How would you start over?

[12C20]

I’m in a Tacoma, and used to have a JKU.

I’ve learned that my travel/camp adventures are solo. I’ve learned I like simple food on the trail. I’ve learned I don’t enjoy rock crawling as much as I like 4x4 roads and trails. I’ve learned that sometimes my camp isn’t in the wild.

So, I’d go with a wagon or SUV I can sleep in. I’d ditch the tent. I’d keep the 12v fridge and ditch the solar panels - just charge a second battery off the alternator. I’d switch to an induction hot plate, away from the stove. And I’d keep my portable toilet with wag bags. I’d keep my extra fuel in Wavian jerry cans. And I’d switch back to Reliance water cans.

Bottom line, because I’m more familiar and comfortable with my overlanding self, my rig and load out would be simpler and more discreet.

 

[Joey83]

I'd probably buy a reasonable musclecar and see what the V8 hype is all about

 

[The Deputy]

I’m in a Tacoma, and used to have a JKU.

I’ve learned that my travel/camp adventures are solo. I’ve learned I like simple food on the trail. I’ve learned I don’t enjoy rock crawling as much as I like 4x4 roads and trails. I’ve learned that sometimes my camp isn’t in the wild.

So, I’d go with a wagon or SUV I can sleep in. I’d ditch the tent. I’d keep the 12v fridge and ditch the solar panels - just charge a second battery off the alternator. I’d switch to an induction hot plate, away from the stove. And I’d keep my portable toilet with wag bags. I’d keep my extra fuel in Wavian jerry cans. And I’d switch back to Reliance water cans.

Bottom line, because I’m more familiar and comfortable with my overlanding self, my rig and load out would be simpler and more discreet.

Sounds like you've learned a lot! And have 'it' figured out. Your rock-crawling comment cracked me up...same here. Have duel battery set-up, also, and it is recharged by alternator. Problem l ran into, was being parked for more than a day. Had to drive everyday, whether l was leaving an area or not. Which is kind of a pain. Thought about solar, but believe l'm going to go with a Jackery 3000 for those extended stays (just running a fridge). Pretty rare for me to stay over three or four days in one spot.

 

[The Deputy]

And in my dreams I would win the lottery and have my 78 full size Cherokee restored and modified to my liking. It hits all the markers for an over the hill gearhead like me.

My nephew had an immaculate late 70's Cherokee. Original midnight blue paint, 401 V8 with factory A/C, low-miles, camel color interior. It was just an awesome rig. Unfortunately, he had to sell it after buying his second house. Thought long and hard about buying it myself...but...when you have five vehicles calling your yard home and have a built overland rig already...it's difficult to bring another into the fold. (Plus, believe l swore on a bible one time l'd never own another Jeep...lol)

Told my nephew...he would someday regret selling that one.

 

[The Deputy]

This is my second overland build. So, starting over already happen. My current rig suits me just fine, travel solo 99% of the time (in this rig). Have a RTT for those times when my wife is along or grandsons. It's work in progress always, an evolutionary process of...what works/needed, what doesn't/not needed.



Coleman stove, basic substants to fill gut to live another day, nothing extravagent.



Simplicity is key for me. The 1990 Defender, with 200 tdi works well for me, load capacity is substantial, has great headroom while sitting in the back, great fuel mileage (24/27 mpg), very basic mechanical (a wire to the fuel shut-off, a couple to starter, alternator and glow plugs), and it's basically bred for overland travel.

Plus, it's a uncomfortable vehicle...which adds to the experience for me. Gets you outside the 'normal' modern day comforts and gives you an oldtime sense of overland travel. Easy or comfortable doesn't interest me.



It's the challenge that interest me about overland travel. Getting back to nature within a rugged, more bare bones, simplistic vehicle.

This rig will probably be my last for solo travel, and it will get refined this spring...for future adventures.

Hopefully, everyone gets out there this year and pushes their boundaries of experiences!

 

[12C20]

And in my dreams I would win the lottery and have my 78 full size Cherokee restored and modified to my liking. It hits all the markers for an over the hill gearhead like me.

My nephew had an immaculate late 70's Cherokee. Original midnight blue paint, 401 V8 with factory A/C, low-miles, camel color interior. It was just an awesome rig. Unfortunately, he had to sell it after buying his second house. Thought long and hard about buying it myself...but...when you have five vehicles calling your yard home and have a built overland rig already...it's difficult to bring another into the fold. (Plus, believe l swore on a bible one time l'd never own another Jeep...lol)

Told my nephew...he would someday regret selling that one.

I took the same oath, but every time I see one I regret it!