Tweakin’ Tundras

Since Toyota became an official sponsor of the Bassmaster Elite Series, the number of anglers switching to Tundras has increased dramatically. In fact, more than 75 percent of Elite pros now pull their boats with what has become the tow vehicle of choice on tour.

<i>Captions by Bernie Schultz</i>
Since Toyota became an official sponsor of the Bassmaster Elite Series, the number of anglers switching to Tundras has increased dramatically. In fact, more than 75 percent of Elite pros now pull their boats with what has become the tow vehicle of choice on tour.

Captions by Bernie Schultz

 Leading the charge are some of the biggest names in the sport, including Kevin Van Dam, Mike Iaconelli, Terry Scroggins and Gerald Swindle. Collectively, they are Team Toyota.
Leading the charge are some of the biggest names in the sport, including Kevin Van Dam, Mike Iaconelli, Terry Scroggins and Gerald Swindle. Collectively, they are Team Toyota.
Right behind them are up-and-comers Justin Lucas, Jordan Lee, Adrian Avena (shown here) and others. And as it is with the young — or those who think young — it’s important to make a statement.
Right behind them are up-and-comers Justin Lucas, Jordan Lee, Adrian Avena (shown here) and others. And as it is with the young — or those who think young — it’s important to make a statement.
And with that, bigger seems to be better … and lots of bling helps, too!
And with that, bigger seems to be better … and lots of bling helps, too!
To get there, however, a stock truck is required — something most trim shops consider as a blank canvas on which to create their works of art.
To get there, however, a stock truck is required — something most trim shops consider as a blank canvas on which to create their works of art.
Many Elite pros turn to friend and competitor Britt Myers for help on customizing their Tundras. Located near Raleigh, NC, his CS Motorsports truck-customizing shop has turned out some truly impressive mods.
Many Elite pros turn to friend and competitor Britt Myers for help on customizing their Tundras. Located near Raleigh, NC, his CS Motorsports truck-customizing shop has turned out some truly impressive mods.
One of the first and most crucial modification is adding a custom topper, like this one from ARE. The topper houses all the extra tackle and gear needed for months of travel to various tour stops on the Elite Series schedule.
One of the first and most crucial modification is adding a custom topper, like this one from ARE. The topper houses all the extra tackle and gear needed for months of travel to various tour stops on the Elite Series schedule.
Toppers aren’t simple fiberglass shells anymore. Now they feature custom LED lighting, soundproofing, hydraulic lifts and sturdy roof racks for carrying spare rods and other gear.
Toppers aren’t simple fiberglass shells anymore. Now they feature custom LED lighting, soundproofing, hydraulic lifts and sturdy roof racks for carrying spare rods and other gear.
For Mike Iaconelli, the roof rack serves as a hauler for his Hobie kayak.
For Mike Iaconelli, the roof rack serves as a hauler for his Hobie kayak.
Big wheels and tires are a must also. But to add them, a lift kit is required.
Big wheels and tires are a must also. But to add them, a lift kit is required.
Raising the chassis will provide the room necessary for oversized treads to function.
Raising the chassis will provide the room necessary for oversized treads to function.
A pumped-up suspension also increases payload … a necessity when you’re hauling a boat with tons of tackle and gear cross country.
A pumped-up suspension also increases payload … a necessity when you’re hauling a boat with tons of tackle and gear cross country.
The technicians working at CS Motorsports are passionate about each build. They want their work to reflect not only quality, but individuality.
The technicians working at CS Motorsports are passionate about each build. They want their work to reflect not only quality, but individuality.
To achieve that, lots of grinding and hard work is required.
To achieve that, lots of grinding and hard work is required.
Here a tech uses a torch to fabricate a custom bracket for Adrian Avena’s rig.
Here a tech uses a torch to fabricate a custom bracket for Adrian Avena’s rig.
Besides a lift kit with big tires and rims, there are other tweaks to consider … like this hefty Iron Cross bumper and custom grill with Rigid Industries LED lighting.
Besides a lift kit with big tires and rims, there are other tweaks to consider … like this hefty Iron Cross bumper and custom grill with Rigid Industries LED lighting.
To better organize additional tackle and gear, many pros install a sliding drawer system like this one.
To better organize additional tackle and gear, many pros install a sliding drawer system like this one.
Logo wraps are another step in the process. And depending on the pro or the sign shop doing the install, the job may be done before or after the build is complete. Here’s Swindle’s ride after the build, just prior to being wrapped. (the topper and various trim pieces are removed so the installers will have a clean surface to work with.)
Logo wraps are another step in the process. And depending on the pro or the sign shop doing the install, the job may be done before or after the build is complete. Here’s Swindle’s ride after the build, just prior to being wrapped. (the topper and various trim pieces are removed so the installers will have a clean surface to work with.)
Here it is finished with everything back in place. Wow!
Here it is finished with everything back in place. Wow!
Once complete, a fully modified Tundra makes a statement … even on the ramp at an Elite Series event!
Once complete, a fully modified Tundra makes a statement … even on the ramp at an Elite Series event!