What do you do first to your new truck?

I started with things to protect the truck:
Professional ceramic coating for the paint, side steps that protect from door dings, mudflaps to keep from slinging gravel up the side of the truck

 

For some reason...paying a loan off quickly seems to be satisfying to some.

I got a 1.8% for 60 months on a $35K Loan and the amortization listed $1750+ or thereabouts calculated into the loan.

Why is having a note with monthly payments of about $600 a bad thing?

It isn't. Especially when there is no penalty for early payoff.

But apparently, paying it off early seems to be the thing to do...and then announce the accomplishment as if it's the best decision ever?

To each their own...just don't gloat about a preference.

 

RCI sliders first on a 2022 OR.

 

There are a lot of YouTube videos on it. Since your truck is new, you shouldn’t have to polish. You just wash your truck with car soap mixed with dish soap to get all the waxes and oil off, then apply the coating. Couple drops on the pad and go side to side, then up and down. Let it “flash”. meaning it will look like oil on water. That rainbow color…then just wipe it off with a microfiber towel.

I applied 2 coats on my cars and it looks great and protect the paint for a long time. I apply it on the plastic trim on the outside as well. Gives it a nice rich deep look for a long time.

 

GET BIGGER, BETTER TIRES!

 

#1 thing to do is cosmoline a new rig. Messy but once it’s done it’s done. This deserves its own line item.

Here is my list of must haves on the Tacoma. Not a major dollar or time commitment

Window tint
Good floor mats or protectors
OEM bed mat (look for a sale)
OEM tailgate lock kit (truck should have come with it)
OEM bed lighting kit (inexpensive and easy to install)
Bed stiffners (provides extra tie down point)
Third key
Recovery strap and anchor for receiver hitch

the nice to haves are just that. See what you need first as others have said.
Nice to haves
Sliders of your choice (rockers are easily damaged)
Better skids
Better tires
Wheels for cosmetics
Dual batteries
Topper

 

I had a pro do mine because I didn’t feel confident and they also to removed swirls added by the dealer. Ceramic coating is a semi-permanent coating and whatever swirls or imperfections that are on there are now covered. A car is not really perfect anymore once it leaves the factory so I’d bet there is some polishing that needs to be done. You also need an indoor well lit environment to do a good job. For $1000 for someone else to do it with warranty it was a no brainer.

 

Pro grill
Sound deadening/thermal insulation
High quality battery
Behind rear seat molle rack
Extra tie down points in the bed

Those are the things I would find to be a requirement.

 

Pay it off.

 

^ This, drive it like you stole it and she will let you know that she needs.

 

Throw a handful of hard candy in the back to keep it sweet!

 

Nice list. Truck comes with bed mat and floor protectors.

Cosmoline is rust protection, yes? I live in AZ in the desert, so not sure if I need that.

Maybe a dumb question, but are you talking about a remote lock kit? I’m new to trucks - unclear what kind of lock the truck comes with versus what’s available. I’ll want a tonneau cover and the ability to lock that. Will I be able to do that with how the truck come stock or do I need to get something installed?

 

Nice. What do you do for extra tie down points in the bed? New to trucks, and not sure what it will come with or what can be added and how to do that, so forgive the basic question.

 

I hear you on this. Especially having not done much detailing, and having never done anything at all like ceramic coating, I’m definitely leaning toward paying a professional to do it.

 

a rtt and 30 lights in the bumper oh and a snorkel

 

I 2nd this. Instant lift, better grip.

 

I’m not planning to do much real off-roading, mostly just rocky dirt roads that get washed out and forest service roads type stuff. But I’ve been thinking about getting side rails/bars/steps, so maybe rock sliders would serve that purpose too?

 

Thx. I meant the remote tailgate lock kit. That locks the tailgate with the fob or button in the cab. I was on the fence too...but now that I have it I cant imagine not.

Re: cosmoline, I live in California and I don't 'need it' but I am glad I cosmolined the blazes out of the Tacoma. one could argue in dry states you dont, but the Toyota coatings are so poor I just feel better knowing it is done. And this is one to not wait on- Cosmoline only works with new clean metal.

Even in dry states, without cosmoline you will see some surgace rust here and there within a short period of time. it wont kill your truck but I dont wanr that.

 

Ordered 4 from a Dodge Sprinter van. Part number is 05170492AA. You remove the bed bolts one at a time, add the tie down, and then put the bolt back in and torque. They fit perfectly when folded down.

 

I’ve been thinking about using cosmoline or fluid film. Did you follow a tutorial or anything?