Questions About Overlanding in My Taco

Try this one for security nuts: https://www.fastenal.com/product/fa...134?categoryId=608134&level=3&isExpanded=true

And this one for security bolts/screws: https://www.fastenal.com/product/fa...141?categoryId=613141&level=3&isExpanded=true

 

I’ll echo that your truck is plenty capable to get you started and then some.
Don’t fall victim to wanting to attain the image of the overpriced overhyped Instagram overland marketing bubble that’ll have you spending thousands on shit you don’t need so you can overload your truck. your wallet will thank you for it and there’s something to be said for the minimal/ simplistic approach to really feel like you’re actually out there camping and enjoying the outdoors and not on an interplanetary expedition sponsored by nasa

 

Edit

 

Get a matching spare tire!!!!

 

EDIT: These few things first: Ditch the nerf bars/ steps. Damage multipliers is a term I've heard used. 2: You'll never do the BDR in a Tacoma. It's a motorcycle route. Start with the Alpine loop. 3: You're in CO. You are already ahead of the game because you don't have to drive 12 hours to go offroading and the community there is dense with like minded people. Use local shops and groups to your advantage. My original post follows:

All of this is good advice. I'll add my $.02:

First, go camping. Like a lot. That's what overland is. It's just camping but while travelling for days off road (not usually in a campground). I say this because you'll need to know what works and what doesn't for you.

Learn how to spend days (or weeks) in the woods/desert/wherever. This is a skill and includes things like Leave No Trace camping, how to navigate forest access roads, public land use, and how not to die if you're in a pickle. It's a lot of reading and research, but essential if you're doing true overlanding. Nothing like being in the middle of nowhere more than a day's travel to some place and realizing that your water container leaked, you injured yourself, or you didn't filter your water properly and have giardia (personal experience with both water issues). So navigation, first aid, and basic survival.

Decide your level of comfort while you're out and plan your gear accordingly. Everybody is different. I just sleep in the back of my truck with a tarp if the dogs and missus aren't along. My buddy has a RTT that he likes. Another example, I don't need a fridge even though my buddy "needs" one because he likes to cook steaks and eat fancy while I don't care. So always take a note pad and make two lists. One list of things that you didn't have but definitely needed once or more times. Another list of the junk you brought and never used and isn't essential gear. However, make sure you can stay dry in a pinch. Having wet gear/food/boots is a personal nightmare of mine. I also always have a book and a deck of cards, you know, just in case.

Your driving skill level can compensate for lack of upgrades or it can hinder your ability to navigate obstacles. Bad drivers feel like they "need" more upgrades IMO. Learn your truck's 4x4 systems and get out and use your truck off road. Do it in an area you won't be SOL if you're stuck or break something so that you can find your limitations and practice. There are off road parks all over the place and the guys can tell you where not to go just by looking at you and your truck.

If you do upgrade, you might start with tires. Street tires suck everywhere.

I don't have any idea if any of this is useful to you because it has less to do with your truck and more to do with the actual activities. In my opinion ignore the the big $$$$ overland guys gear and just pick a place you want to drive to and drive to it. The point is to spend time outdoors and drive to cool places. Go hiking, fishing, exploring, whatever. Figure it out as you go, that's how I get the most enjoyment out of the outdoors. Make sure you have the essentials the first time, and upgrade when you break something or not having it keeps you from going where you wanted.

/end of overland/travel camping rant

 

Also, I don't know where in CO you are, but try driving to these two places. Easy starter stuff with high reward views that I've seen Subarus do.

https://goo.gl/maps/x4bBpkGs9dPfRzUM7

https://goo.gl/maps/DTkdD1Goy53RCHs39 Go through 11 Mile Canyon and take Wagon Tongue Gulch road, it's beautiful.

the roads to both places allow dispersed camping. If you don't know what that is, you'd best learn. CO is the place to be for dispersed camping.

