Reason 157 that I'm glad my forever truck is a base model

When I searched the interwebs for my first Tacoma a few years ago, my only requirements were "regular cab" because I needed a short truck to fit the bay in my old barn, "Manual Transmission" 'cause I'm old school, and "4WD" because I've become a bit of a prepper....and 4WD fits my plan for a SHTF moment.

What I didn't anticipate was that leading me to a base model so devoid of options that the fader on the radio doubles as a volume knob....as there aren't even rear speakers in this thing.

Honestly I don't miss high fidelity in this truck. It's a tool. I don't miss cruise control. Power windows and locks? Don't miss 'em either. Just a lot less things to tear up between now and when my wife sells the truck the day after they bury me.

SO....Reason 157 started when I was combat crawling under my mom's house checking some recent repairs she had done before she paid for them. All looked good. I shimmied under ducts and supports, plumbing, etc back to the access hatch in her utility room and pulled myself back into the light. 30 minutes later, dusted off and ready to roll I reached for my Taco keys and....they were gone.

Crap. I knew where they were immediately but I didn't want to be right. I looked on the floorboard, in the shifter boot, console, then inside to retrace my steps. Nothing. Finally bit the bullet, pulled up the access hatch and went back under the house. They were at the far corner hiding in the black plastic vapor barrier. Grabbed them and crawled back out. I turn 60 here shortly and I'm definitely getting too old for this S.

So...being at least half-a-prepper, time to get prepared for the day I lose my keys somewhere and CAN'T find them. Found a good spot. Got a magnetic box. Then I got online to find out what it was going to cost to get a key. Tom's keys online. Blank transponder key. Programmer rental. Key cut from picture service. Going to take well over $100 to get a spare....but WAIT....more research.....2012 4 cylinders sold in the U.S. market don't have transponder keys??????!!!!!

Long story....long story. $3 at Ace Hardware. Key works great.

 

But does your $3 key have a knife or maybe a ferro rod? You know for the SHTF scenario?

 

My poor man's 5 lug just has a plain ole key too.

I like it because I can pocket it (clipped inside) when kayaking, wade fishing or snorkeling and not fret about it getting wet.

 

there’s also

-hitchsafe
-locking cubbies in bed available for left and right side

More integrated into the truck and less likely to fall off than a magnetic box

 

No. I think my tactical shovel would be an upgrade over that for all purposes.

 

Agree. If you get a transponder key wet, it may or may not work for you. If you lose a non-transponder key in the water though? Best to have a backup plan.

 

Who doesnt love a murder spork

 

been there done that, left my favorite pair of gloves in the far corner of the crawlspace

the sigh i let out could be heard for miles

 

Thanks, now I know who's truck I can easily boost when the apocalypse comes

 

When I was reading old threads on which trucks had transponders and which didn’t, they all had an element of “I’d rather not have a transponder” vs “I’d rather my truck not get stolen.”

In the town I’ve lived in for the last 25 years, I’ve never heard of any car being stolen. Way too dangerous to attempt as we are all so heavily armed.

 

When we lived in a small town in southern Illinois, I didn't even shut my truck off when I went into Circle K to get a drink. I've replaced too many starters over the years. I'd rather burn the gas.
Yes, a nice, safe, small town.