TRDLEGACY
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- Tundra
- 2023 TRD Off Road SR5 4X4
There’s something special about taking your rig across the border into Baja California. It’s raw, beautiful, unpredictable—and it will test both you and your truck. I recently took my 3rd Gen Army Green Tundra on a multi-day off-road trip through Baja, and I’ve gotta say: this truck delivered in every possible way. From rocky trails to coastal runs and dusty desert roads, the experience was unforgettable. Here’s a recap of the trip and some real-world tips if you’re planning to do Baja in your Tundra.
The Route
We started in San Diego, crossed through Tecate, and made our way down the eastern side of Baja through Valle de Guadalupe, eventually reaching Bahía de los Ángeles. The route gave us a mix of mountain passes, remote desert terrain, washboard roads, and stunning beachfront. We covered roughly 600 miles roundtrip—mostly off pavement.
Truck Setup That Made a Difference
1. Suspension & Tires
Running 35s on a leveled suspension gave me the clearance and confidence I needed. The rough sections of Baja can chew up undersized setups fast. The wider stance helped with stability over ruts and loose sand, while my Method Race Wheels and beefy AT tires kept me planted. Airing down was crucial—don’t skip a solid air-down/air-up kit.
2. Baja Designs LP4s
Night driving in Baja is no joke. With little to no ambient light, it’s either full dark or full send. My LP4s gave me the forward projection and width to avoid rocks, cattle, and unexpected terrain. Amber backlighting helped with dusty areas and also made the truck easier to spot by others on the trail.
3. Diode Dynamics Stealth Light Bar Behind the Grille
One of the cleanest and most functional lighting upgrades on my build. The Diode Dynamics Stealth light bar fits perfectly behind my TRD Pro-style grille, staying hidden until I need it—and when I do, it lights up the path ahead like a laser. I went with the combo beam option for a balanced throw of spot and flood lighting.
4. Yotabeast Chase Lights
Running with multiple rigs, the Yotabeast chase light was a game changer. We encountered several white-out dust zones where visibility dropped to just a few feet. The amber strobe kept me visible to the guys behind me and helped prevent rear-end issues.
5. Great People & Good Company
More than the gear or the truck—the people made the trip. Whether it was convoying with friends from SoCal, meeting local off-roaders in Baja, or sharing tacos and stories at camp, the memories made with good company were what made this trip unforgettable.
Challenges We Faced
Baja will humble you in the best way. It’s not just a test of your build—it’s a test of preparation, patience, and purpose. My Army Green Tundra handled everything I threw at it, and more. The terrain is brutal, the views are epic, and the people are some of the kindest you’ll meet anywhere.
If you’re planning your first Baja trip—do it. Just plan well, respect the land, and double-check everything. The Tundra was built for this. And once you’ve done Baja once… you’ll already be planning your next trip on the way back.
#3rdGenTundra #ToyotaTundra #BajaCalifornia #OverlandLife #DesertRig #ArmyGreenTundra #BuiltNotBought #RaveOffRoad #BajaDesigns #OffRoadAdventure
The Route
We started in San Diego, crossed through Tecate, and made our way down the eastern side of Baja through Valle de Guadalupe, eventually reaching Bahía de los Ángeles. The route gave us a mix of mountain passes, remote desert terrain, washboard roads, and stunning beachfront. We covered roughly 600 miles roundtrip—mostly off pavement.
Truck Setup That Made a Difference
1. Suspension & Tires
Running 35s on a leveled suspension gave me the clearance and confidence I needed. The rough sections of Baja can chew up undersized setups fast. The wider stance helped with stability over ruts and loose sand, while my Method Race Wheels and beefy AT tires kept me planted. Airing down was crucial—don’t skip a solid air-down/air-up kit.
2. Baja Designs LP4s
Night driving in Baja is no joke. With little to no ambient light, it’s either full dark or full send. My LP4s gave me the forward projection and width to avoid rocks, cattle, and unexpected terrain. Amber backlighting helped with dusty areas and also made the truck easier to spot by others on the trail.
3. Diode Dynamics Stealth Light Bar Behind the Grille
One of the cleanest and most functional lighting upgrades on my build. The Diode Dynamics Stealth light bar fits perfectly behind my TRD Pro-style grille, staying hidden until I need it—and when I do, it lights up the path ahead like a laser. I went with the combo beam option for a balanced throw of spot and flood lighting.
4. Yotabeast Chase Lights
Running with multiple rigs, the Yotabeast chase light was a game changer. We encountered several white-out dust zones where visibility dropped to just a few feet. The amber strobe kept me visible to the guys behind me and helped prevent rear-end issues.
5. Great People & Good Company
More than the gear or the truck—the people made the trip. Whether it was convoying with friends from SoCal, meeting local off-roaders in Baja, or sharing tacos and stories at camp, the memories made with good company were what made this trip unforgettable.
Challenges We Faced
- Fuel stops are spread out – Carry extra fuel and plan your route around reliable stations. Pemex isn’t always guaranteed in remote towns.
- Trail washouts & flash floods – Especially in the spring or after storms, trails can get gnarly. Always check recent reports and satellite images.
- Border crossings – Don’t forget insurance, registration, and your passport. Keep a printed copy of everything just in case.
- Add a dual battery or portable power station. Keeping radios, lights, and fridge running drained my primary faster than expected.
- Bring a small compressor dedicated to airing up—shared gear slows down the group.
- Swap out factory fogs for amber Diode Dynamics SS3s—my current ones didn’t punch through dust as well as I’d like.
Baja will humble you in the best way. It’s not just a test of your build—it’s a test of preparation, patience, and purpose. My Army Green Tundra handled everything I threw at it, and more. The terrain is brutal, the views are epic, and the people are some of the kindest you’ll meet anywhere.
If you’re planning your first Baja trip—do it. Just plan well, respect the land, and double-check everything. The Tundra was built for this. And once you’ve done Baja once… you’ll already be planning your next trip on the way back.
#3rdGenTundra #ToyotaTundra #BajaCalifornia #OverlandLife #DesertRig #ArmyGreenTundra #BuiltNotBought #RaveOffRoad #BajaDesigns #OffRoadAdventure
