5 MISTAKES To Avoid Off-Road, Overland & 4X4

[@ktnstuart]

Another great video by Nathan Mueller - thank you! I didn't know about switching out of auto on the transmission, makes sense. btw - you are def not wasting your time here. You have saved me thousands already and will continue to with my future add-ons for my 100k, 2013 TRD Tundra. Really can't thank you enough. I watch several of your videos over and over to make sure I get it right (rack/suspension/tires). So far thanks to you: BFG KO2s, Decked system, CBI rack, RCI front to back skids. Looking fwd to your tool vid. You have some of the best content out there so keep them coming Nate, keep them coming! :)

[@mup8661]

Legit saved me from making mistakes with my BP-51s

[@sha6mm]

Well I have made zero of these mistakes. I am glad you talked about Transmission temps as my GMC Sierra 1500 Z71 had a Transmission. Temp and Highest I ever saw was 160’s towing a light trailer with two 4wheelers.

[@roberthanna5497]

So glad you are back making videos!

[@OutdoorAuto]

You have no idea how encouraging this is. These videos are a lot of work… comments like this make me think I’m not wasting my time. Thank you 🙏

[@roberthanna5497]

@@OutdoorAuto not a problem, most of the overlanding related channels I watch seem more interested in finding the right babbling brook to make their morning coffee and asmr video then giving good info on how to set up a rig or the tools you’ll need out there

[@brenp403]

​@@OutdoorAutoyou're not wasting your time brother. One of the best channels there is for overlanding content, and I'm subscribed to MANY of them.

[@droppedonce7502]

Thanks for the video! I have been looking for a simple OBDII reader for trans, water temp and voltage...and you hit it right off the the Scan Gauge II tool. Nice and simple...low profile and does what you need! Buying one now. I have a new to me 2017 4runner trd off road and I am trying to only buy what I need...very tough with all the neat stuff out there! Thanks again for the straightforward educational video!

[@gabrielreyes8476]

I must disagree with you about the wtt rtt just a bit. I have mine built on a Datinfab cage, which goes over my Softopper. One of the main purposes of the Softopper is to give little man his own sleeping quarters (which works out extraordinarily well). That said, we run an FSR Evo2; slim and just wide enough. That said, our rtt doesn't really sit any higher than the Maxtraxx that's mounted on the roof (the tent is a mere 9" thick when closed). We drive a Taco and the gas mileage loss is minimal (1.5mpg loss); then again, I could also attribute that to the additional loadout weight that we carry when we overland. The handling isn't really changed either; neither on the streets nor offroad. Yes, we can feel that it's there, no, it does NOT add to wanting to tip the truck on more severe trails. That said....I must contest your wtt rtt. There are times when it actually works just fine. And to those that want to whine "well taller vehicles tip easier", yes, they absolutely do; I do not dispute this fact. This is also where common sense comes into play and true understanding of what your vehicle will and will not and when it will or will not do it.

[@andrewcatalla2279]

Agreed 🙌

[@dr.michaelcarr4321]

When I saw the cover video, my heart sank. I just put a sdhq switch pro set up in my truck, and I thought he was pointing that out as a mistake vs. the transmission overheating problem haha.

[@OutdoorAuto]

Oh no, sorry to make you panic… I love my Switch-Pros… I have used 4 of them in vehicles and never had an issue.

[@thebigempty_5792]

So, apparently even after high school and whilst out enjoying nature, one can still be subjected to the labeling of "Poser". LOL

[@OutdoorAuto]

Yeah… it’s a funny world… I do have to admit though… sometimes peer pressure has embarrassed me into doing things the right way 🤷‍♂️😂

[@sonoranskyoutdoors]

Wish this video was out when I bought my tundra in 2019. Well done

[@OutdoorAuto]

Oh no… was it the Nerf /Sliders?

[@sonoranskyoutdoors]

@@OutdoorAuto haha everything except tools and fluids actually. First trip out just four days from the dealership I had a rock flip from under my front tire and scratch up the under side of the door. I was super lucky it didn’t do any real damage. Transmission overheated on a nasty AZ trail during mid summer.

[@timkirkpatrick9155]

Thanks for the clear presentation on transmissions. Now I have a good reference video and won't have to tell people. It also applies while towing. btw.

[@OutdoorAuto]

Good point. Hopefully it’s helpful.

