I Regret These Mods! - Save Your Money & Hassle | Overland Toyota Tacoma Build Process
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- Опубліковано 8 чер 2024
- I go over my recommended build process and things to avoid to get you a budget 'friendlier' overland rig!
Personally my rig has gotten me everywhere I've ever wanted to go. With many trails still being fairly technical and challenging. Nevertheless over the last three years i've never had a single mechanical failure and now I know what to avoid spending money on in the future!
Everything used in my build and camera setup can be found here:
www.amazon.com/shop/influence...
Also for any smittybuilt fans out there. My buddy has their most expensive one and the overall build quality was questionable compared to other similar price point models i've seen. Rip stiching.
Segments:
Intro 0:00
Tires 0:34
Suspension 1:55
Lighting 3:01
Gas Cans 3:48
Armor 4:10
Roof Top Tents 4:53
Photography can be found on Instagram or TikTok @BootNCrank
Camera Equipment:
Gopro Hero 9 - Main Camera
Gopro Hero 6 - Dash Cam
Nikon Z6 with Nikkor 28-200mm Lens
DJI Air2S
Rode VideoMicro Mic (Main Mic)
Rode Lapel Mic (MTB Mic)
Music from Epidemic Sound
Oh hey there, if you're reading this you've found where I try to improve my search engine optimization using keywords, enjoy! Toyota Tacoma Overland 2nd gen roof rack rtt smittybuilt ikamper tepui falken lift suspension auxbeam prinsu mod rig build mods offroad review - Розваги
All products used in my build can be found here!
www.amazon.com/shop/influencer-0252276c
Finally, somebody who talks more about the function of his mods and not just how cool they look.
Thank you. M.
forreals
Yep that's what I was going to say. Thank you for the video.
And his truck still looks really cool
Facts....too many taco bros too obsessed making their tacos rigged to the max yet you dont see an ounce of dirt on their rigs. Just throw as much money on it and make it a status symbol.
so refreshing to see sensible build videos, not just throwing the kitchen sink (literally in some cases) at a build. subscribed.
Yes, I especially loved him talking about the skid plates
nothing wrong with having a sink tho
@@damienfrizzell9394 in a house haha
@@kevinromero3990 or a camper or caravan or a 4x4 touring setup
Imagin having a sink built into a taco rig and never actually using it and just drive to the mall...thats what 99% of taco builds are used in.
Finally a regular Joe talking realistic builds. Awesome vid bro.
I've driven through 8 states and haven't met a road my stock Tacoma couldn't handle. Only upgrade I've done is a tent camper. Spent my hard-earned dollars on investments instead.
Then you’re not looking hard enough. Have fun at the camp sites that everyone else can get to. I’ll enjoy the rest.
@@SIUDubFiend Cool, man! Happy for ya.
@@cropduster123 nice flex, bud. you want a medal?
Have you had to actually use the 4x4 ?? I have a 2WD and haven’t had need a 4x4 (yet lol)
Try Gypsy Gulch. It’s the first trail my stock 3rd Gen TRD Pro couldnt make it to the end of. End up getting a lift kit, some tires, rock sliders and coming back the next year after fixing some of the damage the trail caused my Tacoma.
Dude! Finally someone like kinda famous says the same shit I’m being saying for the last 3 years! I built for fun, uses and experience, not mall crawling never used expensive mini tank… I spend the money on gas food and time off from work to enjoy my mini piece of Amazon cheap truck that are every other weekend on the beach, mountain with the fam, that in the shop or at the garage waiting to perfection… enjoy fucking life times is running out,
Pretty sensible with one exception. The full skid vs engine skid only is there for when you are in a break over situation, not for you to drag a rock front to back. IE, if you were to drive over a large mount containing a rock you can't see. Because your engine is so close to the front tires, you're fine but, especially with a long wheelbase, the center of the truck is MUCH more likely to contact than the front or rear. It's all a game of angles.
Agreed. First thing I did was full armor underneath. Should've got sliders first but I didn't really know what I was doing.
Excellent point!
Dont forget the value of full skid armor to protect your catalytic converter from theft. This is especially relevant for trucks with lifts, as the theft itself is that much quicker and easier.
Aa
skids are cheap, oil pans are expensive or anything else under there
IMO, it really comes down to how you use (or want to use) your vehicle and where you want to go. A factory e- locker and decent tires are all you need for technical dirt trails that can lead to amazing places.
I wrote this a while ago, to help guide some friends and customers, and modified it a bit for this response. Cut & paste. Sorry for the long comment.
