Build Breakdown: My Modified 2019 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road

My 2019 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road has been the backbone of countless road trips and desert camping missions. With 101,000 miles on the odometer and no accidents, it still serves double duty as my daily driver and a reliable weekend adventure vehicle.

This post is a straightforward breakdown of every modification I’ve made since purchasing the truck in 2021. If you're curious how it all works together for car camping, check out my full setup here:
👉 Transform Your Tacoma Into the Ultimate Car Camping Vehicle

🔧 Front Runner Slimsport Roof Rack + 40" LED Light Bar

The Slimsport is Front Runner’s low-profile, aerodynamic roof rack designed for a cleaner look and minimal wind resistance. It mounts directly to the Tacoma’s factory roof rails.

Integrated into the rack is a 40" LED slim light bar — ideal for late-night trailhead arrivals or quick campsite setups after dark.

🌤️ Front Runner Easy-Out Awning (1.4m)

This compact awning mounts to the side of the Slimsport roof rack. It provides quick shade or rain cover in just a few minutes, using telescoping aluminum poles and guy lines for support.

At 1.4 meters wide, it’s a great fit for solo or minimalist camping without the bulk of a full-sized awning.

🛠️ Front Runner Slimline II Bed Rack

The Slimline II bed rack replaces traditional camper shells or tonneau covers, giving you a modular gear platform above the bed rails. It mounts directly to the bed using proprietary brackets and supports rooftop accessories like tents and tables.

It also keeps the bed fully open for storage bins, water, and other bulky gear.

🍳 Slide-Out Stainless Steel Camp Table

This full-sized stainless steel camp table mounts underneath the Slimline II bed rack on dedicated brackets. It slides out easily and gives you a clean food prep surface wherever you park.

No need to pack an extra table — this one stays hidden and ready to go.

🏕️ Front Runner Rooftop Tent with Quick Release Mounts

The Front Runner RTT sleeps two comfortably and folds out in just a few minutes. It's mounted using quick-release brackets, so you can remove it when not in use — keeping weight and drag down when you're in daily driver mode.

It’s a simple, durable option that keeps you off the ground and out of the elements.

🛞 Bilstein B8 6112 / 5100 Suspension Kit

Up front, the Bilstein 6112 shocks provide increased ride height and better damping, especially over washboard or rocky terrain. In the rear, the 5100s help with load handling and stability under weight — like when the tent and gear are all loaded up.

This setup maintains on-road comfort while giving you added confidence on rougher trails.

🏔️ BFGoodrich All-Terrain KO3 (LT285/70R17)

These new KO3s were installed in May 2024 and are the latest evolution of BFG’s legendary all-terrain tire. The 285/70R17 sizing provides extra ground clearance and a beefier stance without requiring a regear or major trimming.

Tread design balances road noise, durability, and traction for both highway miles and trail days.

⚙️ Black Rhino Warlord Wheels (17x9 -12mm Offset)

The Warlords add strength and a more aggressive stance thanks to the wider offset. These 17x9 matte black wheels are load-rated for off-road use and help accommodate the upsized KO3s without rubbing.

They also give the Tacoma a more planted look from the rear.

🔊 Crutchfield Kicker Speaker Upgrade

Upgrading the factory sound system made long drives and remote road trips more enjoyable. The front doors now house Kicker 6"x9" 3-way speakers (46CSC6934), while the rear doors run 6.75" 2-way versions (46CSC674).

Better clarity, improved volume, and no amp needed.

🧼 VIWIK All-Weather Floor Mats

These VIWIK floor mats are custom-molded for 2018–2021 Tacomas. They’re durable, easy to rinse off, and trap dirt and moisture after muddy hikes or dusty trail runs.

No carpet damage, no cleanup hassle.

🧭 Final Thoughts

This build wasn’t meant to be extreme. It’s designed for balance — a daily driver that’s fully capable of supporting multi-day adventures with comfort and function.

To see how it all comes together in the wild, check out this post:
👉 Transform Your Tacoma Into the Ultimate Car Camping Vehicle


The quick list:

  • Front Runner Slimsport Roof Rack + 40" LED Light Bar

  • Front Runner Easy-Out Awning (1.4m)

  • Front Runner Slimline II Bed Rack

  • Slide-Out Stainless Steel Camp Table

  • Front Runner Rooftop Tent with Quick Release Mounts

  • Bilstein 6112/5100 Suspension Kit

  • BFGoodrich All-Terrain KO3 Tires

  • Black Rhino Warlord Wheels

  • Crutchfield Kicker Speaker Upgrade

  • VIWIK All-Weather Floor Mats

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