Tire cupping on 2018 TRD off-road at 45k

Can you elaborate on what this means? I am not clear on how a tire rotation can cause this or how you can rotate “wrong”.

 

Its something I learned working at a tire shop. Run your hand over the top of your tire. One way will feel smooth and the other way will feel a bit rough especially on the sides of an AT or mud tire. When a customer came in complaining about road noise we would swap side to side.

*this is hugely important on directional tires. Yes it is possible for dumbasses to put them on backwards!

 

This is how mine feel when I run my hand over them, mostly on the outer edge. I’ve been told to cross rotate. Backs straight to the front and front to back switching sides.

 

You really do not know what the previous owner did so bet he never rotated/balanced them. No paperwork on new tires with mileage?
Are these oversize and what rating SL (C) or E that makes a biggg difference. Second owners rarely get any tire warranty especially without any paperwork.
Correct air pressure also between 32-35 and determined by watching the wear (I run 35) but if Es and running high pressures good luck.
Could be alignment so should be checked if you never did and before any other work done or you are throwing $$ away.

Maybe the previous owner was a fool and ran on pavement if 4wd that would also destroy the tires hopping around.
I am amazed how many owners do not know Tacomas are part-time 4wd as no "auto" 4wd setting and no center diff in the transfer case - really.

I would bet simply get new tires and do the regular rotate/balance and watch inflation after you are sure the alignment is correct.

 

Thats how I've always rotated them. I'm worried because I have a 1500mile road trip planned so I need to chase down every weird noise before leaving.