Is the Tacoma enough truck?

[Clutch]

So, is the Tacoma enough truck?

Think you missed the OP's need to tow a 70 horse John Deere tractor.

The Tacoma is definitely not enough truck, not even a half ton will do. Might even be pushing it with a SRW 1 Ton...as I like to be about 1/2-3/4 capacity of the truck's rating. Just feels safer to me. F350 DRW would give you a bunch more wiggle room. 20K towing instead of the 15K on the SRW.

Don't think he said which model it is, but guessing it is something like this. Which is about 7300 lbs, and the trailer you typically need to haul it on are usually in the 5000-5500 lbs range.

 

[Clutch]

Lol. Despite the billions of numbered anonymous trails how about the Morrison Jeep trail or FR 120 in Wyoming.

Switchbacks anyone? Link

Forest upper part of trail @1:04 lol Link

Here's FR 108 in Wyoming where I had to turn around due to a crazy side hill. I scared the crap out of myself turning around here, a full size would have had to disassemble the vehicle and re-assemble it in the other direction ? Link


View attachment 473608

That is why I like the bike over the truck. We get quite a few side hill trails here in Idaho. And right by base camp too! This wasn't too terrible, the spot where it rounds the corner was a little sketch, since it goes across a narrow rock ledge...with a vertical drop on the one side into the river. Don't want to tip over there...don't think the fall would kill you but most likely wouldn't be happy either.

 

[phsycle]

I have always wanted an Alaskan, love the interiors...look nice and cozy. Almost boat like. Have this vision in my head of sitting in one on a high mountain lake during a crisp fall morning, watching the Canadian Geese paddle across, mist lifting off the water, morning sun filtering through the brightly colored autumn foliage...as I sit in my Maine guide flannel, pair of well worn Levis and wool socks....sipping my percolator made coffee, gazing out the window...while all snuggly warm. Then it starts to rain...moments later a couple drips of water hit my forehead...and I think to myself...thought I fixed that gawd damn leak!

https://www.truckcampermagazine.com/camper-lifestyle/aaron-barber-shooting-off-road/

Their new flatbed, is pretty damn sweet.

https://www.truckcampermagazine.com/news/2018-alaskan-flatbed-side-entry-camper/

Ha ha. I think I could get my wife to come along easier if I had something like that. But I am secretly hoping she's ok with the Taco and something like that GFC and a good ol' canvas tent.

 

[phsycle]

That is why I like the bike over the truck. We get quite a few side hill trails here in Idaho. And right by base camp too! This wasn't too terrible, the spot where it rounds the corner was a little sketch, since it goes across a narrow rock ledge...with a vertical drop on the one side into the river. Don't want to tip over there...don't think the fall would kill you but most likely wouldn't be happy either.

Tools for different jobs. I'd love to have a fullsize/camper + trailer full of toys for some trips. Smaller truck and minimal set up for others. While I wait for a 3rd garage to magically appear on my lot and $90k in disposable funds, Tacoma gives me the most versatility for now. I can squeeze into lots of camp spots and trails, or tow my ATV or bikes.

 

[jasmtis]

Think you missed the OP's need to tow a 70 horse John Deere tractor.

The Tacoma is definitely not enough truck, not even a half ton will do. Might even be pushing it with a SRW 1 Ton...as I like to be about 1/2-3/4 capacity of the truck's rating. Just feels safer to me. F350 DRW would give you a bunch more wiggle room. 20K towing instead of the 15K on the SRW.

Don't think he said which model it is, but guessing it is something like this. Which is about 7300 lbs, and the trailer you typically need to haul it on are usually in the 5000-5500 lbs range.

I mean that's an easy question, no the Tacoma is not enough truck seeing as the tractor on its own exceeds the max tow rating of any configuration. Haha clearly things devolved into a general debate. I just can't stand the bigger = better thing if there isn't a real need. In my life, a bigger truck would be a PITA every day while providing zero benefits besides towing the Rover more comfortably which I've done literally once.

Tools for different jobs. I'd love to have a fullsize/camper + trailer full of toys for some trips. Smaller truck and minimal set up for others. While I wait for a 3rd garage to magically appear on my lot and $90k in disposable funds, Tacoma gives me the most versatility for now. I can squeeze into lots of camp spots and trails, or tow my ATV or bikes.

Exactly! Let's just keep in mind the main goal is to get outside. The only reason I manage to get out as much as I do is my minimal setup means I can pack the truck Thursday, go to work Friday and head straight out when I'm done. If I had thousands of pounds of crap I felt like I had to drag along with me, store and take care of I'd have way less time to actually explore.

