Project Rock Vomit

First time Tundra owner. Actually, my first Toyota and my first truck, first 4x4. Yeah. I have been literally living under a rock. Upgrading from my 2003 Ford Expedition which I still own. I tend to keep my vehicles for as long as I can. Going with Toyota was an easy decision for me.

And since this a list of firsts for me, I went for one of the most sought after trims out there - 2021 Tundra TRD Pro in Lunar Rock. I took delivery of this last week with 5 miles in the ODO - same day it came off the delivery truck.




I’m going to use this thread to document upgrades and changes I plan to make to this beast. I’m doing a ton of research and reading, mostly off this forum. Looking at what worked, what didn’t worked, forming a long term vision of what I want this truck to be.

So far, I have made the plunge on the following:


Driver Side A Frame Grab Handle
Used to having it on my Expedition. I find myself grabbing the wheel, a trim, roof, side pillar, seat which is not ideal.


Tonneau Cover
Several sleepless nights, tossing and turning, figuring out which one is the best. Soft, hard, plastic, aluminum, 3 fold, 4 fold, rolling, can it hold weight, leaks, locks, drains, work with factory bed rails and spray on liners, can I use it in conjunction with a bed rack. OMFG, the options and considerations were endless!

I finally made a decision to get the Retrax Pro XR with a deck rail system. The decision wasn’t an easy one. It’s quite pricey. However, I do plan to take the truck cross country and off roading so I’m just getting a head start. Reviews and feedback from this site and YT certainly pushed me over the edge.


Wireless Charger
I know I’ll use it. Looks factory and conveniently located.



Other things I am still reviewing:

Power Distribution Units

• Switch Pros 9100 (leaning on this one)
• SPod
• VOSwitch

I do plan to add lights, lots of lights and other electrical accessories that I want to control from the cabin. I prefer not to make multiple cable runs through the firewall.


Lighting
I am almost sold on the NSV light bar, but also looking at other options. Thought about adding ditch lights and rock lights. Maybe in due time.


Onboard Air Compressor
ARB seems to be the top one, but also pricey. Looking at mounting options. Plan to use the PDU to power it. I guess depending on available mounting options, that should determine what compressor I’ll end up getting.


35 Tires
My TRD came with 32 Nitto Grapplers. They look nice, but I bet 35s will look even better. No rush on this one. I’m more just thinking about it for now. I prefer not to modify any of the TRD suspension.


Bed Rack
At some point, I want a full rack for when I decide to go overlanding. I already know it’s another money pit to add gear to it (spares, gas cans, more storage, axe, shovels, etc).

For now, the deck rail is good enough to hold a couple of bikes and stow gear under the tonneau.


I know I’m missing a few things. But this is a start of a hopefully a worthwhile project that should keep my busy for years.


FRAC
Front Camera might be useful when used the head unit. Maybe something with night vision. Idk. Still looking at camera options. Harness seems to be available so that’s good.


Transmission Cooler
Seems to be a lot of discussion on this topic. Not sure if I need it. I don’t plan to tow often. I also read that if towing, use S4 to keep things cool. Haven’t tested that. Do I need it now? Probably now. In the future, maybe.

 

Lucky bastard. Best color ever. Congrats

 

I love the pic and appreciate your shirt. What part of the country are you in? Why ‘vomit’? Do you like the colour, or took it because that’s what was available?

Finally, your truck sold with Nitto Grapplers with 5 miles on the odometer tells me the stealer snuck in price-driving upgrades. Did they add a spacer atop your shocks for tire clearance? If so, I suggest you get that out of there before you do any proper overlanding.

Welcome from SoCal!

 

No spacers that I can see. The dealer told me they come in like that for all Pros sold in the Texas region and is installed before the dealer takes delivery. Regarding the color, it wasn’t my first choice, but it is also my first Toyota, first Tundra, first truck. I have another “truck” (SUV) that happens to be green in color. This one is sorta close. We call that SUV Vomit Rocket.

 

So here’s the first of many mods. One of the first things I installed. Grab handle from Sparks Parts. Install was pretty easy. I should have disconnected the battery but didn’t. I just keep telling myself to be careful when slipping that screw nut. I did have to cut a notch on the replacement part to clear some wiring. I promise I’ll do a better job next time with the install process.

