My first Taco just got tags ...

... its scratched to hell, had 6 car washes and put on 1,700 miles. Let's call it well broken in.

First new vehicle I ever purchased and couldn't be happier. I drive a lot for work, 40-50,000 miles a year, and needed something that would hold up. After a lot of research I landed on Toyota (Hoping to put at least 300,000 miles on this truck).

It was a tough decision between Tundra and Tacoma. Ultimately the decision was based on 4 factors:
- Trails in South Jersey are overgrown and the Tundra is significantly larger and heavier.
- Tacoma's 6ft bed in the larger cab. Planning on adding a cap with carpeted interior. Mostly for the dogs, but can fit an air mattress in case of severe weather. I'm 6'1, the Tundra 5'6 bed is a little tight. The 120v outlet in the bed is a really nice feature on the Off-Road as well!
- Hours on TW and seeing some of the rigs probably helped a little. Had the Southern Style winch bumper on the wish-list before even shopping for the truck itself.
- Locking Rear Diff and Crawl Control! Nice to have a little added security when venturing solo into the unknown.

Thus began the search. Right place at the right time, stumbled across a 2017 TRD Off-road Double Cab Long Bed!!! Score! Now just had to wait a week.

When it finally arrived, felt it would be a waste for the first scratch to be a shopping cart or somebody that can't park. Bought this truck for one purpose, to go anywhere and do anything. Straight to Wharton it went for a test drive. Now I understand the Tacoma, what a beast.





First purchase followed, 2 tow straps, a snatch strap, pin for the hitch and an air compressor.

Took the dogs for a second test drive to the beach. It was Labor Day Weekend, cheated and aired down to not be that guy with temps getting stuck. Also good test of the new gear. Some Jeep Overland was following my tracks and got framed hard. Pulled a first recovery! Should have drug him back to the parking lot. Highly impressed with the 4Lo, gearing and throttle response. Fantastic around town and off-road. All weather floor mats also came in handy!





500 miles on the odometer and took it for a real run. Hasn't rained in a while, holes were drying out but found some decent mud. Only needed 4wd once to get out. Factory ground clearance was enough for all but one spot. Didn't have the guts to take it solo without a winch but it'll happen soon enough. First scratch, by the way, was actually my dog jumping out the window when I got out to take this picture. Didn't realize how far down it was and braced himself on the door. Worse than a shopping cart lol






Starting plans for a Portsmouth Trip in the fall.

Only modifications to date are a tonneau cover, removed the V6 and stickers on the pillars. Note to anyone reading this, DO NOT remove those stickers in direct sunlight on a 90 degree day. DEFINITELY DO NOT use Goo Gone to remove leftover adhesive. It got into the door and smeared on the window. All my windows have a film that I cannot get off.

Future add-ons will be slow. Front and rear winch bumpers, 3in lift, cap, roof racks for my kayaks, lighting. Not sure steps or sliders. Heard a horror story of someone catching a step on a stump and ruined his frame.

To be continued ...