Must-Have Toyota Tundra Accessories

I've been building Toyota Tundra trucks for over 10 years. The right accessories can completely transform your truck's capabilities and style. Whether you're hitting trails on weekends or need better functionality for work, there's a huge selection of Toyota Tundra accessories available today.

Your Tundra is already capable right from the factory. But like most truck enthusiasts will tell you, there's always room for improvement. Now I'm here to tell you which improvements you can make and which ones you will need; this way, you can build the Tundra that you'll actually use and love instead of building the dreams of others (you'll see what I mean later).

Key Takeaways

• Transform your truck with accessories that boost style, performance, and functionality
• Lift kits and suspension upgrades improve off-roading capability and allow bigger tires
• Roof racks and truck bed accessories maximize cargo space and convenience
• Protection equipment like skid plates saves money on expensive repairs
• Interior and lighting upgrades enhance comfort and safety for daily use

A Capable and Ready to Adventure Rig

The current Toyota Tundra offers impressive performance and towing capacity. The TRD Pro models come ready for off-roading right off the lot. But even these performance ready models can be transformed with the right Toyota Tundra accessories and aftermarket parts.

I've tested dozens of products on different builds. Quality accessories can definitely enhance the truck's strengths without hurting reliability, but that's not important to me, what is though, is matching the owner's use to the accessories that they install on their Tundra...

How Accessories Can Take Your Tundra to a New Level

Accessories don't just add functionality, they transform how you use your truck. I've seen owners discover new adventures after adding lift kits and proper protection. Others haul much more with good roof rack systems.

But, it can go the other way around. I met someone who spent half his truck's value on an extreme lift kit for his daily driver. The result? Loud road noise, highway wobble, and uncomfortable rides. Don't get me wrong, he splurged out on premium components that would thrill an off-road enthusiast. But it just won't work for daily hauling. He described it as a torturous experience.

If he'd spent $1000-$2000 on roof racks, rear suspension upgrades, and a simple preload collar lift kit, he'd have been much happier.

That's why I think it's more important to match the owner's intended use to the accessories.

Start with a clear plan of what you want to achieve. Think about you, do you want to haul or tow more? Do you want to be more comfortable over longer trips? Do you want your truck to climb rocks and cut through any terrain like it's nothing?

After that, think about the truck. Think about what needs improving to achieve your plan. This approach saves money and gets better results.

Toyota Tundra Accessories

Got a plan in mind? Well, here are the accessories that you can install on your Tundra. Make sure to know all of them and take note of which accessories can support your goals.

Tundra Roof Racks

Tundra Roof racks are game-changers for cargo capacity. Want roof tents? Light bars? Storage boxes? None of these work without a proper roof rack foundation!

Platform racks offer the most versatility. Companies like Sherpa and Victory 4x4 make excellent options. Installation takes about 3 hours using machined spacers and pop rivets. The modular design lets you add light bars, awning mounts, and ladder attachments as needs change.

Crossbar systems from Rhino-Rack, Yakima, and other brands offer good value. They install in under an hour and work great for bikes, kayaks, and cargo boxes. The aerodynamic design reduces wind noise compared to platform racks.

Weight limits matter. Toyota rates most Tundra roofs at 165 pounds while driving. Static capacity when parked is 400-600 pounds, depending on the rack system. Respect these limits, I've seen roofs buckle from overloading.

Tundra Bed Racks

Tundra bed racks changed how I think about cargo management. They're easier to load than roof racks, don't hurt handling, and you don't need a ladder to reach gear!

Steel construction bed racks can handle serious abuse. They offer different heights, and full-height versions create seamless platforms with roof racks. Installation uses factory bed rail mounting points with no drilling. Weight capacity ranges from 500-800 pounds.

Aluminum bed racks keep weight down while offering excellent load capacity. The modular T-slot design accepts accessories from multiple manufacturers. These work well with tonneau covers since they mount above bed rails.

Leading options include CBI Offroad and Leitner Designs.

