Transform Your Tacoma into the Ultimate Car Camping Vehicle

The Toyota Tacoma Off Road 4x4 is already a formidable vehicle, but it becomes an unstoppable force of adventure with the right setup. From rugged trails to remote campsites, every piece of gear you choose can enhance your experience, making your journey as safe, sultry, and enjoyable as possible. In this guide, I'll dive into what I have dialed in to be the ultimate car camp setup for my Tacoma, exploring the features and benefits of each component. Whether you’re setting out for a weekend of car camping or an extended expedition, this setup has you covered.

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Front Runner Roof Top Tent and Slimline II Bed Rack

The heart of my car camping setup is the Front Runner Roof Top Tent, mounted on the Slimline II Bed Rack. This tent is not only easy to install with the Quick Release Tent Mount Kit, but it also offers a secure, elevated sleeping area that keeps you safe from the ground. The Slimline II Bed Rack provides a sturdy base for the tent and houses additional accessories, making it a versatile platform for all your car camping needs.

Front Runner Roof Top Tent mounted on the Slimline II Bed Rack. EZ Awning deployed. 

Why they are Essential:

• Quick Setup: The tent deploys and sets up within 5 minutes. The Quick Release Tent Mount Kit allows you to take the tent on and off at home in minutes if you want to switch out your bed rack configuration. The tent isn’t too heavy, so if I am just headed out for a MTB day trip, I will swap out the tent for a set of Pro Fork Mount Bike Carrier / Power Edition on the Bed Rack.

• Comfort: Sitting on top of the bed rack, the elevated sleeping with plenty of ventilation ensures a good night's sleep.

• Versatility: The Slimline II Bed Rack supports a variety of additional accessories, making it a central component of your setup.

Setup with with a set of FRO bike mounts 

Yakima 4G Roadshower

Mounted on the opposite side of the bed rack from where the tent opens, the Yakima 4G Roadshower provides a convenient solution for staying clean and refreshed on the road. With a 4-gallon capacity, it offers enough water for quick rinses, dishwashing, or even a warm shower after a long day of adventuring.

Yakima 4G Roadshower is attached to the Front Runner Slimline II Bed Rack.

Why It's Essential:

• Convenience: Provides on-demand water for a variety of uses, from cleaning to showering. After a sweaty MTB ride or slogging through poison ivy along the creek, having the ability to wash your gear and body is crucial.

• Capacity: The 4-gallon tank holds enough water for a couple uses before needing a refill if you dial the pressure down enough. I attach a separate shower wand that gives me more control of water flow, allows me to move around the truck and refill it.

• Durability: Built to withstand the elements and the rough conditions of off-road travel. Built like a tank, well, because it is one.

Pro Stainless Steel Camp Table

The Front Runner Pro Stainless Steel Camp Table, mounted underneath the Slimline II Bed Rack, is a game-changer for your camp kitchen setup. Easily accessible and stowed away when not in use, this table offers a durable surface for meal prep, cooking, or even as a workstation.

Pulling out the Pro Stainless Steel Table from underneath the Slimline II Bed Rack. 

Why It's Essential:

• Space-Saving: The table is neatly stored under the bed rack, maximizing your available space—brilliant design by Front Runner!

• Durability: Stainless steel construction ensures it can handle all your camp cooking needs.

• Ease of Use: The table slides out easily and locks into place, providing a stable and reliable work surface. My only complaint about this table is that I wish they had installed adjustable legs or feet since this is mostly designed to be used on uneven ground .

Camp setup on a MTB trip om Sedona

Slimsport Roof Rack Kit with 40" LED Slim Light Bar

The Slimsport Roof Rack Kit, mounted on the cab, is lightbar-ready and paired with the 40" LED Slim Light Bar VX1000-CB. This setup ensures you have excellent visibility on night drives, enhancing safety and confidence on the trail. The rack also accommodates additional gear storage with items like the Wolf Pack Pros and the Typhoon Bag securely fastened with Stratchits and Black Tie Down Rings.

Slimsport Roof Rack Kit with 40" LED Slim Light Bar 

Why It's Essential:

• Improved Visibility: The LED Light Bar provides bright, clear light for nighttime driving and campsite setup. Trust me, it’s bright AF!