[@cameracoughlin]

helpful reminders dude! great video

[@OutdoorAuto]

Hopefully it saves someone some trouble 🤷‍♂️

[@macattack1392]

Sweet got called an idiot before i even knew why i was 1 (this time.) 😂 interesting start to a video

[@OutdoorAuto]

Ahhh… that isn’t how I meant it… just wanted share a bunch of stuff I did wrong and try and save ppl the trouble.

[@macattack1392]

@@OutdoorAuto I know. Thats why I added the emoji & (this time) since I know I can be an idiot. & Just messing with ya man. I Liked the Toyoda- Brazil vid. That's really cool

[@macattack1392]

​@@OutdoorAuto btw pretty cool that u replied tho. I know its a smaller group of followers right now but easily could of just moved on. Props to u. PS, idk if u have addressed this or not ABOUT SCAMMERS. make sure a short vid & mentioned in regular 1s. That

[@johngray9702]

Thank you for your video sir.

[@OutdoorAuto]

Your welcome, hopefully it was helpful.

[@lcstay10]

Great tip for the transmission. My tundra thanks you

[@OutdoorAuto]

Love those Tundras

[@S.-.V]

I have a “WTT RTT” but not by choice lol. I originally had a short rack but when I decided to run a 270 awning on my short bed Tacoma, I was essentially forced to raise the tent, not to mention my son sleeps in the bed of my truck when we camp and the low rack was just too small. Oh and my RTT is only 90lbs, so I’m ok with the trade off overall.

[@vwvr6t]

Very informative video, like to say that this is the first time I heard about Raptors cooked trans and even engines meanwhile I have seen Tundras with cooked trans and broken engines too, all comes down to drivers knowledge of his equipment not so much the equipment itself. Both vehicles are great while properly used.

[@jyo8914]

Mistake #3. Guilty!!! Still have my nerf bars/running boards on my 2021 4Runner Off Road Premium. It came that way from the factory. Went to Death Valley and got pretty banged up on the Escape Trail. Made it thru Goler Wash and Mengel Pass as well. The running boards on both sides are bent up in spots. I'm keeping them this way until I can afford real sliders. It's sort of a badge of honor. Skid plates got banged up too, but all of the stuff underneath is still fine. Like you, I found a rock wedged between the skid plate and the oil pan.

[@ecrissman]

Only 1 out of 5. When I got my Tundra I didn’t know what overlanding was. I found your channel and learned a ton before building it out. I’ve made plenty of other rookie mistakes though😬

[@OutdoorAuto]

1 out of 5 is a solid score!

[@silverbackmediaPNW]

I have a 2017 Tacoma TRD Off Road. I put the transmission in manual when trail running. For example when going down a steep grade I will down shift to slow down rather than riding the brakes. Another way I use it is when going down hill on a rutted trail to reduce the rocking and bucking that happens when using the brakes. Any advise?

[@Verb130]

I have now suffered through many of your videos. You go negative where others will not. You say the things that need to be said. Keep up the good work; as painful as it can be for some of us.

[@OutdoorAuto]

oh man... sorry to cause you pain. My overall overlanding experience has been pretty full of learnings... and most of those were painful. I honestly make the videos to try and save someone the pain... but I am probably too late for most people... this whole "overlanding" thing has kinda blown up big 😳

[@dixonbuttes6564]

Hahaha, the bow shackle gifts section is gold. Every time I see someone driving around with bow shackles on their trucks, I can always tell the person doesn’t even know what they’re for. Pure gold … poser flair!!! 😂😂😂

[@619SixFour]

Nice man. I'm running a 2nd Gen Sequoia for my overlanding rig I just learned alot about how to drive it in Baja. Basically same as yours. Keep the videos coming.

[@denniscastillo5380]

Well, don't be sad if most Toyota you see has Nerf bars. I got the OEM side step and I know what I'm doing, which means I know my limitation when doing off-roading. I don't do rock crawling and If I'm going to do a moderate trail then I have to know my trail right? To make it short you just need to know your limitation when doing off-roading for your safety and for your vehicle. And your video is very very helpful actually I learned something :)

[@OutdoorAuto]

Yes, you are right… most ppl that buy a Toyota won’t actually off road it at all… but somehow it still pains me to see a TRD Pro with Nerf bars… in the end though you are right… know your limitations and build your truck for your actual use.

