Just making sure before buying
 

Can a 4Runner TRD off-road handle these types of roads (assuming a competent driver):

Standard Road Conditions - Death Valley National Park (U.S. National Park Service)

High Clearance Four-Wheel-Drive (4WD) Roads
These are unmaintained roads where a high clearance 4WD vehicle, in four-wheel- drive, driven by a driver experienced in 4WD drive techniques, can drive the road without getting stuck. All 4WD roads may be rocky, with deep sand or gravel and steep hills

High Clearance Four-Wheel-Drive (4WD) Vehicles
A high clearance 4WD vehicle is defined as a SUV or truck type vehicle, with at least 15 inch tire rims or more, with a low gear transfer case, designed for heavier type use than a standard passenger vehicle, with at least 8 inches of clearance or more from the lowest point of the frame, body, suspension, or differential, to the ground, also including a means to mechanically power both, front and real wheels at the same time.

I believe the OR has 9.7" of clearance so you should be ok. I'm definitely not the most knowledgable though.

Bring an air compressor so you can feel comfortable airing down and back up and you will do great. People who don't air down make the washboard roads worse and often get flats from the sharp rocks. If going from Death Valley to Saline Valley, I suggest taking Lippincott Pass first and Steel Pass on the way back to Eureka Dune. If you go that way, all the big obstacles are while you are going downhill.

in short..YES...

all 4WD 4Runners are running with around 9.6-10 inches of ground clearance STOCK, depending on tire set up...I have seen SR5s do some amazing things...

TRD Pros are running with an extra inch in the front due to their upgraded suspension set up (fox or bilstien shocks)...so around 10-11 inches to use there...plus the big aluminium bash plate...

it should make it with little hiccup.
there are several videos on the yoootubz to ease your worry. The TFL guys have a multitude of vids showing what the TRD Pro's can do off road...REAL off roading, not some flat dirt road with a bump or two. check those guys out for proof of concept.


i could be wrong, someone surely will tell me so if i am.

Yes. I've been there twice with my '05 when I first got it. But most important thing is to prepare with the right gear and supplies...also, don't go alone. Death Valley is a dangerously beautiful place. Respect it.

That'd be hard. I don't have any friends with off-road vehicles.

Well, with Google search, you can probably find some clubs/events in your area...you can probably at least get some good advice from them.

Also, if you are new to off roading, I'd suggest 'practicing' first to figure out some limits of your rig and yourself.

When I was living in Cali, there were at least two off road parks there...Prairie City and Hollister Hills. Both have park rangers there to help you if you have issues.

good luck and have fun.

By the way...the number one cause of death in Death Valley (told to me by the park ranger) isn't the heat or even the snakes/scorpions...it is rollovers...people attempting to look at the vast scenery while driving on the main roads...not paying attending and missing a curve and running off the road...

My 04 Sr5 is pretty capable it’s had some work done to it but even in her early stages she’s done really well. As other members have said having people with you makes things a lot easier especially once you run into problems. I used to solo adventure all the time and there’s nothing wrong with that but make sure you have things like a winch or come along or even just a damn good ratchet strap some traction boards and the knowledge to use that sh*t! Good luck out there and be safe!

Hollister isnt far! Thanks man!

If you're planning on driving on those roads, my best advice is to replace the wimpy P-rated tires these SUV's come with. I'd also replace the spare.

I'm running load range E 10 ply rated tires solely because of the increased durability on those types of roads.