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Going from a 2018 Tacoma to a 2021 tundra, what do I need to know?

Discussion in '2.5 Gen Tundras (2014-2021)' started by wsutundra, Mar 30, 2021.

  1. Mar 30, 2021 at 3:38 PM
    #1
    wsutundra

    wsutundra [OP] 2021 Smoked Mesquite 1794

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    I have a 18 TRD off road Tacoma I am trading for a 2021 platinum tundra in a month or so (waiting for tundra order).

    just curious what I need to know/prepare for. Never driven a half ton before. Drove a 2nd gen 4runner before my Tacoma. Also tow a 3000 lbs camper.

    I also elected not to get any factory accessories besides the moonroof. What accessories are a must have? Thinking about getting weather tech mats, bed mats and some nice running boards. Thanks all.
     
    Wallygator likes this.
  2. Mar 30, 2021 at 3:49 PM
    #2
    I_Am_Thee_Walrus

    I_Am_Thee_Walrus New Member

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    Made the same trade. You will love the power and room. You will miss the storage compartments in the Tacoma and the maneuverability in parking lots though, the Tundra is nimble for a truck this big.

    Definitely look into some under-seat storage in the rear.
     
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  3. Mar 30, 2021 at 3:55 PM
    #3
    Silver4x4trd

    Silver4x4trd New Member

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    Jba long tube headers, dirty deeds TRD exhaust (2x24), 19+ Pro lights and grill painted sky silver, TRD rear sway bar, TRD reusable air filter, PnP sliders, pnp full set skid plates, 275/70/18 ko2’s, bully dog bdx (trail setting), c4 hybrid bumper with DD lights(sae fog and driving)
    Hopefully you got the large gas tank 38 gallons since you’ll be towing
     
  4. Mar 30, 2021 at 3:58 PM
    #4
    Zed

    Zed New Member

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    Welcome to the half ton club, I was in-between husky and weather. Decided to go with husky and so far love them.
     
  5. Mar 30, 2021 at 3:59 PM
    #5
    Jim LE 1301

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

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    Welcome from NY.
    You will love the Tundra and won't even realize that you are towing the camper.
    Look into the Husky floor liners, IMO they are way better than WT liners. They cover more, lock to floor better and don't loose their shape like WT.
     
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  6. Mar 30, 2021 at 4:10 PM
    #6
    tttrdpro

    tttrdpro Former Naval Person

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    I too went from an ‘18 TRDOR Taco to a ‘19 Pro Tundra then a ‘21 Pro Tundra. The Taco has 2 main advantages: 1. 2-4 mpg increase. 2. Easier to maneuver in tight spaces. The Tundra’s advantages: 1. Much more power, especially low in the rpm band. 2. Much more interior room. There are more both ways but those are the two biggest IMO. You’re going to love the Tundra. I would get window tint and spray in bed liner. The power locking tailgate is the cat’s ass if you get a tonneau cover. Post pics when you get it and welcome!
     
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  7. Mar 30, 2021 at 4:13 PM
    #7
    Flying Fuzz

    Flying Fuzz New Member

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    I did the same thing. Went from a 18’ Tacoma to 19’ Tundra. Line-X or bed liner I would rate as a high priority that way your bed doesn’t get damaged. Add the Toyota bed mat which is rubberized so then your stuff doesn’t slide around.

    as stated earlier prep for being in a much larger vehicle in parking lots and keep in mind the extra length when towing your trailer on back roads. I towed an M416 trailer with my Tacoma and it was easier to back up than the Tundra.

    The Tundra was a solid truck. I loved the 5.7! And the interior space is amazing. I had a paint defect and needed to have the truck repainted, search for discoloration threads.

    ended up trading it in on a new Raptor though
     
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  8. Mar 30, 2021 at 4:24 PM
    #8
    WILLINH

    WILLINH New Member

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  9. Mar 30, 2021 at 4:25 PM
    #9
    Zed

    Zed New Member

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    I hope you saved some money cause this forum is a money pit
     
  10. Mar 30, 2021 at 4:26 PM
    #10
    tttrdpro

    tttrdpro Former Naval Person

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    He speaks the truth.
     
