The Toyota Tacoma isn’t just popular, it’s a staple. You’ll spot one in just about every overland convoy, trailhead, or Instagram photo tagged #BuiltNotBought. But the real question is: is it the best truck for overlanding and camping?
Let’s break it down:
Trail-Tested Legacy
The Tacoma’s off-road credibility didn’t come out of nowhere. With a history of reliability, a massive aftermarket scene, and trims like the TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro, it’s been built with adventure in mind.
What Overlanders Love:
Ground Clearance: Around 9.4 inches stock plenty for forest service roads and moderate rock crawling.
Approach/Departure Angles: The TRD Pro trim has a 35° approach and 23.9° departure angle, making it trail-ready right off the lot.
Locking Rear Differential & Crawl Control: These come stock on off-road trims, giving it the edge in loose, rocky, or steep terrain.
Size: Big enough to haul gear, but small enough to maneuver tight trails.
What to Keep in Mind
While the Tacoma is beloved, it’s not without its quirks. Here’s what prospective overlanders need to know:
Potential Drawbacks:
Payload: Depending on trim, payload ranges from 1,050–1,685 lbs. Once you add a bed rack, rooftop tent, passengers, and gear — you’re running tight.
Rear Leaf Springs: Some owners upgrade the suspension quickly to handle more consistent weight.
Cabin Space: If you’re a family or bringing a lot of gear inside, it can feel a bit cramped.
Fuel Economy: Around 18–20 mpg combined. Fine for a mid-size truck, but it adds up on long expeditions.
Tacoma Trim Breakdown (For Overlanders)
| Trim | Key Features | Verdict for Overlanding |
|---|---|---|
| SR | Basic, affordable, no frills | Great starter if you plan to upgrade over time |
| SR5 | Slightly better tech and comfort | Versatile base for weekend overlanders |
| TRD Off-Road | Locking diff, Crawl Control, Multi-Terrain Select | The best bang-for-buck trail rig |
| TRD Pro | Fox shocks, upgraded suspension, skid plates | Premium option, trail-ready from day one |
| Limited | Focuses on luxury, less off-road utility | Skip unless comfort outweighs capability |
Common Tacoma Mods for Camping & Overlanding
You don’t need to go full SEMA build to enjoy the outdoors, but a few smart upgrades go a long way:
Suspension Lift: A 2–3″ lift improves clearance and articulation.
All-Terrain Tires: Essential. Something like the BFG KO2 or Falken Wildpeak AT3.
Bed Rack + Rooftop Tent: Allows sleeping above ground without sacrificing bed space.
Armor: Skid plates and rock sliders protect your underbody.
Fridge Slide or Bed Drawer System: Keeps gear organized and accessible.
Lighting: Ditch lights and a small LED light bar boost visibility off-road.
Portable Power Station: Keep your phone, fridge, and gear running for days.
Best Add-Ons for Overlanding and Camping in a Toyota Tacoma
Once you’ve got the truck, the next question is: how do you build it out?
Bed Racks & Crossbars for the Tacoma
Tacoma beds come in two lengths:
Short Bed: 5 feet
Long Bed: 6 feet
Most bed racks should be adjustable to fit either bed length, but you’ll want to check for:
Height: Low-profile racks (12–13″) are great for aerodynamics. Full-height racks (~18″) let you mount gear underneath a tent.
Mounting System: The Tacoma’s bed rail system makes it compatible with clamp-on and channel-mount racks.
Weight Rating: Make sure your rack can handle at least 500 lbs static and 200–300 lbs dynamic.
If you’re going with crossbars instead of a rack, they must:
Be compatible with the Toyota rail cleat system
Handle at least 165–200 lbs dynamic load
Span a bar spread of at least 30–40″ to safely mount a tent
You can also install a full roof rack system, like the TacomaTrail Elite Roof Rack (2015–2022) for additional cargo space, mounting awnings, or light bars.
Rooftop Tents for a Tacoma
Tacomas can handle most rooftop tents as long as you don’t exceed payload or rack limits. Here’s what to consider:
Roof Load Limit (Dynamic): About 100–165 lbs (depending on trim and mounting)
Static Load Limit: Up to 600–700 lbs — enough for 2–3 people if weight is evenly distributed
Tent Styles: Hard shells tend to look better and last longer. They’re also easier to open/close.
Best Fits by Bed Size:
Short Bed (5 ft): Works great with tents like the Roofnest Falcon 2 or Skycamp Mini — compact, aerodynamic, low profile.
Long Bed (6 ft): Allows for larger tents, such as the Skycamp 3.0, Condor XL, or even the Sky Luxe, accommodating 3–4 people.
Best Rooftop Tents for Toyota Tacoma Builds
If you’re looking for a rooftop tent that performs well on a Tacoma in terms of size, weight, and appearance, here are our top 3:
1. Adventure Series Hard Shell
Type: Hard-shell
Weight: Approx. 165 lbs
Capacity: 2–3 people
Why it fits: Perfect fit for Tacomas, designed for harsh conditions. Its low profile pairs cleanly with both short and long bed racks.
2. Roofnest Condor 2
Type: Fold-out Hard-shell
Weight: ~155 lbs
Capacity: 2 adults + 1 child
Why it fits: Great for short-bed Tacomas — folds compact but offers ample room. Aerodynamic when closed.
3. iKamper Skycamp 3.0
Type: Fold-out Hard-shell
Weight: ~165 lbs
Capacity: 3–4 people
Why it fits: Excellent for long-bed Tacomas. It uses space efficiently and adds a rugged aesthetic and durability.
Bed Rack Options Tacoma Owners Should Consider
When it comes to racks for the Tacoma, owners can choose between:
Low Profile Racks: Keeps weight down and improves aerodynamics. Best for those mounting a tent only.
Full Height Racks: Allows gear storage under the tent. Ideal for extended trips and multi-purpose builds.
Roof-Mounted Racks: When bed space is needed, these types of racks give you extra mounting options above the cab.
So… Is the Toyota Tacoma the Best?
For solo adventurers or couples? It might be.
Its balance of capability, size, reliability, and support makes it one of the most practical trucks for light to moderate overlanding. It can be your daily driver and trail warrior without compromise.
For families or extreme builds?
You might want to consider payload carefully, or look at full-size options like the Ford F-150 or Chevy Silverado, especially if you’re towing, carrying more gear, or need cabin space.
But when it comes to weekend camping, hitting logging roads, or tackling remote forest service trails in Canada or the U.S., the Tacoma holds its own, and then some.
If you’re still unsure what bed rack or rooftop tent is right for your Tacoma, or want to start exploring upgrades for your setup, send us a message on our contact page, and we’ll be happy to help.
And if you’re also considering a Jeep Gladiator build, check out this article where we break down whether it’s truly the best overlanding truck for you.
