It doesn’t matter what you drive

[ZombieCat]

I'll second that the central concept is about vehicle-based exploring and NOT about vehicle expensing.

I think the carry-over into the highly modded vehicles is simply our love for personalization and making something unique so that not only does the trip describe us but the vehicle does too. I simply love pulling into a gas station and seeing a Civic, Van, Taco, or RV with something unique to this culture strapped or stuck to it like traction boards or travel stickers. Even if it is "posing", it's someone who wants to explore even if they logistically or financially cant very often.

I couldn’t have said it better, Aggie!
I agree that having a capable rig allows for more rugged exploration, but if you aren’t in the financial situation to have a fancy set up, don’t let that stop you from having a grand adventure. My truck is merely to get me to places I can then explore in two-foot drive. Yep, I walk. A LOT. Places no truck could ever go.
I see my 4Runner as a tool, same as my camera or backpack, it serves a purpose, a means to an end. It’s not having the most tricked out or expensive toy, it’s what you do that matters. Remember that pioneers were the ultimate overlanders, using covered wagons, horses and oxen, they crossed some of the most harsh territory in the U.S. No MaxTrax, no remote controlled winches, no GPS, no filming for YouTube. Respect!!

 

[grubworm]

I think the carry-over into the highly modded vehicles is simply our love for personalization and making something unique so that not only does the trip describe us but the vehicle does too.

yep...vehicles are definitely extensions of their owners and i feel very safe judging a person by their vehicle.
say youre stuck in a muddy field and you need help getting out. you walk a quarter mile and come to a store with these two vehicles parked out front. which owner would you approach first for help?

 

[MMc]

45 plus years ago you could fly to La Paz Baja Sur for $90.00 around trip. A buddy and I rented a VW van, we packed a ice chest with a backpacking stove a coffee pot with a blue tarp and surfboards.We would sleep in the van and scrounge something to hold up the trap. We would fly down for long weekends surfing and what not. We did get stuck, went places the van wasn't supposed to go. I am not sure if it was true overloading but it was a good time.

I have driven many different autos to place that were out designed go, been stuck, broke down, had a couple vacations in hell. I learned the worse it got the better the story. I am now driving a well kitted rig built for my needs. I was able to retire early and build out this rig because I didn't spend money on other rigs and invested instead and learn how to do with what I had. It helped to have a wife that was on board too.