ARMOR:
Sliders: I'd say that these should be the first mod if you're planning to attempt any challenging trail. An access cab or shortbed Tacoma has a wheelbase that is only 2" shorter than a 1980's Suburban. Damaging a rocker panel is catastrophic, and the thought of that damage will make semi- reasonable people turn around. Sliders provide great access to the roof as well.
Skids: Cheaper than replacing the catalytic converters, if that's an concern where you live or park your vehicle. It was for me and helped to justify the purchase. All of my 3/16" steel skids are scratched and dented. But they protected the vitals and I wouldn't have attempted those rocky trails without them. They obviously make fluid changes more difficult.
Front Armor: Deer/ animal strikes. Chances are 1 in 260, in California, and that is low compared to many other states. The animal will probably not survive, whether you have a stock bumper or front armor. But you can drive away from the tragedy with proper protection. And are much more likely to not have a totaled vehicle. And if you travel solo, a winch is a game changer. Even if it's just to pull deadfall out of the way so you can keep moving forward.
Rear Armor: A rear swingout bumper allows you to carry the "cheap $20 jerry can" (more like $50 for metal). And keep the fluids out of the bed if that's your sleeping area. And it obviously fits a bigger tire if it won't fit under the truck.
TIRES: It all depends on where you want to go. 35's were a game changer in the rocks. Because that's where I wanted to go. Having run the same exact trail on 33's (3 times), the 35's made a huge difference. But they impacted the MPG's more than any other mod on the Tacoma. And obviously required re-gearing. Going from 265/75R16's (31's) to 255/85R16's (33's) had a minimal affect on MPG's and didn't require clearancing. It's a great size for most applications.
SUSPENSION: There's no comparison with King's and aftermarket leaf springs, vs. stock springs and my old 5100's. And the rebound dampening/ valving was changed, to account for the heavier springs, during the 40K mile rebuild and made them even better. BUT... if you're building suspension just for trail comfort, the easiest thing you can do is air down. Invest in a good compressor that is easy to use. Onboard and high CFM is recommended. The easier and faster it is to air up, the more likely you will be to air down. Whether you keep it stock or upgrade the suspension later, a good compressor is a long term investment. Those Kings do make the street driving so much better though...
LIGHTS: Baja's are awesome. I have cheaper off-brand 9" rounds that have 32 LED's/ light. They've been reused on 4 vehicles in the past 6 years and work great. The Baja XL80's, on the Tacoma, have the same output using only 4 LED's at 2/3 the amps. And they'll last a lifetime, for my use, and will fit on any bumper. The 9" rounds didn't fit on my current Tacoma bumper. Like everything else, you get what you pay for. Quality lights may seem like overkill on a stock truck, but you'll be happy you have them in the future if you plan to upgrade the suspension and go faster. You obviously don't want to outrun your lights. Throw some Squadrons in the fog pockets, on a stock bumper, and relocate them later if a winch bumper is the plan.
After so many iterations my Tacoma has gone through in the past 11 years, I have the "buy once, cry once" mentality. And I've regretted every 1/2 measure modification I've ever done. Not because of status or bling, but because the 1/2 measure mods didn't perform significantly better than stock. I tried the "bare minimum" approach. I initially saved money on parts, but had to do the labor all over again when upgrading. And wasted that money since the used parts were sold at a discount. It's the difference between "slightly better" and "holy shit- this is awesome". It all depends on what you want. I should have kept it stock and saved for the parts that are on my truck now. If you can accept the fact that you can't go places a highly modified truck can, or are OK with driving slower, then keeping a vehicle close to stock makes sense.
There are "Easy" trails where a stock truck, or even a sprinter van, can go. And you'll be glad you have a 4x4 when easy trails turn to snot or come across a snow patch. There are "Medium" trails where you're glad that you have good tires. And medium trails, with occasional obstacles, when you'll be glad that you have a rear locker and armor. And harder trails that you can tackle with confidence with the right mods. And there's the "have it and not need it, instead of need it and not have it" mentality. If you're budget allows for it. It's all a balancing act to make the trip more enjoyable and comfortable.
I enjoyed the video because it makes sense for what you do, what you're willing to do, what you expect out of your vehicle, and where you want to go.
Thank you for the honest information especially for a budget guy like me. Appreciate your honesty on what someone like me would actually need and use.
