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The Toyota Tacomas are built for off-roading. Toyota offers plenty of trim levels dedicated to the off-road sport and lifestyle. What do you do when you want to spend the night out in the wild? From weekend camping to serious overlanding, a rooftop tent will make your trip even better.

Why a rooftop tent? Tents that you can put on the ground can take up very little space and can be pretty inexpensive, but rooftop tents offer so many benefits. While more expensive, the size you get is leaps and bounds over most ground tents. When camping, it is always best to stay off the ground if possible to help avoid unwanted critters and weather from joining you. A rooftop tent keeps you high off the ground and safe. They are also very fast to set up compared to ground tents as they normally “pop up.”

Types of Roof Top Tents

There are a few different types of rooftop tents, and they have a few different mounting options too. First, despite the name, some can be either mounted on your roof or over your bed. They usually need a specific mount/roof rack that the base of the tent must attach to. Sometimes you can get these mounts directly from the tent’s manufacturer, and other manufacturers offer mounting options that work with aftermarket racks.

The most basic of the rooftop tents pop up to form one single sized room around the size of the bed or cab of the truck. They generally have a few windows and one entry, similar to a normal single person or smaller two-person tent. These can either pop straight up to a rectangular shape or pivot up on one side to form a wedge.

Larger models have about double the surface area that hangs over the side of your truck. They are supported by a ladder that climbs up to the entry point of the tent. These are similar in size to a large ground tent, but since they are folded up on the back/top of the truck, assembly is as easy as opening it up, and it unfolds and pops up. They can generally be up and ready in less than three minutes.

There are some that are basically mansions. While similar to the larger model described above, these offer different levels and rooms. For example, you can find these with a tall room that surrounds the ladder section. It’s great for a living room to set up some chairs and relax before heading up to the main tent. Since the ground is your floor, you don’t have to worry about weight limits, and the fact it leads up to the main section, you can stand up fully without worrying about hitting your head.

Mounting A Roof Top Tent To Your Tacoma

When it comes to mounting these, you need a rooftop tent rack. Sometimes you can get these with your tent through your tent’s manufacturer, but I would suggest probably getting one you like from outside the tent manufacturer. I did a whole post on Toyota Tacoma bed racks, but in short, they are extremely versatile additions to your truck. Not only can you mount a tent on top, but there are so many storage, lighting, and hauling options. If you get one from the tent’s manufacturer, there is a chance that it may be useful for just the tent, and that’s it.

Bed racks for Tacomas can be found from around $500 to $1000 depending on modular attachment points, finish and color, material, and size.

Roof racks for Tacomas are around $200 to $700. These can be a little trickier to make sure they work with your tent. A common reason people get a roof rack is to have an area to tie down equipment to. For that reason, they don’t have to be level or support excessive weight. Take a look online to make sure the rack you choose supports or can work with rooftop tents if that’s how you plan to mount your tent.

A quick word of advice: the bed of your truck is far more capable of supporting weight. While the A, B, and C pillars can handle the extra weight on the roof, the roof itself is not entirely designed for it. There is a chance the metal can flex and dent. Be careful with your selections.

Popular Brands Of Roof Top Tents

While there are many brands of tents (many are covered in this post), two of the biggest that are most popular with Taco drivers are Cascadia Vehicle Tents (CVT) and Tepui. These and all other tents we cover in this post offer many different sizes and options.

CVT (Cascadia Vehicle Tents)

One tent that will pop up (no pun intended) over and over again in your searches is Cascadia Vehicle Tents (CVT). They make units from $1000 to close to $3000, but they are a favorite for sure. From two-person to four-plus person tents, if you have a tent need, they can cover it. You can also rent their tents as well. 

Tepui Roof Top Tents

Another popular full-sized tent is from Tepui (now owned by Thule). For around the same price as a CVT, they offer hard shell and soft tents. They have plenty of different models to fit your needs. Compared to CVT, they offer plenty of tents that don’t hand over the size of the truck.

Roofnest

If you need different options, then different options within those different options, Roofnest will be your go-to brand. They offer three series of tents: Condor, Falcon, and Sparrow. Each series has three to five models to get you exactly what you need. If you’re not sure, they have a little questionnaire you can fill out that will help you find the right one. From “basic” to extreme, they have you covered. Literally. They offer a two year warranty from the factory, and are made right here in the USA!

