For a very short time, the Tundra we know today was known as the T150, before Ford filed a lawsuit against Toyota for being too similar to their F-150. However, this didn’t stop the Japanese manufacturer from making it more affordable, reliable and practical than its main rivals in the market of pickup trucks.
Competing with the “Detroit Big Three” hasn’t been easy for the V6-powered, 5,500-pound (2,500 kg) heavy hauler to rub shoulders with. Despite that, the Tundra is still a compelling choice with lots of aftermarket support.
Important Accessories
Tonneau Covers
When you use your Tundra for both work and leisure, you can benefit from installing a tonneau cover more than you think. These covers are made to close off your truck bed and protect your tools and accessories in the back from the elements or theft. These aftermarket accessories for Tundra can be soft or hard, fixed or retractable, meaning you can get exactly the type of cover you want.
Running Boards
A vehicle with high ground clearance can make it challenging to get in and out of it, but that can be resolved with the addition of running boards. These metal bars go along the length of the sills, right under the doors. Running boards are responsible for providing a stepping platform, but they also protect the underside from mud and stone chips. They can retract or be fixed, as well as be made with a rubber stepping surface to make them less slippery.
Cargo Liners
Also known as bed liners, cargo liners are the go-to Tundra aftermarket parts if you want to be able to haul anything in the back without damaging the bed. Cargo liners are durable enough to also prevent moisture buildup, even if you use your Tundra as a work truck without any cover for your tools. This also makes bed liners especially useful when there’s heavy snow.
Off-Road Lights
Be it driving lights or light bars, you can introduce more lumens at the front of your pickup with ease. Off-road lights can not only make it easier to see in pitch-black conditions, but they can also help make you more noticeable at night. If you go with lights that have an adjustable beam pattern, you can use them in hazy conditions much better than you can your headlights or fog lights.
CAI
With a cold air intake, you can get cooler air to the engine without spending as much as you would on more advanced Tundra aftermarket accessories. CAIs are kits that come with intake tubing, a high-flow air filter and installation hardware, which all help improve acceleration and the cooling of the engine. That’s because cooler air helps combustion, making it more efficient, which helps reduce heat.
Exhaust
If you want more performance from your Tundra than what a cold air intake offers, a new exhaust is a more fitting solution. With a new exhaust, you improve airflow and thus engine efficiency, which, in turn, improves the way the engine burns fuel, contributing to more power from the same displacement. However, since not every exhaust is the same, getting the right upgrade is crucial.
Seat Covers
To make it easier to keep your Tundra’s interior clean and to preserve your seats as much as possible, you should consider getting seat covers. Now, there are plenty of seat cover materials, but when it comes to how these Tundra aftermarket accessories fit, there is only one way to go and that is with custom covers, as universal ones are known to make the interior look worse.
Roof Racks
If you plan to go on long-distance trips more than you plan on going to the grocery store, a roof rack can be one of those accessories for Tundra that can make a big difference. With it, you can pack weather-resistant gear atop your Tundra and keep other items under the tonneau cover or the back seat area.
Winch
Off-roading with the Tundra is definitely doable, but doing it without proper safety gear is not a good idea. With a manual or electric winch, you can make your adventures in the wild less daunting since if you get stuck, you have something to pull you out. All you’ll need is a tree or a boulder to winch to.
Grille Protector
In the wild, you’ll encounter more than just difficult terrain and adverse weather conditions, so a grille protector is a must. This piece of metal tubing protects the front of your Tundra from impacts from trees and animals. It also serves as a place for accessories such as the driving lights mentioned above, as well as a UHF antenna.
Fender Flares
When going over rough roads, fender flares are a mandatory accessory since these aftermarket parts help provide more coverage for the wheel arches from mud and debris. Fender flares also help you fit wider tires and make your pickup look more aggressive.
