From Family Hauler to Ultimate Overland Rig: Inside Alex Pak’s Supercharged 2023 Toyota Tacoma Build

Overlanding is more than just a hobby—it’s a lifestyle, a journey, and for many, an obsession. When it comes to outfitting a vehicle for this rugged adventure, few platforms are as beloved and versatile as the Toyota Tacoma. 

Join us as we dive into the details of one such overland-ready Tacoma, a 2023 model owned by Alex Pak. This vehicle looks to blend practicality, durability, and a whole lot of style for the trail.

Alex’s journey with his Tacoma began with a simple need: more space for his growing family. His trusty Toyota 4Runner had served him well, but with more gear, strollers, and baby supplies to haul, it was time for something bigger.

Enter the 2023 Toyota Tacoma—a midsized truck that provided the extra room Alex needed while offering the off-road capabilities he couldn’t live without. 

But Alex’s vision for his Tacoma didn’t stop at just creating a larger family hauler. Inspired by overland influencers, in particular the work of Al Catalos of Sponsored by Wifey, Alex embarked on a mission to transform his Tacoma into a full-fledged overland rig—one that could take his family on adventures far beyond the beaten path.

Under the Hood

At the heart of this build is Toyota’s reliable 3.5-liter V6 engine, supercharged by Magnuson for an extra punch of power. The Tacoma’s stock engine was no slouch, but Alex knew that for the kind of overlanding he had in mind—hauling heavy loads up steep, rugged trails—extra horsepower would be essential.

The supercharger not only boosts performance but ensures that the Tacoma can tackle long, steep climbs and maintain speed on the highway, even when fully loaded.

Complementing the engine upgrade is a Toyota six-speed automatic transmission, a robust unit that has been proven time and again in off-road conditions.

The addition of ECGS 5.29 differentials further enhances the Tacoma’s ability to crawl over obstacles and maintain traction in challenging terrain. Together, these modifications ensure that the Tacoma’s drivetrain is as ready for adventure as the rest of the vehicle.

Ready for Anything

The suspension setup on this Tacoma is nothing short of exceptional. Up front, Alex has equipped his rig with King Shocks, meticulously tuned by Accutune for optimal performance.

Paired with Camburg upper and lower control arms and a Camburg Slapper Kit, this setup allows for incredible articulation and control on rough trails, keeping the wheels planted firmly on the ground. King bumpstops add an extra layer of protection, absorbing impacts and preventing damage during hard landings.

The rear suspension is equally impressive, featuring King Shocks 2.5x12” Smoothie Shocks, also tuned by Accutune. To handle the additional weight of a fully-loaded overland rig, Alex installed Archive Garage HD leaf springs and shock relocation brackets, ensuring the Tacoma can handle anything from rocky trails to washboard roads without missing a beat.

Archive Garage’s hammer hangers and King Shocks bumpstops round out the rear suspension to provide a perfect balance of comfort and capability.

Steering has also been beefed-up to handle the demands of off-road driving. While the specifics of the steering modifications weren’t detailed, it’s clear that Alex spared no expense in ensuring his Tacoma is as responsive and reliable as possible, even in the harshest conditions.

Exterior Enhancements

The exterior of Alex’s Tacoma is a blend of functionality and aesthetics, with every modification serving a purpose. Up front, a TacoVinyl TRD grille gives the truck an aggressive look while allowing for improved airflow to the supercharged engine.

The headlights have been upgraded to Toyota LED units retrofitted by VLED for superior visibility in low-light conditions. 

Lighting is crucial for overland travel, especially when the journey extends into the night. Alex’s Tacoma is equipped with a Baja Designs 30” ONX6 light bar, mounted behind the grille by SDHQ, as well as two additional 10” ONX6 light bars. These lights turn night into day, making it easier to navigate tricky trails after dark.

Protection is paramount in overlanding, and Alex’s Tacoma is well-armored with RCI skid plates, rock sliders, and a rear differential skid plate. These components shield the truck’s vital underpinnings from rocks and debris, ensuring it can withstand the rigors of off-road travel.

Fender trimming by Milogen Fabrications allows for the fitment of larger tires without compromising the vehicle’s off-road capabilities.

Rolling Stock

No overland build is complete without a serious set of wheels and tires. Alex chose Volk TE37XT wheels, known for their lightweight yet incredibly strong construction—perfect for the demands of off-road driving. 

These 17x8.5” wheels are paired with Falken Wildpeak R/T tires in a generous 35x12.5R17 size. This combination provides the grip and durability needed to tackle everything from loose sand to jagged rocks.

A Home on Wheels

The interior of Alex’s Tacoma is as thoughtfully outfitted as the exterior. Given that overlanding often involves extended trips, having a comfortable and functional interior is essential. The highlight of the interior is a full custom build by the aforementioned Al Catalos of Sponsored by Wifey.

Catalos transformed the Tacoma’s bed into a cozy, functional space for long journeys. The Four Wheel Camper installed in the bed provides a mobile home, complete with all the amenities needed for extended stays in the wild.

Inside the cab, Rago Fabrication’s center console MOLLE storage panels and Expedition Essentials powered accessory mount keep tools and gadgets organized and easily accessible.

Alex’s focus on functionality extends to communication and power management as well. A Midland 575 GMRS radio, mounted on a passenger side MOLLE panel, ensures reliable communication on the trail.

Powering the various accessories is a robust electrical system featuring an X2Power AGM battery under the hood and two DCS 200Ah lithium batteries in the camper, all managed by a Redarc Manager 30 system.

With 200 watts of solar power from Lensun panels and Redarc’s Rogue and RedVision controllers, the Tacoma is capable of off-grid adventures for days on end.

Challenges and Triumphs

Building a vehicle like this is no small feat, and Alex’s Tacoma build was no exception. The process took five months and involved significant trial and error. “Figuring out the configuration was the most challenging part,” he admits. “But social media has been a huge help in getting what I need.”

The influence of overland builders and the community played a significant role in shaping the final product. 

One of the biggest lessons Alex learned along the way was the importance of planning and research. “If I had to do it all over again, I would buy once and cry once,” he says, reflecting on some early purchases that didn’t make the final cut.

Despite these challenges, the result is a Tacoma that not only meets his needs but exceeds them—providing a perfect balance of utility, comfort, and off-road capability.

Final Thoughts

While this Tacoma is still relatively new—having only logged 1,500 miles—Alex has big plans for it. The longest trip so far has been a winter journey to the snow, where the truck performed admirably.

But the true test of this build will come in the months and years ahead, as Alex and his family embark on the adventures that this rig was built for.

With its blend of power, durability, and thoughtfully selected upgrades, Alex Pak’s 2023 Toyota Tacoma is his personal gateway to endless exploration.

Whether navigating rugged trails or being set up for camp in the middle of nowhere, this Tacoma is ready for anything the overlanding life can throw at it. And in the world of overlanding, that’s the highest praise a vehicle can receive.

Alex Pak’s Toyota Tacoma Image Gallery

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This article originally appeared in OVR Issue 11. For more informative articles like this, consider subscribing to OVR Magazine in print or digital versions here. You can also find the print edition of OVR at your local newsstand by using our Magazine Finder.