Three Toyota Tacoma Mods You Should Have the Dealership Install

[@fredreeb5926]

Rob, the bed lights took all of ten minutes to install, that includes the time to open and drink part of a beer. Pop open the side panels, throw them away, or into the extra Taco parts box, plug the lights into the harness and pop the lights in. Done, looks great and works great. The tailgate lock was a little more time consuming but again, no big hassle. I agree that the lift should be installed professionally unless you have a two post lift or put it on jackstands. Not too difficult if you’ve done some lift work before and have the tools. Besides, part of the fun of owning a Tacoma, or Jeep for that matter is the ability to tinker with it. Remember, the stock vehicle is the canvas where you get to paint your own picture. You mess it up, fix it and try again.

[@billseewald355]

The bed lights on my 2020 Tacoma were also plug and play but the one item I’m very happy with was the door edge protection was factory installed

[@RobMotive]

Nice👍

[@cpsmonroe1]

I did the OEM edge guards myself. Its super simple. They come with templates that make it a zero screwup item.

[@002-i7u]

2020 lights are plug in ready. I just use the key to lock the tailgate. No need for a lift, but have a hoist and have done some before.

[@GerryNalepa-k1h]

Nuts. The bed lights are ten minutes, and the aftermarket LEDs are better than OEM.

[@sambathchhorn820]

I put the bed lights on myself cost me about 70$ plug n play I love it it make lot of difference at night time

[@whiskeyoso127]

My bed lights were plug and play also.

[@baldhairyandfatguy]

Same. In Canada I bought the lights from Toyota ($95) and installed in 20 minutes. Only 2 bolts per side. But I am having the dealer do the tailgate lock. 21 Pro.

[@jiveasshonky]

I paid like $30 for my bed lights and it was extremely easy.

[@RobMotive]

Nice👍

[@baldhairyandfatguy]

@@evertmorse8518 I read the toyota install instructions and I could do it but as Rob said...I'll let them. It will cost $120 CAD for the installation but I get a military discount at the dealer on parts and services. I'm just lazy and want the warranty on it.

[@omnivious_81]

The only thing I agree with is the lift, I did my tailgate my self, took 30 minutes in the dark and bed lights took all of 5 minutes… lift is a good idea though

[@butchpope4135]

As others have commented I agree with Two but the bed lights are cheap and easy. The SR5 has openings for the lights and they plug into the taillights. Just $30 and 20 minutes and they really light up the bed.

[@thomasherrera6587]

My 2020 TRD Sport was pre-wired for the bed lights. I ordered an OEM light package from a Toyota dealer for about $62 and and installed them myself in about 20 minutes. Plug and play and really easy.

[@RobMotive]

Nice👍

[@markvolk248]

Items like the bed lights and tailgate lock are things you can use as part of the price negotiations when you buy your Tacoma. I couldn't get my 2020 AG Pro lower than MSRP - most dealers were adding an upcharge of up to $5k - but I was able to negotiate about $1700 in accessories that the dealership threw in for free - bed lights and tailgate lock were among them.

[@RobMotive]

That’s the way to do it! Nice👍

[@Robwho58]

I did a pop n lock and a remote start at the same time and it took maybe 1/2 - 1 hour. Not hard at all!

[@Mike-cu6gk]

Great video as always my friend . I’m a retired transportation mechanic, I purchased the 2023 Tacoma within the first month of owning it, I installed the front grill with Raptor lights (of course 😂), Bilstein 5100 shocks all around, the fronts adjusted at 2” height and a 1” rear block, side steps, bed cover, front and rear door Kenwood speakers and Kicker front tweeters, the pop & lock tailgate lock, Lasfit dual color low beam and fog lights LED, also Lasfit LED high beams, Meso customs tail lights harness, Meso customs dual color interior lights, and last the sequential mirror signal lights. Oh and a pedal commander that I received as a gift from my nephew.

