It really depends on how aggressive you want to be and where you want to go. A 2wd truck driven properly will get you to 80% of the places a 4wd vehicle will. You just have to be much more disciplined in selecting your line and managing your throttle control. If you're looking at simply running forestry service roads and exploring back country routes you'll need minimal equipment. I'd suggest as a starting point the following:
- A good jack. Not the stock jack that comes with the 2016, but a good bottle jack with some accessories. I'd suggest the
Safe Jack Kit
- A dependable spare tire. Shouldn't be a problem since you have a new vehicle.
- A tool kit that covers the majority of fasteners on the vehicle. With my vehicles as I work on them at home I make notes of the socket sizes I use, specialty tools that might be required, etc and then add those items to a tool roll that's kept in the vehicle. Try not to carry "complete sets" of tools, for example a full socket set, as you're not going to use 90% of it and it's only going to take up space and add weight.
- Tire plug kit and the knowledge of how to use it
- A collection of zip ties, a few high strength ratchet straps, paracord and bailing wire
- Good gloves
- Several flashlights
That kit will help get you out of trouble in a lot of cases. Now if you're looking to modify the vehicle to add capability I'd start with tires. I'm fairly sure the 2016 Tacoma Off Road's come with Goodyear Wranglers. Not a bad tire and if I were you I'd run them until they wore out and then look at upgrading. Keep in mind the tires that are sold to manufacturers are NOT the same tire you'll buy from your local tire shop. Expect to get about 50% of the tread life out of the OEM tires that you will out of tires you buy later. On my 2016 I'm running the BFG KO2s and have been really happy with them so far.
I'd also look at upgrading the recovery points on the Tacoma. The 2016 passenger side recovery point up front is ok, but there are far better options out there that add more strength and attachment options. Look at the
BPF Heavy Duty Hook for and upgrade. If you don't have the factory tow package I'd look at adding a receiver to the rear and fitting a recovery hook.
If you want to go the route of adding a winch you'll need to look at changing out the front bumper. Due to the geometry of the front of the 2016's this is no small task and involves quite a bit of cutting in most cases. There are a few quality front bumpers out on the market as of today, but I'd probably give it another 6 months to see what else comes along. Many of the offerings right now change the approach angle of the truck (most decrease it). ARB's bumper is due out any day now and would be one that I would recommend. If you're committed to going this route I'd start researching winches now...the internet will provide you with more information than you want there.
Beyond these things the list of upgrades is almost infinite. Dual batteries, on board air, snorkels, lift kits, auxiliary lighting, fridges, etc. This list goes on and on. I'd recommend not getting caught up in building what you "think" you might need based on what others on forums are doing but instead get out there and use the vehicle as it is. The more you use it the more you'll know what works for you and what the weak points are. Address those items as you come across them and you'll be much happier than if you build your vehicle to the expectations of the internet.