But of course! I recently tallied the value of all the random mods and knick-knacks I don't use and the total makes me very sad hahaha
Understanding what your build is intended for will help guide your purchases - mall crawler, rock crawler, overlander. Learned this the hard way with my first few purchases.
Great video
I like your no nonsense daily driver approach. You’ve built a great looking rig and I think the approach is more along the lines of what a lot of not most of us are looking for.
Definitely subscribing
Cheers
Most important overland video of the decade. Agree with everything here. Additionally, I’d say you could probably skip light bars and ditch lights altogether.
I was so hyped seeing all these Overland vehicles and started watching these types of vids and I came down from my "cloud"... No trails i my area, just dirt roads and mud to get to my fishing spots. Thanks for posting and putting it out there.
Awesome video man! I love the concise rundown on what all you have done on your second gen. Through your whole video you simplified everything you were talking about, and made it super easy to follow along. The perfect amount of detail to visual!! Thank yoi for uploading!
Thanks for the guidance with regard to the expensive, non-essential mods that you regret. I appreciate the practical perspecitve and honesty.
Very sensible and humble review of your build man. Looks great and helps point a lot of people in the right direction. Kudos
Honestly all you need for “overlanding” is recovery gear and a tent in a tonneau cover. Glad you made this video. The whole overlanding / Tacoma mod shenanigans is getting out of hand. I am semi guilty of it, but it’s hyper monetized by a high volume of small brands selling stuff we don’t really need. Simple is best.
Excellent video. You hit the nail on the head with the SoCal crowd. Be practical and sensible with your mods and you can't go wrong.
This 6min video is packed with wisdoms. Very honest and practical. Thanks
Love the realistic honest review, thanks, saved me thousands
Bro, awesome video!!!!!!! That really just lowered my stress level on what I thought I needed. Great stuff !!
Best advice I have ever heard for a build. Outstanding.
SO, I Just bought a 21 Tacoma a few months ago and I am new to this overland community. I have been looking at mods for a budget overland rig / daily driver since I do a lot of hunting and camping up in the Rockies and also drive 50+miles to work everyday. This video seriously put everything into perspective for me. Sure, all that off-road overland stuff looks cool, but if it doesn't serve enough purpose to essential pay for itself, then like you stated, why waste your money. I appreciate you taking the time for this video and explaining this!
The rotopax vs jerry can comparison is spot on... Plus, you can build anything with unlimited funds. But what do you NEED vs WANT.
Great video. Practical build for practical people who want to overland/off-road. Thanks for the tips!
Finally, someone who acknowledges that too many guys are too worried about looking cool and not what’s practical. I’ll take function and capability over looks or what’s “cool” any day
What a great and practical video on overlanding mods for everyday people that don't have unlimited resources! Thanks and well done!
I think this is the most sensible overlanding. This is brilliant advice
Thanks for this video. I'm a few weeks away from my Tacoma and definitely plan to keep it a simple build. Your insights are a huge help!
Glad I could help, enjoy the new rig!
Dude I love your channel. I think you're the only one on here who cuts through all the bullshit clout mods for the Tacoma. It's really obvious that half the Tacoma "influencers" on here are bought by their sponsors so its really refreshing to see someone just tell it like it is for a change. Keep it up!
Great honest sensible vid! Many thanks as i’m gonna be looking at options when my tacoma arrives.
Thanks for having some sense with all of this man. Most of these build look the same and the people just look happy to name drop brands left and right. Creative builds are really useful to me for ideas. Nothing beats making your own build personal to you.
And buying Baja lights or getting bigger tires for rock crawling isn’t personalizing your truck? Ok lol
Thanks for the advice! Really appreciate cost conscious suggestions!
Awesome job, this is so informative. Thank you.
I like the philosophy of use here .. pretty well balanced with cost.
I don't fault my friends with much cooler setups than me :) .. I've got a very low cost setup with a stock Tacoma with a soft topper on the bed. I use open air cot with a tarp setup to avoid getting wet or snowed when camping dispersed. Alternatively a tent-cot when I'm in an organized site or group camp. works well and the truck is still a daily driver and weekend trash hauler lol
Thanks for making this video! Mods/gear is a rabbit hole that robs people from the joy of exploration. Adventure, and when you reach your limits, buy gear that will take you further.
In the midst of UA-cam “MoST iNsaNe bUiLd N tHe GaLaXy!!” clickbait builds, your honesty is refreshing.
As someone who lives in California and mainly wants to travel the 395 hwy this makes me happy! I don’t really wanna put money into lifting my Tacoma so I’m glad my stock truck can handle really well since it’s my daily! Thank you!!
