Trip to Colorado this Winter

Hello,

I own a 2023 Off Road Premium with the off road package from
Toyota - so the TRD Wheels, A/T tires, etc.

The car has been fantastic, an absolute tank. Probably of my favorite cars I’ve ever owned.

My tires are the Nitto Terra Grappler All Terrain tires. They’re P265/70R17 113S - I imagine, the standard stuff Toyota probably ships with TRD ORP. Not sure if TRD Pro ships with the same, but it would be nice to know.

I live in Texas, so our winters are light. And I have a few questions before our trip to Denver to rent a cabin in the mountains:

1. Do I need to worry about rust proofing just for a week in Denver? I plan to wash the car and under carriage to the best of my abilities upon return.

2. Would my tires be good in the snow? Or should I consider snow tires for this trip or better all terrains that support low temperatures?

3. Has anyone done wider and/or taller tires on this wheel? Does anyone know what’s the safest height and/or also width that one can go with?

4. Would chains be a good idea regardless of tire choice?

5. Anyone who lives in Denver or has done this kind of trip?

Thank You!

 

I'm not from Denver, but I have visited there. I'm in the DFW area. If you're only there for a week, just pressure wash the under carriage very well when you return home.

The same for tires, you're only there for a week, so don't change 'em out. They'll do okay in that climate, but carry chains with and tow straps. Just in case.

It also depends on when you go. Meaning, there would be light snow (so even a sedan with all seasons could do okay) or a heavy snow or sleet/ice.

 

I live in Colorado Springs just south of Denver. When in the winter are you coming and where in the mountains are you going? This kind of makes a difference.
#1: No need to worry about rust proofing for such a short trip, it's actually quite dry here.
#2: Tires should be fine, definitely suggest reading the manual on how to safely shift into 4 Low though and when to use 4L. I recently had to walk a new Tacoma owner through how to put it into 4L as she couldn't figure out why it was beeping at her.
#3: I run 285/70R17's on my SR5 but I'm also running a 3" lift and a host of other mods so I can't really help you here but there are countless threads on "which tire size etc can I run", a quick search will help you there.
#4: Not a bad idea to have chains if you're really going deep into the mountains, i.e. off the main highways. If you're going to Vail, Breckenridge, Steamboat, Glenwood Springs, or Estes Park the highways are generally well maintained in the winters though expect lots of traffic on i70.
#5: Yes I've driven all the way from the Springs to Steamboat in a snow storm which sucked and took almost 6 hours but go slow and give lots of room and you will be fine.

Cheers

 

Thanks this is very helpful. We are going to evergreens area. December 20th till end of year give or take. As an aside, Any recommendations in the area for like trails and/or dog friendly places?

I will keep some tire chains with me as a backup. Sounds like my A/T should be good?

 

Ok, so you will be close to Denver. I'm not too familiar with that area for trails etc. I would suggest getting the OnX Offroad app and checking the area out.

 

Ugh winter driving and various states. I remember driving to Pittsburgh years ago and they used some some sand with fine gravel on some hills out there. It pegged the heck out of the hood if a car was in front. Hope that is not a concern for you in Colorado

 

4H when needed and your good to go. Your tires are fine.

 

I will probably be okay from this point of view because I have a full front XPEL

 

The Nitto Terra Grappler All Terrain tires installed to TRD Pros at the port are not 3 peak rated vs Nitto Terra Grappler All Terrain tires available at tire shops are 3pmsf rated for winter conditions. Not sure which tires installed to your TRD ORP.

Me personally don't feel comfortable driving in winter conditions tires without 3PMSF rating. Especially crazy highways like I-70. Even easy trails like Switzerland trail becomes a different animal with snow and ice.

So my vote is to have good winter rated a/t tires and possibly avoid winter wheeling on trails that you are not familiar with.

I don't feel comfortable using winter tires on trails either since there are some sharp rocks and tree stumps. You can't see what's under the snow.

 

I live in colorado and a stock 4runner is good enough for almost anything in colorado. The only thing I recommend is 3pmsf rated tires as stated above. Deep snow is not a problem here unless you get way into the back country, but black ice is a daily problem when roads freeze overnight. Chains won't do much for you either as you can only put chains on the rear and it would limit you to ~20mph. Also If you do carry chains practice using them first as they can be tricky to put on properly and do damage if you don't put them on properly.