Tuff Stuff

The people over at Tuff Stuff know a thing or two when it comes to tents. Not only are the prices lower than some of the competition, but they offer a lot of bang for your buck. With eight different models to choose from, the ability to sleep two to four people, multiple levels, and more… You’re bound to find something to fit your needs. Unlike some companies that offer slightly different “models,” these guys make each model unique and ready for a specific task. They offer a one year warranty, but have an excellent chart on their website that will break down every detail of each model side by side so you can make sure you get the right one you need.

iKamper

If you are looking for a fast tent deployment, iKamper boasts about its patented one minute setup time! The four models they offer are sleek, fast to set up, and come in all the sizes you may need to accommodate what you’re looking for. You can get different finishes on the shell as well. While made in South Korean, time and dedication is put into each one to assure quality, comfort, and durability. They even offer a warranty up to five years should you have any concerns. These guys are quite popular on social media and always seem to be developing new models and improvements based upon the needs of the people!

23Zero

No, this is not a new DNA analyzing company… It’s based off the coordinates of Alice Springs, Australia, which they claim is one of the toughest places on the planet. 23Zero offers a large selection of different style tents depending on your style of play. One of the key features with each tent is their Light Suppression Technology. With all of the windows closed, these tents allow almost zero light penetration, and they are designed to keep you about 15% cooler! Surprisingly, these won’t have you break the bank either, depending on which model you get. They also have a large selection of other accessories including awnings so you can get the most “indoor space” in your next outdoor adventure. With location their name is based off of being so tough, you can be sure their tents are too.

Roam Adventures

While an included mattress is not particularly uncommon, the guys at Roam Adventure offer the thickest mattress on the market to ensure you sleep comfortably. Their durable tents come in all the sizes you can need from just yourself to up to four people! Their models with a lower annex gives you an extra room below the tent for storage, chilling, or whatever else you need out of the elements. If you like the gaze at the stars, but don’t want to be outside, unzip the skylight! The tents all come with a five year warranty standard as well!

Hutch Tents

Offering 11 different tents, both hard and soft shell, Hutch Tents really knows that each adventurer is different and needs a specific home away from home. They offer your small and “basic” hinge open tents, all the way up to pretty much a folding house. They keep all of their tents as strong and as lightweight as possible, and also offer a line of awnings, racks, trailers, and accessories. The company focuses on comfort across all of their products, and what could be better after a long day off-road? Different models have options such as tent colors and standard features like included lanterns, but you’ll find a one year warranty standard on all models.

Big Foot Tents

Big Foot Tents offers a wide selection of models that claim you’ll have the “best night sleep you’ve ever had.” That’s a pretty large claim. They mostly offer hardshell pop-up tents, but do offer some larger, soft ones as well.

Smittybilt

Smittybilt offers some “universal-fit” options in the event you have more than just your Tacoma. Make sure the measurements fit your truck. You take a gamble with universal fits when it comes to anything, but sometimes they can be more versatile.  

Images

Full-Sized CVT - Tacoma World User trevordavis14

Full-Sized Tepui - Tacoma World User MJonaGS32

Hard Shell Pivot - Courtesy of Gear Junkie

Full Tent - Courtesy of Low Range Off Road

Roofnest - Courtesy of Overland Discovery

Tuff Stuff - Courtesy of Tacoma World user VR812

iKamper - Courtesy of Truck Brigade

23Zero - Courtesy of 23Zero

Roam Adventure - Courtesy of Roam Adventure

Hutch Tents - Courtesy of Trail Tacoma

Big Foot Tents - Courtesy of Bigfoottents.com

If you want your 4Runner to stand out from the rest, one of the best ways to do so would be swapping out the wheels. If you have a very specific terrain you need to tackle, then adding competent tires to a highly competent SUV will help you get the most out of your driving experience. Before you get started, there are a couple things you should know, so let’s get started with the ultimate wheel and tire guide for your Toyota 4Runner. 

Stock 4Runner Wheel Sizes

Since 1984, Toyota has given the 4Runner a variety of different wheels and tires from the factory. In more recent times, there can be many options depending on the trim level. While different sized tires can fit on stock wheels, it’s best to check your manual to see what size you should have. I’ll get into why that’s important in a second.

4Runner Lug Pattern

Your lug pattern is important to know when considering wheels. Toyota decided to keep it simple on this one with the same six lug pattern… Since at least 1990, all 4Runners have a 6x139.7mm medium offset. You may also see this as 6x5.5, and that is in inches. This is the exact same lug pattern as you'll find on Tacoma's, but Tundra's are a 5 lug pattern.

