When you hit up trails and overland with a 2w drive …. People can’t make excuses that there rig can’t make it out there. Good job man 👌🏽

For those "uninitiated" out there, when you see a map with markings (or a sign) that says "4x4 required" what it translates into is a high clearance vehicle with good tires.

Im a mechanic so i bought a 2WD because it served my purpose for work and daily drive plus it was more friendly towards the budget and what i wanted to spend but i didnt think about off-roading until i found this channel and really my 2wd does what i need i dont go too deep or to high that a 4wd is like the way to go because i have 3 kids and a wife so we just like nature.

Pre world war 2 in America there weren’t many paved roads and people drove their coupes and sedans with less than 80hp and skinny bias ply tires on mostly dirt roads! A lot of the cars did had clearance and leaf springs all the way around but they made it work!

Well said. I actually find that as a 2WD, I get more props for actually taking it "off-road"

Your video’s gave me more confidence to go out and take on these moderate trails with my 2wd 3rd gen 4runner! Lift, tires and some good driving will do the job!

I forgot to say your channel definitely deserves more love. You do offroad on a 2wd which is cool but you also share great angles and beautiful sights plus good insight. You honestly seem like a really nice person to be around

Here’s my thing, I’ve had both. I had a 2WD 4Runner with no locker. It had a 3in lift with 33 Falken Wildpeaks. My point being, it had ground clearance, good tires, etc… but like you said, every time I got an invite for a trail run I had to look deeply into the trail to make sure I wasn’t going to get pulled out every few miles. Yes you can hit the dirt in 2WD but you are extremely limited. And yes, you can have recovery gear and all but having to get yourself unstuck frequently can definitely be frustrating and slow down the trail time. And I get your point, it is about having fun with others and just getting out there, but I also think it is a little about conquering the trail as well. I mean that’s a huge part of the fun is overcoming some trails, at least in my opinion. Through incredible circumstances and Gods blessings I am beyond lucky to now own a ‘21 Tacoma TRD Off Road 4x4 and it is an immense difference to say the least. And before I continue, I know you weren’t trying to compare the two, just thought I’d give my input since I’ve had both now. I have a rear locker, crawl control, and multi terrain system from factory which is incredible! It gives me an overwhelming confidence on the trail and allows me to do things that were never possible in my 2WD 4Runner. Going back real quick, I do think a big aspect of enjoying off-roading is conquering trails because it’s very fun to do. And even though I should probably have recovery gear with me, I know it would be dang near impossible to get stuck with all the tech I have under the truck. And it allows me to enjoy all trails significantly more because I don’t have to overthink the trail so much and I can enjoy it a lot more. And I don’t have to worry about missing invites yo trails because my rig might not make it. Sorry for the long comment, none of this was to argue or say you were wrong in any capacity. My whole point was to share the great advantages I’ve noticed coming from offroading 2WD to 4x4. I agree with a lot of what you said, and like you said some people inherit 2WD or buy it without thinking about off-roading. But I think if people are looking into a truck and want to be able to do some off-roading, to go with a 4x4 and give yourself a lot more potential! I love the video though man, I was definitely discouraged having 2WD but very rarely because of getting hard from 4x4 guys, more because I knew I was limited. I hope your video encourages lots of 2WD guys to go exploring, but definitely not alone. 2WD or 4x4 I think it’s always very wise to have someone in another vehicle tagging along!

It’s great to see a positive and encouraging video thanks bud ! I have a trd sport 2wd as well , no problem for trail riding

Great video, I drive a 2012 2wd tacoma and always been wanting to take it off roading now that I've seen your video it gives me more confidence to try it.

I enjoy your videos and like your positivity. I love my 2wd SR Tacoma! I’ve made it through plenty of terrain in Texas.

Just bought a 2wd Tacoma and took it trail driving and it held its own!! loving it!

Just watched the whole thing. I got my Jeep because I want to placed it on Turo but fell in love with the things I can do with it. Awesome video!

Hey guys...just want to make a quick video on this subject "can you off road in a 2wd?" Just know this is to encourage those that have 2wds to not underestimate their capability. Hopefully this video will answer a few questions regarding this subject. Enjoy

well done very well said I like it!!! I love it when you say you know your limits NICELY SAID AND DONE we hope to see you in the trail!!!!

thank you for the words of encouragement man!

