Life’s too short to not drive something fun. What the hell, might as well go for it. So I did. Last week I picked up a new 2008 Tacoma ... and although I usually don't consider my daily vehicle a "toy" like other such associated items I think this will fit best there because let's face it ... it's really just as much a toy as it's not :).

Why the new vehicle? Two reasons: 1.) My Outback was flaking out a bit and 2) I wanted a truck again. Although the Outback did okay it was starting to show signs of breakage; broken cup holders, seatbelt beepers never stopping, and broken plastic pieces here and there made for a less than fun ride. I think I’ve always been more of a truck guy (had a truck before the Outback) and although the Outback provided a nice ride with improved gas mileage during my previous work engagements in the mountains those are no longer prominent so the drop in gas mileage to the truck is really very negligible. Factor these in with the great deals on trucks and it really was a no-brainer.

The new truck is a 2008 Tacoma TRD Off Road extended cab. Yeap, there’s even some extra room in the back and a nice bed with a built-in bedliner and power inverter for those backcountry adventures. Only 400 miles on her so far but she seems very fun.

Okay, enough writing ... time to head out and go for a drive … I mean go grocery shopping.

I already have some fun plans to outfit her for outdoors adventures so when that happens I’ll post more photos … but for now, here’s a few shots of what she looks like.

Photo Galleries

The new truck! Added: 04-01-2008, 04:55:12 PM

Modifications, Upgrades and Accessories

	05-06-2008: SnugTop Hi-Liner Truck Cap
	Truck Cap manufacturer: SnugTop Truck Cap part #: Hi-Liner Truck Cap purchased from: Aerosuds Order date: Monday - 04/14/2008 Installation date: Tuesday - 05/06/2008 Installation time: 1 hour Installation notes: Aerosuds (SnugTop dealer) installed the cap in an hour. They did a great job with it. All the wiring for the interior and extra third brake light look excellent. Thought process: I had a cap on my last truck and found it to be very valuable for adventures and outdoor festivities. I like the idea that I can take it off in a few minutes if I need the bed to put the motorcycle in or move stuff but also like having the interior storage for running around town. Work-wise it's huge because I am always moving stuff around for clients and shipping boxes. Additionally, camping out of it is great; toss the gear in the back on a Friday night, head up to the campground, sleep in the back or setup camp. It really adds to the flexibility.

	04-11-2008: Toyota Genuine Accessories OEM Skid Plate
	Skid Plate manufacturer: Toyota Skid Plate part #: PT212-35050 Skid Plate purchased from: Authentic Toyota Skid Plate purchase date: Tuesday - 04/08/2008 Installation date: Friday - 04/11/2008 Installation time: 10 minutes Installation notes: Factory engine guard: remove front bolts, loosen rear bolts. Slide skid plate into rear loosened bolts and tighten new front bolts into place. Center and adjust tolerances. Tools used: 12mm socket, 3/8" ratchet, 3/8" 3" socket extension Thought process: It's a truck and during the time I had all my other trucks I took them in the woods for excursions to go camping, take photos, explore the outdoors and just enjoy. I plan to do the same with this as well as venture out on other related canyons and mountains near where I live. Although I'm not on dirt roads everyday I am from time to time and I believe the extra protection afforded by a skid plate is well worth it. Installation Instructions