Help me upgrade my Tacoma

Hey everyone, I know you probably get tired of these threads, but I could use some help deciding what to upgrade on my truck. I have a 2019 TRDOR DCSB, currently at 13k miles. I bought the truck to be my daily driver and to allow me to get out and explore a bit and take the kids camping. So far, I've only put on a bed rack and Tepui RTT. Most of my time is spent commuting to work and back, so whatever I upgrade will need to keep road manners as close to stock as possible. I do mostly desert road exploring, no hard core crawling. I do have dreams of the typical overlanding stuff, with some plans to do some back country discovery routes/ pony express type trails. Important to me is reliability, functional improvement, and obviously I like it to look cool.

Help me decide what my priority should be with upgrades, looking to spend 2.5-4k or so. No real set amount, but I can't justify spending a ton just for the sake of cool looks.

Here are thoughts on commonly upgraded stuff:
-protection-- I just ordered some rock sliders from Caliraised the other day, so they don't count toward the total amount

-skid plates- I don't think I've even dented up the stock OR skids yet, so I haven't put a ton of thought into upgraded skids

-front bumper- I like the looks of some of the hybrid bumpers, but honestly don't think they're worth the $1500 or so they all charge (and side rant-- why is it that none come powder coated, just sell me a finished product for a set price, don't quote a price and then need to add $400 to get it usable). Again, the off roading I've done doesn't seem to be limited by approach/departure angles, but I do like the looks and functionality of improved angles. Maybe something like the SSO slimline that would allow me to mount a winch?

-rear bumper- for the same reasons as above- I think they look cool but I'm not sure departure angle is really a limiting factor for me so I'm not sure I can justify the price and extra weight for what would really be mostly an improvement in looks

-tires- still using the stocks. They are smooth and quiet on road and get good mpg (important to me). If recommending upgrading tires, what would you recommend that would keep good road manners and mpg while improving off road ability? I live in Vegas so snow capability is not a huge concern for me.

-wheels- I have the stock wheels plasti-dipped and think they look fine. Unless aftermarket wheels offer some improvement, I probably wouldn't be too interested in upgrading just for looks

-recovery stuff: I'll probably get maxtracks and some tow straps, and likely a winch (Harbor Freight seems to get better reviews than expected and I likely won't need to use the winch much if at all) if I get something like the SSO slimline bumper

-interior- I currently have cloth seats, so I will probably get Clazzio seat covers

-suspension- honestly it seems like a big black box to me-- so many different options that I don't really understand. I think the stock suspension ride is fine and I haven't felt like that has limited me off road. I wouldn't install any suspension I get myself, so would need to factor installation as well.

What I am leaning toward right now is:
1) clazzio seat covers - $500
2) smaller things like Maxtrax, anytime backup camera
3) ??

-thinking maybe tires and suspension? I'm a little hesitant with that because if I end up getting bumpers later the suspension would likely be inadequate then
-or maybe something like SSO slimline + winch

What are your thoughts? I love the looks of the Tacomas posted here, but I would also like whatever I put on to improve function. Thanks in advance.

 

Simple answer:

Your vehicle is a tool. A tool must do a job. Only enhance what is needed to do the actual job the truck will actually be doing. My advice? Don’t get a bumper or skid or whatever else that looks cool until you start having clearance issues on trails. 98% of them out there have never even been scuffed in the slightest. Just driven to work daily.

Don’t dump $20k into a depreciating asset that you’ll sell soon. Only enhance function when the truck falls short.

It’s not popular advice, but you can always waste money to look cool for the other boys like everyone else. Peace.

 

/thread

 

You’re already starting out with a great truck,...not even broke in yet. You’re swimming in your thoughts of too many ‘maybe I should have this or that’,...you should just get out there and stumble on “I really need this or that”. We’re all individuals with our own needs and wants but until you get out there, you’re just guessing. You’ve probably done the camping thing with tents, camp stoves, tarps and food cooler with thawed out burgers and food stuff sloshing around in melted ice water. There’s a need to wire in a solar assist duel battery, fridge/freezer and if you usually spend at least a couple days or more out there, how bout a water tank and a hand held shower nozzle and some kind of privacy curtains. Heck, you guys also have those SEMA shows that feature all these things. Go tour one. Good luck

 

This man is singing my song.

I'll add a verse.

Driver skill, basic recovery gear and knowing how to use it.

The only purchase I'd consider for the truck out of the gate may be a better tire than they come with. Just a smidge larger. On OE wheels, no lifting, cutting, rubbing.

 

No need for wheels. I personally went with 1 size up tire (forget exact numbers) but I live in a very rainy state and wanted a more Offroad oriented tire that reviewed great for rain and could handle my trips through frozen passes. Cooper AT3 4S.

I don't have a lift until I eventually get bumpers figured out (still need to design a custom solution for BSM). And I'm fine with stock suspension so far with the extra weight from full steel skidplate, sliders, and the heaviest tonneau available. But I haven't fully loaded it for camping and a rtt yet. Probably going to abuse the stock set with all the extra bumper weight too. Will fix if it becomes an issue on trails, steel skidplate can do its job for now. And if you get a skidplate, spend the extra $50 or so to do the exhaust reroute.