Lug Torque

When it comes to torquing down your wheels, you want to make sure you follow the correct specs. Always double check your manual, but here are the specs since 1990.

PROBLEMS WITH BIGGER TIRES

Generally speaking, bigger tires on an SUV or truck tend to look better, and Toyota gives us room to expand. However, you may start running into some problems if you go too big. Let’s take a look at some issues you can run into.

Speedometer Calibration

The speed and mileage of your vehicle is calculated by the number of rotations your tire makes. All of this is based upon factory specs. If you intend on going larger, your speedometer and odometer will no longer be accurate.

Here’s an example. Your 2020 4Runner has stock tires that are 265/70R17s, but you put some big ol’ 285/75R17 tires on instead. Your speedometer will read 50 MPH, but you’re actually going 53.52 MPH. While that may not seem like such a big issue, that will add up over time if you drive your SUV quite a bit. Let’s not forget that some police officers may be looking for just that little bit over! You can solve all this by getting your 4Runner reprogrammed for the new tire size.

Over time, that will lead your odometer to be inaccurate.  Not the biggest deal if you plan on keeping your 4Runner for the long run, but still important to keep in mind.

Power Loss

A more noticeable issue with larger tires is a loss of power. When you increase the diameter of your wheel, you effectively decrease your rear axle ratio. This will cause a reduction of torque upon acceleration.

Fuel Efficiency Loss

Larger tires, thicker tread, and tires that are aired down (if you were off-roading) can all cause you to lose a few miles per gallon off your 4Runner. Your drivetrain is optimized to work the best with factory spec wheels and tires. While you won’t damage anything changing to different sizes, drag and the extra power required by your engine and transmission will burn a little more fuel. 

Lift Kits and Spacers: How High can you go?

While higher may be better, unfortunately the sky is not the limit in this case. Toyota designed everything on the 4Runner to work well with factory specs. Eventually you will have to lift, change wheels, or trim away parts of your SUV to get larger tires to fit. If you lift your SUV, you can get away with bigger tires. Generally speaking, if you lift you 4Runner, you can get away with some larger rubber!

Legal Note: If your wheels and tires are wide enough to where they extend beyond the body of your truck, you may have to buy fender flares to cover the excess protrusion. Some states in the US require wheels to be covered. Check with your state laws to be on the safe side.

The guys and gals over at Trail4Runner have an excellent guide that will show you the biggest tires you can run on your 4Runner!

POPULAR 4RUNNER TIRE OPTIONS

When it comes down to what tire to get, it does depend on your needs and budget. While wheels/rims are more style based, you want to make sure you have the right tire for the driving you want to be doing.

Goodyear Wrangler All-Terrain Adventure

If you want a great tire to use whenever and wherever, then you can’t go wrong with these tires from Goodyear. While a typical all-terrain tire is never best at one thing, if you need to drive on the highway and do some decent off-roading, you’re covered. However, that does come with a price: about $253 per tire.

BFGoodrich Mud Terrain T/A KM3

If you find yourself mainly using your SUV for some serious offroading and adverse conditions, a good mud tire can help. This rubber from BFGoodrich will make an easy time of mud! While with any tire with aggressive tread, you will have to worry about noise on the highway, so plan accordingly.  Budget accordingly too!  These will set you back $288 each!

Michelin Defender LTX M/S

Even though the 4Runner is very capable off-road, if you find yourself mostly on pavement, you don’t need the noise and drag from aggressive, off-road tires. These tires from Michelin are designed for the highway drivers. Keep in mind that they are not the best in snow or heavy rain, and they will run you about $222 per tire.

Toyo Open Country A/T III

For around $145, these are some good all terrain options for your truck. If you want to do some mild off-roading, go to the grocery store, and not break the bank all in one day, then this could be the option for you. Considering most tires on this list are about $100 more, this one is almost cheap!

You have plenty of options depending on budget, lift, and where you will be driving. As long as you keep in mind the speedometer and odometer changes, as well as potential rubbing issues if you go too big, then you'll be fine.

Wheel Offset

This has been mentioned a couple times, and it has probably come up in your research. So, what is it?  Wheel offset is the distance from the wheel hub mounting surface to the centerline of the wheel. There are three types, and they are measured in millimeters.

