TREAD May/June 2025

Spring is on the horizon—or at least I’m hopeful it is! I don’t know about you, but I’m ready for longer days, warmer weather, and a little green in the landscape. I know many of you are already out exploring, taking advantage of everything the desert has to offer this time of year, and I can’t wait to get out there myself. Our May/June issue is packed with stories and features for every type of off-road enthusiast. Evan Walsh dives deep into the culture of King of the Hammers, and Dillon Houck shares his experience navigating a rookie season of overlanding. We’re also featuring some incredible builds: Mason’s Ultimate GMC Prerunner, Rich’s adventure Jeep, Garrek’s Brocoma, Bink’s GX550, Connor’s Tacoma, and the SCAIA purpose-built overland machine from Canada. Each of…

01. LOCK OFF-ROAD BAJA WHEELS The Lock Baja interconnects an off-road wheel with a traditional lightweight classic motorsports design. Incorporating strength and style with weight reduction is a daunting task. Lucky for you, the Baja wheel is engineered to meet all these specifications. Three special TACT-coated finishes of matte black, matte gunmetal, and matte bronze provide the ultimate visual appeal and durability to withstand the extreme elements. The Lock Baja is offered exclusively in 17-inch sizes only. MSRP $259.99 lockoffroadwheels.com 02. ICON 2009-’18 RAM 1500 4WD .75 - 2.5-INCH LIFT, STAGE 3 SUSPENSION SYSTEM ICON Vehicle Dynamics’ Dodge Ram 1500 4WD suspension systems are designed with maximum performance and the serious driver in mind. The primary focus of ICON’s engineers is to increase wheel travel and damping ability, which translates…

01. JETBOIL GENESIS BASECAMP SYSTEM The award-winning Genesis Basecamp System is the ultimate all-in-one backcountry cooking system, stowing neatly into itself and fitting snugly among your gear. The system’s 5-liter Jetboil FluxPot and 10-inch ceramic-coated nonstick fry pan give you everything you need to set a new benchmark for basecamp cooking. A beastly 10,000 BTU heating system boils water in just over three minutes—perfect for melting snow or making coffee. The system includes a carrying bag with pocket for regulator, is compatible with standard 16.4-ounce propane bottles, and weighs just 9.1 pounds. MSRP: $399.99 Jetboil.johnsonoutdoors.com 02. KAKADU OUTBACK SHOWER The Kakadu Outback Shower is a compact and portable shower system designed for outdoor use, providing hot water in seconds. It is lightweight and easy to use, making it an ideal…

Some builds are meant to stay on the pavement. Others, like Brian Binkert’s Bink GX550, are made to go anywhere. The 2024 Lexus GX550 Overtrail started as a solid luxury off-roader but Brian had something bigger in mind—an overland machine capable of tackling Baja, Moab, and the rugged Southwest without breaking a sweat. Built for SEMA, real-world expeditions, and off-road photography adventures, this Lexus is more than just a showcase build. The Bink GX550 wasn’t built just to look good—it had to perform. The first step was dialing in the suspension to handle both rocky trails and long highway miles. A Fox Performance Elite 2.5-inch DSC Evo setup paired with Eibach rear coils gives the GX the clearance and ride quality needed for unpredictable terrain. Whether navigating technical rock climbs…

For Connor Scalbom, his 2022 Toyota Tacoma isn’t just a truck—it’s his ticket to adventure. Living in Boulder, Colorado, meant that he needed a rig that could handle everything from daily commutes to deep backcountry trails. Instead of going for a flashy, over-the-top build, Connor took a practical approach by focusing on upgrades that would improve capability without sacrificing reliability. The result? A well-balanced Tacoma that’s as comfortable on the road as it is off of it. The heart of the build remains Toyota’s V6, but a few key upgrades help it breathe a little easier. An OTT tune sharpens throttle response, while a Borla Cat-Back Touring exhaust package provides more growl without being obnoxious. Out back, the factory E-Locker ensures traction when the trail gets tough. The suspension system…

The TREAD Edition Tacoma has reached its final form. The last time we checked in, the truck had just received a fresh wrap, the Body Armor 4x4 HiLine front bumper was installed alongside a WARN winch, and the NYTOP full carbon flares were locked into place. If you’re just tuning in, here’s a quick recap of everything that’s gone into this project. The first step was dialing in the suspension, wheels, and tires. A Stage 4 kit from ICON Vehicle Dynamics with 2.5 bypass shocks set the foundation, providing the performance needed for both on-road comfort and off-road capability. The truck sits on Dirty Life 9303 DT-1 17x9 wheels wrapped in Amp Terrain Attack RTs in 275/85R17—a combination that transformed the Tacoma’s handling and overall feel. With the suspension in…