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  11. Mar 30, 2021 at 4:27 PM
    #11
    Jim LE 1301

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

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    So true.:spending:
     
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  12. Mar 30, 2021 at 4:29 PM
    #12
    Zed

    Zed New Member

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    I wouldn’t think about upgrading suspension right now also since everybody is at least 3 months behind.
     
  13. Mar 30, 2021 at 4:29 PM
    #13
    wsutundra

    wsutundra [OP] 2021 Smoked Mesquite 1794

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    Honestly I like the look of the stock platinum. Im sure wheels and tires will be an upgrade before winter but that’s about it for now lol
     
  14. Mar 30, 2021 at 5:08 PM
    #14
    mcm0455

    mcm0455 New Member

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    You'll appreciate when you enter and exit the Tundra, no more hitting your head. And the seats and sitting position is more truck like and less 80's IROC.
     
  15. Mar 30, 2021 at 10:03 PM
    #15
    TundraHulk02

    TundraHulk02 New Member

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    Did the same switch last year. Your going to love it. Much appreciated space in the Tundra compared to the Tacoma. I am currently towing a 6,000lb camper and have zero issues so far.
     
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  16. Mar 31, 2021 at 6:53 AM
    #16
    splitfuse

    splitfuse Dr. Tundra

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    I made the same change from a dbl cab 2nd gen taco back in Nov to a 2020 Tundra. I really miss the clever storage compartment designs that were integrated in the cab/box. I also miss the inverter. Based on my Taco I thought Toyota designers were really on the ball with super useful everyday features. The 3rd gen must have gotten a different design team... All things considered, a great truck.

    As for accessories and upgrades:

    Protection: I recommend Woolwax undercoating (rust), 3M Scotchguard (upholstery), paint protection film (ppf) and a sprayed in box liner.

    Practical day-day: Amp bumper step, ESP under rear seat storage, OCD console organizer, tonneau cover (not gonna name a brand as there’s dozens of options depending on your needs)
     
  17. Mar 31, 2021 at 6:58 AM
    #17
    CaptainGrumpus

    CaptainGrumpus The Mailman

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    Your gonna be spending some money at @dirtydeeds once you start digging into this forum.
     
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  18. Mar 31, 2021 at 7:21 AM
    #18
    FUBAR

    FUBAR New Member

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    It depends on your needs. I went from a 17 Tacoma to a 19 Tundra, both crewmax. I am now looking at going back to the Tacoma. Parking in my garage is tighter in the Tundra, the MPG is worse (which I am ok with but you may not be) and parking in general is tougher in the Tundra. The power of the Tundra is amazing. The room in the cab is great as well as the ride. I love my Tundra but the Tacoma just fits my needs better as it's just my wife and I. I have a Tacoma manual on order because the auto sucks so bad. Just look at everything before you make the trade.
     
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  19. Mar 31, 2021 at 7:37 AM
    #19
    wsutundra

    wsutundra [OP] 2021 Smoked Mesquite 1794

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    The Tacoma is great. We live in a rural area so no need for a smaller vehicle like a Tacoma. We also pull a camper and even at half tow cap with the Tacoma, it struggles. I also really want leather and all the features of a platinum. The Tacoma can’t really offer that. And if you get a limited Tacoma, your basically paying a few grand less than the platinum. The Tacoma is a great vehicle. But we outgrew it pretty quick with a few dogs and possibly kid on the way. The back seat is basically nonexistent for a adult.
     
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  20. Mar 31, 2021 at 7:42 AM
    #20
    FUBAR

    FUBAR New Member

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    Then you will love the Tundra! Good luck with it. FYI, look into the transmission cooler on the Tundra. If you are towing it is an issue for some people. Some will say it is and some say it isn't. There are plenty of threads on here discussing it.
     
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  21. Mar 31, 2021 at 7:44 AM
    #21
    wsutundra

    wsutundra [OP] 2021 Smoked Mesquite 1794

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    So is this not a option on the tow package? Pretty sure even the Tacoma has one. Where can I get one aftermarket?
     
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  22. Mar 31, 2021 at 7:53 AM
    #22
    RdKing

    RdKing Not A Roll Model

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    Roadtunes By: Taylor's Audio/Tech12Volts Alma GA. JBL Complete System
    Welcome wsutundra from Delaware!