 

[Buliwyf]

I'm stuck in a tent until the "expo funds fairy" arrives. No shame in that.

I just had to weigh where I'd be too big, and how often or when. Around here, that's nowhere a 4runner can go. So it's 1% of my "to do" expo travels list, which I might be able to cover with the DRZ400(s). Heck, you can even buy someones extra seat on their trip sometimes! (I'm going to sell one of my seats for next years Key West dive trip, maybe.)

A camper, and a boat, or a utility trailer, or another darn camper trailer, are actually more likely to happen. It wouldn't be the first time we car pooled and carried a slide in camper and a TTat the same time. And the Tacomas I looked at costed nearly as much as a 1 ton!

 

[Dalko43]

This is just where I have no idea where you are coming from. There are plenty of marked forest roads that are almost side by side size that weave in and out of trees. I think the problem is coming from only going on well traveled routes and passes that are getting thousands of vehicles per year in them. I have literally never been in any national forest that didn't have somewhere a little two track that fades out to almost nothing and just keeps getting tighter and tighter. Again I think maybe going to a well known destination vs just exploring is skewing perceptions.

But it's just not true that these smaller marked normal tracks are non-existent. Maybe they are in your local area but what I describe above exists in over a dozen states I can think of w/o even trying.

We have similar tracks where I live.

The full sizes will fit. Most owners won't take their trucks in there because they don't want their paint to get scratched up; that aside, most road-going pickups will fit down those tracks.

 

[Clutch]

I mean that's an easy question, no the Tacoma is not enough truck seeing as the tractor on its own exceeds the max tow rating of any configuration. Haha clearly things devolved into a general debate. I just can't stand the bigger = better thing if there isn't a real need. In my life, a bigger truck would be a PITA every day while providing zero benefits besides towing the Rover more comfortably which I've done literally once.

It would me, bit more room...hell of a lot more power, not that I need it...(well maybe for pulling an enclosed trailer)...better gas mileage...the Tacoma gets dismal fuel economy (or lack there of) for how small it is. Believe @Jnich77 is getting 23-25 out of his F150 2.7 Ecoboost. Mine usually hovers around 17. Had a guy checking my truck out the other day, asked me if it got 30 mpg...I laughed. He was shocked it only gets 17..."for that small thing!?" Yeah, it is a joke...but I like the truck.

Getting around is easy. Just about everyone here owns a fullsize in one shape or another on the out skirts of Boise. We live on the outskirts, but I work in the city. I find it very easy to get around here. Have a big parking lot at work...but even down town...don't see an issue. Might have issue in a parking garage...but I can't even remember the last time I was in a parking garage...dunno 20 years ago?


I also come from the mind set of bigger is not necessarily better, but I think in this case it is. Only thing that isn't better...is that buying a new truck would put a dent in my bank account since I like to pay cash for vehicles...as I did with my Tacoma all those years ago. I may own crap, but my crap is paid for. So that is pretty much the only reason I am reluctant to step up...really don't want to spend the money. As vehicles are horrible things to throw money at...

The only reason I manage to get out as much as I do is my minimal setup means I can pack the truck Thursday, go to work Friday and head straight out when I'm done. If I had thousands of pounds of crap I felt like I had to drag along with me, store and take care of I'd have way less time to actually explore.

I actually don't carry all that much stuff, super easy to load...this is pretty much it, and a dirt bike on the trailer. Only thing missing from this picture is my chainsaw.

Love the simplicity of my setup, it just isn't the best in the cold and the wet.

 

[Kpack]

The only reason I manage to get out as much as I do is my minimal setup means I can pack the truck Thursday, go to work Friday and head straight out when I'm done. If I had thousands of pounds of crap I felt like I had to drag along with me, store and take care of I'd have way less time to actually explore.

Agree. When I camp, I throw a sleeping bag, pad, stove, and my pre-packed camp box in the bed of the truck. I sleep in the bed of the truck and the kids get a basic tent, so camp set up and take down takes 10 minutes each. Simple is best for me. Plus with family and work schedule I will usually only do quick overnighters with the kids. Less set-up and take down give us more time to enjoy being outdoors.

We have similar tracks where I live.

The full sizes will fit. Most owners won't take their trucks in there because they don't want their paint to get scratched up; that aside, most road-going pickups will fit down those tracks.

