2006 Toyota Tacoma SR5

There’s a saying that goes, “Art is never finished, only abandoned.” Like the work of art it is, this 2006 Tacoma overland build is constantly evolving as its owners, Margo L’Heureux and husband Joe, paint the picture of their perfect backcountry camping rig. And who in their right mind ever abandoned a Toyota?

Margo has been with DECKED since the olden days, back when the “warehouse” was a barn. If you own a DECKED product, Margo has had her hands on it either literally or digitally. It’s not overstatement to say that Margo can tell you the part number, off the dome and in an instant, of every nut and bolt that goes into DECKED Systems. And much like her career at DECKED, this build has been a long-term labor of love.

What started in Hawai’i as a reliable daily driver has slowly morphed over 16 years into an Idaho-based, go-anywhere, ultra-functional, super-cozy off-road home base, being tweaked and perfected with every mile.

Performance upgrades like a subtle lift with sturdier springs to handle additional load, a catback exhaust, and a cold air intake along with creature comforts including a 5-gallon water system and enough onboard power to charge a full complement of digital devices (or power 50 lava lamps for an hour) come together seamlessly to make every trip that much more fun. And with one month or more on the trail each year, there is no shortage of opportunity to notice, learn, and figure out what’s next.

This rad little ride has made a three-month voyage to British Columbia and Alaska, rolled around most western National Parks, crossed the country four times, and most recently served as deluxe accommodation for a 10-day mountain bike trip through Colorado and Utah.

What’s next? The brush guard comes off to make way for a frame-mounted heavy duty bumper, the Tune Outdoor camper gets its full interior build, and rear seats get deleted for a fridge slide. With many more miles ahead, it’s hard not to imagine that—somehow—the past decade and a half have only been the beginning.