TacomaWorld "Wake-the-F*ck-Up" threads

Today I'm thinking about those threads I read on Tacoma World that snap me back into reality. Sure, there is lot's of fun gear, useful tricks and innovative ideas here...but then there are those threads where I learn something really f*cking important. For example,

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/my-tacoma-up-a-creek-how-f-cked-am-i.724589/
Wherein, I realized I need to be wayyyy more careful about water crossings, which until now, I have been pretty cavalier about - I mean if it has an easy entry, and a tolerable exit, I usually think, "just send it"...but this thread gave me real pause. So thank you!

I also feel the same way about this thread - https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...gish-and-horrible-manual-transmission.710236/
Lower stakes than the water crossing thread, but still an eye-opener for me, wherein I realized that the way I use 4 Low really needs to change - i.e. it's not just a momentary emergency response, but actually a vital tool to ensure I don't burn out my clutch.

Just curious if others have threads that "wake them up" about how their trucks work, or how they use them.

 

I can't remember a specific moment that I would describe like that, but I've learned a ton since being on this site.

For me, it's all the little things, and learning about different peoples' perspectives on certain things, and the little tips and tricks to make working on your truck easier.

But here is my old man rant telling others to "wake up", lol... I think the thing that gets to me the most is the "overlanding" that's taken hold in the last 5 or 10 years. To the point that one of the most often repeated threads I see is new people asking what mods they "need" to go off-roading or "overlanding" and they are often bummed they can't afford the gear they think they need even though they often already have everything they need (basic camping gear and a 4x4). You don't need an RTT, long travel suspension, molle panels, a full slide out kitchen, and a 'tactical' shovel. I think that whole movement, while it "inspires" some to go offroading, it discourages others. This certainly isn't exclusive to the off-roading community, it's the same idea as hashtaging what you had for dinner. It's voyeurism mixed with keeping up with the Jones.

I just hate seeing people who think they need $15,000 in mods and gear just to go play in the mountains with their 4x4. Back in the day we used to "overland" all the time, but we just tossed a tent and a cooler of beer in the 4x4 and called it camping.

Anyhoo...