BUILT FOR THE WILD

ANDREW CUTLER'S 2020 TOYOTA TACOMA TRD OFFROAD

- DEVAN ENCE

For Andrew Cutler, off-roading isn’t just a weekend hobby—it's a way of life. Living in Vernon, British Columbia, he needed a truck that could handle the diverse terrain of the Pacific Northwest while serving as a reliable basecamp for long-haul adventures. His 2020 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road, known as SCAIA, is more than just a build—it's the result of years of trial, error, and fine-tuning to create the ultimate overland-ready Tacoma.

Andrew's approach to modifying his truck has been about functionality first. Under the hood, a YotaWerx tune sharpens performance, optimizing throttle response and power delivery to compensate for the heavier build. To keep things moving smoothly, 5.29 Nitro Gears were installed in the front and rear differentials, ensuring the truck can turn 35-inch tires without sacrificing performance. A twin ARB air compressor unit, neatly mounted under the hood with a rerouted air line to the front bumper, provides quick inflation when the trail calls for a pressure adjustment.

The Tacoma's suspension has undergone significant refinement. Andrew originally ran multiple setups before settling on a 2.5-inch Old Man Emu BP-51 suspension system with reservoirs for optimal dampening and control. The addition of SPC upper control arms, Dobinson heavy-duty leaf springs, and Pacbrake air bags balances load-carrying capacity with on-trail performance, ensuring the truck handles well under any condition.