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Anyone have any experience with TAV builder

Discussion in 'General Tundra Discussion' started by ziggy2022, Oct 10, 2018.

  1. Oct 10, 2018 at 8:05 PM
    #1
    ziggy2022

    ziggy2022 [OP] New Member

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    I'm just curious if anyone has any experience with TAV (Tactical Application Vehicles). They seem like good people and Walt, the founder and owner, is super knowledgable and passionate about his builds. Compared to SDHQ, they are reasonable; basically right in line with their pricing for a build, but they use better components for the most part - as a default (ie. - King instead of Icon). I've went through build plans with both SDHQ and TAV and am ready to pull the trigger with TAV. They are a little more individualized in their builds; depending on your plans for use of your tundra. SDHQ is awesome in their own right though as well. TAV uses ARB's whereas SDHQ likes the Auburn LSD; which I'm learning wears out in 20k. Gut says TAV. Any thoughts?

    Thanks,
    Andy
     
  2. Oct 10, 2018 at 8:36 PM
    #2
    831Tun

    831Tun heartless Bastrd

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    Warren
    Santa Cruz
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    TC long travel. Deaver 420 SU leaf packs.
    Sounds to me like your on a good path. "More individualized" should equate to your having greater input. Some might argue about which components are better but I'm in agreement with you; King over Icon and ARB over Auburn.
    I look forward to seeing what you create.
     
    dcsleeper408 likes this.
  3. Oct 10, 2018 at 8:50 PM
    #3
    Tundra9831

    Tundra9831 New Member

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    It seems like many of the TAV builds are more overland / expedition oriented and they will likely have good experience with spring rates for the weight of extra gear, heavy bumpers, winch, etc. SDHQ seems more biased towards desert stuff. I'm sure both could build the other style, but that may swing you in one direction. Proximity to the shop may make a difference as well. I've known of SDHQ for years, but only recently started studying the TAV stuff. Looking forward to seeing your build.
     
    dcsleeper408 likes this.
  4. Oct 10, 2018 at 9:16 PM
    #4
    ziggy2022

    ziggy2022 [OP] New Member

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    Ok, well this is reassuring to hear from you guys. Hearing from you Tundra9831 calms my stomach ache a little; as spring rates dictated by loads, bumpers and intermittent towing is exactly what I need - desert blasting isn't exactly what I need, but traversing the Alcan in January with a loaded down 7x16 cargo trailer is; followed by 6 to 12 months of daily driving with day trips to various parts surrounding Anchorage in all sorts of weather conditions sprinkled in. I'm screwed on proximity; as we're in Connecticut on our assignments until January-ish. Truck will need to be shipped either way; which TAV seemed a little more helpful in orchestrating both to and from. My wife and I are travel nurses. We could end up going anywhere, and have, depending on who's the most desperate and paying the most. Our first assignment was in Anchorage when we started doing this in Nov. 2016. Stock 2017 TRD Pro Tundra fresh from the dealer with the Michelin's. Picked up a 6x12 Uhaul, loaded it up on a Saturday with what wasn't put in storage, Closed on the sale of our house in Nashville 2 days later on Monday and left from that closing to start the 8 day drive to Anchorage. The Tundra made it fine enough, but I need more with this bigger, much heavier trailer. Plus, I just want more capability if I need it and a better ride overall. The truck will be getting a much needed ton of tasteful lighting upgrades as well - front and rear.

    Thanks for responding guys. It helps.
     
    Tundra9831 likes this.
  5. Oct 10, 2018 at 9:20 PM
    #5
    zcarpenter92

    zcarpenter92 Yotas and Yellow Jackets

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    Zach
    NE Colorado
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    In sig
    Finally looked at their site, they make some good looking vehicles.

    SDHQ's probably more into the desert thing because of their location, I generally think of NM as more of a mountain state despite there being a fair amount of desert as well.
     
    ziggy2022[OP] likes this.
  6. Jul 8, 2020 at 9:33 AM
    #6
    DavidinPhx

    DavidinPhx New Member

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    Phoenix
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    2021 DC Tundra SR5
    Icons, Deavers, 34s, 4.88s, F&R e-lockers, Ovrlnd Camper, & other stuff
    Any updates here on the OPs experience with either shop?

    Planning to buy a Tundra near term and have been wondering about this exact question between TAV versus SDHQ. I have had good experiences with SDHQ who built the suspension and a few other things for my current Tacoma. I think the characterization made by the original responder is sort of true about SDHQ being more desert racing focused and I am definitely more overland focused. Reason for the tundra being a pop top camper shell, so experience with heavy payload off-road is important. That said, DDHQ they still do extremely good quality work. Inquiring minds want to know!
     
  7. Oct 28, 2020 at 11:20 AM
    #7
    Outdoor adventure

    Outdoor adventure New Member

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    Walt and his crew help build my 2017 TRD PRO 4Runner for New Mexico search and rescue, quality work and a great bunch of guys. Sold the 4Runner so now have a Tundra on order so back to TAV for upgrades on the new Tundra. They know what they are doing. There customer base is nation wide, they are the best.
     
  8. Oct 28, 2020 at 2:33 PM
    #8
    traveller09

    traveller09 New Member

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    David
    Seattle Area
    Vehicle:
    2005 G500 & 1995 911. Looking to buy 1/2 ton truck mostly for overlanding and daily driver.
    I really love what TAV does, I am huge fan. I dont have a Tundra yet so I am in no rush, but I am too afraid to call for a quote. Would love if someone IM me a ball park number for one of their builds. I realized it is highly dependent on what package you go with, SC or not, etc.
     

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