Taking a Long Bed Off Road?

I have a 2nd gen long bed Tundra and I am curious what people have to say about possibly taking it off road? I'm not looking to do any crazy rock crawling obviously, just thinking light off roading around scenic areas. Since I am in Colorado I would love to be able to take it up in the mountains and camp out of the bed because there is a ton of space back there.

Anyone know of someone who has a slightly off-road capable long bed??

 

No long bed here, but just research the trail before you go. I’m sure you’ll have some issues on tight switchbacks.

If in doubt, ask members here what trail you plan to do and someone may have some knowledge.

Welcome from Colorado

 

Welcome!
are you talking about the 6.5' bed or the loooong 8' bed

 

I cannot see any problem with it, if you mean fire roads and the like. I do it all the time. You have to watch out for high berms (like at the edge of dirt roads) and steep rises or dips... so you don't high-center the truck going over the top or, worse, get bumpers stuck on both ends of a big ditch going down into it then realizing your wheelbase is longer than the span of the ditch, and not being able to climb up out because you get the truck "wedged in". Getting bumpers stuck is not exactly what would happen, but more to give you a visual so you can picture what the problem would be.

 

I'm talking the loooong bed. double cab with an 8' bed... it's like driving a limo

 

That is one long bed.
You should be fine for the fire roads and chill trails. Couple of 5-9 pt turns I'm sure you will encounter.

 

I have a DC with a 6.5' bed. @Wintyfresh has an 8' bed: you ever take that off pavement; how'd it go?

 

I've definitely worried about going over a steep edge and ending up with no wheels on the ground. Never thought about getting stuck in a deep ditch, definitely something I will keep in mind!

 

@8MINT8 is yours a 6.5' or 8' bed?

 

Is your truck 2WD or 4x4?

 

Welcome from Aurora. Everything has it's limitations. Yes, an 8 footer is a bit long. I know lots of old mining roads that you can handle. Main thing is.....are you worried about the occasional minor spruce limb pin stripes?

 

it's a 4x4

 

Had one, and wheel every truck I’ve owned. The answer is no, it sucks(sorry). It’s was a handful to daily, trails were difficult. This was mine.

 

Not too worried about it. I figure it definitely comes with the territory of taking a full sized truck off road, let alone a long bed. Just hoping to not put giant gashes in the metal if possible

 

I'm assuming as far as trails go it's just impossible with really curvy trails? Or were there other factors that made it awful off road?

I haven't been able to find anyone who has taken one off road, (for obvious reason) so it helps to hear from someone with experience.

 

Garden of the Gods

 

Haha.. No gashes...I've seen not only full size long bed trucks up where I go but sometimes pulling a flat bed with ATV's and a slide in camper. Different strokes for different folks. Of course there will be situations where you say," Why did I take this route?" I've been there and done that. Don't ask...heh..heh.

 

The best looking limo

 

You had a bunch of trucks.

 

So have I...

 

That gives me hope! I'm sure there will be many moments where I' cursing my decision to even leave a paved road, but oh well haha. Are you able to point me in the direction of any of the roads you're talking about?

 

valid point! I actually really like it with the long bed for my purposes

 

I wonder if they’re going to stop making them

 

Yes. One hour away from downtown Denver. You can be as high as 12K ft up on top of Dakota Hill. Apex Valley Rd is the starting point just north of Blackhawk.Lots of "trails" you can go with that long bed without having issues and camping? Pretty much anywhere up there. Weather can be a factor now.

 

It wouldn't surprise me. They are already pretty hard to come by and don't seem very high demand, so it's definitely possible I would think.

 

Thanks! I will definitely have to look into that area!! Ya I am sure the weather is going to start getting messy, especially up in the mountains so I'll have to factor that in

 

Why? Great work truck and you can actually get a decent full size camper instead of a midget camper for the 5 1/2 ft CM bed..

 

WELCOME!
Let’s see your ride!

 

Check my build thread. Lots of pics. No gashes.

 

22...

Just my experience, having the same truck lifted 2.5” with Fox coilovers and shocks. Any trail I tried resulted in crunching something. Cruising logging roads etc. was always fun. Enjoy it, just do your homework for trails.