Next steps

Greetings! I am very new to the world of overlanding but have been a longtime admirer of the sport. I have just purchased a 2011 Tacoma with a great overlanding package. Before I hit the trails with my boys, I need some advice an am hoping to get started here with all of you. Here are my questions:

1. I have a small spare tire that came with the vehicle but have 35 inch tires on the rig. How do folks handle the need for a spare in this situation? Do I just go get another matching tire that sits in the bed, or do I reserve that strategy for when I am on an actual trail and away from civilization. The tire shop tells me I could limp on the spare I have to get me to a repair shop, but I am curious what others do in this situation. This car is also my daily driver.

2. There are a bunch of LED pod lights all over the truck that need to be wired and could use some advice on where to go for that.

3. There are a bunch of switches inside the truck that don't do anything, but appear to be hooked up to a secondary battery source (as they don't shut off when I shut off the truck). How can I learn what these switches are for?

Thanks for reading this. I appreciate any insight you can provide!

 

Whoa. Starting off with 35's?

1. I have a full size, matching spare. Same wheel, same tire and spare lug nuts. I have 32" tires, so the spare fits where it was designed - under the bed. You obviously can't do this.

2. Post photos.

3. Trace the wires.

 

Welcome to TW

 

Is there a secondary battery installed? At some level I would worry about parasitic battery drain.

Don’t rip out the switches (yet) they may come in handy if you want to add accessories. Are there after market relays already installed?

 

Welcome to TacomaWorld
Leave the stock size spare under the bed. Buy a good tire plug/patch kit, tire spoons and 12V compressor. Learn to manually remove, repair/patch, put tire back on rim. It's not that hard but carry starting fluid to seat the tire bead to rim. A lighter is essential equipment as is fire extinguishers.

 

Will do. Thanks your thoughts. The tires are a bit bigger than I would have chosen. The switches are after market. There is a secondary battery. I have tried to trace the wires but it the switches are installed overhead, near the interior dome lights. I will try and find out where they come out. Thanks so much for your thoughts!!!

 

Welcome to TW!

 

Lots of pictures will help with the battery and wiring issues. Need to see what's going on....

 

Welcome to The Forum!

 

What area of the country are you in? May be able to find some local members willing to share a beer and walk through what you may or may not have in your vehicle.

 

Welcome to TW I'm pretty new to overlanding as well and don't know a whole lot but this is a great place to learn.

 

Welcome to TW!