Project Tundra: Getting Stuck is Fun

A few months ago I sold the Lexus GX and bought a Toyota Tundra. The goal? Build an off-road capable media support truck to sleep and work out of while on remote production shoots. Give it desert runner chops and off-the-grid capabilities. I wrote a story on an intro to the Project Tundra a while back and am finally giving a build update. Meanwhile getting stuck in Glamis during one of the first shakedowns, getting stuck is fun, and a memorable moment.

So first and one of the most crucial components to any off-road build is suspension. Today there are many different companies fabricating aftermarket suspension options for a Tundra. But few companies in the off-road industry have stayed true to their roots for over 25 years producing superior off-road suspension. Total Chaos Fabrication is a company that is deeply rooted in the off-road community as racers, fabricators, and suspension builders. When you think of suspension fabricated parts for Toyota, you think Total Chaos, simply it. Superior performance.

For now, I have 2.5 coil-overs that provide adequate performance while I wait for better shocks. These 4130 Chromoly tubular upper control arms utilize a 1” uniball and when mated with an extended coil-over, you can achieve 11 inches of wheel travel, which is a modest amount utilizing the stock control arms.

Next up: Wheels and tires. Turns out finding 17" wheels for a Toyota Tundra is inherently difficult to find considering the bolt pattern is specific to three vehicles in North America, the Tundra, Sequoia, and Land Cruiser. Luckily KMC had the KM717 BULLY OL in stock and thought bronze would be an addition to a set of 35 inch General Grabber x3. The overall cohesive design is unique and can be seen as a derivative of the Grenade wheels. Needless to say, I am stoked.

While on a photoshoot to Glamis a while back I tested out bombing through sand highway to Oldsmobile Hill and the Tundra absolutely rocked it. The suspension feels good for what it is. Probably wasn’t the smartest to go out by myself but thankfully It handled the sand fine. The Tundra weighs A LOT and still trying to get a feel for hurtling this beast through the desert.

Spent a little over three hours stuck in the sand. Left the traction boards at home… Ended up digging myself out. It is what it is. If you aren’t getting stuck in Glamis are you even having fun?! Highly doubtful.

A few weeks later and I have already have put over 5000 miles on it and have no issues with it so far. After all, that was one of the reasons I picked the Toyota platform, for its reliability.

Camper shell is off the truck that can only mean one thing.... or two things actually. Worse Gas Mileage and the Enduro Camper is coming.

Very excited for how this truck is turning out, and can’t wait for the first trip down to Baja with it in February as a shakedown.