 

LOL at the truth of the "interplanetary expedition sponsored by NASA"

 

^ This and ^This - Upgrade you tires, watch for wear on your hard shell ( I have both, and don't mind leaving my soft shell on since the heavy poly cover costs 100 bucks, but the hard shell will deteriorate eventually in hot sun and extreme conditions and isn't easily or cheaply replaceable), go out and have fun, then determine your needs. I went a couple years running stock on an SR5 and upgraded tires and have slowly added and built and expanded my capabilities and minimal armor because of that. Don't fall into that Instagrammer bullshit. My build has been basic determined by need, not vanity, and I can assure you, my truck has been more places, more often than about 90% of the yahoos that spend thousands to look good. I've only wished I had a locker once and will likely add a truetrac to compensate for those occasional needs.

 

According to the BDR website, you CAN do the routes in a 4x4 with proper tires/clearance. There "might" be sections that are only accessible via motorcycle or smaller ATV/side by side, but for the most part these roads are forest service type stuff. Best bet would be to check local clubs/Facebook groups etc to see who all has done that particular BDR and what to expect. I thought the Idaho BDR was for bikes only until I did a little more searching. It is on my shortlist of places to go since it is in my home state.

Taken from the BDR website:

For the most part all of BDR routes are doable by 4×4’s with adequate tires and clearance. The roads are all public roads and do require a street legal vehicle. One thing to keep in mind – the routes conditions can change dramatically due to rain and flash floods which cause the roads to become difficult or impassable.

The UTBDR probably will be the most challenging route in a 4×4 if you take the expert sections. Lockhart Basin is the hardest section of all the BDR’s.

 

Fair. I had no idea, I was thinking more along the "overland" point to point completionist mindset. It's definitely an admirable goal!

 

https://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/forums/four-corners.81/

This would be a great place to get info on trails in CO and the BDR. You'll most likely need to create an account to see the Regional forums though. Also check FB for local groups.

 

Nice post. There are a few other noteworthy posts as well but I'm lazy and don't feel like quoting them all haha.

Me and my wife did 12,500 miles over 40 days from NY, to IL, caught Route 66 all the way into NM, jumped off for a while into CO, UT, back down into AZ, did Shnebley Hill Road, into NV, CA, coastal highway, OR, WA, ID, WY, SD, MN, WI, MI, and back to NY. You get the point.

Brought a good tire plug kit which I desperately needed. Picked up 11 nails and a screw on that trip. The inside of my tires probably look like a porcupine with plugs. Make sure the spare is in good shape. Bring a small compressor. Other than that, we had a cooler, some basic tools, clothes, a cap on the truck with a crappy home made sleeping platform with storage underneath. Best 40 days of my entire life. Changed my outlook, my wife's too.

Camping out of a 5.5' bed was a bit rough since there were two of us and I'm 5'9", my wife is 5'. It wasn't that bad though, we camped a lot and saved a lot of money. I think the whole trip cost us under $6k including a bunch of souvenirs.

As others have said. Get out. Do it. Make a note of what you *need* and don't get carried away with the "just in case" items. Focus on what you need to get back to civilization if you get stranded somewhere.

 

Fishing pole helps too....

 

@ScenicCityOverland You might have some notes to add based on your last trip.

 

Get a winch, shovel, tool kit and tire plugs and have at it. Maybe beefier tires, too...maybe. Don't fall into the instalanding trap. You do not need a bunch of expensive gear to get far out into nature. Just make sure you have the minimum gear to get back.

 

Even the winch is debatable. I've taken the taco many a place and while I haven't had much use for a winch, a set of traction boards was much appreciated.

Especially out west, there are a lot of spots that there isn't anything to winch off of anyways unless you dig a giant pit for a deadman anchor.

 

I have a topper and camp all the time, sleeping in the back. I have most of the essential stuff mentioned above and rarely wished I had brought something that I didn't (experience counts). Been to remote spots in CO, but not too far from civilization. I would like to go more remote and plan to, but have a question.

Is there a need for a CB radio? That's about the only thing I think I would need, but don't have, if I was going to get way out there.

 

CB is starting to lose popularity. Pay for a GMRS license and use a handheld HAM radio on the FRS and GMRS channels. I'd explain all of that but it's easier for me to have you look it up yourself

 

10-4

 

Also as a heads up, don't use 10- codes on ham lol. Just talk normally and follow the FCC rules. Have fun too.