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Intro/thoughts on my new 2021 Tundra Pro

Discussion in 'New Member Introductions' started by Shamrock92, Jun 8, 2021.

  1. Jun 8, 2021 at 4:38 AM
    #1
    Shamrock92

    Shamrock92 [OP] New Member

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    Ok - first off I guess I’m not a “new” member with a couple of hundred post under my belt now - but I am a new Tundra owner (finally) as order finally was delivered yesterday.

    Currently in Central NC by way of Ohio (just about every corner - originally from SE Ohio and still have a home there). I’ve wanted a Tundra for a while now - and been seriously truck shopping for probably 2 years.

    Coming from a pass me down 2012 Silverado 2wd W/T - even a base truck today feels “luxurious” in comparison with things like a radio with a screen, carpet and variable speed wipers and power doors/locks. This will be my first “new” vehicle since 2006 and is my personal weekend vehicle.

    Yes, 2 years is a long time to shop for a vehicle - all kind of circumstance…having a long paid for truck I use 5k miles a year I wasn’t in a rush to upgrade - and then just various things kept making me push it back. Finally, just realized I better get and enjoy it now as never know what tomorrow holds.

    My initial take so far on the Pro:

    - Way to many people build up things reading these forums and talk themselves into “upgrades”. The stock Michelin’s aren’t horrible (not my pick if I had a choice - but most OE tires wouldn’t be on any vehicle…they select them for price then performance).

    Ditto the radio - it’s not “horrible” - just not great. A hair below the Ram radio and on par with GM//Ford basic systems (yes - I know JBL is supposed to be premium - but it’s not and never has been). I say this having already bought a Tech12Volts upgrade package before taking ownership (wanted to grab before gone/with no idea when new JBL upgrades might be available and not having a lot of options unless I ditched the head unit too).

    Would I have bought the upgrade knowing the radio was like this - probably, but I’m a music “cork sniffer” - I have stupid snobbish things like a Marantz receiver and turntable in my office now…is it better than the cheap ones they replaced - probably not much - but I like them. For most ears - I think the stock unit is fine - adding some sound insulation to the doors would be a big improvement alone.

    Yes - it’s not that much more to upgrade speakers while you have panels off…but point is - form your own opinions first - don’t fully rely on forums. I feel I could have done the doors myself easily and I’m not mechanical or technically inclined. Then if I hated the sound I could have moved to step 2. I skipped step 1 and as a result bought an upgrade I may not have fully needed.

    I was smart though and held on tires/suspension upgrades at least.

    - regarding the tires…as I said the stock Michelin’s are fine as far as “ride” quality. Are they visually pleasing on the truck - no, not really. Will they perform off-road like a good A/T - no way - and will I replace them in a year or 2 - yep. But right out of the gate - I’m good with them. Suggestion was made to get truck set like I want THEN replace - that was solid advice I plan on following.

    Ditto adding rear shackles. I thought that was the best move - more I thought though - more I realized I need to see how I like the feel/handling before adjusting things to start. Give it a few weeks/months and then determine what I do/don’t like. Driving styles vary greatly and you can’t rely on internet opinions for what you will like best.

    It’s kinda like buying a mattress - very long time furniture guy taught me a while back when I briefly took a gig doing online furniture sales. 95% of customers read reviews online of a mattress and let the reviews guide them to the “right” choice. Half love it because they never tried anything else to know it’s not right - the other half hate it and probably 80% of those would love it with a minor adjustment or better pillow. You have to physically try things to know what you need - not just rely on others opinions. But of course we are social creatures as a whole and companies who pump out these reviews will keep growing.

    Tire size - a lot seem to suggest the tires are “undersized” - I personally don’t see that. I might move to a 275/70-18 - but if the price is more than 25% less on the stock size - I’d have no problem staying there.

    - Steps - even stock these things NEED steps/running board of some kind. I’m not exactly short at 6’2 and I find getting in a stretch. Wife is 5’8 and really struggled even with a grab handle. Glad I ordered the AMP steps and can get them on soon.