[@RobMotive]

Nice list👍

[@coreytaylor9940]

The lift, definitely have the dealer do it, but the harness for the bed lights are already pre-wired behind the tail light assembly, installation is literally 5 minutes per side. The tailgate lock, I'd do, but...that's just me.

[@jeffbeverly7847]

Can't speak to the lift, but the bed lights and tailgate lock are easy plug and play. Dealer wanted $469 to install tailgate lock...I ordered OEM Toyota kit for $136, I took my time and it took about an hour (there is a great step by step video on KZbin). They wanted about $170 for the bed lights...as others have said, they are available for $60 - $70, and take about 20 minutes. I do agree on the lights and lock...definite must haves!

[@RobMotive]

That’s great👍

[@stargazer0102]

The lift, yes. I am fortunate to have a mechanic friend with a car lift (the kind that lifts by the body) and all the tools. We did it in about 3hrs. Otherwise I wouldn't have done it myself. The others are easy DIY installs.

[@RobMotive]

That’s a great lift to have👍

[@ryannewazada2102]

Wow. I didn't know those were optional to do. Great information to know Rob. 👍

[@RobMotive]

Yup, when you order you can spec out the truck to include these things👍. Of course you can purchase after the fact, but then you’ll have dealer labor if you have them installed by them.

[@4runner510]

I ordered mine online from Toyota of Glendale in California for $49. I undid the plugs on either side of the bed behind the tail lights when they arrived and the wiring was attached to the inside of the bed I just disconnected the wire attached to the bed and plugged them in and they worked. 49 bucks!

[@RobMotive]

Nice👍

[@MrMikey1273]

Definitely would pay someone to do a lift. The tailgate lock I did myself on the SR5. I was able to get it done in an hour or 2. The instructions are good. Except written for the TRD that has the bed outlet. The instructions in the Toyota kit tell you to zip tie it to the wire loom running on the passenger side but on SR and SR5 that wire isn't there. You just have to route it to the upper inside of the frame rail and tie it up to that all the way up to where it goes in the cab. Not as easy as following a path they already made but it can be done.

[@johnfrazier7034]

I agree with you on the Lock. The dealership wanted over $200+ to purchase and another $200+ to install. That is over $400+. I found a dealership in South Carolina that had the lock for less than $150 shipped... and I installed it myself.

[@draconianoverlord7545]

Im all about having a proper toyota dealership only, doing all major installs, for warranty and 0 liability

[@alexs825]

Plan to install the locking bed module myself. It’s all plug and play only have to remove a couple plastic trim pieces which I’ve already done on the drivers side without issue

[@RobMotive]

Should be a fun project 👍

[@DogStar84]

Bed lite and gate lock are no brainers..makes life much easier. I just installed key fob remote start mod. That is nice is hot and cold weather. U r talking me into TRD Orem lift now. Have u heard of needle bearing failures.

[@RobMotive]

People have had needle bearing problems for sure. I’ve never had an issue👍

[@Mumfy64]

This depends on the model. 2020+ Tacomas are ready to add the bed lights and doesn't take all that long to do. The OEM Tail Gate lock is also rather easy to do. The parts are cheaper to get rather than having to pay the dealership premium for the install. I guess it really falls down to individual perception of value.

[@RobMotive]

Absolutely. Also how you buy. If you’re ordering the truck, there will be no labor to have these options included 👍

[@thericansnowboarder5510]

I bought the bed lights for $55 when I picked up my truck. Its plug n play took me 15 min. I do agree with the lift hands down

[@RobMotive]

That’s awesome 👍

[@MrMikey1273]

Yeah it was plug and play for me on my 2020 SR5. The cut outs were there. Just a cover to take off on each side. Thee is a harness on each side behind the tail lights they plug in too. Definitely would do it myself it only took me 20 minutes. If I had to cut the bed then No.

[@ellerybice3787]

What are these special tools that sound so very special, please provide an itemized list.

[@robertfroemming5970]

B.S. on the bed lights! $36.88 from amazon, 15 min install and I was done. There is no wiring they plug into the auxiliary plug of the the tail lights. The bed lights work with the cargo light. very very easy mod.

