Turn Your Toyota Tacoma Into a Truck Camper

Why the Toyota Tacoma is Perfect for Vanlife and Camping

If you’re the type who dreams of spontaneous getaways and remote adventures, the Toyota Tacoma is one of the best vehicles to make that dream a reality. Known for its off-road reliability, compact size, and rugged build, it’s no wonder the Tacoma has become a favorite among overlanders and weekend adventurers.

Transform your Tacoma into a practical and affordable truck camper without sacrificing comfort. In this article, we explore the best camper options for your Tacoma and help you find the setup that fits your lifestyle, so you can hit the road with confidence.

Slide-In or Modular? Choosing the Best Camper Kit for Your Tacoma

When converting your Tacoma into a camper, two popular options stand out: the traditional slide-in truck camper and the lightweight removable camper kit. Let’s break down the main differences to help you choose the right setup for your adventures.

Slide-In camper

Slide-in campers are fully enclosed units that sit directly in the bed of your truck. Many models include a small kitchen, bed, and a shower, offering a level of comfort that’s often more affordable than a full-size RV.

However, compared to a conversion kit, they’re heavy, expensive, and can reduce your Tacoma’s fuel efficiency and off-road performance. Their weight and bulk also make installation and removal a much more involved process.

Removable camper kit

Removable camper kits offer a lighter, more modular alternative. Designed with multifunctional spaces like a bed, kitchen, and ample storage, they make efficient use of every inch of your truck bed.

Roadloft’s removable mid-size truck camper kit weighs just 125 lbs and installs in under 5 minutes without tools or permanent modifications on your Tacoma. It gives you the freedom to switch between camper and cargo mode effortlessly, all while preserving your fuel efficiency and driving experience.

Discover all functionalities of the pickup truck kit

Tacoma Truck Bed Camping Setup: What You Need to Know

The Toyota Tacoma is one of the most popular mid-size trucks for overlanding. Its size is ideal for narrow trails, and its durability means it can handle challenging terrain. To enjoy truly comfortable and self-sufficient adventures in your Tacoma truck camper, it’s important to focus on three key areas: sleeping, cooking, and storage.

Truck bed sleeping setup

After a long day of hiking, fishing, or exploring, a comfortable place to rest is essential. Make sure to equip your Tacoma with a raised platform bed and a high-density foam mattress (like the one included in the Roadloft pickup camper kit) for quality sleep. Don’t forget to take advantage of the space underneath the platform for smart, hidden storage.

Camp kitchen

Good food fuels great adventures. A built-in camp kitchen in your truck bed setup lets you cook safely and efficiently. With the Roadloft camper kit, you can prepare meals both inside the tailgate area and outside, perfect for varying weather and maximizing space.

Want to know why outdoor kitchens are a game-changer? Check out our full article on the benefits of traveling with an exterior camp kitchen.

Storage

Staying organized in a compact space is key. Use slide-out drawers, pull-out modules, or built-in compartments under the bed to keep your gear accessible and tidy. Whether it’s for tools, cookware, or outdoor essentials, a well-planned storage system transforms your Tacoma into a fully functional mobile basecamp.

Learn more tips on how to stay organized in your truck camper in this article.

Must-Have Tacoma Camping Accessories

While it’s tempting to load up on gear right away, we recommend starting slow and choosing accessories that truly enhance comfort and functionality. The right equipment can make a big difference in your Tacoma camping setup for road trips, especially when it comes to autonomy, comfort, and efficiency.

Accessories for energy independence

Whether you’re spending the night deep in the woods or parked at a remote trailhead, having your own power supply is key to enjoying modern comfort off-grid.

Read this article to learn more about off-grid power solutions.

Portable Power Station

A portable power station allows you to charge devices, power lights, or even run a small fridge without needing a plug-in or noisy generator. We recommend the Ecoflow battery for its autonomy and recharging speed (under 2 hours).

Solar panel

If you are the type to stay in the same place for several days, you will be totally self-sufficient by adding a solar panel. Solar panels keep your power station charged throughout the day. Ideal for multi-day trips or total energy independence on the road.

Alpicool fridge

Compact and energy-efficient, the Alpicool fridge fits perfectly into Roadloft camper kits and keeps your food fresh for days without relying on ice.

Comfort

Small upgrades can make your nights and downtime much more enjoyable. Here are a few we never leave home without:

Wide camping chairs

Comfortable and easy to pack, wide camping chairs give you a proper place to relax after a long day on the trail.

Awning

Quick to set up and offering shade or shelter, an awning transforms your tailgate area into a cozy outdoor living space.

Mosquito Net Shelter

Protect your truck camping setup from insects with a mosquito net shelter attached to your truck tailgate. An essential for summer nights!

Our top accessories for the pickup truck camper conversion kit

Want to see our must-have accessories for traveling inside a pickup truck camper? Watch Roadloft co-founder Samuel walk you through the best accessories to pair with your Tacoma camper conversion kit.

Testimonial: Traveling in a Truck Camper Conversion

Alexis Pageau, a professional fisherman and outdoor photographer, recently tested our Roadloft pickup truck kit. His feedback highlights just how game-changing this setup can be for nature lovers and backcountry explorers:

I recently had the chance to test the RoadLoft system in a pickup, and as a passionate hunter and fisherman, it’s a real game-changer. It transforms the pickup into a camper. The setup is simple, and thanks to this system, I can go much deeper into the woods with all the comfort of mobile camping. It’s total freedom on my wilderness expeditions.