My Trailhunter finally arrived: Initial impressions, couple pics, planned build

[gofastdan]

Thanks for the info. So My build date pushed a week or two and I'm pretty sure it's related to yours and some changes they are making as a result of your feedback since it was the first 4th gen. Yours was the first 4th gen right?

LP is doing the tall version. Bud (who was their 1st build I believe) is a friend of mine and I think with a front rack it looks better plus I have the future option of a light bar if I want. It's mostly aesthetic with some function.

I will say high to them for sure! As of right now I'm heading out to have it installed on 09/13.

If you have time, can you shoot me over a few pics? I'd love to see more build pics.

Edit: The shop here that is doing my tires is going to try and fit the 295 x 70 x 18 (34.3) ... We will see. If it does not fit then I'll stick with the stock tire. I only ordered 4 tires for now so they can test fit before I order a 5th. I'll keep everyone updated on fitment.

Yup, Bud was the first LP install and he gave me some good tips. Mine was the first install on the '24 Tacoma and really the tail gate is the only lingering thing to resolve.

Here's a link to a bunch of photos, both of the truck and my drawer system I built. The spare tire photos are test fit with the Method wheel and the 33" tire. And, yes, I put my camera for the digital mirror in the trailer hitch... ;o)

A couple of other things I was going to mention.

The composite bed leaks water and dust from every hole and I'm still trying to get it all sealed up. One piece of advice is to pull the side rail caps before the LP install and put some butyl rubber in there to at least seal that. Pretty much all the other sealing can be done post install.

Also, be prepared to upgrade the suspension with currently non-existent parts. I've given up waiting for springs and decided I would probably want Timbren bump stops anyway so I've got those on the way. They'll definitely help since right now I'm hitting the stops with every little dip and rock. Revised springs are still going to be a necessity but so far I haven't found anyone making them. Ironman 4x4 told me they would have them in July, and then they told me they would have them in August. Both those dates have come and gone but I'm going to Portland next week and will stop in and pester them again. Fingers crossed that they might be close. ARB also makes springs but they told me it will be Q2 of 2025 before they have anything, so obviously it's not a priority for them.

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[TalkingTaco444]

Y’all are funny, and so sensitive in your old age.. this “kid”, as a TH owner myself, finds the intake sound some what annoying also.. but I knew that going into the deal. Not everyone on here is looking to poke bears, I’m sincerely curious about your decision making process, wherein which you sat down and made Pros and Cons list of each model, and therefore solidified the TH as your top choice, sans snorkel sounds. But wait, I don’t care any more.

my man…. No one was even able to hear the intake in person. I’m not sure a YouTube video really does it justice.

while I enjoy the intake, not everyone does and that’s okay. Even removing the intake, the TH is a great buy with all you get.

I’m not sure how the intake would even be a deal breaker if you’re going to remove it. That’s not what makes a TH, a TH.

 

[TalkingTaco444]

This is a bit late but I wanted to post a few updates. I picked up my Trailhunter last week and have now owned it for a little over a week. This is not meant to be a comprehensive review, but below are a few bullet point thoughts and comments so far.

Overall I have nothing but amazing things to say about the truck and those waiting it is 1000% worth the wait. I will address one negative below.

• Background: I just sold my 05' Tacoma TRD Offroad that was built out. I also have a 2018 Audi S5.
• Driving: I absolutely love the way the truck drives. The low end torque is incredible and it now has plenty of available power. it is absolutely effortless to accelerate and passing people at highway speeds is now significantly easier (maybe too easy). I would say that it feels "quick" for a truck.
• Comfort: My wife and I find the seats and cockpit to be very comfortable.
• Cabin noise: With the windows up the truck is extremely quiet. I will address the windows down separately.
• Color & overall looks: I cannot emphasize how beautiful the Bronze Oxide is and the truck in general. I could not be happier with how the color looks in person. I have had a few people talk to me about it and they all love the color. It's also been neat seeing a few people that know what the Trailhunter is talk to us and comment as we're driving by. It's not a head turner like a Ferrari or anything (haha), but for those that know what it is it's been cool to see their reactions.
• Build quality: The build quality is amazing. As compared to my second gen there is literally no comparison. It feels more like a German car (in terms of engineering quality and thought put into everything) than what I was used to before. I have not looked or ever considered buying any of the "competitors" and after buying this I have no plan to. It was worth every penny.
• Cost: $64,455 out the door; The dealer I bought from doesn't charge ADM's or add any extra crap to it so it was bare bones besides the mud guards.
  • $62,900 MSRP
  • $60 Mud Guards
  • $1495 Delivery, processing and handling fee
• Negative: With the windows down I find the snorkel to be incredibly obnoxious (very loud under almost any acceleration) and an oversight by their engineering team in my opinion. If given the option I would have omitted it. I don't mind the way it looks or its function, but the noise is in my opinion going to be tough to live with. I have not had a chance to get offroad yet but I am guessing that in a steep situation under constant acceleration it will have a nonstop swooshing sound. I am almost positive that the aftermarket will have some solutions/ideas to make it quieter in the future, but for now I will live with it and likely get used to it somewhat. I am not trying to blow this out of proportion, but I do find the truck amazing in literally all other aspects and highly refined, but this is a bit of a miss in my opinion.
  