[@RobMotive]

Sounds like it was your lucky day.

[@ftwbreeze]

Good morning Sir Rob. Another day in paradise. I'm planning on installing the auto tailgate system myself. Look forward to the install. Lots of time as I'm retired.

[@seanmacedo4876]

What Tacoma do you have

[@ftwbreeze]

Hello Sean. We have rwd 2020 TRD Off Road. Automatic with 4 fill size doors. Cloth interior, no upgrades.

[@seanmacedo4876]

How easy is to install auto tailgate

[@juanrgonzalez3178]

The only problem with the dealers is they ripped off the customer they try to change me $90.00 for tires rotation $150.00 for a oil change $600.00 for a front brakes no dame way...Good morning Rob.

[@RobMotive]

Good morning 👍

[@MR_MOO]

Rob, I did an Icon stage 2 suspension upgrade myself. No special tools required. But does take mechanical aptitude and post upgrade alignment. Most folks don’t necessarily understand the difference between a “lift” and suspension upgrade with lift included. I also bought an OEM pro grill for less than $200 from the dealer and an after market garnish for $30. Absolutely no issues with the TSS. Too much over-estimating the sophistication of this technology. Put the money in the quality components, not the dealership pockets. Same with the tailgate pop lock - super easy upgrade with very little time and effort. My two cents for your fans to consider.

[@RobMotive]

I have two issues self-installing a lift..know how and the proper tools. Just my hesitation of course😬

[@mk8530]

I put that grill on myself. (150 bucks), and the garnish was something like 20 Buck's. (it's not OEM). It was pretty easy. I absolutely hate the "World Omni" Logo. Thanks for your video!

[@RobMotive]

Great. Any sensor issues ( assuming you have it)?

[@mk8530]

@@RobMotive the tss ,recalibrates, in a few weeks. The lane drift alarm worked immediately .

[@kayakdan48]

Tailgate remote lock took about 1.5 hours (OEM)...simple. Never got a labor quote...guessing it would be $200-$300?

[@robertm897]

What if I am just swapping out the shocks only? No blocks, add a leaf, or coils. Still a dealership must?

[@RobMotive]

For warranty and expertise, the dealership is always the best option👍

[@robertm897]

@@RobMotive thanks. Will schedule.

[@richards5553]

Hi rob, FYI: the bed lights for my 2021 tacoma TRD sport are plug & play. got a new set on EBAY (OEM) for $65.00.

[@RobMotive]

Yup, and for the 2020👍

[@jareddodge1985]

The pop and lock would have been nice to have when I got my 2017 and the bed lights

[@RobMotive]

They both come in handy👍

[@cpsmonroe1]

Rob you know you can order the OEM PRO grille separately using the lift kits part # right? Sparks had it at @$180 last I checked. Still need to get the garnish separately . Its Toyota # PT228-35200-AA

[@RobMotive]

And use code ROBMOTIVE for an additional 5% off👍

[@vetonismajili9324]

Hey Rob, do you plan on fixing your lift and leveling it since the front sits higher? Kind of bothersome

[@RobMotive]

Not sure....Never say never🤔

[@russellmorash3816]

People laugh at me for having my service done by toyota but I incapable of doing it myself any more and no matter what happen the work was done by a certified toyota shop and I have every slip showing that the little extra money you pay gives me great piece of mind and if the dealer screws it up it's on them try getting jiffy lube to stand up if they make a mistake you would be in litigation forever guaranteed

[@RobMotive]

Nothing wrong with that at all. You have to do what you need to do👍

[@ThreeDogsBar]

Howdy Mr. Rob, I lifted and installed my Pro grille myself. Adjusted the sensor angle using a small washer and no errors. I thought the Toyota bed light kits are plug & play, no?

[@RobMotive]

Very nice! The light install depends on your year👍

[@ThreeDogsBar]

@@RobMotive Gotcha, makes sense on the year. Now for replacing the needle bearing, I may pay the dealer for that one 🤔

[@RobMotive]

I’ve seen some people do the bearing. I wouldn’t touch it😬

[@scottdemmy4371]

Didn't know about the trunk lights. Will have to get it done.