I second getting recovery stuff first, $300 or so on Amazon. If your going to get a sub$400 air compressor, just get 2 cheap ones (I got a $40 something and a highly recommended $80 one). Two is one, one is none when your dealing with shit that has duty cycles.

Anytime backup camera is great, get the front camera too, also get a fuse box for the hood. Also get the extended meso inside fuse box extended cover. Also his key fob is great. Wire the camera in a way that won't drain your battery in a couple weeks, ask me how I know...

Also the $100 remote start is fantastic to have, but probably doesn't matter for your climate. (but probably nice if your in your RTT and want to top up the battery or something).

Someone here sells cubby organizers (center console and under rear seats), also great.

Someone also sells phone mounts above radio, really clever system. Best single mod I've done, have a $50 auto clamping wireless charging phone holder hooked up to it.

I did a full tint of 3m crystal something.

My clazzio have been attached in the back seats for like 6 months now. I'd have the front done but haven't gotten around to wiring the heated seat pads yet.

Oh, also got a hood sticker that takes care of the godawful sun glare.

I haven't done anything for looks (except raptor lights for $30) that also didn't fix an actual problem or satisfy some other criteria. The $$$ adds up quick though lol. Have fun, don't let people talk you into getting a king suspension setup immediately.

 

What he said and get new tires then what came on the truck. Stock tires on 3rd gens really do stink. Don’t need to get mudders but just a good all terrain tire.

 

I agree with what's been said here, but I'd still do wheels and tires. Tires because as what was mentioned, the stock ones aren't so hot. And wheels because a nice set of wheels can make these trucks look just sexy.

 

This is some of the best advise you will ever get. I used to be in the business and I can't tell you how many times I watched people put useless garbage on their vehicles because they thought it would be cool to have. What you should be do is to drive your truck for at least six months and then evaluate what you could have used for the way you use your truck.

I mentioned driving it for six months, but I believe it should be used in stock form for a full four seasons as that will give you a better idea of what you might need to do. Quit worrying about what others are telling you. For instance, you mentioned that you are using it as a commuter and in reality for that role the stock tires work just fine. I recently picked up a '21 TRD AC LB OR and while I will eventually change out the tires for something more suitable for off road use, right now my intention is to wear out the tires that came on the truck as I have no interest in spending another thousand dollars on tires I really don't need at this moment. As far as I am concerned I like the stock rims well enough so I have zero intention of changing them out. Why dump another grand + into rims just so you can profile around town?

I do a lot of fire road/desert traveling in my self converted GMC 1 ton camper van and I have yet to get stuck. If the road looks like it is going to be a problem, I resist the urge to test it out and go in another direction. Even at that, I have been on some sketchy tracks and with aired down street tires I have yet to have a problem even though my van is only rear wheel drive.

On a mountain high above Cody WY



Mexico

 

For a start, Sliders and a Diamondback cover.

 

Thanks for the replies everyone, very helpful.

Just to clarify a couple things; I've owned the truck for about 15 months now, so it isn't exactly upgrading something brand new to me. Part of the reason I'm looking at some upgrades is that my 40th is coming up and I'm having trouble thinking of anything to ask for, which is frustrating for my wife so she suggested a 'pimp my ride' for the Tacoma. I agree that it's a very capable truck stock and doesn't NEED anything for my needs-- mostly this is for fun. But I would like anything I add to be functional rather than JUST looking cool. Don't get me wrong, I would also like my truck to look cool, I'm just really cheap and have a tough time trying to justify spending big bucks on something that is just for looks.

I've been reading a bit on some recommended suspension items. I definitely don't need a big dollar upgrade for what my purposes, but it seems like a lot of people like the 5100s as an upgrade over stock. Seems like that might be a reasonable upgrade in ride quality and capability without spending money just for the sake of spending money. What are your thoughts on something like that as an upgrade over stock option without going full bore into it? And how much would I need to expect to pay to get something along those lines and have it installed?

Regarding tires, any specific suggestions for one that will be quiet on road without too big of a mpg hit that will improve off-road ability?

As far as accessories, I like those ideas and had already planned on adding a compressor. I hadn't thought of a decent lift, that's a great idea.

Thanks again for the suggestions, it's very helpful.

 

https://www.4wheelparts.com/p/arb-o...-OMETAC16HKSB?ppcfon=1&gp=1&textlink=13274347

 

Id definitely do tires first as it will help with grip and can give you better ground clearance if you go up in size. if you want to go bigger though, id then recommend a lift to clear them. I use Falken Wildpeaks AT3W and they are amazing and really decently priced.

 

I concur with this. I really wanted to do a lift (and may still) but after installing some 265/75/16 Wildpeak AT3s that urge has toned down quite a bit. These tires are great and change the look of the truck. I suggest you look at them in person as pictures do not do them a justice.

 

https://www.ford.com/trucks/f150

 

fixed