  Build: I will post progress pics as I build out each of the phases below.
  • What I've done so far
    • ARB rack removal
    • Ceramic window tint: 70% windshield, 15% front windows, 70% rear windows (this brings the rear to 20% and front to 15%, to the naked eye it matches and was as close as you can get). I am very happy with the way it turned out.
    • UpTop Overland Roof rack: This is mainly for aesthetics, but also air flow for our camper.
  • Next phase(s): I am based in the Denver area so most of the build is being done here locally with the exception of the Lone Peak.
    • 09/10 new tires -- Next week I'm putting 295 x 70 x 18 Falken Wildpeak AT4 tires on (this works out to being a 34.3). The shop I went to thinks that it might be possible to fit the tire underneath. I hope that's the case, but I will update everyone when I take it in on the 10th.
    • 09/13 Lone Peak Camper install-- Next week I am driving out to WA to get the Lone Peak Camper installed.
      • My buddy out here has an LP Camper and we've camped with him quite a few times now so I've been able to see it in action and love the design, size, quality, and price point.
    • 09/16 - 09/27 drawer and camp kitchen buildout by Air Down Gear Up: My truck will the first 4th Gen Tacoma (first Tacoma in general) install and I think is going to turn out amazing.
      • Air Down Gear Up is a competitive/alternative option to Goose Gear. The prices are very similar as well. They are based just north of Denver and so far I have had an excellent experience working with them.
    • 09/30 camper buildout by Juniper Overland: This is a pretty extensive build with details below.
      • 130w solar panel mounted to Lone Peak
      • Red Arc goodies (2000w inverter, TVMS Prime kit which includes Red Vision)
        • Everything will be wired through the Red Arc system and be able to be controlled either through Red Vision or the app.
      • National Luna Lights (5 total)
      • National Luna Fridge/Freezer
      • Dakota Lithium 135ah battery
      • Outlets (USB C & USB A)
      • Proper Heater install (I already have this from my previous build)
      • 12 gallon water tank + pump
• If all goes according to plan I will have my truck fully built out by the first week or so of October.

Pics below: I have several starting with when I picked it up through where I am now in terms of "build out". The ones with it on the fork lift were at the shop that's doing the tires testing the flex to see what size tire we could get away with before requiring any bump stop or suspension changes as well as what size spare we could fit. I did not have the sway bar disconnected. I definitely could fit 35's without issue, but that will likely not fit in the spare location. This would be the only other minor complaint. If Toyota is building this thing to accommodate bigger tires then why didn't they increase the ability to carry a bigger spare. The pic of the snorkel piece I am assuming is what the QC hold was all about. I saw someone else post about it as well. The piece in my hand was sitting in the back seat and you can see rivets/attachment pieces on the one that is installed.

Happy for you!!! It’s a sick truck. Haven’t gotten around to writing my review, but Enjoy!

 

[Taco Azul]

I’ve been out hunting trails. Found the top of the mountain. Do we have a thread just for backwoods pictures?

 

[Rope_photo]

See the attached pics and let me know if you need any others. The garage is kinda dark but hopefully that helps. Up Top delivers for free so I just had it shipped direct to me. I live in west Arvada so it saved me the ~45 min commute both ways. I had to call them several times during install and they were super helpful. They even sent me an extra set of handles for free. When I had called originally I asked them if they recommended I get one or two pairs and decided on 1 but they sent me 2 at no charge with a little note. The fitment is very nice, super happy with it.

