Stock TRD OR Capabilities

H

hbrogers

New member
New to SUV's, 4x4, and off-roading which will probably be obvious from this post, but I figured I'd state that so y'all may forgive my questions if they seem elementary. I've got a 17' TRD OR that is stock other than some very mild all terrain tires (Continental TerrainContact). Besides going on some typical forest service roads to campsites or bike trails, what kinds of trails or off-roading can I do with my vehicle as is? I live in GA so I'd be looking for trails around North GA, Western NC, and Eastern TN. Some of the things I've found in GA are Rocky Flats, Earls Ford Rd., Patterson Gap Rd., Tallulah River Rd., Charlie's and Dick's Creek Rd, and Nimblewill Gap Rd. Just wondering if I could handle all of these pretty easily with my stock vehicle. Any other places I should check out?

Even though it's stock now, I plan on the following modifications over time and wonder how much it would increase it's capabilities. This will be my daily driver so I want to keep as simple and low key as possible. Any other recommendations or tips would be greatly appreciated.

Bilstein 6112/5100 suspension upgrade
265/70R17 Nitto Ridge Grapplers
ARB Breather kit
ARB on board air kit
Slee rock sliders
Warn Zeon plat. 10-s with undercover hidden mount (if money allowes)
 
Register to hide this ad
Get the new tires, buy or build a first aid kit and a recovery kit. Enjoy.

As you enjoy start thinking if you actually need anything else. The truck is typically far more capable than folks believe.
 
LandCruiser said:
Fire roads?

You can do those in a car.

It'll be fine stock.
Click to expand...

I guess I wasn't that clear. I know it can handle forest service roads without trouble, but I guess I'm wanting to know the limits of stock vehicle and when modifications or upgrades are needed. Checking to see what the limits are so I know how far I can push it.
 
Jhalko said:
Get the new tires, buy or build a first aid kit and a recovery kit. Enjoy.

As you enjoy start thinking if you actually need anything else. The truck is typically far more capable than folks believe.
Click to expand...

As soon as this set of tires is finished I'll definitely be going with something a little more aggressive. First aid kit already built and loaded, but working on the recovery kit. Will the ARB recovery kit or something similar be fine or should I go a different route? Didn't know if piecing one together would save money and get me more appropriate/necessary components.
 
Check into the "Georgia Traverse". Several of the trails you mention are part of that route. With decent tires you should be able to do all of it. The only part of the trip that has any technical terrain is Trey Mountain road. You can probably do that too, but if you are new to offroading I would recommend doing Trey Mountain with a group. The overland bound forum has a section for your part of the world that do group rides now and then. One of them met me and we spent 4 days wheeling the traverse and camping. I am hoping to get back there at the end of May. Be prepared for at least a dozen river crossings and one really beautiful ride.
 
Louisiana Overland said:
Check into the "Georgia Traverse". Several of the trails you mention are part of that route. With decent tires you should be able to do all of it. The only part of the trip that has any technical terrain is Trey Mountain road. You can probably do that too, but if you are new to offroading I would recommend doing Trey Mountain with a group. The overland bound forum has a section for your part of the world that do group rides now and then. One of them met me and we spent 4 days wheeling the traverse and camping. I am hoping to get back there at the end of May. Be prepared for at least a dozen river crossings and one really beautiful ride.
Click to expand...

I appreciate the info and will make sure to check the Overland Bound forum. I've read a little bit about the Georgia Traverse and seems like it would be up my alley. Now to just find some bike trails and good camping spots on or near the traverse and I'll be in heaven.
 
hbrogers said:
New to SUV's, 4x4, and off-roading which will probably be obvious from this post, but I figured I'd state that so y'all may forgive my questions if they seem elementary. I've got a 17' TRD OR that is stock other than some very mild all terrain tires (Continental TerrainContact). Besides going on some typical forest service roads to campsites or bike trails, what kinds of trails or off-roading can I do with my vehicle as is? I live in GA so I'd be looking for trails around North GA, Western NC, and Eastern TN. Some of the things I've found in GA are Rocky Flats, Earls Ford Rd., Patterson Gap Rd., Tallulah River Rd., Charlie's and Dick's Creek Rd, and Nimblewill Gap Rd. Just wondering if I could handle all of these pretty easily with my stock vehicle. Any other places I should check out?

Even though it's stock now, I plan on the following modifications over time and wonder how much it would increase it's capabilities. This will be my daily driver so I want to keep as simple and low key as possible. Any other recommendations or tips would be greatly appreciated.

Bilstein 6112/5100 suspension upgrade
265/70R17 Nitto Ridge Grapplers
ARB Breather kit
ARB on board air kit
Slee rock sliders
Warn Zeon plat. 10-s with undercover hidden mount (if money allowes)
Click to expand...

bump up to a 275/70/17.
depending on how much time you will spend on airing up and down you may want to consider a portable air comp. if its a once and a while happening where you go exploring, the onboard system may be a bit overkill if you plan to budget.
 
hbrogers said:
As soon as this set of tires is finished I'll definitely be going with something a little more aggressive. First aid kit already built and loaded, but working on the recovery kit. Will the ARB recovery kit or something similar be fine or should I go a different route? Didn't know if piecing one together would save money and get me more appropriate/necessary components.
Click to expand...

