Drew Simms’ extensive Tacoma and Four Wheel Camper build will have you thinking about possibilities for your own rig. And his Angels Landing snow climb will leave you breathless. Hang on tight.
The overland phenomenon has inspired thousands of people to discover truck camping and assemble off-road and off-grid capable setups. You can see hundreds of examples in the display areas and camping fields of the Overland Expos.
At least half of these rigs are pop-up campers with mid-size trucks. And a good number of those are inevitably Four Wheel Campers with Toyota Tacomas.
Above: Drew’s rig video draws you in with Alaska splendor
Drew Simms presents one of the most impressive examples of this FWC-Taco overland standard. Nearly everything in his setup is customized to an extreme, but done so in a way that looks factory or at least SEMA-level neat and tight.
Several elements of his build could be applicable to other pop-up and even hard side camper rigs. For example, Drew integrated the truck camper battery and electrical system into the truck. This saves space inside the camper and keeps the battery weight low and forward. On the flip side, it also means he might have some challenges if he wants (or needs) to use the camper off the truck. This is where a portable lithium power station could potentially take over.
Another interesting element is the use of an Espar Airtronic S2 D2L diesel van heater. As the name implies, this is designed to heat vans, but he has adapted it for use in his camper build. This heater supplanted his propane heating system, which he said caused condensation and isn’t nearly as compact or efficient as the diesel heater.
The van marketplace has been borrowing appliances and components from the truck camper marketplace for years. Perhaps it’s time to return the favor and take a look at this diesel heater and other ‘van’ components.
Where Drew stores his Lagun table and leg is easily my favorite detail (see above). In a brief reveal, he shows how the table fits into a perfectly cut notch on the forward wall of the camper. Drew would clearly be a dangerous contender if he entered our PowerMod contest.
Above: Hang on tight for Drew’s Angels Landing ascent in the snow
Angels Landing Snow Climb
And now for something completely different. Another one of Drew’s videos features a jaw-dropping ascent of the famous Angels Landing hike in Zion National Park. My fear of heights and falling has prevented me from taking on this adventure, but it looks incredible. Kicking it up about ten notches, Drew tackles Angels Landing in the winter, in a snowstorm, with seemingly nobody else around.
The video was shot with a GoPro 360-degree camera attached to an extension pole. The GoPro software does its best to erase the pole from the image leaving a bird’s eye view of Drew’s climb. This video is guaranteed to leave you either inking the Angels Landing hike on your bucket list, or hiding behind your chair. I hid, but then peeked out to watch the whole thing. Simply stunning.
Follow Drew at DrewSimms.com, YouTube, and Instagram.