My 2nd Tacoma

Been a member for a while thought I add my mods to my 2nd Tacoma. Had the 2016 Sport DCSB and traded it in for the 2021 Sport DCSB MGM truck a few months ago. With about 4k miles, wanted to capture all the mods cause apparently its addicting.

First was bed cover. Just like the ’16, I put the Extang solid fold 2.0 on the back.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B016BXX1GO?ie=UTF8

Some out there like full bed accessibility but even with 2/3rds exposed I haven’t had any issues (no tools) removing it for extra space when needed. In regards to its lack of a low profile design…who cares. It does the job.




Of course it is hard to see at night when unloading, so clearly I had to add on the bed lights. Using the plug buried behind the taillights, I added the SUPAREE LED Bed Light Truck Bed Light.

SUPAREE LED Bed Light Truck Bed Light for 2020 2021 Newer Tacoma Bed Lighting Kit Replacement PT857-35200

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08ZSBV9G4?ie=UTF8

This is a real simple install/mod with the very well known 10 mm socket. Now the bed is fully lit when needed. Couldn’t be happier, but of course I can try…


Therefore I wanted to add some bed stiffeners. Bought the ENIXWILL and these added more anchor points beyond what I will ever need back there.

ENIXWILL Rear Bed Channel Stiffeners Fit for Toyota Tacoma 2005-2021 Bed Stiffener

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08M15PBP7?ref=ppx_yo2_dt_b_product_details


Even better I decided to use the torque wrench for the bolts through the bed to the frame. However the bed can’t be better lit than the interior. So went and bought the same interior lighting kit I had for the ’16 with AUTOGINE Super Bright 6000K White LED Interior Light Kit.

$19 AUTOGINE Super Bright 6000K White LED Interior Light Kit Package for 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 Toyota Tacoma + Install Tool

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0834MGNHM?ie=UTF8

The kit is complete with all interior lights and the license plate lights. Of course I had high confidence in all bulbs minus the map lights. That f&$%ing bulb is so hard to get out of that socket. If you have tried, you know…

In the summer, reading through heard about the AC drain problem with some of the later 3rd gens. Looked into mine and sure enough found the water evidence on the frame. Found some clear tube, adapter & hose clamps in the garage routed the extension out to the wheel well. Stupid problem to have got the not elegant solution.



I started looking towards the grille and researching the mods I wanted through this forum. Started with the easy one of the hood deflector. Had the same one as before however this ’21 is MGM. I really like that it blends in a bit more and doesn’t look like a pencil thin mustache. I found a G1 SR that also had a deflector, times and designs have changed.

$60 Auto Ventshade [AVS] Hoodflector Bug Shield/Hood Protector | Fits 2016-2023 Toyota Tacoma, 1 pc. | Dark Smoke - 21681

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B018AIGTGC?ie=UTF8&th=1



Now for the more difficult mod, Grille lights were next and the most involved mod to date. I wanted the install to be streamlined to the DRL LEDs. I didn’t want an additional switch, nor add a fuse to the box. So I investigate the already made components out there. I first found the DRL Headlight Harness for 2016-2019 Toyota Tacoma.

Plug-and-Play DRL Headlight Harness for 2016-2019 Toyota Tacoma Diode Dynamics

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B085B9ZJW8?ref=ppx_yo2_dt_b_product_details

This plug and play was key for my requirements and clearly worked for my ’21. The connector is mounted on a tab and this made it easy to remove and plug in the tap for the Grille LEDs.




Once this was installed I added the TOMALL Deutsch DT DTP 2 pin retrofit connector with exposed leads.

$7 TOMALL Deutsch DT DTP 2 pin Female Socket Adapter for Work Light Bar Retrofit Connectors Wiring Harness

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DCLRJCL?ref=ppx_yo2_dt_b_product_details

With these open leads I connected to the retrofit connector and measured with the DVM 12 Volts on the circuit. More than enough potential but didn’t know about the load, but it can’t be too much. I then took butt connectors and connected the retro fit leads to the Tacoma White Grill Lights leads.

Amber Grill Lights Grill Light Smoked White Grille Lights Compatible with Tacoma 2020 2021 2022 OEM Grille of TRD Off Road & Sport with Fuse

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09FZ6Y2YR?ref=ppx_yo2_dt_b_product_details&th=1

Tested the entire harness successfully without drawing any current/light from the DRL LEDs. Wrapped with electrical tape, then finished the installed (lights snapping in the grille, routed & tucked the wires). Couldn’t be happier with how to turned out.




This seems like a “If you give a mouse a cookie” scenario, but hell it’s a fun and interactive read….

Things to come include adding something to the end of the 3rd Gen 12 pin adapter

$37 Dongar Dash Cam Power Adapter (12-pin Type A) - Compatible w Toyota Tacoma (15-23), select Highlander, Tundra, Sienna; Honda Ridgeline & more. USB Power, Connects to Rearview Mirror. Easy Install!

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DMW3DML?ref=ppx_yo2_dt_b_product_details

P.S. A shout out to the other very potential dangerous thread about gas tank over filling issues with this ’21 Tacoma. I had the unfortunate pleasure in participating with others in this thread. If you are dealing with this problem you aren’t the only one.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/overfilled-gas-twice.738756/