Toyota Tacoma Tacozilla: 10 Things To Know About The Ultimate Overlander

When Toyota unveiled the Tacozilla at the 2021 SEMA Show, it captivated the overlanding world. This retro-inspired camper is built on the 2021 Toyota Tacoma platform and combines the truck’s rugged capability with features tailored for adventure seekers.

The Tacozilla camper taps into the nostalgia of the classic Chinook campers from the 1970s but updates the design for the modern-day traveler. It’s an homage to old-school camping and feeds into the “tiny house” craze that’s been sweeping the globe in recent years. Here’s ten things you need to know about the Toyota Tacoma Tacozilla, and what makes it so awesome.

The Toyota Tacozilla is a concept RV that debuted at the SEMA show in 2021. This article pertains to the prototype and the specifications revealed by the brand at the time.

1 The Backbone of Tacozilla: Tacoma TRD Sport

Built On A Proven Toyota Platform

Created in the Toyota Motorsports Garage – also known as the Motorsports Technical Center – the Tacozilla camper is a 100% custom concept vehicle built on the Toyota Tacoma platform. The Tacoma is one of the most trusted mid-size trucks on the market. Naturally, Toyota wanted to showcase its reputation for reliability and durability and selected the Tacoma as the ideal foundation for an overlanding rig.

A four-wheel-drive 2021 Tacoma TRD Sport with the Double Cab body configuration as the base, the Tacozilla is equipped to handle tough terrain with its high ground clearance and robust suspension system. Although the 2021 Tacoma had access to two engines, the Tacozilla opts for the best in the lineup. Here’s the Tacozilla’s specs, based on the 2021 Tacoma TRD Sport:

The 2021 Tacoma TRD Sport has a towing capacity of 6,400 pounds and a payload of 1,260 lbs.

2 It’s Made For All-Terrain Overlanding

Adventure Anywhere With Off-Road Enhancements

Tacozilla isn’t just for show; it’s built for rugged off-road adventures. According to the Tacozilla Build Team Manager, Marty Schwerter, the idea was to build a camper that would still be capable and off-road worthy so it could be driven anywhere a normal-sized Tacoma 4×4 could venture.

The Toyota Tacoma Tacozilla is designed with all-terrain capabilities in mind, featuring TRD performance parts, enhanced ground clearance, skid plates, and all-terrain tires. These components make it capable of tackling rocky trails, muddy roads, and steep inclines with ease. But it does, not stop there. The Toyota Tacozilla camper also has a narrow span, features high departure angles, and is put together using aircraft-grade materials and fabrication methods allowing it to navigate challenging obstacles without damaging the rear camper.

We wanted to build a camper that would still be capable and off-road worthy so it could be driven anywhere a normal-sized Tacoma 4×4 could venture.

– Marty Schwerter, Tacozilla Build Team Manager

Above and beyond what the Tacoma TRD Sport offers, the Tacozilla get the following additional off-road and performance enhancements:

• TRD Air Intake Snorkel
• TRD Pro Wheels
• Rigid Light Bar And Fog Lights
• General Grabber X3 285/70/17
• Full-Size Spare Tire
• Two-Inch TRD Suspension Lift
• TRD Billet Upper Control Arms
• Custom Motorsports Technical Center Exhaust
• Custom Front And Rear Steel Bumpers
• Integrated Off-Road Winch In The Front Bumper
• D-Ring Shackels
• TRD Skid Plate

3 A Retro Design With Modern Engineering

Balancing Classic Charm With Quality

Tacozilla’s design pays homage to the classic Toyota campers from the 1970s and early 80s. In this modern one-off concept, Toyota’s design team carefully crafted the camper’s exterior to evoke a sense of adventure and nostalgia. The custom camper shell and signature orange-and-yellow color scheme add a retro flair while integrating modern materials and high-quality craftsmanship for extended durability. The sleek curves and rounded edges of the Tacozilla give it a retro vibe that’s immediately recognizable but also adds much-needed fuel efficiency.

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. Our goal was to build a vehicle that is engineered correctly but also made to look really cool. Being around race cars my whole life, race cars are cool looking. I want campers to be cool looking, too.

– Marty Schwerter, Tacozilla Build Team Manager

Toyota tapped well-known vehicle customizers, Complete Customs out of McKinney, Texas, to assist with the paint and retro graphics. PPG worked with the build team on color consultation to craft pigments that provided the desired tribute referring to the classic Toyota Chinook that inspired this new modern concept.

4 The Custom Rear Door Took Over 100 Hours to Design

Taking Craftsmanship To A New Level

One of the standout features of the Tacozilla is its rear door. This door was custom-built and required over 100 hours of meticulous design work to achieve the perfect fit. Toyota’s engineers wanted a door that was both functional and visually pleasing, seamlessly blending with the camper’s retro-modern aesthetic. The rear door also opens up fully, allowing for easy access and airflow, enhancing the camper’s usability. This same meticulous process was implemented throughout the design and construction of the entire camper structure and the vehicle build as a whole.

5 Maximizing Interior Space For Comfort And Utility

Functional, But Compact

Despite its compact size, the Tacozilla camper interior maximizes space through smart design choices. Toyota worked with Columbia Sportswear Co. to conceptualize certain interior design elements that hit the mark between rugged and useful – and the bed of the Tacoma isn’t an enormous space to work with.

