2019 Tacoma TRD Sport build

[ManitobaTacoma]

Hey,

So I just recently traded up to a 2019 Tacoma TRD Sport 4x4. (Cement Grey). I am in the planning stages for my next build.

At this point, as a daily Driver, who has not yet to date done any offroading, just on highway road trips, am debating the pros/cons of different systems, other than "Cool fauxverlanding factor". I like to do things for a purpose, that will actually be used, and hopefully doesn't cost a fortune.

The plan so far is a Softopper cap, roof rack, and a cargo management system, whether it be bins, or drawers, I haven't decided yet.

Disclaimer: I am not knowledgeable in vehicle mechanics, though I am able and willing to do work on them if proper instruction is applied.

How useful/worthwhile are CB radios for people that don't regularly go offroading in groups? Does anyone even really use CB anymore? I'm in Canada, and it doesn't seem to me that it is very popular.

Right now my truck is stock... I at this point don't have plans to do any kind of lift. Is there any benefit to different/upgraded suspensions?

I also want to be able to use my truck as a daily driver truck, so still maintaining utility is important.

If anyone has any thoughts, tips, guidance, would be appreciated.

 

[eharris2]

Hi,
I am currently building a 2018 TRD Off Road double cab short bed. "Polar bear" currently has a Fox level 2 lift with Dakar add a leaves in the rear. After the instillation of the lift I was stunned at the increased ride comfort and performance. I really mean that, so much so that my good friend and neighbor installed the same lift on his 2017 Tacoma. He had the same conclusion, simply outstanding comfort and increased performance. My best friend drives a 2019 Tacoma and he went with a similar lift and was also equally impressed. Money well spent in all three of our books.

Now the ugly part, I didn't plan to run wild and add so much to my truck initially. I thought lift, wheels, tires, roof rack, bed rack and rack mounted tent. The suspension still performed well but there was a bit of softness in the rear. Then I added a cargo slide, sliders, and full steel skid plates. Load it up with camping gear and it feels like a early 80's Cadillac, "floaty" and way to soft. Bottoming out is our new unfavorite thing.

I have a ICON level 9 with hydraulic bump stops sitting in the garage awaiting install. Not an inexpensive proposition but that should cure all my problems. The current Fox components will find a new home in my daily driver, a 2011 regular cab Tacoma we call Luna.

If you take the leap and install aftermarket suspension, spend the time to select components that will have your future build in mind. I know everyone says that and I knew that getting into the Fox but I had no idea in less than a year I would add so much more to my truck.

Roof racks, I love the way the Prinsu looks and all three of us have them on our Tacoma's. Having said that, I hate mine, I wish I would have bought a Frontrunner. The ability to mount a table, securely, under the rack would be fantastic. There are also so many more accessories for the Frontrunner.

I am working on my HAM license, I have no experience at all with CB.

Great choice for a rig, the sky is the limit. Safe travels and go find some dirt, you will love it!

 

[RainierandTacos]

Good morning. That's a good looking rig. As far as CB goes, I had a Cobra 25 classic mounted to the side of my center console in my '17 Tacoma. I didn't use it much other than to monitor truck traffic and listen for logging activity while I was out in the woods, but i also didn't have anyone in my social circles that used CB either. I also ran into issues tuning my firestik antenna but that may have been my mounting location. I'm sure there are members here that can paint a better picture of how useful CB is than I can, though. I get more utility out of my ham radio setup than I did my CB setup but I will still be reinstalling the radio as soon as i figure out where I'm going to mount it.

 

[eharris2]

Appreciate the comment. Having more than one way to communicate can't be a bad thing. I have thought about installing a CB, "just in case." I can also appreciate that they are not that expensive. The other option I considered was a cell phone signal booster but that is a low priority given the cost.

I am looking at a soft topper for my regular cab so I can have more dry space. We are actually having a winter with accumulations of cold frozen white stuff that we so rarely see here. That makes hauling groceries home a bit more complicated.

When you get the CB installed post a pic, I would curious how you did it.