New to the Taco scene

Hi all...I am new to the Taco scene only because my garage is too small to fit a Tundra! It has been perfect for me so I might just stick with it.

However, I discovered overlanding and I'm addicted to the idea of modifying my Taco. I am currently leasing a 2019 Taco 4x4 Sport to see if I would like it. I won't plan to make modifications until I actually buy one when my lease is up.

I know overlanding is expensive, so I was wondering if I just stick with the sport model to make all the modifications or do I at least get the Off-Road model to get the off-road technology then modify?

 

Get the sr then modify.

 

Get ready for about a million different opinions

 

Welcome to TW

 

Drive it stock for a long time. Read and join in discussions here. It will gradually become apparent what you need to go camping. Welcome.

 

Good advice here, drive it, decide how you plan to use it, then you can move forward with what vehicle to start with.

 

Sage advice. I feel like I own my first Ruger 10/22 all over again.

 

Welcome to TW

 

Define 'overlanding' for your application.

Are you really going to do the big buck survivalist/Armageddon type stuff?

Or are you going car camping just further off the beaten path because you have 4wd and a bit more ground clearance?

I'm a proponent of go as you are, modify as you learn what helps you have a safer or more enjoyable experience where you actually go.

Unless you are crewing with Nat Geo or something, that likely won't take as much as you think.

PS, agree with not modding a lease, other than maybe reversible bolt ons.

If you realize you are a moderate camper, an OR with good tires and some gear will be a good choice.

If you insist on a full on build, might as well start with an SR.

 

Welcome!

 

Hey @Clearwater Bill, I am in the Baja1000 next week, Paris to Dakar the following week and blazing a trail through the Amazon in Northern Brazil in June.
In preparation, I have purchased:
AT Tires stock size
Bed Mat
Running Boards
Pine Tree Air Freshener

I think that's all I need.

 

Welcome to the forum

 

Maybe not. Not long ago I visited Ushuaia and the start of the Pan-American Highway in prep for the trip to Mexico.

Suggest you add waterproof matches, some water purification, baby wipes and sunglasses.

 

Good call on the wipes.

 

welcome!

 

This is the only taco scene I can think of

 

Most "overland rigs" are way overbuilt and have so much heavy equipment on them the trucks turn into big heavy horribly handling turds. If you want to get the RTT, bed racks, bed storage, Front/rear bumpers and a ton of unnecessary equipment, you're better off going with a Tundra or comparable full size truck.

If you're going to go all out with re-gearing, lockers and all the expensive shit, get an SR and modify.

If you're going to slap on a lift and use the truck to get deep into some fire roads for epic camping, get an Off Road.

Wouldn't even consider a sport... the hood scoop isn't worth the money, especially since most off roaders will remove the scoop as it gets in the way of sight lines

 

Get the offroad. The locker is the key to success.

 

I have a '16 Sport, and will be throwing an ARB locker and compressor in mine. I was tempted to just get a TRD offroad or PRO, but the extra $20k is a lot to stomach just so I can get a locker -- expecially since my truck is paid for. I don't care about all that crawl control nonsense. All of my offroad experience was in jeeps that didn't even know 2005 was a model year.

So for $5k or so, I can do a locker, compressor, rock rails, and a few other things, and have a supremely capable vehicle.

If you're going to purchase your Sport after the lease end, then you're better off modifying it. If you're going to turn the lease in and buy a brand new truck, get the TRD offroad.