Overlnading my tacoma

Hello all!

I am very new to this sort of thing and i thought this would be a great place to get some answers as im sure much of you are veterans to the overlanding/offroad world.

I have a 2006 tacoma trd sport and want to set it up to do some overlanding. I was wondering what set up would have the best offroad capabilities while also maintaining my daily drivability. I've been looking at some high clearence bumpers and lift kits. I would also like to know what size tire you all think would be best. Like i said in very new to everything and any input would be greatly appreciated! Thank you in advance!
P.S. also looking for any groups in the north-western part of colorado that is looking or willing to take in a new driver and show him the ropes or just let me tag along on some adventures!

 

Don't overthink things, it's basically car camping with an instagram account and a bunch of expensive gear that will make your life in the backcountry more like your life in the front country. If you can drive a Forestry Service road and know how to camp you're already well on your way. Check the weather, toss you camping gear in the back of the truck and go camping- congratulations. Once you figure out what gear you want and how much it's going to weigh, decide whether you really need a bunch of extra off-road/how much you actually need, then pick a tire size and find a suspension that will work.

 

These trucks are very capable in stock form. Put on some good tires and get a compressor and repair kit and get out there.

95% of the stuff people out on their trucks isn’t needed or is never used

 

Exactly, its just car camping and has been going on since at least the Model T. Before that with horses and wagons it was just called traveling. Don't let the "overlanding" morons lead you to over thinking things and overspending.

 

I guess i was over thinking it. Never have been CAR camping, didn't know if there was anything special to it. Also wasnt sure the actual capabilitys of the truck. These answers were very helpful, thank you!

 

You can definitely take your stock truck places that will make people raise their eyebrows, if you know what you're doing and do it carefully.

As for car camping ("overlanding"), think of it like backpacking with a friend who can carry a 1000 lb rucksack if you really need them to.

 

My very first "overlanding trip", was with a group of very hardcore overlanders, the kind of guys that can't buy a house because they have charged too many truck parts and overlanding accessories to their credit card(s) and spend all discretionary funds feeding their passion. To their credit, a few of them had driven their trucks from Oregon to Alaska and back through some tough terrain with many technical sections. Trips are regularly made to Death Valley, Moab, etc. None the less, a lot of these Tacomas and Jeeps were very much ego-mobiles sporting the latest and greatest accessories and upgrades.

I joined these guys on an overnight snow-wheeling trip in my completely stock 2015 Toyota Tacoma SR5 4x4. I mean so stock, my oversized front mudflaps had not yet been torn off by the trail and my truck was still boasting ALL the chrome in its completely eye-searing, stupefying horror. The only trail-worthy upgrade were some stock 30", 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake Symbol (3PMS) mild all-terrains the previous owner had the kindness (or lack of foresight more likely) to put on the truck within weeks of trading it in to the dealer I bought it from.

To the credit of most of the team members, they encouraged me and told me it was great that I was "just getting out there" and trying things out. One or two of the team members though, essentially assured me that without 35-37" inch tires, lockers, King or Fox suspension lift all around, and basically an entire Cabelas store in the bed of the truck, I was doomed to misery in the mucky mire of the mountain snows and would probably be stuck within millimeters of starting on the trail.

To their shock and--I believe--quiet indignation, my truck did not once get stuck; one of the rigs to boast of this. I was slow and steady, aired-down my tires to a reasonable 20psi, used momentum and the full range of 4x4 to my advantage, and didn't attempt anything reckless. I had an amazing trip laughing around the campfire, feasting on a great group-dinner, and nearly freezing my rear off cramped in a sleeping bag in my back seat.

These Tacomas are incredible in their stock form. Two years since that fateful trip, I have definitely upgraded my truck and added enhancements into the camping side of the overland equation. There is nothing stopping you from getting out there. A few friends with similarly capable rigs, basic recovery gear, and some reasonable tires for your terrain are all that are needed to get out there and enjoy the beauty and challenges of nature. Or heck, go by yourself if you are equipped with a less active anxiety-gland than me and just try some new terrain out! But have a safety plan, please

Per request, here are some pictures and video clips from that particular adventure :https://imgur.com/a/JhFhP2e

 

And, think how "Cool" your daily driver will look at the mall and grocery store.

