TAC-TOY Build by Predator Strikeforce

The TAC-TOY (Tactical-Toyota) Build started out as a new truck for my hunting business but quickly turned into the ultimate predator-hunting vehicle build for Predator Xtreme Magazine when I received a contract to write an editorial titled "Predatorize Your Rig".



When my 2007 TRD Sport DC LB 4x4 hit 175,000 miles, I started looking for another Toyota truck. I thought I wanted a 2016 Tundra TRD PRO and started doing research. Later than month, I went on an Idaho Wolf hunt with a good friend who owned a nice lifted Tundra. After one day of hunting, he parked his Tundra and rode with me for the rest of the entire week. He simply couldn't follow me in his Tundra. It was too big to fit down most trails. Too heavy for the deep snow, and the ride was too rough for the terrain. I'm grateful for that lesson because it saved me from making a bad decision. I quickly started to research new Tacoma's as the 2016's were just days from starting to ship.

As a professional hunter, the TRD Off-Road DC LB 4x4 was a must and when I finally saw the new Quicksand color in person, it was the obvious choice for me. I quickly sold my 2007 with 187,000 miles now to a buddy and began my search for my '16. After a few weeks, I realized in order to get exactly what I wanted, I would have to order it. An order was placed the next day. I began researching/planning mods immediately after placing my order. 6 weeks later, the TAC-TOY finally arrived.

Two days after taking delivery, I was already finding new adventures...

Parts started to arrive almost immediately.

Wheels and tires ordered from Discount Tire Company.
Level 8 Bully Pro 6 wheels 17x9" with Cooper STT Pro tires size 295/70/17.


Two days after wheels arrived my 3" lift kit did as well.

Fat Bob's Garage "Predator Strikeforce" 3" coil-over kit. Having a lift kit named after me was something I never expected but graciously accepted.

http://4x4.fatbobsgarage.com/toyota...orce-suspension-package-2005-2016-p33238.aspx

I also requested a CMC (Cab Mount Chop) as I really wanted to clear the BEEFY looking 295's with ease.


I was blown away when I saw the results!

As soon as I got the truck back from Fat Bob's Garage, I headed out on a week long hunting trip to AZ in the newly lifted TAC-TOY.

Truck feels as good off-road as it does on-road.
While in AZ, I received a call from my dealer that my new ARE HD Series cap had arrived.



That same week, a giant box arrived from Truck Vault containing an all-weather HD Series Magnum vault.

Nothing says tactical like a freakin' Truck Vault...

Wrap going on tomorrow so I spent the day disassembling and prepping for the wrap. It sucked! The fender flares are a giant pain to remove because the clips that hold them on break and the double sided tape stays on the truck. Had to debadge and desticker. Also had to pull headlights. Can't pull headlights without pulling the grill and front bumper. I also disassembled the windoor latches so I can powdercoat them black. Also removed the wheel guards so I can paint them too. I hope the truck goes back together when I'm done. Lol!






Cleaned up the garage and started on the wrap.


This SUCKS!

Takes a lot of balls and $ to attempt this...


I think it looks even better in natural light. Pattern is called Kryptek Highlander and the wrap material came from Rapid Wraps.

http://www.usnightvision.com/KRYPTEKCamoVehicleWrapKits.aspx

I plan to wrap the ENTIRE vehicle then add some customization to it. I.E. Business logos and sponsor logos. It's very durable. My last wrap was on for seven years without failing or fading. It will take a few days to complete I'm sure.


If nothing else, it'll really blend-in with the rock on the house. Now I can hide from bill collectors in plain sight.


Husky Liners X-Act Contour floorliners are shipping now! I just installed a set of front and rear and I'm super happy with them. I've owned other Husky and Weather Tech products but these are by far, the best I've owned yet. Thick rubber (not plastic) construction with high edges to keep the slop inside the liner and off the carpets.



Check 'em out online at https://www.huskyliners.com/X-act-C...tyle/double-cab-pickup/transmission/automatic

Made some progress on the wrap and got some paint done on the wheel guards and grill.





It's slowly taking on a new attitude...

Installed the custom painted scratch guards for the Level 8 Bully Pro wheels and custom painted grill. Also got more done on the Kryptek wrap and dropped the truck off for roof-rack fab at Side By Customs...

Expedition One said bumpers will be done Friday.





Been working on my truck around the clock it seems. I'm exhausted but it's really starting to come together.

Expedition One RANGEMAX front bumper with Rough Country RS9500S Winch.

I also added some vinyl to the rockers. Rear bumper and roof racks are next.