Overall, I’m happy with the mod and is definitely a necessary upgrade.

 

You done good! Congrats!

 

Second mod is installing wireless CarPlay. Made this decision after reading this https://www.tundras.com/threads/wireless-carplay-for-those-with-2020s.69222/. Great ideas on hiding the wiring. For my mod, i used a 90 degree USB extension and I slapped some Command strips on the module and stuck it under there. 5 minutes later.

Configuring the wireless module was also easy. Once plugged in, I had to connect my phone using Bluetooth. There is also some instructions to update the firmware which was also a breeze to do. Performance is good. No lag on screen. Pairing on car start took a few seconds. Other than that, easy.

 

Next mod is wireless charger. I saw it on Amazon for $150 but Walmart online was cheaper @ $120. Same exact part. Install was also easy after watching a few YouTubes.

I do like that I can charge my phone and use wireless CarPlay at the same time. No WIRES!

 

Love the mirror in the garage for parking. Where did you get that and are you happy with it? My garage is pretty tight and still getting used to parking it in there regularly.

 

Welcome to the forums, congratulations on your Tundra!

 

Beautiful Truck OP

 

Welcome dude!

check out the lunar rock thread

 

happy with it. Here you go

Convex Mirror Outdoor, Farielyn-X 12" Adjustable Traffic Mirror, Security Mirror with Adjustable Fixing Bracket Indoor and Outdoor, Clear View Garage and Traffic Driveway Park Assistant

Convex Mirror Outdoor, Farielyn-X...

 

Been struggling with the Tonneau / Rack combo myself - endless options is right and most of them are quite expensive as you said. Looking forward to following and seeing that mod go into place! Nice truck!

 

The trans cooler was my 1st priority, heat is enemy #1. @chasenicholas93 has a kit that has all you need, that's what I went with.



I was at 212 with just me in the truck, on an even grade, with a very careful foot before I had it put in, and that's bad. Get caught in traffic while you have some cargo, and you start doing damage.

I have full confidence that your transmission will have a full life 'under warranty' without a transmission cooler, but that's all it's engineered for. If you plan on having the truck for less than 5 years and keeping it under 60k miles, you should be just fine.

 

Congratulations! And welcome from SOCAL

 

How much life was the engine designed to have? Rear axle differential?

 

I feel like you asked that to load up on an 'arguement from analogy'? So instead of answering, I'll do the dodgy thing and answer that question with a my own spin on the fallacy you were forming...

-How may other manufacturers don't put trans coolers on their trucks that have towing packages?

-Did Toyota scientists create a breakthrough formula that no other manufacturer has when it comes to trans fluid, is that why the competition can't save money on trans coolers?

-Will the 2022 Tundra with a towing package have a transmission cooler?

-Is Toyota the only company not familiar with planned obsolescence and Eddy Bernays?

 

The only issue I see with the plan is the ARB air compressor. Better get one ordered now as I have been waiting 8 months.

 

That is abundantly clear.

Further responses in chronological order follow:

- this presupposes the '19+ has zero provision for transfer of thermal energy. That is incorrect.

- better: they removed the presence of oxygen.

- yes... it has 7: one for each cylinder and a spare in case one fails.

- oh, they know him. Toyoda sent him the first copy of The Toyoda Production System.



#smug

 

1) How? I guess if you keep waxing fallacy, sure. If you read my content again, you will see that I've already made note that the Toyota engineers have addressed this.

2) Lol, again, is this a scientific breakthrough that every other manufacturer isn't aware of?

3) Enjoy your bacon and eggs, but I've lived next to a meat processing facility, so the I'm tracking the planned 'and' percieved.

#doit4eddy

 

Subtle is subtle. For those who knows, knows.

 

Nice ride!
I assume you're on ARF?

 

Beautiful truck. The driver's side handle is a must, saves the seats.

 

Nice truck my man. Keep up the amazing job. Look forward to seeing more.

 

Yea. Long time there. I posted a mayday for the decal since their store is down. Someone hooked me up with a close match color BFL.

 

Is that wireless charger this one (00016-34506). Everywhere says it isn't for 2021 but isn't it the same as 2020?

 

Welcome.

 

Same one. Don’t know about 2020, but it certainly fits 2021

 

Yes, same part number. Lots of suppliers don’t have the current model year in their systems until the next model year comes out.