2021 Tacoma Off Road stock or self-upgrade?

hey everyone!

I'm brand new to the forum. I've seen a lot of great info on here over the years and stoked to be getting back into a Tacoma again. I'm coming off of a 2017 Ram Pro Master van build that's almost done and ready to sell, and being that it's ski season I'm looking into a new truck.

EDIT* : I'm a cinematographer and filmmaker in real life and do a lot of recreating and shooting in the backcountry and far-away places. Not serious off-roading but definitely getting amongst it.

I have one main question that might answer most of the subsequent questions so I'll start there first:

I'll start by saying that while I'm not at all mechanically inclined, I do have access to a friend's shop with a lift and tools, and a good knowledge resource. I didn't grow up with the mechanical influence and am just kinda picking up some slack. That being said, I'm going to end up paying for shop time either way, so factor that in here.

QUESTION: I already have a deposit on an incoming TRD Off Road 6 foot bed Crew cab. I'm trying to re-create the van-style comforts in a light weight truck bed camper similar to a Four Wheel Camper Fleet. I know there has to be a leaf spring upgrade and rear airbags added to accommodate the load, which I think can be just added to stock components (right?)- BUT I want to get that more aggressive/ leveled look with a 2" or so lift and big AT/Snow tires. I'd like to avoid cutting the bumpers for now to accommodate tires if possible and safe. I've heard spacer kits are kinda whack and dangerous, and suspension lifts are pricey. The TRD Off Road comes with "upgraded" suspension but should I pay the extra for this trim package if I'm just going to have to replace it to get the lift/ payload/ tires I'm looking for? Would it be wiser to get an SR5 and do the "Off Road" package upgrades?

Thanks for bearing with me on this long post... really appreciate any sound insight on this.

 

The off road also comes with a rear locker, crawl control, atrac traction control. If you need those, get the off road. If you don’t, then get the sr5.

I just came back from snow and got stuck. Locked the rear diff and used the atrac and got unstuck. So I’m happy I went with the off road

 

Good call and solid points- not sure if you're the guy to ask but would I be able to upgrade the SR5 to include those features as well (cost-effectively)?

 

Not to sure if you can add the atrac traction control and crawl control. (Doubt it but could be wrong)

but you can add a rear locker into the truck and from what I remember seeing here, it will run you 2k for parts and labor.

 

Much appreciated. If I go forward, I'm hoping to have the dealership throw on the tires before I pick it up, but I'm wondering if I need to lift/ upgrade anything to get the tire size I want. Feel free to direct me to any threads you think cover this already-- thanks again!

 

Many different suspension upgrades you can do, depending on your budget. some people buy the bilstien 5100’s with emu springs and are happy. You will get about 2inch lift in the front. Rear leaf springs you can put a add a leaf and get about 1.5”-2” lift. Seems to be the “cheapest” proper way to go.

I have bilstien 6112/5160 on my truck with icon add a leaf in the rear and it’s ok. I like it because I got it 2nd hand and cost me $600 total. If I had to buy new, I would of went with the bilstien 5100’s. They are a great choice for the type of driving I do. Mostly fire roads with a very small amount of rocks.

or you can spend 2-3k and get kings, icons, fox coil overs....but that’s a little to much for me. I’m sure they are great though. For snow I think they might be overkill.

 

Awesome, thanks a ton. I went down a thread hole for a bit there. I think I'll go with pretty much what you recommended (and others) with the 5100's and Emu springs (it looks like the 5100 kit doesn't come with springs). Sounds like I should wait to get tires until I have the 5100's and leaf springs so I can get what I want- thinking 285/75/16 for biggest axle lift if I'm understanding that correctly. Which Emu Springs do you recommend in line with this setup?

I'll check the Four Wheel Camper site to see what they recommend for add-a-leaf and airbag to accommodate their campers.

Thanks again!

 

more is always better ............provides a bit of head room as a factor

th OFF ROAD Stock will more than likely meet 99% of UR needs

if U scout terrain

wouldnt start mods unless U KNOW U need em

saves complicated circumstances later on

 

Thanks man, I appreciate the feedback. I'm not a hardcore over-lander or off-roader at all, but do get out there on a regular basis. I just want to get 33" tires on my truck (undecided on if that will require a new bumper(s)), a flatbed/ cargo-side mod, and have the appropriate suspension/leaf springs to hold the lightweight camper and gear.

Any feedback related to those aftermarket mods would be appreciated!

 

Welcome to TacomaWorld

 

Welcome to TW!

 

You cannot add ATRAC or crawl control "cost effectively." The brake system on the OR is hydraulic boosted instead of vacuum boosted to accommodate these things. It is a very different system.

A word of caution about 33" tires, lifts, etc...if you are going to have a considerable amount of weight and want to be able to drive the thing, dont go bigger than 265/75R16, which is 31.7" (32). Anything bigger will likely require a regear ($2k if you DIY) to be able to live with the truck. These things are not meant to haul a ton of weight regularly.

If I were you, I would seriously consider an F150 or Tundra, which would be about the same price but significantly more comfortable for driving and sleeping in, and better able to handle the weight.

Edit- I just realized you want a slide in camper. I was thinking a mattress under a bed topper. You will be at or over GVWR with the EMPTY truck bed camper.

 

A tacoma really isn't the pick for a slide in camper. If I were you I'd get a comfy raised topper and build a living area in the bed. For offroad I'd shy away from larger rigs as I've found tons of areas a full size will not fit.
Again if you not mechanically inclined all these mods can add up real quick to cost. I would run a 265/75/16 with a lift and a cap for photography work. Go to big and that adds a regear to the cost.
I've done some crazy trails in my manual xterra with proper tire placement and being careful. Nothing rubicon level, but places you think you wouldn't be able to go.
Not trying to discourage you, but the midsize truck shave limits that full size will blow past. But some important advantages.

 

You're probably thinking of the regular, big RV style slide-ins. I'm looking for a slide-in like Four Wheel Camper Fleet or Swift edition (made specifically for the Tacoma), or a number of other cool camper manufacturers like Kimbo, etc. I appreciate your suggestions but I know my personal needs and wants after having a van for 3 years and needing more capability for access and reliability on the road. I appreciate the tire info, although it seems nobody can agree on 33" tires working without rubbing/ re-gearing or not.

 

I gotcha really don't think you can go wrong. If your nervous about getting places 265/75/15 is plenty big for almost anything offroad. Just remember that your gonna lose power the larger size you go.
Offroad has the locker, but SR5 is cheaper. Really coolant go wrong either way.

 

Welcome to TW!

 

Welcome!

 

Even a FWC Fleet it will be pretty tough to stay under GVWR if that is important to you. A '21 Double Cab Long Bed TRD Off-Road has an advertised payload capacity (people plus cargo) of 1105 pounds, which ends up being an actual capacity of 940 pounds when you look at the sticker on the door. The Shell Model of the FWC Fleet starts at 810 pounds with no options and is well over 1,000 pounds for other layouts.