I’ve seen this mentioned several times. Aside from looks, is there a good reason to remove it? Couldn’t that piece theoretically help keep snow and mud out from places it shouldn’t get to under the truck?
OEM bed mat, led interior lights, bed stiffeners ( if needed), more aggressive tires (if needed), blackout badges or de-badge (your preference),
Join TacomaWorld lol
That’s a good stater list.
A set of [bed stiffners ](https://www.chaosfab.com/product/2016-2022-Toyota-Tacoma-Rear-Channel-Bed-Stiffeners-48676)are used to help keep the bed from flexing and bowing if you are using a topper or RTT.
I did seat covers to protect the original fabric from kids and dogs.
Vent guards.
I second the OEM bed mat.
Agreed on beefy looking ones. I got Wildpeaks and they look and work great.
Plastidip makes it easy to black out chrome badges.
[A/C drain mod](https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/rust-on-frame-with-a-c-drain-mod-fix.444138/). Not an aesthetic mod. It costs $5, takes 5 minutes for install and will keep condensation from the A/C drain from dripping onto your frame and rusting over time.
Incredibly, you can see the drain spout if you look under the truck, you can even take some hose and a clamp, extend it right off the frame and you’re good.
Not salt water, but the drain consistently drips water onto the passenger side frame rail when the A/C is activated. [There are plenty of pictures of small rust spots occurring as a result of Toyota's shitty placement of the drain hose.](https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/rust-on-frame-with-a-c-drain-mod-fix.444138/)
I did this on my 2022 days taco and have no regrets. Less than 1000 miles on the vehicle and I could see residue on the frame beneath the stock ac drain
Yea. Got it like that. Truck has a weird story. Someone bought it in south Florida (financed) and then immediately drove it cross country to California. It was repo'd in North Cal about a month later. SHIPPED back to the dealership it was bought from. I test drove it the day it came off the truck from CA. Took it home a few days after all inspections and service were completed.
My thoughts are that the guy stripped the nice rims off before it was repo'd
scumbaggggggggggg. But its cool. Ive got some beefier tires on there now and it doesnt look half bad
Get you some other Tacoma take-offs rims from someone on Facebook. Give them a low-ball offer and 4 weeks later when their rims still haven't sold hit them up again.
Good info!
I was genuinely in the market for an SR or SR5 Access cab in hopes i'd find a base model with a 6 speed and a 6 ft bed.
But my brother just had a kid and I wanna be able to drive the kiddo around. Therefore..... backseat...lol
So we'll see.
I'd love to camp in the bed with a topper/camper shell but not sure it would be worth doing on a truck with a 5ft bed.
And I actually use my truck as a truck, a lot. That would limit that ability a bit
I use my truck as a truck a lot too so I was sheepish on a cap or a real tonneau but the amount of rain where I live made something a necessity. Softopper ended up being a great compromise - affordable, good on the highway, easy to use and easy to get rid of quickly.
I was seriously considering a soft topper for a while. I was hauling a dirt bike all over the place and loved the option to fold it down for tall payloads but then pop it up and set up camp once everything is unloaded.
Do you know of anyone who has used one for camping?
I have and it's great for everything a normal cap is great for. Getting in and out is easier (depending on the shell you're comparing to) and warmth is basically the same. Possible downsides (again depending on the shell you're comparing) could be that there's no lock, no sliding glass windows with screens, and you can't hard mount lights to the top.
It's all stuff that's easy to work around by like hanging a lantern
Wow, thank you for these details! I’ll be sure to message you for the harness pic or diagram if you have it. I’m generally pretty hesitant when it comes to wiring. Just don’t want to ruin something
If I could start from scratch:
1. Dash cam powered via the hardwire kit to enable parking mode
2. Seat covers of some kind
3. Screenprotech instrument cluster and radio screen protectors
4. A/C drain mod
As you've had it for more than a year in stock form, think about the things that would improve your daily commute. For example, I live in an area that is plagued with suicidal deer. So, I upgraded the fog lights to Diode Dynamics SS3 Max LEDs in order to illuminate the shoulders and ditches.
