Tundra Offroad Capability

i was thinking the same lol

 

Just got this comment on my tundra vs Fj video. Feel like it fits the topic we discuss here.

 

Time to pack it up and go home....the random internet stranger has spoken, the tundra is terrible off road, sorry pal....

 

And he was so convincing

 

The Tundra is the only truck at the intersection of the following circles in a Venn diagram: daily driver, great off-roading platform, extremely reliable, vast aftermarket support, capable hauler, and light- to mid-duty tow pig. The reliability is what seals the deal for me.

Bro, I'm shook. Pal.

 

Thanks again for all the help from everyone!!!

So three more questions....

1) Is there anything I should look out for when buying a Tundra? Anything I can look for that would be red flags?

2) Reliability is huge to me and that is what Toyota is known for. This is the reason I chose an FJ. How much milage would you guys consider too much to buy?

3) How much would I be looking at to install a rear locker?

 

1) Is there anything I should look out for when buying a Tundra? Anything I can look for that would be red flags?

• Rusty frame
• Sign of abuse

2) Reliability is huge to me and that is what Toyota is known for. This is the reason I chose an FJ. How much milage would you guys consider too much to buy?

• personally, I think it is definitely reasonable to buy a 200k mile tundra, but have to make sure it's taken care of.

3) How much would I be looking at to install a rear locker?

• 3.5k total for me, half parts half labor.

 

When they came out with the Eaton e locker for our trucks a few years back I told myself as soon as I get stuck or have to turn around on a trail I’m ordering one. Still waiting for one of those things to happen…

 

You should do it, it's not a hard trail, even in the big-ass Tundra. I did it without sliders, even.

 

I would add a caveat to the buying a higher mileage Tundra. If your handy and mechanically inclined, the miles aren’t of much concern. Major system failures are extremely rare. Engines, trannies, AC, even electrical are pretty solid. But wear items are wear items. At 150k plus miles, bushings, bearings, shocks, hoses, radiators, etc start to show their age and need some love. Being handy makes these items cheap to replace. Needing a shop to handle all of this will double or triple the cost of such maintenance and repairs.

 

I feel ya. I see the locker as an extra insurance for other driving components. With the locker on, I don’t really have to send it thru some of the obstacles as much as I used to, I hate sending because most of the time I am going to break stuff.

 

Same. Not sure I wouldn’t do just fine with a good limited slip front and rear

 

Which part isn't true? I see dozens of lifted fullsize trucks everyday and that is the extent of the offroading that most of them will ever see.

 

Picture time:






The Tundra is a very capable off-roader, and way better than any other full size truck out there. It's also great in the snow. It carries extra weight and that helps you when you need to winch your buddies vehicle out of predicaments. That being said, it is still a FULL size and won't get between the trees like smaller vehicles will. I would recommend you take a test drive on busy streets in an FJ before committing to buying one. Those FJ's have a lot of blind spots. Honestly, the 4th Gen 4Runner is basically a 4-door FJ Cruiser with more creature comforts and better visibility, and can be had with the legendary 4.7L V8.

 

Agreed, and here is an additional perspective:

Off-road travel has a physical environmental impact. In simplistic terms related to traction, the more wheelspin that occurs, the more potential impact you will have on the trail environment. Ruts are created, rocks go flying, etc. Most limited slip and/or electronic systems require the presence of wheelspin before it is suppressed. Damage is minimized, but still there. The Toyota electronic traction systems, in my opinion, allow too much wheel spin to occur.

The classic alternative is increase speed to "power through". This almost always leads to more environmental damage, physical damage to the truck and puts the driver/passengers at a safety risk.

A properly used locker can almost eliminate slip AND allow a driver to go as slow as possible to clear an obstacle. So through that napkin logic, lockers are the environmentally friendly choice and an investment in our children's future.

 

Yes any HD truck is better at towing. Did he mention towing needs?

He’s looking at a Tundra for off-roading, and as far as full size trucks go, there is a strong case for the Tundra being his best bet, especially seeing how reliability is a big factor for him.

 

It's not bad at all. Handled the whole trail just fine. I drug the hitch once and that was it.

 

Dependable is where I'm at. But I haven't seen a picture on this thread I can't go with a locked 2WD. 1st Gen 2005 DC. Now, I have to look, but one of our brothers has a Jeep that goes in stupid places, defies logic. I'm still with tires, clearance and gears. Dependable - Toyota does not leave you stranded if you are prepared and maintain it. And don't be stupid.

 

Here you go.

 

That looks epic, I don't know if you are F-ing with me or proving my point. But I'll do that all day.

 

Let’s make it happen!

 

Fair enough, how far are we driving?

 

This is just outside Flagstaff at the Tundras to Sedona event. I bet @KevinK will even make a RWD class for ya.

 

I looked at east coast gear supply and it awesome that you can order an additional third member with the locker installed and have it shipped. This is my next big purchase.

 

Sweet, but if I get my ass out there, you and I have a wager TBD. Those fuckers are moving fast for a reason I imagine. I can't see the terrain from the drone, but...ha. Could be fun even if I pay.

 

This shows it a little better. Problem is there are patches where it is feet deep and really soft. Essentially sand dune / deep powder conditions.
How’d you describe it @des2mtn ?

 

I got me one of those.

 

to get one of these - you’ve got to

 

Well, it sounds terrible. But one of you guys have recovery gear and a truck that can get up there? I might need you.