Finding the off roading line between SR5 and Off Road

This will be our third car, dedicated weekend, lumber, adventure, camping trip truck. We'll be going off road camping in parks that require you to have a certain lift/tires, jack, etc, but we won't be tackling anything with the name "Hell" or Devil's" in it. Suspension bits and tires will be upgraded appropriately, but I'm having a hard time trying to figure out if I can save some money going SR5 and avoid overkill OF, or if it's not overkill at all. There's probably no good answer to this, but thanks in advance.

 

Have you had a 4x4 before or is this your first one?

 

First one.

 

If this is your first 4x4, I'd probably just recommend the SR5 and going camping more often, doesn't sound like you need the extra junk on the offroad.
just my $.02

 

I don't know, maybe since this is your first 4x4, you should get the OffRoad. Just in case you get into something you shouldn't have been in maybe a locker and crawl might help you get out. It really just depends on the terrain and the experience. If you have friends with 4x4s you should go with them and learn about how to drive in certain conditions.

 

If you could find a Trd Offroad for a good price, Id do it. The locker is worth it. Also comes with upgraded suspension, but doesnt matter if your going to upgrade it anyways. And also comes with a outlet in the bed, which is useful.

 

I agree with the above.. my 06 SR5 prerunner is capable enough for my camping.. trailing..and beach going needs.. I didn't have the coin at the time to upgrade to the TRD. And.. everything on the TRD package is obtainable in the aftermarket if you find that you need it. I've done upgraded shocks. Wheels..tires... upgraded tow hitch etc... as I found things I've needed.. I've added them... I always carry a tow strap with me for those times I may get stuck with friends.

Even a locker is obtainable if you need it..

 

Whichever is cheaper: don't wheel alone and don't over estimate yourself. There's nothing on an offroad that can get you out of serious shit where you'd wish you had a second vehicle with you to help.

 

This... right here.. is a $30 dollar difference between happily going home from a trail... or spending the day/evening/ night trying to find creative ways to get your vehicle out...

 

Only has worked for me when a friend has come along. Winches even have their own set of problems. Weight mainly.

That said for a stock truck, for a first time 4x4 owner I bet a locker is either A. Not necessary, B. Would get them really stuck.

 

Comes down to if you want a differential locker or not.

4WD + Rear Locker > 4WD.

 

Haha indeed.. a tow strap only works if you have a buddy... winches are nice.. but if you don't use it right you'll shear the gears or bend your mounts..

tires also play a huge role in any adventure.. my dodge Dakota had terrible DunFLOPS.... I got stuck on a dirt driveway once... and it was a 4x4....

My Yokohama's have been loyal to me for 50k+ miles... even got me through 4 inches of snow and sand (they don't salt roads in VA)... on naval station Norfolk... no way I was spending another day onboard on a double duty weekend...

I can't speak for the stock TRD OR tires... but everyone I know has replaced them for shaking...treadwear issues... etc..

 

4WD+ locker+ good tires+ a sensitive right foot> 4WD + Rear Locker > 4WD

 

Dual lockers, 37's, and SAS > stock Tacoma. Ha I win. Lol

 

Don't forget BALLS....

 

To OP: I was in the same boat had SUV before and traded up.

The TRD sport has been more than enough and take the plastic front cowl off and there won't be a whole lot that truck can't do! IMHO.

 

Thanks for the input everyone!

 

For your lifestyle, the SR5 4x4 or the TRD Sport 4x4 is all that you need.

 

So I was just in the same boat as you. Either 4x4 SR5 or TRD OR, this too is my first 4x4. I went with the 4x4 SR5 as in my neck of the woods the TRD OR starts at 38K and there is not much wiggle room. I couldn't see spending an extra 5K for some gadgets/package I really wasn't sure if I actually needed. I've had mine for just over 1000 miles now and have about 100 miles of off-road use in. Now remember I'm a first timer when it comes to off roading, however I haven't got myself in a situation I couldn't make it through. I've gone through some decent mud that a regular 2wd would not have made it through. I've also done some small "crawling" and it went great. Just use common sense when out on the trail and get to know the truck. I might add, I've replaced my tires with a set of Cooper Discoverer AT3. Some of the mud I hit recently, I would not have made it through with the stock Hankook HT tires.

 

4x4 sr with ko2s, I roll right over the speed bumps at the mall...