My personal accessory & mod list - recommendations welcome

Hello!
New to the forum & the Tacoma life. A few weeks ago I had picked up a 2023 Black TRD OR (dual cab, short bed) and though I'm in the honeymoon phase, I'm in deep and don't want to miss an opportunity since OEM Gen 3 items will evidently be out of production. So I'm grabbing what I can while pricing seems reasonable *more-or-less*.

Right now I'm mainly focusing on OEM addons that extends functionality & protection. Many options are easily found on dealer websites, many I've found doing google searches and stumbled on seemingly by happenstance - which has grown my appreciation of this forum in recent weeks.

Anyways, I wanted to start my first post to share what I have so far as well as what I plan to do. Hopefully some members are interested to chime in with ideas to mull over. Also, if you see anything you may be interested in I'd be happy to take photos and answer questions about em'.

Here's what was included on the sticker for port addons. The part numbers aren't on the sticker and are assumed.
-All-Weather Floor Liners & Door Sill Protectors (PT908-35213-02 &

$45 PT747-35201-02 , Black

PT747-35201-02)
-LED headlights w/ LED DRL & LED foglights w/ black bezel. (81150-04290, 81110-04290 &

$124 PT413-42191 Toyota Genuine Parts - Led Foglight Black (PT413-42191)

PT413-42191)
-Mud Guards (

$83 PT345-35170 Mudguard & Hardware

PT345-35170)
-USB Power Port (PT976-89202)
-Quick Charge Cables (PTQ76-00230)

Here's what I've installed myself so far
OEM
-Bed lights (

$60 PT857-35200 Toyota Genuine 2020 & Newer Tacoma Led Bed Light/Lighting Kit PT857-35200

PT857-35200)
-Bed mat (

$188 PT580-35050-SB Bed Mat for Short Bed Tacoma Models Black, 59 1/2" L X 52 1/2" W X 3/8" H

PT580-35050-SB)
-Soft tonneau cover (PK3B1-35G5S)
-Hitch cover (

$12 PT228-35960-HP Toyota Genuine Hitch Cover

PT228-35960-HP)

Non OEM

$54 Motorola MA1 Wireless Android Auto Car Adapter - Instant Connection Using Google-Licensed Bridge Technology from Smartphone to Screen - USB Type-A Plug-in - Secure Gel Pad

Motorola MA1 Android Auto Dongle (Amazon, bestbuy)
AVS In-Channel Rain Guards (amazon, adv. auto)

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Here's what's currently on my must-have list. Next up is the TG power lock.
OEM
-Power Tail Gate Lock (

$162 PK3B6-35JS0 Toyota Genuine 2019 & Newer Tacoma Short Wheelbase Tailgate Lock (PK3B6-35JS0)

PK3B6-35JS0)
-Predator Steps (

$747 PT925-35170 . Black Powder Coated. 2016-2018 Tacoma 4 Door Double Cab.

PT925-35170)

Non OEM
-Anytime camera w/ front cam (TGP)
-Trying to talk myself out of raptor LEDs (for now)

Any thoughts on other must-have OEM or After-market addons for the truck?
Thanks!

 

The predator steps wont protect anything. If you want protection, get 0° sliders with step pads. If you just want a step, then predator or running boards.

 

Thanks for being first in!
The steps are mainly a curtesy for short-legged passengers - the reason why it's last on my list (no kids, mom & pop still have their knees). This is my daily driver before an off-road machine.

Though, the options for those sliders do look nice! I figured I'd go with the steps and if they break off I'll call it a slider mod. Any particular brand to call out?

 

I have RCI and love them. The price is very fair and super easy to install.

 

Predator steps are a nice idea. I am not a short-legged driver but I like the looks of my running boards a lot. Do you plan on doing any non OEM additions for looks/performance? or just quality of life?

 

Right now it's mostly about quality of life. Once I get comfortable with the new truck I'll be more open-minded to other modifications - even the gimmicky ones.

