One of my favorite parts of any Overland Expo is all of the awesome rigs you find scattered amongst exhibitor booths and the campground. Last week at Overland Expo PNW, there was no shortage of great builds, and amongst them, I found some truly stand-out Toyotas. Some were fully customized classics, a few were new models with basic accessories, and others were heavily modified and ready to tackle any trail. Regardless of the build, it was obvious that the owners had a passion for the brand and exploring the wilderness near and far. So, without further ado, here are some of our favorite Toyotas from Overland Expo PNW 2024.
Dissent Offroad — 2024 Land Cruiser
Let’s start with the obvious. Whoever chose this paint scheme should get an award. I’m not sure what award that would be, but they definitely made the right choice. Underneath the surface, it’s fully armored, includes a high-clearance bumper, and rolls on 38-inch tires. Inside it includes a Dometic drawer fridge, a storage drawer, and a cooking prep surface. Up top, a rack handles cargo duties and includes tools, handles, and lights. It’s also packed with lots of awesome details, like the white wheels and grill. The more you look the better this build gets.
Adventure Hammock System— Pre Runner 4Runner
What has three hammocks, fiberglass fenders, a giant teddy bear, and long travel? It’s this awesome 4Runner. It’s technically a 1986, but given that it’s powered by a 3.4 from a 1996 Tacoma, features a long travel suspension, a full cage, and race seats we think it’s a bit more. For highspeed adventures in the desert you’d be hard pressed to find a cooler vintage Tacoma.
“Monster” Custom — 79 Series Land Cruiser
Our Storytelling Pavillion is a great place to find some awesome rigs and the adventurous and passionate overlanders that own them. This heavily modified 79 Series Land Cruiser belongs to a wonderful fellow named Luca, and he has affectionately dubbed it “Monster.” The most obvious part is the Trayon Slide-on Camping Unit mounted to a custom flatbed, which folds out to create a huge interior living space. The Cruiser is also outfitted with 150 watts of solar, dual batteries, water storage totaling 66 gallons, and fuel capacity for over 1,000 miles. And, it goes without saying that the Monster has seen countless miles of adventure.
READ MORE: The Best Gear of Overland Expo PNW
Long Range America — Tray Bed Tundra
I have to be honest. This kind of build always catches my eye. There’s just something about the utility and cargo management that comes with a canopy and tray bed that I love. This awesome build from the Long Range America booth checks a lot of boxes. For starters, the camp kitchen is epic. It has two slide-outs for the stove and prep, plus there’s a ton of storage. On the other side, more drawers provide all of the organization you could need. An integrated tire carrier makes it easy to swap out if need be. There’s also a ladder for roof access. And we can’t forget the storage integrated into the bed. That’s a great way to keep all of your small items at hand. Last but not least, the Kammok awning sets up and breaks down in seconds, but provides plenty of sun and rain protection.
Expion 360 — Custom 1983 Sunrader
If you were at Overland Expo PNW 2024, chances are you saw this beauty near the front entrance. It’s big, very bright, and awesome. It’s owned by Patrick from Elevated Overland. He’s currently on the tail end of a ground-up renovation of this rig. First and foremost, he added four-wheel drive, completed a 3RZ engine swap, and added a 35-gallon fuel tank. It’s running on 5.29 gears, and it’s front and rear-locked. And if that isn’t impressive enough, he custom-built the chassis. This is obviously a labor of love, and we can’t wait to see it when it’s finished.
Peak Suspension — Tundra
Peak Suspension had this eye-catching Tundra build on display. The Oru Designs camper is incredibly well built and includes some great design points, including a unique rear door setup and plenty of storage and organization options. A full array of KC HiLites mounted to a Prinsu Designs rack provides plenty of illumination for rolling into camp late at night. And if the going gets tough, sliders and a bullbar-equipped high-clearance bumper are there to make sure you avoid damage.
Rhino Rack — 2024 Land Cruiser
This is the perfect example of a well-put-together rig that’s essentially accessorized and stocked. When you start with a great platform, you don’t need much to stay capable and comfortable in the backcountry. A rooftop tent is mounted to a sturdy rack, so you’ve got a comfortable place to sleep that’s also quick and easy to set up and break down. The 270-degree awning is a great place to hang out under some coverage, and the added walls are perfect for inclement weather.
