Where It Went
Trent - Bigger, Better & Futureproof-Ish
Found a wife & dog so I needed some more truck
This 06 Tundra is right in the sweet spot of power, comfort & capabilities. Large enough for the family & small enough for the trail. If a Tacoma is a Taco then the 1st Gen Tundra is the Cheesy Gordita Crunch.
The Origin Story
After the first trip with the soon to be wife & dog it was obvious we needed more room. The OGB was a great rig for 1-2 but the 75lb dog Blue did not appreciate the minimalistic Xtra Cab space in the back like I had hoped. Saved & searched for a long time before finding this rust free, low mile Tundra across the state. Flew out, shook hands and I was on my way home smiling with my new truck and excited to start the build
My goal was to build this rig the right way using what my first build had taught me, building with intention & investing in high quality parts. I documented a lot of this build on YouTube and you can find those links below, but lets take it step by step here as well. the truck was clean and not in need of any terribly expensive or hard to source upgrading. With a robust enthusiast following, there was enough knowledge & aftermarket support to keep me reading and researching night and day.
First things first, we got started with upgraded ride quality with front and rear suspension & Cooper STT Max tall skinnies in a 33″. Increased trail visibility with a much needed projector headlight retrofit & finally began hitting the trail for some much needed shake down runs.
Then we started on some major modifications there was no coming back from. Buddy built & welded on some custom rock sliders, matching front & rear high clearance Brute Force Fab bumpers. The rear came with some elective surgery. Finally the At Habitat found its home!
What Trent Taught Me About Building Adventure Rigs
1. Full Size Is Fun
It is just easier to get out with a growing family when you have the extra room of a full size cab and camper. We get out more frequently and have a better time because of it.
2. No Substitute For Displacement
Coming from the anemic world of the 22R to the 4.7L V8 of the First Gen Tundra just made everything about the driving experience more enjoyable. Even without regearing, the power is there when I need it.
3. Buy vs DIY
There is not a one size fits all when it comes to mods and gear. Skill building is a gigantic part of what I do & teach but it comes at a price. Some times it just makes sense to buy the part vs build it.
4. Invest In Training
It’s one thing to risk an old somewhat beater of a truck on the trail, but when you invest so much in a new rig you should also invest in proper training on how to drive and recover it
Specifications – 2-006 Toyota Tundra Double Cab 4×4 with a 4.7L 2UZ-FE V8 Engine
Videos on OGB
Armor & Capability –Brute Force Fab front and rear high clearance bumpers, custom rock sliders, WTI front bumper, custom rock sliders, Skid Row Off-Road full skid plates, Fox 2.5″ Coilover, Camburg UCA, Archive Garage Overland Leaf Pack in rear with Fox 2.0 Extended Length Shock, Warn Zion 9500 lb winch, factory LSD rear axel. Cooper STT Max 255/80R17 tires on stock powder coated wheels & 1.25″ Spidertrax Front Spacers.
Camping System – WAT Overland Habitat Camper, swapped Nemo Roamer mattress pad, custom built bed storage organizer, custom built house battery system using Redarc DC to DC controller, Victron Monitoring, Battle Born Lithium battery & various other componentry. Expedition Upfitters portable Diesel heater, Nathional Luna 90L Dual Zone Fridge/Freezer, Wrappon Green Toilet,
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