Newbie with a bunch of questions

Truck: 2021 TRD Pro

So I plan on doing "moderately technical" offroad trails quite here and there and also overlanding and
sleeping in my truck at least a few times a year. Eventually I'll do a longterm overlanding adventure. I'd like to start planning out my mods and upgrades so I have a bunch of questions.

When you order large parts that need to be installed by a shop, such as shell, can you have the parts delivered directly to the shop and they hold them for you until you drop your truck off for the installation?

My TRD Pro comes with a stock skid plate in front. I don't think I'll add any extra armor for a while, but what would be the next most important piece of armor to add when the time comes?

Can I install a winch on my stock front bumper, or do I need a special bumper in order to mount it? I am also considering a manual winch, but they seem to be a lot more work. I like the flexibility of being able to winch in any direction though.

When you air down on the trail, do you usually air down to the same psi, or does it vary depending on the terrain you'll be on?

How do I determine if I have beadlock wheels? I really don't think I'll be lowering the psi low enough for it to matter, but I am curious.

If you carry an extra gas can(s), where do you store it and what shape is it? I've seen some regular old box style cans but i've also seen some long, thin rectangular cans that sit on top of a roof rack and have a very low profile. They look pretty slick.

What is the benefit of mounting the spare tire on back on one of those swinging arms that mount to the rear bumper, rather than keeping it where it is on the underside of the truck? Just ease of access?

I am pretty set on getting a hard shell because I want to sleep in the back, I like the security for my gear, and also protection from the elements. Is there a specific brand that makes a more durable topper that can withstand the rigor of offroading? It seems like most toppers would do the job, but some slide backward or move around more than others.

For those of you who decided to implement solar power, what was the deciding factor?

Do high clearance bumpers weigh less than the stock bumpers? The weight savings would be nice.

Thanks!!!!

 

Welcome aboard.

 

Congrats on the new truck!

If we answered all those questions for you, you will lose out on the chance of learning and exploring all the options out there.

Most important thing is you got a great truck and you are here with a great community.

 

How tall are you? Planning on dangling your feet outside of the shell while you sleep?

 

Funny you asked. I've done a little research on this and it'll be a little tight but I am pretty sure I can manage.
I am 6'3" lol, but I am a side sleeper and I curl up. The truck bed is 5' long.
If I put a www.decked.com drawer system in there then I can sleep at a little bit of an angle and it should be fine. I don't sleep on my back, or with my legs fully extended.

I actually did a little test on my queen bed in my house. I sectioned off a 5' x 3' area and curled up in just that confined section and it worked out pretty well. Worst case, I have a tent that I could set up, but I really don't feel like dealing with that if it's more than a few nights in a row. Also if I am ever camping in grizzly territory (I am thinking way far in advance) I am not going to want to be in a little tent next to my truck haha.

 

Dang. That'll be tight. I did the RTT thing before and I moved back to a ground tent. Have a setup for solo trips and a setup for trips with the girlfriend and the dog.

Dig around here for a while. There are answers to all your questions. The only one you won't find an answer to is the one on ordering large parts. Get to know a local shop and they may be willing to help you out with freight shipments.

 

Well the truck bed is 60" x 57". This will give me a comfortable amount of space to sleep. I only mentioned 5' x 3' up above because that's all I really need, but I would have even more room than that if necessary. If some equipment or gear is in the way (on top of the drawer system) I could just move it out of the way for the night.

 

No - in most cases, if you order the parts on-line, you install the parts. Most installers want you to order the parts from them.

Rock sliders, Bumpers

You need a winch bumper. I've seen jeeps install winches on a stock bumper. but it takes a lot of fabrication.

Mostly the same. Maybe a couple PSI different.

You Don't - New trucks don't come with bead locks

Mole Rack

Other than getting out from under the truck, not really a benefit. Probably really a negative adding weight to the rear of the truck. Putting it in the bed is the most benefit.

All mount about the same. You can add mounts if you like.

Need more power

More because they are made out of metal instead of plastic.

Welcome to TW

 

Sorry I meant what would the next piece of armor be on the UNDERSIDE of the truck?

Oh do you use a RotoPaX or FuelPax container with the Molle Rack?

LOL. I meant like.... did they decide to sit out in the desert all day while working remotely from their laptop, or something like that.

 

Sliders.

 

EDIT: Nevermind, it sounds like a full tank of gas is included in the payload.

My payload is 990 lbs.
Gasoline weighs 6 lbs per gallon and my gas tank can hold 21.1 gallons.

6 * 21.1 = 126.6 lbs....... so this means right off the bat with a full tank of gas, my payload is reduced to 863.4 lbs?

Damn...