2010 Toyota Tundra Rock Warrior overland build with Coastal Offroad bumper, Baja Designs lights, GFC Camper, and 35" tires

The Tundra:

As fate would have it, all good things come to an end. My trusty Mitsubishi Montero was ready for a new home, and I was in fact ready for a new travel companion. The next vehicle must meet the following criteria: reliable, comfortably seat four adults, easy access to parts through a domestic and international dealer network, decent payload, exceptional off-road capability, better after market support, tow at least 9,000lbs, and fit my under $30k budget.

2010 Toyota Tundra Rock Warrior overland build with Coastal Offroad bumper, Baja Designs lights, GFC Camper, and 35" tires

Well, here’s my new to me 2010 Toyota Tundra Rock Warrior!


After a few weeks of heavy searching, I finally found a truck that met all my requirements. Double cab, tow package, lower miles, and added benefit of being a Rock Warrior. While it’s not perfect, it’s everything I need, and will be damn near perfect for travel soon. I’m pretty excited about this as I’ll finally have more space for friends and gear on trips, can tow if need be, and will have a ton easier time finding parts at virtually any dealer.

2010 Toyota Tundra

  • Purchased in July of 2022

  • 132k on body

  • 5.7L V8 3UR-FE

  • Tow Package with 4.30 Gearing

  • Rock Warrior Package

    • Tuned Bilstein Dampers

    • Rock Warrior Grille

    • 17” TRD Forged Rock Warrior Wheels

    • Toyota Rock Warrior Shift Knob

 

Wheels & Tires:

2010 Toyota Tundra Rock Warrior overland build with Coastal Offroad bumper, Baja Designs lights, GFC Camper, and 35" tires

With the Tundra’s longer wheelbase and full-size prowess, I knew a larger tire would be a must for the vehicle to remain capable. Not wanting to get too crazy, a 35” tire seemed like the obvious choice. With 35x12.5r17 now being a standard size across North America, I knew I would never truly have an issue finding a replacement during my travels.

  • Falken AT3W (Installed 8.23)

    • 35x12.50r17

  • 17” TRD Rock Warrior Forged Wheels

    • 17x8”

    • 5x150mm

    • +50mm offset

After spending countless trips in 2021-22 in the Adventure Imports company vehicles, I knew the Falken AT3W would be my next tire. I have not driven a tire with such mild on-road manners, compliant handling in wet conditions, sharp rock performance, and even somehow managing to excel in the mud.

If you’re looking for the perfect all around tire for hard travel, this gets two thumbs up from me.

2010 Toyota Tundra Rock Warrior Fox Performance Elite Suspension Total Chaos Upper Control Arms and Spindle Gusset Kit
2010 Toyota Tundra Rock Warrior Fox Performance Elite Suspension
 
2010 toyota tundra rock warrior overland build with Coastal Offroad bumper, baja designs lights, GFC Camper, and 35" tires

Lighting:




Current Camper / Bed Configuration:

Besides reliability, the only real way I justified parting with the Montero was size. Now having a full-size truck, I am able to comfortably live on the road for days at a time. Currently the Tundra is sporting a Go Fast Campers Platform Camper which I can’t say enough good things about. Now with over 60 nights spent camping in the GFC, I can / will say this is a product I can’t live without. The ability to have a lightweight, made in the USA, livable camp solution that is modular, and comfortable is priceless.

After a year of hard use running the original Decked Legacy Drawer System, I had the opportunity to try out the new V2 drawers. The new drawers now come with an additional 10% storage space in the drawers, fully accessible side compartments, and longer drawer slides with pull an additional 12” further out. Decked Drawers and GFC are a match made in heaven.

Toyota Tundra Rock Warrior Go Fast Camper Decked Drawers Dometic Jug and Faucet Camper Build
Tundra Rock Warrior Camp Setup Dometic Fridge Coleman Fold N Go

Interior:

Cockpit:

toyota Tundra Rock Warrior 2010 ICS Fab Phone Mount and Garmin Inreach
 

Exterior / Armor:

Keeping with the sleek purpose built manner of the Tundra, I opted for a Coastal Off-Road Weld together bumper kit. This allowed me to increase off-road clearance and approach angle while being able to fit a winch and additional lights.

If you have a Tundra with Tow Package, you will need to source a new power steering cooler as this bumper relocates the factory PS cooler and does not account for vehicles with the Tow Package.

 
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Must-have sleeping bags in an old RTT on the Montero.

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Gear I Can’t Live Without:

2010 Toyota Tundra Rock Warrior overland build with Coastal Offroad bumper, Baja Designs lights, GFC Camper, and 35" tires

Maintenance:

At this rate, you’ve probably noticed the trend that maintenance and upkeep are VERY important on my vehicles. While not a sexy topic at all, I sure did learn my lesson during my time of ownership with the Montero. Treat your vehicle well, and it will surely give you many anxiety-free miles ahead.

Once again, I can not stress enough using OEM parts for every item of maintenance you do.

This build wouldn’t be possible without the help and advice from some amazing people and companies.

Sam Wallace, Rob Wallace, Jason Stilgebouer, Richard Giordano, Nicole Pitell, Graeme Macpherson, Bryce Fish, Harry Wagner, Matthew Scott, Garrett Mead, Adventure Imports, Overland Kitted, Total Chaos Fabrication, Decked, Go Fast Campers, Dometic, Baja Designs, Fox Factory, Decked, and many others who know who they are!