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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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!!
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.
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!
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.
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!!
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.
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.
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 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 😜
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.
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😅😂
I push a 99’ 3rd gen 4Runner limited. Bilsteins with a 2 inch lift, diff drop, KO2s and a Prinsu rack for the roof nest tent. Before that I just had a regular tent. That is all. No armor only because I got lazy. I do the Northern AZ forests and reservation desert trails. She eats it up. Rarely use the rear locker but when engaged she is unstoppable. I thought I’d need much more to enjoy overlanding but with a Yota, all you needs is the basics.
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!
Tires are the biggest game changer on any vehicle. I’m yanking my running boards and replacing them with frame mounted functional Rock sliders. As much to protect the body as skid plates protect the important things. Flipped too many trees up and into the vehicle to not have them.
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.
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.
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!
Great vid, nice to see some honest comments about what is really needed. Would point out though, if you are really on a budget you can get a cheap but solid ground tent easily for $100 or less. No cool factor like a RTT but ground tents are very versatile, and have a few advantages over RTTs. RTTs have some advantages too but I'm continuously blown away by how many people will throw $1200-4000 at a RTT that does the same thing as a ground tent, just so they can sleep off the ground.
Damn. Good advice. Unfortunately, I traded in my Tacoma for a 4Runner. The primary reason was I wanted to sleep inside the SUV rather than in the bed of my Tacoma. Although I had a LEER cap, I have able to set up the 4Runner for greater habitability. No rock crawling in my future, although the TRD Pro or Off Road can be set up to do that, it’s not my thing. Great video. Thanks for sharing.
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.
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.
I upgraded my stock rim s 265/70/16 from 16 inch stock to 17 inch Method Mr305 bronze with Nitto 265/65/17 Ridge Grappler A/T . I wanted to be safe staying close to stock and No Speedometer calibration required. I did a gps mph test run before and after it was still accurate 😊. The after market rim did weigh few pounds heavier I’m glad I went this route just wanted that street/off road look on my 2022 Tacoma TRD OR 4wd
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.
My Road Armor front winch bumper has paid for itself many times over. Not only getting me out of trouble but I've hit deer twice which would have destroyed the front of my truck. I'm running the Falken Wildpeaks as well but in 33 and while more mass should require more gas, I don't have a noticeable drop in my mileage on my 2nd gen Tacoma.
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
On My 2014 Tacoma I installed a 3" leveling lift ( no special drive live or steering mods required)with 32.5" BF KO2, before in stock hight it bumper dragged on every run off ditch and had poor approch angle, now it's considerably better, bought a Weston winch plate and installed an 8500lb super winch, saved me a few long walks or late nights, built a false floor to store all my recover and survival gear in clear totes lashed together under the floor, shovel, tire chains, extra cable, Jack -all, axe and swede saw, I have over 25,000k on the up grades with zero issue and it serves me very well in many situations from moderate to rugged roads, total cost including tires and recovery gear approx $2,200.
@@edgebattle5531 pro-comp nitro I believe, just basic, spring blocks frt/rear, u-bolts, frt diff spacer and skid plate spacers, I did everything but the front coil blocks (no spring compessor) and wheel alignment. Installed in 2018 had no issues to date.
👍🏻 An honest opinion with true common sense. Most things for OL are overpriced and many are unnecessary. There are many budget options out there that for the amount of use they get it would just make sense to go for the budget friendly option. To each his own but also consider that many items that are sold for your “rigs” are also to make a fashion statement for the mall parking lot queen.
@@Shakshuka69 you'd be surprised. Some decent tires is all you really need for 90% of it, unless we're talking about crawling. I personally went with a sport because I don't need crawl control and don't want to have to be in 4L to use a locker. I can add 2 lockers, air, suspension, tires, and sliders, and still not be into it for the cost of a Pro. But I also bought it for 35k before the market started smoking crack. Without timing it like that I doubt I could say the same.
