Michigan Tacomas

What do you find performs better for offroading? The Jeep or Tacoma?

 

I also come in as a former Jeeper; I had '99 TJ with 33" SuperSwampers and a 2-3" lift. IMO the Jeep out-performs the Taco for strictly off-road use. However, considering both of these vehicles have been my daily drivers, I would argue that the Taco performs better overall. Having simple luxuries like real doors, a 6' bed, side-curtain airbags, and the ability to hold a conversation with a passenger at highway speeds without yelling, make a significant difference. IMO all this adds up rather quickly and tips the scales in favor of the Tacoma as a functional DD. Although, it's also very possible I simply haven't pushed the OR limits of my Toyota far enough yet for a fair comparison. I'm headed to Silver Lake Sand Dunes this weekend for the first time in a Tacoma and considering my wheelbase is 47.5" longer and it easily weighs an additional 1000+ lbs, I'm rather curious to see how it compares.

 

I would think the Jeep based purely on the fact that it's easy to put 35s on and has solid axles. Also the front locker saved me more than a few times. My use for the Tacoma is going to be different so I probably won't be able to compare directly. I agree with the truck being better all around, Jeeps are great jeeps, but terrible cars.

 

I got you. Also the fact that the Tacoma is a Toyota vehicle, instead of a fiat Chrysler.

 

If anyone is looking for a topper, this lady has 2 for the 6 ft bed, for $400. I bet you could get it for 250 or 300. In GR area

 

Is anyone going to Silver lake next month for free ORV weekend? Its there a take over meet up like last year?

 

I would be interested in going as well, if you hear anything back!

 

I would be in for SL as well, when/what is the free weekend? No orv/trail passes needed?

Still need to make a mount for my flag, my old jeep was easy, the taco is a going to take a little more effort.

 

That is correct. No trail pass is needed. DNR does a free ORV weekend ever August. This year is the 15/16th of August. As long as you have a state park pass. The dunes are free to run. Last year there was about 20-25 Toyota that showed up. But I don’t know if the guy that headed the meet up is still doing it this year. I’ll be there for sure though

 

Looks like the weekend is Aug. 15-16, 2020.... and of course I work that weekend lol

 

Here this years Facebook event. Looks like it’s hosted by Duneland off-road center this year.

 

I don't off-road, but maybe I'll stop by to see some Toyotas!
My brother has an 05 tundra, my buddy has an 05 4runner, and I got an 05 Tacoma, maybe we will show up and do an 05 model lineup lol

 

What are you all running for flags when on the dunes!

 

lots of little off road shops in the small town nearby sell them, i just grabbed a cheap one from there years ago. Not sure if they will have a bracket for your gen or not.. might be worth a few phone calls before a long drive!

 

They'll typically have those small clamps on a long bar things that will attach to your factory tow/tie down points. Or if you have a bumper with a bull bar on it, they'll have those rubber lined clamps with a spot for a flag mount. Either way, pretty good odds that they'll have something that will work for you.

 

I'm not sure about the details regarding the exempt weekend, but typically you'll need both ORV & ORV Trail plus the stat park sticker

 

Here's a few pictures of my flag setup (not my best fab work but it turned out okay considering I rushed to get them done in a couple hours). I can make more if anyone is interested?? I would shrink down the top plates, considering you guys probably won't be running the same light-bar setup. Also, I'd take my time and make sure they're perfect.

 

Yes you normally need the orv stickers. But DNR does 1 free (no sticker needed) weekend each year.

 

With everything going on I'm not sure how its going to work out, but the event permit has not been pulled yet like many other have been. Those events were in July so that could be why. it will be good to hang out with a bunch of toyota folks. If my Taco is still in one piece I may even be able to take a few people for rides.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B3K-SJ6h2Ud/

 

Before I try to find a shop (unless someone on here owns a shop) to do the install, does anyone in here live around Mackinaw city and have a lift or jacks + jack stands and a level driveway I could borrow to install an AAL here in the next couple of weeks?