The first time on the trail with the new Tacoma
Driving a stock Tacoma has caused me to have to think about where I’m going out to play. Once the snows got deep up in the mountains, I had to think about getting the truck stuck and not having a winch to free myself. But spring is here and the snow is gone. I still have to think before I travel the road less taken. Driving a stock truck without the advantages of steel protection and self recovery can cause unwanted damage to the truck and not to mention the embarrassing phone call for help to recover a stuck truck.
Parking on the shoulder of the road to go squirrel hunting a few days after getting the Tacoma
But the good news is the new Tacoma is here and by this coming fall and hunting season, the truck should be ready for the season. However, before I start the build, I wanted to take the Tacoma out and cruise a few trails and see what a stock Tacoma is able to do. Bill and I went stock truck wheel’n. He was sporting an early model Jeep Liberty and me in my 2013 Toyota Tacoma.
Even stock 4x4s can get out and play a little.
Peters Mill OHV Trail in George Washington National Forest
South of the beltway down route 81 in the little town of Woodstock, Bill and I met at the local Exxon. Here we purchased are $5.00 permit that would allow us to travel the OHV trails in the George Washington National Forest. These trails cater more to the ATV crowd, but a few miles of trails do allow Jeeps and trucks.
No Augie’s Adventure is complete without at least one misdirection, so we stopped at the fire tower located on water tower road and climbed to the top for a view. The cold 25 degree March winds shorten our visit. We quickly said our OOHS and AAHS then returned to the warm trucks.
Peter Mill Trail is not much more than a dirt road typically found in remote sections of West Virginia. I find it difficult to say it is really an off-roading trail. I kind of feel like given a normal dry day, that my mother in her Prius could make it down the “trail”.
Just right for the stock trucks to play on.
But, as we were stock wheelers, this is what we’re stuck driving. By taking the “wrong” or maybe the “right” line depending on your outlook, I was able to push the Tacoma exploring its factory capabilities. And that was the point of the day. To see how the truck handles before the wrenches start.
Hanging a rear tire in the stock Tacoma. Yep, a new suspension is coming.
In my attempts to twist up the frame and stretch the suspension, I noticed a lack of down travel and the stock sized tires tickled the mud flaps when compressing the front end.
I was impressed with the Auto Locking Differential, while not the same as the locker that comes with the TRD off-road model, the limited slip traction device in my TRD Sport did improve traction when attempting a loose gravel hill climb in 2-wheel drive.
All in all I still think the Tacoma is the right choice for my style of traveling and off-roading. And as the build will play out, she will become a champion in destination wheel’n reaching the prime camping, hunting and fishing locations.
Don’t forget to check out the photographs I have for sale. Your purchase will help fund the truck build and fill the tank for the next adventure.
Click here to view the photographs for sale
