Which gen 5 runner should I get?

[Geoff Callarman]

I currently have a 2wd 2010 sr5 runner with 135k miles and am ready to upgrade to a 4wd model. I don't do a ton of off roading, but would like to start. I'm in AZ, so weather is not usually a factor. Would li,e to install a leveling kit at the very least, and run 285's or maybe a little bigger. Is it worth it to pay for a trail version, or would a newer sr5 suffice? Thoughts? Thanks.

 

[crikeymike]

The trail is a very good platform and has some very nice features to help with offroading. Enough so that you wouldn't need to add much else to it. Comes with a locker and A-Trac, and a few other goodies.

But if you won't be heavily offroading, you might not need all that. A regular 4x4 could save you some bucks.

If you like a good stable ride on the road, the KDSS system will really plant the truck during cornering. But a lot of people are trying to steer clear of it due to possible future costly repairs. I'll deal with it on mine if that day ever comes, but I can't foresee any issues.

 

[titanpat57]

I think a Trail Premium...gets the best of both worlds....ride, creature comforts, and great trail worthy-ness.

I put about 22K on per year...maybe a couple hundred on trails. Mike brings up good points. The only thing I'm not crazy about
Is the KDSS...I rather spend that money on tires, or lift. I think 285's right out of the gate are overkill, especially if your putting that many miles on the road.

Good luck!

 

[Tapage]

Which it's the gearing on the actual model ..?

Enough engine / gearing to run 285 with no R&P swap .?

 

[titanpat57]

Which it's the gearing on the actual model ..?

Enough engine / gearing to run 285 with no R&P swap .?

I only think it gets dicey when you start adding skids, sliders, front and rear off road bumpers, roof rack, fridge, etc.....then it time for gearing.

285's posing on a rock at the mall...piece of cake

 

[Geoff Callarman]

I have not really noticed any changes in performance from the stock size tires, except that the grip on my 285 Pathfinder All Terrains is outstanding! Did you know they come with the "stamp" of a mountain with a snowflake in them? I was told that it means even on my 2wd model, I do not have to install chains to visit the snow and ice? Pretty impressive for a tiresidential that cost nearly half of what at KO2 cost. With regular rotations, I achieved nearly 70k miles!

 

[Night Glow]

I purchased a Trail Premium and negotiated a $37K price tag and just upgraded the tires to 255/75/17 Duratracks and hit the trails.

 

[Disasterman]

Congrats, great price on a great truck, I have the same, had a 2011 TE as well with no issues.

 

[kva]

SR5 and Trail are pretty much equals except for KDSS. So it depends on the features/interior you want. If you want to heavily modify, then SR5 it is, if it's just lightly then go Trail. I just sold my modified 2010 Limited 4x4 w/ 130K miles and it was great, handled trails no problem, and moved well with 285's, full armor, front & rear bumpers, 2nd battery, air, etc. It was just on the cusp of needing re-gearing...gas mileage sucked with all the mods but hey, I never worried about it and figured it was simply the cost to play. Good luck - it's a great platform.

 

[kva]

BTW - you'll get more info at T4R.org in the 5th Gen section.

 

[titanpat57]

SR5 and Trail are pretty much equals except for KDSS. So it depends on the features/interior you want. If you want to heavily modify, then SR5 it is, if it's just lightly then go Trail. I just sold my modified 2010 Limited 4x4 w/ 130K miles and it was great, handled trails no problem, and moved well with 285's, full armor, front & rear bumpers, 2nd battery, air, etc. It was just on the cusp of needing re-gearing...gas mileage sucked with all the mods but hey, I never worried about it and figured it was simply the cost to play. Good luck - it's a great platform.

not exactly correct....Trail Premium has Electronically controlled locking rear differential, Multi-terrain Select and Crawl Control ...SR5 or SR5 Premium does not offer those features

 

[Night Glow]

not exactly correct....Trail Premium has Electronically controlled locking rear differential, Multi-terrain Select and Crawl Control ...SR5 or SR5 Premium does not offer those features

This is why I jumped to the Trail Premium. The rear locker is great insurance when you need it. Also, you can get the Trail with or without KDSS. I choose not to get it as I planned on upgrading the suspension anyway and I did not find much difference in the drivability of TEP with or without it. I used the $1,500 difference in the price to upgrade my TEP.

 

[Geoff Callarman]

Well, I am no longer in the market for a t4r. I picked up anow 05 GX470 with 120k miles this weekend. Saved $25-30k!

 

[NMBruce]

Congrats on your new truck. I did the same because I didn't want payments, I have an 06 GX479 with a 3" lift, skids, rock rails, fridge, Kenwood head unit with nav and more

 

[NMBruce]

SR5 and Trail are pretty much equals except for KDSS. So it depends on the features/interior you want. If you want to heavily modify, then SR5 it is, if it's just lightly then go Trail. I just sold my modified 2010 Limited 4x4 w/ 130K miles and it was great, handled trails no problem, and moved well with 285's, full armor, front & rear bumpers, 2nd battery, air, etc. It was just on the cusp of needing re-gearing...gas mileage sucked with all the mods but hey, I never worried about it and figured it was simply the cost to play. Good luck - it's a great platform.

Also doesn't the SR5 have the rotary knob and the trail have the lever by the transmission shifter?