Noobie building a 2021 trd off road

I've been browsing this website https://www.wikiloc.com/trails/offroading/canada/alberta

Basically looking through the list on this website and keeping track of the easy trails and will plan a route. Might pick up a moderate trail towards the end of the trip after a little bit of experience just to give it a whirl. I do know that we will be going through banff and jasper national parks and looking for trails along the way.

I was hoping to find a book that had detailed information on off road trails in the region like i've seen for colorado and other places in the states but i could not find any. If you guys know any let me know.

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Also i've been doing some tire research. The 255/85/r16 category is somewhat limiting in that not a lot of AT tires out there with that size. There is an awesome thread here regarding peoples experience.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/255-85-r16-owners-experience.155849/page-241

i'm thinking of getting the Toyo M-55 in that size. Seems like a solid tire. The duratracs are not offered in that size it seems.

 

You won't find much offroad in Banff/Jasper/Yoho National parks at all. Have been there many times and anything in the dirt will require a mountain bike or pair of hiking boots.

 

That's too bad. i love a good hike but this trip i'd like to offroad as much as possible.
Any areas of alberta you would recommend?

have you been on the lost knife trail?
https://www.wikiloc.com/offroading-trails/lost-knife-complete-trail-9910742

 

I believe that lost knife trail is outside the park boundaries and I have not been on it.

All of my time in Alberta has been strictly in Banff/Jasper/Yoho national parks doing hikes and peak scrambles.

I do know that your off-road opportunities increase considerably when getting south of the park, north
of the park or into BC.

 

Nice, i'll probably do some of that. Can't go all the way there and not explore those parks! I'll probably post my experience on whatever trails i do end up trying in the region.

 

You are right about the limited tire selection in that size. I considered the m-55 as well, but settled on a two tire rotation: the stock A/T for daily driving and a M/T for adventure. Then covid happened and I didn’t need to commute to work anymore. The M/Ts have not been removed.

An alternative is the Maxis Klever tall skinny 35 with a CMC and trimming.

 

You probably don't want to hear this, but don't spend a penny until you actually take it off road. You will be surprised as to what that truck is capable of! Once you know what it can do and what you want to do, then start picking mods. You will save a shit ton of money on stuff you don't need.

 

yea, this echos other peoples opinion. it's reassuring to see a strong consensus. In my line of work, i've always been trained to be as prepared as possible, plan A,B,C, D! so building this im like okay so if im in this situation im gonna need X, if im in this situation im gonna need Y, so i found myself thinking okay i need a lot of shit! lol! But starting to put it more in perspective thanks to you guys.

 

gotchu. Do you live in a snowy climate? Were the stock Wranglers good in the winter?

 

Dreaming about a build is fun, but I think you need to not plan so much in advance and instead discover what you actually need. Perhaps a bigger tire and some suspension work, but realistically just get the truck out and see what it's capable of.

 

Those last few posts will be the best advise you can get.

Get your truck out locally.. learn how to work the additional off-road aids in the TRD offroad, how tire pressure impacts traction, learn about picking the right line, gain an understanding what you can easily go over without worry, where to position possible obstructions when going over them to avoid impact to vulnerable areas. Make sure you SO is capable of navigating your truck in difficult conditions, should it be necessary.

Research a good air compressor, tire plugs and PSI gauge. Find some offroad tools to take with, pull strap, shovel, traction boards and small saw.

Get a navigational device and use it until it is second nature.

Something I've found also extremely beneficial on my outdoor pursuits.. A Garmin In-reach mini. That can be a life saver for many unexpected situations.

Get the basics down first and then if the truck becomes the limiter, improve it for your needs.

 

Thank you

 

sorry forgot one other VERY important point.. be very aware that grizzlies are prevalent in that part of the country and make sure you understand the dangers.. get bear spray and be extremely careful with food or for that matter anything that smells. If you have a soft-sided RTT you are vulnerable.

If you camp at Lake Louise campground, during your travels, you won't have to worry. They have an electric fence around the entire campground to offer protections to the campers.

Recommend taking a drive to Takakkaw falls (nice walk in campground there) in Yoho, Lake Maligne in Jasper, Morrain Lake in Banff and if possible a bus in ride to Lake Ohara in Yoho. Those will be some eye openers and don't even require off-road travel.

Every time I'd go there I would Kayak to the end of Lake Maligne and overnight camp and then Take the Alpine Loop around Lake Ohara before climbing either the peaks around Lake Louise or preferable Mount Temple.

These photos should get you psyched to go!

This is the view from the top of Mount Temple





Lake Ohara

 

Yea going to be as careful and prepared as possible for potential wild life encounters. Appreciate the tips.

and dude... HOLY COW those are unreal views. Can't wait to take in those moments with all the senses! super stoaked.

 

Although this route is designed for both motos and trucks you may find some interest in it with your Taco since it is primarily dirt and covers some very scenic territory in BC. You could start it right out of the west side of Banff park.

http://www.gpskevinadventurerides.com/home/self-guided-rides/bcab-kootenay-rockies

You can purchase the tracks for GPS use and camp along the route.

 

Hi all,

I wanted to post op an update on my tacoma which has finally arrived about 3 weeks ago!

Here is what i have ordered so far:
1. RSI smart canopy with roof rack, table, and passenger side full bin
2. bodyarmour front bumper with light bar and smittybuilt winch
3. RCI full skid package
4. cbi rock sliders
7. prinsu cab rack
5. Desert armour tank roof top tent with the annex (came free with their promotion!)
6. 265/75/r16 Wildpeak AT3s

Only thing installed so far is the RSI canopy. Here are some pics!
Thanks for all the help and enjoy!

let me know what you guys think!