Overlanding with Physical Limitations

[tjZ06]

Howdy all, I stumbled into this thread doing my usual sweep of "New Posts" and it got me thinking. First, I wonder how the OP is doing, and how their journey into Overlanding has gone. Second despite some other challenges in life, I have my health and am very grateful for that. Now, I don't say that to brag or be a jerk, just that sometimes it helps to get some perspective. So that lead me to thinking "what can I do to help folks that want to Overland with physical/health challenges?" So, hear me out here, would it be patronizing or otherwise inappropriate to suggest/offer help planning and executing some trips for folks with disabilities/special needs? What I'm thinking is a mix of folks so those of us who are more physically capable can take on the "chores" of Overlanding that require more mobility/energy. From (seemingly) simple things like getting out to spot someone through a technical spot and doing the cooking at camp, to more comprehensive assistance like help moding/prepping/packing rigs and the associated clean-up afterward. Would there be interest in something like that (from either side of things)? Again, just a thought, and hopefully not an offensive one...

-TJ

 

[LandCruiserSteve]

Well I have been an amputee (left leg below the knee) for 32 yrs. It has gotten harder as I have gotten older (50 now) and my trails have gotten easier just because it is much more of a deal to get stuck or have breakage.

Hey Lance,

I don't know if you remember me or not, but we were both members of the FJ Cruiser Forum way back when. (Matter of fact, I still have the rear bumper on my FJ that you had won at a raffle in Ouray and I had traded you something for it.)

I've been living right up the road from you in Prescott for the past 12 years, so somehow we need to get together. Anyway, it's great to hear that you're doing well.

Steve

 

[LandCruiserSteve]

So that lead me to thinking "what can I do to help folks that want to Overland with physical/health challenges?" So, hear me out here, would it be patronizing or otherwise inappropriate to suggest/offer help planning and executing some trips for folks with disabilities/special needs?

Would there be interest in something like that (from either side of things)? Again, just a thought, and hopefully not an offensive one...

Hey TJ,

That would not be considered patronizing or inappropriate at all. Personally, I would love to have such events or trips available to me. And, I have no doubt that others here with physical limitations/disabilities would also welcome such activities with open arms.

I consider your offer to help out with something like this to be very generous and much appreciated. Please let me know if there's anything I could do to help coordinate things here in the central and northern areas of Arizona.

Steve

 

[oneleglance]

Hey Lance,

I don't know if you remember me or not, but we were both members of the FJ Cruiser Forum way back when. (Matter of fact, I still have the rear bumper on my FJ that you had won at a raffle in Ouray and I had traded you something for it.)

I've been living right up the road from you in Prescott for the past 12 years, so somehow we need to get together. Anyway, it's great to hear that you're doing well.

Steve

Howdy Steve,
I remember very well and you will get a kick out of knowing I just been a week with Maureen "Mo" who was part of the Toyota Trail Teams FJ Launch and still has her FJ Cruiser.
We were Medical & Sweep for the Sonora Rally (World Championship Rally Raid) and had a blast.
Yes we need to meet up now that the heat is climbing in Phx

 

[Outdoordog]

I had 2 open heart surgeries within a year (recent), and my mobility was lessened, and because my sternum was cracked open twice, it will never be the same again. Im not allowed to lift more than 25 lbs for 6 months, and I've talked to other transplant recipients and they said it takes forever to heal, and some can't work on their cars anymore. My wife has to help me lift things, like to put stuff on the roofrack, or putting the fridge/freezer in the back of the jeep.

 

[The Deputy]

Congratulations on the willingness to struggle, many people would just lie down and wait.

I've never seen a better argument than your case for a full size 4x4 van equipped with a lift. I don't know what your financial resources are, but I personally be focused on getting into a vehicle that will better accommodate your disability, while still maintaining a reasonable level of mobile access to the back country. I'm a Jeep guy and I fully understand the attraction, but it seems you would be better served with a van. Living the Van Life and Primal Outdoors on the YouTube both manage some decent remote access with vans. Resale on Rubicon models is crazy good, maybe you can afford both, that's not my business.

That said, I would make redundant communications devices, planning and reporting locations to a third party tantamount to all other concerns. Something as simple as a windstorm that downs some trees could leave you in a tenuous situation and communications would be critical.

