What do you do first to your new truck?

Just little pieces of plastic and double-sided tape that keep the tag lights from shining directly into the backup camera at night and throwing off the ISO setting. You'll probably notice that the backup camera appears "snowy" at night but if you turn off your headlights it looks a lot better. It's the tag lights. Couple bucks, or even a couple strips of black duct tape pretty much fixes an "only annoying once some asshole on Tacoma World points it out" design flaw.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/3rd-gen-cheap-easy-license-plate-light-glare-fix.739648/

 

Man, sounds like you were ready to go with the new truck - got it well outfitted. How do you like your Leer 122? And are you happy with the rokblokz flaps?

 

Thanks. Someone mentioned it but I’m still trying to understand if I need it here in the desert in AZ?

 

I do it randomly here and there. But definitely not absolutely necessary imo.

 

What did you change yours to? I’ve seen a couple folks mentioned swapping them out.

 

Super cool and useful, thanks. I have so many questions Lol How hard was it to replace the side bed decals? Concerned about getting the originals off and getting the new ones on in the right position and straight.

Also, I’ve seen the AC drain tube fix mentioned in forums. Is that something I can get a mechanic/shop to do? I’m admittedly not handy at all.

And finally, are you happy with your bike mounts? I’ve started researching options. My wife has a Townie cruiser-type e-bike that’s heavier/thicker than my basic hybrid bike, so that’s a primary factor. I’m getting a long bed and like the idea of using the bed to haul the bikes, but especially since this is my first truck, I haven’t figured out how that will work.

 

Not who you asked, but, there's several aftermarket options. I went with these: https://www.ajtdesign-llc.com/online-store/Radio-Knobs-2020-Tacoma-V1-BLACK-p374711787

I've seen a few people buy a set from a Rav4 that definitely had that OEM look without being miserable to use.

 

Before I took them off, I took close-up photos of the factory stickers, and also put a strip of painters tape around them, right up against their edges.

Then, with a regular hair dryer, I simply heated them up quite a bit and slooooowly/caaaaarefully pulled them off.

A little Goo-Gone and a thorough wash later, and the new stickers were ready to go on.

Putting them on was a little nerve-wracking because I wanted them to be perfectly aligned and in the exact same positions; I went slowly, used the tape as guides, and it all worked out to my satisfaction.

Probably? It’s fairly easy, personally: you zip-tie the existing factory hose to one side of an aluminum coupling, then zip-tie the other supplied hose to the other side of the coupling … boom, you're practically done. From there, send that lengthened hose down under the truck, zip-tie it to something, then cut it so it’s not hanging too far towards the ground.

Honestly, the toughest part was getting on the step ladder and reaching down into the engine bay.

These mounts are wonderful and definitely my preferred way to carry a couple of bikes; but I understand it’s very subjective/situational.

I’m not sure if they’d work for the bike you mentioned, especially if the spots these mounts grab onto are an uncommonly thick diameter tube?

 

Awesome, thanks for all the info, appreciate your time. Good call about the rack - need to check where the mounts grab and the wife’s bike’s tube diameter.

 

What tune did you do? I know nothing about tunes. I’ll have an AT and have heard about KDMax but really am admittedly ignorant when it comes to the subject.

 

Meant to ask, what tune did you do? I’m a total novice about tunes, just starting to read about them.

 

I did KDMAX, you can find everything you need on page 1 as they do update the first post. Do read through the entire thread if you want but it's just amazing.
KDMAX-PRO+XT Tune by @PapaRee and @TWtaco | Tacoma World

I currently have the KMDAX Pro but soon will be updating to KDMAX Pro+XT.

 

I went with the KD Max tune, sport mode. Couldn’t be happier. There was a tuner not too far from me so we met up and got it done. They have a updated version now that I’m going to try called the “XT”… Honestly I hated this truck right off the lot. No low end torque. I drove v-8’s most of my life so I wasn’t used to this v-6. The tune fixed that and I love driving it now. Hope this helps…p.s., read the tune threads on here and educate yourself before committing to any tune. There’s lots of good tunes out there. Good luck!

 

Le sigh... I wish the closest tuner to me wasnt six hours away. I would sure consider it

 

First thing for me before any contaminates get on the paint is ceramic coating.

Wash with heavy auto detergent
Clay bar (you'd be surprised how rough paint is brand new)
Polish with ceramic primer
2-3 layers for good quality ceramic coating

Boom, solid, pristine paint for at least 2 years.

 

Really helpful, thanks. There’s a KDMax authorized place pretty convenient to me. How much did the tune cost, if you don’t mind my asking? I have no concept of the cost.

 

That definitely helps, thanks. How much did your tune set you back? And how much will the new update be? I have no sense of cost, so pardon my asking. I’m definitely going to read more, for sure, and I’ll be interested to see how I feel driving the new truck off the lot. I’m coming from a decade-old Forester, not V8s so that’s a different perspective Lol

 

Contact the tuner near you, I'm in Canada so it's different than the majority of you guys in the states. Either way though it was the best thing ever

 

I think it ranges between $350-400 depending on the tuner. Updates should only be $50-75 if that. With the KD max pro “xt” you shouldn’t need an update for awhile I imagine. It’s nice they are constantly tweaking these tunes and making them better. I’m happy with my tune now but I’ll always be curious with the updates, anything to make these trucks drive better. Its by far the best thing I’ve done so far.

 

First thing I did (as I do with all my new vehicles)...carwash, clay bar, a few coats of ceramic coating.

Then a I drove it for a few days to figure out what I would want/need. The Vehicle OCD glove box & center console organizer was a must, it makes those spaces so much more organized & functional. I also found the OEM radio knobs are kinda awful...so I just ordered a set of the TACOMODS backlit aluminum radio knobs.