All products used in my build can be found here! www.amazon.com/shop/influencer-0252276c

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

@darkthao8970

Жыл бұрын

forreals

@johngray9702

Жыл бұрын

Yep that's what I was going to say. Thank you for the video.

@scrumdiddily6162

Жыл бұрын

And his truck still looks really cool

@ggsdude1

11 ай бұрын

Facts....too many taco bros too obsessed making their tacos rigged to the max yet you dont see an ounce of dirt on their rigs. Just throw as much money on it and make it a status symbol.

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

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

@bnorvs5929

2 жыл бұрын

Yes, I especially loved him talking about the skid plates

@damienfrizzell9394

Жыл бұрын

nothing wrong with having a sink tho

@kevinromero3990

Жыл бұрын

@@damienfrizzell9394 in a house haha

@damienfrizzell9394

Жыл бұрын

@@kevinromero3990 or a camper or caravan or a 4x4 touring setup

@ggsdude1

11 ай бұрын

Imagin having a sink built into a taco rig and never actually using it and just drive to the mall...thats what 99% of taco builds are used in.

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,

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.

@SIUDubFiend

9 ай бұрын

Then you’re not looking hard enough. Have fun at the camp sites that everyone else can get to. I’ll enjoy the rest.

@nawzyah

9 ай бұрын

@@SIUDubFiend Cool, man! Happy for ya.

@nawzyah

8 ай бұрын

@@cropduster123 nice flex, bud. you want a medal?

@brayanchavez2885

6 ай бұрын

Have you had to actually use the 4x4 ?? I have a 2WD and haven’t had need a 4x4 (yet lol)

@jsl6155

3 ай бұрын

Try Gypsy Gulch. It’s the first trail my stock 3rd Gen TRD Pro couldnt make it to the end of. End up getting a lift kit, some tires, rock sliders and coming back the next year after fixing some of the damage the trail caused my Tacoma.

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.

@user-ej1bq4bq2w

2 жыл бұрын

Agreed. First thing I did was full armor underneath. Should've got sliders first but I didn't really know what I was doing.

@PacificRoamer

2 жыл бұрын

Excellent point!

@larssommer1903

2 жыл бұрын

Dont forget the value of full skid armor to protect your catalytic converter from theft. This is especially relevant for trucks with lifts, as the theft itself is that much quicker and easier.

@jd-wy4sr

2 жыл бұрын

Aa

@sjrtitan

2 жыл бұрын

skids are cheap, oil pans are expensive or anything else under there

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.

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

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.

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.

@PacificRoamer

2 жыл бұрын

But of course! I recently tallied the value of all the random mods and knick-knacks I don't use and the total makes me very sad hahaha

@alexhurtado4708

2 жыл бұрын

Understanding what your build is intended for will help guide your purchases - mall crawler, rock crawler, overlander. Learned this the hard way with my first few purchases.

@irod7

2 жыл бұрын

Great video

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

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!

Love the realistic honest review, thanks, saved me thousands

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

Excellent video. You hit the nail on the head with the SoCal crowd. Be practical and sensible with your mods and you can't go wrong.

Very sensible and humble review of your build man. Looks great and helps point a lot of people in the right direction. Kudos

Awesome job, this is so informative. Thank you.

Bro, awesome video!!!!!!! That really just lowered my stress level on what I thought I needed. Great stuff !!

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!

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

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!!

@garbinator09

2 жыл бұрын

I agree 100% Eric!

Most important overland video of the decade. Agree with everything here. Additionally, I’d say you could probably skip light bars and ditch lights altogether.

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!!

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.

This 6min video is packed with wisdoms. Very honest and practical. Thanks

Finally, someone who acknowledges that too many guys are too worried about looking cool and not what’s practical. I’ll take function and capability over looks or what’s “cool” any day

Great video. Practical build for practical people who want to overland/off-road. Thanks for the tips!

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.

Great honest sensible vid! Many thanks as i’m gonna be looking at options when my tacoma arrives.

Thanks for this video. I'm a few weeks away from my Tacoma and definitely plan to keep it a simple build. Your insights are a huge help!

@PacificRoamer

Жыл бұрын

Glad I could help, enjoy the new rig!

Good stuff! Thanks bro. Keep it coming.

Great video, thanks for allowing us to learn from your experiences! Subscribed!

I'm a rancher, and tend to use my 2011 Tacoma Sport 4x4 (4-door 5ft bed 4.0L V6) to check on cows, water holes, and troughs. I tend to do a lot of bush whacking ranching. Where my cows are it's very rocky as well and sometimes I'm practically rock crawling. I also do some hunting so my Tacoma is used and abused. The only thing I've done to it is put a 2.5 inch Old Man Emu lift on it and put 265/75R16 tires on it. So far, it's been amazing and gets me everywhere I need to go. I've gone up rocky switch back roads, driven over washboard dirt roads at 60mph and it keeps on chugging along. No regrets so far with this ranch truck.

What a great and practical video on overlanding mods for everyday people that don't have unlimited resources! Thanks and well done!

