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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