What do you all think of Toyota Trails?

[Pete]

Hey guys,

Doubt that many will agree with me and if not, that's OK....I just need to vent.

I just sent my TLCA dues in, unfortunately, a few days before I got the current issue of Toyota Trails. It will probably be the last time I send in dues because I find less and less of interest in Toyota Trails. Some examples: Where was Mark Whatley's tech column in the current edition? I sure didn't see it and as far as I'm concerned it's the most valuable part of Trails. Since when is an FJ Cruiser a Land Cruiser? I see more pictures and articles about the FJ Cruiser than I do about FJ40s for crying out loud. And I just saw an ad for a new FJ Cruiser magazine, so why fill up Toyota Trails with more? And since when is a Toyota truck a Land Cruiser? Why a Truck Tech column in the magazine of the Toyota LAND CRUISER Association?

Pete

[LukeZero]

Whether you like the content of a single issue of Trails is probably not the basis on which you should judge the value of TLCA membership. There are too many benefits of membership to list in a single post on a web forum, but I'll try...

1. Membership in a club that includes some awesome people.
2. Representation at the national level on issues relating to Toyota enthusiasts.
3. The whole truck/FJC/LandCruiser thing was decided long ago. [Even the whole Lexus is not a LandCruiser thing was decided thanks to Dr. Arian]
4. Access to TLCA sanctioned events like Rubithon, GSMTR, Cruise Moab, etc.
5. A newsletter for the club that looks an awful lot like a glossy, professionally produced magazine.
6. Discounts at many Toyota parts counters, and many LandCruiser specific vendors.

I hope you'll come to an event or two, meet up with some people before deciding that TLCA membership has nothing to offer you. If you decide that $30 is too much to pay for an annual subscription to a magazine without ever experiencing all the rest, then I'd have to agree with you- $30 is too much to pay for a magazine.

Hope to see you on the trails,

Luke

[Pete]

Originally Posted by LukeZero

Whether you like the content of a single issue of Trails is probably not the basis on which you should judge the value of TLCA membership. There are too many benefits of membership to list in a single post on a web forum, but I'll try...

1. Membership in a club that includes some awesome people.
2. Representation at the national level on issues relating to Toyota enthusiasts.
3. The whole truck/FJC/LandCruiser thing was decided long ago. [Even the whole Lexus is not a LandCruiser thing was decided thanks to Dr. Arian]
4. Access to TLCA sanctioned events like Rubithon, GSMTR, Cruise Moab, etc.
5. A newsletter for the club that looks an awful lot like a glossy, professionally produced magazine.
6. Discounts at many Toyota parts counters, and many LandCruiser specific vendors.

I hope you'll come to an event or two, meet up with some people before deciding that TLCA membership has nothing to offer you. If you decide that $30 is too much to pay for an annual subscription to a magazine without ever experiencing all the rest, then I'd have to agree with you- $30 is too much to pay for a magazine.

Hope to see you on the trails,

Luke

Having been a member of TLCA for about 10 years now, I'm hardly making a decision on one issue! I only live about 2000 miles form the places you mentioned so you probably won't see me there. Why didn't you respond to the points I made about the FJ Cruiser, Mark Whately's column, or lack thereof? And why not explain why a truck tech column belongs in a Land cruiser, glossy magazine? $30 is not too much to pay for a magazine...it's not a matter of cost, it's a matter of content which you didn't address. And by the way, a Lexus LX470 is a lot closer to Land Cruiser than an FJ Cruiser is IMO.

Oh, and by the way, it's Land Cruiser, not Landcruiser

[Enigma]

I dislike the fact it comes only every 2 months. But that would partially be my own fault, as I have never submitted anything.

[LukeZero]

Originally Posted by Pete

Hey guys,

Doubt that many will agree with me and if not, that's OK....I just need to vent.

