New to off-roading!

Hey All!

My name's Ricky and I'm just starting to get info on off-roading. One of my buddies pointed me to this site and it's awesome to see everything that goes on. It's a huge community for sure.

I accepted a job offer out in Denver, CO once I graduate from WVU in May! I plan on moving out there in June and will be selling my Kia Stinger for a Tacoma. I've gone down the rabbit hole into how awesome people can make their Tacoma's look and the different things they add onto them for different features/uses.

I'd love if people could give me some tips/advice on what best options to add onto my future Tacoma for it to be a beast in the camping world!

Thanks a ton,
Ricky

 

Start with some good AT/MT tires and a good aftermarket tune to smooth out the throttle response. Tacoma will take you to most off-road camp sites.

 

Welcome. The taco is pretty good right out of the box. A good AT tire will do 90% to start with. From there use your truck and get with others who are doing what are into and see what works for them. Then mod and build out with a clear direction of what's going to work with what you want to do rather than just what looks cool.

 

My best advice is to just go out and explore. Most don’t need a winch, 33s full skids and bumpers. If you have the money and want to do so, feel free! I think its more important to first just go out and over time learn what you really need. It prevents wasting money on something you thought you wanted or needed… but didn’t.
If you already have a history and knowledge of camping then you are 99% set, but if you are new to camping, just enjoy it all. Safety in numbers and always bring enough food water and some extra clothing.

It depends what you plan on doing in Colorado. Many people suggest rock sliders which are a nice benefit and peace of mind addition. As others stated, quality tires. Don’t think you need what the instalanders have. A ground tent costs $50 and a cheap roof top tent around $1300. Spend that money on gas while exploring.

Lighting is a great help, whether its ditch lights, a light bar in the lower grill or above on a rack, it helps. When you learn what trails you want to do, that will better gauge what you need to do to your truck. If you are going solo maybe that winch is a good idea. Ect…

I am not telling you what to do, rather just a suggestion. Congratulations on the job, and we look forward to seeing pictures of your future truck.

 

When you get to Denver look up This Guy he's got one for sale that'll take you to any camp.

 

True had some mods done and never needed them. Wasted money!

 

Good tires, tire deflator, air compressor are all you really need to get started off-roading!
If you want to sleep in the back - I can help you out!

 

Welcome to TacomaWorld

 

Welcome to TW!

 

Welcome to TW!

 

Yooooo thanks a ton everyone! I was not expected so many posts lol, it's awesome to hear from everyone. I def don't plan on spending a bunch of money at first seeing as I'm a broke college kid moving cross-country with his dog and not a dollar to spare right now lol. Mainly getting idea's which you all helped out on.
First step is to obviously get a Tacoma. That's in the works as I am in the process of selling my car.
Then I would like to get some AT/XT tires like you guys said.
After that, I'd take all your guys suggestions! For a roof rack tent, that would be down the road, like most things. At first I would be looking to enjoy the area so spending little money is definitely the goal lol

 

Just get out there, as others have said. Start with a ground tent, a cot, and a coleman 2 burner stove. $150 spent at Academy will get you far. Heck, I'd start with that even before the truck. Spring is upon us, young man.

Then decide what you like and don't like about your setup. Watch how your buddies camp and take notes on what you like or more importantly don't like about their setup, and very slowly assemble your kit from there. Everyone camps differently. Everyone uses their truck differently too. That's part of the magic of it.

Welcome

 

Just go add to what everyone else said, a stock Tacoma will get you to 90% of the places you need as long as you're smart on the trails and take it easy. Once you start feeling more comfortable to get out on more remote trails then you can start upgrading as you go. Check for clubs in your area and go to one of the meets and talk to some of the tacoma owners to get ideas. Especially being on a budget you definitely wanna make sure whatever it is that you're buying will be used. I would start with putting together a tool/recovery kit. (Example: Tow strap/snatch strap, jumper cables, small lithium jumper pack, basic tool kit, duct tape, roll of wire, small shovel, tire inflator) pretty much preparing for the most likely situation so you can get yourself home. Good luck and welcome to TW!

 

Don’t forget to save some money for a good stereo system because Tacoma comes with shitty audio.