Factory/Dealer upgrades to TRD Sport? (skid plate, tires)

I decided to give up on finding/waiting on TRD Off Road in manual (hopefully I'll never need the locker, I don't really off-road other than really bad roads in WV), and pick up one of the remaining 2013's in Sport package

There are two upgrades I would like to make
* tires (Baja, as I don't like to stock rims at all.. although I prefer the TX|Pro look)
* front skid plate

Should I get them at the dealership, or go "after market"

Other accessories I plan on getting
* winter matts, bed matt, bed extender
* roof rack, but I really plan on installing a ladder rack to be able to haul long objects (e.g. wood, kayaks)

I also plan to install a winch bumper, like those from ARB. Need deer protection (may effect your advice on skid plate)

 

Get a set of weather techs for the front.

 

Skid plate, definitely go aftermarket unless it's strictly for looks. The stock 'skid plate' is nothing more than thin metal and won't offer much in the way of protection.

As for the wheels, if you're set on the TX Pro wheels, you might have a hard time finding them used. Personally, if you don't like the stock wheels, I'd look for an aftermarket set that you do like and buy them. It will be much cheaper than buying TX Pro wheels through the dealership.

 

I have the TRD Sport DCSB manual and am impressed where it can go. I use to wheel my Dad's FJ Cruiser and rarely (if ever) used the rear locker. Lockers are nice but for what you do you will be fine.

As for the upgrades the TRD skid plate it garbage, I was going to get one but after seeing how thin they are I will get an aftermarket one. Check out MaTT123 10G Skid Plates, as they look stock but are pretty tough.

Definitely get the WeatherTech Digi Fit floormats for the winter.

 

Additionally if you are looking for wheels check out SSC's Stealth 6 wheel. They look amazing on the Tacoma