Salvaged Taco Overland Build Ideas

I bought a 2013 salvage title TRD SPORT LB, real good shape despite the salvage title so I’m looking to turn it into an overlander truck to escape the Phoenix heat in the summer.

I’m looking for tried and true ideas on upgrades for the following things, from those who’ve treaded down this path. As well as any other recommendations.

• lights - headlights/bars/search lights
•Camper/Shell - I currently have a 4300 quote for the ARE Overland shell and Yakima roof rack.
• body mods/upgrades
• wheels and tires
• miscellaneous things

If there’s a better place to refer this question/post please let me know as well.

 

There's lots of info about this stuff on the forum. Just have to look around a bit. Can be a little overwhelming at first but you'll get the hang of it.

Firstly though, I recommend taking smaller camping trips first to get a feel for what you need. By far the most important things you need are recovery and emergency equipment. Things like battery jumper, first aid, proper spare, tow strap, ect. Tires are pretty important too. Also, keep in mind that basically all parts like suspension and skids are backordered for a good amount of time. Just go out and do smaller trips to get a real feel for what you actually need for now.

I also recommend checking out some build threads on this forum to see what others are doing. That doesn't mean it's exactly what you should do too, but it gives you some good ideas.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/forums/2nd-gen-builds-2005-2015.103/

 

Go to Flagstaff......... North Rim GC....... Telluride....... etc

Make a list......

 

Feel like there’s more than enough input on suspension, armor, lighting and other ideas. But range isn’t normally at the top of the list. That’s where Long Range Automotive’s 33 gallon tank is worth a look. Nice to be able to see your escape going further than stock allows.

 

The truth is you don't need much at all. A $200 truck tent, a good cooler, stuff for camping, extra water jugs, a good spare - you can imagine the things you might need. Coleman stove. Comfortable chairs. It's truck camping after all, you're not going into Central America. You'll never be more than 25 miles from pavement and probably not more than 50 from a gas station. A jerry can for gas will give you an extra 100 miles of range. That's nearly half the width of Wyoming.

For many it's an Instagram vehicle mod hobby, when it ought to be about going out and enjoying the (heavily mapped and roaded) "wilderness", which you can do as soon as you fill the tank. These aren't Land Rovers - you don't need to rebuild the truck to take off.

Anybody who thinks they need heavy steel bumpers and 33" tires and a lift to drive around in the outback is high. You don't even need a winch. Drive smart and defensively. Get a good set of beefy all terrain tires slightly larger than stock, make sure the truck is completely baselined and looked over stem to stern by a trusted mechanic, make sure all systems are go, then just...go.