[@lx5171]

great info, I failed at the manual gearing. I just select the terrain in my f150 and let the tranny do the work, haven't run into problems but will use the manual option going forward ol

[@jmpersonal2402]

Wise words; I am astounded how many people have the latest and greatest RV and have no idea how to drive it... and we don't even talk about them backing a trailer...

[@phlfly10]

sliders were always in my last item in iist. Fist sleeping, kitchen, self recovery , tires and wheels, bumpers, electrical systems. Personally I keep stock steps for 3 years play hit several times , but still working, I been many mid hard trails, and no problem may be i will break them this year. Always keep trans page with temp when do off road, or do 4 low

[@velocitydreamer]

Very useful information, thank you!

[@chrismanlawe2528]

That Dynamat roller tool may come in handy to squash ants

[@OutdoorAuto]

😂🤣😂

[@dpeagles]

I laughed at the toolkit skit. Good one. The bow shackle thing...I hook soft shackles to the bow shackle. I don't know. I have both. Attached and in a bag? 🤷‍♂ Also a tip, switch into 4h and 4 low monthly with these push button 4 wheel drive. If you don't you may find it wont shift into four wheel drive. Tundra manual states to drive in four wheel for quite a few miles per month. Can't remember exact number.

[@OutdoorAuto]

Ooh that is a solid tip!

[@dubious6718]

The most extreme off-roading I'm gonna do is drive in deep snow, so don't really need rock sliders. I don't have a RTT. I carry a toolkit and a impact wrench.

[@davidwelty9763]

You have an epic garage.

[@OutdoorAuto]

Oh thanks… it’s a work in progress… it’s really hard to film in the winter in Idaho so the shop gives the space to do projects, film and build a community around.

[@trysomethingnew3451]

Thanks for all this info. I’m just getting started and appreciate this. If that example of the roof top tent was too tall what is optimal/

[@OutdoorAuto]

Level or below your roof line

[@darthspiderman1]

Tundra has Nerf bar steps from factory. They came with the truck when purchased and have been banged up when doing some medium level crawling. Sliders are on the list to upgrade. Other points are being done except the tent. We still setup an instant tent off the truck on the ground.

[@OutdoorAuto]

Nothing wrong with ground tents… I used one this weekend.

[@vincentkeith5259]

Tools - yeah, that's not me - my mistake is going the other direction - bringing full metric & sae - cause - well I got em. Been working this this one, still more work to do. Rock sliders - I don't go places that need them - by which I mean difficult rock crawls. Not all offroad travel is difficult rock crawls. RTT Height - I screwed up picking a roof rack on a Wrangler Unlimited Rubi - added maybe 4 unnecessary inches, probably 200 unnecceary pounds and a lot of road noise. Live and learn.

[@OutdoorAuto]

Live and learn… that’s the truth.

[@youngsc3045]

Definitely #1. Bought a 2nd hand car and the battery died on the first beach trip. Noone had a spanner, so ironically we borrowed one off the passing tow truck guy and swapped the battery to get it started.

[@LiveLinerFishing]

for d rings, i just use a small ziptie. They easily break just by spinning the bolt by hand but keep the bolt from vibrating off.

[@OutdoorAuto]

That sounds like a good way to do it without defeating the purpose

[@daniel.espinotx]

I need to get rid of my ugly nerf bars 😂I’m new to the overland world, thanks for the video

[@highpro1394]

Not doing rock crawling overlanding. I’m not into beating my tundra off rocks. Mud is fine though when back country camping in the east.

[@chrisbry3226]

Giving solid advice in front of a wall covered in flooring. I feel a “you might be a redneck if…” joke in there somewhere 😂❤

[@OutdoorAuto]

Lol… yeah… I have a few things in the farm that “may” qualify me as a redneck… 🤣

[@nicholasnootbaar3603]

I sold my nerf bars and swapped them for actual sliders (white knuckles) after one of your other videos and a few trips smashing them in 😂

[@nicholasnootbaar3603]

I did learn more about driving in manual vs automatic. I sometimes drive in manual but to avoid the awkward shifting. Thanks for the video and info!

[@OutdoorAuto]

Awesome 👏… sliders are game changers… you get to drive completely different when you have them.

