After more than a decade of living on the road in a 40-year-old Volkswagen camper, I bought a Toyota Land Cruiser, and to say the experience was transformative would be an understatement. Sure, traveling in a classic VW is a lot of fun, but when you also rely on your rig as a daily and work vehicle, the constant breakdowns and issues really take a toll. Paradoxically, Toyotas have long set the standard for build quality and reliability, which is why they’re the primary choice for serious travelers. To this end, the Tacoma remains the mid-size truck of choice and is widely considered the benchmark for the segment. Executive Publisher Scott Brady states, “The Toyota Tacoma has remained the most popular vehicle among our readers, a reflection of the model’s reliability and accessibility. As travelers, we ask a lot from our 4WDs, expecting durability, capability, comfort, and capacity, all while hoping for a great value and even some rugged good looks thrown in. The Tacoma is all of that and so much more, and has become an icon for North American overlanders.” The third gen is by far the best-selling and most proven iteration to date and remains a pinnacle choice for both domestic and international travel. With this in mind, cue today’s 2016 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off Road (117,000 miles), which was initially built by industry giant Goose Gear and boasts a plethora of top-tier aftermarket upgrades, a full recovery kit, and is topped with a well-appointed Harker Outdoors Camper. At $30,000, this is not just a bargain Tacoma build but one of the best value rigs we’ve featured, period, and would cost the best part of $100,000 to recreate (this is supported by an itemized spreadsheet available from the seller).
From the Seller:
“We love that this is a fun and manoeuvrable rig, while incorporating an easy-to-setup camper tent. It’s got all the essentials (electric, water, fridge, space for gear, and a comfy mattress). We upgraded the canopy to a Harker a few years back, and have absolutely loved it. It’s so much more spacious and easier to fold than the AT Habitat, and its most useful feature is that it can utilize the surface area of the tailgate as inside floor space. Practically speaking, hands-down our favorite feature about this rig is the custom welded water tank that sits behind the rear seats! Particularly its easy-access from the side hatch of the Harker. Having the water supply on hand is so useful for all our adventures, and the tank doesn’t get in the way of our storage space. Open to trades for another Tacoma (2016 or newer), or a Ford Transit 350.”
2016 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off Road
The Tacoma is fitted with a dependable 3.5-liter V6 engine that delivers 278 horsepower, 265 pound-feet of torque, and returns 18 mpg. An exceptionally long-lived engine and drivetrain are matched with impressive capability thanks to 4WD, high and low range, skid plates, a lifted and upgraded suspension, locking rear differential, ARB front air locker, winch, hill-start assist, multi-terrain select system, and crawl control. Inside, these desirable backcountry attributes are balanced with a well-appointed interior with driver comforts that include:
- Power steering, windows, locks, and mirrors
- Climate control
- Keyless entry
- Cruise control
- Backup camera
- Blind spot monitor with cross-traffic alert
- Premium audio
- Infotainment system with navigation
- Center console with locking safe and cupholders
- Front and rear cameras
- Ham radio
- sPod touch screen in cab (and in camper)
Distinguishing Features
- Harker Outdoors camper canopy with roof bars, low-profile interior seating and table, full Goose Gear camper interior, DeltaWing 90 awning and ensuite privacy shower tent
- Prinsu cab roof rack
- Relentless Fabrication high-clearance bumpers with Warn VR 8000-s winch with Factor 55 flatlink and rear swing out
- ARB twin compressor
- Icon Stage 6 adjustable suspension with Timbren bump stops, Deaver leaf springs, and body mount chop
- Relentless Fabrication sliders and skid plates
- National Luna refrigerator with freezer compartment
- Goose Gear freshwater tank, 10 gallons, with heater, pump, and multiple hookups (2)
- Thule bike rack
- Relentless Fabrication rock sliders and skid plates
- XD wheels with General Grabber A/T tires
- Baja Designs lighting
- National Luna dual battery system (with Odyssey batteries), Off Grid Engineering battery trays, Pelfrey power panel, full battery monitoring, Blue Sea USB and 12 volt outputs, FlexPower Atama 79 flexible solar, and Cascadia 4×4 hood solar panel
- Propex heater with propane mount and canister
- Front Runner soft packs, AluBox 81 box, and Blue Ridge Overland Gear storage organizers
This 2016 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off Road with a Harker Outdoors camper is listed for $30,000 and is currently located in Virginia. Check the full vehicle specifications via the original Expedition Portal forum post here.
Contact Information:
Email: claireleverne@gmail.com
