We’re wrapping up our Overland Expo Mountain West 2024 coverage with some of our favorite Toyotas from the event. With four Toyota platforms refreshed in recent years we’re seeing a great mix of new, old, and classic builds across a variety of platforms pop at the event. Moving into 2025, we expect to see plenty of the all-new 4Runner, but we’ll get there soon enough. For now, here are some of our favorite overland Toyota builds of Overland Expo Mountain West 2024.
Peak Suspension — 2024 TRD Offroad Tacoma
Throughout the year, we’ve seen more of the new fourth-generation Tacomas popping up in the campground and vendor areas. This high-contrast black and white example from the Peak Suspension booth was decked out in gear to further its overland capability beyond its already impressive stock form. With 35-inch tires, a 2-inch lift kit from Peak, skids and bumpers from CBI, a Prinsu Designs roof rack, an iKamper tent, and plenty of Baja Designs. We can’t wait to see more great new Tacoma builds like this one.
GFC Equipped — 2003 Tacoma
There’s just something about these first-generation Tacomas. Even though they’re over 20 years old now, you still see plenty of them out on the road, ranging from bone stock to rock crawlers. This example, owned by Jason, aka @kodastacoma, is somewhere in the middle. Up front, an ARB bumper adds trail protection and a great spot for additional illumination. The GFC Camper provides a great living space, and Jason has customized his with lots of great storage solutions. The aforementioned four-legged and furry friend Koda rides atop a rear seat delete that also includes storage space underneath. We can’t forget the incredibly lightweight Bradley Forged wheels, a custom rear swingout, a hot shower system, and full plates underneath.
1HD 12 Valve Swap — 1986 FJ60 Land Cruiser
On the outside, this FJ60 looks like a perfectly patinaed example of this legendary and well-loved LC platform. Up top, a tent from Intrepid Camp Gear might catch your eye, but underneath the hood, the 1HD 12 Valve paired with an H55 transmission. It’s riding on an Old Man Emu suspension to upgrade the ride quality, and upfront, the ARB Bullbar adds a classic look and trail protection. All in all, this is the definition of a sleeper rig. The Intrepid Camp Gear tent was included in our Best Gear of Overland Expo Mountain West.
READ MORE: Three, and Two, Wheeled Adventures in the Ural Gear Up
Full-Time Traveler — 2005 Tundra
Full-time traveling is a commitment in any rig, but full-timing a 20-year-old plus a “full-sized” truck is a whole different ball game. Outside of a mild life and suspension upgrades, this first generation Tundra is relatively stock. On the back a Hiatus Camper features a full pop-up roof. The rigid pop top is great for full-time living, and the owner has extensively customized the inside with a bookshelf and a massive storage drawer. If you’re looking for a full-sized rig, don’t discount these first-gen Tundras.
Wandering Englishman and Lady — 2001 Land Cruiser
Normally, we try to speak with the owner of the rigs we feature, but we couldn’t pass up this wonderful Troopy even though we weren’t able to connect. With the pop top, the interior of this 70 series provides plenty of living space, and the interior is decked out with a wide array of custom storage solutions. The modifications to this adventure rig are too extensive to list, but the highlights include custom side rails for Maxtrax mounting, solar and electrical system upgrades, an ARB Bull Bar, Superwinch Talon 9.5, Dometic Fridge, and more.
Overland Equipped — First Gen 4Runner
While we see plenty of older Tacomas and Land Cruisers and a good group of earlier Tundras, it seems like it’s rare to spot a first-generation 4Runner at Overland Expo. However, when we do, it’s always a crowd-pleaser. Unfortunately, we couldn’t catch up with the owner, but we could still tell this vintage Yota has seen plenty of adventures, and it’s well outfitted with a 270-degree awning, a rooftop tent, solar, dual swing outs, a Warn winch, and suspension upgrades.
Adventure-Ready — 100 Series
The 100 Series Cruisers seem to be in a sweet spot. They’re definitely getting into the nostalgia range, but good examples can still be found for relatively decent deals. A bone stock 100 Series can take you to a lot of places, just like this wonderful couple from Arkansas who brought their Cruiser to Overland Expo Mountain West. With a DIY sleeping platform in the back, a drawer fridge, and some good tires, this rig is ready to roll. No doubt that with some regular maintenance and care, this 100 series has tens of thousands of miles left in it.
Sherpa Equipment Company — 2024 Land Cruiser
The popularity of the new Land Cruiser continues to rise, and Overland Expo Mountain West was no exception. This one in the Sherpa Equipment Company caught our eye with a great wrap and some minimal accessories; this Land Cruiser is ready for adventure with with the Atlas Roof Rack from Sherpa Equipment Company, Convoy wheels from Nomad, and 37-inch Kenda Klevar RTS. When the track gets too narrow for the Cruiser, a dirt bike on the back makes sure that you can continue the adventure. And we have to note that the white wheels are a win. You can’t deny the throwback appeal of this look.
Trout Guide — 80 Series
Okay, I have to admit this one was a non-negotiable for me. A nicely modded 80 Series. Check. Decked out with some flyfishing gear. Double Check. A nice bit of DIY gear. Triple Check! The owner is a fly fishing guide in Colorado, and it’s obvious that he uses this Toyota to get out into the backcountry to find the fish. The interior is loaded with a classic fridge, DIY drawers, and a few custom flyfishing mods, like the magnets for keeping track of tiny flies (and I’m stealing that idea for my own rig). And it featured plenty of other mods like a Riversmith Rod holder, a CVT hardshell tent, a Rhino Rack awning, rock sliders, and more.