[@nicholasnootbaar3603]

@@OutdoorAuto going to test them in Sedona next week! Cheers 👍

[@phillyfanist]

i have one point of contention on the transmission fluid replacements: some vehicles (especially from toyota) are using these so called sealed transmissions now and its becoming increasingly difficult finding any shops at least in my area that will do the job without charging an arm and a leg for it (one place i called quoted me $2000 just to change the transmission fluid) and the problem seems to be that in order to actually change the fluid on these so called sealed transmissions, since they lack an actual drain plug, they have to drop the entire transmission fluid filter assembly out just to drain it. to me, this sounds like a serious and intentional design flaw from toyota designed at attempting to create a scenario where the maintenance is so difficult that noone wants to do it and will dissuade people from doing it until there is a catastrophic failure.

[@OutdoorAuto]

I don't know a single Toyota you have to "drop" the transmission to change the fluid... It sounds like those shops don't have Toyota Mechanics that know what they are doing... The ones without the drain plug like the LX 570 and some of the new Land Cruisers (possibly the new tundra... I'm not sure, haven't been under one of those)... Have only one plug which is the Stand pipe and you can service the whole transmission through that if they know what they are doing.... THis guy is a Toyota Master Mechanic and he has a few videos on this and shows people how to do it... his stuff is really good. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hIakpnqjeayhqrs

[@roberthanna5497]

What front bumper are you running on your tundra? I have the same body style with the TSS grill and have been wary of getting a bumper with the top hoop cuz I’m afraid it’ll interfere with that sensor

[@OutdoorAuto]

That is the C4… if you notice it had a middle light… I had to take off cause it interfered… but the hoop is fine. C4 bumper has been awesome.

[@corbinolsen12]

Can’t tell you how many times I’ve not had the tools I needed. Embarrassing every time. 😂

[@OutdoorAuto]

I always learn best by messing up several times 🤷‍♂️

[@TheRealJimmy831]

how's that rtt sticking out so far doing esp?

[@Russianmafia10]

The wtt rtt has it's place. If you want to use a full size ikamper on a Tacoma with a 5 foot bed, it looks dumb to have it hang over and u need to have it go up and over

[@Nauaudis4]

You ever make it out to Eastern Idaho? Been trying to look for a group with some experience/equipment so I can start getting into overlanding with my Land Rover. Most groups I've found are either too rowdy for my tastes, or they have more money than experience...

[@OutdoorAuto]

I actually have family in Victor... so I get out there a little bit. "more money than experience" 😂 - that describes a lot of the overlanding scene.

[@J.Young808]

I hopefully won’t make any of these mistakes since I will be starting here in the future but I live on O’ahu and it’s easy to get back home. There are only two places that we can off road

[@solooverland3666]

Using your 2- and 3-year olds as steps to get in/out of the vehicle? If I ever decide to spawn, I’ll have to remember that… 🤘🏼Great vid and channel, btw 👏🏻

[@klinatoc]

I respect that you didn’t clean the bird poop off your passenger door to make the video.

[@OutdoorAuto]

Ha... LOL... well I am either lazy... or authentic... or both.

[@IDAHOverland]

You're not alone bro...

[@OutdoorAuto]

I was starting to wonder.

[@thebigempty_5792]

Another rookie mistake is feeling like one needs to have a RTT and 270 awning just to enjoy a weekend....because well Expedition Overland has them LOL....sheesh! just use what you got instead of feeling like you have to build up an Apocalypse proof rig before you can even visit a state park. Yes, I was guilty of that. I started watching E.O. years ago at the first series and instantly got what I call, "STUFFITUS". Now, unless it's a sticker, ALL upgrades to my 2015 Tundra are NEED based, NOT for the cool factor. This is a 1,000.00 dollar lifestyle, meaning pretty much every significant upgrade to your vehicle is a min. of 1,000 dollars LOL. So, choose carefully to reduce mistakes.

[@OutdoorAuto]

I agree with you a lot on the Stuffitus… probably doesn’t look like it in my videos but I have spent the last year doing everything I can to make my setup light weight, simple and fast. Weight kills your vehicle and limits it’s capability. Working on a VERY detailed “budget build” series I’m excited about… definitely no RTT in any of those builds.

[@BenMosley]

I too have tried to tuck my ears into my hat.

[@OutdoorAuto]

I have big ears… that already sit a bit high on my head… it’s kinda my only option with most hats 🤷‍♂️

[@kellstat]

Seems all the Toyota 4runners/tacos come with these silly nerf bars, it's a Toyota OEM issue.

[@philipjcaputo]

Did an owl make a nest on your passenger mirror?! Yikes! (been there though)

[@OutdoorAuto]

It’s a Starling that keeps trying to build a nest in the engine… I keep clearing it out and they keep coming back… 😖

[@budfahnestock2418]

mind if i ask what you did/do to get to a point financially to be able to afford all of this?

