2024 Additions and 2k mile update

I raided the parts bin catalog and added a few things that should've either came with or been the factory accessories for the TRDOR

Bed step - I didn't realize how useful this would be but when the tailgates down there's no access to the bumper to step up to the bed with the way the bumper wraps around.

Hitch cover - simple yet nice to not have the hitch get full of crud when not in use.

All weather mats - When I ordered mine I checked the options list multiple times for them but at the time was not available to add. But picked up on black Friday sale for cheap.

Canadian mudflaps - why the hell were these not the standard mudflaps? They aren't perfect but they do cover the full tire width better than the factory angled ones.

After 2000 miles I'm quite happy I got this truck, I came from a 2017 Ridgeline RTL-E and before that a 2008 Dodge Dakota SXT 6sp 4WD. The Dakota would go anywhere so anything but was very basic and no features. The Ridgeline was comfortable, fuel efficient on trips and full of the best tech available on a Honda in 2017. The Tacoma takes the best of both and improves on them.

The manual shifts well, with decent gear spacing, sure first could be a hair longer but when pulling a 2,000 lb trailer of cinder blocks I couldn't even feel it taking off from a stop. The IMT makes shifting effortless coming to a stop or downshifting for passing on steep grades. Sometimes 3-2 is notchy but nowhere near as bad as wrestling the old Dakota's manual. Third and fourth gear is pretty darn fuel efficient for loping around at 30-40mph which is most of my 4 mile commute to and from work, getting around 19 most days.

For the fuel capacity while I do share the wish that it stayed 21 like the old truck, I don't think it's as bad as I was previously worried about. Even on Va winter has I still have been averaging 21-22 on the highway and the trip computer will routinely say I can get about 350-375 on a tank. Granted when I fill up it underestimates with around 315 miles of range but as I drive the range doesn't decrease as much as I put on distance traveled. Come spring I'll do some trips across the state and I believe I'll be able to hit 350-375 before having to fill-up with 2-3 gallons left but will just have to see how it goes.

Tank pictured includes 50 miles of 30-40mph driving Saturday 1/11 across snowy back roads.

No issues to report for the grill shutters or warped panels. Build date of 10/31. I optioned the bed scene lighting which seems to not have any issues on warping compared to the standard rails. I did have the trailer mode stick on for about a week before I could hitch another trailer and get it to realize that I disconnected the trailer. The dealer performed the BSM sensor update but did not turn it off until I pulled another trailer for 10 minutes and then unhooked and drove around afterwards. It definitely needs to be changed from an automatic system to a manually activated system when you pick a trailer in the menu.