1. Zero Offset: The mounting surface is even with the centerline of the wheel

2. Positive Offset: The mounting surface is located in the front half of the wheel closer to the wheel face.

3. Negative Offset: The mounting surface is located in the back half of the wheel closer to the back lip flange.

POPULAR 4RUNNER WHEEL OPTIONS

Now that we have all the boring terminology out of the way, let’s talk about wheel options! This is definitely going to come down to personal taste. What looks good to you, might look terrible to the next person. However, here are some popular options that many 4Runner owners like.

TRD Pro Wheels

If you want factory looks and factory flair, then you can’t go wrong with TRD Pro wheels. You can find these on Amazon for $830 for all four wheels. Considering higher end factory trim pieces generally cost a pretty penny, this is a pretty good price! They come in a matte black and gun metal silver color and are definitely a fan favorite.

Fuel Anza

Fuel makes a few popular wheels that are popular with 4Runners, as well as Tundras and Tacomas alike. The Anza is one of their most popular wheels. It is a sleek, five-spoke design that has an aggressively subtle look. They can be found for around $200 each, and you can select different color options. Bronze and black seem to be most popular.

Relations Race RR2

If you’re looking for something that’s modern, sleek, and simple, these wheels from Relations Race fit the bank. They do many many other models so you can get the color and style you want. You can get them for around $270 each.

Anthem Off-Road Intimidator

If you want something aggressive that says “here I am,” then these are it. The muscular design paired with the black finish will be sure to set you 4Runner apart from the rest. While not cheap at over $300 each, you get what you pay for: style and intimidation.

In closing, there are a ton of options out there for you and your SUV. Now that you have the knowledge, get out there and find what works for you and your budget, and make your Toyota 4Runner look and run the best!

Image Credits:

Fuel Anza - Courtesy of Tail4Runner

Race Relations RRS - Courtesy of Race Relations

Anthem Off-Road Intimidator - Courtesy of Anthem Wheels

TRD Pro Wheel - Courtesy of Trail Built Off Road

The Toyota 4Runner is a great looking SUV from the factory. Sharp lines, conservative amount of badges, and a stylish interior. What if you want to be a little different? What if you’re tired of chrome? If you want to be different and not break the bank, you might want to consider “blacking out” your 4Runner either partially or all the way. Here is your ultimate guide to do just that!

First off, what is “blacking out” something?  If you’re unfamiliar, blacking something out means you take a part or parts of the truck that are painted or chrome, and make them black: matte, gloss, or semi. This, as you will see, can be achieved by a number of methods depending on the part.

Here are some of the main methods of blacking parts out. I am not going to go into much detail about specific parts just yet. 

METHODS OF BLACKING OUT YOUR 4RUNNER

Replacement Parts

Sometimes the easiest and most effective way to black out a part is to simply replace it with a new one that is blacked out or tinted.

Covers and Overlays

If you don’t want to go about replacing parts there are tinted or blacked out covers that could be placed over some exterior and interior parts.

Sprays, Dips, and Paints

Products such a Plasti Dip are a favorite product for blacking parts out on a budget. Products like Plasti Dip come in a spray can that apply a rubber coating to the part in question. The best part is that it is durable, but also easily removed. You can also go the more permanent route and use paint!

Let’s get to the main event… Parts you can black out on your Toyota 4Runner!

EXTERIOR BLACK OUT

Window Tint

One of the first things many people choose to do is black out their windows. It’s cheap, and it can be done at a local shop near you. If you’re feeling crafty enough, you can also do it yourself. Tint comes with some great benefits: it really dresses up your ride, it protects you from the sun and keeps the interior of your truck lower, and it blocks people from easily seeing who is driving the best 4Runner in town! Make sure you follow all local and federal laws regarding the amount of tint. You don’t want your investment to lead to tickets and you having to remove it!

Smoked Headlights, Taillights, and Third Brake Light

Toyota’s sleek and somewhat squinty approach for the new 4Runner’s headlights and chiseled tail lights compliment the overall look of the SUV well, but the overall chrome flair might be too much for some. Thankfully, that’s easy to change. When talking about blacking out your lights, it is generally referred to as them being “smoked.” Smoking your lights will give you that tinted look to compliment your style.

With the blessing of interchangeable parts, you can easily swap out your factory lights for aftermarket ones that come smoked out of the box! Taillights are anywhere from $300-$600 for a complete set, and headlights are around $600-$1000. Some of these do indeed come with tinted/smoked lenses, but since many are utilizing modern LED technology that doesn’t need reflective surfaces, it’s not uncommon to find these aftermarket kits with clear lenses but blacked out housings. This will achieve the same effect, but it will also allow the usually impressive design of the LEDs to be seen even with them off.

