Gold In Them Thrills x 2025 Trailhunter Build and Progress

[GoldInThemThrills]

I purchased my Trailhunter (with 6ft bed) new in February 2025. Below is a list of current and planned modifications, pictures of the truck stock, and a few shots I hope to update as I progress through my build. I'll also post follow-up comments with any kind of thoughts or issues I run into with the truck or modifications.

Completed Modifications

• Removed ARB Sports Bar
• Removed Toyota OEM Sports Rack
• Removed Crash Pads
• Carista EVO OBD2 Scanner
• 50% Front Window Tint
• Stealth Custom Series Blaze10 Wheels (17x8.5 +20mm) in Matte Jet Black
• Falken Wildpeak A/T4W Tires (35x12.50r17)
• Front (Driver and Passenger) Fender Trimming and Finishing
• Pelican BX255 Cargo Case
• Pelican XBEDMT2 Cross-Bed Mount
• High Lift Jack Mount Brackets
• Muslogy Glove Box Organizer
• Hitch Slider with Skid Protection

On-Order Modifications

• Dobinsons Rear Coil Springs (C59-817VB)
• Dobinsons Front Coil Springs (C59-822B)
• Midland MXT275 Two-Way Radio
• Cali Raised Dash Mount
• Rigid D-SS Pro Flood Ditch Lights
• Beat Sonic Amp
• ARB Backup Lights

Future Modifications

• Steel Bumper with Winch
• Upgraded Grill Light
• Recovery Boards and Bed Mount

Photo (Stock)

Photos (Modded)

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[GoldInThemThrills]

One of the questions I've heard a lot is about the Pelican BX255 and how I attached it. The XBEDMT2 is meant to connect from the bed rails on the left and right sides, and even though Pelican's website recommends this size of a case for the Tacoma, the cross-bed mount does not have the room to reach the installed side mounts on the case. I'm not entirely sure it would fit the 5ft bed Tacoma due to how the placement of the gas tank changes the shape of the bed.

I solved this by mounting it from the back bed rail instead. I was still able to put locks on it, but it took some patience to get it to work. If I had to do it again, I would probably order the BX135, because it would be so much easier to take it in and out. I do love how much space this provides for all of my gear.

Below is a picture of the mounts.

 

[Franko Manini]

This is looking awesome! I'm watching your build closely. I love these trucks with the long bed.

 

[CrispyTacoLover]

I purchased my Trailhunter (with 6ft bed) new in February 2025. Below is a list of current and planned modifications, pictures of the truck stock, and a few shots I hope to update as I progress through my build. I'll also post follow-up comments with any kind of thoughts or issues I run into with the truck or modifications.

Completed Modifications

• Removed ARB Sports Bar
• Removed Toyota OEM Sports Rack
• Removed Crash Pads
• Carista EVO OBD2 Scanner
• 50% Front Window Tint
• Stealth Custom Series Blaze10 Wheels (17x8.5 +20mm) in Matte Jet Black
• Falken Wildpeak A/T4W Tires (35x12.50r17)
• Front (Driver and Passenger) Fender Trimming and Finishing
• Pelican BX255 Cargo Case
• Pelican XBEDMT2 Cross-Bed Mount
• High Lift Jack Mount Brackets
• Muslogy Glove Box Organizer
• Hitch Slider with Skid Protection

On-Order Modifications

• Dobinsons Rear Coil Springs (C59-817VB)
• Dobinsons Front Coil Springs (C59-822B)
• Midland MXT275 Two-Way Radio
• Cali Raised Dash Mount
• Rigid D-SS Pro Flood Ditch Lights

Future Modifications

• Steel Bumper with Winch
• Upgraded Grill Light
• ARB Backup Lights
• Beat Sonic Amp
• Recovery Boards and Bed Mount

Photo (Stock)

Photos (Modded)

I’m a little curious why you bought a Trailhunter instead of an Off-road hybrid?

 

[GoldInThemThrills]

I’m a little curious why you bought a Trailhunter instead of an Off-road hybrid?

I've only changed out the wheels and removed the sports bar. Everything else that the TH comes with is still there. Most importantly the 6ft bed with the hybrid and suspension.

 

[GDobbins]

I’m a little curious why you bought a Trailhunter instead of an Off-road hybrid?

Steel bumper, upgraded suspension, built in air compressor, the list goes on. In my personal case an OR Hybrid with the Premium package plus the essential mods wouldve put me at almost the same price as the trailhunter.