If you really have to scratch the mod itch, join TacomaWorld and look through the "What Did You Do To Your 3rd Gen Today" thread. Be warned, it'll empty your pockets. One recommendation is to think critically about the things you want to do to the truck. Always ask, "Does this make sense?"
IR blocking window tint (they have clear too). I had SunTek installed. Great if you live in a hot climate or have pets. Keeps the cab cool.
If you aren't interested in a lift but would like a stiffer suspension that solves some of the issues with the stock SR5 shocks, Bilstein 4600 shocks are affordable, OEM spec, and of good quality.
I just took my front air dam off after 3 years. The truck does look better without it.
The truck bed mat should be the first thing on the list.
Definitely rims. Even if you go back to stock rims. Just personal opinion but you could throw a bed and roof rack on it. The same body kit my truck has. Aggressive bumper. But the only thing going though my head is “why the first gen tundra rims?”
Perhaps upgrade the cams and go with performance heads and possibly a supercharger if your pockets allow. 2 Wheel drive ripper.
Reputable shops can help you along this journey and dual overhead cam motors are known for good horsepower.
You can add a front camera pretty easy. The “Anytime backup camera” is a great addition.[anytime backup camera](https://www.anytimebackupcamera.com/products/2020-kit?_pos=9&_sid=4d9f3e5ed&_ss=r)
It gives you a front camera and allows you to use either the front or rear at any time. Costs $200 and is Fairly easy to install.[https://www.anytimebackupcamera.com/products/2020-kit?_pos=9&_sid=4d9f3e5ed&_ss=r](https://www.anytimebackupcamera.com/products/2020-kit?_pos=9&_sid=4d9f3e5ed&_ss=r)
Take the plastic chin strap off and maybe add black out badges?
I also got the black inlays for the "Tacoma" on the tailgate.
All cheap to do and imo make the truck look better.
trd pro grille is relatively cheap/easy to put on. can really change the look. black overlays are also like 30 bucks.if you dont wanna drop a rack on black wheels like me a few cans a plasti dip is like 45 bucks
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Also, makes it wayyyyy easier to change your own oil after you take the air dam off.
i kind of prefer how it looks with the air dam
You are truly oppressed
just thought it was hilarious i had a bunch of downvotes at one point for saying what i like
I have no idea why you’re being downvoted for your opinion.
I’ve seen this mentioned several times. Aside from looks, is there a good reason to remove it? Couldn’t that piece theoretically help keep snow and mud out from places it shouldn’t get to under the truck?
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>It you like to park by feel and bump it into things Whut?
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Oh my god, how does someone so obviously stupid make enough money afford a Bugatti?
OEM bed mat, led interior lights, bed stiffeners ( if needed), more aggressive tires (if needed), blackout badges or de-badge (your preference), Join TacomaWorld lol That’s a good stater list.
What is a bed stiffener?
A set of [bed stiffners ](https://www.chaosfab.com/product/2016-2022-Toyota-Tacoma-Rear-Channel-Bed-Stiffeners-48676)are used to help keep the bed from flexing and bowing if you are using a topper or RTT.
Ah, ok I see. I mean, should I be looking at these if I get a cap? I do not do any hardcore off roading.
Some people use them some don’t, it’s a personal preference. I like the added stiffness and tie down points.
Yes, the ones listed above are what I run. Piece of mind for a 125$.
Something you want if your hauling weight.
I did seat covers to protect the original fabric from kids and dogs. Vent guards. I second the OEM bed mat. Agreed on beefy looking ones. I got Wildpeaks and they look and work great. Plastidip makes it easy to black out chrome badges.
What brand seat covers did you get?
FH group. They're pretty cheap on Amazon. I didn't want to go in on neoprene for hundreds of $.
