The First 3 Upgrades We Made to Our 2026 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro (and Why They Matter)

When we decided to turn our 2026 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro (aka Chief) into our mobile camping haven, we knew one thing: we didn’t want to overcomplicate it. With busy work schedules and a goal of spending more time outdoors as a family, we focused on upgrades that would make everyday use easier now while setting us up for future adventures.

These are the first three modifications we made—all practical, beginner-friendly, and foundational to our camping setup.

Our 2026 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro with Go Rhino RB20 Running Boards Installed

1. Go Rhino RB20 Running Boards — Easier In, Easier Out

The Tundra TRD Pro sits high, which we love… until it’s time to climb in and out multiple times a day. Add a five-year-old and a four-legged adventure buddy, and running boards quickly became a must-have.

The Go Rhino RB20 Running Boards were our first upgrade for a reason:

• They make getting in and out of the truck significantly easier

• They feel sturdy and secure for both kids and adults

• They add functionality without sacrificing the rugged look

This was one of those upgrades that immediately made Chief more family-friendly and daily-driver practical, especially for quick trips and longer road days.

Beginner takeaway: Comfort matters. If your vehicle is hard to climb into, you’ll be less likely to use it for spontaneous adventures.

2. Yakima Adjustable Truck Bed Rack, Overhaul HD — Planning Ahead for Our RoofNest

We may not have our rooftop tent installed yet, but we’re big believers in building intentionally. The Yakima Overhaul Rack is a future-focused upgrade that prepares Chief for what’s next: a RoofNest rooftop tent.

Why we added it early:

• The rack gives us a solid, trusted mounting system

• It is compatible with future gear beyond the tent

• It allows us to build our setup in phases, not all at once

This upgrade is less about immediate comfort and more about creating flexibility—something we value as beginners building our confidence outdoors.

Beginner takeaway: You don’t have to do everything at once. Thoughtful, phased upgrades make the process more manageable.

3. Syneticusa Stealth Black Retractable Hard Tonneau Cover — Secure, Organized, Streamlined

If there’s one upgrade that instantly made Chief feel like a true mobile camping haven, it’s the tonneau truck bed cover.

For us, this was about:

• Keeping gear secure and out of sight

• Protecting camping essentials from weather

• Creating a clean, organized space we can rely on

With the bed covered, we can store bins, camping gear, and everyday items without worrying about exposure or clutter. It’s a small change that made a huge difference in how functional the truck feels.

Beginner takeaway: Organization is key. When your gear has a place, getting outside feels far less overwhelming.

Why We Started Here

We didn’t start with flashy upgrades or complicated builds. We started with comfort, safety, and future flexibility—because those are the things that make outdoor time realistic with a busy schedule.

These first three upgrades laid the foundation for everything we plan to add next, and more importantly, they made it easier to actually use Chief right now.

What’s Next?

Next up: dialing in our sleeping setup, adding camp organization solutions, and slowly building toward our rooftop tent. We’ll be sharing every step—what works, what doesn’t, and what we’d recommend for beginners.

Small steps. Big outdoors.