Are you worried about the rack hitting the Lone Peak?

 

[2ndGen2TrlHntr]

Are you worried about the rack hitting the Lone Peak?

Nope, with the tall version for the Tacoma it will clear it just fine. Basically with a Tacoma specifically you have the option to do the regular height which clears the cab with plenty of room to not ever touch even under very bumpy off-roading scenarios or to run a cab rack you just need the tall. For me personally I like the looks of it better with a cab rack under the LP, ties it together nicely, plus it give the me option to do a light bar up there or other exterior lights mounted to the roof rack in the future.

 

[tacorancher]

OP: I just got my TH on Saturday and I really like it. Agree it’s more like a German car and very solid. Night and day from the 3G. My only beef is that it is far poorer in terms of approach/breakover/departure angles and ground clearance at the diff than my old 2022 PRO. All the literature out there is conflicting and confusing but it’s for sure not as good geometrically. This is why I need bigger tires. Interesting you’re going with 295s. My plan was to put 285/70/18s in Falken AT4 - a true 34” tire a little smaller than what you’re going to run. I don’t want to trim or to remove that piece at the front behind the wheel. But still I’m a little nervous at 68lb a tire. Let me know how it works for you and how it impacts handling and acceleration etc.

 

[2ndGen2TrlHntr]

OP: I just got my TH on Saturday and I really like it. Agree it’s more like a German car and very solid. Night and day from the 3G. My only beef is that it is far poorer in terms of approach/breakover/departure angles and ground clearance at the diff than my old 2022 PRO. All the literature out there is conflicting and confusing but it’s for sure not as good geometrically. This is why I need bigger tires. Interesting you’re going with 295s. My plan was to put 285/70/18s in Falken AT4 - a true 34” tire a little smaller than what you’re going to run. I don’t want to trim or to remove that piece at the front behind the wheel. But still I’m a little nervous at 68lb a tire. Let me know how it works for you and how it impacts handling and acceleration etc.

Congrats! Yeah my 2nd gen also had more clearance. I also had a 3” lift as well as 285 x 70 x 17’s before. That’s part of the reason why I’m going bigger this time. As much power/torque as it has I think it will do great but I’ll keep you posted.

Tires go on the 10th, 13th Lone Peak, Air Down Gear Up stuff immediately after, electrical and other bed goodies at Juniper week of 09/30. Big changes next few weeks. I will 100% keep you posted on the tires and post about the other stuff too.

 

[tacorancher]

It’s great to have some trail hunter buddies out there. My 22 pro was stolen and I’m still not over it. I got this truck as a way to treat myself. It’s 80% better than the old truck but I notice things that the old truck did better. My hope is bigger tires cures that for the most part.

 

[BronzoTaco]

Yup, Bud was the first LP install and he gave me some good tips. Mine was the first install on the '24 Tacoma and really the tail gate is the only lingering thing to resolve.

Here's a link to a bunch of photos, both of the truck and my drawer system I built. The spare tire photos are test fit with the Method wheel and the 33" tire. And, yes, I put my camera for the digital mirror in the trailer hitch... ;o)

A couple of other things I was going to mention.

The composite bed leaks water and dust from every hole and I'm still trying to get it all sealed up. One piece of advice is to pull the side rail caps before the LP install and put some butyl rubber in there to at least seal that. Pretty much all the other sealing can be done post install.

Also, be prepared to upgrade the suspension with currently non-existent parts. I've given up waiting for springs and decided I would probably want Timbren bump stops anyway so I've got those on the way. They'll definitely help since right now I'm hitting the stops with every little dip and rock. Revised springs are still going to be a necessity but so far I haven't found anyone making them. Ironman 4x4 told me they would have them in July, and then they told me they would have them in August. Both those dates have come and gone but I'm going to Portland next week and will stop in and pester them again. Fingers crossed that they might be close. ARB also makes springs but they told me it will be Q2 of 2025 before they have anything, so obviously it's not a priority for them.

Great job on the deck system!!!!! Love the whole set up..enjoy!!

 

[Nvideon]

This is a bit late but I wanted to post a few updates. I picked up my Trailhunter last week and have now owned it for a little over a week. This is not meant to be a comprehensive review, but below are a few bullet point thoughts and comments so far.

