Non-spec 2024 Tacoma's being delivered, be very careful

With Toyota and their distributors that obviously equip and distribute their vehicles to maximize profits, it can be difficult to figure out who is responsible for what. In fact, with this new truck, the "oval step/fake rock rails" are listed as a distributor installed option with an asterisk that it was actually installed at the factory. After now 5 GST supplied Toyotas, I wouldn't put anything past them. And kindly remember, the temp spare absolutely did not conform to their own spec's. (at least at that time). How many of us really want the $300 carpeted floor mats but are basically forced to buy them if we want a Tacoma? GST made that happen to me now 4 times. And GST certainly isn't just some distribution lot in Houston, just look at all the different "options" that they install. It's very extensive (no need to list here and bore all the readers). But yes, I do believe that the distribution network that Toyota agreed to or set-up is a substantial part of a why get frustrated with them. Feel free to disagree.

 

Think of some of those options as Distributor ordered options and accessories.

 

Exactly, they are distributor options, not customer options as Toyota would like you to think.

 

They should be build to order customer options. Instead they are distributor and dealer force fed options.

The whole pricing and buying process majorly sucks now. At least that is true for the Tacoma and 4Runner.

 

This BS would stop pretty quickly if people just stopped buying or taking delivery of these trucks with the unwanted accessories added. We’re the ones with the money. Don’t give it away for things you don’t want.

 

I definitely won’t be spending thousands on shit I don’t want.

 

Didn't we get reports this last year that Toyota was moving towards direct-to-consumer sales? If some form of that ever happens, I suppose we should assume that the distributor BS will be incorporated to pervert even a "direct" scheme.

 

Me neither. Are there any other industries trying to force people to spend thousands on extras they don’t want?

 

It won’t happen until distributor agreements expire and state laws are changed. In other words, never.

 

At least w/ Toyota, I think you're right.

 

i see nissans on the daily running down the interstate at 70+ with a doughnut.

 

Yes, we are all familiar with the Altima and Maxima road missiles.

 

The website still says full size for all trims.

 

They are probably trying to decide how specific they want to be for each trim. They sure aren't going to change it from "Full size spare" to "Shitty little spare".

 

I can almost excuse the donut on the SR since they are mostly bought by fleet customers, but not on the SR5 and up. And the "full size" spare on the Off Road, where it's the same O.D. but on a dainty little shaved down-looking temporary tire, is not acceptable. There is going to be drama when someone takes an Off Road ...off road... and punctures one of the BFG Trail Terrains, then immediately pops that "full size" temporary spare with 1mm of tread, then gets stranded.

If my '21 SR 4-cylinder can have a full size spare (I mean, yes, the wheel is a plain black steelie instead of a styled steel wheel and the tire is a Hankook DynaPro vs. a Firestone Destination, but at least everything is the same size), these new trucks that cost $20k more than mine did should, as well, and they should have enough clearance to fit a 33" all terrain underneath without melting the rubber on that resonator.

This is a huge oversight

 

Shown above is the 245/70-17 stowed underneath, also you can see there isn't an exhaust clearance problem.
Does it make any difference which side is up for the stowed spare? With this style of alloy wheel, stowed outside up at least gives you a flat surface for the chain bracket. With the outside down, the bracket does not have that (and the fitment seems wrong to me).
Next, I will post pics of a 265/70-17 stowed on the '24 SR5.

 

Above is a 265/70-17 in the stowed position. No problem with the OD (of about 31.5"), but the width (stowed height) looks maxed out to me. It's probably not a problem for street use, but I'm not so sure about the offroad clearance.

 

I think that’s the correct way to mount the spare. How much space is between the tire and exhaust? Would a 33” tire fit without touching? It’s strange that there is no heat shield.

 

I've seen varied opinions on orientation of the spare. Not sure if there is a right or wrong. I think either direction works in the end. Some prefer to have the valve stem pointing down (outside down) so the pressure can be checked without dropping the tire. I like outside up since it doesn't flop around as much raising or lowering it and getting it out from under the truck (unhooked from the chain) seems easier. It also makes me take it down from time to time so I know if the mechanism is bound up and needs a shot of WD-40.

 

State laws that were, as I recall, instituted because dealer networks, and manufacturers, wanted to smack down Tesla's plan to sell direct about a decade ago. I don't see that changing without bigger money investors, sorry, "lobbyists", paying for the change of law. A quick Google search shows a number of states instituting bans on direct to consumer sales just in the last year!