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Recalling My Truck: Toyota Tundra

July 9, 2024 by Ben Beard

About a year ago, I wrote a blog post outlining my history of vehicles and detailing some future plans. In it, I mentioned, “I am already contemplating the replacement of my current Toyota Tundra with a newer model, as it offers upgraded features that were not available when I made my purchase. While the actual decision remains uncertain, if everything aligns, it may happen in 2024.” It’s fun to look back on that statement a year later.

In May 2024, Toyota recalled over 100,000 vehicles due to a major engine issue involving leftover machined metal, which can cause catastrophic engine failure. Unfortunately, my 2022 Toyota Tundra was included in this recall. As of now, Toyota has not provided a remedy, but speculation points to major repairs for the affected engines. This situation is not ideal, as having my primary vehicle unavailable for an unknown amount of time is not something I want to deal with. So, I’ve decided to move on and started shopping for a replacement.

I’ve only been driving a truck as my daily driver for the past two years, but I knew I wanted another one. I’ve grown accustomed to the size and utility of a pickup truck and don’t want to try anything else. My other family vehicle is a Jeep Wrangler, which has a completely different utility. I started looking at the current 2024/2025 model pickup trucks and narrowed my search down to four models: GMC Sierra 1500, Ford F-150, Ram 1500, and Toyota Tundra. My long list of requirements led me to these models and specific trim levels. The shortlist of requirements included a turbo-charged V6 engine (hybrid if possible), the latest tech with well-integrated infotainment, wireless CarPlay, no chrome, a video camera rear-view mirror, and exterior styling that I liked.

I quickly crossed off the Ford F-150 Lightning, despite the good deals available, as I’m not set up for a fully electric primary vehicle. While our Jeep Wrangler is a plug-in hybrid, and we already have charging in place for that, it wasn’t enough to sway my decision.

Next, I began configuring trucks on the manufacturer websites, but I quickly realized none of the other models were equipped like my current Tundra. Even when I got close to a configuration I wanted, it pushed me into a higher trim that I either didn’t like the look of (see: Chrome) or was out of my budget range. So, I was back to looking at a new Tundra. The latest 2024 model didn’t offer many changes from my current 2022 vehicle, but the new Tundra market has changed drastically since I purchased mine in April 2022. Now, trucks were available on lots, and prices were well under MSRP, reflecting pre-COVID inventory levels. I found a couple of possible trucks nearby that I wanted to check out, but two things prevented me from doing that.

First, a news story reported that Toyota dealers were refusing to accept trades on Tundras included in the engine recall, which was concerning but understandable. Second, a massive ransomware attack on the most popular car dealer software, CDK, left many dealers unable to conduct business, especially car sales.

During the CDK outage, I was in touch with a local dealer about a model they had on the lot. It was a special edition trim that Toyota only produced 1,500 of. While that wasn’t a driving factor, it was outfitted exactly how I wanted a truck. The dealer told me to try again later as they weren’t able to process anything. A short time later, I noticed Toyota listed that truck as sale pending, so I reached out to the dealer again and didn’t receive a response. I stopped by the lot and confirmed that the truck was no longer there. That one got away.

Determined to find something I wanted, I explored more dealers and set my sights on getting a duplicate of my current truck in a different color. Because I’m me, I dove deep into the available inventory, options, and pricing. I came across a rare configuration not too far from me and instantly reached out to the dealer to confirm the truck was on the lot. I made an appointment to go see it the next day.

Between that phone call and my appointment, I researched the truck thoroughly. By the time I went to the dealer the next morning, I was 95% sure I was going to buy it. The dealer experience was better than some I’ve had in the past. Not much negotiation was needed, and I didn’t even test drive the new truck. About two and a half hours later, I was out the door in my new truck and left the old recalled one behind.

Being so familiar with my two-year-old truck, I noticed some differences and improvements in the 2024 model that aren’t widely discussed.