Overall I have nothing but amazing things to say about the truck and those waiting it is 1000% worth the wait. I will address one negative below.

• Background: I just sold my 05' Tacoma TRD Offroad that was built out. I also have a 2018 Audi S5.
• Driving: I absolutely love the way the truck drives. The low end torque is incredible and it now has plenty of available power. it is absolutely effortless to accelerate and passing people at highway speeds is now significantly easier (maybe too easy). I would say that it feels "quick" for a truck.
• Comfort: My wife and I find the seats and cockpit to be very comfortable.
• Cabin noise: With the windows up the truck is extremely quiet. I will address the windows down separately.
• Color & overall looks: I cannot emphasize how beautiful the Bronze Oxide is and the truck in general. I could not be happier with how the color looks in person. I have had a few people talk to me about it and they all love the color. It's also been neat seeing a few people that know what the Trailhunter is talk to us and comment as we're driving by. It's not a head turner like a Ferrari or anything (haha), but for those that know what it is it's been cool to see their reactions.
• Build quality: The build quality is amazing. As compared to my second gen there is literally no comparison. It feels more like a German car (in terms of engineering quality and thought put into everything) than what I was used to before. I have not looked or ever considered buying any of the "competitors" and after buying this I have no plan to. It was worth every penny.
• Cost: $64,455 out the door; The dealer I bought from doesn't charge ADM's or add any extra crap to it so it was bare bones besides the mud guards.
  • $62,900 MSRP
  • $60 Mud Guards
  • $1495 Delivery, processing and handling fee
• Negative: With the windows down I find the snorkel to be incredibly obnoxious (very loud under almost any acceleration) and an oversight by their engineering team in my opinion. If given the option I would have omitted it. I don't mind the way it looks or its function, but the noise is in my opinion going to be tough to live with. I have not had a chance to get offroad yet but I am guessing that in a steep situation under constant acceleration it will have a nonstop swooshing sound. I am almost positive that the aftermarket will have some solutions/ideas to make it quieter in the future, but for now I will live with it and likely get used to it somewhat. I am not trying to blow this out of proportion, but I do find the truck amazing in literally all other aspects and highly refined, but this is a bit of a miss in my opinion.
  
  Build: I will post progress pics as I build out each of the phases below.
  • What I've done so far
    • ARB rack removal
    • Ceramic window tint: 70% windshield, 15% front windows, 70% rear windows (this brings the rear to 20% and front to 15%, to the naked eye it matches and was as close as you can get). I am very happy with the way it turned out.
    • UpTop Overland Roof rack: This is mainly for aesthetics, but also air flow for our camper.
  • Next phase(s): I am based in the Denver area so most of the build is being done here locally with the exception of the Lone Peak.
    • 09/10 new tires -- Next week I'm putting 295 x 70 x 18 Falken Wildpeak AT4 tires on (this works out to being a 34.3). The shop I went to thinks that it might be possible to fit the tire underneath. I hope that's the case, but I will update everyone when I take it in on the 10th.
    • 09/13 Lone Peak Camper install-- Next week I am driving out to WA to get the Lone Peak Camper installed.
      • My buddy out here has an LP Camper and we've camped with him quite a few times now so I've been able to see it in action and love the design, size, quality, and price point.
    • 09/16 - 09/27 drawer and camp kitchen buildout by Air Down Gear Up: My truck will the first 4th Gen Tacoma (first Tacoma in general) install and I think is going to turn out amazing.
      • Air Down Gear Up is a competitive/alternative option to Goose Gear. The prices are very similar as well. They are based just north of Denver and so far I have had an excellent experience working with them.
    • 09/30 camper buildout by Juniper Overland: This is a pretty extensive build with details below.
      • 130w solar panel mounted to Lone Peak
      • Red Arc goodies (2000w inverter, TVMS Prime kit which includes Red Vision)
        • Everything will be wired through the Red Arc system and be able to be controlled either through Red Vision or the app.
      • National Luna Lights (5 total)
      • National Luna Fridge/Freezer
      • Dakota Lithium 135ah battery
      • Outlets (USB C & USB A)
      • Proper Heater install (I already have this from my previous build)
      • 12 gallon water tank + pump
• If all goes according to plan I will have my truck fully built out by the first week or so of October.

