Toyota has masterfully blended nostalgia with modern overlanding desires in their Tacozilla Tacoma Camper concept. Unveiled at the 2021 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas, this unique build pays homage to the classic Toyota campers of the 1970s and 80s while offering a fully equipped, go-anywhere “micro-house” on wheels. Based on the robust Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport pickup, the Tacozilla is a bold statement of Toyota’s commitment to the overlanding community and their passion for outdoor exploration.
Lisa Materazzo, group vice president of Toyota Division Marketing, emphasized Tacozilla’s significance, stating, “Tacozilla is an outstanding symbol of Toyota’s go-anywhere brand promise to our many owners who love overlanding and outdoor fun.” This concept vehicle immediately captures attention, whether on the bustling SEMA show floor, a serene campsite, or tackling a challenging off-road trail.
The Tacozilla project was brought to life by Marty Schwerter and his dedicated team at the Toyota Motorsports Garage. Their vision was clear: to create a camper that was not only functional and rugged but also visually appealing. Schwerter explained, “We really didn’t want it to look like a refrigerator on the back of a truck, so you’ll see it’s all rounded edges.” This design philosophy prioritized aesthetics and seamless integration with the Tacoma’s inherent lines.
Rejecting sharp, boxy edges, Schwerter opted for rounded contours and smooth aluminum surfaces. This decision was driven by a desire to complement the Tacoma’s existing body lines, resulting in a more cohesive and refined appearance. “Our goal was to build a vehicle that is engineered correctly but also made to look really cool,” Schwerter noted, drawing inspiration from the visually striking nature of race cars. He firmly believed that campers could also possess a similar level of aesthetic appeal.
The transformation began with the removal of the Tacoma’s original bed. This step was crucial to assess the space available and determine necessary component relocations to accommodate the camper structure. A key challenge was achieving sufficient interior height. “The team needed to go below frame height in order for a person to be able to stand up inside,” Schwerter explained. This involved a meticulous process of shrinking and repackaging various elements to maximize vertical space within the camper shell, ensuring comfortable headroom for occupants exceeding six feet in height, while still incorporating essential camper amenities.
To validate initial dimensions and fitment, the Toyota Motorsports Garage team constructed a basic camper frame. This initial framework then underwent refinement and reinforcement to optimize structural integrity and visual harmony with the Tacoma’s design. The camper’s form factor was carefully considered, featuring a narrower top and bottom profile. This tapered shape was not merely an aesthetic choice; it was strategically implemented to enhance maneuverability on narrow trails, reducing the risk of collisions with trees and other obstacles often encountered in overlanding scenarios.
The tapered design, while beneficial for off-road navigation, presented fabrication complexities, particularly in crafting the rear door. While a flat door would have been simpler to manufacture, the team felt it would compromise the integrated aesthetic they were striving for. The result was a significant investment of time and effort, with over 100 hours dedicated solely to designing and fabricating the custom rear door, ensuring both form and function were perfectly balanced.
Another critical engineering hurdle was creating a robust pass-through opening connecting the Tacoma’s cabin to the camper structure. This required substantial structural reinforcement to withstand the rigors of off-road driving. The design had to allow for torsional flex between the cabin and camper, enabling them to move independently over uneven terrain without causing damage or compromising driving safety. This intricate connection ensured the two sections worked in unison, maintaining structural integrity in demanding off-road conditions.
Capitalizing on existing Tacoma components, the team cleverly repurposed the original rear fender flares, seamlessly integrating them into the camper’s wheel well openings. The suspension received a modest two-inch lift over the standard Tacoma TRD Sport setup, enhancing ground clearance for improved off-road capability. To ensure optimal traction across diverse terrains, the Tacozilla was equipped with 285/70/17 General Tire Grabber X3 all-terrain tires, known for their robust performance in challenging environments.
Custom builds are often iterative processes, allowing for improvements even as fabrication progresses. A prime example of this adaptability in the Tacozilla project was the addition of a large pop-up Lexan skylight mid-build. Initially not part of the plan, the skylight was incorporated to enhance the interior environment, providing ample natural light, improved air circulation, and additional headroom within the camper. Further customization included relocating the fuel tank filler, isolating it from the camper to prevent fuel fumes from entering the living space, and installing a secondary battery in the Tacoma’s engine bay. This auxiliary battery provided increased power capacity without encroaching on the camper’s limited interior space.
The final paintwork, executed by Complete Customs in McKinney, Texas, a trusted Toyota partner, completed the Tacozilla’s retro aesthetic. The camper received a white base coat accented with a vintage-inspired yellow, orange, and bronze color scheme, reminiscent of classic Toyota campers from decades past. Stepping inside the fully insulated camper reveals an interior that truly embodies the “micro-house” concept. Teak sauna-style flooring creates a warm and inviting ambiance, while a complete bathroom with a hot-water shower offers essential amenities for extended adventures. A fully functional kitchen, equipped with a stove and sink, caters to onboard meal preparation. A unique 3D-printed dining table cleverly transforms into backlit wall art, showcasing innovative space utilization. Ample sleeping space ensures comfortable rest after a day of exploration.
The Toyota Tacozilla Tacoma Camper is more than just a concept vehicle; it’s a celebration of Toyota’s rich heritage in adventure vehicles and a forward-looking vision for the future of overlanding. It embodies the spirit of exploration, combining rugged capability with thoughtful design and comfortable living, perfectly tailored for the modern overlander seeking both style and substance in their adventures.
¹It is important to note that the vehicle described is a special prototype project vehicle. It has been modified with non-genuine parts and accessories, which may render it illegal to operate on public roads, void the vehicle’s warranty, and negatively impact its safety and overall performance.
