WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO YOUR 3RD GEN TUNDRA TODAY?

I ordered these direct from rough country weeks ago, got stuck in Memphis then shipped back to rough country. Sent a 2nd set suppose to be here this Tuesday. Really want these to keep snow and ice from packing in where it doesn’t belong. I already made better front liners from big heavy inner tubes. Keeps salt spray off engine and components better also

 

Sorry for the delay - I was out camping for the weekend.

1st: I did them a little different as I was hooking them in with side and rear running lights. But the general process is about the same.

I did take off my front end to install a train horn and wired these up at the same time, but you don't need to take it off to install. The front covers just pop out with plastic clips - no screws. If you start from the top, you can pop them all out pretty easily.

Wires are:

• RED: Light (DRL) - I used tail light.
• WHITE: Accessory - I tied in with the RED and used same tail light circuit.
• BLACK: Ground.
• YELLOW: Blinker.
  • This is where i got different. It says to use the yellow marker light, but there is no easy way to get to it and especially no way to get in there to tap the wire. I ended up doing a
    $29 7 Pin to 4 Pin Trailer Wiring Harness with Reverse Wire, 43"es USCAR Trailer Extension Wire Connector Adapter for Trucks Pickups Trailers, Trailer Plug for Installing LED Tailgate Light Bar
    tee-trailer wire set (I did not buy from Amazon) off the REAR trailer plug then pulled it all to the front where I made all the connections using a terminal block. That way, I can remove the wiring if needed pretty easily. Also means I don't have to cut wires if I need to remove the front end again (which BTW, is pretty simple - takes about 10 mins).

 

HA! I do. Decided to change up this time. Although the black Tundras are faster.

 

This is how I wired my fender/grille marker lights. Everything is reversable and no damage to OEM wires. Hate tapping OEM wires, lol.

 

That looks so much cleaner!

 

Yes!! And it's cheap & easy to do. You don't even have to jack it up or remove wheel to install these.
What pushed me to install was, I was driving down the road one day & saw a Tundra waiting to pull out in traffic. I noticed I could see daylight through the wheelwell & it didn't look good. This is much better, and protects everything that was visible over the axle.

 

does that maybe affect engine heat exit pathing?

just a side note i thought of while browsing

 

If you’re referring to the wheel well liners, the Rough Country are just for the rear wheel wells.

 

For the front ones I made as well as the ones you can buy, never heard of or experienced that being an issue

 

my bad, i thought that one pic was from the front wheel well

 

Ordered parts to swap to the TRD Pro tailgate spoiler/lights now that the front-end is done so the carpet matches the drapes. Holy shit that stuff is expensive! Damn! I'm 90% sure I'm going to get the spoiler color-matched to the truck as long as it isn't astronomically expensive.....but, I've already spent this much...so.....

 

I don't think that means what you think it means.

 

I think I do....what do *you* think it means?

 

You’re not kidding. I priced it out myself, but opted for a cheaper alternative that adds reverse light. Was afraid it might be a bit corny, but actually pretty impressed.

https://www.vleds.com/lpx-13-red-white-7-pin.html

Part of me knows that if I do the tailgate then I’ll tell myself that I need the matching front and rear camo trim pieces. And then eventually the fender flares. Why didn’t I just get a Pro again? Lol

Throwing in the towel for now. Pumped to see how yours turns out!

 

Tailgate button on passenger side—Got wiring harness from Garrick Vanderwal, the button/black trim piece is driver side, trim piece has to be modified (heat gun works great).

 

I can't remember a winter where I haven't tugged someone of out the ditch at least once, so I found a Factor 55 Hitchlink on sale for 50% off, every colour but black. The grey kinda matches my MGM, and its less pick me energy than the coloured (can you even say that word in 2025?) options. Still would have preferred black, but a deal's a deal.

I'm now taking recommendations on a locking, corrosion resistant hitch pin. Cuz even though it snows up here, the cold doesn't deter the anuses of the world from stealing cool shit.

And yes, I know, she needs a bath.

 

use a locking lock pin with a covered key hole


been using one since our 2018 tundra and it still works on the 23 tundra



if you want i can take a pic when i get home of the lockpin

 

Eraser wheel made quick work of mine. Looks good!

 

I've had those in the past for other applications. The cover is fine, but I'm mostly on the hunt for something either powder coated or like nickel plated. I had a "rust proof" Reese locking pin that surface rusted in less than a season. Is surface rust a big deal? Not functionally, but aesthetics matter. If it don't look good for the 'gram, what's the point.

The best option I've found is this thing, https://www.rhinousainc.ca/products...R&shpxid=47f67351-b357-4bb0-b949-c83c56983e4a

but its boku bucks in Canadian pesos, and I'm cheap.

 

lol yeah them dam loonies suck.

but usually dont see the lockpin lock that much so its a mute point for us

 

that lock pin didnt fit my 22...too short

 

Story of my life.

Thanks for saving me the effort. The search continues.

 

about to hit 2 years with this one

$15 METOWARE Trailer Hitch Lock Hitch Receiver Lock Fits Class III IV and 2" 2-1/2" Receiver with 5/8" Dia 3-1/2” Long Pin and 8 Anti-Rattle Rubber O-Rings, for Trailer Truck Car Boat (1 Pack)

https://www.amazon.com/METOWARE-Trailer-Receiver-Heavy-Duty-Hitches/dp/B08B1M579P/

 

Cheap and dirty. I like the cut of your jib, sir.

 

That's why I'm likely going to get it painted. I don't want all the camo parts.

 

what site had 50% off?!

 

@UrbanRedneck

I've always used the Bolt locking hitch pins that you key to your truck key.

 

yeah that going forward doesnt work since most new vehicles dont have a physical key anymore. the emergency is not meant to be used on a regular basis since it bends so easily.

 

True, but I locked mine on and never really had a need to remove/reinstall often.

 

FortNine.ca

They're a Canadian bike parts distributor and I don't know if they ship south of the 49th. If they do, its a rocking good deal with how weak CAD to USD is right now. Even if you get hosed on import fees, you're still getting it for basically free. $50USD based on current exchange rates.

https://fortnine.ca/en/factor-55-hitchlink-2-0-receiver