Is 2WD any less of a Tacoma?

Every time I hear that sound I think "well, sounds like I'll be spending another three hours with the sponge pad as soon as we get home."

 

Ooooh me next me next!

 

Proof is in the pudding there! And truth be told, yes, as of now, I don’t plan on doing any overlanding. The occasional off-grid exploration for camping and exploring and for that, I intend to have the necessary equip to help in case of an issue arising. Knowing the terrain and limitations ought to keep me out of harms way. Besides, it’s my first truck and who’s to say that a 4x isn’t in my future. Well said, RL.

 

All depends on what you end up doing. You say you don’t plan on doing any “overlanding”, but who says once you’re out there, you’re confronted with some unexpected rough terrain, or simply get tempted so do an offshoot only to get stuck or realize you can’t make it? Sure, 2wd are capable, but It’s just always better to have it, and not need it, as opposed to need it, and not have it.

 

Save the clearcoat dude, there aint much on there to begin with

 

I say work with what you have. Your 2wd truck is more capable than what you think. Slap some beefier all terrain tires. Carry at least a shovel and some traction boards. Remember one thing it’s all about momentum.

 

Not that I want you stranded in the wilderness so that you find the gingerbread house of the witch, but ...

Contact a local 4x4 group and see if someone is willing to go out with you and let you see how close to the edge 2wd gets you, while the 4x4 the person has will save you when it crosses the line. You may end up disappointed (and fully educated) about the limitation but it should be an interesting day.

 

Yes, as long as you get the right camera angle and nobody can tell that there aren't front axles/CVs...

 

4wd is the only truck id every truly own. Id temporarily drive a 2wd but no way for a long time. wont hold its value as much either in the long run.

 

I went overlanding (camping) with my family for years, in a station wagon. And later a van.
We never once got stuck.
As I’m sure you already know, most campgrounds are accessed via paved/gravel roads that are drivable in a Miata.
So for camping, your truck is plenty fine.

But for navigating trails intended for 4x4s or for going off trail (shooting?), you may quickly get in over your head.

I would search for a nearby off road park where you can experiment with what your truck can do, in relative safety.
Start on the easy to moderate (green/blue) trails and see for yourself, what’s what.

Fortunately, picking a good line can you get a very long way.
Unfortunately, making good line choices is often the result of making numerous poor ones.
And everyone knows poor line choice leads to pain. Pain leads to anger. Anger leads to… uh, empty wallet and/or lost weekends spent wrenching.

Obviously, conditions like ice, mud, snow or sand can nullify traction, regardless drivetrain.

edit: tl/dr
2x4 is fine unless you really want to focus on off-roading. But even with 4x4, there will always be a trail you cannot conquer. A 4x4 will get stuck too, just farther from pavement.

 

With the proper mods I was able to take my 2wd OR to some incredible places but obviously I knew not to go extreme and take trails with rocket terrain/high slopes

 

4wd is like a pistol or homeowner’s insurance. You may never “need it” but if you do and don’t have it you’ll wish like **** you did.

From a purely economic standpoint there’s no reason not to have it. The increased (and quicker) resale value on the back end more than overcomes the extra cost to purchase it.

 

Yeah the value for it having a 4wd is always going to be higher than a 2wd. I got lucky trading in my 2wd last year and ended up getting 4k more than I paid for

 

My first three trucks (‘89 S10, ‘99 Tahoe, ‘03 Excursion) before my Taco were 4WD. Did a bit of camping, off-roading in the first two and never used it once. All depends on your terrain and, like you finished with, your needs.

Also, 4WD trucks were stupidly overpriced when I purchased… That has a lot to do with it too, especially nowadays LMAO