Tundra Skid Plates

Tundra Skid plates are essential off-road protection. I learned this the expensive way—watching a buddy crack his oil pan on a simple trail obstacle. The tow bill could have bought a complete skid plate package twice over.

RCI Offroad offers complete packages I trust. Steel construction and bolt-on design make installation straightforward (2-3 hours with basic tools). The 3/16" steel thickness protects against rocks and debris. Access ports allow oil changes without removing plates.

Talons Garage makes aluminum alternatives that save 40% weight while providing adequate protection. The anodized finish looks great and resists wear. Perfect for daily drivers where weight savings matter.

Cover the engine, transmission, and fuel tank at a minimum. Don't forget the transfer case and differential on 4WD models. Once you got the basics covered, you can also consider getting lower control arm skid plates or getting LCAs that include them.

Tundra Rock Sliders

Tundra Rock sliders protect your truck's sides and provide recovery points. Unlike running boards, true rock sliders mount directly to your frame for maximum strength.

RCI Offroad sliders are among the strongest available. It's a bolt-on design that doesn't require welding, so it's easy to install. The integrated recovery points saved me from sticky situations multiple times.

CBI Offroad offers sliders with step plates that transform daily usability on lifted trucks. The textured surface provides good grip even when wet. These extend slightly further but offer much better functionality.

Get ones with kick-out angles so you'll also deflect or slide away from certain obstacles instead of just protecting your rocker panels, but leaving everything else vulnerable.

Tundra Front Bumpers

Aftermarket Tundra bumpers dramatically change capability and appearance. I've installed many types with remarkable functionality differences.

C4 Fabrications is among some of my favorite front bumpers for Tundras, especially the Overland series. Yes, it looks mean while also being fairly subtle. But what I like most about it and other bumpers like it is the functionality that it adds, mainly the winch support and recovery points.

That's not all though. Most front bumpers will improve your approach angle and will provide mounting points (sometimes completely integrated) for light pods and light bars.

When considering a front bumper, yes get as much additional functionality as you can, but make sure if you can handle the bumper's weight. Heavy steel bumpers affect handling and fuel economy.

Tundra Rear Bumpers

Tundra Rear bumpers like front bumpers provide protection, recovery points, and light mounting points. But some rear bumpers provide storage options.

Mainly, you can get swing-out tire carriers to free up truck bed space and make spare tire access easy. They typically handle up to 37" tires and include integrated recovery points. Some also accommodate fuel cans or tool boxes.

For the Toyota Tundra, I recommend taking a look at CBI Offroad and Expedition One bumpers for the most functionality.

Tundra Tonneau Covers

Tundra Tonneau covers provide security and weather protection with specific advantages per style.

Roll up hard covers offer the best security and convenience. The rolling design provides partial or full bed access. Most are made of aluminum, which easily withstands weather and theft attempts. Installation takes about an hour; most kits don't require drilling, though some still do (better if you're looking for maximum security). Some have a dual-action tailgate seal that prevents water intrusion even in heavy rain.

Soft covers provide adequate protection at a lower cost. Most are made of vinyl, which folds up quickly for full bed access. Installation is simpler but security is limited.

Top tonneau cover brands for Tundras are the BakFlip or Bak Revolvers, as well as Retrax.

Tundra Roof Top Tents

Tundra roof top tents have transformed camping for many Tundra owners. They simplify outdoor adventures and eliminate searching for level ground.

Typical tents weigh 100-150 pounds and accommodate 2-4 people. Setup takes 2-5 minutes. Hard-shell tents deploy faster but cost more than soft-shell alternatives. The elevated position provides better views and catches pleasant breezes.

Ensure your roof rack handles both the tent weight and occupants (400-500 pounds total when stationary). Consider roof/bed rack compatibility, ladder access, storage when not in use, and wind resistance.

Tundra Bed Accessories

Tundra bed accessories dramatically improve truck bed functionality.

Bed dividers organize gear and prevent sliding. Some also include cargo nets to secure loose items during transport.

