TRD Pro Build. Slowly but Surely!

CURRENT:

So far:
Level kit
285/75r16 BFG KO2
Morimoto elite HID 55w kit
RCI bed rack
Maxtrax
Smittybilt Overlander RTT


Pretty much since I could drive I have admired the Toyota tacomas. I drove a dodge 1500 for a very long time while working construction, moved on to a Volvo when I joined the military, and just couldn't shake that truck fever, so I had to do it, I had to get a Tacoma....finally.
When I came back from deployment in December 17' I decided it was time and purchased a 2017 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro in cement as it was such a unique color.
Fell in love with this thing from the beginning, the dealer didn't really have to sell me on it.

Fast forward to now and I have taken this truck so many places, on trails that I didn't think a stock TRD Pro could go, but man did I underestimate this truck.

So on with the build! The time has come to upgrade to suit my needs as far as my demands when it comes to offroading and overland/trail camping. I started with researching what would best suit not only the look I was going for but the most practical parts I would need, so I decided on the follow for my first go.

Smittybilt overlander RTT
RCI modular bed rack
285/75r/16 BFG A/T KO2 tires
2x Maxtrax (even though not a mod to the truck)

Now I know the 285's are probably not the most practical starting out, as some people say they tend to rub at full compression or locking out the steering. While this may be true, I do not have any intense trails planned in my near future, and they will provide better traction when aired down on beaches, or soft dune areas, and are definitely an upgrade from the stock "all-terrain" tires that come with the TRD Pro.

The smittybilt overlander RTT was such a steal I couldn't say no, especially for my first RTT experience, which I snagged for 700$ after shipping. Although im sure there are quality differences between the lower end smittybilt and say ARB's or CVT RTT's, for the money and reviews ive read, I figured this was a great place to start, especially since it is just my girlfriend and I.

The RCI modular bed rack was what I went with for a rack as I felt it provided what I needed as far as mounting capabilities, aesthetics, and quality of materials. The folks at RCI are very nice, and the quality of the product from what ive seen and heard is A1. Pair that with a price point of $722 after shipping, and you got me. An added bonus was that it comes powder coated for no additional cost. I went with the steel rack for now, but if weight proves to be an issue then I may switch in the future.

I really did not want to mess with the suspension on the TRD Pro as its really designed and tuned for this specific model. With great suspension like the fox suspension Toyota provides as stock it would really be a shame, especially even if it were to be spacers, as I really intend to use this thing for what it was designed for, which is offroading. Possibly down the line, when I step up and start doing more difficult trails that involve a little bit more clearance I may consider upgrading the suspension for another set of Fox's or another viable option but for now that is tabled.

 

Update:
Today I had 285/75r16 BFG KO2’s thrown on and lemme just say damn! I will need to shape front WW but not much just to compensate for when fully compressed. RTT and rack arrive soon!

 

Looking good, can't wait to get mine. So no rub on those 285's? Still on the fence with pulling the trigger on those.

 

Same here. They look awesome, but don't want to have to do chop the cab mount or anything like that. Did the alignment afterwards have any issues?

 

No rub on normal terrain, only time I felt/heard it was on my recent camping trip when I was turned and at full compression. No can mount chop would be required, only cutting or remolding of the front wheel well plastic as that’s the only place it rubs. Other than that they’re awesome!

 

pictures look amazing! Can't wait to get my trd pro!

 

Put a level on the front end to cut out some rubbing, much better with the front end raised a bit.

 

RTT and rack came in, got them installed very easy. Want to thank the guys at RCI for making such a great quality mid rack for the Tacoma, installation was insanely easy and took me no time at all. The Smittybilt Overlander RTT seems like great quality and was also a breeze to install. I thought it would be more difficult getting it on there by myself but it really was not bad.

Not picture are my maxtrax that I’ve mounted to the side of the rack using just some bolts washers and nuts I picked up at the Home Depot.

 

how does the back end feel with the RTT and the stock rear suspension? Looking good so far!

 

nice

 

It sags a bit and sits lower, but overall not bad.

 

Did your mpg drop drastically? What about wind noise?

 

MPG did drop, but i wasnt worried about that, just wanted a better rig for camping. I always carry extra fuel anyways. wind noise not bad, no noticable changes.

 

Truck looks good! Nice motivation for a fellow cement owner.

 

Good looking Pro, cant wait to see more pictures.

 

Bout to throw an AAL on the rear and mount the tent full time.

 

Looking good. Love the tires, but worry about rubbing with the PRO suspension.

 

I threw a spacer on and I have zero rub at full compression with wheel turned. They barely rubbed without the spacer

 

Thanks, but I'm about as far from a mechanically inclined guy that you'd ever meet.. lol. ( Hey, at least I'm honest ) !

 

Anyone how much that RCI bed rack weighs?