In 2021, Ashley Giordano documented the impressive build specifications of “Badass Brunette,” aka Cristin Whetten’s 2015 Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport. This purposeful rig incorporates the essentials and little else and is designed specifically to facilitate Cristin’s epic adventures. Ashley explains, “Whether she’s skydiving, jumping out of helicopters in a giraffe onesie, or riding her Yamaha TT-R230, at the end of the day, Cristin returns to the 2015 Tacoma that she calls home.” Today, Badass Brunette is back with Tiny Home Tours to provide a full video tour of her rolling home while sharing words of wisdom from the road.
It’s fair to say that many of us overlanders, myself included, have gotten a little soft over the years. I remember when I first hit the road, I had no running water or heater, one decrepit leisure battery, and some cupboards. Yet, for three years, I lived happily in my van and embarked on some of my favorite trips to date. Nowadays, I find myself contemplating whether 100 amp hours of lithium and 200 watts of solar are sufficient and if my coffee apparatus is optimal for espresso. It’s laughable. Sure, life on the road shouldn’t be uncomfortable, but sometimes it’s good to take a step back and reassess what you really need. It’s overlanders like Cristin that provide a reality check on what’s essential, crucially reminding others that living on the road is more accessible than you may think.
At the heart of Cristin’s build is a fully-insulated Vagabond Outdoors Drifter Camper that features windows, a pop-top roof with a twin bed, comfortable seating with a work station (that also converts to a second bed for guests or stealth camping), a well-organized storage dresser, heater, dual battery setup, and more. There are pull-out drawers to the rear (also accessible from the top when the tailgate is closed) and a drop-down table on the swing-out for cooking. The setup is beautifully simple yet functional and elegantly strikes a balance between utility and comfort.
A few accessory and gear highlights for me were the Lifesaver Jerry Can, which made an appearance recently in Be Old Later, The Pan-American Highway – What do you really need?, the OVS 270-degree awning, and a selection of Step 22 storage bags for clothing, toiletries, medical supplies, and more. Finally, Cristin provides thoughtful advice throughout, with topics ranging from respecting your vehicle’s payload to working on the road. Crucially, she explains that we’ll always find excuses not to leave, and while planning is important, there comes a point where you have to commit. The small details will often figure themselves out (a sentiment also shared in the recent video by Be Old Later).
This video is a valuable insight into the essentials for vehicle travel. While everyone’s requirements differ, it’s fascinating to see the innovative ways that Cristin has made the most of this compact vehicle platform. If you’d like to know more about her latest build and travels, check out badassbrunette.com.
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