tires. These trucks are plenty capable off road. Granted our sport model lack lockers, they can still handle quite a bit.

Some trails at big bear, santiago peak and Kings Canyon can be done with a stock truck. I feel that after the lift, bigger tires and putting an offer road sway bar on my truck, it handles much better. I would also look at the abs delete mod and YWM.

 

Nixinus I live in Lakewood

 

A lot of places are unknown at the moment after all the rain we just got. Some trails may be closed or washed out, impassable with giant ruts. With no armor... it's a gamble for sure.

 

You can make it up to big bear or azusa. I would go with you but I'm moving to Oregon in two weeks. Stay on fires roads until you get comfortable and learn your capabilities. I wouldn't try anything your not comfortable with alone.

 

Agreed, Im not going to go off roading this weekend but during the summer I would definitely want to explore more. Plus it gives me time to save up and get what I need to get.

 

Cool, for sliders look into Ryan @Shmellmopwho
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...nts-cb-ant-mounts-suspension-installs.374697/

 

Thanks buddy!

I got you @Natedog0015 if you need sliders

Here is a set I finished yesterday

 

Thats Awesome!!!! Im a welder myself. How much would they be?. I would bolt them on.

 

Trail limo! Pilot Rock (2N33) is a great beginner trail with optional harder areas. Its off the I-15 that has a great view driving along the side of Silverwood Lake

 

Some people might recommend Coxey rd trail 3N14 which goes from the North slope (Desert side) of Big Bear

Unfortunately this trail suffered a major wash out from last weeks major rainstorm and is impassable at this time . Infact all trails in the San Bernardino mtns including Cleghorn have had some type of wash out or trail damage from the same storm


If you're headed up this weekend be prepared for heavy snow with up to 20" above 6k ft and 3"-5" below 3500' . Unless you're locked front /rear and have a winch , recovery gear and another 4x4 with you I would highly advise to wait until late March

 

These trucks are capable of more than you might think. I haven't off roaded the 3rd gen yet but had my stock 2nd gen in some hairy situations and it handled everything like a champ. Just slap some all terrain tires on those rims first. The stock rubbers are crap for wheeling.

 

If anyone is headed to the mtns .....

Here is the latest weather forecast for my area , my area is under a winter weather warning and high wind Advisory from tomorrow afternoon thru this weekend

 

I’ll send you a PM right now about them

 

Bone stock I did mountain passes where most everything else on the "road" was a Jeep Rubicon. I even had stock tires.

 

I abuse my truck in it's stock form. The trucks can do a ton more then you think. If you want something easy and scenic you can also check out some of the back country trails in Joshua Tree. I am normally in the mountains, Big Bear or Mammoth Lakes area depending on the trip. If you are up north, lookout loop is nice and Mammoth scenic is also good. There are a lot of guys in SoCal that do daily trips once the trails dry off.

 

Don't discount the deserts. Anza Borrego in the south, and then there's the patch of the Mojave desert up the 14 (Red Rock Canyon State Park, Dove Springs, etc.). On the opposite side of the highway from Dove Springs are a bunch of fire roads and simple trails (Burro Schmidt Tunnel is probably a perfect first time trail, because you can do it in 2 wheel, and there are plenty of side trails if you want to mess around). It's all BLM land, too.

The long bed is going to be a limiting factor for tight trails, especially rocky/mountainous places... Assuming your stock truck is 4WD, you've got a lot of capability for ordinary hills and rocks and dirt.

 

TRD OR DCLB here and I can tell you that this truck can do A LOT. But, you'll need to be a careful driver, and use a spotter often. Practice on easy stuff and work your way up. Get sliders as soon as possible. Mine have earned their rent already and I haven't even had them on over a year.

Buying some guide books can point you in the right direction for easier trails.

This guy writes a bunch and all have proven effective for pointing me in the right direction. He seems to err on the side of caution which is nice for starting out:

$21 Death Valley SUV Trails A Guide to 40 Interesting Four-Wheeling Excursions in the Death Valley Country

https://www.amazon.com/Valley-Inter...coding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=VD15MVP2F7V6QJQYH1G5


Alabama Hills outside Lone Pine has some really cool short tracks that you can experiment with. (also a ton of camping options too) Be respectful though and don't bring any glass.

Anza Borrego has some great tracks, though there is risk of damage even on the easy ones. I didn't experience any except for a really awesome new "pin stripe" whilst trying to turn around on "The Squeeze". But, Grapevine Canyon, Fish Creek Wash, Sandstone Canyon and Diablo Drop are all possible with spotting, careful-slow driving, and some rock stacking in places. I'd recommend sliders though before going here.

Death Valley has a ton of awesome stuff, though you'll need to be more prepared because some of the tracks are WAY out there. 5 gallons of extra water min, 5 gallons of extra gas min.