This guy is what is “right” with our world. Keep on keeping bro!! Everyone is always pointing out what is wrong with our world. If you want to make things better remember this off-roader’s attitude and mentality. It will surely inspire you.

awesome video... glad to see you running a 2wd. also remember the ELSD setting that people forget about when you have issues... It can help...

Good to see a another overlander 2wd truck keeping the pressure on the 4wd guys

It’s all about just getting out there. 👏🏻

I inherited my dad's 2WD Tacoma. We never got along because of how different we were, but we were able to set our differences aside that allowed us to support each other. Never gonna sell this truck tbh. I'll just keep replacing and upgrading components and keep passing it down to family members.

Great info. I really didn't looked at it in all those ways you described. You made me like my tundra tss off-road a little more. I do have a 4runner trd off road that my wife will probably never let me take it to the trails. But we have taken it to the beach, so nice just to go and keep moving.

Some tips I can give is if possible get a winch and a tire deflater get good tires, Pick your lines don't go fast go the same speed you would in a 4x4 unless you need that extra speed make sure to have recovery tracks etc, Great video Man I offroad a 2wd tf rodeo here in Australia I'm only running 29's but i still go places a stock 2wd couldn't, Go through deep mud holes up clay hills and if you know anything about clay it's fun but a pain in the ass I'm still building mine up but few things i have done is the 29's a winch and snorkel and rasied the front abit plus whatever else I've done

I have been on some crazy trails with my TRD Pro 4Runner full built out and my FJ TRD Off Road, and after years of off roading I found myself not dropping into 4WD for two reasons, honestly I rarely found it necessary (mainly because I’m a cautious driver) and I hated having to pay for my 4WD service (it was like an extra $300-400. Then I pick up a 2WD Tacoma TRD Sport AC cab and, built it up and never looked back. He made a great point on this video - Baja Race trucks are mostly 2WD and they fly off road. But a lift/Good Suspension and good tires are always a must. Keep up the good work, I’m in CA too if you need one more 2WD to roll along.

I recently bought a 2022 Frontier pro x not the 4x and I totally agree with your channel any vehicle can off road if you have the set up but most importantly knowing your limits. Always research and have people with you with recovery gear because any car can get stuck.

Yessir literally been wheeling my 2wd prerunner harder than most these 4wds lol

I have a beater 2wd 2nd gen Tacoma with no lockers or lsd that I use to go off-roading & camping. It’s definitely capable. All my boys with 4x4’s are always surprised at what it can do. As a 2wd you just gotta know your limits and sometimes you have to take weird lines but at the end of the day, just have fun. And tires make a huge difference! Yokohama Geolandar M/T’s ftw!

Yes if Michael Tran is behind the wheel. 🔥🔥🔥

4 wheel drive is always great to have… it will get you out of a bad spot…. But I have gone on soooo many trails in 2wd vehicles. 2wd is more technical than 4w. Do I have 4lo?? My jeep does, yes…. And I stay in 2wd unless I get stuck. So it’s common sense to not use what you don’t have to use, like your transfer case, until you need it. Obviously your crossing some sand and some mud holes in 4wd. But switch back to 2wd when you can. Believe it or not, a good line and 2wd can get you all sorts of places. I cut my teeth in Lucerne valley, and all over North Carolina… anyone in a 2wd , just like anyone in a 4wd, should never, 1 go off-road without the ability to self recover, or call a buddy… I went to recon a trail once, thought I would be gone for 30 minutes…. The ground below me literally fell and I got stuck in a hole, on a dry lake bed in California…I had nothing on me but gloves because I was stupid…. I dug my jeep out by hand, at around noon in mid July in the middle of Death Valley …. I could have gotten killed, and I learned quickly, if you go off road even for a day, plan like you are going overnight… you never know.

I have a 2018 2.7l 2wd and it's honestly amazing what it can do off road. Remember tires make a big difference! 🤟

nice. i never let any of my previous vehicles stop me from exploring. had a honda civic for 8yrs. took it everywhere.

