Gitout Expedition Build - 2013 Toyota Tacoma DC TRD

[huntsonora]

How far can your rig go?

This is my current record from this weekend driving from Portland to San Francisco. Not bad especially pulling the mountain passes with AC on. Also, actual mileage is + 3% = 440 miles! And... there were still 2 gallons remaining! This is why I run light, skinny, 32" tires with stock gears. Not too shabby. Imagine the range after it gets a 15-20 gallon transfer tank (coming soon).

View attachment 160484

So how many gallons did it take to fill up the tank? I am not sure how many gallons a stock tank holds

 

[montypower]

So how many gallons did it take to fill up the tank? I am not sure how many gallons a stock tank holds

Stock tank is 23 gallons. It took just under 21 gallons (including topping it off).

 

[montypower]

Taco felt naked without the bed rack...


Much better.

 

[ReadyForAdventure]

Looks good! You'll love the SnugPro, I sure love mine! EDIT: How are you gonna mount your RTT?
-RFA

 

[montypower]

Looks good! You'll love the SnugPro, I sure love mine! EDIT: How are you gonna mount your RTT?
-RFA

Having a custom rack built that will mount to the canopy. The rack will also allow mounting of an Awning.

 

[montypower]

Did some exploration in the coastal mountains, drove a trail, remote roads, hiked a couple lakes and ended out on the coast...

 

[OldSven]

That canopy is looking good!

 

[NetDep]

Great looking truck - sounds like quite the road one goes down when starting to goof with suspension --- affects so many things!!! Pretty complicated but your truck is AMAZING!!

Gonna make it up for this???? Great way to use that RTT!!!

http://expeditionportal.com/overlandrallies/Home.html

 

[montypower]

Thanks!! I'd love to attend the rally... We have an expedition trip to NorCal that weekend. Maybe next year...

 

[stioc]

New shoes installed today!!!

(5) TRD 16x7.5" Alloy Wheels
(5) 235/85/16 Firestone Destination MT Tires

I finally chose tires after weeks of contemplation and reviewing specs of nearly every tire on the market.

Here was my primary considerations when choosing a tire:
1. Aggressive Tread (which limited choices to: BFG KM2, Toyo MT, Geolander MT, Duratrac, Kevlar MTR) - NW off road requires aggressive tread thanks to all the rain, mud and rocks.
2. Durability (needs to be a tough tire - 3 Ply sidewall and E Rated)
3. True 32" (not any of the 265/75 stuff which is 1/4" shorter than 32" diameter - don't want 33s to avoid rubbing, trimming, gearing change, loss in brake performance and steering response).
4. Low Weight (factory tires are 37lbs - most tires weigh in 54lbs on up - less weight = better braking, acceleration, fuel mileage/travel range)

The Firestone Destination MT was the best overall match. They weigh 47lbs which is 4-5lbs less per tire than most other options. True 32" diameter. E Rated - 3 ply sidewall. Skinny! The narrow look is growing on me somewhat... The Destination MT tires have excellent reviews. I've had them on another rig several years ago and they performed very well.

Initial feedback: Excellent steering response, track very well (no wandering or pulling), little reduction in braking / acceleration feel, quiet (less road noise than factory tires).

First off, nice build and the truck looks great!

Glad to hear you're happy with the 235s. I've been debating between the 235s vs. 265 vs. 255 - The 255s rob too much power and braking from what I've gathered, 265s look nice but not as tall as the 235s though we may be splitting hairs on that one. Also what I have seen is that the advertised size doesn't quite match up in real life, for example my current tires are supposed to be 30.5" but in reality they're only 29.25". Have you measured the 235s with a tape measure?

 

[montypower]

They measure ~31.5" currently with full truck weight. Thats with 10k miles on them. I'm very happy. The smaller size is great for road driving and plenty for all the trails and obstacles so far. I'll bet they are easily 1/4-1/2" taller than 265s yet less weight.

 

[stioc]

Thanks for the info! Not to turn your thread into a tire discussion but since so few are running this size I had two more questions One, I don't see siping on the treads, how do they do in the rain since you're in OR? Two, any particular reason why you dismissed the Duratracs? I've been very happy with mine (snowflake rating too) but want to make sure I'm not overlooking something.

BTW I also compared the weights and actual sizes based on the published data. In my findings the Toyo OpenCountrys were the lightest tires and the Geolanders were the tallest 235s (based on the published lowest revolutions per mile).

 

[montypower]

Traction in the rain and snow is excellent. It rivals AT tires. The tread compound is soft; this is great for traction but it will have a greater tendency to chunk on rocks (ie don't spin your tires excessively). My brother has the Duratrac in 235/85. My tires perform equally well in rain, snow and better traction in rocks/mud (common here in Oregon). In addition, the road noise is very similar. I'm surprised at how quiet these MTs are.

Toyo Open Country are 2 ply sidewalls and not true 32". Geolander MT+ is slightly under 32" and once again 2 ply sidewalls.

I need a strong sidewall and aggressive tread for the conditions here in Oregon. My other objective was on road performance (weight, traction, mpg). These tires have met my expectations. Keep in mind driving style, terrain and geographic location varies and there certainly isn't a perfect tire.

 

[stioc]

Sounds like you really did your homework before making the purchase. Thanks again for the info! :ylsmoke:

 

[huntsonora]

My brother has the Duratrac in 235/85. My tires perform equally well in rain, snow and better traction in rocks/mud (common here in Oregon). In addition, the road noise is very similar. I'm surprised at how quiet these MTs are.

So if you had to do it over again would you go with the Firestones or the Duratracs? I found Duratracs in 235/80/17 for $179 apiece on closeout