Who off roads hard with their moonroof?

Currently a Gen1 owner. 2002 DC 4x4. ARB, winch, King coilovers with 700lb coils, Built Right UCA's. Has served me extremely well, but it is time to swap it out. I'll be looking to set the new one (TRD OR DC 4x4, quicksand) up the same, with the exception of a C4 lo-pro or Relentless Fab stingray lo-pro in place of the ARB. Ordering parts in process.

I am putting together a spec sheet for what I want to submit to dealers for bids, and the last detail I'm trying to settle on is the premium and tech package (no JBL...need the space behind the rear seat more). This obviously includes the moonroof. I can do without the backup assist sensors (and I see where some seem to be failing) and without the blind spot assist. Dual climate control would be nice, as would the heated seats, but I can certainly do without these and they're not a huge selling point to me.

The color keyed rear bumper would be nice as well, but if I go without premium tech package, and I go C4 fab bumper...I'll be at the powder coaters anyway, and will probably just have them powder coat the chrome rear bumper pieces to match body paint.

The main selling point in the tech package for me is the moonroof. This will be the w's and my primary vehicle (she has company car), so as we cruise around AZ and SoCal a lot, the roof would be nice. Had one on the 2nd car before I sold it, and miss it.

However, when I get out in the woods, I truly use my truck hard. Camping, hunting, and typically hauling ass from point a to b, or crawling on some pretty rough roads. I've put a lot of hard off road miles on my current Tacoma, and that won't change with the new one.

I know there have been a few issues with moonroofs breaking during normal driving. Likely due to manufacturer defect in the tempered glass (unless you ask Toyota, then it was road debris caused). What I haven't seen here yet is someone saying they got their truck flexed up, or took a hard road hit, and had the moonroof break or otherwise cause problems while off roading.

Anyone regularly off road hard with their moonroof equipped Tacoma?

Also worried about mud / muddy water splashing up and getting into the roof and mechanisms creating problems with rollers, gears, seals, etc. Not uncommon for me to wind up in very muddy situations while out back hunting.

Finally, rattles and squeaks drive me nuts and I hunt them down mercilessly. Too many rattle / squeak issues off road with the moonroof to make it even a consideration?

I know, many think the moonroof doesn't belong on an off roading truck. But if I can swing it without being left with rain and snow pouring in on me 50 miles from town, or having a rattle trap overhead, I'd like to have one.

Any first hand experiences appreciated.

 

I don't have the tech package, so I can't answer your question about moonroof, but the stock chrome bumper on the non-tech is plastic(all of them are, including the painted), so you won't be able to powder coat it

 

Plastic can be powder coated.

 

I did not realize that. Thanks for the correction!

 

From what I understand it's a very specialized process and not many places can facilitate plastic powder coat. It's not the conventional process.

EDIT: Let's not derail this thread though. OP has a valid question.

 

I've put my OR through some nasty trails and haven't had any problems with the moonroof. I honestly never even thought of it, but maybe that's why the PRO doesn't come with one.

 

The chrome rear end corners are plastic?

 

If you get the premium and tech that makes the sunroof come they are color keyed. @JerryTaco and @tubbsisland both go hard with sun roofs

 

I think the biggest problem with the sunroof is the lack of headroom. From things I have read here, (I've never actually measured it), you loose about 1" in the front and 3" in the rear of headroom. If you're tall you won't like that as headroom is not the best to start with

Chrome covered plastic, like the grill.

 

Yup, they're plastic.

 

Just don't offroad with the roof open or tilted up. Wash before opening.

 

First gen, best gen

 

Well I'll be damned (on the rear bumper). Never knocked on one to notice it was plastic. Sounds like more of a body shop deal than a powder coat then if I go the non-tech package route. Color keyed looks better, but since it is part of the package, I can do without if the moonroof may be an issue.

Will be test driving one saturday, and sitting in both the moonroof and plain roof versions to see if I'm comfortable with the decrease in head room.

 

Id omit it for the headroom. The ceiling in my 2nd gen was a finger width from my scalp. Im 6ft tall and hate having a reclined seat.

 

Biggest complaint about my truck is the lack of headroom. I'm 6'3" and it's definitely cozy. But after putting a cvouple thousand miles on it, I haven't really noticed it unless I've got a tall hat on. It's worth the luxury over the lack of headroom now that I've experienced it.

 

I have the Premium & Tech package with no moonroof.
It is also an Access Cab.

 

I'm 6'2" and have the moonroof and I have more trouble getting through the door than the lack of head space when seated.

 

I've banged skidplates to the point I've had to reshape them some. I've lifted a wheel, and teetered briefly on 2 once. I've accidentally jumped something (that kinda scared the crap out of me, won't lie).

Sunroof never entered my mind. I love it, I rolled it back, the windows down, and the back glass to the side and I've got a mini-Jeep situation going, without having to store a top somewhere.

 

To clarify, they are plastic because the tech/prem package comes with BSM and BSM cant work with a metal bumper.

 

I'm 6'1". Test drove a Limited with sunroof and ordered an Offroad with no sunroof. It was too tight for me, especially in the back seat. My dad always taught us to never cut holes in things that were designed to keep water off of you.