@@user-ej1bq4bq2w I had a wrangler rubicon and only used my lockers on really gnarly stuff and in deep sand and snow. But honestly, modern traction control and good tires are enough for sand and snow. Nowhere you can go with 31" tires will require a rear locker if you have ATRAC. Modern traction control is just that good.
Thanks for the advice. I have a 2019 Tacoma that had stock 265/65/17 highway tires and moved up to 265/70/17 Falken Wildpeaks and for the most part have been very happy with those but tempted to move up bigger. I'm getting 16 to 17 city and 22 to 23 highway right now, so your advice reinforces to me, that moving even higher would be a waste. I'm with you and sticking with 31 inch All Terrains.
I have. 3” lift and have no issues with my drive shaft or CV axels. In terms of lighting you want quality that lasts long and doesn’t get condensation inside the housing after a few trips and you want light spread. Good engineering costs money. I wouldn’t recommend Baja anyway. DD are better. And the bigger tires give you more clearance for heavy rock crawling. Of course if you just want to do normal overlanding you don’t need big tires at all.
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.
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
the number 1 mod is a front limited slip diff. and if you are really old school , locking hubs you know, those things on the front wheels that Matt and Rory have on their tow vehicles
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.
We try to use our trucks stock as long as possible - First thing we normally upgrade is the tire size. Tacoma trucks are more capable than people think. My father in-law has a Tacoma and has proven it can go some pretty amazing places without crazy mods.
This was really a refreshing video, just being honest about how someone is going to use their Taco. I have the wildpeak tires in 265/70/16 and they are a great size even with stock suspension (I’m running a 2020 sr5) plenty capable and look nice without killing the ride or mpg
Out in southern cali they be making there truck way to nice and not really pushing there vehicle at all ! I got a stock trd off road with 33s and got to do the chop ahah
I have a stock 2019 TRD OR 6 speed manual. I installed the hidden winch myself, with the Warn Evo 10s and put the factory bumper cover back on. You can't tell. I'm sticking with the stock tire size, and going to get Kbro2's when they wear. That's it. I trust Toyota's engineers more than some Bro on IG that throws last years harvest cash at a silly truck. You need lockers, not light bars.
Minus some self-recovery items like a bumper winch and the like this is why I just went TRD Pro. Anything more crazy and I'm taking my motorcycle or turning around.
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.
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
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.
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
The rotopax vs jerry can comparison is spot on... Plus, you can build anything with unlimited funds. But what do you NEED vs WANT.
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.
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
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!
Thanks for the guidance with regard to the expensive, non-essential mods that you regret. I appreciate the practical perspecitve and honesty.
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
very nice someone that actually puts thought into it , these are daily drivers for many people
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!
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.
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!
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.
I just got mine! 2007, TRD original owner who I know, access cab with a camper top. I am so happy. Great video, thanks.
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!!
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.
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
Thanks for this video. I ordered 285's for my rig, but after watching this, I've changed the order to 275's.
Love the realistic honest review, thanks, saved me thousands
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 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!
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.
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😅😂
What a great and practical video on overlanding mods for everyday people that don't have unlimited resources! Thanks and well done!
I push a 99’ 3rd gen 4Runner limited. Bilsteins with a 2 inch lift, diff drop, KO2s and a Prinsu rack for the roof nest tent. Before that I just had a regular tent. That is all. No armor only because I got lazy. I do the Northern AZ forests and reservation desert trails. She eats it up. Rarely use the rear locker but when engaged she is unstoppable. I thought I’d need much more to enjoy overlanding but with a Yota, all you needs is the basics.
This video is a MUST for trucks newcomers
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!
Best advice I have ever heard for a build. Outstanding.
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!
Very sensible and humble review of your build man. Looks great and helps point a lot of people in the right direction. Kudos
Tires are the biggest game changer on any vehicle.
I’m yanking my running boards and replacing them with frame mounted functional Rock sliders. As much to protect the body as skid plates protect the important things. Flipped too many trees up and into the vehicle to not have them.
