Finally got my 1st Taco a few weeks ago and I have a couple of questions

In case you want to skip forward, I split the post into 2 sections.


How I ended up here: I have needed a truck for work since last summer, but I don't have a large income and I didn't have a perfect credit score. It took about 5 months to raise my score 70 points so I could qualify for the lowest interest rate and how to get the most money out of my car. During that time I found this forum of Taco lovers to help guide my choices and finally I had to hunt down the right truck. I wish I could have gotten a nightshade edition, but since that wasn't an option I bought a black chrome exhaust, overlays, and black seat covers. I wanted to wait until I had time to put everything on the truck before I created this post. This has been a long time coming and I love it so much more than ever thought I would!


Now the questions: I had to have a bed cover and rear step, so the dealer added them before I drove to pick up the truck. The next week I had to load my truck bed at night and that's when I ran into a couple of problems. The next day I bought a bed lighting kit, so now I can see what I'm doing, but I don't know what to do about the tonneau cover. I had a helluva time trying to get it latched again after I was done loading. I had another person w/me and we both struggled with it. I hate this cover but I cannot afford to buy a different one now, so does anyone have any tips or tricks for latching the cover?


The second thing.....the truck had a sealed front plate bracket in the cab, so I made a custom plate. I went to put it on and realized that it didn't come with the holes drilled out. I am leasing this truck so I can get all the options I really want in 2 years, and I don't want to drill holes in the bumper. Does anyone had a reasonably priced option for a plate bracket that doesn't require drilling? I still don't have my new plates, so I used the one I made for the pictures.


The last thing....my truck came with a bed mat which was on my checklist, but I wanted to know what everyone does to clean it? Obviously it has to be washed at some point, but do you remove it from the bed and if not will the bed & mat still dry out well? I don't want the truck bed to stink, so I figured it was worth asking.

Thanks in advance for the answers!

 

Bed mat cleaned with soap and water and rag and bucket.

For bed cover latching, Just screw the latching handles out a bit so it's easier to latch. I had that one for a few years and you get used to it. Just remember no cover is waterproof because the water in a Tacoma comes from other places lol.

 

Didn't know you could adjust the screws. Thank you for the helpful information!

 

Valid questions.

 

Open bed works for my needs. I just hose off the bed mat when I wash the truck (generally don’t haul dirty stuff in the bed). How about having the dealer you are leasing from drill the front license plate holes. If they screw it up, it is on them. In 2 years when you are ready to buy, the 4th Gens should be here. If that timeline holds, you will have to decide what you want in a new 4th Gen or a used 3rd Gen. Welcome to TW.

 

Nice looking ride

If you have the factory front plate mount just install it and leave it on the truck when you turn it in, some trucks have them others don't, it shouldn't be a problem.

 

I thought about having the dealership drill the holes, but I like the idea of having that unmarred surface if I do away front plate. When I lived in CA I leased most of my vehicles so I could have lower payments and it was always under warranty, but I drove shorter distances there. I'll see how this lease comes out after I turn it in and then decide if I'll lease again or buy the next one, but either way I am sure it will be new not used. Thanks for the information!

 

Thank you!

 

As far as the tonneau cover and bed lights, it was one of the things i inquired about having this when i bought/ordered my sr5. The dealer assured me the truck would come with bed lights, and factory tonneau cover, which it did.

 

I would've had to wait even longer if I ordered mine, so once I knew I could apply for financing, I just scoured the internet for a black TRD Sport that had the best options which ended up only being 2.5 hours away. The dealer put on the cover and rear step before I picked it up, but I just bought a lighting kit from Amazon and installed myself. Hopefully the shortage issues will be resolved by the time my lease is up and then I can get everything I want on the next truck.

 

Bed mat doesn’t need cleaning. It’s a bed mat

 

Yes, it does. After a year it will become as slick as ice if you don't clean it. Ask me how I know lol.

 

I had mine for 13 years on my 2nd gen and never once cleaned it and it was fine. It’s heavy duty rubber

 

I pick up a lot of antiques and collectibles from auctions, so it's really more about preventing something on the mat from ruining something at the next pick up. Some of the houses and buildings that have the best stuff are also the nastiest.

 

Ok now I have to know!

 

I did not wash it. The dust made it very slick.

 

I'm kinda digging those seat covers, you have a link where you got them? Do they move much when you get in and out of the truck?

 

Me too. In for those covers.

 

For bed cleaning I use this jewel. Just unloaded half a yard of garden soil ( after laying down a tarp ) and used this
to 'clean-up' the grizzly remains. Also use it in the house to round up dog and cat hair prior to a vac, and it gets a lot
of use in the garage / shop after we ( the little wife mostly ) do a bunch of wood cuts. Today we finished laying some
wood flooring in the master closet. And it's great for a quick and easy blow off of the small deck out back as well.

Best ( at the time ) $49.00 I ever spent.

 

Link for neck pillows?