The Toyota Tacoma, often affectionately called the "Taco," rolled onto the scene in 1995, designed specifically for the North American market as a rugged, compact pickup that could handle both everyday use and off-road challenges. Unlike its predecessor, the Hilux—a no-nonsense workhorse that’s practically indestructible—the Tacoma focused on a balance of comfort, safety, and performance. Toyota aimed for a truck that would appeal to both urban dwellers and outdoor enthusiasts, which set it apart from more utilitarian competitors.

The Tacoma’s success is partly due to Toyota’s commitment to off-road capability, evidenced by their TRD (Toyota Racing Development) models with heavy-duty suspensions, skid plates, and locking rear differentials. Some other quirks? The second-generation Tacomas (2005-2015) had an iconic slanted “chopped” fender, supposedly to help the driver see better while maneuvering on trails—a divisive but memorable look. The third generation, introduced in 2016, stepped up with advanced off-road features like Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain Select, making it even more of a go-to for overlanders.

Another odd fact? Tacoma frames on older models had a knack for rusting out prematurely, leading to Toyota’s massive frame replacement campaign—a hassle for some, but a testament to Toyota’s quality commitment.

With its loyal following, bulletproof build, and capable off-road chops, the Tacoma’s reputation for versatility and reliability keeps it firmly on top as one of the most popular mid-size trucks for overlanding enthusiasts.

My Truck

The 2022 Off-Road “Lunar Rock” with a double cab and short bed was a custom order that required some waiting time and came with a hefty $57K price tag. It’s an unusual combination of off-road, Limited, and TRD Pro features. Why did I get the moonroof when I always planned on getting the roof rack? I have no idea. Additionally, I got the TRD Pro lift but ended up upgrading it almost immediately. Poor planning and my signature impatience, I guess.

Upgrades

Even before I got the truck, I ordered the Front Runner Slimline II Roof Rack for $931.50 and the wind fairing for $144.00.
Also before the truck came the Westcott rock slider for 1,524.15.
Once I had the truck, I got the RSI SmartCap EVOc was $2,995, $2,000 to paint-match, and $593.56 installation, plus tax - all in all - $5,294.70.
I also got the RSI Smart Canopy Slimline II Rack Kit from Front Runner for $905.00
Then came the SPC25470 SPC Adjustable Upper Control Arms, $737.71 parts/tax and $842.60 labor.
This was closely followed by Old Man Emu - EL112R - Single Spring Pack, SPORT SHOCK TACOMA 2005 ON -R-, and ARB Universal Differential Breather Kit for $1,066.36 in parts and $890.35 in labor.
Five 16x8 Method MR701 wheels and five LT285/75R-16 General Grabber A/TX E tires for $3,015.85 altogether, including 315MHz Tire Pressure Sensors, mounting, balancing, and shipping.
A pair of Pelican Vault V730 from Amazon for $454.92
The DOMETIC CFX3 75-Liter Dual Zone Portable Refrigerator and Freezer, also from Amazon for $1,184.99.
The EF ECOFLOW Portable Power Station DELTA from Amazon for $1,099.00.
The Champion 2500-Watt Portable Inverter Generator from Amazon as well for $440.10.
The Bedslide S 58" x 39" and the rail kit for $1,460.00.
Some Garmin gadgets: Garmin Montana 750i (terrible) for $703.40, a pair of Garmin PowerSwitches for about $1,000 total (awesome), and the Garmin Overlander for $529.99.
Four Baja Designs Squadron-R Sport lights for $413.92.
Various gas and water tanks and associated mounting hardware - all from Front Runner. Also, their Wolf Pack rooftop storage boxes (terrible). And slew of small stuff.
Then I got the Add a leaf into OME spring pack for $476.97 labor and I don’t recall what it cost in parts.
Cab mount relocation was $1,472.26 in parts and labor (the chop I decided against was quoted at $593.56).
Rigid Armor Hybrid Swing-Out spare tire carrier for $1,430.00.
Much of the internal storage in the bed consists of Tactix HD Modular boxes, which include a combination of top (small) and mid sizes. They are quite durable and weatherproof. I purchased mine at the Container Store, but they seem to be elusive these days. Some people complain about failing hinges. I’ve been putting mine through heavy use without any issues, so I don't know what to say.
So, well north of $27K in total. And then a shit ton of stuff I can’t even remember now. And those small items tend to add up.

Some ask, where’s the rooftop tent? Well, I have a back issue that prevents me from sleeping flat. I use a zero-gravity chair, and the rooftop tents are too small for that. I am using the Gazelle T4, which fits nicely between the two Pelican boxes on the roof.

Here are some photos in more or less chronological order of the upgrade effort.

Where I Went Wrong

I received some good technical advice and stuck with a dedicated overlanding truck shop for most of my modifications. They were not cheap and slow to respond, but they had good expertise. My initial choices for truck configuration were excessive. I did not need that moonroof or the TRD Pro lift; that was money wasted.

Front Runner makes excellent roof racks and mounting hardware. However, their other offerings are underwhelming. Their Wolf Pack boxes leak, and their Jerry cans are fragile, among other issues.

I got greedy with the tires. The 285s were way too wide, necessitating further lift and ultimately the cab mount relocation. A possible alternative to CMR might have been a six-inch lift, but that feels ridiculous on a highway and is still unlikely to fully resolve the issue.

Not getting the Bedslide earlier was a mistake; it's ultimately useful. I also got a fridge that was too large—my greediness struck again. The Pelican Vault V730 is not bad, but it's way too shallow. I will be replacing it with something a little deeper very soon.

The Champion generator is quite inexpensive but very noisy. In retrospect, I should’ve splurged on a Honda.