You can go for a much cheaper approach, but be aware that it may look cheaper, not last as long, and could cost you a lot in tickets if you do it the wrong way (I’ll get to that in a second.) There is film/vinyl available for around $60 that simply sticks over the plastic and spray coatings for around $20.

Film or vinyl covers can either come pre-cut to size, or you can use a large sheet of it, and form it to your lights yourself, and cut as needed.

While I generally encourage people to try something new and take a risk, I would suggest a complete swap of pre-tinted/smoked lights. A big reason is time. A good set of smoked lights will last the length of the truck. Film and spray coatings will shrink and become brittle with age. UV rays and incandescent bulbs will expedite the problem. When it gets that dry, it’s not the easiest or most fun thing to get off.

Front and Rear “Toyota” Emblems

Thankfully Toyota was nice enough to ditch fender mounted emblems, but we still have the front and rear ones. However if you don’t like seeing a giant chrome “T,” there are ways to change that. You can find overlay kits, like this 4Runner emblem overlay kit on Amazon, that will allow you to place a blacked out version over the emblem. Another popular option would to be to break out a can of Plasti Dip or paint.

If you have “TOYOTA” across the front, your best bet is going to be to attack it with a can of Plasti Dip or spray paint, or to replace the letters with black letters.

Tailgate 4RUNNER

The raised 4RUNNER emblem on the back sticks out well, and for some, that might not be desirable. Thankfully you can deal with the number and letters the same way as you did the Toyota emblems: spray them, overlay them or directly replace them! Lucky for you, with a little heat, they will pull right off and you can replace them with the letters that we sell here. It's super fast and super clean. They are $21.99 and you can buy them here.

Wheels

This is where things can get a little pricey. However, it is one of the first things people see when looking at your SUV. They stand out! It could be worth some investment, but let’s talk about some options.

Some of the less expensive options would be “dipping” or “wrapping.” When you “dip” your wheels, you’re referring to spraying them with something such as Plasti Dip. Matte black Plasti Dip is very popular on wheels, and there are lots of pictures and videos online of people doing it. You’ll need more than one can, but you’ll also want to have some backups for when they chip and peel over time. It’s easy to reapply!

“Wrapping” refers to covering the wheels in vinyl. While usually better looking than dipping, it’s not as easy to repair if you get curb rash or other dings. You can also get overlays for some models. They are basically form fitting “hubcaps” that will snap over your existing wheel, turning them into black wheels!

Whatever you do, avoid spray paint at all costs. You will hate your wheels.

While it is your most expensive option, it will be your longest lasting and best looking option: new wheels. This can get very expensive. For example, you can get a set of 4Runner TRD Pro wheels off Amazon, but it will cost $1200. If you have the cash, they are fantastic options. Used wheels are a great option and can be far cheaper, but make sure you inspect them first.

Bumpers

Certain trim models for the 2022 lineup get a bit of chrome up front. Well, it’s actually quite a lot of chrome: the middle section of the bumper, the fog light bezels, and some extra trim. For the time being, your best bet will be Plasti Dip, or something like that. The Nightshade edition has that same trim, but it’s black. You might be able to order that trim in black, and replace your chrome parts with it. However, I cannot confirm that fitment, so order with caution.

INTERIOR BLACK OUT

While the outside is great for showing off (and looking over your shoulder with admiration when you park), the interior is what you see the most of. Might as well make it what you want, right?

Climate Knobs

If you’re not a fan of the bright and flashy A/C control knobs, AJT Design has you covered! For $45 - $65, pop on these covers, and transform the interior. They have a rugged look and come in many different colors (though we know you want black). You can also grab a kit that will black out your radio knobs as well.

Steering Wheel Logo

To keep the shape of the logo, Plasti Dip or paint can lead to good results. If you want something fast and easy, we sell an overlay that you can buy here for $19.99. 

Start Button

Last but not least is the start button. This overlay from AJT Design not only changes the look of one of the first and last things you touch, but it will only set you back $23!

All Trim Vinyl Wrap

If you want to go all out and cover everything, wrapping all non black trim in black vinyl is a very cost effective solution. You could grab a large sheet and do it yourself, but Rvinyl offers a pre-cut kit for your 4Runner.

NIGHTSHADE EDITION

If you want to get everything black from the factory, you do have that option if you order the 2022 Nightshade edition! The wheels are black, trim is black, emblems are black, and you get a black exhaust tip. The interior gets the dark treatment as well! While you will still find some brighter knobs and trims in the interior, it still fits the build. While it will cost you just over $47,000, if you want to start new and warrantied, call up your local Toyota dealer today!

