Benny’s Build : Solar Octane, Hybrid, TRD Off-Road Premium

[Benny]

A little journal/build on my 2024 Tacoma , “Benny”. After repeatedly borrowing my father-in-law’s truck to haul things, it was finally time to get my own!
So… first truck ever! My last Toyota was a manual ‘93 Toyota MR2 which is still missed to this day. Yes, Orange is my favorite color, so kinda had to buy the truck…

Here’s how Benny came stock from the factory.

2024 Tacoma TRD Off-Road Premium
SOLAR OCTANE
Port Installed Options (PIO)
-Rigid Fog Lights (White)
-Black Emblem Overlays
-Tailgate Insert (Black)
-Connected Services Trial 1 Year+2 Additional Years
-All-Weather Floor Mats
-Illuminated Front Emblem
-Bed Scene Lighting
Purchased November 2024

Additions:
- ARK: TriXPoly Mudflaps
- RealTruck BAK Revolver X4ts Tonneau Cover
- OEM TRD Running Board
- LASFIT All Weather Floor Liners
- Heritage Inspired Valve Stem Caps
- Evened Out Window Tint
- OEM TRD Dual Tip Performance Exhaust
- Küat IBEX Bed Rack with Tonneau Adapter

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[Benny]

Here’s was my 1st mod… ARK Splash Guards: TriXPoly Mudflaps

 

[Benny]

Installing my Christmas gift from my wife and kids! RealTruck’s BAK Revolver X4ts tonneau cover.

My Pros:
-Metal-backed, marine grade vinyl cover.
-Doesn’t occupy bed space like retractable options.
-Compact and lower profile when rolled up, opposed to trifold options.
-Flush, clean profile when closed.
-Easy, self-install for even for a junior grade wrench money like myself.
-Built in T-Slot Rails
My Cons:
-Little gaps in the corners can let some water in.
-Wouldn’t call it water tight, but for the most part I feel it will keep your gear dry.

They actually wrapped the whole box and stuck “under” the tree ?

Got all the parts needed and nothing damaged from shipment

Our Beds have ‘bend’ at the cab so I notched the weather stripping to accommodate it.

Uses existing OEM rails in truck bed.

Hardware to clamp to bed frame is black, which is a nice touch.

Passenger side rail installed.

Ready to unroll the cover. Inexplicably, the instructions were rolled up in this thing. ?‍

‘Rolled up against the cab in “Open” position. Durning install I rolled and unrolled the cover several times to get the best fit.

T-Rails have caps to give them a nice finished look.

All done!

BONUS! The cover doesn’t interfere with the port covers in the truck bed!

 

[fightforfood247]

Nice truck. Id the “build” just a cover and flaps? Or you got more goodies to show

 

[Benny]

Nice truck. Id the “build” just a cover and flaps? Or you got more goodies to show

That’s it for now! Doing more research on stuff I may want to add…

 

[SilverSurfer]

Nice truck and solid additions. Shame dealer hit you with all those PIO’s But that’s the game.

 

[Benny]

Nice truck and solid additions. Shame dealer hit you with all those PIO’s But that’s the game.

Not bad overall, they gave me $5000 of MRSP so they were pretty much free plus a little off the Premium Package.

 

[TacoFreak]

Very nice tonneau - great choice.

I love that smooth, integrated look and it looks perfect with that blazing SO!

Nice Christmas present.

 

[Drifte]

I have the same bed cover, but it doesnt have the T-slots on the top. Interesting. Nice truck, I have a similar TRD ORP

[EDIT] I see that was an option and included in your model number now.

 

[fightforfood247]

That’s it for now! Doing more research on stuff I may want to add…

Looks good brotha. Keep us posted

 

[Benny]

BUILD UPDATE: Benny gets Running Boards Not Rock Sliders
Well after some consideration I went with running boards and not rock sliders.

My initial plan was to go with NYTOP’s 2024 Tacoma Rock Sliders which have a great, integrated look - and what seems to be a small step area:

I really like how they “fit” the new Tacoma, and they did a great job designing them. But….
1) The first knock was these rock sliders are about 3-4 months back ordered.
2) Second, shipping was an addition $500+ putting the final price around $1,900.
3) Finally I had to ask myself “Do I really need rock sliders?” I like the idea of them but in reality I won’t be rock crawling anytime soon in my brand new Taco. ?

So a little reality check is always good when shopping. Yeah this is mostly a commuter rig, and he’ll get to do some fun off road stuff every now and then. Running boards win!

I was just starting to look for some when I decided to look on the for sale area of our forum.
Fortunately, found another owner selling his Toyota TRD Cast Aluminum Running Boards that came with his truck.

My Pros:
-OEM “look” with TRD branding
-Good Price at $800 (Retails $900 to $1,400)
-Easy install
-Should offer some added body panel protection
-Solid stable platform, with textured non-slip surface
~More practical for my needs

-My Cons
-Not as sleek as I was originally looking for.
-A touch heavy, but they are cast aluminum.

I can’t seem to escape the TRD branding ?

Forgot to add pictures of them mounted on the truck…

The look like they stick out a lot because the panel curved in ward,

but in reality they are pretty in line with the fender flares.

 

[Benny]

BUILD UPDATE: LASFIT All-Weather Floor Liners
I actually won something! Special thank you to @LASFIT for the new set of their Tacoma All-Weather Floor Liners.

MY PROS
- Great coverage compared to OEM liners.
- Sturdy material with great grip
- They were FREE ?
MY CONS
- Giant Logo, but honestly it kinda disappears after you have it in the truck.

Driver’s side, LASFIT vs OEM

I really appreciate the extended coverage up the sides and under the seats.

Nice caps cover locking dials

Passenger’s side LASFIT vs OEM

Great coverage for the front passenger as well.

LASFIT’s rear coverage speaks for itself!

Best coverage by far….

Thanks again @LASFIT! Would definitely buy these if I hadn’t won them!

 

[Benny]

BUILD UPDATE: Smallest Mod Ever!
Some heritage-inspired valve caps….

 

[Benny]

BUILD UPDATE: Evened Out the window tint...pretty quick, inexpensive mod.

 

[Benny]

BUILD UPDATE: Diligent search... and you can find a great deal.
Toyota TRD "Performance" Exhaust (Part# PT226-35241-02).
Probably less restrictive than the stock exhaust.

Much better look over the stock stump-tapping low hanger.

OEM Performance Exhaust vs OEM Stock Exhaust

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