Anyone else come from a place like I have?

Hello All,

I originally purchased my Tacoma while living in New York State and have now recently moved to North Carolina (Charlotte Area) I have been looking for places to go however my Tacoma is completely stock... But that doesn't mean a thing. I want to start a Thread about this topic I am going to bring up but do not know where the appropriate place to put it is... Without hesitation....

Does anyone else come from a place that you run it hard since the day you drove it off the dealer lot?

For example, not long after I drove it off the lot in October 2012 I put it to the test. I took it through deeeeeep snow drifts 4-5 feet deep and it was a champ. I did have an instance that I did get stuck but I was also new to the truck and could have had A-TRAC off, however I believe I was hung up on the under side with snow.

Another example, I use to work for a farm (back country, unpaved roads that were full of pot holes and what not) I would tare down them like it was a company truck. 50 to 60 miles an hour even 70-80 at times and not care about a thing... Run it like I stole it. I would take country back roads and find any possible spot to throw it in 4WD when I couldn't make it in 2WD no matter how hard I tried. Believe it or not I was bet by a few friends (and a few beers) that the truck wouldn't make it over a wet grassy steep birm (snow mobile jump). I made it over it without bottoming out like they all did in their trucks... (gotta love that short wheel base). After doing so I threw it in reverse and hit the same mound... once over it I threw it in 4WD (Yes I wasn't in 4WD the first time). I hit it with just enough speed to launch everyone out of their seat. I'm sure it wasn't much off the ground but it is the point I'm trying to make.

I know there are all kinds of people on this forum; Farmers (like I was), those that are in construction, your every day driver that has to have 4 wheel drive just in case it snows in Georgia, the men and women working on the pipe line from far North to the far South. There are all kinds of people on here that can relate.

I know this is a long rant but what I'm trying to get at is, is there anyone else like me? I have worked for a farm where they didn't care about the brand new vehicle that was only driven for 3 years (BEAT TO HELL) and traded in for a new one cause it served its purpose. The landscaper that pushed so hard that he went through a vehicle every 3 years as well. I have come from a rare place in the world where money wasn't an object for my bosses and I'll tell you if you really want to know but thats besides the point.

In the end I come from a place in New York State (Orange County). They run their vehicles harder than any place I know... Is there any where else in the United States that run vehicles as hard has they do, I do? (I have stories for days about trucks, ditches, jumps, deep water.)

In closing I don't want to sound like a selfish you prick because that is far from what I am. I am 26 years old and have only just been able to afford my own brand new truck. I have been working since the age of 12 years old doing anything I could to make a dollar to one day be able to ford a pickup truck, no matter the size it would be. I have finally done that and I am running the way it should be, never let up!

Greg

 

Where in OC NY??? And how long have you been in NC?

 

Welcome to TW

 

I lived in Pine Island, part of Warwick. Now I moved to Charlotte for warmer weather and better job opportunities.less than a month now.

 

Farmers ranchers mining... name an industry they probably use trucks hard all over the country

 

Most farmers and ranchers that I know from growing up in KS don't treat their trucks like that. They definitely use them for work, but they take great care of them and make them last because a good farmer/rancher will often be too frugal (or just plain cheap) to buy a new one every 3 years. The most successful guys are still driving their 1983 F250 because it's been taken care of it and it still runs.

Congrats OP on your truck being able to take the abuse...these are definitely well-built trucks. I just don't think most guys are from that same state of mind/financial position where they can blatantly abuse a vehicle because it will get replaced in 3 years no matter what condition it's in. I know I can't. Do I use it for what it's intended for? Sure...but I want mine to last 10 years, so I maintain it.

 

Welcome aboard... sounds like you really like beating the hell out of your vehicals.

 

I agree with you and I have learned to take it easier with everything in general... but as far as where I was at, when money wasn't an object in anyway, it is incredible what people will do. And I mean NO object what so ever.