• Low Profile: The Slimsport Roof Rack Kit offers a sleek design that doesn’t add unnecessary bulk. I went with this model over the more popular Slimline II because I liked the lower profile look. I admit that it is a little more limited when it comes to accessories, but nothing that I haven’t truly missed out on.

• Versatility: The roof rack can hold additional gear, expanding your storage capacity. I am always reconfiguring this to cater to what gear I am bringing - always comes through.

Front Runner Easy-Out Awning / 1.4M

Attached to the driver's side of the truck with the Quick Release Awning Mount Kit, the Front Runner Easy-Out Awning provides instant shelter from sun and rain. This is perfect for creating a shaded area to relax, cook, or simply enjoy the view after a long drive.

Front Runner Easy-Out Awning

Why It's Essential:

• Instant Shelter: The awning deploys quickly, offering protection from the elements. Sometimes it’s the only repreave fro the blazing AZ sun.

• Durability: Built to handle the wear and tear of car camping, ensuring long-lasting use.

• Convenience: The Quick Release Awning Mount Kit allows you to quickly and easily remove and store the awning if you don’t want it on your rig.

Wolf Pack Pros and Typhoon Bag

For gear storage, the combination of Wolf Pack Pros and the Typhoon Bag offers a reliable and organized solution. Secured on top of the Slimsport Roof Rack with Stratchits and Black Tie Down Rings, your gear stays safe and dry, no matter the weather or terrain.

Typhoon Bag, 2 Wolf Pack Pros, a shovel and a 2 Gallon Rotopax mounted to the Slimline II Cab Rack. 

Why It's Essential:

• Organization: Keeps your gear organized and easily accessible. Front Runner did a great job in designing the shape of the Wolf Pack Pros to maximize storage capacity and have it work with their own mounts, straitchits or regular straps. I’m always impressed with how much gear I can cram into the Typhoon bag.

• Durability: Both the Wolf Pack Pros and Typhoon Bag are built to withstand harsh conditions. The typhoon bag is hands down my favorite and most reliable bag that I use when the weather conditions are in question.

• Security: Stratchits and Black Tie Down Rings ensure everything stays securely in place, even on rough trails.

Pro Water Tank with Tap / 20L

In the bed of your Tacoma, the Front Runner Pro Water Tank with Tap ensures you have ample water for hydration, cooking, and cleaning. With a 20L capacity, it provides enough water for several days off-grid, and the easy-to-use tap makes accessing the water simple.

Filling up with the Front Runner 20L Water Tank

Why It's Essential:

• Capacity: 20L is sufficient for multiple days of hydration and cleaning needs.

• Convenience: The tap makes it easy to access water whenever you need it. I usually have this thrown in the bed of my truck instead of mounted since I move to around to where I need the water.

• Durability: Designed for overlanding, the tank is built to last through tough conditions.

Rubbermaid Action Packer Storage Bins

In the bed of your truck, two 24-Gallon Rubbermaid Action Packer Storage Bins provide rugged and reliable storage for your gear. One bin houses your sleeping kit, while the other is dedicated to your fly fishing gear, ensuring everything is organized and protected.

Gregory Alpaca Gear Box and Rubbermaid 24 Gallon storage bin side by side. 

Why It's Essential:

• Organization: Keeps your sleeping and fly fishing gear separate and easily accessible.

• Durability: Built to withstand the elements and protect your gear from dust, dirt, and moisture.

• Capacity: 24 gallons of storage per bin offers plenty of space for all your essentials.

Gregory Alpaca 45 Liter Gear Boxes

For your kitchen set and camping gear, the Gregory Alpaca 45 Liter Gear Boxes provide durable and spacious storage. These gear boxes are stored in the bed of the truck, keeping your kitchen essentials and camping equipment organized and ready for use. Read more about all of the features that make these storage boxes my favorite on the market.

Set of Gregory Alpaca 45 Liter Gear Boxes sitting on the bed of the truck 

Why It's Essential:

• Spacious Storage: 45 liters per box offers ample space for your gear. I use 2 - one for all of my kitchen gear and the other for camp goods such as a tent, hammock, camp chairs, electronics kit and more.

• Organization: Keeps your kitchen set and camping gear neatly organized and easily accessible. Clearview Lid, Dual-Hinged accessibility and locking slots are super sick features making this box so useful.