The blacked out look is popular and looks good. The best part is that there are so many different cost options to get the look you want. Just make sure to follow all of your local and federal laws, and have at it!

Image Credits

• Blacked Out 4Runner: Courtesy of VIP Auto Accessories Blog
• Interior Trim: Courtesy of AJT Design
• TRD Pro Wheels: Olathe Toyota

Insert dramatic music because it is finally here! The 2022 Toyota Tundra information was just released on September 19, 2021 at 9pm. It’s been 15 years since a whole new design for the Tundra has happened. If you have been around here for a while, you know that we love the Tacoma and its bigger brother, the Tundra! They made a lot of changes, so let's get to it.

The first thing that everyone will see is the outside. Toyota has done its job to maintain the Tundra look, but bring it into the modern age. The new facia is bold, and unmistakable. Between the two sharp LED headlights sits a new large grille, while the rear remains sleek and classy. TUNDRA is across the center of the tailgate, and new elongated, sweeping tail lights dominate the flanks.

Looks are not everything though. Toyota claims that with its “new high-strength boxed, steel-ladder frame, and aluminum-reinforced composite bed,” it is one of the toughest Tundras made to date. The newly designed box frame leads to more structural rigidity. Toyota took the frame a step further and widened it in the rear to improve stability and towing capacity.  All this leads to greater handling and comfort, especially in higher trimmed models that have hydraulic cab mounts.

Speaking of trims, Tundra will leave the normal trim levels allowing you to choose from SR, SR5, Limited, Platinum, 1794, and TRD Pro trims. TRD Sport and TRD Off-Road trims can be added to select models. In TRD fashion, they come with different wheels, grilles, suspensions, and so on, depending on which trim you select.

As far as bed sizes, you can have either a 6.5 foot or 8 foot bed with the Double Cab, but only a 5.5 foot or 6.5-foot bed with the CrewMax. The beds are no normal beds. Toyota’s “Sheet-Molded Compound” allows high dent and rust resistance.

While all this mention of steel seems great for strength, Toyota makes heavy use of aluminum and advanced engineering to keep weight down. One tangible example is the tailgate, which is 20% lighter compared to the previous model. And of course, that tailgate can be popped on your FOB, which is now standard on all models.

The interior is all new and a major departure from the past.  Sleek, stylish, and technology forward. While an 8 inch touch screen is standard, there is an optional 14 inch screen available, and yes… There is a physical volume knob! If that is not enough screen for you, there is an available 12.3 inch gauge cluster that you can configure to your liking. Of course, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. Voice commands and user profiles allow you to get the most out of the entertainment system, especially when paired with the two onboard microphones and available 4G mobile hotspot that your Tundra can be turned into.

It’s not all about entertainment though. There are a host of creature comforts such as an optional panoramic roof, heated and ventilated front seats, rear sunshade, heated steering wheel, and more. However, not all old things that stick around are bad like the power rear window.

Okay… We need to talk about the power and performance. The V8 is gone. While many have come to love the rumble of a good V8, modern technology and current eco minded trends are killing off the powerhouses of the past, and replacing them with better performing, and more efficient smaller engines. The Tundra is no different.

What you get is a 3.5L twin-turbo V6 with a hybrid option. The standard i-Force V6 delivers a substantial 389 horsepower and 479 foot pounds of torque, but the hybrid i-Force Max pushes out 437 horsepower and 583 foot pounds of torque. Both engine options come with a 10 speed automatic. Just as a reminder, the 2021 model with a 5.7L V8 made only 381 horsepower and 401 foot pounds of torque. Unfortunately, the kind of MPGs you can get have not been released yet.

The hybrid option allows you to drive at low speed at full electric, which is great for that city driving. However, if you’re not a city dweller and still need to get work done, you’ll now have a max of 12,000 pounds of towing capacity. That’s about 2,000 more over the best options for the 2021 model. Payload capacity is also higher at 1,940 pounds.

Toyota finally decided to get rid of the rear leaf springs in favor of a multi-link rear suspension to improve comfort, stability, and overall handling. An adaptive air suspension in the rear is also available which changes based on the condition of the road you’re driving on, and can adjust the height to make loading and unloading easier.