Focus on the basics, and if you go out alone a set of traction boards. Many spend the money for Maxxtrax, I have a set of cheaper imitation from amazon. I’ve used my recovery gear to pull other people out more than myself.

Consider a set of LT rated tires, those Continental’s are ok for dirt roads but probably not the best for more, Nittos would be fine. I promise the truck with good tires will be more capable than you want to try early on. I’m always surprised how well it handles things I expect to struggle, scrape, or get stuck in. You don’t have a ton of easy access trails near you so it’ll take time to push it most likely.

Waste as much time as you can reading build threads and you will learn most of what you want to know and more. Better than dumping money into things you will later regret.
 
Jhalko said:
Get the new tires, buy or build a first aid kit and a recovery kit. Enjoy.

As you enjoy start thinking if you actually need anything else. The truck is typically far more capable than folks believe.
Click to expand...

This is the best advice you could get. With some good tires you will probably be able to do anything that you would hope to. As your confidence and comfort builds and you think you might need more go for it. I have the same truck and have some nitto's and it has done everything I have been able to put it through so far.
 
Jhalko said:
Focus on the basics, and if you go out alone a set of traction boards. Many spend the money for Maxxtrax, I have a set of cheaper imitation from amazon. I’ve used my recovery gear to pull other people out more than myself.

Consider a set of LT rated tires, those Continental’s are ok for dirt roads but probably not the best for more, Nittos would be fine. I promise the truck with good tires will be more capable than you want to try early on. I’m always surprised how well it handles things I expect to struggle, scrape, or get stuck in. You don’t have a ton of easy access trails near you so it’ll take time to push it most likely.

Waste as much time as you can reading build threads and you will learn most of what you want to know and more. Better than dumping money into things you will later regret.
Click to expand...

Wasn't sure if the imitation traction boards were good, but I'm glad to hear they work for you; I'll look into them.

I was thinking about LT tires but didn't want to the ride to suffer on the streets and lose mpg. I the Continental for driving in town and hate to give them up so I was looking at just buying a set of cheap steel wheel (part # 42611-35400) and putting more aggressive tires (Nitto Ridge Grappler or BFG M/T?) on them. The wheels are $80 on Amazon. What are your thoughts about that? That way I could have the best of both worlds.

I appreciate your input.
 
cjdewese said:
This is the best advice you could get. With some good tires you will probably be able to do anything that you would hope to. As your confidence and comfort builds and you think you might need more go for it. I have the same truck and have some nitto's and it has done everything I have been able to put it through so far.
Click to expand...

Good to hear you like your Nitto's
 
The ARB recovery kit is for if you have a winch.

Take a shovel and maybe some maxtraxx. Or better yet just go. You'll figure out what you need.
 
Since you are new to 4x4 and off-roading, just be aware that the truck bone stock is more capable than your skill set (for now). IOW, the truck, as is, can do more than what your driving ability and/or pucker factor will allow.
That being said, as mentioned better tires will help keep you from just getting stuck in some slick stuff, etc.

I took mine totally stock, even the tires, through the entire White Rim Road in Utah with no issues. It is not terribly difficult, but some skill (and solid nerves) is needed in several sections or mishaps could easily occur.

Enjoy it!
 
90% is driver. 10% is vehicle. Put a pro in a stock vehicle and he will do better than a novice in the highly modded vehicle every time. Sad but true.
 
Take an off road class. Get an air compressor or CO2 tank and a yank strap. Start easy and enjoy as you learn. I did a lot on OEM tires and CO2 in the beginning.
 
Get some recovery gear and a buddy and go wheeling and see for yourself what you and your runner can do. Then decide if you want to modify it and by how much.

But know this, mods are a slippery slope.

I started with a stock jeep. Went wheeling. Had to turn around at some point due to lack of a front locker. Installed front locker. Was able to make it up that ledge but my buddy was still stock so I still had to turn around. Met other wheeling friends with built rigs. Built mine to keep up (35s, 4" lift, F&R Lockers, Cage yadda yadda yadda). It kept up.

It also SUCKED on the road.

And it turned out, to / for me, black diamond or five star trails.... not that much fun. Bouncy and rocky and slow as you wait for everyone to get through plus hard on equipment and recovery and wrenching on the trail also suck. Just not that much fun to me.

I won't make that mistake again.

I will most likely go with 5100's set at 1.75" front with a 1" spacer rear, stock springs, 275/70R/17 ATs.

Should still drive and handle like stock, maybe a bit better, and easily do anything I ever care to do again.

Have fun
 
My stock Off Road would go anywhere my stock Rubicon would except for clearance issues. The Rubicon has 1" more clearance underneath and the approach and departure angles are better.

I solved that with a Toytec Ultimate lift. Now, thanks to Crawl and ATrac I feel the OR is probably a bit more capable than the Rubicon. Truth be known, either one will get me to places that I am better off not going.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.

Members online

Total: 286 (members: 4, guests: 282)

Forum statistics

Threads
278,309
Messages
3,554,070
Members
248,016
Latest member
Advally Service

Share this page

Trending content

Back
Top