Or $10k or $5k or $2.5k of essentials?
We've had the family 100 series for a while now, and with a quiver of daily drivers, I'm looking to shift focus onto the LX to finally get some work done.
It got me thinking, with the incredible range of options for these trucks, and most normal humans not needing most of them, it might be useful to hear some opinions about what the more experienced owners feel are the things they use most of the time, and the ones that they do really deem essential. It also does not need to be "this will save your ass" type of add ons, it could be "this will really make your life better" parts (like an updated stereo). I like to plan, then shop slowly. I'd rather know what it's going to cost ahead of time, and pull in as much wisdom as I can to make better decisions.
I can already hear you all typing this part, so let me first say that this list should be presented with the assumption that all preventative and deferred maintenance has been done, and that the chinks in the 100 series armor have been dealt with. These are items that would be added above and beyond the normal operating parameters. And that the truck has a baseline of semi-aggressive tires.
Some background on our usage:
We have no intention of taking the truck to the Rubicon, or crossing deep rivers, or hammering it up boulders. USFS and off the map forest/logging roads, all seasons. In the past, mainly used for joy riding with my son, but would like to think about using it for overnights or longer during our ownership. I also use it to haul my dirt bike, but that setup is pretty dialed. I like the AHC, and intend on keeping it. Our truck is entirely stock on the inside, save for some weathertech mats, and a Scangauge. I typically carry a Garmin Inreach as well.
Mainly, I do not want to get stuck, without cell service, and have to hit the SOS button on the Garmin. And I also want the cockpit to be a nice place to be for extended periods of time. So, here is my list, or what I think it should be. What should be different, what would you do instead?
How far off base am I? What would you do different, remove completely, or laugh at?
We've had the family 100 series for a while now, and with a quiver of daily drivers, I'm looking to shift focus onto the LX to finally get some work done.
It got me thinking, with the incredible range of options for these trucks, and most normal humans not needing most of them, it might be useful to hear some opinions about what the more experienced owners feel are the things they use most of the time, and the ones that they do really deem essential. It also does not need to be "this will save your ass" type of add ons, it could be "this will really make your life better" parts (like an updated stereo). I like to plan, then shop slowly. I'd rather know what it's going to cost ahead of time, and pull in as much wisdom as I can to make better decisions.
I can already hear you all typing this part, so let me first say that this list should be presented with the assumption that all preventative and deferred maintenance has been done, and that the chinks in the 100 series armor have been dealt with. These are items that would be added above and beyond the normal operating parameters. And that the truck has a baseline of semi-aggressive tires.
Some background on our usage:
We have no intention of taking the truck to the Rubicon, or crossing deep rivers, or hammering it up boulders. USFS and off the map forest/logging roads, all seasons. In the past, mainly used for joy riding with my son, but would like to think about using it for overnights or longer during our ownership. I also use it to haul my dirt bike, but that setup is pretty dialed. I like the AHC, and intend on keeping it. Our truck is entirely stock on the inside, save for some weathertech mats, and a Scangauge. I typically carry a Garmin Inreach as well.
Mainly, I do not want to get stuck, without cell service, and have to hit the SOS button on the Garmin. And I also want the cockpit to be a nice place to be for extended periods of time. So, here is my list, or what I think it should be. What should be different, what would you do instead?
- Traction Devices
- Winch Mount/Winch (for factory bumper)
- Modern Stereo
- Springs/Spacers/torsion bar adjustment/other to balance out AHC for below items
- Rear drawers/Storage
- Roof top tent
- Tablet mount/Tablet (for Gaia or other nav)
- Step sliders for ease of entry (small humans, short wife)
- Attic storage
- Extra "oh s***" reserve fuel storage (roof? rear?)
How far off base am I? What would you do different, remove completely, or laugh at?