2016 Tacoma Double Cab TRD Sport Modification Recommendation

Hello all, thanks for checking out my thread. First time Tacoma owner here, purchased in November, but my Dad still has his '97 Access Cab. I went with an almost fully loaded model with the Premium & Tech package because I want to make this purchase last a long time.

Before getting started, just a little bit about me. I am a techie by career choice but I do a bit more home improvements than most...I wanted a truck to help with my projects. Also, I'm not really a car/truck guy...I know the basics but I'm not an expert on vehicles...I'm really a newbie but am starting to do a few things myself. I'm not interested in tearing apart my Tacoma or drilling holes or messing with the electric, because I don't want to mess up my truck or void the warranty.

So far I've only done a few minor things to my Taco:

• AMP Bed Step
• AVS Bugflector II
• Salex Toyota Tacoma Center Console Organizer (yeah, not much but it was something I did)
• BarksBar Pet Car Seat Cover With Seat Anchors
• Trimax (
  $19 T5Black Premium 5/8 in 3.5 in Span Receiver Lock for Cass V3.5in
  T5Black) 5/8" Diameter Receiver Lock
• Star Wars Rebel Alliance Trailer Hitch Cover
  
• And I'm going to do the screen "boot" customization thing on it this week.

Now I'm looking at a few more mods and wouldn't mind input:

• OEM Bed Mat
• N-Fab Black W2W Nerf Bars (I would like a little bit of a step on the bars to help my Dad getting in the truck)
• WeatherTech Mud Flaps - Can someone assist me in understanding if I have fender flares or not? I think I do, but am not certain.
• Either OEM Cargo Divider or some other option. I want something but am really torn on what to do. I have the factory installed tri-folder cover and have seen the pictures of the OEM Cargo Divider working with the top bar flipped upside down. I'm okay with that, but is it really worth the $250 purchase or will a $20 divider from Harbor Freight be good enough? I would like to be able to put groceries back there and would have been nice when I bought 2 toilets the other day to have them more secured.
• Any other recommendations?

Also, on my dream list:

• Power rear window...I really don't understand why Toyota doesn't do that, like allow the whole window to roll down like the 4 Runner. I'm not going to do anything like this but is a wish.
• USB slot in the console or glove box so my USB drive would be plugged in but hidden. Also, just a wish.
• Power lock for the tailgate. I've seen the posts for this mod but I'm not willing to cut into the electric wiring...I've had vehicles with electric problems before and definitely do not want to be the cause of that. Additionally, I think the fact that the key in the key fob doesn't open the tailgate is just silly. I don't want to carry around the spare key as it was sold to me. I'm going to look to get another key cut for the tailgate that will fit on my KeySmart with my house key.

I think that's everything for now. Again, thanks for taking the time to read my thread, I'm just looking for some good advice here.

 

I like my OEM bed mat. Worth every penny.

For the USB thing, you could get a very low profile flash drive. Some are about the size as a wireless mouse receiver. Not perfect, but definitely helps!

 

Thanks, I should have mentioned I already have the SanDisk low profile USB drive that was mentioned in another thread, but plastic tab stays open all the time now and I'm just waiting for it to break off and me to be pissed about it.

Also, I'd like to see a thread or series of videos on how to get the most out of Entune...but I haven't looked around for that yet either (might be out there).

 

Get an Amp Black Rectangular bed extender instead of a cargo divider. Search for a post I made about my truck and installing it along with a bed cover and bed mat.

Also for the tailgate lock, you don't have to "cut into" anything. You simply tap two wires in the passenger kick panel - it can't get any easier. If you use the Tundra Pop N Lock kit, it's very well put together with very nice wiring. If you do quality work, you won't have poor quality issues. Workmanship is key. Do a shit job and you get shit results. It's that simple.

 

Thanks unixadm, I think I see what you're saying that the bed extender will act as the divider for groceries and such, but then you can flip it out for a longer bed too. Dual purpose.

 

Yup. I also have a cargo ratcheting bar to hold stuff in place should I need to haul something larger. The bed extender removes in about five seconds as well - but it works great for groceries and smaller items. I tried to make the best of it with the small bed in the DCSB.

 

Yeah, I was looking at the cargo ratcheting bar instead of the cargo divider but I like your idea better. Plus, I can get the bar first and see how that works for me without the bed extender because it seems like the bar is a good practical and inexpensive thing to have regardless.

BTW, what nerf bars to you have on your truck? From the look of your pics, that's what I'm looking for as I want to make sure there is a decent step for my Dad to get into my truck.

 

oem bed mat is the best factory accessory by far

 

Bug deflector.... good for paint destruction from wut I hear

 

My truck has the OEM Predator side steps on it. They look pretty good but if you plan on doing any moderate off road driving, they are not a good idea on the truck since it won't take much to hang them up on something. However if you plan to stay on road or off road without any major undulations/ruts, then they will work just fine. I'll be removing them to install SOS Sliders once I receive them.

 

What are you hearing Justus? I've had bug deflectors on my 1998 Cherokee and my 2007 Forester both for 8+ years without issue. Of course, I don't know if the color was still the same underneath because I didn't take it off.

 

No off roading for me, or wouldn't be anything serious.

 

the bumpers wear the paint.... or wear off and then the plastic rubs the paint major issue on 2nd gens..... doubt anything chNged

 

Thanks Justus...luckily, the bug deflector I got doesn't even come close to hitting the truck. I'm honestly not even going to put on the bumpers but will keep a close eye.

 

kool.... just keep in mind windforce on the highway.

 

Only with the regular bugdeflector....the bugdeflector II has no issues whatsoever

 

its new truck...... none have been proven to be safe or dangerous I guess.

 

Thanks again, the bug deflector sits so high off the hood (not in my line of sight) that I'd be more worried about it breaking off than flexing back to damage the paint. Of course I'm keeping a close eye on it, I've left the bumpers in the truck, but I just don't think they're needed.