The overall fit and finish are much improved in 2024. I attribute this to it not being the first year of production for a new model, as well as reduced post-COVID labor shortages.
In my 2022 truck, there was a persistent driver’s side wind noise that the Toyota dealer couldn’t fix despite multiple attempts. I even tried adding weather stripping to the door, but nothing worked.
- This issue is not present in the 2024 truck.
The plastic surround of the infotainment screen in the 2022 truck was never seated properly and eventually cracked due to stress and probably UV exposure. Toyota was aware of this issue but never offered a resolution.
- This also does not appear to be an issue in the 2024 model.
The overhead map/dome light lenses have been changed slightly to improve the spread of the light.
There’s also a new HVAC button that turns off the rear vents.
In the 2022 truck, there was sometimes a hesitation in acceleration when starting out. This issue was reported through a TSB but was never fixed for me.
- The 2024 truck doesn’t have this problem, which could be due to the hybrid system.
While I have no evidence to support this, the turning radius appears to be better in the 2024 truck. This could be a benefit of the TRD off-road package, but it feels like I can turn tighter than before.

Overall, I’m very happy with my purchase and it seems I have gained many improvements over the truck I previously loved. While I’m fully aware that my new 2024 truck could eventually be included in the recall, I feel reassured knowing I may not have to waste time getting the issue resolved.

Past and present truck specs:

2022 Toyota Tundra Platinum 4×4
CrewMax 5.5′ bed
Advanced package
3.4L twin-turbo V6
384 HP / 470 LB-FT TQ
Magnetic Gray Metallic

2024 Toyota Tundra Platinum 4×4
CrewMax 5.5′ bed
TRD Off-road package
3.4L twin-turbo V6 hybrid
437 HP / 583 LB-FT TQ
Wind Chill Pearl

The biggest difference is the hybrid engine, which adds more power with a battery-assisted electric motor. The interiors are 95% the same between the two models. Aside from the color, here are some of the smaller differences in configuration and equipment:

2022
– Power running boards
– Power bed step
– Spray-on bed liner
– Adaptive Variable Suspension
– Dark chrome mesh grille
– Rear under-seat storage
– Dark gray painted 20″ wheels

2024
– TRD off-road suspension
– Matte gray honeycomb grille
– Locking rear differential
– Multi-Terrain Select, Crawl Control, Downhill Assist Control
– Multi-Terrain Monitor
– TRD off-road matte black 20″ wheels

I Made You a Mixtape: Piracy to Playlist

April 15, 2023 by Ben Beard

My fascination with music began at the age of seven when I received a portable CD player and Michael Jackson’s HIStory album as a Christmas gift. Ever since, music has played an integral role in my daily routine. In the early 2000s, when Napster emerged, I started downloading pirated music to satiate my growing appetite for discovering new songs. I attribute pirated music to broadening my knowledge of music beyond the popular mainstream. It was through free music that I discovered artists such as The Guess Who, Doobie Brothers, and Hall & Oates. During my piracy days, I made countless mix CDs containing 12 to 18 songs to fit the 80-minute limit of a CD-R for myself and friends. Over time, I amassed over 200 mix CDs and the number only increased when I started driving, always ensuring I had a fresh mix CD for the car. The advent of MP3 CDs eventually slowed my mix CD creation, but there’s nothing quite like a well-curated 15-song mix CD to make driving around during your teenage years more enjoyable.

Fast forward to today, I’ve abandoned music piracy and switched to a streaming service. Though I can still make mix CDs, they seem outdated and my current vehicle lacks a CD player. Instead, I create playlists to suit my musical preferences. These could be categorized by genre, artist, or release date, but more often, I like to personalize a selection of songs that relate to a specific theme or concept. One of my favorite playlist creation techniques involves finding songs that sound like my current favorite tune. This approach typically leads me to explore genres that are new to me. Since I’m creating playlists rather than burning CDs, I can add or modify songs over time, continuously expanding the list as new music is released or discovered. Thanks to Apple Music, I can even generate Smart Playlists that automatically add songs from my library to a playlist based on criteria such as release date, genre, or artist.

