Hi Tacoma World, Newbie questions

Hi everyone first post here. Haven't lived in the states for the last 10 years and was working all over Asia and now semi-retired. Anyways a few months ago I realized I needed to buy a new ride. I've drove nothing but sports cars my whole life (44 years old now) and this will be the first truck I ever bought. After doing all my homework I decided I want a Tacoma because the value holds well and you can do all kinds of cool stuff to it.

I figure I'm going to get a fully loaded 4x4 TRD Off Road or 4x4 TRD Sport since there isn't much difference except for better shocks and it has a crawl button on the Off Road. I particularly want to do some overlanding on some light trails once I buy my Tacoma this coming week. Any must have items I should get? The only stuff I know for sure I'll buy day after is the decked system, RCI "12" Bed Rack, and a Roof Top Tent (Can anyone point me to something they like, I only want to spend about 1500 on it unless it's totally awesome I can go up to 2k).

Anything else I should buy? Please talk to me as if I'm a 5 year old as I am new to all this.

Thanks

 

Welcome to TacomaWorld

 

Welcome to The Forum!

 

Haha thanks. I'm getting up there in age and just like to cruise now. I'm hoping the biggest difference is the amount of mods I spend on a truck vs a sports car, of course some of those lift kits, bumpers, look very enticing. Good thing there aren't many engine mods.

 

Welcome & Hello.

Good advice given so far. Make a list of things you’re gonna use. Not what you think you’ll use. But what you’d really use on a daily basis. Mine doubles as my office a lot so I splurged on lighting, communications, reliability etc.

 

There isn't much difference. Shocks, CC, larger rear end, locking diff, no scoop. Outside of that, they're identical.

Maybe look into some tires too. I believe the Sport has more street oriented tires. The OR has all terrain tires that are sort of street oriented too.

You'll find a ton of recommendations for RTTs here. Personally, I have the Roam Vagabond 2 person tent and love it. It's identical to the Tepui for a similar price, except the Roam comes with windows in the rain fly, a cargo net, and 2 boot bags. It's probably a little more than you're looking to spend, but worth a look anyway. CVT is one to avoid mainly due to price. I'd also avoid the Smittybuilt due to longevity issues.

 

I'm actually hoping I can leave everything bone stock when it comes to suspension after I add on all the stuff I want for overlanding some easy trails, nothing crazy like climbing rocks. I've had more than enough of my fair share of modifying suspension only to find out my car turned into a giant vibrator.

 

Great advice. Haven't even thought about lighting since mine will be my everyday driver and going camping.

 

Plenty of great info on that here. Any of @crashnburn80 threads have been thoroughly tested & certified. Can’t go wrong with expert advise.

 

Thanks for that recommendation on the RTT. I just checked out their website and love the look & functionality of the tent and most likely will get it.

 

No problem! We love it. Huge upgrade from our ground tent too. It stood up in the face of Lake Superior winds too and didn't even so much as rip the guy lines out. The only down side is that we have to collapse all of camp to go anywhere, but that's the nature of having a RTT on your vehicle.

 

I can't understand the popularity of RTTs. I've never had one, but the thought of getting in and out of one to pee at night kills the idea for me. For a lot less $, I will go with a cot tent.

 

Welcome to TW!

 

Just as much work to do that, especially if you are sleeping with someone else in a tent that only sips from one side. Alternately, you could always just unzip one of the sides and let loose. No risk of it coming back into the tent unless your aim is bad.

 

Good point. I always sleep alone.

 

One consideration is what box size you want. There is a 5' box or a 6' box. I went with a TRD Sport 6' box due to my needs. A family of 4 with 2 being kids of 7 & 14. If its just yourself I'd go with a TRD Off-Road short box. I really wanted a TRD Off road long box but they are not available in Canada. I had to settle for the sport with the 6' box.

 

I'm getting one with the 5 foot bed. Either the TRD off road or sport, since I'm paying it all off and 1/2 of California is closed I'm hoping to get bargain. It'll just be my fiancé and I, hopefully no kids ever lol.

This forum is great. Been stuck on here pretty much the whole day reading what to buy, not to buy, people's regrets, hassles, etc. Of all the stuff I wanted to buy the only good reviews seems to be the Decked organizers all the other stuff seems to be a 50/50. Best part is some of the people that post on here is just as brutal as the BMW forums I read.

 

Welcome to TW!

 

Welcome!

 

Welcome! I plan to do an overland build on my Tacoma as well! Roam adventure co. has a great RTT option that includes accessories that CVT, and other companies charge extra for. They are great quality, and very comfortable. I am saving for one of my own. Check them out, we (Got exhaust) just became a dealer for Roam adventure co. so if you like what you see, shoot me a pm, and I'll be happy to help you! Welcome to TW!