I think this is the most sensible overlanding. This is brilliant advice
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.
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.
thanks for the honest and realistic review.
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!
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
Bro, awesome video!!!!!!! That really just lowered my stress level on what I thought I needed. Great stuff !!
Great vid, nice to see some honest comments about what is really needed. Would point out though, if you are really on a budget you can get a cheap but solid ground tent easily for $100 or less. No cool factor like a RTT but ground tents are very versatile, and have a few advantages over RTTs. RTTs have some advantages too but I'm continuously blown away by how many people will throw $1200-4000 at a RTT that does the same thing as a ground tent, just so they can sleep off the ground.
you have not experienced animals or the human garbage that trolls camp grounds....... i keep bear spray and my 9mm for the scum humans vs animals
Bilstein 5100s are probably the best bang for your buck, it changes the ride of a truck by a lot.
Damn. Good advice. Unfortunately, I traded in my Tacoma for a 4Runner. The primary reason was I wanted to sleep inside the SUV rather than in the bed of my Tacoma. Although I had a LEER cap, I have able to set up the 4Runner for greater habitability. No rock crawling in my future, although the TRD Pro or Off Road can be set up to do that, it’s not my thing. Great video. Thanks for sharing.
Great video. Practical build for practical people who want to overland/off-road. Thanks for the tips!
Headed to Telluride and Moab with a stock 2022 taco pro 6 speed manual, all I need! Great video!!
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.
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.
Great video, I love your perspective. It definitely has changed mine.
I learned two important things from you, thank you for short and easy video to understand with examples
I upgraded my stock rim s 265/70/16 from 16 inch stock to 17 inch Method Mr305 bronze with Nitto 265/65/17 Ridge Grappler A/T . I wanted to be safe staying close to stock and No Speedometer calibration required. I did a gps mph test run before and after it was still accurate 😊. The after market rim did weigh few pounds heavier I’m glad I went this route just wanted that street/off road look on my 2022 Tacoma TRD OR 4wd
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.
My Road Armor front winch bumper has paid for itself many times over. Not only getting me out of trouble but I've hit deer twice which would have destroyed the front of my truck. I'm running the Falken Wildpeaks as well but in 33 and while more mass should require more gas, I don't have a noticeable drop in my mileage on my 2nd gen Tacoma.
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
On My 2014 Tacoma I installed a 3" leveling lift ( no special drive live or steering mods required)with 32.5" BF KO2, before in stock hight it bumper dragged on every run off ditch and had poor approch angle, now it's considerably better, bought a Weston winch plate and installed an 8500lb super winch, saved me a few long walks or late nights, built a false floor to store all my recover and survival gear in clear totes lashed together under the floor, shovel, tire chains, extra cable, Jack -all, axe and swede saw, I have over 25,000k on the up grades with zero issue and it serves me very well in many situations from moderate to rugged roads, total cost including tires and recovery gear approx $2,200.
What kit did you install?
@@edgebattle5531 pro-comp nitro I believe, just basic, spring blocks frt/rear, u-bolts, frt diff spacer and skid plate spacers, I did everything but the front coil blocks (no spring compessor) and wheel alignment. Installed in 2018 had no issues to date.
Great honest sensible vid! Many thanks as i’m gonna be looking at options when my tacoma arrives.
I love your Tacoma sir. Thanks for sharing your experience ❤
👍🏻 An honest opinion with true common sense. Most things for OL are overpriced and many are unnecessary. There are many budget options out there that for the amount of use they get it would just make sense to go for the budget friendly option. To each his own but also consider that many items that are sold for your “rigs” are also to make a fashion statement for the mall parking lot queen.
2020 TRD PRO. Heavy overland build. Stock size tires upgraded to Duratracs 4.88 gears. Absolutely perfect.
Could've got an OR and been just as capable for much less $$.
@@user-ej1bq4bq2w could also just get a base model because no trail that can be done on stock size tires will ever require a rear locker.
