Opinions/Advice

[TravelTacoma]

Hi everyone. I'm sort of new to the forum and have decided to ask some advice from the members. I recently purchased a 2009 DoubleCab Tacoma
4x4. It's a stripped down model, (it doesn't even have cruise), but that's what I wanted: a blank slate. My wife, friends, and I are heavily into camping, kayaking, and the outdoors in general. I have owned and modified a couple of 4x4s in the past, but neither were set up for overlanding though, and I am sort of new to the concept. We are both currently in Masters programs which we pay for in cash. We plan to drive out to Colorado and Utah this September for two weeks. The main objectives of the trip are to see some backcountry, do some camping and wheeling, and run the White Rim Trail. My question is: With a beginning budget of around $2500-$3000, what modifications should I invest in? I have all of the camping basics, recovery tools, and hand tools. Where would my money best be put to use on the truck? Thanks for your time guys.

 

[gearbox]

If it were me I would add a rear locker, sliders, a bed topper, a hitch receiver shackle, good AT tires, a head unit with iPod connector, and a CB. If there's any money left over I would invest in suspension upgrade.
Good luck

 

[XL Bar]

A digital camera, some jerry cans and gas. Maybe a portable fridge. That's it.

 

[AlwaysExplr87]

I'm kind of in the same boat right now. I would get a topper and build a platform first, the convenience of sleeping in the bed is awesome. Tires would be next, I had stock dunflops on mine and they sucked in the dirt. Either a 265/70s or 265/75s in an AT they will fit without a lift. Depending on the shape of your current tires you might can get rid of them on CL to recoop some funds. A locker wouldnt be a bad idea, I'm looking at the no-slip for mine. On board air, camp lights, shower, and other gadgets aren't a bad idea but not necessities. Fridges are cool but coolers will do the job.

Edit: Just thought of this but remembered you have a double cab. If you have the short bed I wouldn't really worry about the topper too much as you can't really sleep in it. I would consider a bestop or softopper to gain some dry storage though.

 

[meffland]

If the White Rim is the most challenging trail you plan on running, then there really isn't anything you NEED to do. A couple years back I ran that trail in a bone stock trooper. Stock, as in, crappy michelins and terrible suspension. I just got rid of that vehicle and purchased a 2008 double cab taco. Even though I haven't really tested it yet, with the BFG AT's it's got I feel as though it would run circles around my trooper in stock form.

I really aggree with XL Bar, but would add some decent tires to the list. Especially if it's just the two of you, the stock suspension/4x4 set up should work fine. A topper is a great idea for more secure/dry storage, but you can also get some plastic bins or pelican cases for the back as well. I highly recommend a trip or two with little modification. That'll give you a much better idea as to what YOU need for YOUR trips. Whatever you do, enjoy!

 

[jnelson4x4taco]

All great points, whats so hard is that everyones needs are so different. I would echo the good AT tire suggestion, it made a huge difference for me. Also, I really like having a hard side topper for the bed. I have had 4 different types over the past few years and have usually picked them up for free or less than $100 if you watch craigslist closely and jump on the good deals. Cheap toppers might be harder to come by for an 09 (mine is a 99 so its a real common size) but watch the classifieds and you should be able to pick one up in good condition for a reasonable price. Get yourself a tow strap and a good digital camera and have fun!

 

[OTR]

x2 on the tires (treadwright's are cheap and have good reviews), locker, camera, and extra fuel. I would do a HAM radio instead of a CB. If you have enough left over I'd add a mild upgraded suspension. The more you can keep cost down the more you'll enjoy the trip because you'll have less stress. Have fun

 

[7wt]

A digital camera, some jerry cans and gas. Maybe a portable fridge. That's it.

X2. Enjoy your trips and don't get caught up with the add ons. That crap will be around when you get done with school anyway. Put plenty of miles on your truck as is, then when you can afford to modify it you'll know what you really need and what you don't.

 

[TravelTacoma]

Thanks Guys

Thanks for the advice/opinions guys. It is very easy to get caught up in the modification frenzy. Thanks for helping me keep my head on straight. Coming from two heavily modified 4x4s, a 2004 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon and a 1998 Isuzu Rodeo, it is easy to overlook the stock Tacoma's offroad prowess. I believe that I am going to start with storage and a Leer shell. Then comes tires, skids, and sliders. I can concentrate on the extras in a year when my M.B.A. is finished. Thanks again guys. :victory:

 

[Cackalak Han]

On top of what everyone else has said, a cheap mod is some driving lights. O'Reilly sells some HID's for cheap. Nice when you're out there in the pitch black

 

[FJR Colorado]

Dollar for dollar, your best priorities are probably:

1) Topper Shell
2) GPS w/topo
3) Decent Rubber
4) Mild lift (look at Toytec)

also, you can pick up a set of Hella lights at Walmart for about $60

and get one of those ultra coolers that hold ice for 5 days; and a very compact propane stove and a good method for coffee (even the $3 Melita drip makers work darn good with decent coffee)

 

[Wonderland]

I would go cheap for storage. I use ammo cans and Rubber Maid storage pins.

I don't get "platform storage" I use my Tacoma for things other than travel, it is nice to have quick removable storage. Just keep 'em packed with travel stuff.

With your budget I would blow it on gas, food, women and booze.:ylsmoke:

I upgrade as I break things.

A stock Tacoma with decent tires can go a lot of places.

GPS and well maps are over rated. Some of my best discoveries were when I left the maps at home. That and I am anti-GPS.:elkgrin: