In over my head, so I thought I'd reach out for help

[ruralpunk]

Hey y'all! I'll try to not write a novel here but some back story will help me explain myself. My mom died unexpectedly back in June. She left me with a sizeable inheritance. I've spent months talking with financial planners and everything, and I've settled on the fact that I'm going to treat myself to a dream overlanding rig (I'm also going back to school and putting a massive down-payment on a house, so please don't think I'm just wasting all my inheritance on a car).

I'm no stranger to off-roading, camping, and getting my truck stuck and getting it out, but I've always had beater early 90's Toyotas (the 22re will always hold a place in my heart). I've been thinking about it for months, and I think I'm going to get a JL Rubicon and matching it with an Off Grid Trailers Expedition 2.0. I know that this isn't the most original set up, but that's kind of the point. The Wrangler is an amazing platform and the customizability is endless, to the point that I am lost in a sea of options and aftermarket add-ons. It is STRESSFUL.

Also with the trailer. I really like the idea of having a trailer, both to be comfortable on long trips (I have a several ideas/dreams for month long trips), and I like the idea of setting up a base camp and exploring an area for a few days. I live in the Rockies, so I have no lack of places to explore close by. But also, it's a crazy amount of money to spend.

I'm just stressed. I basically have near unlimited budget for this build, but I dont want to waste money, as anything I don't spend will go into my mortgage down-payment. I've also never spent money like this before and I'm kind of scared s*!tless. I haven't pulled the trigger on anything yet, but I'm pretty much at that point. I kist need someone to tell me this isn't insane.

 

[GLOCKer]

I'd start with the vehicle. Get it out with like minded folks in your area and experience some off-roading. Learn from them and the experience what works and what doesn't work. You don't have to do it all at once. Take it a nibble at a time. I think you will find after a year you have a ridiculously capable rig that you can be proud of. Add the trailer later. Don't rush into it!

 

[FishinCrzy]

I think you may find that your needs and priorities will change over time. Glocker is right. Don't commit to one course until you are sure that's what you need. Get out and do some adventuring and see what others are doing and where your needs are. There are so many choices! I also started looking at teardrops a few years back and nearly pulled the trigger. Then, I realized a RTT gave me the choice to also trailer my boat. All choices have their pros and cons. When I go out I usually have, in addition to the RTT, a hammock and a backpack tent , I like to stay flexible. Not all places are suitable for one type setup. One thing I have found is that I like to just explore and turning around with a trailer in some spots is near impossible. Not to say one couldn't drop the trailer and then explore but... Everybody has different needs. Mine seem to change over time.

 

[Boostpowered]

Make a plan for your rig and stick to it. That's the easiest way to not let it get outta hand. I know my wife and I make enough to afford anything we want and could have easily gone too far with our truck and sometimes I still want to but I told myself I'm only going to a certain point.
I don't Know your mindset but I wanted to make sure my truck could handle what I would throw at it before I worried about tents and such , plenty will tell you to just go out and drive the jeep as is for a while and you'll figure out what you need, I agree to a point if you have no idea what you need go out and see.
But if its already in your mind as to what you want just go for it.
I think building too slow allows you to see and want more,more,more and can quickly get outta hand loaded down with stuff.
If you have the money I'd recommend making a plan for what you want get what you want and do everything at once it will open up more weekends to explore rather than having to bolt something on every weekend.

I wouldnt mess with the trailer and rtt just yet but it's not mine.

 

[Lonniestockade]

Hey y'all! I'll try to not write a novel here but some back story will help me explain myself. My mom died unexpectedly back in June. She left me with a sizeable inheritance. I've spent months talking with financial planners and everything, and I've settled on the fact that I'm going to treat myself to a dream overlanding rig (I'm also going back to school and putting a massive down-payment on a house, so please don't think I'm just wasting all my inheritance on a car).

I'm no stranger to off-roading, camping, and getting my truck stuck and getting it out, but I've always had beater early 90's Toyotas (the 22re will always hold a place in my heart). I've been thinking about it for months, and I think I'm going to get a JL Rubicon and matching it with an Off Grid Trailers Expedition 2.0. I know that this isn't the most original set up, but that's kind of the point. The Wrangler is an amazing platform and the customizability is endless, to the point that I am lost in a sea of options and aftermarket add-ons. It is STRESSFUL.

Also with the trailer. I really like the idea of having a trailer, both to be comfortable on long trips (I have a several ideas/dreams for month long trips), and I like the idea of setting up a base camp and exploring an area for a few days. I live in the Rockies, so I have no lack of places to explore close by. But also, it's a crazy amount of money to spend.

I'm just stressed. I basically have near unlimited budget for this build, but I dont want to waste money, as anything I don't spend will go into my mortgage down-payment. I've also never spent money like this before and I'm kind of scared s*!tless. I haven't pulled the trigger on anything yet, but I'm pretty much at that point. I kist need someone to tell me this isn't insane.

 

[Lonniestockade]

build it yourself, if you don't know how to weld, learn, buy a welder, get your tools. A person is only as good as his/her tools and skills. If you go out and buy everything you'll just be shopping. If you do as much as you can yourself you'll be investing in your own capabilities, learning....solidworks/CAD, mechanics, fabrication, etc......the approach might seem like the hard way, the expensive way at times but you're not a depreciating asset.

 

[GLOCKer]

My first time out on trails:


My second time out on trails:


And how I'm sitting today:


The point of all of the photos is I learned as I went and I checked out gear and equipment on other people's trucks and on forums like this. I learned I wanted a little more ground clearance, so I did a lift. I learned I wanted a better approach angle and a winch, so I bought a bumper. After that I decided I wanted to be able to stay the night out with the group and join in on longer drives, so I bought a rack and a tent. It's been fun! And it's been just under one year from buying the truck (March of 2020) to get the truck to where it is now. Next comes tires and I'll finish out my camp kitchen!

 

[Shakes355]

Up front, my opinion is biased. My life experiences are such that I can't actually imagine spending the kind of money your discussing. With that said, that money isn't going anywhere. If you ensure you have good advisers then stash the cash you want to play with in a high yield account and go rent some stuff.

There are outfits popping up all over the place that allow you to rent adventure vehicles (not just Jeeps) to explore. Some are guided, some not. Go get some experience in a few different rigs before you pull the trigger. And in the mean time, your investment will be earning decent interest.

 

[Smileyshaun]

Sorry to hear about your mother’s passing , even if it was expected it still is not easy so having it come unexpectedly must be ruff .
Your best bet is to buy me a jeep and I can then give you a honest review on what works and what doesn’t . If you have been getting by with a old beater Toyota do you really need a new rig with every bell and whistle there is . What is needed and what we think we need is often a huge gap . Trail recon you tube channel did a rather extensive lift comparison that may be worth checking out .

 

[grubworm]

well, money comes and goes and you never know when its your "time to go", so why not buy that set up and enjoy it? travel and have some fun...besides, the way things are looking in this country, there really might not be a lot of opportunities left to do that.

also, what you planned on buying has value and will keep a lot of that value, so it's not a waste. people spend $30-40K on putting a swimming pool in their yard that they hardly ever use, so buying something you know you will use and will hold value is a lot more sensible

 

[RJCanyon]

gonna have to second @GLOCKer here. Make sure you select the right platform for YOU. Take it out and you will quickly learn what your priorities will be in the aftermarket space.

 

[ruralpunk]

I'd start with the vehicle. Get it out with like minded folks in your area and experience some off-roading. Learn from them and the experience what works and what doesn't work. You don't have to do it all at once. Take it a nibble at a time. I think you will find after a year you have a ridiculously capable rig that you can be proud of. Add the trailer later. Don't rush into it!

That's a really good point. I know if i even just kept the Rubi stock I'd still have one of the most capable rigs on the planet, so I should buy what I need, rather than waste money where I don't need it.

 

[ruralpunk]

... If you have been getting by with a old beater Toyota do you really need a new rig with every bell and whistle there is . What is needed and what we think we need is often a huge gap ...

This is a really good point. I've definatly cursed at not having a winch or lockers in the past, but I've always made due with what I had. I know I don't need a 100K rig to drive up some logging roads.

 

[BensonSTW]

I am also sorry about your loss. I agree with taking the time to figure out what you do and do not need. And definitely find exactly what you are looking for. I’ve been over landing the same simple set up for 15 years. I have a truck, shell, a small trailer, and some tools for living in in the mountains or repairing what breaks. Grab a cooler, a camp stove, an axe and a shovel. Make sure you have a place to sleep and a good bed roll. Get a tool set and know how to use it. Then adjust as you go or you may end up with thousands of dollars in stuff you will never use. With just the above and a fishing pole I did fine for many years. Then I got married, and older. Now I’m looking to add just a few creature comforts. Extra batteries and solar power. Smoother ride that didn’t seem to matter 10 years ago but does now. Keep it simple, enjoy every trip, and adapt with the changes.

 

[Built By Fluffy]

Not to be a constant shill for large vans but...
Ever give a thought to a Sportsmobile? They'll handle the customization for you (less stress) and they're as comfortable as any trailer. The Sportsmobile Classic is even as capable as most Jeeps despite the size. There are also plenty of companies out there that rent em out if you want to try one first

I used to drive around in Jeeps with an offroad trailer, so I get the appeal of a base camp, but now that everything is set and ready to go inside my van I don't think I'd go back to that set-up. It's nice to just park and immediately my camp is set up.

 

[MidOH]

Well........Jeep Rubicons are pretty easy to sell used, and a darn good starting point. I would suggest red, black, or white. The red ones sell quickest used. So no harm there. Skip the trailer for now. Stick to a ground tent for a while.

You might find out that an RTT or fullsize is actually what you want. Most of the trailers utility, is because Jeeps can't haul much. A Powerwagon or Superduty guy would throw all of that in the trucks bed, and be done with it.

It's only a bad call, if in the end, you find out you'd rather fullsize in a campe,r like I did. Anywhere a fullsize fits, it's almost always a better choice. That's why I switched. My TJ was only going places where trucks, Subaru's, and sometimes even busses could go. Wrong tool for the job.

PS: Would your Mom approve of this? If not, you'll have one heck of a guilt trip when your overlanding gear eventually turns to a bit of buyers remorse. Expensive, rarely used gear, always does.

My Mom approves of my Scuba hobby, but not my expensive truck hobby.

 

[Jay]

Like allot of folks have said, nibble a bit at a time

You will set out and figure out that maybe you dont want to be stuck at camp as soon as you put up the tent and so forth.

I have no regrets with my rtt just had a different style of adventure that I thought I had, and who knows I might even change it in future on a trailer

 

[Alanymarce]

Interesting question. My reaction is - what are you planning to do? If I were in this situation I'd keep the vehicle minimalist, very much as it is right now, but replace the steel roof rack with titanium, build in some electrohydraulic controls to adjust the bed, handle the kit on the roof, and that;s about it. I would then spend the money left on shipping the vehicle between continents.

For your plans the answer could be similar, or completely different, however I suggest that you should spend only on things which are essential for your objectives and not fall into the trap of buying stuff because you can.

 

[tjZ06]

I think your plan is pretty solid, in general. You can't really go wrong with a JL Rubicon. If I was doing a trailer I'd actually probably do a 2-door JL. That way the overall package is just that much shorter, and a 2-door JL is just so maneuverable and easy to get just about anywhere. About the only drawbacks of a 2-door are a) interior space - mitigated by the trailer b) climbing or descending very steep (basically vertical) faces - probably not a part of Overlanding for most people c) can't get the diesel - may or may not be a deal-breaker for you.

For the trailer you've already picked a really good unit, so not much to say there. I really like the idea of a "square drop" trailer like that if you're doing extended trips. I use a ground tent now, but if I was setting/up taking down a tent daily or close to daily every day for weeks or months I think that'd get old. Also, for spending weeks or months at a time in it the security, ease of heating (or cooling with some trailers that offer AC) etc. would be worth it. Add in a cooking galley that you don't have to do extensive setup/breakdown with, water carrying capacity and water heater, etc. etc. and for long-term vehicle-based-living I absolutely support the trailer idea.

-TJ

 

[ruralpunk]

I just want to say a big thank you to everyone for your input.

Not to be a constant shill for large vans but...
Ever give a thought to a Sportsmobile? They'll handle the customization for you (less stress) and they're as comfortable as any trailer. The Sportsmobile Classic is even as capable as most Jeeps despite the size. There are also plenty of companies out there that rent em out if you want to try one first

I used to drive around in Jeeps with an offroad trailer, so I get the appeal of a base camp, but now that everything is set and ready to go inside my van I don't think I'd go back to that set-up. It's nice to just park and immediately my camp is set up.

I used to have a camper in my dodge, the thing I hated about that is if you were set up in the back, and wanted to go for a little adventure, or run into town to grab something, you always had to pack everything back up so it didn't get tossed around. I really envied campers back then, I guess I'm still holding onto that.