Current gen Tahoe offroad

[wv_kid]

Thinking about a new base model Tahoe. For budget reasons, a Z71 is not realistic. We have three kids, a golden retriever, and apparently another puppy on the way. Let's just say that doctor who did my vasectomy did not inform me that the procedure would not prevent ALL further additions to the family, only human ones.

With that disclaimer .... north Idaho forest roads, camping, hunting, ruts, mud, rocks, etc... i think the new Tahoes have about 8" of ground clearance. Are they ok for this usage? I am not looking to go offroading, just looking to go offroad, if that makes sense. You know, i don't want to have to turn around when I am exploring forest roads but I am not taking a brand new Tahoe to the ORV park either. Would just run a stock-size all terrain.

Thanks in advance for any input!

 

[Kpwweb]

See this thread:

Off Road Dad Mobile - Mojave Run

So got invited on a Raptor run through the NV Mojave Preserve - total of 170 miles off road and a 400 mile round trip. Did this 2 years ago in the Z71 Tahoe but this year in the Yukon. I only have 285/65/20 Nitto Tires and 1" lift for air ride on the truck via linkage change. Have a bunch of dif...

www.tahoeyukonforum.com

 

[swathdiver]

These are very capable rigs off road, more than folks give them credit for.

We replaced our KO2s with Michelin Defenders and still go just about everywhere we used to without issue.

 

[wv_kid]

awesome, thanks all!

 

[Bigburb3500]

Good set of all-terrain tires and a minivan could do fire roads lol. You should be just fine with a newer truck and a good set of rubbers. Enjoy the outdoors!!

 

[kurtibm]

I have driven Tahoes since 1997. The G80 option is helpful.

 

[Doubeleive]

I have driven Tahoes since 1997. The G80 option is helpful.

the t2's are 4 wheel independent suspension, no more G80 since 2021 unless you have a pickup with a solid axle

 

[Daisydog229]

Thinking about a new base model Tahoe. For budget reasons, a Z71 is not realistic. We have three kids, a golden retriever, and apparently another puppy on the way. Let's just say that doctor who did my vasectomy did not inform me that the procedure would not prevent ALL further additions to the family, only human ones.

With that disclaimer .... north Idaho forest roads, camping, hunting, ruts, mud, rocks, etc... i think the new Tahoes have about 8" of ground clearance. Are they ok for this usage? I am not looking to go offroading, just looking to go offroad, if that makes sense. You know, i don't want to have to turn around when I am exploring forest roads but I am not taking a brand new Tahoe to the ORV park either. Would just run a stock-size all terrain.

Thanks in advance for any input!

I have a 2022 Z71 suburban. It pretty much goes and where I point it and I put Michelin defenders on it. Great alll around tire. The ten speed transmission is much more aggressive than the 4L60s ever were and it’s got torque on demand. Very easy to break the tires free on al surfaces. The suburban is loaded as well and floats down the road even without the air ride suspension. I recommend

 

[strutaeng]

the t2's are 4 wheel independent suspension, no more G80 since 2021 unless you have a pickup with a solid axle

I didn't know that. I figured they still have a differential back there, but independent suspension?

So there's no rear locker available then?

 

[Doubeleive]

I didn't know that. I figured they still have a differential back there, but independent suspension?

So there's no rear locker available then?

ya that's the new gig on these new ones and is how they got rid of the transmission "hump" in the floor and extended the seating inside.
Actually if you ever get in one the seats are obviously "raised" up from previous generations. I don't care for the design myself.
but anyway I believe they have a option for a type of e-locker front and rear? how durable it is I don't know, I have no desire to buy anything past 2020 so haven't really dug into it other than all the media that was provided when the new platform was released.

https://gmauthority.com/blog/2021/09/2022-chevy-tahoe-suburban-get-new-electronic-limited-slip-differential/

 

[Kpwweb]

The G80 was available in ‘21. My Z71 has one. Newer trucks can get elockers. I believe they are G81?

 

[89Suburban]

Good set of all-terrain tires and a minivan could do fire roads lol.

Been there done it.

 

[outkastist]

Thinking about a new base model Tahoe. For budget reasons, a Z71 is not realistic. We have three kids, a golden retriever, and apparently another puppy on the way. Let's just say that doctor who did my vasectomy did not inform me that the procedure would not prevent ALL further additions to the family, only human ones.

With that disclaimer .... north Idaho forest roads, camping, hunting, ruts, mud, rocks, etc... i think the new Tahoes have about 8" of ground clearance. Are they ok for this usage? I am not looking to go offroading, just looking to go offroad, if that makes sense. You know, i don't want to have to turn around when I am exploring forest roads but I am not taking a brand new Tahoe to the ORV park either. Would just run a stock-size all terrain.

Thanks in advance for any input!

I have a 22 Yukon XL SLT (not the AT4), and I have done some forestry road and beach driving with it. At the time it was stock, and it did fine. We did encounter some ruts/rocks etc, and we had no issues, but I tend to be pretty calculated about how I go over that sort of thing.

It is still stock now except that I needed new tires, so I went to a set of 275/60/20 Venom Power Terra Hunter X/T.

 

[Doubeleive]

The G80 was available in ‘21. My Z71 has one. Newer trucks can get elockers. I believe they are G81?

21 what? pickup, the g80 is for solid axles, the elocker is g96, the new mini rear diff is a g86

 

[Doubeleive]

"While we never thought we'd miss the G80 "govlock" differential found in so many GM products for so many decades, the mechanical rear limited-slip differential in the Tahoe Z71 just didn't seem to cut it. Heading up our sandstone hillclimb, the Tahoe acted as if there was no traction aid at all. Knowing how limited-slip differentials work, we weren't overly surprised; however, we would have liked to make it to the top. By the same token, while we typically despise traction control systems that intervene overly enthusiastically, a little bit of help would have been appreciated."

https://www.motortrend.com/features/2021-chevrolet-tahoe-z71/

 

[Bigburb3500]

Been there done it.



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Why did I have a feeling you would be this guy?? LOL

Love it

 

[Kpwweb]

21 what? pickup, the g80 is for solid axles, the elocker is g96, the new mini rear diff is a g86

Per my info, 2021 Tahoe Z71.

Yes, you are correct. Mine actually came with a G86, axle, rear, limited slip:

 

[Doubeleive]

put some meaty tires on it, take off the running boards, then you will probably be ok for most forestry roads as long as it's not too crazy
the reason I say to take off the running boards is because that is the first thing that will get damaged off road all it takes is one rock hit and now you have to spend $300-500 for a new running board
maybe even the front lower valance for a smidge better approach angle

 

[B-train]

Been there done it.



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Heck yeah! White letters out too!

 

[B-train]

You'll be fine with stock for just about any forest service road. Get a set of nice AT tires, air them down to about 26 psi and enjoy the smooth ride. Running boards don't need to be removed unless you are planning on going through a lot of off-camber areas, washouts, etc. It is a benefit, but not required - they do keep a good amount of stones off the body as well.

I've taken a 2008 Denali with just some nice AT tires on many forest service roads out west and some mountain passes to 11,600 ft in CO. If you're concerned about a specific area, or trail, ask locals about them and they usually will fill you in.