New to tacoma and 4x4. Looking for tips

Hello,

I recently bought my 2021 tacoma TRD sport 4x4. I have been eying this truck for a long time and finally pulled the trigger. 99% of my driving is commute, which is why I didn't go for the offroad version; however, I still want the option of having a truck suitable for trails which is why I went 4x4.

Since I have never owned a 4x4 and don't really have any experience with trail driving, I am trying to get some advice for my first trek into the dirt. My goal is to see what the actual capabilities of the truck will be as well as getting the feel for the 4 wheel drive, slippage, tires spin, etc.

Basically, what should I realistically expect to be able to do with my stock Tacoma? I have no real frame of reference, so I am looking for a sort of starting point. The specs for my tacoma are:
-TRD sport
-4x4
-V6 engine
-Standard tires(not AT)
-17 inch rim

I am thinking about foing out to Gorman in hungry valley (southern California) which has a lot of maintained OHV trails. Has anyone had experience with this area?

Any words of advice as well as major DOs and DON'Ts for my first time out would greatly be appreciated.

 

Hello!

I made the same decision and went for the sport instead of the off road for the exact same reasons. Interested in following the response on this thread so i'm leaving a message to track it. good luck KaldiGoat!

 

Welcome to TW

 

Welcome to TW.

Rule 1. Don’t go by yourself self. Have a buddy with a truck there to pull you out.
2. Bring recovery equipment.
3. Have fun.

 

Welcome

 

Don’t overthink it, my man.

You’ll get a ton of advice, and the safety stuff is worth listening to.

But do you want to keep it simple?

Go explore and gain experience the old fashioned fun way

Drive down some dirt roads, get a feel for your limits there. Find a cool little path or trail or obstacle and drive around and have fun. Always be safe, but push your limits a little more each time it feels fun and safe to do so, and you’ll expand from there.

It’s not wrong to seek advice! That’s awesome! Just don’t forget that before the internet a lot of people just went and did rather than researched. Sure the mortality rate may have been higher ha, but they were highly experienced rather than online article smart at least!

 

That’s what I did. I went by myself and I got stuck.
And I also didn’t have recovery gear.

I learned a lot.

1. Mud sucks.
2. Once you no longer have forward or rear movement in mud. STOP.
It only gets worse, the hole gets deeper. And once it’s setting on the skid plates and 3rd member, it’s even harder to get the truck out.
3. Mud sucks.
4. Leave the keys in the truck if you get out to inspect the carnage you just created.
Other wise, you might bust your ass in the mud and loose your keys.
5.Mud Sucks.
6. Clean up takes 5x longer than the “fun” you have.
7.Mud Sucks
8. Buddy it deep enough and you get to enjoy a nice massage on the way home from all the vibes.

Did I mention Mud Sucks?

 

Welcome to TW!

 

Hey! We must have gone to the same off-roading learning course!

 

I have heard the suggestion to find a local club or group, etc., and see if you can ride shotgun on an initial off road adventure to gain an understanding of what the experience is like, what it takes to prep your own truck and to pick up pointers to allow you to make wise, sound decisions when you decide to explore off-road with your own truck.

 

I had fiddled with off-road a bit but my knowledge increased tenfold during my first camp and ride with a TW crew and has noticeable increased each time thereafter.

 

Welcome to TacomaWorld

 

How to use the 4WD system

https://youtu.be/M9MjFyU1S2g

 

Wow, what great responses. Thank you all for the suggestions. Here is some follow up:

1. It will be mostly dry when I go up, so I dont think I will have to worry about super deep mud.

2. I have a recovery strap and shackles, but don't have any friends with trucks, but the place I am going is really popular so I am sure I will not be alone. I am also making sure to bring a friend with me riding shotgun so that if I do have to hoof it for help I can leave him with the truck (also have walkie talkies)

3. I might go this weekend, I'll let you all know how it works out.

 

Awesome. Don’t be afraid to have your buddy get out watch as you traverse obstacles on the trial. He can tell you what way to go and how close you are.
That’s what you call a spotter, and a GOOD spotter is probably the most important guy you can have with you. A BAD spotter can be the worst thing you have with you. With the description of the trails you are giving, you will probably be just fine.

Let us know how it goes.

 

You might want to upgrade to a little better tire, but other than that resist the temptation to start accessorizing and modifying the truck until you've had it for at least 6 months. Then you'll have a better idea what you actually need and what works other than what looks cool in the catalog.

 

For trucks, the trails in Gorman are all basically 2wd friendly fire roads...no need to worry about getting stuck or anything like that. There are a couple "4x4" sections that are clearly marked, iirc they're just steep hills, not rocks or anything like that.

Outside of Gorman deeper in the Los Padres forest there are some real fun and challenging 4x4 trails, like Lockwood Canyon and Miller Jeep. But I would not recommend those to anyone with a stock vehicle.

 

That's good to hear, I have heard that they set up the trails like a Ski resort so that you know how difficult it should be before starting (blue, green, diamond, etc.)

 

That is also something that I am concerned with. The truck came with standard mud/snow street tires and not all terrain. I can't really justify getting rid of 4 perfectly good tires, so I haven't upgraded them. When it is time to change them, I will definitely go with A/T tires

Do you think that there will be a significant difference between A/T and standard tires? If I were doing hill climbs or hardcore rock crawling I am sure there would be, but for things like fire roads will there actually be significant performance loss?

 

You would be able to sell those tires and recoup some of your expense for new tires. I bet there are a lot of Tacoma guys near you. Have you checked out your regional forum yet? In my area we are always setting up trail rides. It’s the best way to learn and you’ll meet some really cool people.