I just sent my TLCA dues in, unfortunately, a few days before I got the current issue of Toyota Trails. It will probably be the last time I send in dues because I find less and less of interest in Toyota Trails. Some examples: Where was Mark Whatley's tech column in the current edition? I sure didn't see it and as far as I'm concerned it's the most valuable part of Trails. Since when is an FJ Cruiser a Land Cruiser? I see more pictures and articles about the FJ Cruiser than I do about FJ40s for crying out loud. And I just saw an ad for a new FJ Cruiser magazine, so why fill up Toyota Trails with more? And since when is a Toyota truck a Land Cruiser? Why a Truck Tech column in the magazine of the Toyota LAND CRUISER Association?

Pete

Originally Posted by Pete

Having been a member of TLCA for about 10 years now, I'm hardly making a decision on one issue! I only live about 2000 miles form the places you mentioned so you probably won't see me there. Why didn't you respond to the points I made about the FJ Cruiser, Mark Whately's column, or lack thereof? And why not explain why a truck tech column belongs in a Land cruiser, glossy magazine? $30 is not too much to pay for a magazine...it's not a matter of cost, it's a matter of content which you didn't address. And by the way, a Lexus LX470 is a lot closer to Land Cruiser than an FJ Cruiser is IMO.

Oh, and by the way, it's Land Cruiser, not Landcruiser

To respond to your points:

-I enjoy Mark's column also, I don't know why it wasn't in the current issue.

-The FJCruiser has been welcomed (for the most part) into the Toyota off-road community and the TLCA. Evidently you have a different opinion.

-Where do you live that is 2000 miles away from the Rubicon Trail, Moab, Utah and the Smokey Mountains?

-I guess I hear you saying that you don't see much value in TLCA membership, but that the only manifestation of member benefits you've experienced is Trails, and that you're disappointed that the TLCA includes mini-trucks and the FJCruiser. Is that about right?

-If you'd attend an event you'd find that FJCruisers are everywhere. And their drivers are typically younger people that wouldn't have been at an event except for their newfound appreciation for a Toyota vehicle. FJ40s, 45s, 55s, 60s and 62s are all getting pretty long in the tooth. The reason they [FJCruisers] are in Trails is because they are popular. I still much prefer the older trucks, but everyday the list of 40s still in existence gets shorter and the list of FJCruisers in existence gets longer.

-And on the OEM emblem for my first LandCruiser [1964], the words were all run together with no space between the words, so that's how I've always spelled it. Evidently you disagree with this.

-One item for which there is no refutation is the content of the current issue. I rather enjoyed it, and found several valuable pieces of information in it. I gather from your first post that you neither enjoyed nor benefitted from it.

Best wishes, Luke

[REKCUT]

The question is do you want someone to answer your question or do you just want to vent like you stated.

Where was Mark Whatley's tech column in the current edition?

I dont know. Took some time off. Didnt get his article in by the due date. Decided to not do it any more. My personal opinion on this subject is that the tech section has lost its alure since I found mud. You can find out anything tech you need on this board.

Since when is an FJ Cruiser a Land Cruiser

IIRC the FJ cruiser is the modern creation of the FJ40. While most agree it is not an FJ40 it is still close enough to be featured in the magazine. The title of the Magazine is Toyota trails, and while its a publication of the TLCA it is not that hard to figure that folks that read this might also have an interest in other toyota 4x4. Many of us have other Toyota's or have friends we wheel with that drive Toyota's.

I see more pictures and articles about the FJ Cruiser than I do about FJ40s for crying out loud.

The FJ cruiser is a new addition to the Toyota off-road world and there are many new products out there for it. While I love the 40, its been covered in this magazine for years and will continue to be covered I'm sure. The is a very large group of people who are driving the FJC and bringing them into the family will only benifit the rest of the cruiser family. I am sure that the first time a wagon was lumped with a 40 there were people that complained. I also have seen the FJC trail team at all of the Landcruiser events I have attended in the last 3 years.

And since when is a Toyota truck a Land Cruiser? Why a Truck Tech column in the magazine of the Toyota LAND CRUISER Association?

While I am assuming that your talking about Tacoma's mini's and Tundras I will say that FJ45's and others of similar nature are Landcruiser. As far as the first ones go I will refer you back to what I said before. Look at the title. Toyota trails.

a Lexus LX470 is a lot closer to Land Cruiser than an FJ Cruiser is IMO.