Great video! I'm planning to set my 2006 F 250 up for off reading.

I own 2wd 2014 Tacoma trd off road. I admit 4x4 doesnt hurt and 4x4 narly guys have their moment im sure lol. But owerlanding 2wd sooo much fun just to reach the faaaar horizon and go there.just put 7300miles in 3 weeks west of Rockies. Just apsolulently stunned by tha beauty. Like said just go out and have the time of your life and you will. Take a break from your job and make memories :) peace sry for my english🤣

I bought 2022 4runner in 2wd. Less maintenance better on gas and cheaper on insurance. Don't snow much in Northern Virginia. If it does everything shuts down for couple days.

"awww it's not true off-road if it's not 4x4"... that's funny. It's ACTUALLY the exact opposite. It's not REAL off-roading if you have to use 4WD.... 2WD is off-roading on legendary hard mode. If you can tackle true rough terrain in a 2WD, you're a legend! It's off-roading on legendary hard mode.

I've done it in fwd sedans. Literally rock crawled past a buch of dudes in their big tanks having a break and i could see their jaws on the ground in my rear view mirror. Its not the car its the driver.

Got a 3rd gen tacoma 4cyl rwd. Took it on its first trail today. Very mellow and bone stock, but she handled it all well and even got through a bit of mud with no issue. Starting to find the fun in rlly using that throttle and momentum to get the job done. Kinda like paying somebody to do it, or building it yourself. Feels more rewarding. That being said, 4x4 is best for deep deep mud or rock crawling, but I just like the scenery and the small challenges. Not tryna break any records here. Just tryna have fun

About to build a 2wd overlanding rig. I'm going to have about 500lbs or so in the bed with a cap, bed, small computer desk, solar batteries, and a fridge, so hopefully that'll help out my rear end traction. I like your wheels and tires here.

Got a 16’ off road 2wd so it has the rear locker. Only got it cause I’m in arizona so where I am I get no snow whatsoever. And most of the desert around me is fast open/close trails that don’t really need 4wd. Yes there is times I’ve gotten stuck and had ti try spots again and or had a buddy pull me out. But if you a good driver 2wd is all you need. Great videos watched a few now!

Great video! I currently have a 2001 GMC Yukon and I'm considering doing mods to for "overlanding" and camping and that sort of thing. Nothing too crazy though. On the big debate about 2wd vs 4wd, the one thing to consider would be gas mileage.

If you really want to be prepared for your excursion in your 2wd you shouldn't forget your 4wd. Locker, locker, locker did I mention locker!? Your 2wd is essentially a 1 wheel drive if you don't have some sort of locker or spool. Some kind of traction aid to get both them back wheels on the job. You want to go with your friends and have fun but being the guy that has to get yanked along the whole time isn't going to get you invited to the next trip even if your buddy don't look pissed their not enjoying you or dragging you along. You need: 1 Tires for off-roading M+S. #2 Clearance, some sort of lift. Suspension not body +3in👍 #4 locker of any kind not limited slip but that's better than open diff. #5 shovel, tow strap, winch or come-a-long. If you don't have that at a minimum and it's not dry hard pack trail stay home because your a liability and block the trail for everyone else trying to have fun.

My Abuelos had a ranch situated on the western foothills of the Sierra Nevada. We used to take our 2WD RANCHERO with FACTORY LIFT off road to haul Alfa to our cattle. 😂 All you gotta do is avoid the line that’s definitely gonna get you stuck. When I served 9 years doing Recon in the Army, we hardly used the 4 wheel drive setting. It’s like we forgot it was there. We mostly used it when we knew we had to go through muddy terrain. Or to climb mountains going to get to a set. We didn’t rock crawl all the time. That’s stupid. You’re begging for an expensive fix that was gonna be charged to us at TAX PAYER INFLATED and FLEECED RATE! We again took the lines we knew 2nd will be enough. As 4x4 in the humvees just didn’t sound right.

why yes you can off road in 2 wheel drive. i was taught how to off road in 2 wheel before before i was allowed to go 4 wheel. so i would never get stuck if i were by myself.

You can do lots with a 2wd and with a rear locker greatly increase offroad capability!

Helps to be a great driver such as yourself!