@@Shakshuka69 you'd be surprised. Some decent tires is all you really need for 90% of it, unless we're talking about crawling. I personally went with a sport because I don't need crawl control and don't want to have to be in 4L to use a locker. I can add 2 lockers, air, suspension, tires, and sliders, and still not be into it for the cost of a Pro. But I also bought it for 35k before the market started smoking crack. Without timing it like that I doubt I could say the same.
@@user-ej1bq4bq2w I had a wrangler rubicon and only used my lockers on really gnarly stuff and in deep sand and snow. But honestly, modern traction control and good tires are enough for sand and snow. Nowhere you can go with 31" tires will require a rear locker if you have ATRAC. Modern traction control is just that good.
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.
Thanks for the advice. I have a 2019 Tacoma that had stock 265/65/17 highway tires and moved up to 265/70/17 Falken Wildpeaks and for the most part have been very happy with those but tempted to move up bigger. I'm getting 16 to 17 city and 22 to 23 highway right now, so your advice reinforces to me, that moving even higher would be a waste. I'm with you and sticking with 31 inch All Terrains.
Happy to hear! At this point i'm just looking forward to when I upgrade to a newer Taco and stay with 31s!
I have. 3” lift and have no issues with my drive shaft or CV axels. In terms of lighting you want quality that lasts long and doesn’t get condensation inside the housing after a few trips and you want light spread. Good engineering costs money. I wouldn’t recommend Baja anyway. DD are better. And the bigger tires give you more clearance for heavy rock crawling. Of course if you just want to do normal overlanding you don’t need big tires at all.
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.
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
Awesome job, this is so informative. Thank you.
the number 1 mod is a front limited slip diff. and if you are really old school , locking hubs you know, those things on the front wheels that Matt and Rory have on their tow vehicles
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.
Thanks for the advice! Really appreciate cost conscious suggestions!
We try to use our trucks stock as long as possible - First thing we normally upgrade is the tire size. Tacoma trucks are more capable than people think. My father in-law has a Tacoma and has proven it can go some pretty amazing places without crazy mods.
Good commentary and an honest opinion. Nice rig.
This was really a refreshing video, just being honest about how someone is going to use their Taco.
I have the wildpeak tires in 265/70/16 and they are a great size even with stock suspension (I’m running a 2020 sr5) plenty capable and look nice without killing the ride or mpg
Yup, thats the way to go!
Love honest videos like these thank you!
Out in southern cali they be making there truck way to nice and not really pushing there vehicle at all ! I got a stock trd off road with 33s and got to do the chop ahah
Great video, thanks for allowing us to learn from your experiences! Subscribed!
"Hold up... I Fucked up..." LMFAO That's my life!
Dont text and drive kids
solid, there should be more advice like this on the internets.
Good stuff! Thanks bro. Keep it coming.
The exact kind of thinking I have put into my Tacoma!
Thanks bro this is exactly what I was looking for , w video
I have a stock 2019 TRD OR 6 speed manual. I installed the hidden winch myself, with the Warn Evo 10s and put the factory bumper cover back on. You can't tell. I'm sticking with the stock tire size, and going to get Kbro2's when they wear. That's it. I trust Toyota's engineers more than some Bro on IG that throws last years harvest cash at a silly truck. You need lockers, not light bars.
Great video. Makes sense and was super helpful except I saw the video post buying all my parts lol
Sensible conclusions, ppl just like being too fancy and broke! Good video by helping me consider I don’t in fact need a bumper or lights.
I like your mindset, buddy 🤟
Man i loved the video. especially that you didn't edit out that burp lol
Such a refreshing approach to this overlanding thing. Bravo...
Minus some self-recovery items like a bumper winch and the like this is why I just went TRD Pro. Anything more crazy and I'm taking my motorcycle or turning around.
Those headlights look sweet what brand are they can you post a link?
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.
Excellent video. Very informative. Thanks man.
Thank you very much for this vid. Saved me some money. Especially on the fuel cans and the bumpers