I would also invest in a good drone, so when you get to the limits of what you can safely do, you can "go a little further" without tempting fate.

Good luck!

This is solid advice.

Jeep's are great fun and can be adequate overland vehicles...but for someone with disabilities or has health issues...a high-top, 4X4 van would most-likely suit your needs better. Jeeps Toyotas and Land Rovers have limited space inside...yes...a trailer is an option...but l'm not a fan. More tires on the ground, backing in difficult on a single lane track or in an emergency. Guess you really have to make a choice...overlander or off-roader. The former can, still, be done solo and while the latter is best attempted with a group. I'll be turning 65 shortly, hopefully...lol, and have two issues (besides the laundry list my wife has noted), RA (Rheumatoid Arthritis, which l have get monthly infusion or give myself weekly injections if traveling) and nerve damage that makes my feet and lower legs numb. So, walking/hiking is somewhat, or very, depending, difficult at times. My hands have also diminished, dexterity-wise, probably by fifty percent. Really noticed it last week while deploying and containing my RTT (testing it out, first time since RA)...the straps and zippers were very, very difficult to operate. Heck, even getting it on the rack was a chore...four years ago l threw it up there with ease. Now, l love my 110 and most recently she got me from Michigan to Alaska and back...but even with my eyesight, the writing on the wall is becoming clearer and clearer...eventually...a different vehicle will be in order for extended trips. Eventually, Victoria will probably become yard art and l'll just sit and smoke cigars remembering the good times.

Victoria at the Yukon River.



Someone else here mentioned walking sticks...man, those would have been handy in Denila (only place l felt comfortable hiking). Guess it's that stubbornness of not wanting to admit you need something like that or foolish pride...that keeps you from benefitting from them.

And does OB...stand for Overland Bound or Overland Boomers?

 

[adamonyx]

This is solid advice.

Jeep's are great fun and can be adequate overland vehicles...but for someone with disabilities or has health issues...a high-top, 4X4 van would most-likely suit your needs better. Jeeps Toyotas and Land Rovers have limited space inside...yes...a trailer is an option...but l'm not a fan. More tires on the ground, backing in difficult on a single lane track or in an emergency. Guess you really have to make a choice...overlander or off-roader. The former can, still, be done solo and while the latter is best attempted with a group. I'll be turning 65 shortly, hopefully...lol, and have two issues (besides the laundry list my wife has noted), RA (Rheumatoid Arthritis, which l have get monthly infusion or give myself weekly injections if traveling) and nerve damage that makes my feet and lower legs numb. So, walking/hiking is somewhat, or very, depending, difficult at times. My hands have also diminished, dexterity-wise, probably by fifty percent. Really noticed it last week while deploying and containing my RTT (testing it out, first time since RA)...the straps and zippers were very, very difficult to operate. Heck, even getting it on the rack was a chore...four years ago l threw it up there with ease. Now, l love my 110 and most recently she got me from Michigan to Alaska and back...but even with my eyesight, the writing on the wall is becoming clearer and clearer...eventually...a different vehicle will be in order for extended trips. Eventually, Victoria will probably become yard art and l'll just sit and smoke cigars remembering the good times.

Victoria at the Yukon River.

View attachment 285656

Someone else here mentioned walking sticks...man, those would have been handy in Denila (only place l felt comfortable hiking). Guess it's that stubbornness of not wanting to admit you need something like that or foolish pride...that keeps you from benefitting from them. Totally hear you on adapting gear as life changes I’ve been through something similar. I started scaling back on high-impact training and switched to more manageable, guided workouts at home. That’s when I stumbled on An In-Depth MadMuscles Review from Real Expert in Fitness 2025 and honestly, it surprised me. The app doesn’t just throw random workouts at you it adapts based on your energy level and even the equipment you have. It’s helped me keep moving without overdoing it, especially on days when my joints aren't cooperating. It’s not a miracle fix, but it’s been a steady, realistic boost.


And does OB...stand for Overland Bound or Overland Boomers?

Sounds like Victoria’s been through a lot of adventures respect to both of you for pushing through!
Hope the next rig brings just as many memories, with a little more comfort along the way.