2WD Truck New to Overlanding - Challenges you have had?

[Ralph]

Hello >AdventureGuy< and welcome.
All cars have traction put on ONE wheel only. All because friction issue - can't be different. So is Your 1x4 - don't be worry
Most off-road drivers (old type cars) don't even realize their rigs are really 1x4 and sometimes 2x4. So stay cool even now
Depending on transmission type driver can lock midd-axle differential or transmision box and (not always) rear axle. Actually if You would invest in Your rig a rear locker off-road capability would be quite similar to ordinary 4WD. Believe me it's truth
Further more the most capable (in traction) are only those 4x4 beeing equipped in every 3 lockers and life axles without stabilizer. For instance MB G-wagon or Pinzgauer (not life-axle). So to compare to those guys You must worry only here

All wheels driven is NOT MUST in overlanding so do not bother. most important is to feel the air in your hair.

 

[tjZ06]

Exactly. Or at least a heavy duty chain and comealong?

I suppose... but that can make for a really, really long day.

-TJ

 

[Billiebob]

New member and new to overlanding. I have a 2WD truck (rear wheel drive) . What challenges did you have with a 2WD and what are some tips for a new overlander?

Thanks

No challenges, drive accordingly. 50 years ago only the hard core fringe had 4WD. The rest of us had good judgement.
And add a locker to that rear axle.

 

[Adventures with Penny]

This is the worst I've ever had with 2WD but 4WD would have help much in this quicksand. 4 other 4x4 trucks came in to recover me and got stuck way before this point.

 

[Ralph]

They got stock because POWER IS NOTHING WITHOUT CONTROL
Looks like You are some good driver.

 

[AdventureGuy]

I've just done some research and reading thanks to all of your input. Looks like I could add an after marker air lock but that would void the warranty on my drive train. I'll just have to limit my extreme offroading until I get a new truck with a d-lock. Still happy with the limitations I have and looking forward to my first trip next month. A dry run for my Alaska trip in Aug/Sep.

Thanks for your assistance.

Scott

 

[MidOH]

I'd get a front winch and bumper or highlift jack and a winching kit, before getting a rear locker. I'd also get MT's, Truck Claws, and mud rated tire chains first.

When I've been challenged in 2wd. Locking my rear locker only makes the situation worse. 4wd and the locker is a different story completely.

The only situation where 2wd and locked works well for me, is dry hard pack with undulating bumps that cause a rear tire to lift. But add a little rain....

 

[AdventureGuy]

Looks like good info. Not Sure what most of that equipment is yet. I’ve got some homework to do. I love new hobbies!

 

[AdventureGuy]

Looks like good info. Not Sure what most of that equipment is yet. I’ve got some homework to do. I love new hobbies!

Just saw a YouTube video of the truck claw. Very nice! Probably my first purchase. Question for anyone -what kind of bumper do I need if I want to add a winch to the front of my truck?

 

[Billiebob]

Well Texas to Alaska is hardly the place to need 4WD. And altho not much, most every manufacturer gives a 2mpg edge to 2WD. So Texas to Alaska might be a bit cheaper with 2WD. When I'm 1K plus miles from home I don't do anything to need 4WD. I need 4WD in my backyard.

 

[softroad.406]

Here is a bumper that would allow a winch - they are a trusty brand, but it will require welding. It comes with the pieces only.

2nd Gen Frontier High Clearance Front Bumper Kit | Coastal Offroad

High clearance winch bumper weld-together kit for the 2nd generation (2005-2019) Nissan Frontier. 3-10 days shipping & secure online payment.

www.coastaloffroad.com

Good tires are also very important. And if you do a lift, try to steer away from spacers. I have a 2wd Nissan pathfinder

 

[MidOH]

I like the look and pricepoint of the Warn Accent bumpers, at least on my truck. No idea what yours is.

 

[AdventureGuy]

I have a stock front end from the dealer.

 

[Adventures with Penny]

I don't know if anyone makes a hybrid bumper for yours but I have one on my taco with a winch

 

[AdventureGuy]

I just got some advice on another website I'm not sure what to believe. I'm planning a group meetup on 21 Feb and don't have the time/money to get the mud tires, bumper & winch etc. I've been told I can probably get by with just a tow strap, shovel, tire repair kit, compressor and truck claw.

If all I have is a stock Frontier with factory tires, should I even go on the trip?

 

[DevilDodge]

I would gather the stuff they recommend and head on the trip. This will do 2 things.

1. Get you out exploring and getting familiar with your rig.

2. Let you know if you need the other stuff at all.

If they say you can make it stock and with that gear...they will have your back if something happens.

You will be surprised how well a 2wd will go out on the trail.

Make sure you keep your head about you and be sure you know your way back, in case you decide you do not want to follow.

I would definitely go, just explain to them and yourself what your experience is and what you hope to take away from the trip.

Get out and have fun...make the adjustment as you learn you need them.

 

[Sparksalot]

I just got some advice on another website I'm not sure what to believe. I'm planning a group meetup on 21 Feb and don't have the time/money to get the mud tires, bumper & winch etc. I've been told I can probably get by with just a tow strap, shovel, tire repair kit, compressor and truck claw.

If all I have is a stock Frontier with factory tires, should I even go on the trip?

Yes, go! I’m doing it in a cop car with street tires.

 

[Sparksalot]

This was one of the stream crossings from our last trip in the same area.

your truck will be fine!

 

[softroad.406]

I just got some advice on another website I'm not sure what to believe. I'm planning a group meetup on 21 Feb and don't have the time/money to get the mud tires, bumper & winch etc. I've been told I can probably get by with just a tow strap, shovel, tire repair kit, compressor and truck claw.

If all I have is a stock Frontier with factory tires, should I even go on the trip?

You really dont need mud tires - you could get used A/T tires. But recovery gear and tools are important, you dont want to get stranded. Just be careful and know your limits on a trail.

 

[Billiebob]

I just got some advice on another website I'm not sure what to believe. I'm planning a group meetup on 21 Feb and don't have the time/money to get the mud tires, bumper & winch etc. I've been told I can probably get by with just a tow strap, shovel, tire repair kit, compressor and truck claw.

If all I have is a stock Frontier with factory tires, should I even go on the trip?

Is everything in good shape, all maintenance up to date, tires not miled out, IS your group willing to have you JOIN them??? Do you know them, can you count on them? Plenty of stories about groups leaving the dog behind.

Will you be a burden? Can you be self sufficient?