    The lack of a driver grab handle - often maligned - but I didn’t feel any need for it my first couple of rides.

    - Rear seat storage - probably my biggest gripe. Why no under seat organizer in back or pockets on back of front seats. And why no organizer in console either. Just seems foolish given how inexpensive these would be to add to production.

    Sure - some will toss them, but really would think dealers would add and try to mark up as it’s a sorely missed feature to me.

    - Finally no bed liner from the factory. This one I’m “ok” with as I am debating doing a bed rug in place of a spray on liner - but really - why not just make them standard and offer delete option. At this level of vehicle you want SOMETHING protecting your bed - drop in vinyl, spray on or something.

    Any thoughts on a bed rug and soft roll up tonneau cover ? Just thought I might like that better as I will never use it to haul things like stone/dirt/gravel (low payload and much easier to tow a dump trailer for things like that to me) and what I may haul in the back (furniture) would be better served not being scraped against a rough liner.

    Further - a bed rug is removable easily. A spray on liner not so much - any spray on will fade in time exposed to the sun. Nothing looks worse than a 10 year old truck well maintained with a liner showing its age to me. Not really a good thing re applying layer upon layer. Soft tonneau to start with and if I like it - I may move to a hard tonneau later. I opted for locking tailgate (again another “option” that ought to be standard) - so I’m good there if I upgrade cover.
     
  2. Jun 8, 2021 at 5:39 AM
    #2
    BobsYourUncle

    BobsYourUncle New Member

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    Congrats on finally taking delivery!

    I have a BedRug (no spray in under), and I like it a lot. I have had them in 2 other trucks and they hold up great. If you plan on doing anything in your bed other than hauling (like, sitting in there at kids soccer games or such), the little bit of cushion is actually really nice.
     
    Shamrock92[OP] likes this.
  3. Jun 8, 2021 at 5:42 AM
    #3
    Shamrock92

    Shamrock92 [OP] New Member

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    Thanks - I’m hopefully going to get one soon.

    For the price of a basic spray in - looks like I can get a bed rug and a cheap soft topper.

    For the longest time I was anti topper - but seeing how simple they are to install with the bed rail system (and remove) - I see the practical uses it has and think with a bed rug it’s just a good option that can be easily moved to a new truck or resold come trade in time.
     
  4. Jun 8, 2021 at 5:48 AM
    #4
    Jim LE 1301

    Jim LE 1301 Camaro Lover, SSEM # 11,TTC#179

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    Shamrock92[OP] likes this.
  5. Jun 8, 2021 at 5:53 AM
    #5
    Stumpjumper

    Stumpjumper New Member

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    I disagree on the steps. I am 6' and had them deleted on my truck. I have no use for them. I had to add them on an F150 that my 5' ex drove. For me they just get in the way when exiting the vehicle. I added the driver side grab handle. It is so much better then grabbing the steering wheel. Toyota needs to get in the game and put them on from the factory. All the rest have them.
     
    Shamrock92[OP] likes this.
  6. Jun 8, 2021 at 5:55 AM
    #6
    MikeyRedFL

    MikeyRedFL New Member

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    Congrats... I am in a similar boat... Waiting for my Tundra to be delivered (about 10 days out) and have a vintage Marantz receiver (2385) fully restored and operational.... Old Marantz like Tundras have incredible value because of their durability. :) and their purity of function.
     
    Shamrock92[OP] likes this.
  7. Jun 8, 2021 at 10:01 AM
    #7
    Dr Doobie

    Dr Doobie Growing member

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    Welcome from Alaska
     
    Shamrock92[OP] likes this.
  8. Jun 8, 2021 at 2:58 PM
    #8
    AZ Red Nek

    AZ Red Nek Native of the Valley, Bowl, Basin, ETC...

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    Hidden 1200# Waren winch, Baja Desgins lights, Switch Pro switch and controller, S&B air box and in bed tool box.
    Welcome from Phoenix
     
    Shamrock92[OP] likes this.
  9. Jun 9, 2021 at 4:30 AM
    #9
    Shamrock92

    Shamrock92 [OP] New Member

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    Steps going on today - we will see.

