What Have You Done To Your 3rd Gen Today?

Bedside decal removal and install of new decals.

https://youtu.be/ACSQbbgCGm8

 

Hood wrapped

 

Looks great, what what a clean engine compartment!

 

Are those tires noisy on the road just looking at the threads on them.

 

If you are looking for a bit of security, and to keep some items out of the weather, you will not regret getting a tonneau cover. Depending on how much you spend, you will get a lot of security or just a little. I find just keeping things out of view from people walking buy is enough. But I don't generally leave my truck unattended for extended periods of time. If you plan on parking and then hiking for a long time and coming back to the truck, you might want to consider a more robust tonneau, such as the diamond plate ones that many folks here have.

This is just limited to my experience so take it for what it is worth. On my old 2005, I did not have any cover on the bed. That was a challenge for two reasons: 1) People could see what was in the bed of the truck and grab something quickly (although that never happened, but then again I don't leave my truck unattended for long periods of time) and 2) You get rain, leaves, etc. in the bed so you are constantly cleaning it out. We mostly do short hikes so it wasn't a problem.

When I got the new truck I got the Extang tonneau (very similar to OEM) installed on the 2020 TRD OR. Like many of the tonneau covers it folds in thirds. The challenge is that when you fold it all the way up, you are still losing easy access to 1/3 of your short bed, if that makes sense. In its folded position the tonneau is blocking a third of the bed. It is kind of a pain in the rear because you can't grab things from the side and if you want something at the front of the bed, you have to crawl in and then pull it back. I now have a hockey stick to pull things closer to me so I can get them out of the bed. Plus if you have the bed mat, they don't slide easily. Plus taking the tonneau off entirely is a pain in the rear.

Had a had to do it all over again, and since I don't need maximum security as much as a simple cover, I would have done one of two things:

1) Bought one of those Gator covers that rolls all the way up (they generally attach with Velcro). That way if I needed the full bed I could just roll it into a bundle. Or

2) I would have looked at a soft topper. I wouldn't do the Back Flip, even though it is nice, because I carry a lot of stuff that sits higher than the tonneau (wood, etc.).

Keep in mind, that is just me and my needs but I wanted to share that to give you some food for thought. It really comes down to how do you use your bed and how much security do you want or need?

Hope that is of some use ...

 

I hear you well my friend.
I love my Trifecta as I have a bed divider which makes it easy to slide and get things out or hold things to the back or front.
The cover like you mentioned keeps the bed clean of leaves, snow etc etc.
My cover flips back very easily but does not go all the way only two panels can be flipped but that's ok for me.
I do not camp so not reason to feel like anyone can break into the back of the truck as I am mostly in the city and the tail gate locks and further more I have alarm systems that would go off if anyone touches or tugs at the truck.
So they have their pros and cons.
But over all they do their jobs and make the Tacomas look great too.
It also saves on gas as you do not have the drag of the tail gate.

 

DDI seat jackers. Massive improvement, especially if you’re over 6 feet tall.

 

No regrets on my Diamondback. Super secure, easy access to all of the bed, easy to remove panels when needed, can load on top of it and my favorite are the mounts on the cover to store tools and such.

 

i kinda like how that looks. did you do it yourself, or did you pay someone?

 

Today I finally got around to mounting my shovel and pulaski using the bed rail mounts from Relentless Fab.

 

Nice! How much is something like that? I assume you had it done? It would be nice for glare on my white hood.

 

this is from that link.

 

I'm running Falken Wildpeak AT3Ws in 265x75R16 size and they are only just slightly louder then the Michelin ATs I used to use in stock size. These tires are great looking, very aggressive, but not loud at all, I was completely shocked that they were as quiet as they are I must say. The only time I have noticed them being more then just slightly louder then the Michelin's is when the road is wet or when I am cornering at higher speeds like a really winding country road with a high speed limit. I highly recommend these tires! I've only had them for 2 weeks though so I can't say anything about long term wear but I have had multiple mechanics tell me they love these tires because they last so long. Just my .02

Chad

 

Hi
I had someone do it. Satin Black with custom decal/sticker location.

 

So I sold my 3rd gen a month ago and picked up a 2nd gen around 2 weeks ago. Still watching 3rd gen threads while posting on 2nd gen threads. Just wanted to post a comparison of the old 2016 to the "new" 2012. Already did the nerfs, T4R 17" wheels, tool box, vent visors and Clazzios to the 2012. A fun budget build this time around. Gotta love that oil filter on top of the 4.0. Around $15k invested. Oh I nearly forgot. Got tired of 2 weeks of daily searching for a 2nd gen meso dome so, being impatient, I broke up my 3rd gen dome and used the inners with my 2nd gen stock housing. Damaged a few leds, and had to do a solder repair, but I got me a damn meso dome in my 2nd gen. Pictures will be added after dark. Looks like a crossword puzzle in the daylight. Still better than a stock yellowish dome bulb.

 

I see. The person I originally asked about this said theirs came stamped but had to remove plate in photo. Ill just get the OEM one or look at a company like Victory 4x4 prices are similar.

 

$300. Yes, local sign/truck wrap

 

I added the 2nd wind deflector for two reasons.

1 - help reduce wind drag of the gun case
2 - reduce noise

I'm working on a full size one now. Its all made out of plastic so the weight is minimal.

 

Some use? Hell that is some great feedback. Thanks man. I should have got a dang 4Runner instead though. I KID!!!

This is our camping truck, grocery getter, football practice and weekend trip truck. Only worry about theft when we stay at hotels which is quite rare. More worried about dust, sand and rain on my generator and items like that for extended trips out west or beach.

So far I’m leaning towards a model that is easy to remove if I go this route.

Thanks again guys.