We kicked off our overland journey in 2006 with a Four Wheel Camper Hawk mounted on our 2000 TRD Tundra. That first leap into vehicle-supported adventure set the tone for nearly two decades of builds: a 2010 TRD Tacoma, two 2014 Jeep Rubicon JKUs, a 2019 TRD 4Runner, and now—bringing things full circle—a 2020 TRD Tundra paired with a 2025 FWC Hawk.
Every rig has served a purpose and earned its place in the TAP fleet, but this latest Tundra and FWC setup feels like a homecoming. Here’s a look at how we’ve build the newest addition to the lineup.
___________________________________________
The Rig – 2020 Toyota Tundra Double Cab TRD Off-Road
We chose the 2nd gen Tundra over the 3rd gen, for its proven reliability and bullet proof 5.7L V8 engine. So, when a 2020 TRD double cab popped up locally with only 26k miles, we quickly signed the deal. The buying and build process started in January 2025 and is close to complete (are they ever complete?). All the work has been carried out by Ben and his team at Rhino Adventure Gear in San Marcos, California and I’ve been stoked with their attention to detail through the build process.
Tundra Suspension:
We opted to work with Icon Vehicle Dynamics (IVD) as we previously built our Tacoma with them and had a good experience with their adjustable suspension system. We chose the STAGE 8 suspension system with billet UCA In addition, we added the Multi Rate Rear Expansion Pack and paired it with the Timbren SES System.
The suspension supports the weight of the camper however, still has a slightly harsh ride. Dialing in the suspension on the Tundra is definitely a work in progress and that said, we will be adding a Hellwig Helper Spring this month and will update this article accordingly with our feedback.
Body Armor:
We built the TAP 4Runner with CBI Off-Road so decided to work with them again. In front, we added the Baja Bumper (which can accept a 12000lb rated winch – yet to be added) and in the rear we went with their Tundra 2nd gen model We also decided to add their Overland front skid plate for extra peace of mind. We are still looking at options for sliders and will update this article accordingly.
As you can see in the above pictures, we also installed Baja Designs LP6 Pro Lights and Baja Designs Squadron SAE LED Aux Light Pods to the Front Bumper. In the rear, we added Baja Designs S2 Sport LED Aux Light Pods
The final exterior addition was the Prinsu Tundra Double Cab Rack as a means to maximize storage space and as you can see, it’s the perfect place to carry our Maxtrax recovery boards and shovel. In order to achieve enough height between the roof and camper, we added a stable mat in the bed of the truck, under the camper.
Under the Tundra’s Hood:
Under the hood we have installed a sPOD BanthamX HD to control all our power based accessories (Lights, Compressor, GMRS radio). This is located on top of the fuse box and is easily accessible. We’ve had sPOD gear in all of our rigs and have had a positive experience.
The final accessory (to date) is the ARB Twin Motor Air Compressor. We’ve also used these in all our rigs and they’ve worked perfectly. We highly recommend the Twin over the Single (when it’s 100+ degrees in the desert, you’ll thank us!).
_____________________________________________________
The Camper – FWC HAWK – Side Dinette:
The FWC Hawk is the perfect fit for the Tundra 6.5′ Bed and comes in 3 different interior configurations – The Roll Over Couch, Front or Side Dinette. In our original Hawk, back in 2006, we chose the Roll Over Couch option, which proved a perfect bed for our 6 year old Daughter. 20 Years later that requirement has passed, so this time we opted for the Side Dinette.
There are way too many options to list here, but our specific recommendations are as follows:
- Fridge – If you intend to go for multi day trips, opt for at least the 85l.
- Truma Furnace – A fantastic option when the temperature plummets and you want to warm the camper quickly.
- Roof Lift Actuator – Highly recommended for the older camper (adds set up time, but it’ll save the aches and pains caused by manually lifting the roof).
- Fans – Great for managing internal temps and helping mitigate condensation. We went with front and rear fans.
- Thermal Pack – If you want to camp 4 seasons, we highly recommend this addition.
- Water Heater/Outside Shower – Most people opt for this, but we didn’t. Why? We had this option in our first Hawk and honestly never used it. It’s personal choice obviously, but for us we mostly use wet wipes as our means of keeping clean. On the rare occasion we want a shower, we use a solar shower.
UPGRADES
MATTRESS:
The first thing we addressed was the stock mattress. The mattress provided is approximately 3 inches thick and in our opinion fairly hard. After multiple nights we decided to replace it with two Therm-A-Rest Mondo King XXL pads.
“Boasting 4.25 inches (11cm) of premium foam, the ultra-cozy pad combines a plush next-to-skin feel with an 7.0 R-value to keep you warm and comfy in any condition or season.”
Positives: These sleeping pads have proved very comfortable and warm.
Negatives: We had paid for the King bed slide and unfortunately with the new pads, it’s now closer to a Queen size. For us, not a big deal, however, obviously it’s all personal preference. A second point to consider is the extra set up time of inflating the pads (about 1.5 minutes each with electric pump). They are self inflating, but you’ll likely need to top them off for the correct firmness.
______________________________________________
SOLAR PANEL:
Four Wheel Campers has a solar system option however, we decided to install our own and chose the Merlin Solar Sunrise SRS 100W rigid panel for its size and low profile specs. Even without their solar system option, the Hawk comes pre-wired on the roof for an easy plug and play install. The panel is attached via brackets on the Yakima tracks.
___________________________________________________
BATTERY MANAGEMENT:
The Hawk comes standard with a 12.8V 132 AH Lithium battery coupled with a REDARC Manager 30 and Victron monitor. We have since upgraded this to the REDARC BCDC Alpha 50R Battery Manager
“Always charged, never stranded, stay powered up wherever your adventure takes you with REDARC’s BCDC Alpha50 R. Featuring 50A of advanced charging technology, this DC-to-DC charger keeps your start and secondary batteries charged using power from your vehicle’s alternator or solar. The BCDC Alpha’s built in Green Power Priority™ will prioritise solar input, minimising the load on your alternator and saving fuel.“
Final Thoughts:
Building out our new Tundra and Four Wheel Camper combo has been fun and we will periodically update this build article as we make additions or have opinions we wish to share on existing gear. That said, it’s now time to get out there and use it, so stay tuned for multiple trip stories starting in January 2026.
Finally, a big thanks to each brand that helped support this build – Four Wheel Campers, Icon Vehicle Designs, Timbren, Hellwig, CBI Offroad, Prinsu, Baja Designs, sPOD, Redarc, Therm-A-Rest and Rhino Adventure Gear.
_________________________________________________________
