Toyota has once again captured the adventurous spirit with the unveiling of the Toyota Tacozilla, a stunning Tacoma-based camper concept that perfectly blends retro aesthetics with modern overlanding capabilities. This “micro-house” rig, revealed at the 2021 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show, is not just a vehicle; it’s a tribute to Toyota’s camper heritage and a bold statement in the booming overlanding scene. Drawing inspiration from the iconic Toyota campers of the 70s and 80s, the Tacozilla is a fully custom creation designed to conquer both rugged terrains and the hearts of outdoor enthusiasts.
Lisa Materazzo, group vice president of Toyota Division Marketing, aptly described the Tacozilla as “an outstanding symbol of Toyota’s go-anywhere brand promise.” This concept vehicle embodies the essence of exploration and outdoor fun that resonates deeply with Toyota owners. Designed and meticulously crafted by Marty Schwerter and his team at the Toyota Motorsports Garage, the Tacozilla is a testament to custom fabrication and innovative design thinking.
Designing a “Cool Looking” Camper: Aesthetics and Integration
The primary design philosophy behind the Toyota Tacozilla was to move away from the boxy, utilitarian look often associated with truck campers. Marty Schwerter emphasized the desire to avoid the “refrigerator on the back of a truck” aesthetic. Instead, the team prioritized rounded edges and smooth aluminum surfaces to seamlessly integrate the camper with the Tacoma’s existing body lines. This approach not only enhances the visual appeal but also contributes to a more aerodynamic and refined overall design.
Schwerter, with his background in race car design, brought a unique perspective to the project. He believed that campers should be “cool looking,” mirroring the aesthetic appeal of race cars. This vision drove the team to focus on both engineering excellence and visual desirability, ensuring the Tacozilla is as captivating as it is capable.
Maximizing Interior Space and Overcoming Structural Challenges
Creating a livable space within the confines of a Tacoma pickup required significant ingenuity. The Toyota Motorsports Garage team began by removing the Tacoma’s bed to assess the necessary modifications. A crucial challenge was achieving sufficient interior height, mandating that the camper floor be positioned below the frame rails. This modification allowed for a stand-up cabin, accommodating individuals over six feet tall, a significant factor for user comfort and practicality in an overlanding context.
The team then focused on optimizing the camper’s frame, balancing structural integrity with interior space. The resulting tapered shape, narrower at the top and bottom, not only visually complements the Tacoma but also enhances maneuverability on narrow trails, reducing the risk of damage from trees and obstacles. This shape, however, presented fabrication complexities, particularly with the rear door design. Rejecting a simple flat door as visually unintegrated, the team dedicated over 100 hours to crafting a curved rear door that aligns perfectly with the camper’s contours.
Another significant structural hurdle was designing the pass-through opening between the Tacoma’s cabin and the camper. This required robust support and bracing to withstand the rigors of off-road driving. The solution ensured that the cabin and camper structures could flex independently on uneven terrain without compromising vehicle integrity or safety.
Enhanced Off-Road Capability and Thoughtful Customizations
To maintain the Tacoma’s off-road prowess, the Toyota Tacozilla incorporates several key enhancements. The team cleverly repurposed the Tacoma’s original rear fender flares, integrating them into the camper’s wheel well openings for a cohesive look. The suspension was lifted by two inches over the standard Tacoma TRD Sport configuration, providing increased ground clearance for tackling challenging landscapes. Traction is further enhanced by 285/70/17 General Tire Grabber X3 all-terrain tires, ensuring confident grip in various off-road conditions.
Mid-project refinements further elevated the Tacozilla’s design and functionality. A large pop-up Lexan skylight was added to introduce natural light, improve ventilation, and increase headroom. The fuel tank filler was strategically separated from the camper to isolate fuel fumes, prioritizing safety and interior air quality. A secondary battery, housed in the Tacoma’s engine bay, provides additional power for camper amenities without encroaching on valuable interior space.
Retro-Inspired Aesthetics and Modern Interior Comforts
Complete Customs in McKinney, Texas, played a crucial role in bringing the Tacozilla’s visual concept to life with custom paintwork. The camper features a white base coat accented with a vintage-inspired yellow, orange, and bronze color scheme, directly referencing classic Toyota campers. This retro palette adds a layer of nostalgia and visual appeal, making the Toyota Tacozilla instantly recognizable and uniquely charming.
The interior of the Tacozilla is a masterclass in compact luxury and functionality. Featuring teak sauna-style flooring, it evokes a warm and inviting atmosphere. A full bathroom with a hot-water shower provides essential amenities for extended overlanding trips. The fully operational kitchen, complete with a stove and sink, allows for convenient meal preparation on the go. A 3D-printed dining table cleverly converts into backlit wall art, showcasing innovative space utilization. Ample sleeping space ensures comfortable rest after a day of adventure.
Tacozilla: Embracing the Overlanding Lifestyle
The Toyota Tacozilla is more than just a concept vehicle; it’s a symbol of Toyota’s commitment to the overlanding community and a celebration of their adventurous spirit. This retro-futuristic micro-house on wheels perfectly encapsulates the growing popularity of overlanding, offering a unique blend of classic Toyota heritage and cutting-edge design. While the Tacozilla remains a prototype, it undoubtedly ignites the imagination and sets a new benchmark for what a compact, capable, and stylish overlanding camper can be.
¹Vehicle is a special prototype project vehicle modified with non-genuine parts and accessories that may make the vehicle illegal to operate, void the warranty, and impact the safety and performance of the vehicle.
