“Traversing highways and trails has to be comfortable in that beast,” is what we thought when we first laid eyes on Optima Batteries’ latest project vehicle at the 2024 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) Show.
The Tundra comes with plenty of capability right out of the box from Toyota, but Optima clearly decided to push the platform even further in terms of performance, creature comforts and the latest in electronics.
Based on a 2023 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro Hybrid, the pickup is powered by Toyota’s i-Force Max powertrain, a hybrid system that combines a twin-turbo 3.4-liter V6, a 10-speed automatic transmission, an electric motor and a battery pack.
Altogether, the system produces a respectable 437 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque from the factory, all while “sipping” fuel at a combined city and highway rating of 19 mpg.
Upgraded For Performance
Although Optima started with the already beefed-up-from-the-factory TRD Pro edition Tundra, the company proceeded to further enhance the pickup’s suspension and other mechanicals.
Beneath the surface, the Tundra boasts an Icon Vehicle Dynamics 6” performance suspension, providing clearance for 37” Yokohama Geolandar X-AT tires mounted on Icon Alloys Rebound 20x9 wheels.
Icon’s suspension setup helps eliminate factory bump steer as well as significantly increases wheel travel contributing to enhanced off-road handling.
The Tundra’s Magnaflow Overland Series Cat-Back performance exhaust system enhances performance, gives the truck an audible presence and also increases ground clearance and departure angles thanks to chassis hugging piping.
The Addictive Desert Design (ADD) Stealth Fighter front and rear bumpers offer both durability and functionality. Mounted to a concealed winch mount hidden within the bumper is a WARN VR EVO 12-S synthetic line winch for pulling itself or other vehicles out of sticky situations.
We like that both front and rear bumpers have provisions that help retain OEM safety features. In the front bumper, you’ll find cutouts for the OEM parking sensors and the rear bumper retains the Tundra’s factory blind spot detection and also retains OEM backup sensor functionality.
Abundant Storage
Hauling all the kit you need for life on the trail in the confines of a vehicle, even one as large as the Tundra, can get a bit tricky. That’s why Optima chose to deck out the Tundra with a suite of quality aftermarket storage options.
The Tundra’s roof is outfitted with a Leitner Designs Active Cargo System (ACS) Roof Platform rack, offering generous space for gear storage.
Its adjustable load bars and side-opening GearPOD Roof storage box provide unmatched convenience and adaptability for all camping essentials.
In the bed of the truck, you’ll find a forged Leitner Designs ACS bedrack. The bed rack’s sliding load bar provides flexibility for organizing bulky items such as motorcycles and bikes, ensuring efficient use of space.
Custom fasteners are used to enhance load-carrying capacity and prevent components from loosening, even under intense vibrations, guaranteeing a secure transport solution.
Additionally, Leitner’s integrated Gear Pods are designed to align with the vehicle’s body lines, reducing wind noise during travel. A HydroPOD Carry tank is also mounted to the bed rack and is capable of holding up to 4.8 gallons of water, which is ideal for meeting free-standing shower needs while on the go.
Mounted to the floor of the bed is a Decked drawer system. The dual, roll-out drawers are full bed length and can carry 2,000-pounds of payload. The drawers are inaccessible when the tailgate is up and locked, providing security for the gear that is stored in the system.
Wired Up
Inside the pickup’s cockpit, the Switch-Pros RCR-Force 12 switching system provides convenient control over various accessories such as lights and electronics.
The truck is fitted with a Kenwood NX-5700 110-Watt High Power VHF Radio and a Garmin Tread XL Baja Series GPS for navigation and communication. A host of Rigid lights adorn the Tundra, also controlled by the Switch-Pros RCR-Force 12.
Vehicle data monitoring comes courtesy of a Banks iDash multi-function gauge. This versatile gauge monitors engine functions so you’ll always know what’s going on. It can also help diagnose problems too by checking emission system readiness or read and clear vehicle trouble codes with the touch of a button.
Electrical power is managed by a Redarc Manager30 unit, which helps charge and maintain the truck’s auxiliary Optima batteries by way of AC, DC, and solar inputs.
To power anything from a coffee machine, microwave and even power tools, a Redarc 3000W Pure Sine Inverter was installed as well.
The inverter is designed to run any 110V equipment with multiple levels of protection to avoid overheating or damage to appliances. Anyone want a Hot Pocket while on the trail? We told you this rig was comfortable.
The Penthouse
Speaking of comfort on the trail, let’s examine the Tundra’s top-floor living quarters. For overnight accommodations, the Bush Company’s TX27 MAX Hardshell Rooftop Tent offers a cozy and convenient sleeping area that offers no less than six door-windows for near panoramic views all around the tent.
The hardshell tent is complemented by the Bush Company’s 270 XT MAX Awning Mk2, which delivers 129 square feet of shade around most of the truck’s perimeter.
Always Connected
There’s a compelling argument for disconnecting from the world and getting away from our busy, internet connected lives. Then again, that idea may fly out of the door if you’re going to miss an important work meeting or deadline while out on the trail.
Fear not, this Tundra is equipped with satellite internet thanks to a roof mounted Starlink unit thanks to a Direct Current Engineering roof mount.
Final Thoughts
Powered by Optima’s renown batteries, this Toyota Tundra excels not only off-road but also provides plenty of comfort while out on the trail. With its array of high-performance upgrades and thoughtful camping amenities, the Optima Batteries Toyota Tundra is an off-the-grid adventure vehicle that most would love to take a trip in. Whether conquering challenging trails or enjoying a serene night under the stars, this truck is equipped to deliver the most memorable outdoor experiences.
| Vehicle Specs | Optima Batteries 2023 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro Hybrid |
|---|---|
| Base Vehicle | 2023 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro Hybrid |
| Engine | Toyota i-FORCE MAX 3.4L Twin-Turbo V6 Hybrid |
| Suspension | Icon Vehicle Dynamics 6” Performance Suspension |
| Wheels & Tires | ICON Alloys Rebound 20x9, Yokohama 37” Geolandar X-AT |
| Armor & Racks | Leitner Designs ACS Forged Bed Rack |
| Recovery | WARN VR EVO 12-S |
| Storage | Leitner Designs ACS Roof Platform, Leitner ACS Forged Bed Rack, Decked New Full-Size Drawer System, Rago Fabrication Center Console Molle Panels, Bulletpoint Mounting Solutions |
| Lighting | Rigid Industries 40” Radiance+ Curved Light Bar, E-Series Resonance Damper, Rock Light Kit, SR-M Pro, SR-Q Pro Back-Up Light Kit, Radiance+ SR-Series |
| Electronics | Optima Batteries, Switch-Pros RCR-Force 12, Redarc Manager30, Redarc 3000W Pure Sine Inverter, Kenwood NX-5700 110-Watt High Power VHF Radio, Garmin Tread XL Baja Series, Banks iDash, Starlink Flat High-Performance Kit, Direct Current Engineering roof mount |
| Upgrades & Accessories | Magnaflow Overland Series Cat-Back Performance Exhaust System, The Bush Company TX27 MAX Hardshell Rooftop Tent, The Bush Company 270 XT MAX Awning Mk2, Addictive Desert Design Stealth Fighter Front and Rear Bumpers, 3D Mats USA |
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This article originally appeared in OVR Issue 09. 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.
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