Dirt Road Yaris

[carlghoul]

The Yaris is one of the better non-SUV dirt road vehicles. It has one of the shortest front overhangs, which allows it to make it over dips in the road without scrunching the bottom of the bumper. The small overall length makes it less likely to bang the bottom going over rocks,and 5 1/2 " isn't bad for ground clearance.
There are a gazillion dirt roads in this country which don't require an expensive and gas guzzling SUV to enjoy. Particularly in the national forrests, you can visit beautiful places and explore so much without the crowds found elsewhere.
Car salespeople have convinced people you need awd for going off pavement, but that's not true for most dirt roads. You do need to use judgement, and be willing to turn around if you encounter anything too rough. I've driven through many stream crossings, but I stop and check the deph (no more than 4 or 5"). Always be looking for rocks large enough to hit the bottom: I stop and toss them aside. If a road is muddy don't go, and beware of the wheather forecast, so you don't get stuck overnight waiting for the road to dry. Very steep hills and mud are for 4wd. I carry a shovel and 1/2" mesh wire fence pieces (for putting under the wheels for traction) and a "come along", which is a $40 tool which includes a heavy 50' strap which I can run to a tree, should I get stuck. I carry this stuff because I like to go on rougher dirt roads, they certainly aren't neccessary for most dirt roads.
You can generally go on any road which isn't marked "4wd recommended" in the map key.
I'm interested in slightly larger tires which are still good on the road but not too bad off road. Dunlop made an excellent tire for this, the SP-60, but unfortunately discontinued it. I like 195/65/15's, the extra width provides more traction, and the slightly taller sidewalls add a little extra ground clearance. I want to see if I can fit springs from a Scion XD, which are an inch longer also. Nobody else, (except Crashy!) seems interested in MORE ground clearance. I know this won't help handling, but it's worth it for me.
Anyone else out there have any experience with these things? Again, you'll do fine on most dirt roads in a stock Yaris, I just like to push the limit, (I've been on jeep trails rated moderate).
There are books and web sites listing the more beautiful roads, they'll also provide descriptions of difficulty so you can pick appropiately. There's gorgeous places out there!