Bed mats and liners protect from damage and ease cleanup. Spray-in liners provide the best protection but are permanent. Drop-in liners are removable but may trap moisture. Rubber mats offer good protection for light-duty use.

Tundra Snorkel

Tundra Snorkels improve air filtration and provide cooler air to your engine, benefits I've noticed on dusty desert trips.

An important general rule of thumb; don't go submerging your Tundra just because you have a snorkel. That's a myth. Yes, it can help you protect your engine from water splashes while crossing rivers, but there are hundreds of vulnerable parts (mostly electrical) if you go in deep enough water.

Installation varies dramatically between manufacturers. Most require cutting a hole in the fender and modifying the air box connection. Professional installation is recommended unless you're experienced with bodywork.

Consider appearance impact, snorkels dramatically change your truck's look, if it is your cup of tea, Safari and ARB are popular brands with distinctive styling.

Tundra Exhaust

Tundra Exhaust modifications improve performance and appearance more than most expect, but come on, who doesn't love a good exhaust sound?

Cat-back systems provide the best balance of performance and installation ease. Expect 5-15 horsepower increases with quality systems. Installation takes 2-3 hours with basic tools. I recommend getting stainless steel, some anodized steel exhaust is also good, get titanium if you're feeling fancy.

Sound considerations are critical. What sounds great might be too loud for daily driving. Please consider neighbors and local noise ordinances before selecting aggressive systems.

Tundra Lighting

Tundra Headlights

Upgraded Tundra headlights dramatically improve visibility. Modern LED options provide huge improvements over factory halogen units—the difference is like night and day.

Retrofit options upgrade existing housings with LED technology at lower cost. Professional installation ensures proper beam patterns and avoids dangerous glare issues.

Complete replacement units offer the latest technology and styling. Ensure DOT-approved units for legal compliance. Sequential turn signals and DRL integration modernize appearance.

Tundra Tail Lights

Aftermarket Tundra tail lights provide faster response and lower power consumption.

Sequential turn signals modernize appearance while improving visibility. The flowing light pattern is more eye-catching than standard illumination. LED technology lasts 10+ years compared to 1-2 years for incandescent bulbs. Installation is usually plug-and-play.

Tundra Light Bars

Light bars provide exceptional off-road illumination. The first time I drove a technical trail at night with my 30" light bar, obstacles that were nearly invisible became clearly illuminated.

Mounting locations include roof racks, bumpers, and grille areas. Roof-mounted bars provide the best light spread but are vulnerable to damage. Bumper-mounted bars are better protected but may create hood glare.

Beam patterns matter significantly. Combination spot and flood beams provide the best versatility. Many quality bars offer both patterns in one unit.

Tundra Fog Lights

Quality Tundra fog lights improve visibility in challenging conditions. Many aftermarket options significantly outperform factory units.

LED upgrades provide whiter light and longer life. Yellow light cuts through dust and light fog much better than standard white beams. Consider your climate when choosing color temperature.

Tundra Suspension Components

Tundra Upper Control Arms

Aftermarket Tundra upper control arms are essential for lifted applications and improve handling even on stock trucks.

Quality arms use stronger ball joints and bushings than factory equipment. Uniball designs eliminate binding and provide smoother operation over rough terrain.

Premium options use greaseable joints that extend service life significantly compared to sealed factory joints.

Tundra Lower Control Arms

Tundra lower control arms become necessary with larger lift kits or when seeking maximum wheel travel.

Aftermarket arms offer stronger construction and improved bushings compared to factory equipment. Installation requires proper tools and alignment afterward.

Tundra Lift Kits

Tundra lift kits are among the most transformative accessories available, with dramatic capability improvements when done correctly.

2-3 inch lifts provide the best balance of capability and daily drivability. These allow larger tires while maintaining reasonable fuel economy. Installation typically takes a full day with proper tools and safety equipment.

Westcott Designs provides innovative preload collar systems that maintain stock suspension components and travel while achieving the desired ride height. The collar system is reversible and doesn't permanently modify factory components and is also a very affordable option to safely lift your truck, I recommend trying this out before committing to a full suspension lift, especially if you're just looking for aesthetic improvements.

