2wd Truck Build: Our Toyota Tacoma Camping Rig

The Toyota Tacoma makes for a great camping/overland platform to build on since it’s extremely reliable and just the right size for tight dirt trails. It’s no longer considered a small truck if you buy a 2005 and up model and the V6 engine is powerful enough to haul a light camper trailer. A 2wd truck build can be a capable and reliable vehicle for camping and easy/moderate dirt roads. Besides camping trips, we use our double cab Tacoma as our main family vehicle and grocery-getter.

Scenic trail near Big Sur, California

Check out this quick list of modifications and additions I’ve performed on my truck. Most were done specifically for camping and overland trips to make us as self-reliant as possible.

Truck Specs: 2006 Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport V6 | Double Cab, Long Bed
Miles: 139k as of July 2021.

Toyota Tacoma Mods & Additions:

  • OME 885 3-inch suspension lift with Bilstein 5100 shocks and Dakar medium-duty leaf springs
  • Detroit Truetrac & 4.10 gears
  • Toyo Open Country AT3 tires 255/80/17 (skinny, pizza cutters), Level 6 MKII custom wheels
  • Softopper camper shell (Review)
  • On-board water pressure system (Link)
  • Bed-rail QuickFist mounts for shovel, ax, hi-lift jack, and other accessories.
  • Interior LED light upgrade
  • BajaRack heavy duty roof rack
  • Weathertech floor mats
  • Seat Covers
  • Flat Panel Inner-Tailgate replacement
  • Previously ran Cooper AT3 4S tires and they were great

2wd Truck Build: Camping/Overlanding Accessories & Offroad Recovery Gear

View our comprehensive “Best Recovery Gear” article.

Wanted/Upcoming Mods & Accessories

  • ARB Air Locker or Detroit Truetrac limited slip
  • Light bar, hood lights
  • Rock sliders
  • Extended rear shocks and brake lines
  • Backup/reverse camera
  • Dedicated bed lights under softopper

The list can go on and on, but that’s about all I can remember for now. Leave a comment below if you have questions or thoughts on my 2×4 Toyota Tacoma truck build!

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