I agree and I believe I have seen articles showing Lexus in the magazine.

I only live about 2000 miles form the places you mentioned so you probably won't see me there.

Where do you live that your 2000 miles from an event?

Are you in another country? If so ask and you might find an event there. I just got back from the Lone Star Cruiser Round-up. 1400 miles round trip and worth every mile. There was one gentleman from california that made the treck driving his FJ45 pickup. I know there is no place in the US short of Hawaii that has no events closer. Canada has them. I have seen pics of events in france and Germany. I am assuming that with all of the South Americans on the board there are events South of the border. Its only a long way if choose it to be.

Bottom line for me is, you can find something wrong with anything you want, or you can take it for what it is. I look forward to trails and Toyota 4wd owner. I have things in it I dont much care for, but there are also things I find interesting. I dont consider the magazine a $30 price but a bonus for my membership to an organization that has given me the chance to meet many new and interesting friends and visit some very fun and interesting places. An organization that is working to make sure I have places to take my Cruiser. If you view this just as a magazine subscription then I think you will always find something to be upset about.

Again this is just my opinion.

[nuclearlemon]

toyota trails is what you make it.

[Kaderabek]

Pete,

Mark's tech column was not received for the March/April issue. As I said in another thread in this forum, I hope it is a one time occurrence.

You don't have to own a Land Cruiser to qualify for membership in the TLCA. You have to own a Toyota four-wheel drive vehicle with a transfer case. An FJ Cruiser qualifies as do the mini trucks and the like.

The Truck Tech column is obviously aimed at the mini truck, Tacoma, 4Runner segment of our membership. If it's not of interest to you, don't read it.

If you want to see content that makes you specifically happy, submit it for consideration. It is, after all, your magazine.

As to living too far away to attend events, get on a plane and catch a ride at an event. I flew 2,700 miles one way last year to attend a TLCA event. I regularly drive 3,000 miles round trip in my own rig to attend an event. The events are a blast.

Thanks for your input.

TJK

[Chef]

Mark's column going missing is a one time anomoly. At least that's what we hope!

Content: is all member submitted. I probably sound like a broken record with this by now, but if you don't like what you're reading: "PLEASE, write something you think is of more interest."
YOU are the magazine. We have NO STAFF who's job it is to write and submit content.

Events: Tired of driving so far to attend events? I was. So, me and some friends started a chapter, ran it for a few years, and started having our own. Tornado Alley. The events in September, stop on in.

As for trucks: they've been welcome in TLCA since 1979, when Toyota started bringing them in. I've had several, they wheel great, and IMO, are easier and cheaper to build. I like 'em. The FJ? I dunno...retro-chic or oddball? Beauty is in the eye...I like it. I've driven one over Rubicon. It worked well, hauled a lot of gear, was fun to drive. If I could afford one, I'd have one already.

As with all things TLCA, if you don't like something, help change it. Volunteer; bring your thoughts and ACTIONS to fruitition thru hard work.

thx;
alan

[Cruiserdrew]

Good discussion. I, too, read Mark Whatley's tech section first thing, and especially like his editorial that preceeds the tech. Always a gem or two there. I hope the missing column is not the start of a trend.

I have to put in a plug for the FJCs. Like them or not, they are the future of the TLCA. In fact, wagons generally are the future. They are not building more FJ40s and many 40 owners are getting old and set in their ways. FJCs are current, popular, and are bringing hundreds if not thousands of new enthusiasts into the Land Cruiser nation. Just as many Land Cruiser owners appreciate numerous models at once (see my current sig), in a few years, the new guy that bought an FJC now and gets the bug, will also be owning 40s, 60s, 80s etc. The FJC serves as the entry. Even though I don't own one, I say welcome them with open arms.

Anyway, I love Toyota Trails and look forward to getting mine every other month. Now I have to go and send in my renewal which is due at the end of the month!

[Brock]

I am a new FJ60 owner and soon to be a FJC as well as wife wants one to drive of her own....but does not take a rocket scientist to see the FJC was intended to continue the line of off road worthy LandCruisers even if it does not carry the full name and only the Cruiser part. It is stated as the heir to the FJ40...and think it does an admirable job of filling that roll though somewhat updated.

