2025 SR5 - new/questions

Hello everyone, picked up recently a new SR5 XtraCab. Had to wait to months for it. my 2006 sold in like 12 hours on craigslist. Anyway, had a couple of questions.
-can the tailgate be left unlocked with the doors locked?
-any suggestions for a skid plate in front, I saw a few threads on it, but wasn't sure if there was a definite way to go.
-has anyone removed the back panel/storage door completely? I wonder if that's possible. I wouldn't use that storage compartment, but the added space with that removed would be nice.

impressions after about 400 miles -- runs nice, the A/V system is a bit cumbersome, it would have been nice to at least have one side with an access door configuration, no rear speakers (the 2006 had rears!) I found odd.

Them manual says to let the engine idle for a minute after high speed traveling (over 62 mph), which seems odd to me as the engine is only turning about 1500 rpm on the highway at that speed. That makes no sense to me - any ideas why? (I can see if high rpm/pulling load uphill or something).

 

Idling after before shutting off is likely to cool the turbo off (oil cooled).

 

I understand that, but there's not much of an engine load at 1500 rpm cruising along the highway. i dunno, will follow directions though!

 

i think they just put it in the owners manual just cause. my hybrid will shut off at a stop sign at off ramp after two hours of driving 75mph...

 

Congrats on your new truck.

I had to wait a few months for mine as well---- love the XC, but Toyota doesn't seem to produce too many of them.

DK answers to your questions #1 & #3, but guessing there would be a way to make either change. For me, the back panel is a great addition and having the tailgate lock w/ the doors is also an excellent feature---- super happy to have both, but if you don't want them, perhaps someone here with more knowledge can help you w/ that. As far as question #2, one thing you should be aware of when looking for a skid plate is that your truck probably did not come with the front cross member which is often used as an attachment point (not 100%, but I think only OR, TH, & PRO have it, while the rest of us need to arrange to get it if needed). From what I've seen, which parts/accessories you buy is more personal preference/use case rather than a "definite way to go". If/when you find what looks like a good fit for you, just check that whatever parts you need to complete the install you have before getting started. Just did mine last week (it's not difficult at all), but since I also needed the cross member, thought I'd mention it to you as well. Hope that helps.

 

Off topic, but for selling almost anything (cars, real estate, collectibles, stolen goods, etc.), underpricing is a sure fire method to get a quick sale.

 

You only need to let it cool if your running it hard, towing, high boost situations etc. realistically by the time you take the off ramp get hung up at a stop light and pull over for fuel your cool down is done.

I got Rival skids, lots of options and opinions! Your SR5 will need a crossmember to bolt the skid onto as well.
https://www.rival4x4usa.com/

https://rcimetalworks.com/product/front-skidplate-mounting-crossmember-24-present-tacoma/

 

can anybody suggest which Cross remember to buy or is there a factory one that would be better from Toyota?

Marc

 

There are a few aftermarket options. RCI puts out good stuff and priced fair. I was going to get their skids but Rival’s are stamped aluminum and were 10% off and $20 for shipping.

Rough Country has a cheaper skid that doesn’t require the cross member? It’s cheap and will certainly offer better protection than the plastic/fiber skids.

https://www.roughcountry.com/product/tacoma-skid-plate-kit-10919

 

Thanks, PDK Taco. The market is flooded with two dozen solutions plus factory skid plates. It’s hard to pick a direction. My pre-runner is hard to fit because it’s standard and does have 2 Wheel Dr….

Marc

 

I got the MCX skid plate and also have PreRunner. They sell the plates either with or without the cross member. It fits perfectly—— if you want to see any pics, let me know and I’ll post.

 

Did your Prerunner come with the cross member? I thought the Prerunner got the forward most composite skid plate from the TRD OR.

 

Mine did not come with the cross member. Pre-purchase research led me to believe that the PreRunner would have included both the CM as well as the same front plate as on the OR (like you thought), but it was the fiberboard/felt-type cover—— initially I thought the trucks that had the front air dam would have the flimsier cover and the ones without it would get the slightly better plastic splash guard, but at least for me that was not the case.

 

Nurp42, that’s exactly how my truck was delivered. One basic fiber/ plastic splash guard which I’ve already ripped off once and had to replace. I feel like it’s missing the cross member.

 

My guess is that none of us (PreRunner buyers) got the CM from the factory. While our trucks share some things w/ the OR (wheel/tire size, no air dam added) others don't seem to be included. In addition to PR not getting the CM or same front splash guard, the OR also has a second splash guard included---- since neither appear that great, not getting them wasn't/isn't a big deal for me (would have likely replaced them anyway). Below is a pic of the CM I added. If you don't have anything spanning the distance between your front recovery points, you would need to add something similar if you want any skid plate that requires the forward attachment location.

 

and you know that I underpriced the vehicle how? I looked at all the for-sale 2006's, and adjusted for what problems I knew the truck had (not much, but a little).

 

yeah, looking at the install directions on this one, it actually requires the removal of a cross member if so equipped. appreciate the info!

 

The turbo can spin at any speed they designed it to ..... often well above that of the engine. Also, the engine can shut down in a few seconds - with the oil pump. The Turbo may need longer to stop (often the turbo is spun by the exhaust gases) - and the oil in kinda nice to have. Allowing ito idle allows it a chance to cool down, spin down and not get screw up from oil starvation ....