Can my truck go wheeling in the mountains?

Hey all! I've had my 2021 SR 4x4 4cyl Taco for about a year now. I live in Denver and have been getting the itch to go up and do some wheeling in the mountains. My truck performs pretty well at 5280ft, I mean I'm not passing people by like a banshee, but it gets going okay. I know upgrading wheels and tires would potentially add weight. Anyway, can I go have fun up at 8-10,000ft and not worry too much? I am NOT a mechanic and know close to nothing other than altitude can affect the performance. Though I've driven this truck through the Midwest several times at sea level and have not noticed any difference back in Denver.

 

Yep. Not problem at all. Altitude may make it a little frumpy, but nothing to worry about.

 

What sort of things are you worried about?

Yes, you can drive your vehicle at that elevation range and probably higher. It sounds like you have a pretty good understanding of the initial lack of power from the 4 cylinder. You will have less as you gain elevation due to less oxygen in the atmosphere. 5000ft is usually where performance loss becomes noticeable.

If you really wanted to find out with low risk/consequence, you could drive up Pikes Peak and gather some empirical data for yourself.

 

Yes, You'll be fine. Many a TW picture of our trucks up on the CO Alpine loop at 5 figure altitudes that took some rough trails to get there. It won't be a racehorse, but it'll do it.

 

I just wanna make sure I can upgrade wheels and tires and make sure I can get to a destination safely. And once I get there, I wanna make sure I'd have enough power to go up rugged inclines on trails and have fun.

 

You might be a little low on power but nothing crazy. Easier to take a fuel-injected car up a mountain than one with a carburetor. Start with easy trails and work your way up.

 

4 lo is your friend when you have a 4cylinder like I do

 

Yup, high altitudes mean 4lo on steep inclines, no a/c defrost on and take your time.

 

I'm not sure if you're asking about speeding on paved/gravel roads at altitude or slow going on rockier roads. In either case you would be fine. Get the Colorado Off Road book, there's one for north of I70 and one for south. Look through the trails and start with the easier ones. See what you're comfortable with and go from there. I did a bit with my stock trd off road. Not doing off road stuff prior, I was more of a limiting factor than the truck.