Great Video 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

Good video ... thanks

My 2wd tacoma took me to loads of "overlanding" spots without issue. Deep snow and mud aren't the best situations to get into but I always made it home alive.

I've gone back and forth with 2wd vs 4x4 and want vs need. I want 4x4 but I don't think I necessarily need it. I'm somewhat of a "neat freak" with my truck so mudding and stuff like that doesn't really attract my attention because of all the clean up. Also, new trucks are EXPENSIVE and I think its kinda silly to finance/buy a 40-50k 4x4 Tacoma or whatever Jeeps cost these days then go beat it up with hard offroading. My Tacoma doesn't have the rear locker, just the Auto LSD which I haven't really messed with yet but it seems to be pretty beneficial. Not quite a locker but almost. I'd rather buy a 10k mechanically sound beater 4x4 that I can stratch, dent, and beat on instead of my DD and if it breaks, I can still get to work the next day. A new 2021 TRD Pro cost nearly 50k, not something I wanna go beat on. Maybe if I had more $ than I know what to do with but unfortunately that is not the case lol. Run what you brung, know your limits, ride with a buddy that has a 4x4 just in case, good recovery gear and enjoy the outdoors.

Just buy what meets your needs. Even if i HAD a 4x4 truck I wouldn’t abuse it like some guys do sinking them in mud holes. So my 2WD does what i ask it to , never gotten stuck in the ranch and i always carry two traction boards just in case.

I’m down in Florida bro. I’ve seen Honda accords make it through some seriously sketchy remote areas. All in the lines you choose. Your confidence and willingness. Thank you for producing these videos.

Back in my younger days in the early 70's I couldn't afford a 4X4. I would take an F150 and stick a Detroit Locker in it. Next I would install a winch. We didn't have the aftermarket support back then. There weren't a lot of lift kits available, so most of the time it was a 2'' body lift to make room for larger tires. I have run all up and down the inland deserts of California in those rigs. I agree, you're not going rock crawling with a rig like this. But for exploring the desert they work fine.

Great video! Used to go snow wheeling and crawling in my 2wd long travel prerunner tacoma and unfortunately let my friends and others get into my head about getting a 4wd so I regretfully sold it... Worst decision I have made and certainly regret it.

I can count with my two hands how many times I've used 4 wheel drive. Almost every single time was due to inclement weather, mostly ice and snow. Trail wise it was purely for precaution.

Awesome video

I have an 05 Toyota Tacoma here in Utah. Overlanding is a huge thing here and I take my truck to MOAB all the time. All I did to it was a 3 inch lift, a good pair of running boards, and an portable winch. Granted I’m not doing the crazy trails but where I can’t drive, I can Walk 💁‍♂️ plus it’s a daily driver, so who am I trying to impress?

good video,,like you handling the haters

Ive drove on some narly roads in arizona 2wd. Was kool. Live 8n chicago.

Love your videos Michael! Always so encouraging and inspiring 🤙🏽😎 What size lift you got on your truck?

I think a lot of people get into the mindset that if they have 4x4 they can get through anything. It can a little better than 2wd but if 4wd could get through anything rhere wouldnt be so much recovery gear available. It can help a lot but with all rhe supporting mods (suspension, tires, wheels) first altogether is what will get you farther i think.

It would be bice to have a 4x4 but i have 2wd. Not planning on doing hard core off roading. Camping, overlandimg with friends.

Excellent video bro! Just stepped into a new 2022 TRD Sport. Was a bit bummed not splurging for the 4x4. Always has fun with my lil 1990 2WD manual. Got er in some really nice spots for camping. Your vids have been a breath of fresh air in seeing what these newer trucks are capable of. I’m really wanting to upgrade the suspension, wheels and tires. I was wondering if you’ve regeared your rig after doing the lift, wheels & tires mod?

My 2wd tundra with the Auto LSD when used properly with the proper tires can take me anywhere I have wanted it to , I have never been stuck but then again I ain’t stupid and know what my limitations are .

Corolla daily driver. I live on a gravel road and area. I offroad daily. Nice.

I just bought a 2022 tacoma sport 2W drive, now I don't feel as bad because it's a 4w drive.

