Maybe a Tacoma again?

Greeting fine people, been while.

Looking at trucks and while the F150has been everything I knew it would be. I usually trade when my truck is paid off.
So the local ford dealer has a 2018 Tacoma 4 door TRD 6 speed.
Figure it has been setting because of the 6 speed which I'm fine with as I had one on my 09.

Few questions:
Oil changes, how big of a deal is it to change with the new cartridge filter? Anything have to come off the truck to change the oil.

"Armor" (bumpers) Been thinking of making a light overland camping truck, roof top tent so to speak and light off roader. How much will after market aluminum/steel effect my in milage? The tent would come off when not in use.
Front bumper with a possible winch because why not.
Rear bumper and sliders.
Would the stock suspension handle this? I really don't want a lift.
Leveling kits,(shocks) Bilstein or similar.

Looking at Victory 4x4 as the price is good and I can drive there in less than a day and pick up and ask questions.

 

You're gonna need beefier suspension to carry the extra weight. Especially any type of off-road

 

I figured that'd be the case

 

Oil change is no big deal, takes a few extra minutes to drop the skidplate.

 

I would see if you can take an extended test drive. The Tacoma and your F150 have very little in common other than the truck bed. But if you had one you know that. Unless you’re looking to do some pretty aggressive off-roading I would dare to say your F150 fits better according to the list of things you planned on. MPG and power both start to suffer pretty quick with the weight added to a Taco. But from what I hear the MT might make it more livable.

 

I just went from 18 F150 4X4 Lariat , back to 19 Tacoma TRD OR. I miss some things like the forward video and the anywhere status on phone. But that is it. Im excited again, I have mod ideas
for example the truck is lifted on stock supension, nice wheels and tires already , I ordered a foward video mod, and have several others lined up. I live near texas beaches and there is some deep sand
Im ready to go exploring again, I just didnt do much in the F150, I didnt want to hurt it. it was big and bulky , did ok in the sand, just wasnt fun to me. Tacoma 2006 till 2017 , now Im back.
super happy . pulls 3500 lb boat just as good with same gas as twin turbo v6 ford. Im ready for another 250K miles of no problems, I do not belive ford could do that ever. I did have one that did , 1994 F250.
Good Luck , it wil be much more fun it you get a taco.

 

You make some great points and I’m glad your happy with your truck. But your lying to yourself if you think the Tacoma tows 3500lbs as good as an F150.

 

Had a 18 f150 3.5 ecoboost now back in a 2019 tacoma trd off-road 6 speed manual. 2 totally different trucks, f150 if you need space and tow heavier loads if not go tacoma. Love the manual, had a 17 tacoma trd off-road automatic, and love the manual better. Reliability will almost always go to the Tacoma. Could not believe ford would use a plastic oil drain plug you just twist and out it comes. Easy oil changes but not much faith in oil plug holding up for thousands of miles. If the 3.5 in the Tacoma holds up as good as the 2nd gen 4.0 it will be a perfect truck.