 

I will check on the 3pmsf. I will also practice on the chains.

I didn’t know about the chains on the back only, how so?

 

The snow isn't as difficult to drive in as you think. When I got my 21 Tundra Trail brand new, it came with the Michelin AT2 tires. 2 months after purchase, we went to the CO mountains for vacation. Ended up getting 8+ inches of snow while staying in a cabin and I barely even needed 4x4 to get around. I'm from Texoma so it was a first for me and I was nervous but honestly it was a piece of cake bone stock. Even went down a semi steep narrow decline and back up to pan some gold in Fairplay, absolutely no issues. Took this picture from a ghost town when the snow was just starting to fall.

Edit: On the way out of the state, I found a car wash with undercarriage sprayers, used that and then cleaned it myself once I got home. 2 years later, zero rust.

TLDR: Don't stress, have fun.

 

Page 333 of the 2023 Owner's manual: "Install chains on the rear tires only. Do not install chains on the front tires."

 

Lol, that'll do it.

 

Great photo! Thanks for the info, from everything I hear, sounds like it should be easy peasy.

 

I live in Denver. Don't worry about shit. Your 4runner can handle anything for real. I've never worried about anything. Just don't drive like you lost your mind or anything when it's actually snowing hard.

 

I’ll echo what most have already said. I live up in the foothills of Denver at 7,000’- close to evergreen. The roads are usually pretty good year round even through a snowstorm- still have to be careful. Just because its plowed doesn’t mean there isn’t ice below it. Some of the smaller roads could be an issue if you decide to go off road of main roads. Those are usually secondary plow priority, and off-road trails will not get plowed. Grapplers will work well for you. As someone said earlier, learn the 4H/4L transition driving and atrac can help in certain situations, like ice slippage or stuck on a snow drift.
I would recommend carrying an extra blanket and have water on hand in case you get stuck. I’ve pulled a few people out last year that got stuck for one reason or another. It’s usually due to having some sort of touring/performance tires or balding tires on their truck and they looked miserably cold.

 

We got good snow last year & I don't think it will be as bad this year. Have fun OP, just drive slow & in 4high if u need too. You really don't need chains. I would suggest going to Devils Thumb Ranch if you want to hit the high country without skiing or snowboarding. It's a smaller ranch & they have nordic skiing. Its easy and fun! You can rent the gear there too. You take Berthoud Pass & then drive through Winter Park to get to Devils Thumb

https://www.devilsthumbranch.com/

 

Maybe it’s easier to rent a vehicle for the trip (no worries at about your 4R at home in the garage). That’s just me though.

I am a bit ocd but sometimes for trips I’d rent cars. When I used to go to Pittsburgh in winter every other weekend I used to rent them for $50 (years ago). It was great put the miles and stone chips and wear on those cars instead of mine. Just an idea

 

Guys so I'm a 4Runner noob since I just got it last month.

How are the Terra Grapplers from TireRack compared to the OEM that come with the Pros? I know the TireRack ones are snow rated and such and I'm stuck between the Wildpeaks and the Terra Grapplers. I need good all-season A/Ts for upstate NY, VT, ME winters and whatever the weather does here.

I know the Wildpeaks are super popular and such, but the E rated are quite heavier at 51 lbs compared to the 40 lbs that are the Terra Grapplers.

 

Wildpeaks in SL are not nearly that heavy. Are you only considering E-rated LT tires?

 

That's an interesting approach here.

1. Buy 4Runner because of it's go anywhere, do anything capability.
2. Don't drive said 4Runner somewhere that's the epitome of the car, because of potential adverse conditions.

 

Nah, I only ask since everyone is saying to go with E rating.

 

I bought my car to have fun and experiences with it. Renting depresses me.

 

I just checked since I am ready and looking for new tires. The SL Wildpeaks in stock size are 46.5 lbs.

 

As soon as my 4R came, I started planning a 5,000 mile roadtrip. It was everything I hoped for.

 

Agreed! That is most specifically why I bought a 4R. I did a 5,400 mile trip last fall and a 6,500 mile trip this fall. Perfectly suited me to sleep inside, car camping on a mountain bike excursion!

 

Any recommendation of "things to do" in the Evergreens area? Doesn't have to be 4Runner specific things to do.

 

Thanks. Trip is coming soon, tire chains are on order, and arriving soon. Anything else I could know?