Building a Hilux into an overlander

[nomadsoverland]

Hi,

Happy to be part of the community. I am a beginner in overlanding.

I have a 2021 Hilux and I am getting the build list ready.

The truck has a load capacity of One Tonne. So can the stock vehicle carry the overland load assuming the gear I will fit in and everything I carry will be under one Tonne?

I have been looking for a suspension kit for my vehicle and checking around I heard two opinions.

1. Build the overland gear first then add the suspension base don the total weight.
2. Just get a good suspension and add things as you go.

My question is what should be my approach? Since the truck has a Tonne load capacity is it even needed to change the stock suspensions if the load is going to be less than one tonne?
Can I get a good suspension with enough room and keep adding things to my Overlanding gear as I grow?

I just want to be sure my Tyre, Rims, and Suspensions are right in whatever build process I go for.

 

[K12]

Hi,

Happy to be part of the community. I am a beginner in overlanding.

I have a 2021 Hilux and I am getting the build list ready.

The truck has a load capacity of One Tonne. So can the stock vehicle carry the overland load assuming the gear I will fit in and everything I carry will be under one Tonne?

I have been looking for a suspension kit for my vehicle and checking around I heard two opinions.

1. Build the overland gear first then add the suspension base don the total weight.
2. Just get a good suspension and add things as you go.

My question is what should be my approach? Since the truck has a Tonne load capacity is it even needed to change the stock suspensions if the load is going to be less than one tonne?
Can I get a good suspension with enough room and keep adding things to my Overlanding gear as I grow?

I just want to be sure my Tyre, Rims, and Suspensions are right in whatever build process I go for.

The answer to you load question is yes. You CAN load up to 1 tonne which is the rating. Most will try to stay below as anyone in the vehicle and pets also cound towards this weight capacity.

The best thing to do is get out there and start. You can build a list all you want to do/have, but the first time you go out you will realize what is on the list has some flaws. You really wont need some of whats on the list and some things not on the list that youll absolutely have to have. Bring the basics, tent, heat source, propane, sleeping bag and food. As you go out take notes on what worked, what didnt and what you could do to improve quality of life (wants) focus on the needs and fixing what didnt work. then bring in the wants. When you figure this out you will have a much better idea of where to go with suspension.

Going out and having fun is what overlanding is about, get in touch with nature, escape the city and stresses of life. You can do that sleeping in the cab of the truck until you figure out what works for you.

 

[Alanymarce]

As noted, the GVM is fine as it is, so unless you want to add clearance you will be fine with the standard load capacity. It’s an excellent pick-up to start with and the clearance and angles will take you most places with no change. I would do nothing to the suspension, unless I knew that I was going to need a lift - for example, if you go to a particular place which you known will need more clearance.

I agree with K12, get out and travel, then figure out what you need. I see lots of vehicles with kit which has obviously never been used and which just adds mass and takes up space.

 

[nomadsoverland]

I am getting the tents, awnings a few of those things sponsored. So the Overlanding kit will be added to the truck. Just want to be sure the truck can handle it as is.

 

[K12]

I am getting the tents, awnings a few of those things sponsored. So the Overlanding kit will be added to the truck. Just want to be sure the truck can handle it as is.

Got it. As long as you keep everything under the max limit all will be good.