Decisions Decisions help me pick a trim level

Ground clearance in snow on level-ish terrain comes from tire radius, not lift. The axle line is the low point.

You can run full 33" in a 255 85 16 or 255 80 17 if youll use a stock wheel (or those specs) with no lift. Several big threads on that.

SR5, then add the seat heaters/covers of choice and enjoy your savings.

 

I will definitely look into that as i dont want to do any cutting ect if there is rubbing with that size.
Thank you

 

If your dirt roads gets washout ditches and one rear wheel gets lifted trying to get through, the locker will save you. That is where it helped me going up on fire/logging roads.

The sport and limited push appearance stuff. All great trucks but chrome and scoops don't get you home.

 

Probably can't make a bad choice...each have advantages - I got the OR because we are in mud/muck a lot - I liked the look of the Limited best probably (I like chrome and hate the color black) and do not like the scoop...others feel exactly the opposite. Bottom line is - to me - it seems like all options will get you where you want to go...just pick the one you think looks the best getting there.

 

That's what I was trying to get it at too. The rear locker and CC are nice to have, even if its just for peace of mind.

 

That is kind of the direction I'm leaning id rather have those and not use them then need them and be like oh crap!

 

I'm confused as to why you are worrying about something 2 years in the future, by then there may be a new Tundra, new trim levels on the Tacoma, the new Frontier may be a better truck, you could win the lottery, your wife could have triplets, you could move to Texas, who knows what else.

You're getting a little ahead of yourself unless you plan on breaking your lease soon and buying this model year. MY 2021 is just a few months away and already has a new trim level. Who knows what the trim packages the Tacoma will have for MY 2023.

 

I agree and we may break the lease early so am looking at the current options if things go the way we are.hoping to.

 

So, I guess as far as "stock" trims, the limited has a plus because of the 18" wheels!

Ted

 

Note I said tire radius.

Larger wheel doesn't automatically translate to taller tire. Could be a lower aspect ratio and maintain the same radius, just with less sidewall.

The tire calculator can help with that.

 

OK, I got ya... I guess you would have to see what stock tires come on the different trims. Unless you want to spend the money right out of the gate on the tires of your choice. I know a lot of you guys do that, especially you that off road and that's a good idea if that is your goal.

For me, the Michelin tires that came on my Limited are very nice.

Ted

 

Sounds like you have to decide if you want the hood scoop (Sport) or the locking rear differential (OR).

Sounds like you wont be doing type of wheeling where you need a locker so I vote Sport for you.

 

As for tires I am looking at ko2 or maybe nitro grapplers over the stock ones for when I do get one.
Also if I go with the sport trim since the hood scoop isn't functional I could tuck or hide 2 smaller.led warning light heads in there and still keep them kind of on the down low.

 

On TW it's Off Road or bust. Though, I would imagine the overwhelming majority have never legitimately needed the locker or crawl control. In the 2 years that I had my 2017 OR, I never needed either one. You would have to be in some pretty gnarly terrain to need more than 4LO. Now, I'm in GA and we don't have to deal with snow here, so I can't say what will help you there. You said you have a Tundra, that I assume is 4wd. Unless you are getting the Tundra stuck, I think any Tacoma with 4wd will be sufficient.

I chose the Sport because most of my off roading is to get me to isolated fishing holes or cruising forest service roads to enjoy the scenery. I may need 4wd here and there, but nothing crazy. Most of the miles on my truck with be on pavement, like most other people. I think the ride is better on the Sport. No nosedive on braking or body roll while cornering. I also like the hood scoop. It breaks up the huge flat area that is the hood on these trucks. It's all personal preference in the end.

Drive all of them and see what you like. If you like the OR and feel you might need the locker and crawl control, get that. If you like the way the Sport drives better, get that. If you like the chrome on the Limited, get that. Toyota makes all these different trims for people with different needs/wants. Get the one that checks off your boxes and drives the best to you.

 

Trucks sit at the same height, the bigger the wheel the less sidewall on the tire so ride smoothness won't be as good as there is less rubber to soak up the bumps.

 

It hasn't been often but I have had the tundra get stuck a few times in bad weather 4 high and 4 low didn't matter.
So thinking the rear locker and Mts and crawl control may help in those situations.

 

OR better to have more capability then not enough

 

Yeah, in that case, I would want all the help I could get. I would be looking at the OR and upgraded tires, like you mentioned. Sounds like you might get some use out of those features.

 

The SR5 has an MSRP that is only about $1800 less than the Sport and Off Road in the same configurations. Once you start trying to add any missing features that small difference is evaporated quickly.

 

I'll bow to that knowledge with the caveat that you are using MSRP.

I know I'm just guessing, but it's possible that's an inflated number to get buyers to take that step up. IF (and only if) I'm right, that would mean there is more wiggle room there. Surely no one actually buys at MSRP, especially these days!

But if I'm wrong (and often I am) then an OR would be my personal pick.