WTF Do I Know...Recommended Mods

Greetings Folks. I only joined this outfit today, but I did so to learn from other enthusiast about mods I can make/do to my truck that will make it more functional to me. Unfortunately, I'm not the guy that wants to know how to put a Tundra Pro grill on my SR5 or raise my truck 20 inches. I bought my original 2008 Tundra by stepping up from a 2003 Tacoma, all because my life style required the extra room. And my household only consists of me and a dog. But my needs have changed. I recently moved to a 2019 SR5 Double Cab. Time to modify.
I live in Colorado, I am also retired, so I am always on the road with the thing. I do day trips, I do extended road-trips, and most often these trips involve a rifle or fishing gear, a camping trailer, a solar panel, a bicycle, camera gear (yea drones!), and a canoe. So the sacred money that gets tossed upon my truck needs to net some sort of measurable improvement in utility. I am not a Tundra Snob. I don't give a crap about what wheels I have. I want a tool that jives with me like a good girlfriend, and doesn't suck away my budget on chrome bling. I search and adopt only the things that improve my status quo by way of making an immediate improvement in efficiency. With that said, here's is my simple list of things to consider when throwing money at our Tundra's, listed in order of MY priority:

1). A good bed cover, called a tonneau cover. Endure the hit and buy one that is resistant to the elements in your area. If it locks, you are very smart. My favorite is pricey, but it falls in that "cry once... but then smile often" category. Search Diamondback Covers.

2.) IF you have invested in a tonneau cover, buy the $88 Pop&Lock tailgate lock-but only if you have doors that lock via a remote fob. This kit is fairly easy to install if you have basic wiring knowledge... or can get it. Just take your time and have fun. Once installed, it will lock your tailgate anytime your truck doors get secured. Obviously, this is only suitable if your bed/cargo area is already covered.

3.) Upgrade the floor mats to a brand that really does collect & pool whatever you introduce into your truck's interior. This can be sand, water, snow, or mud. Floor mats are like knives; they are all designed for specific uses. Ponder your over-all truck environment, research your options, then pull the dollar trigger.

4.) Truck bed lights. Do your research, but DO NOT endure the 10 years of holding a flashlight in your mouth like I did (if you can find it & if it wants to turn on). I like a new system offered on Amazon that employs capacitive touch on/off, marketed towards boats & campers. Robin Electronics. You have to be friendly with wiring though.

5.) Add a 3-port 12vdc cigarette-type outlet. My 2019 Tundra shuts down all the 12vdc charging ports once the key is removed. There are times, times I can count on both hands and feet, where to have my phone/device charging while I am in a cafe would be quite handy. To NOT have that option sort of tisses me off. So, go on Amazon, find one that will meet your needs, and wire that baby up direct to momma battery. Don't neglect adding a plug-in QualCom-rated high-amp charger into your new 3-port if you have devices that are fast-charging capable. Again, let the high ratings be your guide.

6.) AMP or Bestop bedstep. IF your Tundra model can accept one of these products, and my understanding is the Tundras with "plastic" bumpers can not, I HIGHLY recommend their purchase and install. Either works, they are almost clones. The AMP is better quality, but the price premium is debatable. I went with Bestop for my next 10 years of bed stepping.

7.) Don't laugh, but exchanging your OEM 31" antenna for a 6" rubber ducky type can save you money if you ever go thru a robotic car wash. They aren't all the same-just buy based on 5 star ratings and you will be happy. They look cool too!

8.) If you tow a trailer, consider adding the TRD anti-sway bar on the rear. Google, read, and make your own decision.

9.) If you travel like a retired guy out west, you will inevitably or occasionally spend a lot of time way-way away from AM/FM/TV towers. Having SiriusXM radio can be quite stimulating coupled with your morning coffee. Do your research.

10). My last suggestion is prone to being scoffed by the don't-use-my-truck-like-a-truck crowd. But, for the dollars, I would rate this baby as my best Tundra investment...OK, tied with my bed cover. It is on Amazon, made by Access Covers, and is called the 70950 EZ Retriever II. At first, my McGuiver personality thought I can make that. But, due to circumstances placing me away from my garage, I had to pull the trigger. I use my truck a lot, and I love this thing.

Enjoy your 4-wheeled tool, and post me your must-haves.

 

Welcome. I am a new guy too. You have a very specific set of needs. I do too, except it is much different. I drive 30K a year, mostly on interstate. I pull different trailers, depending on need. It might be a 1400 lb or a 7K lb trailer, depending on what my job needs. I might go several months without pulling anything. So versatility is key.
I know that bed covers are for honest people. If someone wants in bad enough they will get in. I think the OEM will work best for me because I use it for water resistant storage while traveling only. Not storage.
I drive a ton in the snow and rain so best wiper blades, fluid and tires are extremely important. I also go off road but not for fun so much. More to get to a job site. Could be miles, could be only a few hundred yards.
In addition, I might be by myself or I might have the CEO and COO in my truck. The next day I could have three engineers. The next night be me and my wife and my dog. So interior choice is key and back seat protection. I am looking at a Crew Cab Limited.
Bottom line, must have are very individualistic, depending on use.

 

A few additional mods to consider are:
1) rear seat back fold down mod (free)
2) drivers side grab handle ($140 +/-)
3) locking steel box for the center console (several to choose from and a bit pricey, but pretty nice for locking stuff up)

 

Welcome from Northeast Connecticut

 

Welcome to the party!!

 

Welcome from Aurora.

 

Welcome from Ohio!

 

Welcome!

 

Welcome from Texas

 

Welcome from NC!

 

Welcome from TX!

Add:
-LED interior lighting. The illumination is so much better. A retiree will appreciate this.
-Console organizer and tray, Salex makes good stuff.

 

Welcome from SE PA!

 

Welcome from Ohio

 

Welcome from Colorado

 

Welcome from WY. I 2nd the driver side grab handle. Best mod ever, you will use it every day. Gift that keeps on giving the whole year through Clark!

 

Welcome from Idaho, those were good suggestions.

 

Welcome from SoCal. That's a very impressive list. There is no right-or-wrong when it comes to mods. We've all got damn fine trucks that can be used for all sorts of things. In my experience, most of the folks on here will gladly share their experiences if you're willing to ask.

Can we see what the new rig looks like?

 

This made me laugh but I did read it all hahaha.


Welcome to the show man

 

I read it all too

 

@metalsideup
@mattgecko does led lighting

 

Seeking alternative bed step suggestions compatible with 19 Platinum. AMP and Bestop not offering beyond 2018. Thanks

AMP-Research replied, they do offer for 2018+.
Bestop replied not currently available no additional information.

 

Hey guys Is the drivers side grab rail a Toyota part or can I get it on Amazon?
Thanks!

 

I ordered the parts for it from megazip. Was cheapest option I could find. See the OEM parts thread for links on needed parts and maybe a few other things you might need.

 

Welcome from East TN! Thanks for the tips!

 

https://www.tundras.com/threads/for-those-with-no-driver-side-interior-grip-handle.4433/

2nd thread down has OEM part numbers for pillar and handle. Best mod you will use and feel everyday.