What do I need/want for a long term Baja trip?

Hey folks,

I'm looking to head to Baja, Mexico for a multi-month trip with my partner. I recently picked up an '05 RCLB Tundra 4WD V8 w/25k miles, and want to use that for the platform for a comfortable but functional build. My first choice is a Bel-Air/USA Camper over cab shell that's 18-30 in. over the cab height, with a simple interior build focused on functional comfort, storage, and longevity. The truck is currently all stock besides a bunch of minor things I've tweaked, and am trying to keep the budget to a minimum as I am low income. The truck will essentially be functioning as a home for months at a time, and will be utilized in different areas in a similar fashion.

I'm mainly curious about payload and suspension, especially in consideration of the shell's height and weight in regards to necessary off-roading such as the beach and dirt/rocky roads. I'm looking to build the most comfortable and functional set up I can with a limited budget. A majority of my money is going towards the camper and other things like an awning, fridge, etc. which I would also love recommendations on.

Eager to hear from others about their experiences and suggestions while I'm preparing to build out this truck. I'm planning to drive on lots of dirt, sand, and mud while in Mexico, and will hopefully be utilizing the truck in places like Alaska, Canada, and over the US. I also have a tacoma as a daily driver, so I'm not too worried about leaning into the size/weight of a comfortable camper rather than as slim as possible.

Curious about...
Tires/Rims
Suspension
Payload
Lifestyle Accesories
Awning
Fridge
Roof top storage/ roof racks
Different camper shells
Considerations of constant offroading

 

Did I read that correctly 25,000 miles?

Before planning, I'd look into what you need to know and do about the truck itself, you may have a couple grand dropping into recommended maintenance the previous owner didn't handle because miles were low, and be prepared for what you may find in it. This thread is a good start.

 

Have you ever driven around in a light truck with a box 24" above the cab height? If not, my advice is borrow something similar to what you are describing and drive it for 30 minutes or so before you get too far along. Make sure it's a fair comparison with the full load of your "stuff" and imagine how it will be off roading. Not saying it can't be done, just saying you should be cautious about your plans and be willing to adapt to any necessary modifications to such plans.

 

The trip you are talking about doing on a budget is possible, but sets you up for trouble. Weight will be an issue. That shell and all that gear will be heavy. Will need to beef up those rear springs. And shocks. Keep the trails and exploration relatively mild if you’re keeping the stock ride height and tire size. Anticipate trouble. Things I would immediately worry about:

• Flat tires - repair kit and spare, new tires if they are older than 5-6yrs
• Overheating - I would worry about your 20+ year radiator and cap. Would replace with new while you’re doing the timing belt if you haven’t already.
• Battery issues - replace if more than 3-4 years old.

 

I recommend bringing torco the gas is shit.

 

You did read that right. I’ve seen the thread before, but I’ll check over it again for its near future. Thanks

 

I have. I’ve actually owned 4 Tacomas that I put these shells on, but I’ve only taken 2 to Mexico and only 1 was off roaded in. That was a fully loaded truck with 3 people and a whole lot of stuff, and it handled fine, but it was also like 5 days.

I love these campers and figured they’re better suited than a slide in

 

Thanks. I’d say my main concern is payload and the suspension, especially with the road conditions. I’m not seeking it out, but I know I’ll be off-roading extensively just by being down there and seeking out cool spots. Do you know cheap options to beef up suspension?

 

Water.

 

Not truck related but I’d look around your area and see if there is a free/cheap first aid course you can take. You’re going to be down there a while so will want to know what to do if stuff goes sideways. Anyway, check out articles like this:
https://expeditionportal.com/overland-medicine-over-the-counter-field-pharmacy/

 

Not cheap but I recommend calling Deaver and getting a quote on a heavy duty (custom) leaf pack *after* you dial in what ALL the static weight will be. It'll make a huge difference for comfort and probably longevity.

 

That is good advice. I would not attempt to haul that camper on the stock leaf packs.

 

Already taken care of. Just got CPR certified for work. Good advice tho.

 

Just gonna leave this here...
https://www.instagram.com/p/CMXXExbgksq/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Im going to be the contrarian here. Don't overthink it dude. Take care of any required/preventative maintenance, pack a good tool kit, some spare parts and send it.

 

Yeah! I'd definitely have a few critical components, don't forget an extra CV shaft and the tools to swap out.

 

Hahaha appreciate it. I’m not too worried about the set up, as I’m familiar with it and tested it before. Just looking for anything that may have eluded my own planing.

 

HD rear leafs from SD or General springs and some Bilstein 4600s

 

Mexican fear mongering. Sounds like the first day of school in America rather...

 

I'd say Baja is probably safer than most of our inner cities.

 

Agreed. It can be intimidating with the police and military, but their fine and always wave me through checkpoints. I'd be more scared Oakland than I am anywhere in Baja (excluding Tijuana).

 

100%

 

Is TJ that bad now? We used to go down as a family when I was a kid, and even had a school field trip there in 7th grade, to catch a bullfight. That was obviously several decades ago now, our energy has been focused farther south these past years.

 

So technically, Mexico's gasoline is going to be ethanol-free everywhere OP is going to be, so that's a plus. Practically, however, there's a lot of illegal fuel entering Mexico to avoid payment of import taxes, so before filling up I would seriously consider what recent reviews say about a particular station before filling up. Download and use an app called GasGas. Illegally-imported fuel can have all kinds of crap mixed in as "filler", and if consumers are noticing ill effects because an unscrupulous gas station is buying that crap, reviews are likely to go negative. Filling up at foreign-branded stations doesn't work, because it doesn't necessarily mean it's their fuel or any better than Pemex. I would seriously do some research beforehand and map out where the good sites are, and then check reviews again before you get there. As you get farther south into BCS, you'll likely have fewer problems. But definitely enter the country with a full tank!

Sounds like a cool trip!

 

The State Department has it categorized as "reconsider travel" but they do that for a lot of places including Jamaica which we're going to in September.

 

This TW member has offered his Baja knowledge to Taco owners. I’m sure he wont turn back Tundra owners.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/a-new-baja-california-road-guide-may-be-ready-soon.807635/

 

OP you have to buy that dude’s book!

 

Surfboard, speargun and fishing poles…prep done.

 

I stopped doing Mexico once I had kids. It wasn’t a joke when I drove 6K miles there 3 decades ago. It’s no better today. I’m not a fan of any Mexico road trip. I would take the advice of the ones expressing caution.

I’ve been robbed, had friends trucks stolen, been arrested and threatened down there. I’ll take the US.

 

Meme says: what people think Mexico is like, what Mexico really is like

 

My brother worked on the border years back, I wouldn’t even put my hand over the line while we were patrolling across southern Az. You couldn’t pay me to go to Mexico.