2018 Toyota Tundra SR5 Built for Adventure
Samuel Dean’s 2018 Toyota Tundra SR5: A Family-Focused Off-Road Rig
For Samuel Dean, off-road adventures aren’t just about conquering terrain—they’re about creating lasting memories with his family. His 2018 Toyota Tundra SR5, built in collaboration with Deadman Offroad, is the ultimate balance of rugged capability and comfort, designed to handle everything from desert whoops to peaceful weekend getaways.
Samuel’s love for the outdoors traces back to his childhood in the Pacific Northwest, where his family’s annual camping trips instilled a deep appreciation for exploration. Now, as a father of six, he’s continuing that tradition, ensuring his own children experience the same joys of adventure.
From Minivan to Tundra: The Evolution of a Passion
Samuel’s journey into off-roading started in a minivan, shuttling his kids on camping trips. By 2016, he upgraded to a 2014 Toyota Tundra, which made hauling a 30-foot trailer and outdoor gear much easier. But his off-road aspirations truly took shape when he met Bryant White, a fellow father of six and outdoor enthusiast. Their shared passion for adventure led to Samuel joining Deadman Offroad, an experience that ultimately inspired the transformation of his current 2018 Toyota Tundra SR5 into the formidable machine it is today.
“As cliché as it sounds, I feel I owe an obligation to my family and my kids to help make the same memories possible for them.”
With this in mind, Samuel set out to build a Tundra that could handle serious off-road terrain while also serving as a comfortable, well-equipped basecamp for family excursions.
The Turning Point: Lessons Learned the Hard Way
Samuel’s commitment to off-roading was put to the test on a trip to Plaster City in California’s Anza-Borrego Desert. Attempting to keep up with long-travel prerunners, he pushed his truck harder than it could handle.
“Twenty minutes later, the whoops took their toll on my stock shocks—exacerbated by the spacer lift—and both front shocks failed from the stress. We were miles from pavement, with no way to call for help.”
That experience was a wake-up call. He realized that a stock truck wasn’t going to cut it, and safety had to be a top priority. From that point on, modifying the Tundra for durability, capability, and comfort became his primary focus.
Suspension Upgrades: Strength Where It Matters
Rather than chasing long-travel suspension, Samuel opted for a setup that balanced high-speed off-road control with low-speed crawling capability. He teamed up with Matt at SoCal Fabrication to replace the stock suspension with components designed for serious trail use.
Front Suspension:
- King 3.0 coilovers paired with 2.5-inch, three-tube bypass piggyback shocks
- Total Chaos Fabrication upper & lower control arms
- Custom-built shock hoops by SoCal Fabrication
Rear Suspension:
- Deaver Progressive Series leaf springs for added flex and load capacity
- King shocks, designed to handle rugged terrain and additional weight
These upgrades ensure the Tundra stays composed over rough terrain while still delivering a smooth, controlled ride.
Wheels & Tires: Built for Versatility
To match the truck’s enhanced stance and lifted profile, Samuel turned to Method Race Wheels, outfitting his Tundra with 17×8.5-inch Trail Series 701 wheels in Matte Black. These feature Method’s Bead Grip technology, allowing lower tire pressures without the risk of debeading—perfect for rock crawling and soft sand.
For tires, he selected 37×12.5-inch Milestar Patagonia M/Ts, offering:
✔ Off-center tread blocks for better traction
✔ Biting sidewall tread for rock grip
✔ Durability across multiple terrains
This setup gives Samuel the confidence to tackle everything from desert dunes to muddy trails.
Armor & Recovery: Prepared for Anything
Exploring remote landscapes means facing unpredictable obstacles, so Samuel fortified his Tundra with essential armor and recovery gear.
Protection Upgrades:
- RCI Off Road skid plates, shielding the engine, transmission, and radiator cross-member
- PelfreyBilt steel front bumper, complete with an integrated bull bar and cutouts for lighting
- PelfreyBilt rock sliders, safeguarding the truck’s vulnerable rocker panels
Recovery Gear:
- ComeUp USA winch, mounted in the front bumper
- Deadman Offroad recovery anchor, for self-recovery in soft terrain
With this setup, getting stuck is never a concern—Samuel has everything he needs to extract himself from sand, snow, or mud.
Lighting & Power: Off-Grid Capability
Off-roading doesn’t stop when the sun sets, so Samuel upgraded his lighting system for maximum visibility:
- KC HiLiTES 30-inch C-Series light bar, integrated into the front bumper
- Baja Designs XL-80 ditch lights, mounted on the A-pillars for side illumination
For off-grid power, he enlisted Adventure Power Solutions to design and install a solar system, which keeps his Goal Zero power pack fully charged via a SunFlare solar panel system.
Inside, auxiliary electronics—including lights, fridge, and comms—are controlled via a Switch Pros SP-8100 eight-switch power system.
Comfort & Camping Setup: A Mobile Basecamp
While off-road performance is crucial, comfort is just as important—especially with six kids in tow. Samuel outfitted his Tundra with a top-tier overlanding setup, ensuring a cozy, functional camp at every stop.
Camping Essentials:
- GFC platform rooftop tent, deployable within minutes
- Kinsmen Hardware 270-degree awning, providing all-around shade
- Leitner Designs first-gen Active Cargo System, offering sliding load bars and gear storage
- ROAM Adventure rugged cases (95L & 83L), securely storing supplies
This setup allows for quick and effortless camp deployment, so Samuel and his family can focus on the experience rather than the setup.
“The tent/awning combo is just awesome. Both deploy within minutes, letting me move on to more important things—like food prep.”
A Tradition Continued
Samuel’s Tundra isn’t just a high-performance off-road machine—it’s a symbol of family tradition. Just as he once traveled the Pacific Northwest with his father in an old Chevy K5 Blazer, he’s now sharing similar experiences with his own children.
With a perfect balance of strength, capability, and comfort, Samuel’s 2018 Toyota Tundra SR5 is ready for any adventure—whether it’s a weekend in the SoCal deserts or a multi-week overland journey.
“What started as a childhood tradition has evolved into a lifelong passion. This truck allows me to share that passion with my family—and that’s what matters most.”
Deadman Tundra Upgrades
2018 Toyota Tundra SR5
Engine: 5.7-liter, iForce V8, 381hp; six-speed auto transmission
Suspension: King 3.0 coilovers, 2.5-inch, three-tube bypass shocks, Total Chaos Fabrication upper and lower control arms, Deaver U748 rear leaf springs
Wheels & Tires: Method Race Wheels Trail Series 701, 17 x 8.5, -17 backspacing, 5 x 150 bolt pattern; Milestar Patagonia M/T tires, 37 x 12.5
Interior Accessories: Kenwood 1037dx head unit, Switch Pro SP-8100 eight-switch power system, Goal Zero power pack, SunFlar solar panels
Exterior Accessories: KC HiLites C-series 30-inch light bar, Baja Designs XL-80 ditch lights, ComeUp USA winch, Leitner Designs first-gen. ACS, ROAM Adventures Company 95-liter and 83-liter storage boxes, PelfreyBilt bumpers and skid plates, GFC platform tent, Kinsmen Hardware awning
Editor’s note: A version of this story previously appeared in the Tread July/August 2022 issue.