Thank you for this video I really loved my is your taco is a lot of misunderstanding

good stuff Michael thank you for sharing , is your Tacoma front or rear drive ?

Michael, is there a difference pushing the trac off button that push and hold same button for 15 secs? There are different leds ON, but i have a doubt if something changes in wheels traccion?

Thought experiment: Could a 2024 Subaru Outback Wilderness get more places than a lifted 2WD truck with a rear locker?

I have 2017 2wd tacoma and love it sure my chevy is more capable since it's 4wd. My toyota was also for commuting for work but, honestly I've owned 5 vehicles all 4wd besides my tacoma. Rarely did I ever actually have to use my 4wd, only in my first rig did i use it more often than not the good ol 1994 toyota 4runner.. she was in 4wd almost every weekend - I was also 16 lol... I don't think I'd do any of the crap I did in that old rig that, I would do in my 32 thousand dollar truck.. It's been a long 6 years of payments and im not about to go and destroy my tacoma doing the crazy things I did when I was 16 haha.. So overlanding is also the way for me too.... have a wider range of off-roading capabilities no doubt but you can definitely still have fun in a 2wd off road.. Anyways no shame to the 2wd rollers. Just gotta be little extra careful when having fun.

Do you have an open differential?

Same thing here mike. We like roadrtips and camping. When I bought my 2wd frontier i never knew i will be on overlanding. I got the subaru which is more capable than my 2wd frontier but my wife gets mad when i us the subie for overlanding. Lol

Just like in drag racing, it's 90% driver ability👍

Are you going to the over-landing event on Saturday? Flagstaff, AZ?

Great video. I have a 2wd off road. Did you re-gear when you put on the 285s?

subbed - because you are real as fuck.

80% of pre runners are 2wd and still offroad . 90% of overlanders are 4wd . Yet 2wd are still doin in , just drive your truck 4wd or 2wd to its capabilities

I think the 2wd may suffice for some traveling and work and light Everglades/ trails around Florida, still doing more research 🧐

New to off road, wondered about tire air pressure. How much do ypu let out? Do you have to let air out? Do you drive back home low on air? Where or how do you refill tires?

I just bought my Ram and my friends say negative things its not 4x4 and you paid over 50,000 and Im like a truck is a truck, I only drive my truck to go work and to the stores, and may be to buy forniture, and for all these people 4x4 out there good for you but nobody cares, I dont need much traction to pull out of walt-Mart, 😂 I care more about engine, looks, cabin space and speed, thas the way to go for me👌🏼

I don’t plan on off-roading in my 2WD. I’ll just wait till I can get a 4X4.

Do you air down the front and rear tires at the same psi?

is there a app you like to use for off road trails?

Rock crawling is crazy I won’t even try it in a 4wd truck that’s more for jeeps

Hey I'm from Hawaii and got a 2wd tacoma. I was wondering if I could drive in sand?

what size of your tires in this setup?

What Suspencion you have in you 2wd ? That you for this video

What kind of roof rack do you have?

What kind of wheels and tires do you have?

Is it 2.7 4 cylandar?

I'm going to end this fight. It's all about the driver, not the truck... TRUCK GANG!

What running boards do you have on?

is your truck the 2,7l or the 3.5?

what camp ground was this filmed at?

Why would it be controversial? - It either can or can't. - Period.

Will a full suspension kit void my Toyota warranty ?

Where in California are you located?

People that complain about 2wd are strangely weird man! It’s honestly the driver I’ve drove around other trucks that are 4x4 that are stuck and my SR5 goes right around them like nothing. It’s embarrassing for them honestly lol you can do almost anything with a 2wd truck with the rite build 🔥 #2wdGang #SR5

I got a 2wd Taco you just have to send it 😅

Ground clearance, the right tires at the right pressure = a very capable rig. 4x2 offroad takes skill, something the 4x4 guys often overlook. Yes, 4x4 is better, no doubt, but with a skilled driver and the right equipment many difficult trails can be done with a 4x2 rig. The biggest issue you'll have is the ignorant 4x4 guys who wanna make you feel bad for not having a 4x4 rig. Ignore them. Go have fun. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/at-pZruLxK66eYk.html