What would you do to a Tacoma with 5k?

[Clutch]

I have a friend who spent two weeks camping in Mexico out of his Prius.
stock truck is fine.
Tom

Last time we were down there, we ran into an European guy in a rented Camry.

For the OP, I would just fix what needs to be fixed...hell, keep the bro wheels...looks like the tires are still good. Run 'em till they are bald.

Gas is so cheap right now, $5000 will take you far.

Heck, from Des Moines, Iowa to Tecate, MX is under $200 bucks.

http://www.city-data.com/gas/gas.php

 

[p nut]

^ Seriously. Way back in college, I had a Honda that I took to places that I shouldn't have. No idea how that oil pan and gas tank survived. (err...maybe that's the reason I could only get 8-9 gallons in)

Interesting to read comments from the "Stock" and "Built" camps. I like what mastersryan said. This site can really suck you in with "conform to the ultimate expo truck" mentality so much that we can forget lots of fun can be had with what you've got as-is. Not my money, though! Either way, sounds like the trip will be taken and you'll have fun.

 

[Clutch]

^ Seriously. Way back in college, I had a Honda that I took to places that I shouldn't have. No idea how that oil pan and gas tank survived. (err...maybe that's the reason I could only get 8-9 gallons in)

We ran into that guy in San Francisquito, guess he comes into San Diego every couple years for a convention, then heads to Baja afterwards for a week to chill out. We came in on bikes...we were like how in the Hell did you get that thing in here? The road we came in on was whooped out mess. He said: "I dunno...but I did...it is only a rental!"

Interesting to read comments from the "Stock" and "Built" camps. I like what mastersryan said. This site can really suck you in with "conform to the ultimate expo truck" mentality so much that we can forget lots of fun can be had with what you've got as-is. Not my money, though! Either way, sounds like the trip will be taken and you'll have fun.

No doubt a lot of if it cool. Most of it isn't needed. I used to be into it...now I just want to spend money on seeing cool sheeeot. And after riding dirt bikes for years and years...wheeling in a cage is boring, slow, and can't go a lot of places a bike can go. No matter how much money you throw at it...Hell, go spend $5K on a used bike, and hit the trails.

 

[SoCal Tom]

!"No doubt a lot of if it cool. Most of it isn't needed. I used to be into it...now I just want to spend money on seeing cool sheeeot. And after riding dirt bikes for years and years...wheeling in a cage is boring, slow, and can't go a lot of places a bike can go. No matter how much money you throw at it...Hell, go spend $5K on a used bike, and hit the trails.

I see all these threads about best camp chair or stove or ...most of the time the answer should be " the one you already have" save the money and use it on a trip!
Tom

 

[p nut]

I watched that Ewen McGregor flick last year "Long way down" or something like that. Wanted to pick up a KTM 650 and head towards Mexico. Some day.

 

[Clutch]

I watched that Ewen McGregor flick last year "Long way down" or something like that. Wanted to pick up a KTM 650 and head towards Mexico. Some day.

We have been planning a circumference trip of Mexico, one of my riding buds was born in a small village in Southern Mexico, he was going to take us down and show us where he grew up...more or less be our tour guide...but most of our clan got married had kids....you know how it goes...so it kinda fell apart [for now].

 

[Nullifier]

Well you can do a lot for 5k. Assuming the vehicle is mechanically in great shape and we do not need to address mechanical here is my list.

Ditch the flashy wheels and tires for some stock wheels and mud terrains a 265 tire will do more then you think.
Next dual battery with at least a solar battery tender. You do not need a 300 national Luna. I bought a Napa battery splitter and it has worked fine for years. Some type of on board air. I like the viair 460 but Even a good portable unit can do a lot. I would add a shell or tannou to cover gear in the bed. Attachment points to secure gear in the bed. And action packers are a great storage solution on a budget.

I would add sliders and a front bumper with winch and a good set of recovery gear.

Assuming you are patient and look for deals or used equipment you still have enough to considera a rear locker. hard to beat the arb but I bet you could get a good condition junk yard trd axle cheaper then buying an arb, and having it installed. Then get a cable to actuate the trd locker. So many great ways to build on a budget.

If you still have some $ an ome suspension will work wonders on the trail.

But remember the most important asset to have is an adventous spirit.

 

[drobb]

Maintenance, maintenance, maintenance.....and a good set of tires. You're not going to go far if you break down or get a couple of flats. Maintenance isn't a flashy upgrade...but it will get you to where you want to go.

I have over 158,000 hard miles on my Sequoia. Stayed on top of maintenance..... Never has let me down.

 

[ico135]

Trip to Mexico.

$5K buys an awful lot of fuel, beer, and tacos. Stock tacoma will go a lot of places.

There is alot of wisdom in those words. I mean alot. In 10 years you are going to remember the places your Tacoma took you, not the parts that were on it. Watch "Petrol,Food,Beer" on youtube. Those guys had an epic adventure with 18 dollars, 7 bungie cords and a dirt bike.