I Regret These Mods! - Save Your Money & Hassle | Overland Toyota Tacoma Build Process

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:

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

[PacificRoamer]

All products used in my build can be found here!

[markparent]

Finally, somebody who talks more about the function of his mods and not just how cool they look.
Thank you. M.

[GeorgieFoxstarMedina]

Finally a regular Joe talking realistic builds. Awesome vid bro.

[nguyengineering]

so refreshing to see sensible build videos, not just throwing the kitchen sink (literally in some cases) at a build. subscribed.

[nawzyah]

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.

[KennySantiagovids]

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,

[Jazz]

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.

[frh-freerangehuman]

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

[joereyna]

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.

[philv]

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.

[alexalvarez]

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.

[andy_an_outdoors_guy]

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

[cline]

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!

[kurtgellert]

The rotopax vs jerry can comparison is spot on... Plus, you can build anything with unlimited funds. But what do you NEED vs WANT.

[nomadicyoutube]

Thanks for the guidance with regard to the expensive, non-essential mods that you regret. I appreciate the practical perspecitve and honesty.

[gideonchadwick]

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!

[GoTacoma]

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!!

[Langhorstiness]

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!!

[croaker]

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.

[Troche]

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.