Just bought my new TOY

Hello all. I just bought a 2017 TRD off road - mostly stock, with only 10,000km! Now planning its future. My third TOY p/u over the years and second Tacoma. I have great ideas... Here's a bit of a dilemma (first world problem yes) - I'm trying to figure out in what order I should proceed. I am not building a rock crawler but do want a reliable and able truck to explore and camp from. So - considering re-gearing, exhaust, maybe a lift, tires, skids, rack or canopy on the back. I'm also struggling with camp options - overland trailer or roof top tent? (or small RV trailer or just my reliable ground tent). I like to pack my kayaks. I'd appreciate your thoughts around the order/priority of these mods. I am not a mechanic so mostly pay as I go. Any words of wisdom appreciated.

 

Welcome and congratulations! Drive the truck for a while and make small improvements as you discover what you need or would like to modify. This thread showcases lots of possibilities for modifying your truck...

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/what-have-you-done-to-your-3rd-gen-today.399305/

 

Welcome to Tacoma World!
I'm in the process of ordering a topper for the back of my 2017 TRD Sport access cab w 6' bed. I'm getting a Yakima rack on the top of it so I can carry my fishing kayak or my 17" canoe. I thought about roof tents but there goes your overhead kayak/canoe carrier. I'll set up the bed of the truck for sleeping at the side of the lakes/rivers. I won't be living out of it so I'll use my standard camping gear I already own. I want to be able to pull in late and crawl in back to sleep. Get up early and be on the water or in my hunting blind before sun-up. I'm going for convenience. I don't want to have to move things around every time I stop somewhere. Rear topper with "windoors" and screens will be first, then a sleeping platform with storage underneath for my gear. Just put a new set of Duratrac C rated tires in 265-70-17 (1 size up required no mods for fitment).
I may get a small teardrop trailer down the road but I want to go for immediate usability. For now I want to remain self contained so I never have to go back to get my trailer or gear if I'm moving around for hunting or fishing.

 

Welcome to TacomaWorld

 

Welcome to TW!

 

Welcome!

If you don't have any major plans for hardcore offroading, if any at all, the first thing i would do is tires. The trucks are plenty capable stock, tires will boost that capability significantly so you don't get stuck anywhere.

If you foresee yourself taking any trails that might be challenging, then i would suggest getting skids/sliders next.

As far as camp options, you'll have to determine what best suits your needs/style of camping. If you get a trailer, you could easily get any type of RTT to mount on there, and throw the kayaks on your roof. If you want to save and only get a RTT, you'll need a hardshell to mount your kayaks to, unless you get one on a low profile bedrack and mount the kayaks to the roof.

Regearing isn't entirely necessary in my opinion unless you are going to go to significantly larger tires (35" or more) or tow/carry a lot on a regular basis. Wouldn't even bother with an exhaust either, personally. Lift can be done further down the line, chances are you likely don't even need one if you aren't going to be a hardcore offroader, except for looks, or to account for added weight.

 

Welcome to TW. I'm, in roughly the same boat as you with respect to where I am with my truck. What @MGMDesertTaco said above is the same solid advice I've seen here and other places. So...what he said...

I do, however, have a little insight on the camping piece because I've gone through different phases in my life. For me it comes down to two simple questions. Are you planning on setting up a base camp and spending a few days in one spot? Or are you planning on stopping, setting up camp for the night then breaking down the next day? I've done both over the years and it always seems to change and evolve.

At this point I'm more of a "set up a base camp" type camper. I want the flexibility to use my vehicle if the need/desire arises and I don't want to have to break down camp in order to do it. So for me that nixes an RRT.

I haven't been able to find too many threads dedicated to the camping related side. Maybe I still don't know how navigate TW effectively. I did find this though https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/what-is-the-deal-with-fixed-top-camping-rigs.52871

In the last few months I've gotten more than a few ideas from lurking around the Overland Bound site. I'm not a member but I think more than a few TW folks are there as well.

Ultimately it comes down to what you want to do and (unfortunately) how much $ you have to spend. Same for modding out the taco...

I really need to win the lottery...

 

Welcome to TW!