Honestly all you need for “overlanding” is recovery gear and a tent in a tonneau cover. Glad you made this video. The whole overlanding / Tacoma mod shenanigans is getting out of hand. I am semi guilty of it, but it’s hyper monetized by a high volume of small brands selling stuff we don’t really need. Simple is best.

Thanks for having some sense with all of this man. Most of these build look the same and the people just look happy to name drop brands left and right. Creative builds are really useful to me for ideas. Nothing beats making your own build personal to you.

@chrisking6695

4 ай бұрын

And buying Baja lights or getting bigger tires for rock crawling isn’t personalizing your truck? Ok lol

Best advice I have ever heard for a build. Outstanding.

I love your Tacoma sir. Thanks for sharing your experience ❤

Thanks for the advice! Really appreciate cost conscious suggestions!

Excellent video. Very informative. Thanks man.

The first mod I'm doing on my TRD Off Road is definitely going to be a bumper, and winch. It seems to make the most sense to me functionally. I'm a little blown away that you have all of that other gear, but have chosen not to have the one mod that can get you out of trouble when/if you get stuck. Just my opinion.

@_MikeJon_

Жыл бұрын

My thoughts exactly.

@k0pper

Жыл бұрын

Sliders, skids, and a bumper with a winch are always great first mods. You can more confidently use a bit more momentum in tricky spots with less worry to vehicle damage, and if you do get stuck, having a winch and knowing how to use it in different situations will get you through so many trails (even on something like the popular 265/70r17). It's kind of crazy what some protection and self recovery can do for capability.

Thanks for making this video! Mods/gear is a rabbit hole that robs people from the joy of exploration. Adventure, and when you reach your limits, buy gear that will take you further. In the midst of KZread “MoST iNsaNe bUiLd N tHe GaLaXy!!” clickbait builds, your honesty is refreshing.

Great vid! Love seeing high quality budget builds. Fox 2.0 was my favorite purchase. Rides amazing with a minimal lift on 265s, and you don’t pay $4k+ for suspension that you really don’t need.

Thanks bro this is exactly what I was looking for , w video

Love honest videos like these thank you!

I just got mine! 2007, TRD original owner who I know, access cab with a camper top. I am so happy. Great video, thanks.

I think this is the most sensible overlanding. This is brilliant advice

Picked up a blank canvas 4wd 2018 4Runner SR5 a couple weeks ago with ambitions bigger than what my reality would be. Definitely seeking to do a utility build for the back country but still be inconspicuous in town. Appreciate what your doing dude.

Great and sensible video! I can almost hear some of the Tacotubers grabbing the torches and pitchforks, you got dangerously closes to besmirching some of their favorite brands 😜

@PacificRoamer

2 жыл бұрын

Soon enough!

Great video man thanks

Thank you very much for this vid. Saved me some money. Especially on the fuel cans and the bumpers

Great video, I appreciate the honest assessment.

Headed to Telluride and Moab with a stock 2022 taco pro 6 speed manual, all I need! Great video!!

Thank you for your content and your honesty 👍

Nice build! We have a shell on our PRO4X and though it keeps things dry, the fine dust in Death Valley covers the inside in spite of a lot of effort - we tent camp or pull our tear drop. I agree with you about lift and tires - we went with an Old Man Emu lift that netted 1-3/4" lift in front and 2-3/4" in the rear with 559lb rear springs (the truck sets level when loaded). We stayed with the stock 31.5" tires - though were up-grading to better AT's soon

Great video! I enjoyed it...so sensible! I just subscribed.

@PacificRoamer

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

Dude I love your channel. I think you're the only one on here who cuts through all the bullshit clout mods for the Tacoma. It's really obvious that half the Tacoma "influencers" on here are bought by their sponsors so its really refreshing to see someone just tell it like it is for a change. Keep it up!

Thanks for this informative vid.

Great, sensible advice! Well done. 🙋🏼

Particularly good advice there, I upgraded my FJ Cruiser to Bilstein 6100 with driver's side set to one notch up to eliminate the famous lean, MT OEM size 265-70x17 tires that are road worthy and no bumpers but rear diff and shock mount armor and TRD front skid plate. Otherwise, its stock with an addition of ARB snorkel and like your vehicle, no front or rear bumpers.

Great video! Your rig is very similar to mine. I have an 09 TRD-OR 6mt. Same skids, I went with a 3" lift and 285/75/16s. No issues with my Smittybuilt tent though. Truck does great!

Good info, thanks for sharing.

Good commentary and an honest opinion. Nice rig.

I learned two important things from you, thank you for short and easy video to understand with examples

Thanks for this video. I ordered 285's for my rig, but after watching this, I've changed the order to 275's.

You know what you're talking about. And very good points made. I overland 97 4runner and 265/75/16 is perfect 32" size tire. Gets me where I need and good on hwy. For crawling we run an old jeep on 37s and 6 inch lift.

Love this vid👊🏽

I like how this video shows up in my feed the day my truck goes into the shop…. I already knew everything, but this video kind of serves as a reminder. Oh well, I’ll live with my choices.

