Newb here looking for advice and ideas

[Robin2476]

Hi all, I’m new to these forums but I bought my second 4-Runner recently. It’s a 6G 2025 TRD Off-road Premium. The last 4-Runner I owned was my 2002 base model one when I bought it new.

I had no idea how much I missed it until this one.

Anyone have any advice on where to start as a beginner? I’ve watched plenty of videos and have been reading a lot of reviews but I want to learn about overlanding and off-roading.

I'm semi-retired and a solo adventurer and wanted to take it to the next level by setting up a great 4-Runner.

I will say there are a few things I’m disappointed in about the 6G but I think there are ways to get around it. Mostly, the MPG is awful! When I load my vehicle I expect MPG to get worse but it is worse than my X-6 was when I used it to haul heavy equipment. Any recommendations on how to keep gas mileage other than “don’t haul heavy equipment”

thanks in advance!

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[IVD6G [SCAMMER]]

Welcome to the forum.

 

[AdFour]

Use normal driving mode, others have said eco eco does something weird with the reving. Try not to lead foot. Hwy you should get 24mpg or so around 65mph. Give it 1000 miles.

As for where to start, I'd say keep things to a minimum. Make sure you have an actual need.
You'd be surprised where the stock tires will take you.

Only thing I'd think about is protection. Skid plates / rock slider. But only if you plan on going offroad. I like the Toyota OEM skid plates. BTW black Friday is coming up, if your'e set on it Toyota parts dealers usually do a decent sale (as well as aftermarket) But I prefer OEM skid plates. Just note there's no opening for doing an oil change, you'd have to take the front skid off every oil change. Some aftermarket ones have an opening.

https://www.4runner6g.com/forum/thr...cation-front-transfer-case-skid-install.4669/

 

[Nodak]

i would say read, read, read. there are plenty of thread with all different aspects that people think of. jot down notes of what you read and pique your interest.

trust me, i have read a lot of posts on here and picked up little things i liked to do and a lot of things i will stay away from.

this is a long haul from reading your post (2002 to 2025), take your time. let the quick satisfaction people get the kinks out from learning to modify stuff. learn from the mistakes they made and overcome them.

see what works for some and see how other made things work for them.

each person here is contributing what they can to add the the knowledge no matter how little that part is.

i mean i posted a stupid video of installing a dash tray, but it may help someone down the line that is looking exactly for that same concept.

 

[SC4Runner]

Charleston, SC? Get the onX Offroad app for your phone. The SC Adventure Route (SCAR) is pretty cool and is a mix of complexity. The app will show you the latest road conditions. Be careful on any of our roads after heavy rainfall. I had a bumper and winch installed on mine. That will get you out of almost any bad place you find yourself getting into. Start out on easy dirt roads and work your way up.

 

[Rellims]

I agree with the notion of take your time and do the mods you actually need or will use. My Tacoma was the first off road vehicle I had and I got all the mods and didn't use a ton of them. Getting the 4runner I am approaching it with way more intention. I added the TRD skid plate and rock sliders and those have already paid off. All things I knew I'd need in the real world.

 

[JackedAcctnt]

Agree with others. Maybe look into PPF'ing high impact areas if you care to prevent some scratches or knicks. If you'd like to maximize mpg, then keep the OEM tires for now and do not go up in size.

I also read somewhere that some aftermarket roof racks can have a marginal increase in mpg (like Prinsu roof racks) due to their sleek design making the vehicle more aerodynamic. You'll also want to keep on the air dam underneath the car if maximizing mpg is your preference.

As I always tell others, what you spend in gas (on 4runners) is what you'll save in repairs.

Congrats on the ride!

 

[Tarekith]

Adding my voice to the others already given. There's very little you NEED to do with a new 4Runner ORP to make more capable off road, it'll do some very demanding trails perfectly fine right from the dealer. I added some skids plates and seasucker 2 gallon gas container to mine right away just to be safe, but other than that I haven't found myself wishing to do more to the truck other than for aesthetic reasons.

 

[MikeD]

Welcome Robin
I will second the suggestion to get a subscription to onX Offroad. onX offroad. Looks like you have a good number of trails very near Charleston to make your start easy. You can take on any green trail (rating 1-3) with your ORP as is. I had fun and dinged some of the lowest spots on a medium trail (4-6) so its not a bad idea to upgrade to metal skid plate (which I did - I got the Landcruiser skid) - but frankly your ORP comes with a pair of plastic/composite skids that will probably be sufficient for the low-medium trails (up to rating 5) if you are careful (and use the amazing cameras and MTS on the vehicle).
Good luck and post some pics when you take your 6G4R on the trail.

Lastly - check out the MPG thread for your vehicle real-world-mpg-by-owners-gas-non-hybrid-4runner-post-yours-. My experience - which seems to be very common - is that the milage improved dramatically after about the third tank and kept slowly climbing for a bit* - so you may not be there yet. Then I put big heavy tires to tackle those serious off-road trails and it dropped precipitously - something to keep in mind. (*caveat - I have the hybrid and work to maximize the time when the traction motor is doing all the work).

 

[IVD6G [SCAMMER]]

Read lots of thread to catch up

 

[Van Solo]

Good day Robin,

1st as a solo driver you will be wanting the undercarriage protection 100%
(These will give you peace of mind)

Engine Plate
Transmission plate
Rear Differential Plate

Let's start with this, Once you have these 3 then we can move on to the next step.

 

[N500]

Robin, here are two accessories I purchased for my 4Runner that will be useful for you both on- and off-road:

Side Storage Led Lantern
https://autoparts.toyota.com/products/product/side-storage-led-lantern-pt94435253

You can easily install this in the hidden compartment on the left side of your dashboard.

NOCO GB40 1000A 12V Boost Plus UltraSafe Jump Starter
https://no.co/gb40

I keep this in my glovebox. Gives me peace of mind and it's handy to have to help others.

Toyota "Premium Horn" install with before / after sound clip videos
https://www.4runner6g.com/forum/thr...all-with-before-after-sound-clip-videos.3920/

This was the first mod I made to my 4Runner after purchase as the stock horn is pretty sad.

 

[gvan1998]

I agree with the notion of take your time and do the mods you actually need or will use. My Tacoma was the first off road vehicle I had and I got all the mods and didn't use a ton of them. Getting the 4runner I am approaching it with way more intention. I added the TRD skid plate and rock sliders and those have already paid off. All things I knew I'd need in the real world.

How did you install the rock sliders on the ORP? ORPs dont have any threaded holes in the frame to install sliders

 

[Rellims]

How did you install the rock sliders on the ORP? ORPs dont have any threaded holes in the frame to install sliders

Westcott gives the blind bolt option.

 

[adrestaino]

I'm also a new 4Runner owner. I got the TRD Off-Road Premium and trying to prioritize upgrades. Buying this vehicle was a bit of a stretch for me so I need to figure out which upgrades make the most sense. I probably can't buy anything for at least 6 months or my wife might kill me. I want to get some light off-roading in and will hopefully drive in some deep Vermont snow this winter. The bottom of this thing looks pretty exposed. Is there any type of skid plate I would need for green trails and/or snow? By next winter I will hopefully have enough money put aside for some skid plates. What order should I prioritize my skid plate purchases? I assume I should get the front skid plate first, but I'm a total newbie.
Thanks

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