    I still think a lot of mods to trucks are more “hype” than improvement at times. I mean buyers will never admit they paid a couple grand for something that didn’t do much (think how much people spend on some tuning services for example) and then either have to rave about it to prop up their spending or accept the fact they made a mistake. Ceramic coat is another one I kinda see that way - kid told me yesterday if I don’t do it (for $2500 entire truck) - my vehicle will not look the same in 8-10 years. Now I agree it’s a good product and has benefits - especially on high contact areas…but 2500 today - if I hit just the hot spots at 300, I don’t think I’ll ever see that $2200 investment in 10 years - or close to it.

    Another 35-40% probably fall in the user specific category. What works great for some May be just ok for others. Things like accessories fall in this category.

    Reality is mods are customization - and by all means you should make a truck “your own” - problem is the copy cat syndrome at times. You see something that looks sharp and try to emulate- pretty soon you have a bunch of Raptor/TRX clones filling showroom floors with 6 figure asking prices and dealers telling us this is what we want. I’m happy with a pro costing half that and putting my own touches on it.
     
    jewsNbrews likes this.
  10. Jun 9, 2021 at 10:13 AM
    #10
    Shamrock92

    Shamrock92 [OP] New Member

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    Ok - power steps are on..definitely an improvement to me. Now it makes me feel the need for driver side grab handle though.

    Soft cover, fog covers and console organizer due in next couple of days. Speakers are probably a week and a half out.

    Today I noticed more road noise/less volume I radio (set between 26-30) - sorry but that definitely should be sufficient volume to me - unless I am truly deaf.

    Next upgrades might wait a bit - shop who did the steps said shackles won’t help much - but I think adding a pair of Coachbuilder to back is worth doing. Probably do that with tire upgrade - which I am gonna hold until I either find someplace giving a decent trade on the OE tires or till winter. I don’t “hate” the Michelin’s- just don’t love them either. If I could get 400 out of them - I’d trade towards something new I think. I just don’t see taking a 80 dollar credit or something stupid for them and don’t feel like doing FB Market or CL either.

    Other than that - I’m gonna do the bed rug (mat only) for me it’s available and that’s it for mods.

    Debating doing stickers - TRD and Tundra embossing and in the radio TUNDRA - I’m not sure - kind like the all black look. Didn’t think I would but kinda do.

    Plan on plastic dip the tow hooks on front at some point red - might do the air box lid too - and maybe a shift knob exchange.
     
    jewsNbrews likes this.
  11. Jun 9, 2021 at 10:50 AM
    #11
    Badknees

    Badknees New Member

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    2016 White Tundra 1794 CM 4X4
    TRD Pro BBS Wheels, TRD LED Headlights, Rigid LED Fog lights, 040 TRD Grille, 040 Hood Bulge, Black Center Valence, Driver's Grab Handle, TRD Pro Fox Suspension, 1.00" BORA Wheel Spacers, 1.5" Rear Shackles, TRD Front and Rear Sway bars, 295/70 R18 Cooper Discoverer AT3 XLTs, Full Size Spare, TRD Dual Exhaust, Console cover, Console Organizer, Husky Liner X-act Contours, Tinted Front Windows, Stubby Antenna, Autoventshade Deflectors, Duplicolor Painted Calipers, 040 Painted Front End Caps, Undercover Armor Flex Bed Cover
    Congrats on your new Tundra! Pics?

    I'm 6', 1" and started out with a 1794 and didn't really miss having a grab handle. However, once I added the 2" TRD Pro lift and larger 295/70 tires, I use it every time I get into my truck. I don't think I have ever read about anyone regretting installing the grab handle mod.
    As for the bed, I already had the "factory" spray coating and added an Amp Research bed extender and Undercover Amorflex tri-fold cover. It works great to securely carry most stuff and keep dry that I don't need in the cab and I have full flexibility to open partially or for the complete bed + tailgate length access if ever needed. Main negative is the folded cover blocks the rear window view when the bed is fully open. I also added the factory bed step which helps an old fat guy like me get in and out when needed. I don't think the TRD Pros come with the TRD front sway bars (for some weird reason?), but for me this was a definite handling improvement, albeit not as much as adding the TRD RSB.

