Of course the new 2022 Tundra (See page 16 for Jim’s test drive) and Tacozilla camper were the top items of interest for Toyota enthusiasts. Let’s tackle Tacozilla first.
The retro themed one-off Tacoma + Camper calls to the overland, adventure, and even campervan crowd with the promise of ‘home is where you park it’. It features everything a modern explorer would want or need in a go anywhere truck, which makes sense since it was designed and built by Marty Schwerter and his team at the Toyota Motorsports Garage. No, you cannot order Tacozilla from your local dealer.
While Tacozilla looks, and functions, like an RV, it still retains enough capability to get out and explore. The truck features a custom 2” suspension lift that fits 285/70/17 General Grabber X3’s (we’re not sure if they rub). Standard Overland upgrades like a winch, snorkel, recovery gear, and a second battery are included, but the camper is really where the cool mods are.
Nice details like a Lexan skylight, full bathroom and kitchen, and a custom dining table that coverts to wall art make this a really great SEMA level build. Remember, this is an RV, so you also get a fridge, bed, Columbia dinnerware, and a TV.
For the 2022 Tundra – not only did they show off fairly stock versions of the completely rebuilt truck, Toyota brought a lifted & accessorized Limited with the TRD Off Road package, as well as another custom SEMA truck. The TRD Desert Chase Tundra could be the dream we’ve all been waiting for.
The well upgraded TRD Off Road Tundra shows off what can be accomplished on the all-new truck with a few basic upgrades. Toyota notes that they already have over 100 upgrades available, and we know that partners such as Toytec, CBI Offroad, and Specialty Products are already working on additional components.
This truck featured a TRD suspension kit with 2.6” of lift, TRD Skid Plates and running boards (NOT sliders), as well as a bed extender and dash camera. Swing out storage boxes were also added in addition to the tonneau cover and a bed mat. TRD wheels & tires with black lugs rounded out the modified look.
If you’ve seen the TRD Desert Chase Truck, you know that this is THE Tundra we’d like to build. Some may even call it a Raptor killer…
The TRD Desert Chase Tundra starts with a solid foundation: the all-new 2022 Tundra TRD Pro, with the i-FORCE MAX that produces 437 horsepower and a whopping 583 lb.-ft. of torque, with that peak torque coming in at an impressively low 2,400 RPM.
This truck includes a custom TRD-designed, long-travel suspension that uses the Tundra’s stock mounting points. The team also added a wide-body kit designed and manufactured at TRD’s North Carolina composite shop, hence the required marker lights on the front grille.
To help reduce unsprung suspension weight, the Chase Tundra rides on a custom set of lightweight 18-inch forged aluminum wheels from Method Race Wheels, wrapped in 37-inch General Tire Grabber X3 all-terrain tires on all four corners. The TRD Desert Chase Tundra also includes rear- and side-facing Rigid lights and a front-facing Rigid light bar with room for up to eight lights. The light bar also can be electronically raised when needed and can be lowered below the roof line to eliminate wind noise and help improve aerodynamics.
In the bed are the competition chase team essentials: a custom-made roll bar, custom-mounted off-road jack, 15-lb. CO2 bottle, fuel and water containers, two roll bar mounted spare tires and an ARB Tred Pro Recovery Board with everything secured using the Tundra’s existing OEM truck bed bolts and bolt locations.
While the Toyota trucks were the talk of the town in our circles, several other vendors had great new products to show off during the show. Some of our favorites included:
Expedition Essentials showed off their recovery boards mounts on several vehicles around the show.
Factor 55, now a Warn company, was showing off their world class recovery gear their new Ultrahook, an updated rope retention pully, as well as the Hitchlink Pro in two different sizes.
Overland Vehicle Systems was showing off a gorgeously outfitted Land Cruiser to highlight their Overland tents, 270, 180 , and standard awnings, recovery gear, cargo, and air products.
iKamper had a lot of pretty major releases for SEMA show this year. First, they’ve upgraded all of their tents to new versions – and now offer insulation for most models to get you out exploring during cooler months.
The new Aioks and Aioks 2 kitchen options from iKamper combine a two burner stove, table, and storage into one container.
Their new sleep systems are setup specifically for RTT sleeping. Offered in single or double versions along with a blanket and even RTT specific inflatable mattresses. These sleep systems could be the perfect way to stay cozy and comfy any time of year.
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