Functional Toyota Tacoma Build

Upgrades in the video
-TACOMA OVERLAND FRONT BUMPER
-TACOMA OVERLAND SERIES HIGH CLEARANCE REAR BUMPER
-TACOMA ROCK SLIDERS

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[chrisscoleri]

I’ll mention a few things which came to mind right off. I’m speaking from the perspective of a lifetime of off-road experience from racing motorcycles in the desert to overlanding and backcountry travel. And, maybe you have already addressed this but didn’t cover it in the video, but here it is. I am definitely a Tacoma fan as that is what I drive. Many full-size trucks are simply too big now to be good trail trucks and end up requiring a lot of tire and lift to have the same breakover, approach, and departure angles as a Tacoma or a Jeep. If I were buying a vehicle with the intent of overlanding or desert travel, I would have started with the TRD Off Road (which is what I drive) because it comes with a locking rear differential, Multi Terrain Select, and Crawl Control, all of which can be useful when you are way out there. The Sport comes with a non-functional hood scoop. To that end, I would advise adding a locking front differential such as a Tru-Track, which will function as an open diff, but send power to the tire on the ground or lock up with a little drag of the brakes. I wouldn’t advise using a Detroit Locker or similar, hard locking diff in the front, on a daily driver. Really, these are the basics for traveling on loose ground and over obstacles.
For fuel, Rotopacks are fine, lots of people use them. I have a rack I built in my Tacoma’s bed which I can carry a single, 5 gal plastic can or a pair of 3 gal VP fuel cans, medical, fire extinguisher, shovel, on-board air, etc.. You can never have too much fuel or water. Rotate the fuel as you travel, because most of it is tainted with Ethanol and Ethanol attracts water which is bad.
KC lights are great, I’m a Diode Dynamics fan, but that’s opinion. I like lights in selective yellow for use in dust, rain, fog, and snow. The Yellow wavelength penetrates better and has less glare. Ditch lights and scene lights are great for camping out in the wild. A couple of high quality, usb chargeable flashlights is a good idea too.
The synthetic line on the winch is a great choice. If you don’t have one, a soft shackle, snatch block, and a pull strap are important too. Get a receiver mounted shackle for the back and never use a trailer ball.
You should have an on-board air system, tire plugs, a proper jack, and breaker bar/socket and the ability to use them if you get a flat. The factory stuff might not do it. Load Range D/E tires are more flat resistant, but heavy AF. My last truck was a full-size and had load range E 35s on it. I blew a tire at 75 mph on the freeway, and while the tire shredded, the rim never hit the ground, and the truck remained in control, allowing me to move over and stop safely. The exploding tire destroyed my bedside, but that heavy carcass allowed me to stop safely which was the most important thing.
Always have a fire extinguisher on board. About two weeks ago, I put out a fire on my way home from work. Some arsonist set a power pole on fire. It was a whole deal. The fire was accelerating quickly, but I was able to put it out before it got out of control. This is a busy area and no one had a fire extinguisher, but everyone had a cell phone out. The FD guys seemed disappointed they didn’t get to use their hoses. Also carry an axe, shovel, and saw. I have a power pack starter thing (and cables) if the battery goes dead. Never used it on my own truck, but I have helped others.
Finally, I’ll mention having an extra accessory belt for the engine and the tools needed to replace it. I always carry one, along with a code reader which can tell you if you have a big problem or a small one if your vehicle throws a code. It’s a Toyota, so nothing ever breaks… but just in case, or if someone else’s junk breaks. I’ve helped others more than I have gotten myself out of a jam.
I assume you not only carry water, but have a water filter system, and iodine tablets as a last resort. Also, where’s truck gun?
This isn’t an exhaustive list by any means and you may already have covered all of this, and, I know money doesn’t fall out of the sky so things tend to come in stages as few of us have an unlimited budget, but it’s something to consider.

[docmcgee]

I'm Mike's age and have wanted tire sandals since I was a kid reading about Vietnam!

[mistaajones]

Spotlight. We pulled them off junker cop cars. That much light that you can swivel around while you drive is very handy when something or someone needs to be found

[TBrIII]

Wow, one of my favorite content creators overlands my favorite truck! I’ve been running Tacoma’s since I 2004, great trucks!

[twotwentyswift]

Things I wouldn't go out without are, an onboard air system and my PullPal ground anchor. I've been in spots in Utah west desert where there wasn't a tree or rock for 30 miles and without the PullPal I'd have had a hell of a hike out. Also keep tire and hose repair kits, a jumper pack and a spare serpentine belt. In addition if you're doing serious off roading the Tacoma's have a relatively weak independent front suspension. If you don't do a straight axle swap at least put in some RCV axle shafts. They're spendy but carry a lifetime guarantee with tires up to 40 inch. Also carry spare tie rod ends.

[jimmystevens]

My mother has a jacked Toyota tundra, I’ve always been a Chevy guy but after seeing how well her truck holds up after 10 years and the power it STILL has I’m definitely going to a Toyota next year when I trade my truck in.

[n.u.t.y.]

Way back in college days I had sandals made overseas from recycled tires. Lasted a lot longer than any other sandals I've owned!

[ronburton]

Appreciate the video. On day 29 of waiting for my 2023 Tacoma trail edition, cant wait for it to arrive. Been a jeep guy for over 30years, no longer trust Jeep. AIRBORNE!

[michaelharris]

Tire Sandle yes ! But only if their Goodyears !

[justinturner]

Building out a 4Runner trd currently. Fun stuff. Gun guys slipping over Into the overland world and I’m loving it

[arnoldosullivan]

Tire sandals with a Yard crossbow, old school!

[FightingCrime]

🫡🇺🇸the outdoors are calling me!! Time to answer!

[reaper-sztm]

I’ve owned all of the big 3 trucks privately and commercially, Toyota is now my private vehicle of choice for ranch work.

[jamiemcdonald]

Best truck for this stuff. Tacoma's are the best. They run forever and there's no other vehicle in the market with a resale value as high as the Tacoma.

[nightfall]

So true I agree with this. I’ve worked ems my whole life and I’ve lost count how many times I’ve rolled up to accidents and helped out. My truck is loaded with survival gear and first aid gear. I’d feel naked without it.

[dtna]

I worked for the Toyota Motor Corporation for 25 years. If you do preventative maintenance on your 4Runner, your vehicle will last forever. Change your oil every 7K miles and use OEM parts. And don't go back to a dealer unless you have to. There are several independent Toyota garages out there with factory repair experience.

[davehardtke]

Good stuff Mike, luv the part about helping your community and fellow brothers & sisters. Teamwork 👊

[BulletBarDave]

Love the build with the exception of the Rotopax fuel cell. I've been using them on my Polaris RZR for several years now and have unfortunately gone through several. They do expand and contract but they will eventually develop cracks and leak. Rotopax says the only way to stop this is to constantly vent them and do not store fuel in them for extended periods. Thanks again for all you do and definitely a Big Thank You For Your Service!!!

[thomasmclennon]

Love these. If I may, I would request that you clearly state the "total net increase in weight" of each vehicle, at each stage of the build, in every video.

[spunkkat]

Met you at Overland Expo in Flagstaff - Your the Real Deal!! Great vid