 

OTT

 

Thanks for taking the time to entertain my first post...

 

Referring to getting a tune

Your post didn't state automatic or manual, I've heard the tune will do wonders for the automatic trans. I have a manual and even notice the difference. Check out the link I shared, not too expensive and more value than doing exhaust, intake, etc.

 

Before you get too far in, plan some of your mods for things you may want to do beyond the DD duties. It's easier and cheaper to go at with a bit of a vision toward what you ultimately want to do with the truck. If it's DD duties and grocery runs, then things like the predator steps don't matter. If you have thoughts toward off roading, then make purchases toward that end. Example would be the steps. I've seen the steps on the predators get ripped off on the trail and missed taking out a tire by inches. When I did my lift, I went with heavy duty springs front and back as I planned on a steel bumper and an RTT.

 

Welcome to TW....

 

Welcome to TW. If you are looking for an OEM side step. Look at the running boards for the 2nd Gen. They fit the 3rd Gen, and fit up closer to the cab. A friend of mine has them, and they look good.

 

Ah. Should have put that in my profile details. It's a V6 AT.
I also didn't know what OTT was so naturally I googled it, which was a different story
Thanks for sharing!

You guys are killing me with these acronyms.
Okay, daily driving duties. So far everything I've grabbed since picking up the truck is aimed for daily things. So as I ride and do research I find accessories & functions I'd rather have than not. For the task of off-roading I wouldn't know until I do, as I haven't done any yet.

I suppose the next thing for me to do is to drive out and see how I feel hitting some of the public off-roading spots- cause I gotta. Figured I should put more miles on it first.

A little personal background; I'm in New-England, daily driving around the city but spend most of my time off work exploring Northern Appalachia. When I was shopping for the truck I was in a tight situation (my 04 Trailblazer had enough, or rather I had enough) and didn't want anything other than a 2023 Tacoma. Put a deposit on a comparable SR5 which never made it to the dealership (last second QC hold at the yard) and was offered the OR instead - I was obsoletely stoked (more functions & holds value much better). But since the SR5 was offered with 0 addons I got ahead searching every possible thing I could throw at it for possible addons. While I can admit the OR is beyond my daily means I have every intention of using all options included, albeit not heavily. So I've yet to know what additional OR gear I'd like to throw at it - if any at all.

I suppose my quest here is more for general items and nothing specialized. But as new Tacoma owner, I have no opposition to hearing it all!

 

My biggest recommendation is this": If you going to take it off road, make sure you can get home. Make sure you have a recovery plan (traction board, winch, communication, and let someone know where to find you. It sounds like you have some experience, so build from that. Financially, it's better to plan for what you think you're going to do than to come back and re-do something because you wind up needing more. That's the "plan ahead" advice.

We should have a thread for acronyms.

 

I DD mine and also some light off road stuff, nothing too crazy. I like the suggestion of @Tiny's Taco to plan some of your mods…build with a purpose…aka buy once cry once. I added some lights and eventually added an auxbeam switch panel, so just going back and redoing things can get frustrating. Most of my first mods were interior items to get the truck feeling like home to me. I did the LED light upgrade in the cab, put a dashboard multi mount (DMM) above my head unit and center console and glove box organizers. Then went for a canopy roof racks and then the lift, wheels and tires. I’m running an icon 2.75 inch lift and some Wildpeak AT3s. It’s a fun process! As for the predator steps, I’ve seen so many with bent steps or steps ripped off…personally I wouldn’t want them, you lose a few inches of clearance with them.

 

Another great piece of advice! In my rifle case I keep basic tools, recovery gear, tire chains in the winter and so on. I have a winch the I purchased on sale just waiting for the bumper to come along now. The traction boards live in the garage until I’m going off road, I may throw them in once the snow starts to fall just in case…never know!

Another great addition is a really good first aid kit and fire extinguisher. I’ve used those items so many times to help others along the way.