Mod options for new DBCB OR for Camping/Overlanding - Staying within payload limit

Hi, I am trying to decide on what mods I want to make to my tacoma for a reliable camping/light trail vehicle. It would be myself, partner and dog (50lb). I want to stay within the payload ratings so appreciate this is challenging given the many options available and the awesome looking builds I've seen on the forum.

These are my following considerations and would appreciate your thoughts:

- Full skids Aluminium - to protect the truck on forest roads
- Front bumper (Steel or Aluminium?) - to prevent serious damage from rocks/wildlife. I would not be mounting a winch.
- Do I need a rear bumper?
- Rock sliders (Steel or Aluminium?)
- Falken wildpeaks (same size as stock)
- Storage - Decked, Frontrunner or prinsu roof rack.
- Still undecided on the camping option (wedge camper vs Cap vs RTT vs ground tent). They add a lot of - convenience but a lot of weight. Plus I have a dog so RTT is likely out.

I "think" that's it....

 

I think a you could base a good lightweight build around a wooden sleeping platform and drawer system. If you build a platform and drawer system that takes care of storage and sleeping. No heavy, high-center-of-gravity rtt needed.

Check out the thread “show off your sleeping platform/drawer system” (the title is very close to that)

Aluminum skids would be great but i do not think you will need the extra weight of sliders on Forest Service roads. I’m on FR’s all the time. I work for the NFS too and have never needed sliders even on rocky, eroded, Forest roads. Also have never seen aluminum sliders so pretty sure you’d need to buy steel. Sliders are needed more for crawling.

I’d also recommend c-los duratracs over falkens

 

My RTT only weighs 120lbs.

 

I didn't think that they were necessary at first but rock lights are a must for the trail. If not for driving at night the light they put out around the campsite or just loading and unloading the truck in the dark is a lifesaver. These are the ones that I have and they are perfect. The kit comes with six lights which is perfect and they are controllable from your phone. This will be the cheapest but most used addition.
Check them out on Amazon: https://amzn.to/34zBv59