Michigan Tacomas

I tend to run between 12 and 15 at the dunes. I’ve only ever run 4wd up there but I had really shitty street tires until recently. Gonna see how I do with the new KO2’s in 2wd this year.

 

Actually, the shitty street tires are usually the best way to go. I've run K02's out there too and they weren't bad, but I think the bald nittos I was using before, actually had better grip in the soft dry sand. The "dune ride" tour trucks actually use completely bald balloon tires. So it makes sense.

 

You also have to take tire load range into account when airing down. With my load range E tires I run 6 to 8 psi. I stay around 10 on my bald old load range C with about the same sidewall flex.

In the end I like having aggressive tires and lots of drive. It fits my driving style better. But on the really soft sand days it is nice to have bald tires that don't dig in. Tires spinning you just slowly move forward and wont bury yourself. Also less aggressive tires break less parts.

 

Yeah but aggressive tires look cooler on instagram

 

Before Sleeping Bear Dunes became a national lakeshore, we used to take dune rides in '55 Olds convertibles with balloon tires. Last year, one of my son's friends ran a Saturn at Sliver Lake.

 

thats what I like about the dunes. You never know what you will see out there. Its about the fun you have.

 

Has anybody ever used the seasonal road trails just north of Newaygo? I think the road is called Centerline road. Its right off of M37. I went there in my jeep like 8 years ago. I am wondering if its still open and legal. thanks!

 

Hello all, new Tacoma owner here. I live in Mancelona right now and commute to Gaylord and Traverse City often. I have seen a few other Tacomas recently, thought I would say hi.

 

Howdy from Midland. I travel thru your way often.

 

Im down in gaylord pretty often, TC maybe once a month or so

 

Howdy for Kazoo, congrats on the new Tacoma.

 

I actually used the exact same setup for a flag mount. Works really well

 

Anyone in the Orchard Lake/Sylvan Lake area? Have had my rig for a month. Don't see to many around...for now.

 

2 week’s ago traded my ‘00 Tundra in for an ‘18 Taco OR on KOs, just tonight found out there’s a MI thread. So, hey guys! What’s good? Any SE-MI sandboxes y’all like to play in? I’m heading up north for a hike/camp/OR trip this summer, any suggestions up near Grand Traverse/dunes etc?

 

Bundy Hill is an Offroad park in the SE. When you are heading north, you can try Silver lake sand dunes. Also when you get up north there is an OR park in Mesic called twisted trails. Once you are up there, there are seasonal roads and legal fire roads all over the place, So just go exploring.

 

Hello Steve, I work in Traverse City. There are many many miles of forest roads to explore close to here. A lot of State and National forest. Might be a good place to start.

 

Awesome, thanks guys. Haven’t been to Bundy Hill yet. As far as MI DNR areas though, is it justifiable to get an ORV permit or as a regular O-R pickup can I do plenty of exploring as-is?

 

Most of the fire roads and seasonal roads are legal for highway vehicles. Since the laws changed for the ORV access this past year, any trails that are NOT open to vehicles or ORV's should be clearly marked or gated. However, you will need both stickers to access silver lake sand dunes. I usually just buy the stickers every year, for peace of mind.

 

Steve, I just avoid designated ORV trails. My understanding is if it is passable in a conventional vehicle, you do not need an ORV sticker to drive a street licensed vehicle there. Might want to check the MDNR website. I did a lot of turkey hunting this past weekend and never hit a place I couldn't go.

 

I checked out Silver Lake, they do require ORV but it looks worth it, do you have some good ones farther up near TC if I were to get that for the SL dunes?