Montana Tacomas

The gen 2 block heater is not placed in the coolant line, like many others are. There's an open, dry port where it just plugs into the block - with a little fenagling (at least on the '12-'15 models), as there's a bracket in the way.

 

Hi all. I am starting to plan a camping trip I do with my family every other year. We head out of Missoula for 8-9 days and camp out of the truck. Last trip we headed up to Caruthers lake in the flint creek range. Was a epic trip and was hopping to find another spot similar. With lakes or river in hiking range of the base camp. Good fishing is always a plus. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

Shell Reservoir/Adelaide Lake in the bighorns in Wyoming.

 

That looks like a sweet spot.

 

I camped there for a couple days last summer, it was awesome, fishing was great, it snowed above us even though it was July. There a lot of good roads and trails to choose from depending on the level of intensity you want, and I expect there is ample hiking in the area especially in the surrounding wilderness area.

 

Yeah hiking to shell lake is cool. And I've hiked all over there(old hunting area). Great spot for sure.

Boulder basin road is not hard but its not easy either, thats the only thing to know about that area. Should be by passes to real hard spots but few choke points if you don't have sliders at least.

 

Was kind looking for a little less intense 4x4 than Caruthers. When you load up the family and gear for over a week camping trip the truck starts getting heavy. Not really wanting to drive 7 hours to get there also. Has anyone spent any time in the Pioneer Mountains? Looks like it has potential.

 

I planned to get the Tacoma heater installed but since I’m in a garage not needed. BUT check out the tacomas catching on fire from the heater in Canada before you decide.

 

I’ve experienced 50 below in Bozeman. Will it get that cold again? Not sure but you need to be ready for lower than 30 below just in case. Dealing with batteries and starters on old vehicles was a real pain back then. They used to last like 2 years. Much better inside a garage. AND more reliable vehicles/parts now.

 

My impression of the Pioneers is that there isn't much 4x4 access, only a few FS campgrounds, half of it is a wilderness study area. I do like driving through the area though, Elkhorn hot springs and Crystal Park are cool.

 

Some quick battery tips for cold weather starting I learned over 10 years living in the Bavarian Alps (GAP) and the last 11 in Bozeman:

1. Use full synthetic oil because there is less internal engine resistance.
2. Tether your battery off a temperature compensated battery charger using a fused quick disconnect to keep the battery fully charged.
3. If you make a lot of short trips under five miles, use an AGM battery because they have a much higher absorption rate and typically higher CCA ratings.
4. Keep the terminal connections clean to reduce electrical resistance.
5. Insure that flooded battery cells filled to the correct levels using distilled water.
6. Follow the vehicle's owner's manual jump starting instructions, especially newer vehicles, to prevent destroying one of more computers.
7. If you do not have a conductance tester, go to an auto parts or battery store and have the battery's State of Heath tested before subzero temps. Most stores will test it for free.

 

Hey all, anyone here had a chance to look at the new tundras?

Long story short, the GF wants a new rig. a 3rd row suv was the plan, but were thinking a new tundra (20k less than a surburban) will do and gives me a new toy to play with. Wanted to wait for the Pro, or even the pro sequia but we have a potential offer on her jeep that we may jump on.

 

Hey good folks of Montana, has anyone bought tires recently? I'm hoping to get a set of Toyo AT3s or Falken Wildpeak AT3s in a 285/75/16. Everyone I've asked recommends Discount Tire, which is a little inconvenient as I'm in Bozeman and the closest one is in Helena, but if the savings and perks are there I'm not opposed. Thanks all!

 

I’ve had good experience at tire-Rama, the one that’s over next to the taco bell on huffine. That’s my best experience with tires in this area.

 

Big O is great also, but they’re definitely understaffed right now, hence why I ended up at tirerama for my last set of tires

 

I have had the wildpeaks and now have the toyos. I liked the wildpeaks a lot more in snow the toyos suck. I actually ended up buying dedicated studded snow tire for the first time ever because they sucked so bad. If you switch out snow tires then it probably doesn't mater and I would just go for what ever is cheaper.

 

Also I would buy from a local shop. The savings usually are not worth the inconvenience of not being able to get them rotated or fix flats and what not.

 

Ressler Toyota is running their spring tire sale at the moment, buy three and get the 4th for $1. If you buy from them you get rotations etc for the life of the tires.

Worth a call to price it out IMHO, I bought my snows and my summer tires from them and had great experiences.