Chris Cristobal's 2017 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro: From Trailhead to Campsite Without Compromise

For Chris, building out a capable off-road vehicle wasn't about trends. It was about creating a self-reliant, battle-ready platform that could confidently handle the weight of overlanding, the rigors of recovery, and the unpredictability of remote trail travel. His 2017 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro reflects a deep understanding of what a high-capability full-size truck should be: well-armored, expertly damped, recovery-ready, and entirely self-contained.

The foundation of Chris’ rig is a proven 5.7L V8-powered TRD Pro Tundra, known for its durability, payload capacity, and trail comfort. What makes this build stand out is the degree of refinement and completeness across every functional area, from suspension geometry to air control systems, electrical switching, rack integration, and even onboard lighting inside the engine bay. This isn’t a project truck. It’s a primary tool for hard travel.

Suspension System

Chris’s suspension setup transforms the Tundra’s ride quality and off-road responsiveness. The front and rear systems work together to balance articulation, weight capacity, and terrain control, particularly with the additional mass of armor, tools, recovery gear, and camp systems onboard.

Front Suspension

• Bilstein B8 8112 ZoneControl Coilovers
• Icon Delta Joint Upper Control Arms
• Total Chaos Spindle Gussets
• Timbren Bump Stops

Rear Suspension

• Bilstein B8 8100 Bypass Resevoir Shocks
• Deaver U748 Medium-Duty Leaf Pack
• Coachbuilder +3" Shackles
• Timbren Bump Stops

This pairing gives the Tundra both smoothness and stability across rough terrain while preserving confidence at higher speeds. The Bilstein 8112 and 8100 combination delivers advanced internal bypass control with external reservoirs, allowing the truck to absorb harsh terrain without destabilizing under load. Reinforcements from Total Chaos and Icon ensure critical components stay within spec, even under stress.

Armor and Protection

To support aggressive travel and reduce exposure to damage, Chris has integrated a full array of protective components. From underbody skids to frame stiffeners and rock sliders, these upgrades form a critical foundation.

• C4 Fabrication Hybrid Front Bumper
• Big Country Customs Rock Sliders with Top Plates
• RCI Off Road Rear Differential Skid Plate
• RCI Off Road Fuel Tank Skid Plate
• RCI Off Road Catalytic Converter Shield
• Rago Fabrication Bed Stiffeners
• Trigger Industries Rear Mud Flaps

Each of these upgrades was selected not just for protection but also for their strength-to-weight ratio and field serviceability. Skid plates protect vital drivetrain elements from strike damage. Rock sliders offer true frame-mounted support and serve as step and jacking points. Bed stiffeners help keep the rear of the truck rigid under the forces of rack-mounted accessories and terrain stress.

Recovery

Chris’s recovery setup is extensive and versatile, prepared to handle everything from basic extractions to complex, multi-angle recoveries. This system ensures that he’s not only self-sufficient but can provide support to others in his group.

• Smittybilt X20 12,000-lb Winch
• Smittybilt Synthetic Winch Rope
• Factor 55 Ultrahook
• Factor 55 HitchLink Hitch Receiver Recovery Point
• Factor 55 Rope Retention Pulley
• OPENROAD 4WD 36,000-lb Kinetic Recovery Rope
• (2) Maxtrax MK II Recovery Boards
• RCI Off Road Maxtrax Recovery Board Mounting Brackets
• Pro Eagle Kratos 3-Ton Off-Road Jack
• Fiskars Shovel
• Fiskars Splitting Axe

This level of equipment signals a serious commitment to field preparedness. Closed-loop recovery hardware from Factor 55 adds both safety and mechanical advantage. The Pro Eagle jack is capable of controlled lifts in soft or uneven terrain. Two full sets of traction boards ensure recovery options even in sand, snow, or mud.

Lighting and Electrical

Lighting is a critical aspect of any overland or off-road platform, especially for travel in remote regions. Chris has outfitted his Tundra with full-spectrum coverage—near-field, chase, wide beam, flood, and work lighting, all controlled through an integrated switch panel.

• Baja Designs Squadron Pro Light Pods - Amber (Ditch Lights)
• Baja Designs Squadron Pro Light Pods - Amber (Fog Lights)
• Baja Designs S2 Pro Light Pods - Amber
• Baja Designs S8 30” Light Bar - Amber, Driving/Combo Lens Pattern
• Stedi ST-X 50” Light Bar (Roof Rack-Mounted)
• Vivid Lumen Industries FNG Intense Series Light Pod - Amber (Chase Lights)
• (2) Kingpin Equipped V-Series 40” Work Lights
• KC Cyclone V2 Under-Hood Lights
• Auxbeam AC-1200 12-Gang Bluetooth Switch Panel
• AlphaRex MK II Nova-Series LED Projector Headlights - Black
• AlphaRex Luxx-Series LED Tail Lights - Black

This system provides broad visibility in varying weather and trail conditions. Amber lights reduce glare and improve visibility in snow and dust. The switch panel simplifies management, while work and chase lights improve camp function and safety.

Overland Systems

Chris built his Tundra with full field autonomy in mind. His shelter, shade, water, gear access, and onboard systems all function in coordination.

Roof and Bed Racks

• Prinsu Roof Rack
• CBI Offroad Cab-Height Bed Rack

Camping

• OPENROAD 4WD Aluminum Hard Shell Rooftop Tent
• OPENROAD 4WD 270° Awning with Walls, Lights, and Poles
• OPENROAD 4WD Shower Awning
• Zarges K740 Heavy-Duty Aluminum Case

This system provides an all-weather living and sleeping setup with rapid deployment and secure storage. The Zarges case offers high-durability transport for tools, recovery gear, or camera equipment.

Wheels and Tires

• Falken Wildpeak A/T3W 37x12.50R17 Tires
• SSW Apex 17x9 0 Offset Wheels

Braking

• PowerStop Z36 Extreme Brake Pads and Rotors

Snorkel

• Dobinsons Snorkel
• Snorkel Upgrade Pre-Cleaner Snorkel Head

Falken’s A/T3W offers strong sidewalls and deep tread lugs suitable for wet and rocky trails. PowerStop’s Z36 pads and rotors ensure safe stopping power even when fully loaded. The snorkel helps safeguard the engine in wet environments and improves air intake quality over dusty ground.

Air System

• ARB Twin Onboard Air Compressor
• Rago Fabrication Compressor Mount
• Apex Designs RPV Rapid Precision Tire Deflation Valves
• Speedflate 4x Multi-Tire Inflation & Deflation System

Communications

• Midland MXT275 GMRS Radio

The twin ARB compressor ensures reliable tire refills and supports air tools if needed. With the Speedflate system, Chris can air up or down all four tires simultaneously. The GMRS radio provides long-distance trail communication with compact form factor.

A Utility-Prioritized Overland Build

Chris Cristobal’s 2017 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro is more than just a modified truck—it’s a fully realized overland and recovery system built with intent. Every component serves a functional role, from the advanced Bilstein suspension package to the layered armor, modular rack systems, and redundant recovery tools. The lighting configuration offers complete visibility in adverse conditions, while onboard air, comms, and self-contained shelter systems allow for extended field operations without support.

This is a platform that reflects both discipline and firsthand trail experience. Chris has prioritized systems that work reliably in real-world conditions. The result is a balanced, field-ready rig that’s capable of handling technical terrain, supporting remote travel, and providing safety, utility, and comfort far beyond the pavement.

Whether operating solo or as part of a group, this Tundra is prepared for the demands of serious backcountry exploration—without compromise. To see more of the truck in action and follow its evolution, visit Chris on Instagram (@trdprocanada).