Nate Peerbolt, a 42-year-old outdoor enthusiast, overlander and mobile marketing specialist, has turned his 2018 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road into a rolling fortress. Based in the rugged Black Hills of South Dakota, USA, Nate’s Alu-Cab Khaya Camper has become his home away from home, whether he’s hunting in the remote National Grasslands, fly fishing in the backcountry, or simply escaping the daily grind under a canopy of stars.
A Rig Built for the Wild
Purchased new in 2017, Nate’s Tacoma has been meticulously upgraded to handle the demands of his lifestyle. A winch on the front bumper is ready for emergencies, though Nate jokes it’s mostly used for clearing fallen trees from spring trails. And the suspension has been reinforced to support the weight of the Khaya Camper.
The truck’s exterior is as functional as it is eye-catching. A roof rack holds an 80-quart cooler during hunting and fishing season and Pelican cases for waders and other fly fishing gear in the summer. Inside, the cab is outfitted with Expedition Essentials dash kits, Ram Mounts for navigation and Carhartt seat covers to protect against muddy paws from his two dogs – a 13-year-old French Bulldog and a 6-year-old Wirehaired Pointing Griffon.
Inside the vehicle is filled with feathers. “I like to walk. A lot. I’ll do up to 20 miles a day for days on end, so I come across a lot of feathers. My driver side sun visor has a Blue Ridge Overland sleeve over it with molle loops, and it’s stuffed with every make and model of bird feather. My favorite is the Northern Flicker. They have orange tail feathers, and owls love them, so I’ve found a lot those around.”
But the real star of the show is the Alu-Cab Khaya camper. “It’s been a dream,” Nate says. “I’m at nearly 100,000 miles and the Khaya has been on there since September of 2018.”
A Camper That Transforms Adventures
For Nate, the Khaya is a game-changer. Its durability and dependability have made it indispensable during his 40-60 days on the road each year. The diesel heater is a lifesaver during hunting season, when temperatures plummet and nights stretch long. “I’m able to rest and relax, make some food, and prepare for the next day in comfort and warmth,” he says.
The Khaya’s secure storage has also brought peace of mind. Living in Colorado, Nate dealt with persistent bear problems. “They’re known to rip open car doors to get at something as small as a Clif Bar,” he recalls. With the Khaya’s aluminum vault, food storage became a non-issue. The camper’s theft-resistant design is equally reassuring. “It would take a cutting torch to get into it,” Nate says, making it the perfect safeguard for his expensive hunting and camping gear.
Memories Under the Stars
Some of Nate’s favorite memories involve sharing the Khaya’s rooftop tent with his wife and dogs. “The dogs love being able to look out the windows from the elevated bed,” he says. One standout trip was their 10th wedding anniversary at Devil’s Tower. After a day of hiking, they sat by the fire as a Starlink satellite string passed overhead. “It felt like we were in space,” Nate recalls.
Hunting trips are equally memorable. On a recent three-day pheasant and grouse hunt, Nate and his dog camped in the remote National Grasslands, surrounded by the eerie howls of coyotes. “It was about 20 degrees, but sitting in the truck watching movies on my phone while the diesel heater keeps us comfortable can’t be beat,” he says.
Remote and Breathtaking Locations
Nate’s adventures often take him to some of the least populated areas in the lower 48. The National Grasslands of western South Dakota are a favorite. “I can go days without seeing another person or vehicle,” he says. The vast, open landscapes are both serene and challenging, requiring careful planning to ensure fuel and supplies last.
Sharing the Khaya with the World
Nate’s Khaya has also become a conversation starter. At events like the BHA Rendezvous in Missoula, he’s given dozens of rig tours. “I’m not an extrovert, so having the Khaya at events is nice because people come to me,” he says. Even on the road, the camper draws attention. Once, while fueling up in a small Iowa town, a local recognized his truck from a trip near Nemo, SD. “It must stick in people’s minds when they’re into Tacomas and Alu-Cabs,” Nate laughs.
For Nate, the Khaya’s diesel heater is non-negotiable. “The heat is the biggest thing for me because of my habits,” he says. The camper’s USB and 12V plugs are equally essential, powering everything from headlamps to laptops. Solar panels and a WeBoost antenna ensure he stays connected, even in the most remote locations.
A Legacy of Adventure
If Nate could invite anyone to join his travels, it would be Teddy Roosevelt. “He ranched near the area I live, and the places I go really turned him into the person he became,” Nate says. He’d also love to travel with his father in his prime. “He’s responsible for me loving a lot of the things I do,” Nate explains. “We’d walk 20 miles a day and enjoy every second of it.”
Nate’s go-to road trip snack is his homemade venison jerky. For meals, he relies on wild game, with antelope stew being a favorite. Coffee is another must-have. “I’m a coffee snob,” he admits. Each morning, he grinds his beans and brews two cups in a Planetary Designs French press – one for immediate enjoyment, the other saved for later in a leak-proof Miir vessel.
For Nate Peerbolt, the road is a way of life. And with his Alu-Cab Khaya, he’s ready for whatever lies ahead.