I can somewhat agree with the Tundra and Tacoma comments for pickups...... but the rest I find a bit overboard.

[TRT2]

Venting is good... sometimes it makes you feel better to voice a frustration.

When I was President (what now seems eons ago), I noted Mark Whatley was a pillar of the association. Missing his column only reinforces that notion.

But I mainly replied to discuss Truck Tech. Being a member for 10 years, you obviously know the history of the mini truck in TLCA. It too was not initially accepted. Who wrote the first truck tech? A young guy named Marlin... who later added more to land cruisers and the Toyota OHV crowd than anyone person out there (in my opinion). Imagine what might have been had TLCA excluded Marlin due to his preference of driving a mini truck.

Oh, I drive a mini truck too. Ya, I started out with a 40 series but the little truck platform just seemed to fit better for me. Its a personal decision each of us have the fortune to make. Don't like the small 40, need more room, fortunately we have an array of capable wagons to choose from. Want something new but not as big... today we have access to the FJ Cruiser.

But I only mention my mini truck perference for it was during my tenure as President that Roger Brown volunteered to instate the long missing truck tech. We are fortunate to have him involved with TLCA and he supports the many members who choose to drive mini trucks and 4Runners.

TLCA is a diverse crowd. They are unique and individual, and actually tend to avoid the mainstream. That is why they drive Toyotas and not Jeeps. Actually, most Toyota owners would rather avoid clubs and organized events but they do come together for one primary reason... to support the Land Cruiser and Toyota OHV community. And because of that, TLCA is also unique in the fact that a 4000 +/- member association can host numerous formal OHV events and produce a bi-monthly publication focused solely upon Toyota trucks and their owners.

Personally, I am proud to be a member of TLCA and while not every issue of Trails is my cup of tea, I am able to see beyond that issue based upon the friends and fellow TLCA members who make it all happen.

but don't read me wrong, venting is good and often provides an outlet to express frustrations. But I would offer to be patient and see what is in the next issue. No one is going to offer words that will change your opinion drastically, but I do hope they can persuade you to be tolerant, and continue to be involved with the only Toyota only association.

Thanks for sharing! and thanks for reading.

[peesalot]

I look forward to my TT. I enjoy the content, whatever it is. Just good to see and read what others are doing, thinking, building. Looking forward to the next issue.

[LandCruisers4Life]

Originally Posted by Pete

Since when is an FJ Cruiser a Land Cruiser? I see more pictures and articles about the FJ Cruiser than I do about FJ40s for crying out loud. And I just saw an ad for a new FJ Cruiser magazine, so why fill up Toyota Trails with more? And since when is a Toyota truck a Land Cruiser? Why a Truck Tech column in the magazine of the Toyota LAND CRUISER Association?

Pete

Sounds like you have some mental issues over the new FJ like many long time Cruiser owners. I have owned an FJ40 for years, and I anticipated the new FJ for a long time. When it was debuted at the auto/truck show, I KNEW it wasn't going to be a box on wheels like the earlier 40. I mean, come on, this is more than TWENTY YEARS after the FJ40 stopped coming into the USA. The FJ Cruiser is a modern 2 door (I don't count the flip out suicide doors) Land Cruiser, with a 'stylish' name to appeal to the younger crowd. Who can deny the prowess of the FJ Cruiser? I bought one, ordered it from the dealer before they even hit the lots. I wheeled it hard and made older, stock and even modified FJ40's look bad in my wake. Not intentionally of course, I love the old 40's, but you cannot beat modern technology and design. I traded my FJC in for a 100 Series Land Cruiser for two reasons. First, I was not happy with some of the issues arising with earlier imports of the FJC and Toyota not taking care of those issues before major problems occured for the owner. Second, I wanted more room. My wheeling is focused mostly towards Expedition type trips, and the 100 suits that need perfectly. As well, the 100 can be built up to tackle practically anything, and offers all the bells and whistles as well. Is the FJ a Land Cruiser? In my book, yes it is. Your average person doesn't have a clue, but the old 40 owners know, and if they proclaim otherwise they are just in denial of truth. You want to whine about the FJC's taking up room in Trails, well I can say I like to whine about all the 80's, FJC's, 40's etc taking up room and where are all the 100s? So instead of whining, I'm in the middle of writing an article for other 100 owners to submit. Heck if nobody else does it, I better give it a try. The FJC is still new, but as far as I am concerned, it has already earned its spurs as a LAND CRUISER. By the way I often call my Range Rover, as well as my Land Cruiser, a TRUCK. It's a universal label.....

