New Tundra owner seeks advise/wisdom on 2021 Build

Greetings! I am an excited new Tundra owner, hoping this is the start of a long-term relationship with this truck. I’m coming from a 2006 F-350 so this is a significant change for me.

I‘d like to share my truck use/needs and build ideas in hopes more experienced folks might chime in to provide some direction, ideas, or caution to help me along my way...

I have a farm-based lifestyle and business in New Hampshire. This truck will serve in these roles:
-light farm duty- hauling materials, supplies
-occasional towing of max 6.5K lbs (horse trailer, dump trailer, other small trailers)
-some family transport (two adults, two kids)
-off-road trail rig (hunting, field&trail maintenance)
-mobile unit for dog&horse training business
-annual x-country road trip, camping support

1.) Straight away I’m planning to have the bare bed Line-X-ed and install a Decked Drawer System.

2.) Steps/Sliders- Looking hard for a low-profile step/slider/board/bar....interested in SDHQ rock sliders...
I’ve trashed every set of aluminum or plastic boards or bars I’ve had in the past but I’m not rock crawling so these are probably overkill for my needs... wondering if there is something to consider in between??? I don’t want anything that drops down much at all.

3.) TSS- Currently researching all the issues with TSS related to bumpers and lifts...I am interested in a slight lift and aftermarket bumpers for practical added protection and capability off road but I would like to have a set of solutions ready for potential problems...

4.) Towing: Preventing Sway and Sag- I’m not towing beyond capacity, and mostly will stay well within, but my cargo will often be live-horses, sheep, cattle-which can mean my load is shifting a lot side to side and front to back. I’m looking at Hellwig Sway Bar, wondering if that is a reasonable add-on?
Also I can’t stand rear end sag and will work to ensure a level truck for towing....I’ve looked into Firestone airbags with Day Star Cradles, Timbrens, Deaver springs...not sure what will suit me best...

5.) Rack...what is the most effective way to transport 12ft boards, plywood, etc. in a 6.5ft bed? I had an 8ft bed for many years and never had to think about it. I’m looking at Headache Racks but also like the possibilities of crossing over to an expedition type platform...could see utilizing overcab space for hay or a water tank for livestock...any bright ideas?

Of course I will be delving into the specific forums for each of these topics but I figured I would introduce myself and maybe track my build with photos once I get started.

This forum is amazing, thanks to everyone for their contributions.

 

Welcome from Ohio

 

Welcome from NY.

 

Look into a Weight Distribution Hitch for your answer to #4.

 

Welcome from LA (Lower Alabama)!

 

Welcome from Nevada

 

Welcome from PA. Congrats on the new truck!

Reference #2.
I was looking for something similar, a nice step that didn't loop down far to get caught on things.

I ended up getting a set of Iron Cross HD steps. I usually have those on during the warmer months. I'll put on the OEM minivan looking running boards during the winter, mainly so the road salt doesn't trash the Iron Cross steps.

Currently I don't have any steps on it. I took them off to get the aluminum step part powder coated matte black, but have been busy.

You can see the Iron Cross steps in the second pic of my weak and stale "build".

https://www.tundras.com/threads/2014-black-cm-build.138/

Good luck with it!

 

Welcome from CO! Good luck with the build.

 

Thanks all!

 

Welcome from So Cal

 

Welcome

 

Welcome from Pennsylvania

 

Welcome to the site.

Advice and Wisdom? Will you settle for Goading and a False Sense of Confidence?

 

Welcome from the wet side of WA.

 

Welcome from PEI