Setting Up Your Tacoma and Tundra for Overlanding and Camping

So, you have a Toyota Tacoma or Tundra, two of the most dependable and longest-lasting vehicles out there. With owning a Tacoma and a Tundra comes an innate urge to seek out different types of adventures, which is why upfitting your Toyota pickup with overlanding and camping accessories is so popular and rewarding. Let’s take a look at some of the best ways to set up your pickup for your next trip out into the unknown. 

Preparation Is Key 

If Zombieland taught us anything, it’s to constantly be prepared for what could happen next. Having the right vehicle is half the battle, whether you are searching for the last truck full of twinkies, attempting to safely traverse any type of terrain, or taking a snooze in your Toyota. There is no wrong way to enjoy your truck, but some ways of setting it up are better than others.  

Camping in Your Toyota 

Camping in your Toyota can be a pretty easy task to complete. A good tent that can be strapped to the vehicle should be your first on the list. Do you prefer a roof-mounted tent or a bed-mounted tent? Both are great options, but a roof-top tent will be a little better if you are intending on using your bed for camping gear. A roof-mounted option will have a weight limit for people and stuff, so keep that in mind. To know the limit of the roof (not the rack), you can always check the owner’s manual, which should have that information ready for you. If your stuff fits in the cab of the truck or on a roof rack, then you may option for a bed tent.    

Understanding Dynamic Versus Static Roof Rack Weight 

There are differences between static and dynamic weight, though, so be sure to keep that in mind. Dynamic weight is what a roof rack can handle when the vehicle is moving, while static weight is the limit of the rack when the vehicle is not moving. If you have a rack that has a dynamic weight rating of 200 to 300 pounds, the static limit will be well over 500 pounds, which would comfortably allow two people to sleep on the roof in a tent. It is best to consult the information about the specific rack you are purchasing. You can also contact Sharp Automotive to speak to someone who can assist in helping you understand your needs. Members of the online community can assist with this, too.  

Loads of Options for Overlanding 

If you have decided to turn your Tundra or Tacoma into an overlanding special, then there are a metric ton of options for both of these trucks, including wheels, tires, winches, front and rear bumpers, skid plates, lighting, roof- and bed-mounted racks, truck bed campers, snorkels to help your engine breathe when going through water or dust, and so much more.  

Adding Bumpers and Winches 

When setting up your Toyota for overlanding, you’ll probably want to start looking at new front and rear bumpers, preferably steel if you are adding a winch to one or both bumpers. Good, solid winches can be purchased from many different companies, including Harbor Freight, where you can pick up a Badland Apex 12,000-pound winch with synthetic rope and a wireless remote for just $600. You can grab the same winch with a wire rope for only $350.  

Look into Beadlock Wheels for Ease-of-Use when Off-Roading 

Next, you’ll want to look at wheels and tires. Beadlock wheels allow you to run very low tire pressure without the tire coming off the wheel. Lowering tire pressure is great when off-roading, driving on sand, and the like. Airing down and then airing up is something you’ll do quite a bit when overlanding.  

Powering Accessories On-the-Go 

To help power all of the items you will probably carry with you on your trips, you’ll want to look at attaching solar panels to your truck or potentially adding an extra 12v battery to power things. The qualified professionals in the service department at Sharp Automotive can easily handle this project for you if needed.  

Plenty of Places, Including Sharp Automotive, To Ask Experts 

Between Reddit, overlanding and camping forums, Facebook groups, podcasts, and events, there are dozens of resources available when it comes to learning the best ways to get your vehicle adventure-ready. Whether you already have a Tundra or Taco, or you’re looking to buy a new or used model, Sharp Automotive has you covered. Our parts department can also help you source specialty accessories that will make your build-out that much cooler.  

Why Choose Sharp Automotive 

At Sharp Automotive we offer our customers some of the best prices and services around. With dozens of new and used vehicles to choose from, our excellent sales team and finance department will work hard to make sure you drive away happy. And our fantastic service department will take care of your new-to-you vehicle as if it were their own. We look forward to serving you soon.