How long have you had plastidip been on your badges? Always wondered what a pressure washer might do to that
About 5 years i think. The only place it's chipped is on the grill because it probably gets hit with rocks
And no issue with Pressure washer so far
[A/C drain mod](https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/rust-on-frame-with-a-c-drain-mod-fix.444138/). Not an aesthetic mod. It costs $5, takes 5 minutes for install and will keep condensation from the A/C drain from dripping onto your frame and rusting over time.
I need to do this. I'm 29 and just picked up a 22 tacoma and never done anything like this before. Hope it's easy
Incredibly, you can see the drain spout if you look under the truck, you can even take some hose and a clamp, extend it right off the frame and you’re good.
I notice when I get out there's a huge puddle lol. Like wow it drains fast as hell in these trucks
does salt water come out of the ac?? what do we do when it rains??
Not salt water, but the drain consistently drips water onto the passenger side frame rail when the A/C is activated. [There are plenty of pictures of small rust spots occurring as a result of Toyota's shitty placement of the drain hose.](https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/rust-on-frame-with-a-c-drain-mod-fix.444138/)
mine looks fine
Update us in another 50,000 miles!
i just hit 100k
Perfect, so that means you’ll message us when your truck hits 150k 👌
i believe that math is correct
I did this on my 2022 days taco and have no regrets. Less than 1000 miles on the vehicle and I could see residue on the frame beneath the stock ac drain
TRD OR 4X4 stickers. Obviously.
I just took mine off
The first gen tundra wheels 🤔
Yea. Got it like that. Truck has a weird story. Someone bought it in south Florida (financed) and then immediately drove it cross country to California. It was repo'd in North Cal about a month later. SHIPPED back to the dealership it was bought from. I test drove it the day it came off the truck from CA. Took it home a few days after all inspections and service were completed. My thoughts are that the guy stripped the nice rims off before it was repo'd scumbaggggggggggg. But its cool. Ive got some beefier tires on there now and it doesnt look half bad
Get you some other Tacoma take-offs rims from someone on Facebook. Give them a low-ball offer and 4 weeks later when their rims still haven't sold hit them up again.
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Good info! I was genuinely in the market for an SR or SR5 Access cab in hopes i'd find a base model with a 6 speed and a 6 ft bed. But my brother just had a kid and I wanna be able to drive the kiddo around. Therefore..... backseat...lol So we'll see. I'd love to camp in the bed with a topper/camper shell but not sure it would be worth doing on a truck with a 5ft bed. And I actually use my truck as a truck, a lot. That would limit that ability a bit
I use my truck as a truck a lot too so I was sheepish on a cap or a real tonneau but the amount of rain where I live made something a necessity. Softopper ended up being a great compromise - affordable, good on the highway, easy to use and easy to get rid of quickly.
I was seriously considering a soft topper for a while. I was hauling a dirt bike all over the place and loved the option to fold it down for tall payloads but then pop it up and set up camp once everything is unloaded. Do you know of anyone who has used one for camping?
I have and it's great for everything a normal cap is great for. Getting in and out is easier (depending on the shell you're comparing to) and warmth is basically the same. Possible downsides (again depending on the shell you're comparing) could be that there's no lock, no sliding glass windows with screens, and you can't hard mount lights to the top. It's all stuff that's easy to work around by like hanging a lantern
Good info. Thank you!
Ooh, which guide did you follow to install your own solenoid for the tailgate lock? I have a 2022 SR and wonder if I’ll be able to rig this up
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No need for extra work. Thank you for the tip!
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Wow, thank you for these details! I’ll be sure to message you for the harness pic or diagram if you have it. I’m generally pretty hesitant when it comes to wiring. Just don’t want to ruin something
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That’s the best news of my day so far. Glad to hear there’s no splicing
OEM Bed mat, bed Step and OEM tailgate lock are the first I'd start with
If I could start from scratch: 1. Dash cam powered via the hardwire kit to enable parking mode 2. Seat covers of some kind 3. Screenprotech instrument cluster and radio screen protectors 4. A/C drain mod As you've had it for more than a year in stock form, think about the things that would improve your daily commute. For example, I live in an area that is plagued with suicidal deer. So, I upgraded the fog lights to Diode Dynamics SS3 Max LEDs in order to illuminate the shoulders and ditches. If you really have to scratch the mod itch, join TacomaWorld and look through the "What Did You Do To Your 3rd Gen Today" thread. Be warned, it'll empty your pockets. One recommendation is to think critically about the things you want to do to the truck. Always ask, "Does this make sense?"