• Durability: Built tough to withstand the rigors of overlapping and an car camping adventure you throw at it.

Dometic CFX3 45 Cooler/Freezer and Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus Kit

Inside the cab, your food stays fresh in the Dometic CFX3 45 Cooler/Freezer, powered by the Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus kit. This combination ensures that you have a reliable source of power and refrigeration, no matter how remote your adventure takes you.

Birds eye view of the Dometic CFX3 45 filled with food for a campout

Setup in the outskirts of Sedona

Why It's Essential:

• Reliable Cooling: The Dometic CFX3 45 keeps food and drinks cold with minimal power consumption.

• Off-Grid Power: The Jackery Solar Generator provides reliable power for the cooler and other devices, ensuring you stay powered up. I have been so impressed with the battery life in general, and whenever I need more, the 2 solar panels always come through!

• Durability: Both the cooler and generator are built to handle the demands of overlanding.

Gregory Alpaca 40 Duffel and Peak Design 45L Travel Pack

When it comes to personal storage, the Gregory Alpaca 40 Duffel keeps your clothes organized and protected. This rugged duffel is designed to handle the wear and tear of car camping while offering plenty of space for all your essentials. Meanwhile, the Peak Design 45L Travel Pack is perfect for your camera gear. Its versatile design allows for quick access to your equipment, ensuring you’re always ready to capture those epic moments on the trail. I have taken this bag all over the world on assignments and it has never let me down.

Gregory Alpaca 40 Duffel on top of the wolf Pack Pro in the backseat of a Toyota Tacoma

Why It's Essential:

• Spaciousness: The Gregory Alpaca 40 Duffel offers ample room for clothing, with additional compartments for small items. The materials have some structure to them so it doesn’t fold in on itself like other duffels.

• Protection: The Peak Design 45L Travel Pack is padded to protect your valuable camera gear from bumps and drops. I feel 100% secure putting my valuable gear in here, and with 45L, there is plenty of room.

• Versatility: Both bags are designed for easy transport and quick access, making them ideal for car camping adventures.

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Conclusion

Your 2019 Toyota Tacoma Off Road 4x4 is now outfitted with the ultimate car camping setup, combining durability, functionality, and convenience. Each piece of gear—from the Front Runner Roof Top Tent to the Dometic CFX3 Cooler—has been carefully selected to enhance your outdoor experience, ensuring that no matter where the road takes you, you're fully prepared for the adventure ahead.

With this setup, you’re not just driving a truck; you’re piloting a mobile basecamp, capable of conquering the wildest terrains and enjoying the most remote campsites. Happy Adventures!

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Ultimate Waterproof & Durable Gear Storage: Gregory Alpaca 45 for Your Outdoor Adventures

Imagine this: You’re deep in the heart of a rugged wilderness, the sky suddenly darkens, and a torrential downpour begins. As the rain pelts down, you realize you’re cool as a cucumber. Why? You know your essential gear is safely tucked away in the Gregory Alpaca 45 Gear Storage Box. No frantic midnight scurries to cover gear, or sorting soggy equipment—just peace of mind. May as well crack another hazy. I’m a gear organization nerd, a trait that I share with many outdoor enthusiasts, travelers, and gearheads alike. Having reliable gear storage can make all the difference.

Let’s talk about the Gregory Alpaca 45 Gear Storage Box - a game-changer for me in the world of outdoor storage solutions and gear organiztion. This is part of the Alpaca Gear Organization System that Gregory released this year (2024). The kit consists of these Storage boxes, Gear Pods, Gear Basket, 30L Tote, Gear Wagon & 2 duffels. In this blog post, I’m only focusing on the Gear Box. I’ll jump into the standout features, pros, and (very few) cons of the Gregory Alpaca 45 Gear Storage Box, and suggest why it belongs in your car camping setup.

Remember that I receive a tiny commission whenever you buy something after clicking one of our links, even if you decide to buy something else. This is a major factor in keeping our content free and funding our my team, and I appreciate your help!

USE CODE “NICK15” at Gregory.com to save 15% on your order!!