Up front, the Tundra features a double wishbone front suspension to improve high speed driving. You’ll find twin-tube shocks at the front and back, but the TRD Pro will feature 2.5-inch diameter FOX internal bypass shocks in addition to a front stabilizer bar and red painted suspension parts.

There are cameras and sensors everywhere to make driving, hauling, and parking easier than ever. Beyond all of that making things easier for you actively, Safety Sense 2.5 passively aids you in a multitude of ways such as:

• Pre-collision braking
• Pedestrian detection
• Adaptive cruise control
• Lane assist and lane-departure warning
• Automatic high beams
• Rear-cross traffic alert
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Road sign assist

Safety Sense 2.5 is standard on all 2022 Tundras!

Let’s face it… The Tundra has fallen a bit behind with other full size truck manufacturers in the US recently. However, this gave Toyota time to see what the people wanted, and they came out swinging with the all new 2022 Toyota Tundra. Expect more from Empyre Off-Road in the future as we learn more about how these trucks fare both on-road and off.

Image Source: https://pressroom.toyota.com/absolute-powerhouse-next-generation-2022-toyota-tundra/

If you need a big truck that can do anything, Toyota has always had you covered with the Tundra. From the factory, it has almost everything you need: options, performance, durability, and reliability. I say “almost” because I do feel it is lacking in one key location: lighting.

If you do any type of off-roading, live in a place where street lights are forigen, or maybe you just want better or unique looks, there are options for you! With this ultimate lighting guide for Toyota Tundras, we aim to answer the questions you have about aftermarket lighting for your Tundra.

What are LED Lights & How Are They Different Than Halogen?

Let’s first get some basics out of the way. What exactly makes these two types of lights different, what are the benefits, and so on… First off, a “light-emitting diode” (or LED) is a semiconductor in an enclosure that emits light when electricity passes through it. Sounds fancy, but in most basic terms, power passes through a small chip or electronic material, and it lights up when it does.

Sounds great, but what’s the difference? Basically we are talking about analog and digital forms of light, so to speak. A halogen is an updated version of the classic incandescent bulb first designed in 1879. While halogen bulbs are using much higher grade material compared to their historic counterparts, the operation is the same: electricity heats up a filament that interacts with the gas in the bulb, and you have light.

In the case of a halogen, we’re talking about a heated tungsten filament interacting with halogen gas. This will make a much brighter light compared to the bulb in your grandpa’s attic, but all analog mediums have a shelf light. The filaments can degrade over time, they can physically break, and the heat emitted can cause premature failure if the glass of the bulb was contaminated by something such as oily fingers during installation. This will have them fail before LEDs will. Since we’re talking about one type of metal and one type of gas interacting, you’re going to get one color and brightness of light.

While the invention of the LED is a bit dated too coming into light in 1962, when we think of it in terms of a “digital” device, we can definitely imagine how much it has improved since then! An LED light is going to give you an instant on/off light stream, better control of the color, and different brightness levels that halogens simply cannot do.

One easy way to imagine this is to think about buying a phone. Every phone these days is going to do the same thing. Some just do them better, and that usually depends on the cost. LED lights are the same: they all light up, but the amount of technology in them will allow them to be different.

Here’s a quick chart to explain some differences:

What Kind of LED Lights Are Available For Tundras

Now that you should be convinced that LED lighting for your Tundra is the way to go, what is actually available for your Tundra? Thankfully since LEDs and Toyotas are both so popular, the short answer is everything!

Headlights

Headlights are easy to get in either replacement bulbs, and entire housing assemblies. Bulbs are easy plug and play replacements that simply take the place of your factory bulb. Replacing the entire housing with a completely built aftermarket headlight assembly will be more costly, but are still pretty straightforward to install, and don't require any modification. A complete assembly will generally give you a complete style overhaul with new features (such as sequential turn signals) over a standalone bulb.

Tail Lights

Tail lights are what most other drivers are going to see since your Tundra will be taking the lead in all truck related activities, so you want to make sure that they look good. Light headlights, you can get LED bulb replacements. Unlike headlights though, these bulbs can be much cheaper. However, if you do want to best in looks and LED functionality, you’ll want to get a full replacement assembly. They are generally even easier to replace compared to your headlights, and dress up your rear end quite nicely.

Fog Lights

Fog lights generally get overlooked, but are easy and inexpensive to replace. In most cases, to get the best performance from your fog lights, you’ll want to replace the whole factory pod with an aftermarket LED one. While it sounds like a daunting task, it’s easy! 

