First time Tacoma owner looking for mod suggestions

Hello everyone! I just got myself a 2023 Tacoma SR5 Trail Edition with the premium package and Tech Package.
I'm loving the car and would love to begin to make slight modifications to make it more "mine"
and off-road ready.
Currently I am curious for suggestions for preferred Raptor Lights, an LED bulb upgrade, tire size and tire type suggestions. And lastly, a cover for the bed.

Currently im looking at the Tacoma Lifestyle Raptor Lights,
Im pretty lost on the Bulb upgrade due to so many options,
I am looking at a Bakflip low profile cover or the Proven Grounds low profile cover.
For tires im looking at Ko2 or Wildpeak, 265/75/16, however curious if the leaf lift on the trail edition will allow for something slightly bigger (also the rims have a 4+ off set, like the trd pro ones).
Also looking at hose clamps for the tail gate.

Thank you all and im happy to be joining the community!

 

Call @memario1214 @hot shot off road and get in on some 15% Memorial Day sale items. As well as good advice

If you live in snow/salt country treat the frame while it's nice and clean.

 

A set of 285/75s would look great, maybe add some 5100s on the 4th or 5th setting. You have the right offset wheels which is a great start. Maybe a one inch rear block, keeping it simple. You have an awesome Tacoma right from the factory. Skip on the over played grill lights.

 

Read up on H9 bulbs in the stock housings. They’ve been really good for me.

A cool mod if you do your own work is the Spiker hood shocks.

 

FYI trail edition is “off road” ready right out of the box.

Throw some skids, have some fun and see where your limitations are, then mod as you need.

 

Welcome to the forum

You have a lot of capability right off the dealers lot, drive it for a bit and what you need will become more apparent.
The OEM bed mat is a worthwhile addition BTW.

 

Wasn't it expensive enough when you bought it?

 

H9s ... make a funny box peeking its head above the level-line of light, but that is normal. Remove the green adapters off the existing harness and you are set. Clear bulb, no blue or yellow coating or special tip ... just clear.

RCI skids. Engine plate ($350 aluminum) covers both the from splash-plate and under-engine plates and has access for both oil filter and oil drain plug (remove for front diff service though). Free cat guards when you buy the transmission plate ($400) for a little while ... rcimetalworks.com

Fumoto oil drain valve, allows diverting drained oil around the skid plate ($50). Motivx oil filter removal adapter $40).

Spiker hood supports on sale through May 29 for $85 (https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/spiker-engineering-memorial-day-sale.802604/).

 

I would drive it for a while first and see if you actually need anything to make it more off road ready. These trucks are extremely capable out of the box. Tires might be the only thing you really need to swap out, especially if your SR5 came with the horrifying little Toyo’s that mine came with. I assume you got better tires from the factory since it’s a trail.

If you’re doing mods just for the looks then there’s no need to wait lol

I have had a few Bakflip covers on various trucks over the years, they make an excellent product.

 

Rumor has it, though others will have to confirm, that replacing the 4x4 sticker on the back with a Z71 sticker adds 10 HP. It at least confuses the general pooblik.

 

Isn't your truck off road ready straight out of the box?

 

This^

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/3rd-gen-hid-vs-led-vs-halogen-h11-projector-headlights.589465/

 

As stated above fr or crc. Or something like that for the undercoat. Do it soon.

 

Raptor lights: please don’t. Their whole point on the Raptor is to comply with DOT regulations for vehicles over 80” wide. IMO putting them on a vehicle under 80” wide is silly and poser-ish.

Tires: 265/75r16 will be fine, just don’t go too heavy (>49 lbs). I recommend also looking at Nokian Outpost ATs, Toyo AT3s, Cooper AT3 4s or XLT (C-rated). Most people run way more aggressive tires than they need, so consider the BFG Trail Terrain, Nokian Oupost APT, or Nitto Nomad Grappler instead if you want better MPGs and on-road performance while still adding trail performance.

Tonneau cover: preference. Just don’t buy the cheap Chinese crap on eBay or Amazon.

LED bulbs: I use DDM and Sealight. The DDM has a better color, less obnoxious blue.

Other mods: A/C drain mod, Fluid Film the frame, add this awesome phone mount rail, consider Blue Sumo Springs to replace your rear bump stops, and add Greenlane Offroad aluminum sliders. Skids are absolutely not necessary.

Then, be done. Enjoy the truck. Don’t mod it further, it’ll get MUCH slower and less efficient.

 

Once you start you cant stop. Enjoy modding the crap out of it. I just bought ditch lights for the hell of it..... lol. I m not done yet either.

 

If you winter drive that thing in MN, I wouldn’t mod it at all. It’ll all just rust away.

 

Reading the first two posts in that thread should be mandatory to join TW.

 

We have some amazing deals right now running on suspension and other components for Memorial Day. Let us know if we can be of assistance or if you have any fitment or questions on modding the taco in the future! Hope to see you on the trails!
https://offroadalliance.com/bakflip-mx4-16-21-tacoma-5-w-deck-rail-system/