Thanks for making this man I’ve gotta 2019 Frontier pro4x with a 2” lift and 265/70/16s and daily I wonder if I need bigger or should have went higher. This video put my mind at ease

Bilstein 5100s are probably the best bang for your buck, it changes the ride of a truck by a lot.

very nice someone that actually puts thought into it , these are daily drivers for many people

I needed to see this video thanks 😊

thank you for your honest feedback

You made great points and I had some of the same regrets. One thing about tires though, bigger can be worthwhile so you lose less clearance if you air down. Parts of Colorado are pretty rocky and airing down even on easy trails makes the drive more comfortable.

Thanks for your vid. I’m down the rabbit hole now😂. $$$$$ ikon stage 4, add a leaf, UCA, Falken AT4WP, Revolution 5.29 re-gear plus winch capable DV8 front bumper, DV8 under carriage skids, Beast Fab rock sliders, a SnugTop Hi-Line camper shell, a 270 OVS Nomadic awning, soon to be added lights you just mentioned in your video as well… I’m digging deeper and deeper. 😂 oh crap there’s the air compressor and recovery gear too😅😂

5:28 I have a SmittyBilt Overland Gen 2, and I have been nothing but pleased with it. Quality is great, and the price was outstanding. I've been in completely dry in pouring Georgia/Alabama rain, and I've been snug as a bug with snow piled up in Montana.

The best modification I ever made and the only one worth the money, was putting a Lock-Right auto locker in my 93 2wd Toyota pickup. No lift, manual 5 speed, 22-RE, 205/75-R14 snow tires, the locker and driving it like I stole it got me many many places in the snow and mud that no other 2wd could go.

Good content. Keep up the nice work.

Tires are the biggest game changer on any vehicle. I’m yanking my running boards and replacing them with frame mounted functional Rock sliders. As much to protect the body as skid plates protect the important things. Flipped too many trees up and into the vehicle to not have them.

I’ve also learned my lesson with level and lift kits.. next truck I buy I’m keeping it bone stock besides maybe a little more aggressive tires.

Great video with good advice.

I like a front bumper to hold a winch and protect from deer strikes or hitting harder than expected snow berms. Cheap insurance to protect front end bits and radiator, especially on rigs without comprehensive coverage. Downside is wear and tear on front suspension.

On My 2014 Tacoma I installed a 3" leveling lift ( no special drive live or steering mods required)with 32.5" BF KO2, before in stock hight it bumper dragged on every run off ditch and had poor approch angle, now it's considerably better, bought a Weston winch plate and installed an 8500lb super winch, saved me a few long walks or late nights, built a false floor to store all my recover and survival gear in clear totes lashed together under the floor, shovel, tire chains, extra cable, Jack -all, axe and swede saw, I have over 25,000k on the up grades with zero issue and it serves me very well in many situations from moderate to rugged roads, total cost including tires and recovery gear approx $2,200.

@edgebattle5531

2 жыл бұрын

What kit did you install?

@llkj7944

2 жыл бұрын

@@edgebattle5531 pro-comp nitro I believe, just basic, spring blocks frt/rear, u-bolts, frt diff spacer and skid plate spacers, I did everything but the front coil blocks (no spring compessor) and wheel alignment. Installed in 2018 had no issues to date.

Good info. Thanks a lot sir.

Love this video truth brother

I push a 99’ 3rd gen 4Runner limited. Bilsteins with a 2 inch lift, diff drop, KO2s and a Prinsu rack for the roof nest tent. Before that I just had a regular tent. That is all. No armor only because I got lazy. I do the Northern AZ forests and reservation desert trails. She eats it up. Rarely use the rear locker but when engaged she is unstoppable. I thought I’d need much more to enjoy overlanding but with a Yota, all you needs is the basics.

This video is a MUST for trucks newcomers

I like your mindset, buddy 🤟

Honest feedback, from first hand experience! Thanks…

"Hold up... I Fucked up..." LMFAO That's my life!

@PacificRoamer

2 жыл бұрын

Dont text and drive kids

We try to use our trucks stock as long as possible - First thing we normally upgrade is the tire size. Tacoma trucks are more capable than people think. My father in-law has a Tacoma and has proven it can go some pretty amazing places without crazy mods.

Very informative video. I like your set up. I currently own a 2020 TRD off-road and bought it brand new the only “ mod “ I have done is new tires, same as yours actually. My build will be a slow a thoughtful one trying to be minimal and keeping that stock look.

Great advise. Tks. Subbed. 👌🏾👌🏾

Alot of good info without all the fluff 👍

The exact kind of thinking I have put into my Tacoma!

Great vid, nice to see some honest comments about what is really needed. Would point out though, if you are really on a budget you can get a cheap but solid ground tent easily for $100 or less. No cool factor like a RTT but ground tents are very versatile, and have a few advantages over RTTs. RTTs have some advantages too but I'm continuously blown away by how many people will throw $1200-4000 at a RTT that does the same thing as a ground tent, just so they can sleep off the ground.

@ronrambo7834

2 жыл бұрын

you have not experienced animals or the human garbage that trolls camp grounds....... i keep bear spray and my 9mm for the scum humans vs animals

Well said !! Thanks !!

Great video. Makes sense and was super helpful except I saw the video post buying all my parts lol

Man i loved the video. especially that you didn't edit out that burp lol