[@chadingalls3757]

Dealer do it= no fun.LOL. the beds lights i got plug and play for under 30.00.

[@Jesse-nk2vd]

Rob you sure talk alot crazy stuff but I think this your most informed an best vid so far

[@RobMotive]

Lol! Thanks Jesse.

[@sarahaydelotte749]

How to fix the stripping on the tailgate

[@RobMotive]

Not sure what you mean?

[@ram43x80]

R u kidding me?? $30 to do it yourself bro

[@ram43x80]

No no just watch KZbin channels they give us step by step lol 👍 👌 good channel by the way

[@RobMotive]

Thanks 👍

[@1twotour]

Rob, I love your videos but TRD Lift kit can be installed yourself and its pretty simple to do with just basic tools. I am not even a mechanic. The TSS I did have to have the dealership recalibrate which cost me $200. So installing it myself saved me approximately $3600. The bedlights are plug and play. The wiring is already there and everything. Just have to remove the tail light to access the wiring harness.

[@RobMotive]

I’m surprised you didn’t take care of the sensor yourself. All that’s required to recalibrate is a couple of spacers (washers) behind the sensor to adjust the angle.

[@1twotour]

@@RobMotive I didnt see any spacers or washers. I will have to double check but I believe it just snapped in.

[@scottdemmy4371]

Are bedllights easy to install on 2022 tacoma sr 6ft bed?

[@RobMotive]

From what I’ve been told yes👍

[@josephdeleoz1961]

Whats that called the one in the back. The metal thing. Thanks

[@RobMotive]

Not sure what mean?

[@josephdeleoz1961]

@@RobMotive the black metal rail in the back of your truck.

[@RobMotive]

No idea what black metal rail you’re talking about🤔

[@josephdeleoz1961]

Damn lol. Thanks thou

[@RobMotive]

Sorry. I just don’t see what you’re talking about 🤔🤔

[@BigDThatsMe]

I will be having the dealer install the TRD lift when the time comes.

[@RobMotive]

Nice👍

[@chadkranats1452]

Good morning Rob I agree 100% great advice 👍

[@RobMotive]

Good morning Chad👍

[@mikemc4340]

Would a lift help with someone taller,getting in and out of the Tacoma

[@RobMotive]

Absolutely 👍

[@scottdemmy4371]

Will have to check out the no drill struts. I like.

[@RobMotive]

Pretty simple👍

[@jimbusby8298]

Idk Toyota did lift kits on used Trucks 🤔?

[@RobMotive]

Sure do…or at least thru the dealer👍

[@MattPiekarsky]

Lifts are for people who don't know what to do with money, bed lights maybe take 10 minutes The gate lock maybe took 20 minutes. Meanwhile I can't get my dealer to cut a key correctly. You think I'd trust them to touch any of my vehicles?? lmao.

[@clydeslate8087]

what size lift did you have the Toyota dealership install on your Tacoma?

[@RobMotive]

Mine was a 3/2 installed by a 3rd party shop.

[@brianhall6349]

I am sitting here yelling at the screen. The bed light are extremely simple to install and I paid around $50. On the 2020 the wiring harness is already behind the taillights.

[@RobMotive]

You may to enroll in an anger management class😬

[@stevepisel5609]

I’m pretty sure you said you would have the driver side grab handle done by the dealer also because of the hassle installing it!

[@RobMotive]

Nope, I did not👍

[@scottgorman7166]

I just went to my dealer to see if they can order the OEM drivers handle for a 22 and the guy said he's been trying for years and they can't seem to get them due to that item is for European models. I guess a vacation to Italy for the part might be expensive but really fun.

[@craig9069]

Great video! Link for those blackout taillights would be great!

[@RobMotive]

Have a look: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jqCuiKuFZ92Xnrc

[@gilly702]

Majority of the dealers out here do not install lift kits.