I have experimented with several music recommendation services in the past, which suggest similar artists or songs. While this approach serves as a decent starting point, I have discovered that algorithms are unable to capture the nuances of music. I also attempted using AI, which provided better results compared to conventional music discovery methods; however, it lacked diversity. Some aspects of music discovery still demand a human touch.

I have compiled a lovely assortment of my personally curated playlists, along with custom artwork for each one. To accommodate those who do not use Apple Music, I have provided links to both Apple Music and Spotify. Please feel free to discover and enjoy these playlists on whichever streaming service you prefer. Click or tap on the logo that corresponds to your streaming service of choice to listen to the playlist.

Americana

The music industry created the term “Americana” as a sub-genre of country music, but many artists have rejected this classification. They prefer to be recognized as country musicians rather than being segregated into a category that doesn’t align with Nashville or Texas country music. I support their stance, but my Americana playlist is not meant to force them into a category they reject. Instead, it’s a selection of music with a distinct sound that evokes images of country roads, up-tempo rhythms, and profound lyrics. This playlist features artists such as Tyler Childers, Charley Crockett, Morgan Wallen, and more. It’s my current favorite playlist to play while driving with the windows down.

Beard Bangers

Beard Bangers is my constantly evolving playlist of the latest hit songs (or Bangers) that I’m loving right now. This is my go-to playlist for discovering new music, and I update it regularly with fresh tracks as they are released and remove older songs as they age out.

Pacific Reggae

Hawaii and other Pacific islands have a very distinctive sub-genre of Reggae music. This mostly modern style of Reggae features the unique island sound, setting it apart from other contemporary Reggae music.

Cookout

I throw a cookout or barbecue at my house a few times a year and always have music playing. This playlist is what I typically play at these gatherings – a dynamic mix of new and classic tracks that perfectly set the tone for the occasion.

Good Vibes

Good Vibes is a playlist of Reggae (or similar) tracks that exude positivity and always put me in a good mood. It’s impossible to feel down when listening to these songs.

Reggae-Rock / Country

This playlist features artists who typically perform reggae-rock, but also sing country songs or covers, which I’m calling the Reggae-Rock-Country genre.

The Eternal Jukebox

September 8, 2022February 13, 2018 by Ben Beard

My Last Ten Albums, Ever

eternal-jukebox

Music is Important to Me

A co-worker and I were having a music discussion around how satisfying it was to have physical media when we were younger. This co-worker and I often have analytical conversations around movies, music, and technology. Most of the time we fall on the same side of the arguments. The latest confab got me thinking…. What if something in the world destroyed the ability to access music so effortlessly like we do today. Since I was about nine years old, music has been something I enjoy listening to everyday. Whether I’m sad, happy, or indifferent, music is always there to appease me.

There Are Some Rules

Music streaming is gone, iTunes has shutdown, Sam Goody is gone for real, and all you have left is one jukebox. This magical jukebox can play any ten albums for as long as you live, as many times as you like. Before all the music is destroyed you have to quickly pick ten albums to fill the jukebox. [perfectpullquote align=”right” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]”Today we have 50 million songs at our fingertips which is great and potentially life changing…”[/perfectpullquote]

These ten albums should be the ten albums you could listen to for the rest of your life. They shouldn’t be the best ten albums ever made, that’s always subjective. Your favorite ten albums could also be a mistake since you might be missing out on music that makes you feel all sorts of emotions. Ten albums are all you get, forever.

Because this is a artistic exercise, our eternal jukebox cannot play “greatest hits” or other types of compilations.

Eternal Jukebox Library

Here’s my list, these ten albums will forever be in my mystical eternal jukebox.

Bone Thugs-N-Harmony – E. 1999 Eternal
Dirty Heads – SWIM TEAM
Ed Sheeran – X
Hootie & The Blowfish – Cracked Rear View
John Mayer – Continuum
Ma$e – Harlem World
Michael Jackson – HIStory: Past, Present, and Future, Book I
Nelly – Country Grammar
Sam Cooke – Ain’t That Good News
Sublime – Sublime

Honorable mention: Lauryn Hill – The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill