Stock ride height on 2020 TRD Off-Road sufficient or not?

I had the same question and your thread helped me with the answer. I have a question for you, does your RTT make your tailgate side of your truck sag ? I am trying to see how much weight I can go for before I have to think about getting a leveling kit.

 

Been running my stock 17 with no problem.

 

Thanks.

 

Its more than sufficient for what you plan to use it for. I would say half ...at least...of the lifted trucks with big tires won't even go where you will go. strictly for looks.

 

I found this video interesting to see what a stock Tacoma off-road can do. Now this guy is pushing his luck with his stock truck but I found it entertaining and interesting. You may find this helpful.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dpePFMuYpn4

 

I would venture to guess that unless you are doing serious rock crawling, your stock TRD OR will easily handle 99.9 percent of the off roading that you intend to do. I had a 2005 SR5 AC and that had a lift on it (bought it that way) and it tackled everything I wanted to do with it but I will tell you I never felt fully comfortable with the lift. I know that is just me but it didn't feel substantial, if that makes sense. I put Bilstein shocks all around and it was perfect but I really didn't need the lift.

Keeping the 2020 TRD OR stock. No lift at all. I did upgrade the tires, though. It feels much more solid and sure off road. Granted, I am in NY and we don't have the off road trails that you see in CA, CO, UT, etc. But I think for what I need, the truck is a best right out of the factory. Can't wait to take it far north (Adirondacks, Quebec all of the way to Gaspe) but I've been on those trails with my older truck and have no worry at all that the new truck can't handle them.

I don't begrudge anyone doing a lift ... especial the West Coasters who need it ... but I really think a stock Tacoma with good tires is all you will need.

I am in the camp of lift if you want to (none of my business) but for me, I feel better off road without a lift.

 

Bone stock is fine to do for anything I have the guts to do myself...not filming any Mountain Dew commercials anytime soon. It's far more capable than I am. As long as I remember that, I can go anywhere I want.

 

Really great video ... thanks for sharing! They seem like a nice couple, too.

Being completely honest, that trail, with those rocks, is more than I have tackled in the Northeast. Not saying we don't have places like that but that is way more rugged terrain that I have taken my truck on.

I would be curious to hear from some of the more experienced off roaders here. How would you rate that trail for difficulty on a scale from 1 to 10 (with 10 being the absolute hardest)? Would it be a 2? A 5? A 7? I'd really like to hear what people think ...

 

So I watched this and I have am one hundred percent getting a lift and bigger tires before I do this type of off roading. Gawd, it feels like both Tacomas didn't even have lower tire pressures for off roading in such bad terrain. I get the idea of taking it stock but why, I mean why take it to gnarly parts of the trails.

 

I did sliders first since I go on some narrow and rocky desert trails. After my last trip out, I banged the crap out of my skids, so I have ordered a TRO Pro skid, which provides a lot more protection. Tires will probably be next, but I have to decide if I am going to stay with 16 inch rims or go to 17 inch. I am leaning toward 255 tires, but may go 265/75R16. Lift will be later down the road, but only 2 to 2.5 inches. Good luck figuring out what you want to do. That is part of the fun of this whole experience!

 

I suppose that is situationally dependent, but the stock ride height is extremely capable.

That being said, I think the best way to go is a 2" lift in the front to level it out and allow you to fit a slightly larger than stock set of tires all the way around (33's) w/o rubbing. This might require an add a leaf to ensure your rear doesn't squat too much with your RTT and any additional gear when loaded down for camping/overlanding.

Hope this helps, Merry Christmas!

 

Stock is fine. Dont need larger tires unless your going rock crawling.

 

I'm running OEM OR suspension on a 2017 tacoma.

I have sliders and just 3 weeks ago got ny mid and transfer case skid to go along with my aftermarket IFS skid.

I have 265 75 16 load c duratracs.

I have gone places that I probably should not have gone with just sliders and an IFS skid.

Buddy and his on 33 geolanders. I'm ahead at gallagher lake in Washington state. I did this on OEM tires ifs skid and sliders.



Halfway to lonesom lake in Washington state. Turned around here due to snow. OEM tires, ifs skid, sliders.



Tahuya ORV park in Washington state. OEM tires, ifs skid and sliders.



Tahuya, WA only way out no way to turn around. Stock height skids sliders, OEM tires. This made me uncomfortable but no issues.



Coppingers Cove, Tennessee. This is the trail where I decided a mid and transfer case skid was absolutely required from here on out. Awesome trail would love to go again. This trip killed my starter and 3 other starters with guys I went with. 265 75 16 load c duratracs, ifs skid, sliders, and good spotters.




Photos never do angles justice. Aftermarket tires, ifs, mid, t case skid, sliders, spotter. Stoney lonesome ORV park in Tennessee.

This vehicle is very capable.

 

Nice pictures and kudos on documenting your trip.

 

Thanks. Honestly I only took a few photos. Anything outside my truck is someone else. I try and keep a trail log of where I came from and where I'm going. Keeps me from doing unnecessary stuff. I only have 1,300 dollars in aftermarket parts on my truck (minus tires) and it does everything I want it to, for now.

 

That's awesome. Yeah, upgrade as you go is the best way. I will wait as long as I can before I do any gnarly trails. Luckily I live in Midwest, no such thing as gnarly here lol.

 

This truck will never be like my XJ, I’ve done Rubicon, Moab and all kinds of the gnarliest back country exploring for the last 13 years through the Sierras and Nevada desert. The dual sport bug caught me a number of years ago and when I have time to get out and hit “trails” I prefer to be on two wheels now. The Tacoma is my “family rig” and man it does great completely stock. I’ve got a Snugtop on my short bed TRD OR and it hauls a RTT, German Shepherd, kid, wife and gear just fine. I love the dang thing. It’s limiting factors are tires and body damage. I’ve got 265s waiting to be installed and then I plan on getting sliders.


At some point years in the future I’d like to get skids and possibly a front bumper too... along with a lift for sure. Mainly to take my boy camping and “wheeling” but frankly if I ever want a true “wheeler” in the future I’ll probably just pick up a side by side, those things are like mini trophy trucks now days!

The Tacoma is so great right off the lot though, I’ve really enjoyed the few trips I’ve done so far and it’s performed great! My opinion is get good tires, possibly sliders and spend the rest on gas and food. Just get out!

 

Correct! if you want to do the Rubicon, get a Gladiator. There's nothing like solid axles(imo). The Tacoma is great for most everything else.

My 85 Toyota truck ran circles around most Jeeps. Did the Rubicon over a dozen times(94 thru 2009). And 1,2nd & 3rd Marlin round up. Fun times.

 

Pretty much beat the living piss out of the low hanging exhaust on what I would consider pretty mild fire roads during the first weekend of ownership.
I'd recommend an exhaust re-route, even to those such as myself that don't plan on skids or a lift.

Just my two pennies, take them for what they're worth.

 

You fine dude, I did the entire alpine loop on a bone stock 17' OR, unscathed, granted I had an experienced lead that helped me along the way (spotting, tracking, etc). Stock height is very capable.