[@RobMotive]

I think that’s pretty common.

[@dyates6380]

I called my local Toyota dealership about them doing my lift and was told they don't do them.

[@RobMotive]

I don’t think many dealerships do. They are farmed out.

[@terrancetatum7599]

Oh I got to disagree with you on these. I’m pretty sure dealers will only install Toyota’s “2 lift which means no 33” tires. Well, not without mutilating the trunk and I doubt Toyota will warranty that. The tailgate lock and lights are two very easy mods. Both kits come with everything needed such as wire and connectors.

[@RobMotive]

That’s the beauty of my channel. Disagreement is an option😁

[@shanewhittemore]

Rob anytime I have made a decision to use a professional that does pretty much the same thing day after day whether it be a plumber, electrician, service tech or a mechanic 99% of the time it was a good decision. "know it alls" are their own worst enemy. Fail after fail they never learn and they end up with crap!

[@chompymac2943]

Steelerships 🤣🤣🤣

[@ram43x80]

Auto zone lets u use tools for free..

[@suetaylor1127]

This is kind of asinine dude. OEM lifts are garbage. My go to mechanic shop knows TSS sensors.

[@RobMotive]

If you consider factory warranty asinine then I suppose🤔

[@TheRCNetwork]

You talked a lot, but you didn’t say much…..lift yes, other things, do it yourself.

[@RobMotive]

Thanks for the tip😵‍💫. Do you even have a (real) Tacoma?

[@TheRCNetwork]

@@RobMotive did I hurt your feelings? Maybe provide information in your videos? If you need help, I can teach you how to edit videos….

[@RobMotive]

Why yes…I’m deeply hurt. We’re so close and all….Thanks for the offer, but I deal with real trucks👍

[@jasonredondo72]

buy some tools. all you're mods come from advance auto

[@RobMotive]

Having a bad day Jason?

[@jasonredondo72]

YOU SHOULD HAVE BOUGHT A CAR

[@RobMotive]

You should have used lower case👍

[@yourmind808]

Did you get the. Toyota TRD OEM lift kit? How was the ride? Was it stiff?

[@RobMotive]

I didn’t. Went with adjustable Bilstein’s. Ride was stiffer for sure!

[@shermfj]

I disagree. From all the posts I've read, everyone has said aftermarket gets a better quality and better value. On '20 and newer, the bed lights are around $60 on eBay from a Toyota dealer. They are pre-wired, pull taillights, plug n play. Simple 10 minute install. Tailgate lock actuator is about 2 hours. Buy the factory harness (long or short bed version specific) fir around $130. It's also plug n play simple install. No need to lift truck if 4x4. Throw a large piece of cardboard to lay on. Another very simple install. Perhaps on the older trucks it might be more complex if wiring is required. Plug n play plus minimal time. $200 vs $600+. Same with predator bars - online OEM dealer at under $500 new or FB Marketplace pulled new because the buyer didn't like them, at $150-350. This and 20 min vs $690 to have the dealer install. Most people would love to make $340 (+tax) for 20 min work.

[@RobMotive]

Sounds like a lot of searching and a lot of combined time to me. Additionally, when added during the build, there is no additional labor cost from the dealer so the savings you mentioned is nil.

[@shermfj]

@@RobMotive just checked my local dealership during my 10K service. That dealer is charging $180 to install the bed lights. I've not seen any dealerships install the tailgate actuator. So no clue on its installed price.

[@RobMotive]

Sounds about right for a dealership. I’m sure it varies depending on the dealer.

[@RobMotive]

Now that’s insane! Don’t blame you😬

[@RobMotive]

Amen😬😬

[@AndyLopez-x4k]

Did all these mods myself on my 2017 Tacoma. Why would you pay dealership prices when these are very simple projects. If you have money then sure but why? Just buy a pro and call it a day.

[@glenchilada]

For the lift, I'm a big believer in having professionals to professional work once instead of screwing something up myself and having to pay them to fix it anyway. Dealer mechanics get a bad reputation, but I've never had a single complaint with Toyota's.