Pics below: I have several starting with when I picked it up through where I am now in terms of "build out". The ones with it on the fork lift were at the shop that's doing the tires testing the flex to see what size tire we could get away with before requiring any bump stop or suspension changes as well as what size spare we could fit. I did not have the sway bar disconnected. I definitely could fit 35's without issue, but that will likely not fit in the spare location. This would be the only other minor complaint. If Toyota is building this thing to accommodate bigger tires then why didn't they increase the ability to carry a bigger spare. The pic of the snorkel piece I am assuming is what the QC hold was all about. I saw someone else post about it as well. The piece in my hand was sitting in the back seat and you can see rivets/attachment pieces on the one that is installed.

Nice bro! Yeah I was hoping I could just put 35s in the spare tire compartment.

I like that roof rack, do they have an option for a different wind fairing? The blocky wind fairing is the only negative part about it.

 

[2ndGen2TrlHntr]

Nice bro! Yeah I was hoping I could just put 35s in the spare tire compartment.

I like that roof rack, do they have an option for a different wind fairing? The blocky wind fairing is the only negative part about it.

So if you look at the 4th image down (linked below too) that shows the fairing up close it's not actually blocky, or I suppose it kind of is but there is a piece that perfectly marries up against the windshield eliminating any gap. I personally like the looks of this design better than my former Prinsu rack that had an actually curved fairing, and I think there is actually less gap against the windshield than a Prinsu (pic from their site linked below.) I've been at highway speeds (over 80) and it's super quiet. So far very happy with the rack and it's super solid too, no movement or creaking when you yank on the handles or drive.

UpTop Kilo Rack: https://www.uptopoverland.com/colle...verland-kilo-tacoma-double-cab-roof-rack-2024

Prinsu site: https://prinsu.com/product/2005-2018-toyota-tacoma-prinsu-cabrac/

 

[Nvideon]

So if you look at the 4th image down (linked below too) that shows the fairing up close it's not actually blocky, or I suppose it kind of is but there is a piece that perfectly marries up against the windshield eliminating any gap. I personally like the looks of this design better than my former Prinsu rack that had an actually curved fairing, and I think there is actually less gap against the windshield than a Prinsu (pic from their site linked below.) I've been at highway speeds (over 80) and it's super quiet. So far very happy with the rack and it's super solid too, no movement or creaking when you yank on the handles or drive.

UpTop Kilo Rack: https://www.uptopoverland.com/colle...verland-kilo-tacoma-double-cab-roof-rack-2024

Prinsu site: https://prinsu.com/product/2005-2018-toyota-tacoma-prinsu-cabrac/

Ahh yeah you're right! Nice

 

[wolfpackwest]

Sweet build plans.

I also just wanted to share my opinion on the high rise intake / snorkel since I see a lot of comments on that in this thread, as someone who's owned my TH for just 6 days: I actually love it. I enjoy being able to hear the turbo sound and blow-off flutter with the window down, and it's 98% unnoticeable with the window rolled-up. It makes me smile and laugh every time i have the windows down or cracked and hear it whoosh then flutter. I did take mine out on a trail last weekend, and was surprised that it made much less noise under load on climbs than expected, if at all (windows down). That is all - everyone has their own taste and like what they like (or don't).

 

[2ndGen2TrlHntr]

Sweet build plans.

I also just wanted to share my opinion on the high rise intake / snorkel since I see a lot of comments on that in this thread, as someone who's owned my TH for just 6 days: I actually love it. I enjoy being able to hear the turbo sound and blow-off flutter with the window down, and it's 98% unnoticeable with the window rolled-up. It makes me smile and laugh every time i have the windows down or cracked and hear it whoosh then flutter. I did take mine out on a trail last weekend, and was surprised that it made much less noise under load on climbs than expected, if at all (windows down). That is all - everyone has their own taste and like what they like (or don't).

I have yet to take mine on trails after 2 weeks, which is slightly depressing, but that’s because I have build things going on and am trying to keep the stock tires pristine until I get the new ones. New tires go on Tuesday then Wednesday night we head out to WA do get the Lone Peak and I hope to introduce it to some trails lol. Good to know on the noise under load. I thought that might be the opposite. I saw your other thread with trail pics, I will be contributing to that soon.

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