 

[GoldInThemThrills]

Steel bumper, upgraded suspension, built in air compressor, the list goes on. In my personal case an OR Hybrid with the Premium package plus the essential mods wouldve put me at almost the same price as the trailhunter.

No offense to @CrispyTacoLover at all, because it felt like their response was in earnest, but I posted one of the pictures of my truck in the Taco Nation Facebook group, and I had someone genuinely arguing with me about the same point.

That being said, we've all spent a lot of money on whatever model we have. I want everyone to enjoy their truck. It kind of reminds me about people fighting about Apple vs Android. Can't we all accept that we're very fortunate idiots if we have the time to debate this?

 

[CrispyTacoLover]

No offense to @CrispyTacoLover at all, because it felt like their response was in earnest, but I posted one of the pictures of my truck in the Taco Nation Facebook group, and I had someone genuinely arguing with me about the same point.

That being said, we've all spent a lot of money on whatever model we have. I want everyone to enjoy their truck. It kind of reminds me about people fighting about Apple vs Android. Can't we all accept that we're very fortunate idiots if we have the time to debate this?

Who’s debating?

 

[HarryDaHamster]

Nice rig. How does she ride with the dobinsons springs? And how much lift did you get? I ordered the 820 for the front and plan to run stock rear

 

[GoldInThemThrills]

Nice rig. How does she ride with the dobinsons springs? And how much lift did you get? I ordered the 820 for the front and plan to run stock rear

They're backordered right now. Hoping I get them installed before I go out of the country for work at the end of the month. Will definitely provide before/after pictures once it's done.

 

[Cordoc]

I purchased my Trailhunter (with 6ft bed) new in February 2025. Below is a list of current and planned modifications, pictures of the truck stock, and a few shots I hope to update as I progress through my build. I'll also post follow-up comments with any kind of thoughts or issues I run into with the truck or modifications.

Completed Modifications

• Removed ARB Sports Bar
• Removed Toyota OEM Sports Rack
• Removed Crash Pads
• Carista EVO OBD2 Scanner
• 50% Front Window Tint
• Stealth Custom Series Blaze10 Wheels (17x8.5 +20mm) in Matte Jet Black
• Falken Wildpeak A/T4W Tires (35x12.50r17)
• Front (Driver and Passenger) Fender Trimming and Finishing
• Pelican BX255 Cargo Case
• Pelican XBEDMT2 Cross-Bed Mount
• High Lift Jack Mount Brackets
• Muslogy Glove Box Organizer
• Hitch Slider with Skid Protection

On-Order Modifications

• Dobinsons Rear Coil Springs (C59-817VB)
• Dobinsons Front Coil Springs (C59-822B)
• Midland MXT275 Two-Way Radio
• Cali Raised Dash Mount
• Rigid D-SS Pro Flood Ditch Lights
• Beat Sonic Amp

Future Modifications

• Steel Bumper with Winch
• Upgraded Grill Light
• ARB Backup Lights
• Recovery Boards and Bed Mount

Photo (Stock)

Photos (Modded)

I am interested on the rear springs.
I am totally ignorant of these mods, so bear with my questions here.
1-What is the benefit of these springs? is it to allow heavier cargo?
2-Does installation require modification or any mechanic can do it?
Thanks a lot for your help.
Gaston

 

[GoldInThemThrills]

I am interested on the rear springs.
I am totally ignorant of these mods, so bear with my questions here.
1-What is the benefit of these springs? is it to allow heavier cargo?
2-Does installation require modification or any mechanic can do it?
Thanks a lot for your help.
Gaston

The springs listed are for front and back. They have various different levels for whether you want them for more weight (for example people who add huge campers to the back of a their truck and don't want sag).

Ignoring weight, the Trailhunter already has a small lift, so this should lift it just a little more on both.

It doesn't require any modifications, and I guess theoretically any mechanic familiar with changing springs on suspension should be able to do it, but I'm either going to do it myself (and then take it to get aligned at a shop) or have an off-road specific shop do it.

 

[Cordoc]

The springs listed are for front and back. They have various different levels for whether you want them for more weight (for example people who add huge campers to the back of a their truck and don't want sag).

Ignoring weight, the Trailhunter already has a small lift, so this should lift it just a little more on both.

It doesn't require any modifications, and I guess theoretically any mechanic familiar with changing springs on suspension should be able to do it, but I'm either going to do it myself (and then take it to get aligned at a shop) or have an off-road specific shop do it.

Thanks a lot, I will research more.

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