[@georgen4077]

😂😂😂😂 3 mods you can do in your driveway while drinking alcohol

[@roadeomagic]

Well, I will say that I have a slight advantage, I have a guy that works at Toyota but he's a friend of mine so I go to his house, he also has a lift in his garage. If it isn't anything major, that's where I will go. Question rob, how high is your lift and what did you put on?

[@RobMotive]

Here’s what I have: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bYGqqJuLeqd_mqc

[@Nackss]

Love all the videos but I have to disagree with you on the bed lights. Cost me under 40 bucks for the lights and it took 10 mins.

[@RobMotive]

That's awesome👍

[@user-rs4ke4lz8b]

Back lights take 15 minutes or less . You only need to hook them and no wiring for 2020 Tacoma

[@RobMotive]

Nice👍

[@devildoc6749]

Speaking of lifts, I did manage to find someone , who does have the knowledge in doing so, however, there was one thing that changed the dynamics becasue I went ahead and installed a aftermarket headlights and came back not working correctly. Granted , I should have taken it back and had them fix the problem and when I did take it back this mechanic didn't want to touch the headache so I took it upon myself to put the stock lights back on with new LED bulbs. Speaking of dealership, I am going to have to take it in, becasue the heavy rain we are getting here, I found out my rear seat belt panel is leaking rain coming in, unfortunately that area has a air back sign , so within the next few week i am going to have to take it in and see where the leak is and have them fix it, which irritates me. I wasn't expecting this being that I did purchase this truck used . good to see things going well, Hope all is well in your neck of the woods.

[@RobMotive]

That's a bummer! Please let us know what you find out🤔

[@devildoc6749]

@@RobMotive I most certainly will, my only grip will be what the cost will be to fix the problem and how long will it take .

[@RobMotive]

Fingers crossed 😬

[@iamalemontree]

Does your lift affect the TSS sensor ?

[@RobMotive]

Nope, it never has👍

[@jazavala78]

Great information! Thanks

[@RobMotive]

Thanks for watching 👍

[@ram43x80]

Dont need a fuse n all that stuff..n how about the leveling kit? Pretty simple?

[@RobMotive]

With the know how and tools, I bet so👍

[@richardshoat8711]

I'm going to call my dealer and fine out what it cost to do all 3 mods.

[@RobMotive]

Check what it includes to add them to a build while you’re at it👍

[@brycehufford5928]

Agree on paying dealer to do lift. Don’t agree on the others. I bought OEM bed light from dealership and installed in less than 15 minutes. Holes were already there and factory wiring that are plug n play. I also bought the OEM tailgate lock. I spent about 90 minutes installing this. Was easy to do and worth saving the labor to me.

[@RobMotive]

Nothing wrong with that. If you’re capable and enjoy the work, why not👍

[@croomcas]

Was this a Toyota paid for commercial 🤡😂🤡

[@RobMotive]

If it were it would state “Promotional Video” at the very beginning 👍

[@erictech201]

This dude has no idea what he saying.

[@RobMotive]

I asked him…he says he does.

[@youcanrunnaked]

2020 and 2021 bed lights are plug and play. The blanking plates pop out; the truck is pre-wired for the LED bed light wiring to plug in at the tail light connection. Then the bed lights will work with the bed light switch on the dash. It’s less than a 30 minute job to put in aftermarket LED lights that are an exact fit and cost $26. The SET port charge to install the Toyota part is $309. The tailgate auto lock is a bit more involved, but is also plug-and play. The mounting bracket for the actuator is already part of the tailgate stamping, and the wiring plugs into the loom under the dash. Getting the wiring from the tailgate to the dash is the tricky part. Get the genuine Toyota part, a bit more robust than the Pop ‘N Lock - about the same price, at $169. Install is about two hours. SET port charge is $359, which is not bad, if you aren’t the DIY type. I had my dealer install it, as they offered to put it in and also install the running boards I ordered for roughly two hour’s labor charge, total. ($285)