[@rossipremier]

The bow shackle thing bugs me so bad lol. Seeing them attached on vehicles all the time and exposed to the elements is silly for something that is supposed to be a piece of safety/recovery gear. But lets be honest , most ste decorations. Also, bow shackles have their place, but i make a habit of not using any metal pieces in a recovery if possible. Soft shackles can't become projectiles in the same way amd why i prefer them.

[@OutdoorAuto]

I agree I have shifted to almost exclusively use soft shackles but I still run into some very complicated recoveries where I need the bow shackle... like you said, they have their place... but rarer is better for sure. Bow Shackles are also just a very heavy piece of kit.

[@a.a.carpenter754]

Yet another advantage for manual transmissions. Manufacturers: “check out our new 30 speed automatic with 19 overdrive gears for fuel economy!”

[@mef736]

year late, sorry. What kind of sliders are you running on your white tundra?

[@velocitydreamer]

Nerf bars on my lifted 4Runner. If I didn't have them, my gf wouldn't be able to climb in... some guys might like this, but I don't lol. Otherwise, actual rock sliders all day.

[@jeremychrist]

Favorite rock sliders for 5th Gen 4Runner?

[@OutdoorAuto]

C4 or CBI are solid. If you are looking at other brands at least compare the mounting points to the CBI and C4… those two are very solid… I’ve seen a few brands with pretty sketchy mounting.

[@north_borne]

RCI makes fantastic rock sliders if you are on the east side of Colorado

[@Adventurexoutdoors]

Can you show how your rock sliders are mounted to the frame?

[@OutdoorAuto]

Next video I can work this in...

[@LawnMM]

"additives" are the ingredients in the trans fluid, that's the term you were after 🤣

[@pennmikael]

To me, nerf bars with aftermarket wheels and lift makes little sense. Screams mall crawler to me. What’s worst, often times they are 2wd. I don’t want to be a 4wd snob since I realize it’s expensive but please don’t give your 2wd the appearance of off road capable. If you are on 40s with long travel or a trophy truck bonanza get a pass

[@robertherrmann4823]

Tools are great as long as you bring the spare parts to replace whatever you broke….

[@OutdoorAuto]

Yeah, spare parts list is pretty key.

[@Skilful_basics8]

I don't understand why new trucks with the offroad package comes with road only tires.

[@OutdoorAuto]

Its a great question

[@daniel9111]

When in the wilderness. YOU are AAA

[@OutdoorAuto]

😂

[@hankgs]

Ummm, Raptors have side steps not sliders- Raptor are not designed for rock crawling- they are made to haul-ass over the washboard roads that "overlanders" crawl on...6.2 Raptors are bulletproof btw...

[@OutdoorAuto]

Yeah... its nice that they figured that out on the 6.2.... its too bad the other ones are so bad... and that they made SO many of the bad ones... and that so many of their engines blew in the exact same way. Side step or Nerf... Yeah... that is what I said in the video... they don't come with sliders. I don't rock crawl either (I'm driving full size trucks)... but I still find plenty of uses for sliders.

[@north_borne]

Ford cope is real cope

[@Billboi805]

“Jeeps…” imagine driving a Chrysler product.. Jk I drive a ram

[@bikeislife8405]

Keeping it a buck with you, not everyone can justify 800 to 1200 dollars for proper bolt on sliders. Nerf Bars will protect against door dings and small brush impacts, far better than exposed paint. Personally, heavily wheeling a 50k rig and banging up the under carriage against rocks doesn’t excite me, although a mild trail here and there does. To each their own, I personally don’t get triggered seeing nerf bars on TRD’s, because like you said, they’ll never see off road.

[@north_borne]

If you can't justify money for rock sliders then you probably shouldn't be offroading with a 40k plus vehicle. You can get decent offroad vehicles for less than 20k and use the money saved to afford sliders.

[@bikeislife8405]

@@north_borne I’ll gladly off road my off road. Thanks 🤙🏼

[@marc2322]

mistake #1..owning an automatic car

[@OutdoorAuto]

It gets harder every day not too.... but I still have 3 Manuals in the driveway :)

[@Cuetanks]

Clevis.

[@thatrogueguy123]

Gatekeeping

[@OutdoorAuto]

Gatekeeping

[@monette44]