Mods for 'light' offroading

Hi all, I have a 2016 stock TRD and want to get into light wheeling. Light meaning more than a trail through the woods. Not really interested in rock crawling or anything hardcore yet. In saying that, what are some mods I should have? Besides new tires... have 30k on stock and will replace with duratracs. Thanks for your help!

 

Hi all, I have a 2016 stock TRD and want to get into light wheeling. Light meaning more than a trail through the woods but not really interested in rock crawling or anything hardcore yet. In saying that, what are some mods I should have? Besides new tires... have 30k on stock and will replace with duratracs. Thanks for your help!

 

Just grab some recovery gear for piece of mind and hit the trails. Based on what you're comfortable with and your dedication towards doing it, that'll tell you a TON about what investments to make, if any are needed.

 

Thanks. What type of recovery gear do you recommend?

 

Where are you going? How technical are you planning to do?

I'd just start simple - a shovel, maybe a crowbar and, if you're feeling ambitious, grab a hi-lift and recovery kit

 

My suggestion would be an air compressor for airing up tires. Having one so you can air down your tires to like 20psi makes a huge difference and can make the truck feel smoother and more capable off road.

 

You already got tires - so get a 12v compressor (like the

$240 viair 400p - 40043 portable compressor kit. tire pump, truck/suv tire inflator, for up to 35" tires

viair 400p or an arb) and a shovel. You should be pretty well set.

 

Agree with above, compressor (get a battery clamp style with metal housing, no cigertte socket style) so you can deflate to around 20psi, better traction on rough trails and waaaaaay easier on your back.

A good recovery strap with d rings. A shovel. Some good boots go a long way too.

 

You don’t even need a fancy compressor, something inexpensive like this will work fine, I’ve used this one for 5+ years.
Slime 40026 2X Heavy Duty Direct Drive Tire Inflator

$92 Slime 40026 Tire Inflator, Portable Car, SUV, 4x4 Air Compressor, Heavy Duty, 2x Pro Power, Heavy Duty, with Analog 150 psi Dial Gauge

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005Z8HAUK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_p-LqCb2S153Q8

Plus a recovery strap, the kind with loops not hooks. Also get something to attach to your receiver to give you a pull point from the rear as the trucks don’t have rear recovery hooks.

 

OP, why 2 threads...https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/mods-for-light-offroading.588266/#post-19638110

 

Some good points made. Recovery gear is a really good idea as well. Since you're new to wheeling I highly suggest going out with experienced people to help you see what your truck is capable of. You'd be surprised at what it can do completely stock.

If you're like me and enjoy going out by yourself sometimes then I suggest either a winch or some traction boards along with a shovel. It's never fun being out in the middle of nowhere by yourself and making a simple mistake of getting stuck.

 

@jberry813 or @4x4Runner, care to consolidate/delete this post with https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/mods-for-light-offroading.588265/#post-19638275

 

You da man!

 

None. Do not waste your hard earned money. Go drive some dirt roads, find some easy trails. These trucks are perfectly capable offroad when 100% stock. THe more you drive, the more you’ll figure out for yourself what mods YOU need/want. We can tell you all the crap we’ve done, but that may not be useful for your style, budget, etc...

It’s better to drive with another truck, so that if one gets stuck, you can pull them out with the other (obviously you need a tow strap or a snatch strap).

If you insist on driving alone, read through the recovery section, as you really need to be more prepared. Winches, or other more complex recovery gear is definitely recommended. Also if going alone a way to let people know when and where to start looking for you if you don’t show up.

Other tools you should think about are a shovel, personal safety (1st aid), gloves, and really, anything else you think you might need. There are lots of tool lists, search around, but just remember those tool lists arent always going to directly apply to your needs, but hey give a great starting point.

Go. Drive. Have fun!

 

Rock sliders... Saves the rocker panels more then you'd know ;-) (other then what has already been suggested)

 

Even though I put sliders on before skid plates, I would argue that skid plates are more important. Toyota doesn't even call them skid plates (iirc they are called "deflectors" or something), and leave the transmission completely unprotected.

A dent in your rocker panel is cosmetic, while a rock through your transmission oil pan is a deal breaker.

 

There's a ton of videos on You Tube about the basics, I've heard a millions times from a million sources, Rock Sliders and some recovery gear, stay mild and don't get squirrely. The First Aid Kit thing is a great idea too. You'll figure out pretty quick what you'll need next because you didn't get squirrely your first few times out. the trails will tell you what you need to get more aggressive quick. I've been running stock with a Pre-Runner so I pickup my new TRD Off Road Thursday. Get the idea?

good luck, be careful and have fun.