A SoCal Tacoma TRD Built for Trails, Travel, and Terrain

The Backroad-Bashing Tacoma TRD

Overlanding is built upon camping, as well as reaching trails and destinations across the United States and other countries. This level of excitement has allowed this genre of off-roading to gain popularity around the world. And what better vehicle than a 2021 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro outfitted with some of the best wares from the biggest names in the overlanding community to do it in? Over 7 months of research, time, dedication, blood, and sweat went into building one of the most reliable fun-havers. Before too long, it was ready to step off the pavement to travel and camp in some of the toughest terrains and biomes spread across the United States.

Meet Kevin Castillo, the owner and creative mind behind the 22 Pro Taco build. This 2021 Toyota Tacoma shows its body curves and add-ons in all regions, from the driveway to the highways to the truck shows and expos across California and surrounding states to the dirt seeking and trail breaking that this rig has conquered. Kevin is a Southern California resident based out of Los Angeles. Even though the truck’s routes are deep in the city, its branches stretch much further to areas like the Big Bear off-road trails, Johnson Valley, home of the world-famous King of the Hammers race, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, and more!

Before we jump into the details, let’s just take a look at a few brands rocking this build’s world. Starting off with Locked Offroad Wheels, Toyota SoCal, SoCal Built, and more being added on! Let’s work our way to the business in the front and slowly head to the party in the back. This Tacoma is equipped with Desert Wolf Retrofits custom headlights (yes, that’s a baby Yoda in there) and Diode Dynamic SS3 ditch lights for a little extra illumination at night. Keeping the front end looking sharp and mean is an Aspire Auto Accessories TRD Pro grille and Saints Offroad Alpha front bumper.

Working our way along the side, we took notice of the Attica rock sliders protecting the doors from rocks and other obstacles on the trails. The rear of the Tacoma, which is everyone’s favorite view, features an Attica rear bumper that is tucked up high for maximum clearance and protection to the body. When Kenin is ready to relax under the shade during the day, he relies on his Openroad 4WD 270-degree awning to keep his belongings out of the sun. After the sun sets, he relies on the Sterling Adventure Co. Uinta rooftop tent and brackets to keep comfy and out of the elements while getting some sleep after a long day on the trail. We put this bracketry to the test during our photoshoot as we slid it around corners and jumped the truck to test its absolute limits and durability. I must say, I am extremely impressed with the craftsmanship put into that bracketry because it all survived!

With all these accessories, this truck does have some junk in the trunk, making it a heavy rig, so what helps keep it moving and putting the power down? The Toyota 3.5L V6 Tacoma motor with an Injen cold air intake and MBP tune helps give a little spice to the throttle and kick up some dirt whenever Kevin feels like it. The rubber on the ground is a set of Mastertrack R/T 35×12.50R17 tires that deliver exquisite traction and absolute control. The tires are wrapped around a beautiful foursome of 17×9 Locked Offroad Commando wheels—a tasteful choice for a show during the day and the party at night. R1 Concepts braking components help bring these wheels and tires to a screeching halt. Going fast is fun until you can’t safely slow down and stop when absolutely necessary.

Let’s move on from the things we can see and onto the things we can’t spot as clearly, such as the suspension system keeping this rig afloat. This Pro Taco is rocking the complete Rough Country Vertex 3.5-inch lift all around, which includes front springs, adjustable reservoir shocks, and rear leaf packs to help with all the extra weight in the back. Keeping this rig’s undercarriage looking pretty is a Toyota OEM skid that has taken a kickin’ but keeps on stickin’.

A build like this is never truly complete, and we are excited to follow this truck along its journey on and off the trails—from coast to coast and state to state! Overlanding is a growing genre in the off-road industry that we at Tread take pride in showcasing. This 2021 Toyota Tacoma checked important boxes, including cleanliness, reliability, and having a fun, unique design all its own.

We caught up with Kevin and asked him what type of advice he would give the next builder following in his footsteps. His response: “Do a lot of research! So many issues can be avoided by investing your time into research.” We couldn’t agree more! It’s not the parts that make a build special; it’s the knowledge that makes the rig a success. Knowledge and experience will take you further than you can imagine. We are excited for what is to become of this Tacoma, as well as seeing future builds from Kevin. Until next time!

UPGRADES

2021 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro

Owner: Kevin Castillo

Los Angeles, CA

Engine & Drivetrain: Toyota 3.5L L/211 V6; Injen cold air intake; MBP tune

Chassis & Suspension: Stock Frame; Rough Country Vertex 3.5-inch lift; Rough Country Vertex shocks; Rough Country Vertex springs; Rough Country rear leaf spring packs; KSP 1.5-inch spacers ; Toyota OEM skid plate

Wheels & Tires: 35×12.50R17 Mastertrack R/T tires; 17×9 Locked Offroad ‘Command’ wheels; R1 Concepts brake rotors, calipers, and pads

Body & Armor: Magnetic Grey Metallic paint; Satin black accents

Interior & Accessories: Toyota TRD Pro seats; Meso Customs lighting; JBL speakers; Head unit swap w/ Apple CarPlay