Features of the Gregory Alpaca 45 Gear Storage Box

1. Unmatched Waterproof and Dustproof Protection

The Gregory Alpaca 45 Gear Storage Box is engineered to shield your gear from the harshest elements. With an IP65 rating, this storage box is both waterproof and dustproof. What’s that mean? Your equipment stays dry and clean regardless of where your adventures lead you. Whether you’re set up in a rainy forest or alongside a dusty trail (I’m looking at you, Arizona), the Alpaca 45 stands strong af. Gregory has slapped it with rigorous water jet tests, and it won - meaning it can withstand being sprayed from any angle without allowing water to get in. This level of protection is crucial for outdoor enthusiasts who depend on their gear to perform flawlessly in all weather conditions.

2. Innovative Clearview Lid

One of my favorite features of the Gregory Alpaca 45 Gear Storage Box is its Clearview Polycarbonate lid. This transparent lid allows you to instantly locate your gear without the need to open the box. I currently own 2 of these. One is my camp kitchen set, and the other is my camp equipment set - things like a tent, chairs, hammocks, electronics bag, and tarp. The Clearview lid is equipped with a gasket seal, ensuring a tight closure that keeps out water and dust. Made from high-impact polycarbonate, the lid is not only transparent but also exceptionally durable and resistant to heavy impacts, safeguarding your valuable gear from potential damage.

3. Removable, FlipFlop Hinged Lid

The Gregory Alpaca 45 Gear Storage Box lid is also a removable, FlipFlop hinged lid. This innovative design allows you to open the lid from either side, providing easy access to your gear from multiple angles. The combination of hinges and latch mechanisms guarantees that the lid remains secure during transit while offering flexibility in how you access your gear. I can’t even begin to tell you how useful this is both at camp and while packing at home. Though I have seen boxes use this feature, I haven’t seen it executed as well as Gregory has done with it.

4. lockable Lid slots

Dude, this is HUGE! The Gregory Alpaca 45 Gear Storage Box can also be locked by using the 2 slots on either side of the lid. Just drop a combo padlock (like these) on either side and, boom, you’re secure! Bonus: you don’t have to remove both of them to access your goods in the box thanks to that dual hinge. I keep everything in the bed of my Tacoma and although I have a bed rack that covers most of it, it still leaves things accessible for any (asshole) to reach in a grab things. This was actually the first question I had asked when the Gregory team had told me about these Gear Boxes coming out. So stoked they included a way to lock them!! You could also pass a strap through these slots if you wanted to securely tie these down. The slots are 1” long.

Alpaca Gear Box 2 Pack

Waterproof and dustproof, with a FlipFlop hinged lid, this Two-Pack of boxes was designed to keep gear dry and protected. Sold in a set top consolidate shipping- saving you money. Reminder: Use NICK15 to save 15%

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5. Built for Durability

Durability is a cornerstone of the Gregory Alpaca 45 Gear Storage Box. The molded bottom is designed to handle heavy loads and rough handling, ensuring that the box remains stable and secure even when fully packed. Constructed from 50% recycled materials, the bottom not only reflects Gregory’s commitment to sustainability but also maintains exceptional strength and durability. Additionally, the box’s stacking design allows multiple units to be stacked neatly, optimizing storage efficiency and saving valuable space.

6. Water Channeling and Drainage Design

Beyond its waterproof properties, the Gregory Alpaca 45 Gear Storage Box features a sophisticated water channeling and drainage system. The top lid is meticulously designed to channel water away and facilitate efficient drainage, preventing water from pooling on the box’s surface. This is particularly beneficial in wet environments, as it ensures that no excess water remains on top, further protecting the contents inside. Real world example of how badass this is: I often use these as a tabletop surface on the tailgate of the Tacoma. I wasn’t paying attention after adding in all of the spices to my Ramen dinner and the Jetboil overflowed - spilling goodness everywhere. The liquid rolled straight off the Gear box, and not a single drop of ramen juice got inside.

7. Customizable Storage Options

Organization is key when it comes to managing outdoor gear, and the Gregory Alpaca 45 Gear Storage Box doesn’t show up to the party alone. The box is compatible with 5L and 10L Alpaca Gear Pods (sold separately), allowing you to tailor the interior layout to suit your specific needs. Whether you’re organizing camping equipment, photography gear, tools, or other essentials, these Gear Pods provide dedicated spaces, ensuring that everything has its place.