I agree 100% Eric!
Love honest videos like these thank you!
Great vid! Love seeing high quality budget builds. Fox 2.0 was my favorite purchase. Rides amazing with a minimal lift on 265s, and you don’t pay $4k+ for suspension that you really don’t need.
I love your Tacoma sir. Thanks for sharing your experience ❤
I learned two important things from you, thank you for short and easy video to understand with examples
Good commentary and an honest opinion. Nice rig.
Good stuff! Thanks bro. Keep it coming.
Great and sensible video!
I can almost hear some of the Tacotubers grabbing the torches and pitchforks, you got dangerously closes to besmirching some of their favorite brands 😜
Soon enough!
Thank you very much for this vid. Saved me some money. Especially on the fuel cans and the bumpers
I just got mine! 2007, TRD original owner who I know, access cab with a camper top. I am so happy. Great video, thanks.
Excellent video. Very informative. Thanks man.
Spot on, I started overlanding with a Camry during my college years in AZ. With the exception of crown king I was able to go all over AZ on camping trips
Fast forward to the present and like most OB followers I'm addicted and it's cool to see someone actually take the time to remind us that all the hype of modding out the rigs for SEMA and the Ultimate Adventure isn't really worth it.
Oh wait... I need to call Dirt King Fab in the morning to book my Long Travel package for my Ram, you know because one day I might find myself doing the Baja 1000. No really it's something that I need. 37s with a Whipple SC to boot.
Picked up a blank canvas 4wd 2018 4Runner SR5 a couple weeks ago with ambitions bigger than what my reality would be. Definitely seeking to do a utility build for the back country but still be inconspicuous in town. Appreciate what your doing dude.
Great video, thanks for allowing us to learn from your experiences! Subscribed!
very nice someone that actually puts thought into it , these are daily drivers for many people
Putting a set of Timbren bumpstops on front and back was the best money I spent on any of my Toyotas. Not expensive but after you bottom out a few times on the rock hard stock ones, you'll understand why it's worth it. Another low cost item that is worth every penny is swapping out the stock reverse light bulbs for those super bright JDM Astar ones. So much brighter!!
This video is a MUST for trucks newcomers
Headed to Telluride and Moab with a stock 2022 taco pro 6 speed manual, all I need! Great video!!
Thank you for your content and your honesty 👍
Thanks for this video. I ordered 285's for my rig, but after watching this, I've changed the order to 275's.
thank you for your honest feedback
Great video! Your rig is very similar to mine. I have an 09 TRD-OR 6mt. Same skids, I went with a 3" lift and 285/75/16s. No issues with my Smittybuilt tent though. Truck does great!
Thanks bro this is exactly what I was looking for , w video
Great video. The only thing I disagree with you on is the underbody armor. Get quality stainless or aluminum stuff for the whole underbody. It’s a one time sunk cost that will protect all the expensive parts underneath. You probably will never need it, but when you do, you will be thankful it was there.
I like how this video shows up in my feed the day my truck goes into the shop….
I already knew everything, but this video kind of serves as a reminder.
Oh well, I’ll live with my choices.
Great, sensible advice!
Well done.
🙋🏼
Nice build! We have a shell on our PRO4X and though it keeps things dry, the fine dust in Death Valley covers the inside in spite of a lot of effort - we tent camp or pull our tear drop. I agree with you about lift and tires - we went with an Old Man Emu lift that netted 1-3/4" lift in front and 2-3/4" in the rear with 559lb rear springs (the truck sets level when loaded). We stayed with the stock 31.5" tires - though were up-grading to better AT's soon
Great video, I appreciate the honest assessment.
I'm a rancher, and tend to use my 2011 Tacoma Sport 4x4 (4-door 5ft bed 4.0L V6) to check on cows, water holes, and troughs. I tend to do a lot of bush whacking ranching. Where my cows are it's very rocky as well and sometimes I'm practically rock crawling. I also do some hunting so my Tacoma is used and abused. The only thing I've done to it is put a 2.5 inch Old Man Emu lift on it and put 265/75R16 tires on it. So far, it's been amazing and gets me everywhere I need to go. I've gone up rocky switch back roads, driven over washboard dirt roads at 60mph and it keeps on chugging along. No regrets so far with this ranch truck.
Thanks for making this man I’ve gotta 2019 Frontier pro4x with a 2” lift and 265/70/16s and daily I wonder if I need bigger or should have went higher. This video put my mind at ease
Great video man thanks
Alot of good info without all the fluff 👍
Bilstein 5100s are probably the best bang for your buck, it changes the ride of a truck by a lot.
