2021 Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro Build

RemoteBound

Active Member
Jun 29, 2021
28
8
3
40
Nashville, TN
Vehicle Drivetrain
4wd
Vehicle Year
2021
First mod: removed the running boards! Each running board was bolted on with six 12mm bolts. I shoved a few pillows and blankets under the running board while unscrewing it so that it didn't fall off and knock me unconscious after it came loose. Each running board weighs 26 lbs, for a total of 52 lbs. I screwed the bolts back in after taking the boards off. I took my time and finished in about 45 minutes. I haven't done any mechanical work before so after completing this I feel like a master mechanic!

before_removal.jpg after_removal.jpg with_running_boards.jpg without_running_boards.jpg
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: Dan K

RemoteBound

Active Member
Jun 29, 2021
28
8
3
40
Nashville, TN
I removed the two third row seats along with the plastic storage tray that was behind the third row and the rear gate. The larger seat weighs about 60 lbs. and the smaller one weighs about 40 lbs, for a total of 100 extra lbs. of payload allowance! Overall it was pretty easy, just 15 bolts or so and some electrical cables. The second row seats are next! Then I'll build a platform and shelving for storage and also for sleeping. I'll also put down some sound proofing material to keep the road noise down.

PXL_20210712_222049405.jpg PXL_20210712_222057940.jpg PXL_20210712_222114722.jpg PXL_20210712_223645020_2.jpg
 
Last edited:

RemoteBound

Active Member
Jun 29, 2021
28
8
3
40
Nashville, TN
Removing the third row seats increased the road noise inside so I installed some KILMAT sound deadening mats and wow... this stuff really works! So far I only did the parts that had the metal fully exposed but the difference is already noticeable. I plan to remove the second row seats soon and add some underdeath there also. Who knows, I may just wind up doing the entire vehicle at this point!

PXL_20210714_182050176_2.jpg PXL_20210714_182926783.jpg PXL_20210714_192659339.jpg PXL_20210714_191001240.jpg PXL_20210714_192654436.jpg PXL_20210714_192713028.jpg PXL_20210714_214638466.jpg PXL_20210714_214643584.jpg PXL_20210714_214649279.jpg PXL_20210714_214838669.jpg
 
  • Like
Reactions: Dan K

Cklippi

New Member
Jul 12, 2021
11
7
3
Santa Cruz
It's looking good! If you're interested in selling the sets you took out let me know. I'm sure they're in much better condition than those in my 2008. Shipping to CA might make it not workable but thought I'd ask.
Thanks
 

RemoteBound

Active Member
Jun 29, 2021
28
8
3
40
Nashville, TN
It's looking good! If you're interested in selling the sets you took out let me know. I'm sure they're in much better condition than those in my 2008. Shipping to CA might make it not workable but thought I'd ask.
Thanks

I would love to sell the third row of Sequoia seats that I took out, but shipping them to California would be extremely expensive. If you're ever in Tennessee, let me know and you can swing by and pick 'em up!
 
  • Like
Reactions: Cklippi

Dan K

New Member
Aug 2, 2021
6
6
3
47
Looks what you’re doing RemoteBound. Tires look great. What size, can’t read the sidewall in pic? Also for the seat delete, I need my third row when not out camping (got 4 kids and a dog), how hard would it be to take out and put back in when needed? 100lbs is a lot.
 
  • Like
Reactions: RemoteBound

RemoteBound

Active Member
Jun 29, 2021
28
8
3
40
Nashville, TN
Looks what you’re doing RemoteBound. Tires look great. What size, can’t read the sidewall in pic? Also for the seat delete, I need my third row when not out camping (got 4 kids and a dog), how hard would it be to take out and put back in when needed? 100lbs is a lot.

Thanks!

Info on the tires is below. They're the same size as the stock tires.
I am totally ditching my third row seats and will either sell them or wind up just dumping them, so my situation is a little different than yours.

For you, being able to remove the third row seats and putting them back into place sounds like it'd be pretty useful. You can definitely do it, but just keep a few things in mind if you're going to take this route:

  • Behind the third row is a bunch of plastic and carpeting that forms the "trunk" area. You're definitely not going to want to take this stuff out and put it back in every single time you take the seats out and put them back in. It'd just be too much of a pain in the @$$ and too many screws. Possible, but annoying and not worth it in my opinion. So, you'll probably wind up putting that stuff in storage.
  • Since you'll be removing this "trunk area" stuff, the metal underneath will be exposed. You can see it in my photos. So, you might want to then build some sort of small wooden platform to put stuff on in your new trunk. Not hard, but will require a little bit of carpentry. Something to think about.
  • The seats are heavy. I'm in decent shape, but the awkwardness and shape of the seats can wreck your lower back while removing them and putting them back in, if you're not careful. Make sure you take your time and brace your core while doing this alone, or have someone help you.
  • The third row is split into two sections - one section is 60 lbs. and the other section is 40 lbs.
  • In my Sequoia, each seat can be lowered (and I think raised) using buttons. So each seat section has a small electrical wiring harness that you'll need to plug/unplug each time - pretty easy.
  • The second row of seats is a little easier to get in and out than the third row.


===========================================================


Brand: Nitto Ridge Grappler 116T XL 4 Ply Tire
Stock #: 217730
Size: 275/65R18
Tread Depth: 13.5
Speed Rating: T
Load Index Rating: 116
Height: 32.1"
Diameter: 32.09
Width: 10.98
Approved Rim: 7.5-(8.0)-9.5
Max Load @ PSI: 2756 lbs. @ 50 psi
Weight: 45.04 lbs.

Wheel Size: 18"
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: Dan K

Dan K

New Member
Aug 2, 2021
6
6
3
47
Appreciate it. Great info about the seats. Getting ready to drive from VA to California for Sky Camp 2021. Have business out there so going several weeks early and wife and I going to camp on our way out and back in BLM and National Forest lands. The extra space and more importantly the payload is huge. The 1300 lbs isn't bad but after adding the iKamper and the fridge, it puts the payload closer to 1k.
 
  • Like
Reactions: RemoteBound

Pound

New Member
Aug 18, 2021
1
1
3
42
Nice rig. I registered to see your pictures. I'm thinking of taking out two seats from my third row to gain some room for camping.
 
  • Like
Reactions: RemoteBound

e46fan

New Member
Sep 10, 2021
3
0
1
46
First mod: removed the running boards! Each running board was bolted on with six 12mm bolts. I shoved a few pillows and blankets under the running board while unscrewing it so that it didn't fall off and knock me unconscious after it came loose. Each running board weighs 26 lbs, for a total of 52 lbs. I screwed the bolts back in after taking the boards off. I took my time and finished in about 45 minutes. I haven't done any mechanical work before so after completing this I feel like a master mechanic!

View attachment 2274 View attachment 2275 View attachment 2276 View attachment 2277
Any chance you want to sell those running boadrs?
 

Dave Kerr

New Member
Mar 28, 2018
16
0
1
Cleveland, Ohio
I had my tow hooke powder coated TRD red. Seems to be a trend now. I think it would look good to paint the small roacker panels flat black to make them less visible. I saw this on a 4Runner and it looked right.