Ditch Lights

Ditch lights are not something you get from the factory, so these would have to be aftermarket. These lights mount behind your hood on either side, and when installed properly, cast extra lighting off to the sides of where your headlight’s field of view stops. These are great when you’re off on the trails or off-roading at night as they will generally light up the sides of the road you can’t normally see. They will keep you safe in the dark, and don’t require any permanent modification.

Light Bars

For the ultimate in off-road looks and low lighting performance, you can’t go wrong with an LED light bar. These generally mount either on your roof, in, on, or behind your front grille, or on your bumper (but for that last one, generally only if you have your bumper modified or replaced). They are simply a robust row (or two) of bright LEDs designed to make sure you see everything in front of you. There are different types, so let’s get into them!

What are Light Bars Used For?

In short, light bars are used for extra illumination. While high-beams can offer better light in darkness, light bars allow for a more customizable line of sight in the dark from the different size and mounting abilities. Light bars are mainly for off-road use and most are generally not allowed to be used on public roads. So keep that in mind when you think about getting one.

What Are The Different Light Bar Sizes?

Single Row Light Bars

For the most part, a single row light bar is going to have a single row of LED lights that produce a more focused beam of light. Think in terms of a spotlight. Generally this is best if you want to light up a longer distance.

Double Row Light Bars

A double row light bar is best for more of a floodlight, containing two rows of bright LED lights. If you want to light up a large area, a double could be better. This is just a basic principle, but things could change depending on which LEDs you use, the length of the row, placement, and so on.

What Are The Different Types of Light Bar Beams?

While the size portion above talked about what types of beams the number of rows generally produces, there are specific beams of light that you can look for: spot, flood, and combo. What you should get depends on where you plan on using them, and what you plan on using them for.

Spot Beam Light Bars

Spot beams focus a narrow beam of light in a specific area. These are best for distance and a specific line of sight. If you are faced with long open roads without much vegetation, this could be an option for you. On a road like that, you could be going at faster speeds then you would be if you were in the woods. You will want a beam of light that can see obstacles in the road far before you reach them.

Flood Beam Light Bars

Flood beams spread out light over a wider and taller surface area, but not as far as a spot beam. Something like this would be better in thicker vegetation where you need to see more around you, and light can’t travel that far of a distance in that type of an environment anyway (with all the trees). If you use the lights on your truck to light up a work site or something along those lines, this could be a better option too.

Combo Beam Light Bars

What if you need both? Enter the combo light. This has the narrow throw of the spot beam, with a wide spread of a flood beam. This is generally accomplished with two light sources in the same fixture. Keep in mind that some combos may not shoot as far as a standalone spot fixture, but they are very versatile. Can you switch between modes on combo lights? Some bars allow that function, and that could make them the best between all three worlds.

What Are The Different Light Bar Colors?

While there are technically many colors of LEDs you can get, there are laws about what color lighting you are allowed to use on public roads. The safest two options would be white or amber. Basically it comes down to preference. Amber lights have the same patterns as white lights, but are not as bright due to the filtered light. Some LED bars and bulbs offer both options. Shop around and find what’s best for you! Keep in mind your federal and state laws before you get too carried away with other colors.

Standard Light Bar Mounting Options

While money and creativity can make almost anything happen, there are two main ways that people mount their light bars on their Tundra: the roof and behind the grille. Both have their own set of benefits, so let’s learn a bit more about them!

Roof Mount Light Bars

Roof mounts offer good function and style. If you want that off-roading look as well as serious illumination power, roof mounts are the way to go. While you may not be able to see directly in front of your front tires with the bar on the roof, you get a good line of sight, depending on the beam (spot, flood, or combo) that you choose. These types of mounts are not too popular for Tundras, but they are still out there.

Behind The Grille Mount Light Bars

There is quite a large grille on the Tundra, and an even better placed lower grille as well. This makes a great mounting location for a light bar. The advantage of having them here is that your off-road appearance is more subdued. If having extra lighting is important from time to time, but you don’t always want to see a light bar on your roof, this conservative approach could be the option for you. 

To Sum It All Up…

LED lighting is generally the way to go. They last longer, they are brighter, they are more versatile, and they just look so much better. With LED technology being so inexpensive now, the sky is the limit! Light up the night sky, or simply be the best looking Tundra in the parking lot. Either way, I hope this guide has answered all of your questions regarding LED lighting for your Toyota Tundra.

Image Credits

Roof Light Bar: Courtesy of Tundras.com user JohnnyGarr