Akron's Finest

Hello. Name is Dan. I'm a Field Service Engineer out of Akron, Ohio. Back in May of 2021, I purchased my first truck, 2016 Toyota Tacoma. I've been eyeing this particular truck for many years and finally pulled the trigger. So glad I did,

The truck is a 2016 Tacoma, TRD Off-Road, 6 speed manual, short bed. The color is magnetic grey metallic. The day I bought it hadn't even been 24 hours of ownership and someone had sideswiped the rear corner bumper. They did a hit and run. Luckily I was able to buff some of it out although it is still visible. Some people, ugh. The next day, I was following the wife home and she kicked up a rock and chipped the windshield. Luckily for that, I was able to get it repaired. Rough start.

As soon as I bought the truck, I was obsessed with modifying it and making it my own. I started with a tri-fold, soft tonneau cover. Blackout Tacoma inserts for the tailgate. Blackout emblem covers. New OEM all weather floor mats. TRD Pro front grill swap with smoked white lights inserts. And the most recent addition of a Mt Shasta RTT with extended fly and annex mounted to a KB Voodoo bed rack.

Future upgrades and accessories remain to be seen but will include, wheels, tires and lift, for sure. I look forward to getting to know people on this site and can't wait to share our adventure stories. Thank you.

 

I was able to setup the tent over the weekend and do a test run in my front yard. All went well. We even got some rain and I didn’t notice any issues with water leaking. The setup took about 20 minutes. I spent some time making tweaks and installing the annex, it ended up being more like an hour. The annex has some sag with it and found there is a 6" extension piece on the top. I hope that taking this out will tighten the annex up a bit. It’s a pretty big learning curve for me and not having any help, I know that that time can easily be cut in half.

This weekend I will be doing my first camping trip down in Kimbolton, OH. Looking forward to it.

 

Here's some pics from last weekend's camping trip in Tappan Lake, Ohio...

 

I absolutely love the truck, looks like you’ve done some greag mods and really are making it your own! Beautiful rig.

 

Nice looking rig!
I grew up in akron when I was younger. Went to Barrett elem and kent jr high.

My folks live in dennison now. I was just up in July and roamed around Tappan lake when I was there.

 

Thank you.

 

Thanks. Yeah, been here all my life (well, grew up in Canal Fulton). My girlfriends parents are in Cadiz, Tappan is a convenient camping spot because they can watch our one year old at night.

 

Yea, cadiz. know exactly where its at.
I guess I shoulda said I always roam the backroads around tappan because thats really all there is to do around there.

There is a larger lake south of tappan, I believe. Dont know the name but it pops up on my gps when I drive up.

 

Peidmont lake maybe?

 

Setup my winter storage for the roof top tent.

 

Its the little things...

 

This was exciting too...




https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0O1g4XI4gU

 

Got some truck parts that arrived yesterday, question is when can I find the time to install them. They include...

• Prinsu Roof Rack
• CaliRaised LED Light Bar
• LED Light Bar Switch
• Phone Track Mount
• RAM Phone Mount and Accessories
• Mountain Hatch Smoke Black
• Some more patches

For you Fantasy Football guys and girls out there, I won my league for the first time in 10 years today, I might be adding a few more goodies. We shall see. Hint (Portable Generator)

 

Got my track mount and RAM mount installed.



Added a few more patches (kids love the patches).

 

Installed the Mountain Hatch. #slipperywhenwet

 

What do you think of the Blackstone grill? I got one for Xmas, haven’t had a chance to use it but twice so far.

 

It’s great. I use it all the time, not just camping. Recently bought an adapter hose for my 20# propane tank, suggest doing that.

 

I had a generic adapter hose and tried that out, griddle didn’t handle it well. I think the regulator kicked in. That hose screws into the propane tank opening rather than over the top of it, didn’t really seem right. Anyway I ended up buying the Blackstone adapter, just haven’t tried it yet.

Funny thing is that griddle (I said grill before oops) is so nice that I’d rather cook breakfast on it than inside the house on the stove. Eggs over easy on that thing are amazing. Pancakes too.

 

Truck is looking amazing! Awesome to see it as time went on with new mods. Definately gave me motivations for some mods.

 

I too cook on it just as much as I use my kitchen stove. Hibachi is my favorite. Get that Japanese BBQ sauce.