New Owner Questions

New member from Georgia and upcoming Tundra owner (delivery ETA 07/29). Just put a deposit down on a 21 SR5 CM. I had them remove all the extra stuff and addons outside of the Convenience package. It appears that most of the extra stuff I can a la carte as I go. With this said though I am new to the Tundra and newer vehicles in general and wanted to ask a few questions.

I've never purchased a new car/truck before. Is there anything in particular I need to look over and verify upon arrival/acceptance? Do I just check for cosmetics or should I test drive, operate every switch etc?

I opted to not have the LED floodlights installed. Does that mean it will have basic incandescent or nothing there at all? Is the wiring behind the bumper still there for easy installation later or if I add on later do I have to run wires and install a switch?

I opted for the basic 18" steel wheels. The sales guy suggested I take a look at my local FB Marketplace for add-on accessories. I've seen quite a few take off sets near me for a reasonable price. If I move into a set of nicer OEM 20" wheels is it as simple as "old wheel off and new wheel on ''. I know everything is computerized now. I assume the lug pattern is all the same between OEM rims and there shouldn't be any worries about scrubbing. Just didn't know if I needed new TPMS sensors switching between sizes. ARe the sensors in the valve stems?

I have seen the options for underseat storage from esptruck. Does anyone make something similar for the CM that is long enough to secure a long gun in? Ive seen some underseat safe options but they all seem to only be compatible with the DC.

Thanks in advance and I look forward to learning and becoming part of the forum community.

-Spamcastle

 

You’re going to get a million answers. Here are mine.

Yes, test drive and look the truck over carefully. If you drive away with a ding, a hole or scratch in an interior panel, a chip in the glass, etc… it becomes yours.

I believe you mean fog lights. If there are lights there now, you have a circuit and a switch. You can wire led fixtures in later. Now the headlights- I say swallow the expense and get factory LEDs. You will love them long time. Just do it.

Wheels: you should be able to get take offs for around $100 each in my experience. The TPMS units may or may not come with the take offs. Most of us will tell you to stick with 18” because they are better if you ever take the truck off-road, which you should be tempted to do -even just a few times- because it’s just fun.

Pretty much old wheels off and new on, but if you want a particular finish, get your wheels done BEFORE you do the swap. Consider holding off until it’s time for new tires and just blow the whole mess out at one time.

ESP does make a rifle length underseat storage vault. Spendy but really cool, and it locks.

Welcome from Oregon!

 

Welcome from NY.

Here's some other ideas down the road.

https://www.tundras.com/threads/diy-mods-tutorials.257/#post-3479

 

Welcome from LA (Lower Alabama)!

The main thing you need to inspect prior to accepting delivery is all the cosmetics (paint, dings, etc.). Everything else will be covered under warranty.

I strongly recommend the LED headlights. Be careful when you do replace the wheels, you may need a different set of TPMS sensors to work with them.

Good luck and have fun with it!

 

Another welcome from Oregon!

 

As to inspection at delivery - just do a 5 minute walk through and ask dealer to demo key features - they should be doing this with you normally.

LED Headlights - I’d opt for up front - if you mean they added a light bar - then it can be added later, fogs - again easy mid and can wait.

See post 3 - great list of mods and includes idea on under seat storage for a long gun. Simple version - build the frame and have cut outs made. The readily available options are going to feature bracing where the seat mounts and divide it into bins.

Tires/wheels - plenty of take offs (including some on the marketplace here) - you may find you like aftermarket options better at the cost though. Can also check places like Detroit Wheel and Tire for OE takeoffs.

 

Welcome

 

In the inspection, remember to check for things that are supposed to be included but the dealership may have stolen hoping you won't notice and will have to buy from them later. E.g. ball mount, tie downs, the 4 regular lug nuts if your dealer added locking ones...

 

So true! You would think that you wouldn't want your staff to view you as crooked. I guess they just conveniently forget included accessories. Anytime you upgrade, always ask for the factory parts.

 

Do all models come with a ball mount? I didn’t see any when I was looking and I didn’t get one on a new 2020. Just the receiver

 

We talked about this a while back on here and I think the consensus we came to is that it's included on most, if not all, Canadian trucks. Americans are on their own (unless you ordered one or your dealership includes it, of course.)

I had just never heard of a vehicle with a trailer hitch/towing package not coming with a ball mount until my brother bought his 2019 Sierra 1500.

 

Me too. None here.