Great video! I enjoyed it...so sensible! I just subscribed.
Thank you!
Thanks for your vid. I’m down the rabbit hole now😂. $$$$$ ikon stage 4, add a leaf, UCA, Falken AT4WP, Revolution 5.29 re-gear plus winch capable DV8 front bumper, DV8 under carriage skids, Beast Fab rock sliders, a SnugTop Hi-Line camper shell, a 270 OVS Nomadic awning, soon to be added lights you just mentioned in your video as well… I’m digging deeper and deeper. 😂 oh crap there’s the air compressor and recovery gear too😅😂
solid, there should be more advice like this on the internets.
You know what you're talking about. And very good points made. I overland 97 4runner and 265/75/16 is perfect 32" size tire. Gets me where I need and good on hwy. For crawling we run an old jeep on 37s and 6 inch lift.
The exact kind of thinking I have put into my Tacoma!
Honest feedback, from first hand experience! Thanks…
I like your mindset, buddy 🤟
Very informative video. I like your set up. I currently own a 2020 TRD off-road and bought it brand new the only “ mod “ I have done is new tires, same as yours actually. My build will be a slow a thoughtful one trying to be minimal and keeping that stock look.
Thanks for this informative vid.
I’ve also learned my lesson with level and lift kits.. next truck I buy I’m keeping it bone stock besides maybe a little more aggressive tires.
My Tacoma looks like a cartoon, I love it...
5:28 I have a SmittyBilt Overland Gen 2, and I have been nothing but pleased with it. Quality is great, and the price was outstanding. I've been in completely dry in pouring Georgia/Alabama rain, and I've been snug as a bug with snow piled up in Montana.
Love this vid👊🏽
You made great points and I had some of the same regrets. One thing about tires though, bigger can be worthwhile so you lose less clearance if you air down. Parts of Colorado are pretty rocky and airing down even on easy trails makes the drive more comfortable.
Good info, thanks for sharing.
The first mod I'm doing on my TRD Off Road is definitely going to be a bumper, and winch. It seems to make the most sense to me functionally. I'm a little blown away that you have all of that other gear, but have chosen not to have the one mod that can get you out of trouble when/if you get stuck. Just my opinion.
My thoughts exactly.
Sliders, skids, and a bumper with a winch are always great first mods. You can more confidently use a bit more momentum in tricky spots with less worry to vehicle damage, and if you do get stuck, having a winch and knowing how to use it in different situations will get you through so many trails (even on something like the popular 265/70r17). It's kind of crazy what some protection and self recovery can do for capability.
Good content. Keep up the nice work.
Particularly good advice there, I upgraded my FJ Cruiser to Bilstein 6100 with driver's side set to one notch up to eliminate the famous lean, MT OEM size 265-70x17 tires that are road worthy and no bumpers but rear diff and shock mount armor and TRD front skid plate. Otherwise, its stock with an addition of ARB snorkel and like your vehicle, no front or rear bumpers.
Great video with good advice.
Love your truck, same Idea I'm looking at. Not too big and crazy
Love this video truth brother
Comon sens, we need more of that. Thanks! Great video!👌
I needed to see this video thanks 😊
Man i loved the video. especially that you didn't edit out that burp lol
Such a refreshing approach to this overlanding thing. Bravo...
Smittybilt rtt is great. I camp below freezing in mine all the time and it holds up.
I love my Smitybilt as well, best rtt on the market. Tough and durable...
My Smittybilt is five years old still like new. Great price as well. Cheers
Love my smitty built, only used it a handful of times last year but I loved it, no issues so far
Good info. Thanks a lot sir.
Great video. Makes sense and was super helpful except I saw the video post buying all my parts lol
Smart advices.
Don't buy unnecessary gears or things in general, whether it is for your truck or house.
I like a front bumper to hold a winch and protect from deer strikes or hitting harder than expected snow berms. Cheap insurance to protect front end bits and radiator, especially on rigs without comprehensive coverage. Downside is wear and tear on front suspension.
Mr. ‘Anti’-Overland-builder!
😁👍🏻
The best modification I ever made and the only one worth the money, was putting a Lock-Right auto locker in my 93 2wd Toyota pickup. No lift, manual 5 speed, 22-RE, 205/75-R14 snow tires, the locker and driving it like I stole it got me many many places in the snow and mud that no other 2wd could go.