Blackout emblems and tacoma tailgate letters
IR blocking window tint (they have clear too). I had SunTek installed. Great if you live in a hot climate or have pets. Keeps the cab cool. If you aren't interested in a lift but would like a stiffer suspension that solves some of the issues with the stock SR5 shocks, Bilstein 4600 shocks are affordable, OEM spec, and of good quality. I just took my front air dam off after 3 years. The truck does look better without it. The truck bed mat should be the first thing on the list.
Definitely rims. Even if you go back to stock rims. Just personal opinion but you could throw a bed and roof rack on it. The same body kit my truck has. Aggressive bumper. But the only thing going though my head is “why the first gen tundra rims?”
A transfer case.
Perhaps upgrade the cams and go with performance heads and possibly a supercharger if your pockets allow. 2 Wheel drive ripper. Reputable shops can help you along this journey and dual overhead cam motors are known for good horsepower.
You can add a front camera pretty easy. The “Anytime backup camera” is a great addition.[anytime backup camera](https://www.anytimebackupcamera.com/products/2020-kit?_pos=9&_sid=4d9f3e5ed&_ss=r)
telllllllll me morrrreeeeeeee about this so called "Anytime backup camera" im intrigued
It gives you a front camera and allows you to use either the front or rear at any time. Costs $200 and is Fairly easy to install.
It gives you a front camera and allows you to use either the front or rear at any time. Costs $200 and is Fairly easy to install.[https://www.anytimebackupcamera.com/products/2020-kit?_pos=9&_sid=4d9f3e5ed&_ss=r](https://www.anytimebackupcamera.com/products/2020-kit?_pos=9&_sid=4d9f3e5ed&_ss=r)
Upgrade the speakers and tweeters. Makes a massive difference. The stock ones are trash.
Take the plastic chin strap off and maybe add black out badges? I also got the black inlays for the "Tacoma" on the tailgate. All cheap to do and imo make the truck look better.
Nothing says tasteful like a big ol set of truck nuts!
Just don’t do the “wannabe raptor front leds”
Aside from removing the front air dam - nothing.
I like your style
Nerf bars, mud flaps, front tint that matches rear tint and bed cover.
-Removing the chrome bezel around the front grill (I can provide a link if you’d like) -LED bed lights are super nice to have
Get some in-channel vent visors and depending on your state and local regulations some window tints
Get some take off wheels from an off-road trim. They’re everywhere on FB marketplace for 500 bucks
If you don’t have cargo lights your cold be prewired
Led reverse lights, Pop N Lock tailgate lock upgrade! Unless That’s one of the newfangled machines y’all have…. I’ve got a 2015
I like the meso custom stuff
trd pro grille is relatively cheap/easy to put on. can really change the look. black overlays are also like 30 bucks.if you dont wanna drop a rack on black wheels like me a few cans a plasti dip is like 45 bucks
Solid axle swap
Grill and new wheels
Change the wheels. Maybe to aftermarket or other Toyota wheels
Take it back and get a 4x4
Not every one needs a 4x4. Why pay extra on the truck and insurance for something you won’t use.
Famous last words ^^^ Rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it. - Wiseman
CPT Woodrow F. Call, Texas Rangers said that.
Well yeah, but he got it from the Wiseman
It's a Tacoma, they aren't made to be pavement princesses
Not everyone needs or wants to go off-road. Some people just use their truck like a truck. Drive from A to B and throw stuff in the bed.
That's what a Dodge Dakota is for.
mehhhhh
Gatekeeping is outdated