8. Lifetime Warranty for Peace of Mind

Gregory stands firmly behind the quality and durability of the Gregory Alpaca 45 Gear Storage Box with a comprehensive lifetime warranty. This assurance provides customers with confidence that their investment is protected and that their gear will remain secure and well-maintained for years to come. Whether you’re venturing into the wilderness or simply storing equipment at home, the lifetime warranty underscores Gregory’s commitment to delivering reliable, long-lasting products.

Pros and Cons of the Gregory Alpaca 45 Gear Storage Box

While the Gregory Alpaca 45 Gear Storage Box offers a plethora of impressive features, it’s important to consider both the advantages and potential drawbacks to make an informed decision. If I’m being 100%, I am stretching on trying to come up with cons, but I want to try to deliver the most accurate and unbiased review - though, I admit, I am biased. These are the jam!

Pros

1. Exceptional Waterproofing and Dustproofing:

The IP65 rating ensures that your gear remains dry and protected from dust, making it ideal for various outdoor conditions.

2. Clearview Lid for Easy Access:

The transparent polycarbonate lid allows for quick identification of contents without opening the box. Convenient AF.

3. Flexible Access with LOCKABLE FlipFlop Hinged Lid:

The ability to open the lid from either side provides versatile access, especially in tight or awkward spaces. Having slots to drop padlocks into and keep sticky fingers out is a huge benefit - especially to those with pickup trucks. Those slots are also about 1” long so a strap could pass through if you wanted to tie these things down.

4. Durable Construction:

Built from high-impact materials and 50% recycled content, the Alpaca 45 is designed to endure heavy use and harsh environments.

5. Efficient Water Drainage:

The water channeling and drainage design prevent water accumulation, adding an extra layer of protection for your gear.

6. Customizable Storage Solutions:

Compatibility with Alpaca Gear Pods allows for personalized organization, catering to a wide range of gear types.

7. Lifetime Warranty:

Gregory’s lifetime warranty offers peace of mind, ensuring long-term reliability and support.

8. Stackable Design:

Multiple boxes can be stacked neatly, optimizing storage space and maintaining organization.

Cons

1. Higher Price Point:

To some, the advanced features and durable construction of the Gregory Alpaca 45 Gear Storage Box come at a premium price, which may be a consideration for budget-conscious buyers. In the end, it’s just a storage container, right? Nope - I personally disagree. It’s a storage container on steroids that feels like it was built just for people like you and me.

2. Additional Cost for Gear Pods:

While the storage options are customizable, the Alpaca Gear Pods are sold separately, potentially increasing the overall investment needed for optimal organization. Again, this isn’t so much of a con because the gear pods are incredibly useful outside of being used with the gear box.

3. Size:

This is a brand new product, so it is only available in the 45L size. I would love to see a larger version of this in the future. Right now I use the popular 24 Gal Action Packer for my bigger items. It works, but I would like to get the features of the alpaca line in that size.

4. Limited Color Options:

Depending on user preference, the available color options for the gear box might be limited. It comes in 2 colors right now: Mirage Tan and Slate Blue. I think they nailed it with these. Again, not bright ass red like the Husky boxes, and by giving 2 options, it makes it easier to identify your boxes by color. “Kitchen in Blue. Sleeping Gear in Tan.”

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Conclusion

The Gregory Alpaca 45 Gear Storage Box transcends the typical storage solution, offering a robust, protective, and versatile container tailored to the needs of outdoor enthusiasts and travelers. Its waterproof and dustproof construction ensures that your gear remains safe and dry, no matter the conditions. Innovative features like the lockable Clearview lid and FlipFlop hinged design provide unparalleled convenience and accessibility, while the durable build guarantees longevity even under the toughest circumstances. The customizable storage options with Alpaca Gear Pods allow for personalized organization, making it easier than ever to keep your gear in order.

Whether you’re braving the elements on a wilderness campout or simply seeking a dependable way to store your equipment at home, the Gregory Alpaca 45 Gear Storage Box stands out as one of my personal favorites. Its lifetime warranty further reinforces its reliability, giving you the confidence to invest in a storage solution that won’t let you down. Ready to upgrade your gear storage? The Gregory Alpaca 45 Gear Storage Box is waiting to be your new adventure companion. Don’t leave your next expedition to chance—equip yourself with the best and embark with confidence.

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