What's wrong with Pre-Runners?

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THIS ^^^^^^

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Amen

 

It's from people who bought prerunners, then dumped big $$$ trying to make them more capable offroad. Then after realizing no matter what they did, their prerunner would never perform as well as a 4x4 off road. So they then buy a 4x4 and start over.

If you don't need 4x4, but still need a truck, the prerunner is perfect.

 

What's wrong with a prerunner you ask.
It's not a 4×4

 

Huh?

 

Nope but it got him in it.

 

LOL! Aint it the truth.

 

Get the truck that meets your needs. The majority of folks that don't get 4x4 up front regret it at some point and reverse their decision. That's a costly mistake. It's a Tacoma. At some point most people like to have a little offroad fun with their truck or get caught in snow.

 

I don't need a 4x4 so why get one. The last Toyota 4x4 I had was the 1985 model. If I wanted to offroad and have fun I would crack out the YZ 125, or I would get a designated offroad vehicle that I could beat up that doesn't cost $30,000.00. Also, insurance is cheaper without the 4x4 plus you get better MPG's.

 

My idea of fun off roading is high speed trails not climbing over rocks or giant mud bogs.

 

The Prerunner was named as a designated 2wd vehicle that was used to 'explore' the off-road course in advance of a competition. Cheaper, same height, lighter (w/o 4x4) and didn't wear out your race vehicle. With a locker, you'd work thru the course, and know about how to handle the course with the 4x4 during the competition.
There's no replacing a 4x4 if you need it. But if you don't, the advantage is not having an extra 200# or more hanging under your engine/tranny, getting better steering, etc. You can carry more (200# more) than a 4x4, tow about the same amount in normal situations. If you're going to get your boat trailer off the ramp tho, better opt for a 4x4.

 

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I agree with all of your points except the last. I live right next to a lake, can see the boat launch from my bedroom window. The launch is a long, steep incline, but paved. I've seen everything from 2wd 1970's era sedans pull bass boats, and larger out of the lake without issue.

I always here similar statements regarding pulling travel trailers, and that you must have a 4x4 or you will get your TT stuck in your camp site. I've been camping for more than 30 years. Have pulled a 30' Keystone Cougar all over the country with both an '05 Ram 2500, Cummins 4x4 and recently with a '13 Ford , F-150 EcoBoost, FX4, and never once needed to USE 4WD to get out of a campsite, or to it.

 

Most of the vehicles I've seen having trouble on a steep launch ramp are when it's in heavy use, and the first 20 feet or so from the water's edge is really wet. Seems to happen to folks with wide tires, little/no weight in the bed, and as much pulling the empty trailer up the hill to park more so than pulling the boat out when leaving the water for the day.

 

+1. Dirt bikes for off roading. My truck is for work and hauling my dirt bike. I've had 2wd trucks for over 10 years now and never once wished I had 4x4.

 

to look cool or just satisfy your craving for that off-road mantra of owning a 4X4.

.after owning several 2wd trucks i finally decided to go 4x4. 8 months and 9000 miles later , i still have to take it out and see what it can do..

 

I raced motocross for years but after your body is to beat up to race or ride at a high level you still want that feeling of being off road. That's why I bought my truck. It's not the same as when I raced or was jumping 80 ft table tops but it is a blast going up a trail that looks more fit for a mountain goat that a truck. And you won't be doing it in a prerunner.
1991 S.D. SX

 

Thanks: Boat ramp info comes from a coworker: can never be certain of it's condition and if too steep angle, etc. He hauls it out of a Chesapeake Bay ramp I haven't seen before.

 

Why? I have been pulling a boat ( once even a 28 ft boston whaler ) for years and years using 2 wheel drive trucks ( and some cars ). I've never had any issues. Of course I have enough sense to not use a boat ramp that has an excessive angle.

 

This.

It may be blasphemy to say on this site, but I never understood how someone can take their brand new $30k truck out and beat the shit out of it. If I ever want to do anything that requires 4x4, I'll find a 1st gen 4x4 on craigslist for $2,500.