A few NEW, bad-ass additions to my TAC-TOY this weekend.

Added some black vinyl along the bottom and tailgate and installed an Expedition One Rangemax rear bumper.


Added some Rigid Industries IR (infrared) lights to the Expedition One Rangemax front bumper.

I pulled out my NVG (Night Vision Goggles) and I'm amazed at how well the lights work!

Last but certainly not least, drumroll please......

Fully custom Side By Customs roof racks!

Complete with Hi-Lift mount, 4 Rigid Industries Scene lights, 6 Rigid Industries Boat Deck lights (red), FOXPRO USA TruckPro digital game caller with four speakers, 2 Idleback Shooting chairs and a custom ladder that can be used on both sides as well as the rear!




Today, I added some black vinyl to the hood. I like it a lot. More to come...




The Expedition One Rangemax bumper is designed to fit a 20" Lightbar. I wanted to run Rigid Industries E series IR (InfraRed) 10" combo and D2 IR driving pair so my 16 year old son designed a plate bracket to accommodate my lights using the factory mounting holes.. SO impressed with this IR set-up. Unreal actually.




I Finally had a chance to put some of the new equipment through a test run on an actual predator hunt.

First step was to load up the All-Weather Truck Vault with gear. Firearms, Ammo, Thermal, NOD's (night observation device) and predator calls...




We managed to call-up and kill a giant Badger.


Check out the claws vs .223 comparison. Stud Badger!


After that, the weather turned to shit. Snow, rain and lots of mud.




We still managed to call in a few coyotes anyway and get a good idea of the real potential on the gear.


I'm the beard on the right. Lol!

I have a few adjustments to make on the roof rack and lighting. I'm also going to add some airbags to the rear leafs and I'm installing some tactical seat covers ASAP.

Fat Bob's Garage had the TAC-TOY today and decided to flex it a bit.


I'm quite impressed!

The Kryptek Camo TAC-TOY just got more tactical. Covers & Camo Tactical Package seat covers are second to none! I'm pretty picky about my gear and I did a lot of research before building the ultimate hunting rig. These covers are as tactical as I've ever seen. Go checkout what they have to offer. You won't be disappointed!




Rifle pouches, Molle webbing, lots of storage pockets, durable and comfortable material and they fit like a glove...



One of my favorite features is the covert pistol pocket. The pouch holds a full-size semi-automatic handgun with mags. It's also completely removable so you can take the gun with you wherever you go. Very innovative!

 

Picked up a set of Bushwacker pocket style flares for the TAC-TOY. All I can say is, wow! I'm a big fan.

Here's a little side by side comparison with the factory flares.

Front


Factory flare sitting on top of Bushwacker flare





Factory flare front


Bushwacker flare front


Rear


Factory flare sitting on top of Bushwacker flare





Factory flare rear


Bushwacker flare rear


Bushwacker trimmed to fit Expedition One front bumper and installed




Enough said! Last time I tried to review a product here, someone complained to the admins, speculating that I was working for the company doing a fake review.

Today, I tatted up the hood.


What's an Overland Vehicle without a ARB Fridge/Freezer? Because of my particular set-up, the standard ARB slider wouldn't work so I had to splurge on the MSA 4X4 DS-40 Drop Slide and I'm glad I did. This thing is handy! Ice-Cold Rootbeers are a staple for hunting.




Finally got all my Rigid Lights in and wired up. It's like putting high heels on a smoking hot chick! MEOW...







Everything works great too.

 

TacToy made a magazine!

https://www.predatorxtreme-digital.com/view.php?file=2017-10,October-2017.pdf#page=50

 

RSVD

 

RSVD

 

RSVD

 

very nice ! love it.

 

Thanks, it's coming along...

 

Found it.

Looking good man, and the more I see that color the more I really like it.

Subed for goodness.

 

Oh, what's the story on that upended airplane?

 

Crash was unreported. Happened just hours before I found the crash site. Made local and national news too.

 

Geez. Hope everyone was okay.

 

you gonna go with a Kryptek full wrap ? that would look bad ass.

 

Nice! I'll sub here, loving those tires and wheels.

 

You know it! Should get wrapped this week.

 

My buddy works for Xtreme Predator Obsession magazine. I'm gonna show him your truck.

 

I've won writer and column of the year for three consecutive years at Predator Xtreme. I should write for Xtreme Predator Obsession too. Get permission from your buddy for me to contact him please. Thanks

 

Will do, I'll pm you.

 

sub'd

 

Nice!!! Truck looks great.