Same here. Lots of very narrow and tight 4x4 trails. Likely 90% of vehicles are Jeeps on these trails. My 1st Gen Tundra has done well on them so far, but I have front-to-back pinstriping, and my kick out sliders already have battle scars. A full size can fit, but it ain't graceful.

 

[Deleted member 9101]

It would me, bit more room...hell of a lot more power, not that I need it...(well maybe for pulling an enclosed trailer)...better gas mileage...the Tacoma gets dismal fuel economy (or lack there of) for how small it is. Believe @Jnich77 is getting 23-25 out of his F150 2.7 Ecoboost. Mine usually hovers around 17.

~23-25 @ 70 mph
~26-27 @ 65 mph
~20-21 @ 80 mph


Lifetime average (17k) bounces between 20.7 and 20.8.

 

[jasmtis]

I'm stuck in a tent until the "expo funds fairy" arrives. No shame in that.

I just had to weigh where I'd be too big, and how often or when. Around here, that's nowhere a 4runner can go. So it's 1% of my "to do" expo travels list, which I might be able to cover with the DRZ400(s). Heck, you can even buy someones extra seat on their trip sometimes! (I'm going to sell one of my seats for next years Key West dive trip, maybe.)

A camper, and a boat, or a utility trailer, or another darn camper trailer, are actually more likely to happen. It wouldn't be the first time we car pooled and carried a slide in camper and a TTat the same time. And the Tacomas I looked at costed nearly as much as a 1 ton!

East coast? Makes a lot more sense to me out there. I lived in eastern PA for a few years(had a 2nd-gen 4Runner at the time) and State Forests/gameland roads were either lame or ATV-only and ORV parks were terrifying in a DD.

Out west public lands are vast and roads range from maintained gravel that's graded with emergency vehicles in mind to logging and mining roads in any degree of decay and difficulty. The people I off road with have FJs, Discovery 1s and Jeeps. When I'm in my Tacoma I almost always drag hitch and need spotters where the rest don't because I simply cannot see or am too close to catching my frame for comfort. It's stressing me out even imagining trying to drive a full size on those roads.

A few times I've brought friends without capable vehicles who just left their cars at the trail head(so where base camp would be) and I had a lot less fun. I get the most enjoyment out of the exploration aspect. I just download some USGS maps with a rough plan of stuff that looks cool to see(maybe abandoned mines, fire lookout towers, summits whatever and see where it takes me. Having to plan to end up where you start removes the freedom to just go wherever looks cool and worry about finding pavement when it's time to head home on Sunday.

This past weekend I left work near Bellingham, Washington on Friday, drove back roads through the Cascades(cutting through Northern Cascades National Park along the way), to meet friends by Lake Chelan on the eastern edge of the Cascades Friday night. Saturday and Sunday we drove off pavement 180 miles from there to a ghost town on the border with Canada, only touching pavement for 5-10 of those miles. Camped on an unbelievable ridge at elevation Saturday night. Then the rest headed back south to Seattle and I decided to drive home to Bellingham through southern British Columbia on stunning mountain back roads because I could, and my Washington driver's license works as a passport with Canada.

 

[Clutch]

~23-25 @ 70 mph
~26-27 @ 65 mph
~20-21 @ 80 mph


Lifetime average (17k) bounces between 20.7 and 20.8.

Thanks man.

I am liking those 65 mph numbers. That is 90% of my driving speed...or slower. Basically work commute is cruise set at 64....all the Bi-Ways I use here on the weekends are 55 mph.

 

[Deleted member 9101]

Thanks man.

I am liking those 65 mph numbers. That is 90% of my driving speed...or slower. Basically work commute is cruise set at 64....all the Bi-Ways I use here on the weekends are 55 mph.

Yeah, 99% of the time I'm in no hurry. I just watch the boost gauge, if the turbos start spooling I'll slow down (to an extent).

 

[phsycle]

I'm stuck in a tent until the "expo funds fairy" arrives. No shame in that....

Honestly, I love sleeping in tents. We've got a nice canvas tent with a 6'6" roof. Plenty of room to stand in. 10x14 floor. Even if we're stuck inside due to rain, something about being in tents that kids love. Steel enclosures of a camper, not as much.

 

[Clutch]

Honestly, I love sleeping in tents. We've got a nice canvas tent with a 6'6" roof. Plenty of room to stand in. 10x14 floor. Even if we're stuck inside due to rain, something about being in tents that kids love. Steel enclosures of a camper, not as much.

I have a 6 person tent...being in them is what I don't mind (that one doesn't leak like the 'Nest)...the whole setting them up, tearing them down is a pain in the neck.

Camper, open the door...done.