 

Here is what I can offer. What I think is most important is recovery gear and such so you can get yourself out of trouble. Key is not to get into trouble. I do lots of "big" overland trips solo, and I turn around when its more than I think I can do. Result? I carry a lot of gear I never use. What I have added because of skill increases? Aggressive tires: 255/85 r16 so skinny 33's. A two inch lift front and AAl's with fancy bump stops rear. A high clearance bumper: Coastal Offroad in this case. The ability to pull from the front: hidden receiver mount for my winch. Thats it to the truck for "help". Thinking about lockers and going up to 35 inch tires. 90% of where you want to go the truck can get to stock... Get an RTT so your comfortable and go explore. You will know more about what you "need" as you get better at negotiating the wilds.

Therse are pictures form my latest trip through the Ozark NF a couple of weeks ago. 9 days on trail solo trip. Water crossings are not my thing and so I spent a good share of every day doing just that crossing water...

 

You say you've never been car camping? Have you done any type of camping?

 

I really travel light across country. Of course, I have basic repair tools and a full-size spare. Then some basic recovery gear including tow straps, soft shackles and a come along. Next is decent cooler or two with straps for the lids. Cooking is easy just a single burner propane and a Grill/grate for open fire cooking. For, sleeping I just have a small quick set up tent with an army cot. Some other things you may need but do not spend much money on Walkie talkies, Water containers, and extra fuel cans. Get some decent tires and get out there.

 

As the others have said, Just get out there and try. If there is one mod that might make a difference it's a nice set of tires, the rest is skill and experience.

Lifts, lockers, and the rest of this garbage is all diminishing returns.

Falken Wildpeaks are a great tire option for most. There are hours and hours of reading on the various different tires out there. Your local area may sway that decision towards a mud tire, but any tire that's more aggressive than a highway tire would help.


North Western Colorado huh? there are some fantastic areas north of Steamboat that I have been to. Lots of camping out there. Medicine bow national forest in Wyoming is supposed to be awesome, but I have not made it up there. Not sure how the fires affected the area either.

Look for national forest or BLM (Bureau of Land Management) land and go camping. Keep notes of the things you would like to improve or make easier.

 

Welcome to TW

 

Overlanders are people who spend heaps of money on equipment to park next to my stock Tacoma in the woods. The same people who deliberately drive through mud so they can park their truck in their HOA gated community and let everyone know they are, indeed, overlanders.

 

I love this post. Any pics or other stories from your trip?

 

Think of Recovery first and foremost. How to get yourself unstuck, and like other have said, if its beyond your skill, DO NOT do it. When you have help and other vehicles to assist, then try new things. Warmth and dryness are the second thing to be concerned with. Any trip where you cant get warm and dry sucks..period. I would suggest locating a nearby National Forest, and ask the Rangers about dispersed or primative camping areas they suggest, tell them you want to test out your Taco, then go out and try it for yourself! If youre in Northern Michigan, hit me up, I will go with you!!

 

There is a Colorado BS thread and a Northern CO BS thread as well. I would just google that and Tacoma World. To find it.

I’m sure someone here can link it to this thread as well. Like others have said don’t overthink it. A good pair of tires. I would advise 3peak snow rated All Terrains at a minimum in CO will be fine. Know how to change your tires have a good tow strap jumper cables or jumper pack and make sure basic maintenance is done. Oil, Battery, differential fluid and your fine. Great thing about a truck is when you start camping you can bring all the extra shit you won’t use and figure out what you do use after.
enjoy the mountains go explore and try to leave it a little better than before. I’ll always bring an extra trash bag and pick up some stuff.

 

Medicine Bow in WY is a great place. The fires have burned a bunch down though. I lived in Laramie for a bit and it’s a gem.
If you can drive further the Sierra Madre range is even more remote and a little more wild.

 

Where are you? UP? I am in way, way northern WI.

 

Eastern UP, but Im always up for trips!!