    Just my experiences and I frequently use all my mods. YMMV.
     
  12. Jun 9, 2021 at 11:04 AM
    #12
    jewsNbrews

    jewsNbrews SSEM #8 level 3, RGBA #5 lab tested lab approved

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    Bolt on
    Congrats on the truck.

    I agree on the stock tires. I still have mine. Aesthetically the tires suck. But they're good enough for road use and work "ok" off road. They will get replaced soon enough, but I had other priorities for the truck first.
     
  13. Jun 9, 2021 at 11:05 AM
    #13
    RdKing

    RdKing Not A Roll Model

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  14. Jun 9, 2021 at 11:16 AM
    #14
    1lowlife

    1lowlife Toxic prick and pavement princess..

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    My 2014 came with a spray liner.
    I added a Bedrug mat and tailgate mat..

    E56C2A52-CB37-4473-BA4A-B034B228A760_zps_502eb92db0716579cf47540ed62f91eb57e1d310.jpg
    546A275F-72CF-4EAD-8C56-93DF9EA35A68_zps_82b7cdf9ecba46ac01a5f746fd0dd1851473821e.jpg

    As far as my Amp steps, I don't step on them, but my 5 foot wife does.

    I also liked that I added the driver's side grab handle.
    I don't always grab it, but when I do it is better than grabbing the steering wheel....

    Congrats on your truck...
     
  15. Jun 9, 2021 at 11:33 AM
    #15
    LuvCRVs

    LuvCRVs New Member

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    Since we are offering opinions on options and mods, i will add I don't understand the desire to have tow hooks stand out..painting them red or whatever. I would rather they just blend into the background and not be seen. I don't think they add anything in the rugged or tough category. As far as driver handle, I guess I don't know what I am missing. I have learned to enter the vehicle using my legs to lift myself...much easier than pulling with weaker arms...and by the time your center of gravity is past the handle, well there is no more pulling going on. All that said..I will probably install one just to see what all the fuss and complaint is about and will probably have a new opinion. And finally...the radio...no worries there...the stock system will sound better as the years go by, consistent with the decline in your hearing!
     
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  16. Jun 9, 2021 at 11:36 AM
    #16
    Badknees

    Badknees New Member

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    TRD Pro BBS Wheels, TRD LED Headlights, Rigid LED Fog lights, 040 TRD Grille, 040 Hood Bulge, Black Center Valence, Driver's Grab Handle, TRD Pro Fox Suspension, 1.00" BORA Wheel Spacers, 1.5" Rear Shackles, TRD Front and Rear Sway bars, 295/70 R18 Cooper Discoverer AT3 XLTs, Full Size Spare, TRD Dual Exhaust, Console cover, Console Organizer, Husky Liner X-act Contours, Tinted Front Windows, Stubby Antenna, Autoventshade Deflectors, Duplicolor Painted Calipers, 040 Painted Front End Caps, Undercover Armor Flex Bed Cover
    Badkness! ;)
     
    1lowlife likes this.
  17. Jun 11, 2021 at 7:13 AM
    #17
    mattgecko

    mattgecko The LED Light Guy... MattGeckoLEDs.com

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  18. Jun 11, 2021 at 7:34 AM
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    RitcheyRch

    RitcheyRch New Member

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  19. Jun 11, 2021 at 7:58 AM
    #19
    Ely010606

    Ely010606 New Member

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  20. Jun 12, 2021 at 6:49 AM
    #20
    TXRailRoadBandit73

    TXRailRoadBandit73 YOTAS,RAILROADER,RÖKnRÖLLN',BEER,MAX/GEMMA

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  21. Jun 12, 2021 at 8:49 AM
    #21
    RainMan_PNW

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    glad you finally got your truck, but…
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  22. Jun 13, 2021 at 5:48 AM
    #22
    Bakershack

    Bakershack Critical of Noncritical Thinkers

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