    Your gonna wanna read in the Audio/Video Thread and familiarize yourself with Taylors Audio of Alma GA dba... tech12volts.com
    your Tacoma JBL Sound was way better and "ALL Toyota JBL Sound Systems Are NOT Created EQUAL"
     
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  23. Mar 31, 2021 at 7:53 AM
    #23
    FUBAR

    FUBAR New Member

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    It's included on the tow package but they removed the external cooler and replaced it with some type of heater/cooler unit and it ties into the radiator some how. I can't speak to the specifics but some people are seeing higher temps when towing. There is a whole thread about it and a member here sells a whole package to add an external cooler with all the brackets included.

    https://www.tundras.com/threads/tundra-transmission-cooler-kit.60550/#post-1938405
     
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  24. Mar 31, 2021 at 7:54 AM
    #24
    wsutundra

    wsutundra [OP] 2021 Smoked Mesquite 1794

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    Don’t have the JBL in my Tacoma do it will be a welcomed upgrade in the tundra
     
    RdKing[QUOTED] likes this.
  25. Apr 2, 2021 at 6:54 AM
    #25
    Jamesausman

    Jamesausman New Member

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    I traded my 15 Taco in for a 18 Tundra SR5 a month ago because with a 4500lb travel trailer hooked, the family and gear all loaded up we were at max payload. Heavy tongue at 600lbs. Tundra payload was only a few hundred more but at least we’re under max.

    I was in in the dealer a week ago for service and checked the payload tag on the floor model (platinum I believe) and was shocked it was like 990 lbs max payload! That’s less than some Tacos! So I’d say check that before loading up as much gear as you can fit.

    I was in for service for the brake controller. Kept getting a disconnect message. They fixed it rather quickly. Not sure if that’s an ongoing issue but best to hook up the trailer to test a few days before your first planned camping trip.
     
    Last edited: Apr 2, 2021
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  26. Apr 2, 2021 at 7:24 AM
    #26
    Melikeymy beer

    Melikeymy beer No cooler for you!

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    I changed from a 2016 OR AC Tacoma to a 2019 Platinum Tundra.

    Pros:

    The Tundra is much nicer to drive on the interstate and gets about the same MPG at 80 MPH.

    It has better power and torque for towing ( 6k lb TT)

    I love the roll down back window.

    Cons:

    It's a pain to drive and park in the city.

    The payload is less on the Tundra than my Tacoma. Pay attention to that when you buy.

    I no longer go off-road. The Platinum Tundra is that bad.

    So far I've had more maintenance issues with the Tundra.

    There is concern about the deletion of the external transmission cooler on the 2019+ Tundras. Since you tow, you might want to think about installing an aftermarket for about $1k.
     
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  27. Apr 2, 2021 at 6:22 PM
    #27
    Midnight66

    Midnight66 New Member

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  28. Apr 2, 2021 at 6:26 PM
    #28
    eagleguy

    eagleguy New Member

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    I traded in my 17 Tacoma with 17K as I started banging my head when getting in and the known engine and trans issues were driving me nuts. LOL
    Funny thing for me is that I think my 2021 Tundra has a tighter turning radius vs. the Tacoma. I sure I will probably be told I am wrong but that's how it feels. Very nimble for a big truck which WAS NOT bought for gas mileage. Compare to the BIG THREE it's just better made. Life is Good, Enjoy the ride and do upgrades that work for you!!
     
  29. Apr 2, 2021 at 6:31 PM
    #29
    eick

    eick New Member

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    Get the driver side grab handle kit before you get used to pulling on the steering wheel.

    Don’t get weathertechs I have them and they aren’t great. Wishing I had gone husky instead

    Get an organizer tray for the center console.

    Get a credit line increase on your cards for all the other stuff you’re gonna buy.
     
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  30. Apr 2, 2021 at 6:36 PM
    #30
    eagleguy

    eagleguy New Member

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    Good advice. I just bought the grab handle and the tray as its one big console. As far as floor liners I had Toyota include the factory rubber ones. Will get the Husky's down the road as they cover better..
     

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