Tundra Long Travel Kits

Tundra long travel kits represent the ultimate in suspension performance but require significant investment and expertise.

Camburg Engineering leads the market with Kinetik series systems, providing exceptional wheel travel and control. Installation requires extensive fabrication skills beyond most DIYers. Expect 12+ inches of wheel travel compared to 8-9 inches from factory suspension.

Cost extends far beyond the initial kit price. Installation and supporting modifications can double the total investment. Professional installation is mandatory given the complexity and precision required. As for you, I'd recommend careful consideration since this one of those components that could make or break your Tundra's experience if not considered correctly.

Tundra Shocks

Tundra shock absorbers are crucial for ride quality and control. This is often the most cost-effective suspension upgrade.

FOX Performance Series shocks provide excellent improvement over factory units. The monotube design prevents aeration and fade during extended use.

ICON Vehicle Dynamics shocks excel in demanding applications. Larger diameter allows more oil capacity and better heat dissipation. Remote reservoirs further improve performance in extreme conditions.

Tundra Interior Accessories

Tundra Dash Mounts

Tundra dash mounts provide secure electronics mounting without permanent modifications.

Phone mounts range from cup holder inserts to magnetic systems. Mechanical clamps provide stronger retention for rough terrain. Consider vibration damping for off-road driving since constant jarring can damage electronics.

Radio mounts accommodate aftermarket communication equipment. Plan cable routing carefully to avoid interference with other systems.

Tundra Floor Mats

Quality floor mats protect interiors and ease cleanup dramatically.

All-weather mats provide the best protection for active lifestyles. WeatherTech and Husky Liners offer excellent coverage and precise fit. Raised edges contain spills and mud effectively. Installation is simple without tools or modifications.

Tundra Seat Covers

Quality seat covers protect your investment and extend seat life in demanding applications.

Waterproof options excel for outdoor enthusiasts. Neoprene materials resist water, mud, and UV damage. Snug fit maintains factory seat functionality including side airbags and heating elements.

Custom-fit covers provide better appearance and function than generic alternatives. Quality covers install securely and maintain access to seat controls and safety features.

Final Thoughts

Building the perfect Tundra requires careful consideration of needs and budget. Quality accessories that work together provide dramatically better results than random additions.

Start with protection if you plan off-road use. Skid plates and rock sliders prevent expensive damage. Consider professional installation for complex systems to avoid safety hazards and warranty issues.

Plan for compatibility between accessories. Budget for quality rather than choosing the cheapest options; premium accessories offer better fit, finish, and longevity.

The Toyota Tundra platform responds exceptionally well to thoughtful modifications. Whether building a daily driver or an extreme off-road machine, the right accessories can transform your truck into exactly what you need while maintaining Toyota's legendary reliability.

When ready to shop for Toyota Tundra accessories? Browse our shop here at Truck Brigade. Feel free to reach out to us anytime! Our experts are always ready to help you if you have a build or budget in mind.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best first accessory for a new Tundra owner?

Start with protection, either skid plates for off-road use or a quality tonneau cover for daily driving. These provide immediate value and protect your investment.

Do lift kits affect reliability or warranty coverage?

Quality lift kits from reputable manufacturers typically don't affect overall reliability when properly installed. However, they may impact warranty coverage for related components. Always discuss modifications with your dealer first.

How much weight can I safely carry on my roof rack?

Toyota rates Tundra roofs at 165 pounds while driving. Static capacity when parked is typically 400-600 pounds. Always verify with the manufacturer and stay conservative.

Are aftermarket accessories worth the investment?

Quality aftermarket accessories often provide better functionality than factory options and significantly enhance capability. Choose based on actual needs rather than maximum capability.

Should I install accessories myself or use a professional?

Simple accessories like tonneau covers and basic lighting can be DIY projects. Complex systems like lift kits and bumpers benefit from professional installation for proper fit and safety.