Mods for families

I upgraded the brakes on my truck a lot, I would say that can be an important safety/family mod! At least if you have armor or big tires

 

Nice, I need to look into this myself. Assuming it's not too difficult of a job.

 

Something to keep the bed for dry storage - kids need a lot of gear to go off the grid
I have a Truck Covers USA tonneau to keep the bed for dry storage and racks on top of it for a cargo box, boats, bikes, whatever
Waterproof seat covers that are easy to clean - I have Coverking Genuine Neoprene and it's easy to clean off spit-up and other bodily excretions.
We only have one - a baby girl and won't be able to have any more kids. I'd agree that with more than one kiddo, a van or larger SUV would be preferable but with just one the Taco will be more than fine combined with dry storage in the rear.

 

No so much, just the center console need to be removed, about an 1-1/2 hr if you know what you're doing, if not just take all the time needed, no rush.

 

May I ask where you found that dual 2.1A plug? Does it have the voltage reducing transformer built in? Thanks.

 

Depending on the size of your kid, even with 2 or 3, it's manageable. Especially as they start getting out of car seats. It would be much better had Toyota given the Tacoma the rear room of the 4Runner. But I think back to my childhood and the atrocious rear seats in those cars....Tacoma is more than adequate.

 

My wife is about to have our first. So far I've added a car seat which there is plenty of room for with the double cab. I will probably upgrade to either clazzios or katzkin leather seats eventually for the ease of cleaning. It seams to me the tacoma is fine as a family vehicle for up too a family of 5 (3 kids). Works great for family trips and adventures and the wife can get a 7 seater when the family gets larger than 5 haha! Don't sell the truck!

 

My family mod was an upgrade from an access cab to a 4dr. I also added a shell so now I just through all the sports gear, beach toys, etc in the bed and they're (reasonably) secure. For my family, my 4dr Tacoma is far more practical than a minivan or large SUV ever would be.

 

No doubt - way way back when.... my dad had an old access cab with the fold-out jumpseats that were ridiculously small and not very comfy but my sister and I made do on long road trips as small kids. I won't lie though, when mom finally broke down and bought a van we did feel like life got a LOT better... ha! the Taco has immensely more room than that so she'll make do!

 

Family delete.

 

This is a good one because puke, and it’s a not a matter of if, but when, wipes off a whole lot easier without a stench later than it would off of fabric. Steps are the best for little kids and a short wife. Once the kids are older and wife gets taller, hopefully, then the lift will be brought on.

 

How young is your wife that she's going to get taller?? Should I be calling the authorities?

 

I have a Sienna for family transportation. It's "uncool" but such an awesome vehicle for road trips. Lots of room and very comfortable.

 

A minivan would be practical for sure. However I will not submit. I do have a 3rd gen 4runner which used to be considered a large vehicle. I find that these should be substantial, especially considering the outdoor activities my family and I will be involved in. Where I live if my 16 year old will be driving around a 89 yota pickup he will probably be the envied by his peers. Hopefully it will last that long. Currently has only 200k miles on it and in pretty decent condition... but yes there are prob times a minivan could be useful. Just not enough to persuade me... or my wife.

 

I added a softopper within the first week of purchase. Must have protection from weather in the bed up here. Also great because it takes me only 5 minutes to fold the topper and thrown in the bikes and chariot.

 

Haha I should’ve probably thought this one out...call it wishful thinking...

 

Love the look of those wheels and upgraded brakes!

Whats with the red hose and o-clamp?

 

I did all the accessible fluid and PCV system related lines in high pressure silicone rubber a while back. Managed to do the two main radiator hoses, all the coolant related drain/recirc lines, and the PCV one shown in the picture! It mainly just matches the red accents on the rest of the truck but silicone hoses are also more reliable than rubber

 

I think thats a great mod! I know the exact material you're talking about. That stuff is tough.

The very first thing to ever go on my first (brand new) car was a rubber radiator hose. I may have to consider this change in the future.

 

I agree for road trips I use the Highlander. Very roomy and comfy!