2020 Stock Trd Off Road Capability

I'm looking to get into overlanding in the future but for now I want to take some off road trails in my tacoma. I am reaching out to see what you guys think a stock 2020 trd off road is capable of as well as small upgrades you think are needed right of the bat. Aside from recovery gear I was thinking about some K02 tires that fit with stock suspension, maybe some skid plates and rock sliders. What are your thoughts ?

 

Do those upgrades, and most importantly... use your brain!
I’ve been very impressed by my Tacoma, even in 2wd.

 

You can go most places in 2wd on a stock truck. Depending on where you go, 4wd might be needed. It also has a locker so that helps too. Main thing to learn is how to drive the trails. Believe it or not most people's mods are for looks, whether they want to admit it or not. The mods you listed are some good ones to start with if you are taking on rocks and off camber trails. Good luck out there!

 

Stock is more capable than you think. K02 will definitely help. But I've had a ton of fun with my 19 OR, completely stock (a lot of it has to do with driver, not the vehicle). I'd say your initial list is a good start.

 

Good start, once you have spent some time with it you will know more about what you need. Don’t forget to look at what is available used, it can save you big bucks.

 

I was amazed what my truck handled while it was stock. Did some green trails at Rausch Creek and a whole bunch of class 5 and 6 roads in New Hampshire.

They are very capable trucks. Just be smart and careful with what lines you pick and you should be fine.

And save money for mods down the road. Build it as your budget allows.

 

Not an expert by any stretch but I think your ideas are solid. I have 2018 TRD OR with 275/70r17 KO2s, It slightly rubs off roading but it’s not a big deal. I’d recommend the tires first. I broke off one of my steps taking the wrong line so just enjoy cautious until you get the sliders. If I had skids/sliders/winch/bumper I’d would have to get spacers/lift to avoid rubbing.

 

An air compressor! Air’ing down is the best ‘mod’ off road for starts. Makes bumpy roads more enjoyable, reduces puncture risks and increases traction.

$91 Viair 88p Portable Compressor Kit (12V, 120 Psi, Forup to 33" Tires)

Viair 88p is good and inexpensive.

next full skids and a hitch skid make rocky trails much more relaxing and fun. I was able to tip toe class 4 trails around Moab stock, but with those skids they’re fun now

 

You're very lucky the step broke off instead of damaging your rocker panel.

 

You aren’t kidding, you can see how much those brackets bent compared to the other side.


Don’t be like me, it’s 12 screws in total and took me less than 15 mins to remove. This is what the truck looked like prior our weekend ride. It also gives you another look at the 32ish KO2 which did fantastic at 18 psi!


@hockeynut258 Also has a solid point, being able to air down and back up on your own is important. I’ve seen stock Tacoma’s do some pretty crazy stuff just by deflating.

 

Yes, you really need to get yourself a set of sliders if you plan to go off road, it is a small investment compared to the potential damage possible without them.

 

That is next on the list! Most of the trails (I go on) around here aren’t to bad, but I agree rock sliders are a great investment.

 

I went here with my 100% stock tacoma 2019 OR, OEM steps removed, aired down to 20 PSI on stock tires. The only thing dinged up a little was the OEM skid. In the future I am going to cut my tailpipe so it cant smash my bed side in.

https://youtu.be/b__8co2sebM?t=117

Here's what I have now and what stays in the truck

ARB Front Mount Rated Recovery Point
RCI aluminum front skid
RCI sliders

Plano 1919 Sportsman Trunk with Wheels (put all this crap in)
Valve Stem Caps
Bow Shackle - 4.75 Ton x2
Maxtrax MKII Recovery Boards
Rhino USA Recovery Tow Strap 3" x 30ft

$3 CURT 21510 Trailer Hitch Pin & Clip with Vinyl-Coated Grip, 5/8" Diameter, Fits 2" Receiver, CLEAR ZINC

CURT 21510 Trailer Hitch Pin & Clip x2

$38 Smittybilt 29312B Receiver Hitch D-Ring with 3/4" Shackle for 2" Receivers , Black

Smittybilt 29312B Receiver Hitch with 3/4-Inch Bow Shackle
ARB 30' x 2 3/8" Snatch Strap
ARB

$54 ARB505 Deflator Kit 10-60 PSI Tire Pressure Gauge Rapid Air Down Offroad Kit With Recovery Gear Pouch (PSI)

ARB505 E-Z Deflator Kit
SOG Folding Shovel
Electric & duct Tape
Mixed Drivers, Adj. Wrench, & Hex Tools Kit
Tire Plug Kit
Slime Tire pump
small tarp
automotive fire extinguisher
wheel blocks
Tons of flashlights
phone USB battery backup.