[Trollhole]

Originally Posted by Pete

Hey guys,

Doubt that many will agree with me and if not, that's OK....I just need to vent.

I just sent my TLCA dues in, unfortunately, a few days before I got the current issue of Toyota Trails. It will probably be the last time I send in dues because I find less and less of interest in Toyota Trails. Some examples: Where was Mark Whatley's tech column in the current edition? I sure didn't see it and as far as I'm concerned it's the most valuable part of Trails. Since when is an FJ Cruiser a Land Cruiser? I see more pictures and articles about the FJ Cruiser than I do about FJ40s for crying out loud. And I just saw an ad for a new FJ Cruiser magazine, so why fill up Toyota Trails with more? And since when is a Toyota truck a Land Cruiser? Why a Truck Tech column in the magazine of the Toyota LAND CRUISER Association?

Pete

I too love Marks tech. Hope it makes a return in the next issue.

Truck Tech is good especially since they are part of the club.

Toyota thought the FJC was important enough to put it on the LC heritage site. Good enough for me. End of discussion.

[brew8]

Andrew said "They are not building more FJ40s and many 40 owners are getting old and set in their ways."


I hope you included your self in that class of old and set in their ways, as an "old" 40 owner and the proud owner of an FJ Crusier, I would say to Pete, chill man, there is nothing here to stress over, Larry

[Cruiserdrew]

Originally Posted by brew8

Andrew said "They are not building more FJ40s and many 40 owners are getting old and set in their ways."


I hope you included your self in that class of old and set in their ways, as an "old" 40 owner and the proud owner of an FJ Crusier, I would say to Pete, chill man, there is nothing here to stress over, Larry

I definitely include myself! I'm at least *mature* and own a 40. I'm just not set in my ways!

Unfortunately, I have seen some bad behavior on the part of long term FJ** owners toward the FJCs, and I think that's the wrong attitude. At least that was the point I was hoping to make. FJCs = part of the family, just like mini-trucks and 4Runners. We should be inclusive, not exclusive.

[brew8]

I couldn't agree more, the more people on the trails the more pressure to keep them open, cheers, Larry

[jerz4wd]

I too enjoy the Toyota Trails! Since I've owned my FJ40 over 10 years now, I can't
imagine not belonging to TLCA! I have not made to many runs but the few I have attended
have been a great time to visit with folks that have something in common with me

I really enjoy the articles by Mark! I'm a little jealous where he wheels too!
I like the FJC but the wife not happy with vision out the rear seat.
Hope to see most of you on the trail and in the magazine!


Jerry

[65swb45]

Somebody should take Todd's, Alan's and Tony's comments and make them part of a sticky at the top of the page called something like 'before you rant, read this.' Just basically let them know it's like talking to the hand. This is one of many DOA complaints.

Not that I never complain.

[Kaderabek]

Mark,

I hope that your "talking to the hand" reference isn't aimed at Tony, Alan or myself. I think we're all good listeners and I appreciate feedback, good and bad. And sometimes people just need to rant a little. But you knew that....

TJK

[Chef]

Huh?
When people talk, I try to listen, and come up with solutions.

If there's a way for me to do this better, please let me know?

thanks, alan

Originally Posted by 65swb45

Just basically let them know it's like talking to the hand. This is one of many DOA complaints.

Not that I never complain.

[65swb45]

Calm down guys. There's no 'beef' here.

What I mean is that ALL of us have been down this road SO MANY TIMES, that the answers have been boiled down to that quintessential point where it would just save energy to have something like a position statement posted. And since all of you have honed your answers to such a fine point, I just meant we could use them rather than having you retype them each time this comes up.

Capiche?