Thursday, September 28, 2023

Choosing a New Toyota Tacoma Roof Top Tent

 

Do you enjoy getting your Orlando Tacoma off the pavement? If you chose your truck for its off-road adventuring capabilities, you might want to consider purchasing a Tacoma rooftop tent. There are plenty of options out there, so our Toyota of Orlando team is here to help you determine which Tacoma rooftop tent is right for you!

Toyota Tacoma rooftop tent

Rooftop Tents: An Orlando Toyota Guide

Rooftop tents are basically a tent that can be mounted onto the roof or bed rack of your vehicle. This accessory is great for day trips, overnight camping, or any other activity that requires a mobile housing alternative. 

Benefits of a Roof Tent for Tacoma Drivers

So, why consider buying a Tacoma rooftop tent? Here are a few of the highlights:


  • Tacoma rooftop tents are durable. They are built to hold up in tough conditions and usually last longer than normal tents. 

  • Roof tents are super easy and convenient to use (way easier than a normal tent). They can be quickly assembled and disassembled - they just pop right up and down. 

  • The Tacoma rooftop tents are extremely comfortable! They typically come with an inflatable mattress or built-in pad so you can sleep comfortably.

  • A rooftop tent is way more affordable than purchasing or renting a camper/RV. 

  • This option is also more discreet and portable than a camper/RV. You don’t have to tow anything, so you’re still able to take on rough terrain. 

  • With a Tacoma rooftop tent, you’re off the ground - keeping you protected from mud, moisture, and other elements. This can also help prevent any pests or critters from getting inside!


The only downside here is the high price point and tricky installation process. But if you know you’d use it a lot, the roof tent for Tacoma adventurers is a great investment!


Two Kinds of Tacoma Roof Top Tents

The two predominant roof tent options are fold-out and pop-up. The setup for each is pretty self-explanatory, but another difference is that pop-up tents typically have a hard shell. Additionally, you can pick the size of your tent - sleeping from 1-4 people. 


rooftop tent

Can an Orlando Tacoma Rooftop Tent be Assembled Quickly?

Absolutely! Typically, the setup will take 3-6 minutes. It all depends on what type of tent you choose and if you’re going to use a rainfly. 

Let’s Pick Out Your Tacoma Roof Top Tent!

There are a few things to consider when it comes to choosing a roof tent for Tacoma use. Here’s what our Toyota of Orlando experts want you to keep in mind:


  1. Size - Think about how many people your tent will need to sleep. It’s also a good idea to measure your vehicle when making this decision. 

  2. Weight/rack compatibility - How much weight your roof and bed racks can carry/how much weight your whole truck can carry are important factors. You can find this info in your owner’s manual or talk to an Orlando Toyota auto tech. You should also ensure that the tent is compatible with the roof racks. 

  3. Living space - If you’re looking for a roof tent with more living space and not only a sleeping area, there are options for you! Some roof tents feature additional rooms/awnings, and sometimes you can add additional features later. 

  4. Fabric vs. hard top - There are both hard shell and fabric tent options available, so it just depends on your preference. Hard tents typically offer more protection and durability.

  5. Shipping costs - Roof tent shipping can be super pricey, so you might want to take that cost into consideration. Look for options locally, so that you can pick the tent up yourself and save some money. 

Toyota of Orlando’s Choice: Tacoma Roof Top Tents

Here are the brands we would recommend!

  • FreeSpirit

  • iKamper

  • ARB

  • Roam Adventure Co.

  • Overland Vehicle Systems 


Of course, there are more options out there for you, so it just depends on your lifestyle and preferences!


Visit Orlando Toyota Today!

Looking for advice on Tacoma rooftop tent options? Call Toyota of Orlando today. We’re open seven days a week at (407) 368-9681; you can also stop by and see us at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall.









Tuesday, September 19, 2023

The Best Lift Kits for Toyota Tacoma Drivers

 

Calling all Taco enthusiasts! Are you wanting to do something new with your Toyota Tacoma? Toyota Tacoma lift kits are a great modification that lots of pickup truck drivers choose to change up their vehicle’s aesthetic and functionality. Here are some tips for choosing the best lift kit for Toyota Tacoma models from our Orlando auto parts specialists.

new Toyota trucks in Orlando

All about Toyota Tacoma Lifts

So, what exactly is a lift kit? This is essentially a modification made to the chassis that lifts or levels the suspension of the truck. These are the three most common lift kits for Toyota Tacoma:


  1. Leveling Kit - Every Orlando Tacoma has a rake in its suspension, where the front end of the truck sits lower than the rear due to the weight of the engine. A leveling kit lifts the front end of the truck so that it can sit evenly with the rear. This lift kit for Toyota Tacoma vehicles will also allow you to add bigger tires, increasing ground clearance of your truck. 

  2. Suspension Lift - If you’re looking to increase tire clearance in the back of your Tacoma as well as the front, a full suspension lift is the way to go. This option will enable you to select a larger tire and give more ground clearance. Suspension lift kits for Toyota Tacoma will vary in size based on brand and height of the lift, and they are great for anyone who loves off-roading. 

  3. Body lift - This is the least common lift kit, and they don’t have anything to do with suspension. They do increase the distance between the body and frame of the vehicle. This keeps your suspension stock, and they’re not the most popular for off-roading. 


Regardless of which Toyota Tacoma lift kits you’re interested in, you will likely have to adjust other parts of your truck as a result. Some of these adjustments include driveshafts, brake lines, and ring gears, so it’s a good idea to discuss the process with your Orlando Toyota auto tech before making any decisions. 

Lift Kit for Toyota Tacoma: How to Choose  

Depending on your vehicle’s model, previous modifications, and your lifestyle, you will need to choose a lift kit that works for your specific vehicle and purposes. Our Toyota of Orlando team has some insight on how to make this decision:


Lift Kit vs Leveling Kit

  • Lift kits are better for off-road terrain such as rock crawling, intense mud and sand, and mountain trails. This option offers more ground clearance and the ability to add better off-road tire options. 

  • Leveling kits are preferred if you are more concerned about the look of your truck. It balances everything out and creates a more aggressive/rugged aesthetic. 


More Lift Kit Tips

  • 1-inch to 2-inch should be perfect for moderate trails

  • Larger rocks and obstacles will require 3-4 inches

  • For rock crawling, you will likely need 6 inches


truck modifications

Purchasing Toyota Tacoma lifts

Sooo we actually have some great news! For the first time ever, Toyota has come out with a Toyota brand lift kit for the Tacoma this year. 


With this kit, you can increase frame ground clearance by 1.7 inches. It will also improve the approach angle by 3.1 to 32 degrees, breakover angle by 1.6 to 22 degrees, and departure angle by 0.5 to 24 degrees. If you have a TRD Off-Road grade, this improves the approach angle even further by 3.5 to 35.5 degrees. 


Here are some more of the specs:

  • Monotube shocks for optimal body control and ride comfort

  • TRC-tuned Bilstein

  • Wire harness and cable spacers

  • Heritage-inspired TRD Pro-style front grille

  • Millimeter wave radar sensor for TSS (Toyota Safety Sense) integration

  • Fits Toyota Tacoma V6 and 4x4 models from 2020 on


And don’t forget, the new Associated Accessories Program (AAP) gives you access to even more aftermarket parts and accessories for your Orlando Toyota Tacoma!

Have More Questions about Toyota Tacoma Lifts? Ask Our Orlando Toyota Team!

Need a great lift kit for Toyota Tacoma off-roading and driving? Contact Toyota of Orlando today. You can shop parts online, call us at (407) 542-2488, or stop by and see us in person. Our parts store is open seven days a week at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall.