Truckin’

It would be difficult to be a true tool addict without the ultimate shop accessory...a pickup truck. Accordingly, I made that acquisition in September 2000. Of course, I’d never be interested in a kidney-busting bare-bones macho-truck...certain standards of living have to be met. And met, they are, with my Tundra 4wd AccessCab Limited from Toyota. Built very nicely, I might add, by a bunch of folks in Indiana, this truck is quiet, comfortable, fully featured, nice looking, has four doors and has 245hp of dual-overhead cam V-8 power.

I tried out all of the full-sized “crew-cab” pickup trucks as well as some smaller ones, and the Tundra was by far the most comfortable to me. Although some models offered slightly more leg room in the back seat, the Toyota was the best combination of interior size and bed size for my perceived needs.

The bed liner is a sprayed in product and is significantly better than the OEM plastic insert as water cannot collect under it and no space is lost under the rails. I’ve added some SmittyBuilt Modular Step Bars to insure that vertically challenged and high-heel-clad passengers have an easier time getting in and out of the cabin. A PaceEdwards Roll-Top tonneau cover to add security to the bed as well as cut wind resistance on the highway. Additionally, I’ve added a Hidden Hitch class 3 receiver to provide future towing capability as well as functionality with a “creative” accessory for extending the bed when hauling lumber longer than 10 feet or so, etc..

To date, I’m extremely happy with this vehicle. It's quiet and comfortable and has excellent performance. Fuel economy is also excellent with about 19 mpg on the highway and 15 mpg running around being my averages. I recommend it highly. The fact that the insurance industry rates the Tundra as a topfull-sized pickup for crash protection is a plus.

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