TRDGO
This Toyota Tacoma overlanding rig, affectionately known as the TRDGO, belongs to a great friend of ours. We began this build with a 2024 TRD Offroad Toyota Tacoma, featuring the new 2.4-liter i-FORCE turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, delivering 278 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque. But the new, Gen 4 Tacoma factory upgrades didn’t stop at the engine—the suspension also received a significant overhaul. With the addition of coil springs in the rear, the Gen 4 Tacoma now boasts improved ride quality and enhanced articulation compared to its leaf-sprung relatives.
The owner, an outdoor junkie, needed a trustworthy vehicle built with function, reliability and performance in mind. The first major addition was the Kimbo camper. We took a road trip to Bellingham, Washington, to get the camper installed at the Kimbo factory and check out the manufacturing process. It was inspiring to see such a great product coming out of the USA, and the team at Kimbo was just as excited to see the new Gen 3 Tacoma. We’re proud to be the first to have a Kimbo camper installed on the new Gen 3 Tacoma. For a full list of available camper specs, visit www.kimboliving.com.
With the camper weighing in at 1,200 lbs dry, addressing the suspension was crucial. To handle the added weight, we installed Air Ride airbags, controlled remotely via a controller or through Bluetooth with an app. To further enhance handling and off-road capability, we installed a Stage 7 suspension kit from Icon Vehicle Dynamics, featuring adjustable billet aluminium upper control arms and coilovers with remote reservoirs. For the rear, the kit includes triple-rate coil springs, 2.5 Aluminum Series remote reservoir rear shocks and billet lower links.
To achieve the off-road performance we wanted, the next piece was the wheel and tire setup. We equipped the truck with Icon Alloy Rebound Pros in Satin Black, sized 17x8.50 with a 0mm offset, wrapped in 33-inch GENERAL GRABBER A/TX tires. This setup not only enhances the truck’s rugged aesthetics but also provides the traction needed for any terrain.
With most of the build complete, the TRDGO was coming together beautifully! The next addition was the Stealth Center Mount Winch Front Bumper from Addictive Desert Designs, equipped with an 8,000-pound winch and a 20-inch amber Baja Designs light bar. The owner opted for a Factor 55 fairlead and an Ultrahook for a pop of color in the front, adding both style and functionality. To complete the look, we installed a pair of Baja Designs ditch lights, all wired to the truck's factory auxiliary switches—a fantastic upgrade in this model year that adds convenience and functionality.