How truly capable are our TRD off-road 2wd's?!

Thanks for the props, Feistee!

I have had great times off-road and seldom gotten stuck in my 2WD TRD, totally stock including the tires. When I have, it was because I did something anyone would know wouldn't work in 2WD.

I mainly find that, if I stay within my own abilities, I can do a great deal with a 2WD. I grew up at high elevation (snow) and never had, or knew I needed, 4WD. But I did some goofy things to get places others thought not possible, like drive up steep icy roads backwards in an automatic ... reverse = lowest gear.

As for buying a 4x4, that's because I realized during local Shennanigans meets that I really enjoy getting out and exploring + challenge. Add the sense of responsibility I feel to not be fully dependent on others to rescue me... well, I decided to skip a lift and big tires and go immediately to Looooong travel! (When I need rescuing, I want it to be because I did something awesome!)
But going from 2WD to LT is a whole decision apart from not wanting to get stuck without 4x4. It's about adrenaline and fewer reasons 'not to'.

 

Hey, Ant! Where are you? I'm in SoCal and stil have and absolutely love my 2017 2WD TRD. I think this truck is very capable. But the SoCal desert and mountains have a lot of beautiful, accessible terrain, and a lot of it includes fairly well-maintained fire roads that don't really challenge. Plus, as I said, I grew up driving 2WD in snow, but that was also CA (so not the deep boggy mud that other parts of the country get after snow).

IMO if the driver is confident and experienced enough to recognize when something is beyond his/ her own, or the truck's capabilities, a 2WD can get most places. In the southwest.

I plan to keep my 2017 2WD TRD as long as forever. Sometime, if/ when we move to Idaho, I'll probably add a locker. And always carry chains.

 

That's awesome Sunnier! Wow, it sounds like you really know and love your 2wd TRD Tundra and this is very encouraging to me! We are in south Florida but might relocate to the Carolina's or TN eventually. We are using our new Tundra for everything as a family right now and I just wanted to confirm that this TRD 2wd will be able to handle most things thrown its way aside from Mudding or any real crazy terrain or trailing. Just was checking for like heavy rain, light snow, light ice, towing anything we need under 12k lbs., and just normal everyday/life stuff for a family and light off-road adventures etc. I'd love to see some pics of your rig if you have some? Maybe one day later on I'll get into light trailing as I think this would be so much fun and bring me back to the days of my 1995.5 Tacoma and taking her many many places and adventures; what a great time in life that was. Thanks for your input and insight!

 

Your enthusiam sounds like we'd have a good time together! If you want to live vicariously, you can catch up on many of our SoCal Shennanigans meet-and-play adventures, here:
https://www.tundras.com/threads/wel...henanigan-and-superstition-meet-thread.19581/

I know it's a long way across country from you, but it'll probably be a better introduction to the kind of easy off-roading we're really doing. I'll post some pics of my truck in here as soon as I get some at hand. I do very much love my truck!

Something to consider though-- and it's too big a factour not to acknowledge-- is that regular participation on this forum, 1st, and semi-frequent meets with other Tundra buddies in the Real World, a close 2nd, are probably why I'm still so much into my truck almost 2 years in. I studied psychology and know a vehicle is the "worst" purchase a person can make for long-term return on investment satisfaction; all the smart advice says, spend your discretionary money on travel and experiences with people you enjoy.

Sure, I spent a lot more to buy this truck I didnt need than to keep driving a used 4-beater back and forth to work, but I picked a crazy colour I love, and immediately paired the truck with fun family activities, so the Fambly got drawn in. And whereas I first took a lot of chiding at home for time spend on this forum, once we went out onto first with others (who were so afraid to scratch their trucks, it kind put us all on even footing, so to speak, everyone starting out easy, no one left behind). So... it's not what you asked for-- nor what I knew I'd learn to love-- but making the truck and other enthusiasts a regular part of life adventure has kept my enthusiasm high.

To your actual questions, I think the stock Michelin tires are really good for all around driving-- that's why Toyota spec'd 'em. They do great in rain, slush, and aired down, they do well in a few inches of sand IF you keep momentum going.

The stock tires useless in mud. I'm in SoCal so mud is almost always optional here; maybe more of an issue for you. I haven't driven his truck in snow or ice yet. When I do, I'd not skip snow chains or cables. And weight in the back, as others have said, absolutely betters the ride and handling. I have a 85# kb Voodoo steel bedrack 10" height and, currently, carry a 200# RTT. All that weight has lowered my mpg from 13.6 to 13.4. (Any one who pretends we get better mpg is resetting frequently; I've never reset since I drove it off the lot.)

I carry a tow line, MAXX TRAX, and other small rescue tools any time I know I'll go off road. Also a handheld radio, and buddies who agree not to post embarrassing photos because we're all learning. (Pretty sure the 4x4 LT rig will entail embarrassing photos....).

Edit: I'm not sure of the realistic towing capacity. Do a search before you buy a trailer, if you haven't. Any thread Colorado TJ has chimed in on, will have the best towing advice.

Also... I'm no early stage adult. My hope for you is that "light trailing" occurs as soon as you next find an accessible trail!

 

Sounds great Sunnier! Wow, this is very good news and the more I've been researching along with your comments the more relieved I am and confident in our 2019 TRD off-road 2wd crewmax traveling the U.S. Being able to travel the states and tow when we need to across the country later in life, as well as going trailing and enjoying what the states have to offer and throw at us and our family Tundra.
Thanks for the input from everyone so far and would love to hear more success stories of anyone who has been doing any of this in their TRD 2wd.

 

Hey, Ant, did you see I sent you a (ridiculously long, detailed) PM in response to yours to me? It details lots of cool stuff our 2WD trucks can do... and my opinions about what we may not want to attempt to do with them. Let me know if you want that moved over here for public consumption.

 

My Tundra is a 4WD, but I generally don't switch to 4Hi unless I really think I need to. I'll say this, my Tundra goes way better in 2WD than my Tacoma did.

 

Well I live in central Pa and I have owned my 07,4.7 2wd for about 2wks and in those 2 weeks I have had all types of weather to drive in. As far as snow with some weight in the bed as with any truck. Yes even in my 4wds weight gets you a long way. But weight alone is not a cure all. I have a good set of chains. No they are not v-bar. Decided to save myself the extra 40 bucks. So far they are just fine. As for off road capabilities set up right and I'm sure it will compete with any 2wd out there. I wouldn't follow the 4wds into the mud pits that swallow their tires. Common sense is your best friend. As far as rain I have no complaints. Ice is Ice it can eat you up no matter what you drive! My only complaint and I'm not the only one is with the ABS system on snowy bad roads. It boarder lines being unsafe. As soon as I can figure out how to put in a bypass switch I will so I can turn off the ABS on crappy winter roads. And there is my honest 2 cents worth. All in all I really am beginning to like my Tundra!!