The team needed to go below frame height in order for a person to be able to stand up inside.

– Marty Schwerter, Tacozilla Build Team Manager

The Tacoma’s bed was removed to determine the best way forward, and the resulting package means that someone over six feet tall can walk around inside the camper with more than enough space for amenities and equipment.

Inside, everything needed for off-grid adventures has been purposefully situated, including a bed, kitchenette, and dining area. The kitchen includes a stove and sink, while a spacious sleeping area provides comfort after a long day on the trail. The interior’s light wood paneling and natural tones help create a relaxing, open atmosphere.

In order to make room for two full-size adults on top of the confines of a mid-size truck-based camper, the designers decided to drop the flooring below the truck’s frame line and add a 4-foot by 4-foot skylight above the living room that protrudes through the roofline. This additional feature brightens up the small space at the same time and also expands for much-needed headroom. Additionally, the table featuring a 3D-printed topographical map of Zion National Park can be stowed on the wall to double as an ornament creating more room within the confines of the camper.

6 Off-Grid Living With Thoughtful Amenities

All the Essentials For Extended Adventures

Designed with the overlander in mind, the Toyota Tacoma Tacozilla camper includes features that make off-grid living easy. The camper has its own power system with a custom dual-battery 12-volt configuration to run essential electronics. Smartly, the vehicle builders adjusted this within the engine bay, saving critical room for the aft.

LED lighting throughout the interior offers visibility at night, and a sizable water tank provides a source of clean water for washing and cooking. With these amenities, Tacozilla offers a self-sufficient experience, ideal for campers who love to explore remote destinations.

Additional Living Features:

• Cut Rear Of Vehicle Cab For Camper Pass Through
• Removed Extra-Cab Seating For Access And Storage
• Fully Insulated Interior
• Teak Sauna-Style Flooring
• A Full Bathroom With Hot-Water Shower
• Fully Operation Kitchen With A Refrigerator, Stove, And Sink
• 20-Gallon Fresh Water Tanks
• Two 9-Gallon Grey Water Tanks
• A 3D-Printed Dining Table That Converts To A Backlit Piece Of Wall Art
• Sleeping Space Above The Cab
• Bench Seats With Built-In Storage
• Rear Ladder Rack For Roof Access
• Removable Hitch Step With Appropriate Hitch Receiver

7 A Proper Carry-All, Carry Everything

Designed For Adventure

The Toyota Tacoma Tacozilla is designed to be a true companion for adventure seekers who want the freedom to take on diverse terrains and bring along everything they need. With a towing capacity of around 6,400 lbs, this rig isn’t just a camper – it’s a full adventure hub. The rear hitch receiver offers “plug-and-play” versatility, meaning drivers can easily swap out towing accessories for whatever the journey demands. Whether it’s a bike rack for mountain trails, a kayak rack for riverside explorations, or a ski rack for high-altitude winter escapes, the Tacozilla is ready to adapt to the adventure at hand.

On top of that, the Tacozilla’s roof is accessible via a sturdy rear ladder rack, unlocking storage potential on the roof for bulkier gear. The roof access not only maximizes cargo space but also adds to the overall capability of the camper, turning it into a multi-functional platform.

8 Built To Last With High-Quality Materials

Durable for All Climates

With all of those rugged adventures on tap, the builders used high-quality materials throughout the Tacozilla’s construction to ensure it could withstand harsh conditions. The camper shell is crafted together using the same materials and techniques as in aviation and motorsports, resulting in a lightweight but durable structure.

Weatherproofing and insulation were also a priority in Tacozilla’s design, allowing for comfort across various climates. The vehicle features aluminum panels on ther interior and exterior with plenty of insulation in between. The use of water-resistant surfaces helps to keep the camper clean and durable on rough trails.

9 A Hands-On Driving Experience

Manual Transmission For Precision Control

The Toyota Tacoma Tacozilla camper is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 278 hp and 265 lb-ft of torque, but it’s the choice of a six-speed manual transmission that makes this overlander truly interesting. Opting for a manual gearbox wasn’t just a nod to the retro Toyota Chinook; it was also about creating a driver-focused experience. A manual transmission gives enthusiasts precise control over shifting, which can be invaluable during challenging off-road conditions where torque delivery matters. This added control allows drivers to better manage steep climbs, descents, and tight maneuvers on rugged trails in some off-roading applications.

Beyond nostalgia, the manual transmission contributes to a more connected and engaging drive—perfect for those who enjoy the mechanical feel of classic vehicles. This setup, combined with the 3.5-liter V6, equips the Tacozilla with enough power and responsiveness to confidently tackle trail runs while supporting the camper’s additional weight.

10 Tacozilla In Concept, Only

One-Of-A-Kind – Literally

The Tacozilla debuted in 2021 as a new concept for the brand, but it sadly never went into production – it was purely a prototype for SEMA, showcasing the versatility of the Tacoma and the brand itself. Enthusiasts who saw the build had the following to say:

This was the most beautiful RV build I have ever seen on a Tacoma frame. I didn’t think it was possible to install a kitchen, bathroom/shower, dining room table and charis, and a queen size bed above the cab in a fully enclosed compartment. It’s just a shame they can’t make some more of these beautiful machines…

– TexasVooDooBlue, TacomaWorld Forum

Sources:
Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
TacomaWorld.com