I would like to add a bottle jack, jack base, and jack stands in the future. If you don't have a front recovery point I would use something like 2 soft shackles and a tree strap on your two front hooks (not rated for recovery!) to lessen the chance of damage.

If you don't have a winch, make sure you have a buddy, are on a busy trail with nice folks, or have cell service.

 

Took my 2019 TRD OR in stock form on the WABDR, Hells Revenge, Oregon sand dunes and numerous random trails in Washington State. Did fine in all scenarios but be smart about your lines and learn where your tires are. Without sliders I’d avoid rocky trails or make sure they have a bypass. Took some cheap $10 traction boards with me to the Oregon sand dunes and it helped me get out of a sticky situation (my truck likes 3rd gear for soft sand). I upgraded my tires to 265/75/16 falken wilpeak AT3’s and it made a huge difference in the mud ( no rubbing at full flex with stock suspension). In my opinion, first mod should be tires and sliders. I have yet to regret it. Other than that have fun and enjoy the ride!

 

I think you have a good list. Sliders and tires make a difference. Tires, just because good tires go a long way, and sliders in case you aren't paying attention. I've seen very capable drivers take stock trucks in crazy places, and I've seen movie drivers with 20k in truck upgrades and big tires just make their rig on the same trail as the stock rig with the competent driver.
Take your time, and listen to your gut when out there. There isn't always a need to buy a bunch of mods.

 

I'm just starting as well, I decided to upgrade to 4Runner Pro rims so I can fit 265/70/17 KO2s in a load C. I would have kept my OR rims if the 16 KO2s came in a C. I'm sticking to mostly stock for now while I explore the fire roads and moderate trails of California and neighboring states.

 

I'm a new Tacoma owner and I haven't made any upgrades yet. But I have been amazed at the places a stock truck will go. Lots of mud and rocks where I live and I have been very impressed. So my opinion is do the mods you have planned and most likely that will be all you will need. I plan on eventually upgrading to 265/75/16 KO2 tires and maybe adding sliders and thats about it. You have to be careful because a lot of the expensive stuff you see on youtube is unnecessary for the vast majority of offroaders/overlanders. Enjoy your ride man!

 

Aside from a good set of all terrain tires, there's nothing you need to do to these trucks to make them capable. Those crap street tread tires are for fleet MPGs, not off roading.

Get yourself some good basic recovery/safety gear (there are many threads on this), then just find a trail and go driving.

Also, it's good to recognize the difference between rock sliders and running boards/steps. Those crap things that bolt to the body are not rock sliders, and barely hold up to the weight of a person. If you want off road protection, you need the ones that bolt/weld to the frame.

A winch is a great idea, but for most beginner/moderate trails, are not really *necessary* (always good to have, tho). I wheeled for many years without hardcore protection or a winch. You can go on quite the pucker factor trails and never come close to hitting a rocker panel or your oil pan. Careful line selection is often more of a factor that prevents damage.

And if you go on trail runs with other people, a snatch strap is often all you need (rather than a winch).

If this is your daily driver, realize that every pound of armor you add, takes away from your gas mileage. So you have to do that cost-benefit analysis.

The vast majority of people can get in more than enough trouble with 100% stock vehicle, and all those broverlander mods people have on instagram are more about sponsorships and clicks than they are about what you "need" to go wheeling.

 

Very well said. When I first bought my truck I was overwhelmed with all the " gotta have mods" out there. But once I went off road I soon realized its mostly smoke and mirrors.

 

Honestly, I feel the same way about a lot of the options you can get on modern TRD trucks (namely the Pros). A lot of fancy wizbang buttons and badges on those trucks, when all you really "need" is 4wd and decent tires.

Even 4wd isn't needed for a lot of trails, especially the ones I see being posted on instagram, lol

Lockers are cool (I like mine), but I always remember the crazy trails my brother drove in his open diff IFS 1st gen 4runner. He could keep up with dual locked jeeps on 35s.