Overlanding build questions

it’s so funny you say this. One of the things that attracted me to the AC was the turning radius. In comparison to GM extended cab trucks, the turning radius is f’n amazing. Although I did notice a substantial difference between AC and DC in the documentation of the tickle on my brain is right.

Edit: Yep, supposedly my 2006 AC has a radius of 22’, same year DC at 23.5’ and the best radius I can find on my previous GM truck is 39.8’, with one claim it was high as 52’ (I’m guessing the latter was for 4WD). Tundra is amazing on radius in that respect.

 

This is one of my few complaints with these trucks, It's like driving a boat, and not in a good way. I've found that most parking lot situations require a 3 point turn to avoid hitting the next row of cars. Even my 12k pound dually is more maneuverable.

If I were to build a dedicated trail/wheeling rig, the huge turn radius would have me picking a different platform.

Edit: The dually referenced above also has a 22' turn radius, but its 4ish feet longer and 3 feet wider.

 

That’s wild! I dunno why the two GMT400 and GMT800 extended cabs I owned were so lackluster on their radius. I’m sure it was a combo of longer wheelbase and subpar front articulation, but to be almost double what the 1GT is … that’s inexcusable for GM. I believe the only truck I’ve owned that maybe been better than my 1GT was a mid-80s GMC S15 but that was so many decades ago I can’t remember driving it.

 

And just like that, I find out how blessed I truly am!

 

The later gen Tundras are better than 1st gen in this respect.

Although, tbf, the wider stance of long-travel on my 1st gen plays a part.

 

Its funny because before the tundra it's not something I had ever really put much thought into. Googling various makes/models of previous trucks I have owned, sub 20' seems to be the sweet spot for not being an annoyance. I have spent a lot of time in early Toyota trucks and they land in the 16-19' range.

Most notably I had a 2001 tacoma with what looks like a 17.6' radius. Side by side the the 1gt and the 01 taco are very similar in size, so I'm not sure where the extra 5' comes from.

I haven't ever compared the frame width between the two, but im guessing the tundra's frame is wider than the taco making that the limiting factor.

 

Have you considered a bed cap? Much more versatile than a tent IMO.

 

I mean, it's always one of two things, if not both, I think?: Wheelbase + front geometry. Like, shorter wheelbase you'd find on a Smart car lets you turn on a dime, with a smaller degree of turn. Geometry-wise, how far you place the wheel outside the front framerail dictates how far you can kick the wheel 'til hitting full lock. All of the GM trucks I had prior had more than a foot longer wheelbase, and I'm not sure where the wheel measured in relation to the framerail, nor how many degrees of turn I could get in either. I just know it felt like driving a boat, and it bit me in the ass more than once.

So far, 5 years of 1GT ownership and I haven't rubbed or nicked anything due to poor radius. And I don't find myself often having to more than 2-point any entry. The first couple years, I'd typically 2-point entry into my (rather tight 90° to driveway) garage, but I've found outswing with an earlier turn gets me there direct now I'm comfy with where my 4 corners are. We all know the front suspension/steering design on these trucks is lackluster, though. All the LBJ fails from using non-OEM shouldn't be a thing.

 

One of the benefits of a taller tire is slightly better turning radius. I'm finally getting used to my double cab. It's not going to be a dedicated trail rig, but I bought it for overlanding and road trips with the whole family. Occasionally I'll have to make a three-point turn on the trails. Not a big deal considering all the benefits of this vehicle

 

The 3rd Gen Tacoma is very similar dimensionally to the 1st Gen Tundra.

1st Gen Tacoma is a completely different class of vehicle.

2001 Tacoma access cab vs 2001 Tundra access cab.
Wheelbase
122 in vs 128 in

Length, Overall w/o rear bumper
203 in vs 218 in

Width, Max w/o mirrors
67 in vs 75 in

Height, Overall
64 in vs 71 in