New to 3rd gen need some insider info yo

Hey guys I have been lurking these forums for a few months now. figured I would make an account and stop hiding in the shadows. Anyways, hello!

I used to drive a base model 2015 pretty straight forward. Now I have a 2017 with almost fully-loaded features. Basically if anyone can help me out with a few things that would be dope.

First up, how to I hook up my hitch ball thing? I got the Toyota ball and box. Cannot find any decent youtube videos (yeah im a noob). I should tow after 1600 km right? (Canadian). Should I be in 4x4 always for towing or turn ETC power off?

Speaking of ETC power should I turn that off in neutral or in park or can i do it stopped at a red light in drive while the brake is depressed?

I have noticed a few other Tacoma's with sweet TRD decals that cover most of their backend. Where do I find this? My dealership for some reason doesn't carry them ...

How is the TRD cold air intake and exhaust system (sorry if there are other threads on this).

Would putting the RPM up to around 4 be bad? Recently my RPM has been shooting up while applying the brake. I guess mention that to the dealer?

What is the Go Pro mount and how does that work, does the Go Pro plug into the usb adapter?

Any recommendations for awesome beefy tires for the 17" style? (new to the "big" truck life style).

All in all I love My "turd" gen Taco. Waaaaaaaaay better than a base model second gen taco

 

Welcome to TW

 

Dude, all I can suggest is start reading. I HATE to tell someone to search but I think that's what is going to do you the most good. There are hundreds, probably thousands of posts answering your questions. But to answer one for you, NO do not put in 4x4 every time you tow, or specially on asphalt/concrete.

ETC will shut off by itself every time you turn off engine.

And not to be a jerk, but if you don't know how to connect a hitch, you shouldn't be towing. Ask someone to show you in person and maybe some backing instruction too.

Congrats on the new truck and welcome to TW.

 

Etc power is always off, only turns on when you push the button, never tow in 4wd unless climbing steep gravel like grades. Most members fine s4and ect does wonders towing. Only use 4x4 on wet/muddy/loose roads. Never make sharp turns on dry roads etcetera. These trucks are real happy in the high rpms, dont redline the shit out of it and drive it like you would any other vehicle.
The trd stuff sounds ok, but wont necassarily add extra power.


Use search or just scroll through pages of the forum and click on titles.

 

I've bolded answers to your questions. Click where I quoted you to expand and and see them

 

I know it's not the norm but how old are u?

 

OP, I love your enthusiasm!

Welcome to TW

 

OP: I wanna see "before" and "after" pictures. I have a feeling this truck is gonna get 'beefy' really fast.

 

haha 28 years young (not the most mechanically inclined person)...

 

installing your hitch ball is very easy, slide in to the square hitch under your rear bumper and then slide in the safety pin. Remember when towing to hook up your cross chains for extra safety, there should be 2 chains on your trailer that criss cross each other and mount to the holes on either side of your hitch.

The break in period for our trucks is 1000 miles (not sure what the conversion is to km) I would not recommend towing until after your break in period

4x4 should only be used in conditions when the road is slippery, do not engage 4x4 on dry pavement.

ETC PWR stands for Electronically Controlled Transmission - Power. You can engage this at any time, you don't have to be parked or stopped or in any gear. The function is to raise your shift points allowing your engine to rev higher giving you more horsepower ideal for towing.

There are many vendors on here that sell TRD stickers, also many can be found on eBay.

The TRD cold air intake and exhaust do nothing for performance but make your truck sound louder and look better.

Your truck reaching 4,000 RPM while accelerating is nothing to be concerned of however if it is reaching that while braking, I'd recommend asking your local dealer.

The GoPro mount is just as it sounds, gives you the ability to mount a go pro camera, the camera can be plugged into your usb port to charge it if you don't mind the cord hanging, some people have ran usb cords underneath their headliner to give it a better look, I'd just recommend bringing extra batteries for the GoPro if you are uncomfortable working on your truck

"Beefy" Tires is all opinion based here. Look at some different styles and buy the ones you like the best

Welcome to TW!

 

OK. Sorry for asking. Sent u a pm

 

What are you towing? If you are towing a heavier trailer. You should invest in a weight distribution hitch. That will help keep the truck level. Use ECT and put the truck into S mode when towing. Don't go higher then 5th. Put it into 4th if you find the truck has trouble staying in 5th. Also put the trailer chains in a X pattern. That way if the trailer falls off of the hitch the chains will cradle the trailer.

 

Dude...I've always attached my safety chains in the X pattern but never understood why til now..thank you haha.

 

In Pennsylvania it's the law. Needs to be crossed. Then twist the chain so it fits to where u hook it. This way it's not dragging and it's a smaller chain.

 

Everyone covered all else however with the GoPro, typically unless you rig it with a power housing on the OUTSIDE, you cannot mount it with a USB plugged in because you need to take the case off of all of the GoPros to have the cord attached. Unfortunately, the case of a GoPro is where the mount attachment is. if you're new to GoPro and haven't got one yet, I'd suggest a Hero 5 Black because battery life is insanely good in comparison to the old gens. I had a Hero 3 Black - battery life maybe 20mins. Now Hero 5 black - battery life close to 2.5-3.5 hours recording at 24fps, 2.7k resolution, with digital stabilization, voice activation on, and lots of start-stop which will eat battery too.

Let me know if you need any GoPro questions answered! Have an awesome time with your new truck!

 

No u can take the one part off and charge it while it's in the cradle.

 

Well shit apparently I don't pay any attention lol

 

Welcome to TW, looks like your questions have been answered, but my first response was to tell you to go back to the dealership and have your sales person help you out.

Oh and