Dan Shaver is a busy person. He’s a videographer, photographer, personal trainer, and is also involved in the home improvement field. When he needs a break from his hectic life, he climbs into his modified 2013 Toyota Tacoma 4×4 and points it down backcountry trails. He has tailored his 4×4 to improve its off-road performance and has also modified it to serve as comfortable lodging during his off-grid forays. He has been modifying his rig for over nine years, and it is still evolving. As with any off-road vehicle build, there have been challenges along the way, each requiring a solution. We’ll dig into one of those solutions in a moment as we take a deeper look at his Tacoma.

When Dan took possession of his 2013 Toyota Tacoma, it was bone stock. Since then, he has transformed it into a rig that is capable off-road and offers comfortable lodging for nights spent in the backcountry.

From A 4Runner To A Tacoma

The inspiration for this build goes back to Dan’s first vehicle, a 1985 Toyota 4Runner. The 4Runner was his “absolute dream vehicle,” but eventually, he had to move on from the SUV. This is when the Tacoma came into the picture. From the beginning, he had big plans for the Tacoma, and part of that plan was to give the truck a specific look. He says, “…I purchased this truck stock, knowing I’d be doing it up old-school.” Part of that retro vibe is the 1985 factory Toyota stripe kit from James Dean Creations. “People ask me if it’s a 1985 model all the time,” he says.

The Tacoma’s 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine is adorned with dust from many off-road forays. Mechanical mods include an upgraded alternator and clutch.

Upping The Amperes, Upgrading The Clutch, New Differential Gears, And More

Under the hood sits a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine. The factory alternator was replaced with a much higher-output Power Bastards 220-amp unit. This upgrade was made to provide ample electrical power for the aftermarket accessories that Dan added to the truck. Engine power flows to the truck’s factory five-speed manual transmission, which has been upgraded with an LC Engineering Pro Clutch Kit 2TR and a High Torque Flywheel. The stock two-speed transfer case splits power to the front and rear axles, both of which have 5.29:1 gears sourced from East Coast Gear Supply. Out back, there’s an Eaton Detroit Locker locking differential to help improve traction.

Rolling On 35s

Dan wanted to fit his Tacoma with 35×12.50R17 Yokohama Geolandar X-MT tires and ensure they could cycle freely without contacting the truck’s body. To achieve this, he added a Rough Country 6-inch front suspension lift and 7.5 inches of rear lift. Rough Country shocks are used at all four corners of the rig. The truck also features a Timbren SES Suspension Enhancement System out back and a ToyTec Lifts 1-inch body lift. The Yokohamas are mounted on 9-inch-wide Raceline Raptor wheels.

A Wide Assortment Of Functional Exterior Modifications

Dan hand-selected the exterior modifications for his truck, with an emphasis on extended backcountry exploration. For example, he found a used FlipPac rooftop camper that needed some work. He repaired the issues, made upgrades, and then mounted it on custom support bars. He also modified a Smittybilt Defender Roof Rack to add clearance for the rooftop tent when deployed. Other exterior mods include a Smittybilt 9,500-pound-capacity XRC winch with synthetic rope, forward- and rear-facing KC lights, and a Reese Cargo Carrier. Additionally, there’s a Thule swing-out rack, an ARB front bumper, custom limb risers, and Morimoto XB LED headlights. But that’s not all. At the rear of the truck is an Hcalory diesel heater, which provides warmth to the cargo area and tent when the temperatures dip.

Bed-Mounted Storage, Solar Power, And More

Since Dan’s sleeping quarters are in the rooftop tent, he was able to utilize the truck bed for storage. The bed is loaded with modifications that enhance backcountry exploration, including a set of custom wood drawers that run the entire length of the bed. There are also waterproof containers and bags for camping and recovery gear. Also stored in the bed is a dual-zone 40-liter ICECO fridge/freezer and a Bluetti AC200P portable power station solar generator. The solar generator is powered by a variety of solar panels, including a fold-out panel that can be placed anywhere outside the vehicle where there’s sunlight.

Inside the cab, Dan has a CB radio for communication and front- and rear-facing dash cams. There’s also a set of Wet Okole waterproof seat covers to protect the factory seating surfaces from mud and water.

Solving Sag And Making A More Predicable Ride

As noted earlier, Dan needed to solve some challenges while modifying his truck. He says, “My FlipPac camper, drawers, fridge/freezer, and having my whole life in my truck were creating weight sag. I also have a custom-built electric e-bike and a diesel heater that I carry on the back of the truck. I needed to eliminate weight sag and give myself a safer, more predictable ride.”

To address the issues, he installed a RoadActive Suspension system. “I chose RoadActive Suspension because I have great disdain for squat and sag in the rear. I wanted to achieve a level stance or even have some rake. RoadActive Suspension became the clear choice when compared to other options.”

The RAS includes two coil tension springs. These springs bolster and aid the rear leaf springs by maintaining their original bowed configuration. (Photo by RAS)

About RoadActive Suspension

RoadActive Suspension (RAS) is the only rear leaf-spring suspension upgrade capable of converting conventional passive leaf-spring suspension into a mechanical active suspension. It enhances rear leaf springs by absorbing and dispersing load-force energy. Each RAS kit includes two robust coil tension springs that reinforce and support the rear leaf springs, helping maintain their original bowed configuration. When the leaf springs encounter downward strain due to a load or vehicle weight shift, the RAS springs engage, absorbing the force exerted by the load. As the strain increases, the RAS springs exert greater counterforce to stabilize the vehicle. Additionally, RAS significantly reduces body sway and roll when cornering by supporting the weight shift that occurs whether you’re towing, hauling, or not. Furthermore, RAS helps decrease axle wrap and wheel hop issues and it works with most lifted 4x4s.

The RoadActive Suspension was a problem solver for the Tacoma and it installed in less than an hour.

Easy Installation, Issues Resolved, No Maintenance

Dan reports that installing the RAS was “too easy,” and it was completed in less than an hour. The accompanying video below, provided by Dan, offers an overview of the installation, which he completed outdoors in the snow.

In the end, Dan says the RAS provides his truck with the lift needed to counter the weight sag. Typically, the RAS raises the rear unloaded ride height by ½ to 1.5 inches and reduces rear squat by 3-4 inches, depending on the vehicle. Additionally, the system has improved handling and reduced sway and body roll. He also likes that the system requires no maintenance.

The Bottom Line

Dan Shaver’s 2013 Toyota Tacoma is a prime example of a home-built, adventure-ready 4×4 with a retro flair. Its capabilities allow him to explore the road less traveled and comfortably spend the night along the way if he wishes. That’s a great combination.

Photos and video by Dan Shaver