2018 Tacoma Purchase

Gents, I am in the market for a new Tacoma. I have never owned one but always wanted one. I am a total utilitarian and do not want any luxury BS. My plan is to get a double cab long bed and put a gofast camper on it. I will be using he truck to drive off road quite a bit (scouting, hunting, fishing and taking the kids camping)

I want the factory locker and a good off road suspension, mainly for the rough NV roads. My question is should I go with an SR5, then add better shocks and a locker? Or should I spend the money on a TRD off road?

Thanks for your opinions, I do like the idea of an air locker with the side effect of an onboard compressor.

 

In my very humble opinion you should get an OR with a factory rear locker. It will get you to where you want to be with very minimal outlay of additional cash and I think it's simply the best buy for the money you can get.

For what it's worth I have a 2017 OR DCSB (Short Box) with a "GodFast" Camper on it. My GoFast just arrived this weekend but so far it's beyond expections. The only thing I honestly did that makes a "major" difference in my truck is add a heavy duty suspension kit from OME to handle all the extra weight, and I went with 255 85 R16 Cooper ST Maxx's. I have A LOT of other crap on my truck but if you just did that you'd be GTG virtually anywhere a Tacoma should be go.

Good luck and welcome to TW feel free to ask anything you want to know and if you haven't definitely read through the GFC thread.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/hondo-garages-new-thing.516490/

-Yota

 

Thanks for the info and catching my typo, I definitely did’t come here to preach.

 

HAHA... Just a little first post razzing... I post a lot when I first wake up and later re-read.... Yikes do I say some silly things.... Welcome aboard though, and please ask anything you might need the people on here are AMAZING. Also you will LOVE a GFC, Graeme, Wiley, and Ross are freaking great guys and their product sweeeeeet.

For what it's worth I came from a Full Size Ram 2500 as well. Mine was a Power Wagon on 35's dual locked with a winch. I honestly feel like my Taco is more capable just because of the more limited size. I don't think you will regret your decision. I haven't missed my Ram one day since getting the Taco.

 

The forum looks awesome. I have read a bunch on here lately. I just got done with an antelope hunt, driving and glassing in my dodge on some F-upped roads made up my mind to get a Tacoma since I no longer tow anything big.

 

I you want the locker... Buy a truck equipped with it.

There are so many threads with people wanting to add a locker, but rarely do you ever see someone doing so. This would be tough especially if you need technical support.

Also the cost of integrating a locker in post purchase could be more than just paying to buy a truck with it. You will not regret having it, but if you need it you may regret not getting it to start with.

You may never use it but having it may save you some time. If it saves you one time, it was fully worth every penny.

 

The difference between the SR5 and TRD OR is what, $2k? Easily enough to cover the ARB locker install. Plus, you’d get crawl control and MTS.

That said, if I were to do it again, I’d get an SR (since I just want a DCSB) then add skids. Maybe an ARB locker(s), if the terrain I travel warrants it. I much prefer the ARB lockers to OEM elocker.

So if I were in your shoes, I would get the SR5. Then add stuff as necessary. Maybe you’ll find you don’t even need a locker. Just good set of tires. Maybe some skids.

 

Thanks, I put a locker in one of my pick ups years ago and have wished I had one in all my pick ups since then. All the long bed TRD off road models I have found online locally have been quit a bit more than the SR5’s. I haven’t spoke to a dealer about ordering one yet. My other question is how much different is the suspension on a TRD off road?

 

Suspension is basically a non-issue. They’re similar enough and honestly even if you don’t think so right now you will either add helpers or upgrades suspension. Tacoma’s just do not have a Lott ass in them to hold much weight. Especially when loaded for camping and hunting. You’d be surprised. I wouldn’t let that be a deal breaker.

 

Thanks, I really want to know my sh$& before I go down to the dealer and listen to their made up answers to any question I have.

 

Look up the thread about what people paid for a 2018. Then you can good idea what to expect for price between SR5 and TRD Off-road. Expect around 33k before TTL for a DCLB off-road without any added accessories. I paid just under 34 for mine with Tech package and all weather mats.

 

Thanks, did you order yours? That’s a lot less than the instock ones I have seen.

 

No, shopped around online and got the best price from Freeman Toyota is Santa Rosa Ca. Took that price to my local dealer and they matched it.

 

With that configuration I would just go TRD. You already mentioned that you wanted a factory locker, so there’s that.

 

If you want to be prepared, first off read the list of packages and study what the differences are in a brochure or online before you go to the dealer. Also, watch YouTube videos with walk throughs of trucks so you can visually see the differences and look at pros and cons.

Second, if you are already thinking locker I would suggest you do it now. Tons of people will tell you to just add one later.

As I’ve said a million times before, don’t trust everything you hear. Are those people gonna come fix your truck or now how to address issues if they arise?

The warranty will cover your locker etc if you just buy it up front. If it’s a matter of a couple thousand dollars, just really think things through.

 

The big difference is the factory locker limits you to 4 lo, aftermarket has no interlocks preventing when it can be engaged. Aftermarket won't be as finicky either.

 

That’s really great. I’m impressed