Top Tacoma Gear That’s Actually Worth the Money (and What’s Not)
You’ve probably watched the YouTube videos. You’ve seen trucks dripping with accessories, half of which never get used. Overbuilding a Tacoma is real. So is wasting cash on hyped-up gear that does nothing but collect dust.
This guide helps you cut through the noise. Here’s what gear is actually worth your money—and what’s just overpriced junk.
Gear That Delivers Real Value
1. Skid Plates
Protect your engine, trans, and diff from rocks and ruts. One hard hit can cost thousands.
Worth It: Yes. Prioritize engine and transmission skids first.
Best Brands: RCI, CBI, Cali Raised
2. All-Terrain Tires
They do more than just look good. Real traction in snow, mud, sand.
Worth It: Absolutely.
Top Picks: Falken Wildpeak A/T3W, Toyo Open Country A/T III, BFG KO2
3. Dual Battery Setup
Essential if you camp with a fridge or charge electronics off-grid.
Worth It: If you overland or camp multiple days. Not needed for weekend runs.
Top Picks: Redarc BCDC, CTEK, Renogy
4. LED Ditch Lights & Fog Replacements
Better visibility on trails. Huge upgrade over dim stock halogens.
Worth It: Yes. Especially in poor weather or forested trails.
Brands: Diode Dynamics, Baja Designs, Auxbeam
5. Bed Drawer System or MOLLE Panels
Keeps gear secure and accessible. No more digging.
Worth It: Yes. Improves organization, saves time.
Options: Decked System, DIY plywood + sliders, Cali Raised MOLLE panels
6. Recovery Boards (Traction Mats)
Cheap insurance when you’re stuck. Beats waiting for help.
Worth It: Yes. Must-have for solo trail runs.
Good Brands: Maxtrax, X-Bull, ActionTrax
Gear That’s Overhyped
1. Light Bars That Belong on an Airstrip
Blinding. Illegal on-road. Barely useful off-road.
Worth It? Nope. A good set of ditch lights is more practical.
2. Roof Racks With No Purpose
Unless you’re mounting a tent or storage box, they’re just wind noise and wasted fuel.
Worth It? Only if you need the cargo space.
3. Snorkels Without Sealing Everything Else
People slap these on like they’re prepping for the Amazon. But without sealing your intake, wiring, and breathers, it’s pointless.
Worth It? Not unless you actually water-cross regularly.
4. Fake Beadlock Wheels
All looks, no function. Adds weight, cost, and zero trail value.
Worth It? Only if you’re chasing a look. Not for real performance.
5. Throttle Body Spacers
These things claim HP gains. They don’t. At best, they whistle.
Worth It? Hard pass.
Budget Gear That Punches Above Its Weight
1. Traction Boards (X-Bull)
Half the price of Maxtrax. Still works well.
2. LED Pod Lights from Auxbeam or Nilight
Bright. Cheap. Reliable for moderate use.
3. Recovery Kit Bundle from Rhino or GearAmerica
Solid shackles, straps, gloves for under $100.
4. DIY Drawer System with Plywood
Costs $200 or less. Works just as well as $1,200 systems if built right.
Final Thoughts
Tacoma mods should be about function, not flex. Don’t let social media convince you that $15,000 in gear is a requirement. Buy what improves your actual use case.
Spend on armor, tires, and recovery first. Lights and power next. Everything else is just nice-to-have.
And whatever you do, skip the throttle body spacers.
