Toyota Tundra Overland Builds

Toyota Tundra Overland Build

When overlanding, you’re bringing all your cool stuff and creature comforts along, but you’re sticking closer to your best four-wheeled friend. Instead of hiking to or from a campsite, when you’re overlanding, your tent often attaches right to your truck, enabling you to go farther into the backcountry while bringing all your gear—like racks, provisions, and winches, even cooking equipment and a refrigerator. If you’re wondering what you might need to begin your Toyota Tundra off-road build, you’re in the right place. Read on for more, and remember, this is only the beginning. RealTruck carries 1000+ Tundra accessories, including 300+ made for off-roading.

Is a Toyota Tundra Good for Overlanding?

Absolutely. The Toyota Tundra is more than suitable for a thorough overland build with its time-tested V6 and V8 options as workhorse power plants. When you’re hitting the wild trails, you’ll want a reliable, well-built machine with performance to spare when you need it most, and starting with the toughest truck available from a legendary brand is a great place to start.

A rugged, stylish and bullet-proof truck that’s packed with the torque you need to climb and the horsepower to make it happen, the Tundra is also brimming with conveniences and features that make overlanding even better. Plus, with several model choices and factory options to choose from before you even get into your own customizing, the Tundra is easy to make into your own.

Overland Tundra Build Video Guide

Ready to learn more about overland Tundra build considerations? Dig deeper into this Tundra overland build with these videos that walk you through the details of the build process:

VIDEO: RT Build Series "Overland Tundra" Ep. 1 Lift, Wheels, and Tires

VIDEO: RT Build Series "Overland Tundra" Ep. 2 Grille, Bumpers, Winch, Lights, Rack, and Exhaust System

VIDEO: RT Build Series "Overland Tundra" Ep. 3 Testing The Finished Build Off Road

Tundra Overland Build: Parts Used

When you begin thinking of how to best outfit your Tundra for overlanding, divide your options into a few major categories. We’ve broken down a few here, just for an example of one way to approach your build. You’ll find that there are many more options within each category, not to mention additional categories, but here’s a good list of what you might think of when you start:

• Suspension, Wheels and Tires: Start with the essentials, including off-road-appropriate wheels, tires and suspension on both ends, looking at everything from springs to shocks, struts and stabilizer bars. 

• Electrical: You can do a lot in this department, from extra batteries to switch systems and extreme radio transceivers for additional insurance. You can add your own solar panels and even a complete power management system and charging station.

• Winch: Without a good winch, you’re not going to pull yourself out of a real jam, and waiting around in the mud for a tow truck is probably the last thing on your overland adventure wish list. Upgrade with related accessory kits and reflective lines for better visibility.

• Lighting: Speaking of seeing better, why not upgrade those headlightamps for some extra light when you’re way out there? While you’re at it, add a light bar or two, some fog lights, scene lights and a bed lighting kit. You can even illuminate your side steps.

• Protection: Especially if you’re planning on hitting some rugged trails, you’re going to want to invest in rock sliders and skid plates to protect your undersides. You might also consider heavy-duty bumper upgrades for that winch and for a few extra tow options. Fender flares are another must-have to protect the paint and add an off-road look.

• Camping: Here’s how you live well on the road. Don’t skimp on the tent or camper system, with heating and cooling systems, roof rack, water tank, fridge and storage. Consider the layout and install as you narrow down the best approach for you.

• Extras: Now that you’ve covered the basics for your Tundra overland build, here are a few additions you may not have considered, like satellite internet connectivity, off-road apps, window tint and convenient accessory mounts for inside the cab.

Add Even More to Your Tundra Off-Road Build

Drivetrains

Drivetrain upgrades are an excellent way to get more performance and enjoyment from your overlanding experience. While the list of possible upgrades is long and varied, here are three popular drivetrain upgrades we recommend for off-road optimization:

• Yukon Ring and Pinion Gears: If you’re adding bigger wheels and/or tires and want to maintain your acceleration and performance for towing, hauling, racing or off-roading, here’s a great way to do just that while reducing stress on both engine and transmission.

• Yukon Ring Pinion Package: Adding larger tires and wheels for off-road action but looking for more than the standard ring and pinion set? This package includes a complete overhaul master install kit with bearings, races, seals, gaskets, shims, bolts, nuts, crush sleeve, thread locker and marking compound for optimizing your drivetrain.
  
  

Interior Accessories

When you’re on an extended overland trip, you’d be surprised at what a big difference a few simple creature comforts inside the cab can make. Many interior accessories are available, but good floor liners and seat covers are near the top of our list of essentials:

• Covercraft Carhartt Seat Covers: With the unbeatable durability Carhartt is known for, this breathable, heavy-duty duck weave fabric is tough enough to stand up against the worst weather and anything else you can throw at it, with a custom fit for your vehicle.

• Husky Liners Weatherbeater Floor Liners: Speaking of durability, why not protect your vehicle’s floors with a custom fitted, rubberized DuraGrip material that’s flexible, damage resistant and warranted for a lifetime of use? Pick your color; they’re made in the USA.

• Covercraft SeatSaver Seat Covers: Available in either polycotton fabric (with a rugged, denim feel) or a waterproof polyester, this set of custom-fit covers is available in many covers and includes headrest, map pockets, armrest and airbag cutouts, if applicable.
  
  

Be Ready for Anything

While you’re making your list of possible upgrades for your Tundra off-road build, some other things might not spring to mind immediately. These unexpected items fall into that category of things you may not use on every trip but are sure to appreciate if and when the need arises:

• Hitchfire Grill Accessories: With the Hitchfire Forge 15 grill, you have plenty of options, like the grill cover, set of grilling tools, cutting-board side table, flat-top griddle, hitch extender, ledge platform, side burner, locking hitch pin and various propane accessories. Each is sold separately and offers excellent versatility for your next overland cookout.

• Bulldog Portable Air Compressor: Being able to swiftly inflate a tire on the fly is a pretty great feeling, especially when you’re overlanding, but even if you’re at home and filling bike tires and rafts for the kids. Either way, this option can help you out in a pinch.

• My Medic MyFAK First Aid Kit: Wherever you’re headed, it’s smart to be well prepared with first aid when you need it. This kit is packed with a huge variety of supplies, comes in a durable, compact bag that’s available in five colors and features a lifetime warranty. Keep one in every vehicle.
  
  

Advancing Your Build

Remember, these are merely a few initial suggestions to help get you started as you begin to think about creating your own personal version of the ultimate Toyota Tundra overland build and all the related possibilities. There’s plenty more for your consideration at RealTruck, including 1000+ Tundra accessories and 300+ made for off-roading.