Ultimate full time overlanding rig

[Kilo Sierra]

Heh. I followed that build on YouTube to give me ideas on my next build. After all that work Andrew does he takes it on a few shakedown runs...and then decides to sell it to go back to a Troopie build.

yeah - I literally just edited the post to the troopy - it’s my preferred platform :-)

Agreed. I'd love to get something like that in the US.

 

[graybaker]

i only go inside to sleep or watch TV on a rainy day but normally i do alot of driving around and go places hiking etc... i am going to add a canopy of some sort for hot or rainy days but i can't bring myself to pay so much for a batwing awning. it is not ideal for full time living though but for several weeks even a month at a time it really is quite comfortable and easy to work with how i have it set up...

I don't know how DIY you're trying to get on your rig, but check out this build's DIY awning that I am DEFINITELY going to copy. Turns a +$300 expense into maybe $50. Also, the other DIY things this person does on their Subaru is genius.

2018 Subaru Forester

This i s my 2018 Subaru Forester with a 6-speed manual. I bought it in the fall of 2017 with 7 miles on the odo. First up; wheels and tires. I replaced the stock setup with Method MR502 VT-Spec wheels 15x7 and General Grabber AT2's 205/75R15. I built a roof cage a few years previously for...

www.overlandbound.com

 

[Hanzo]

For full time global travel I’d go with something like this: 1990 Mercedes-Benz 410 4x4

Finish out the interior similar to a scout camper.

 

[BensonSTW]

Deuce and a half. 12 valve Cummins power plant with the nv5600 trans. Military refer unit converted to camper.

 

[Billiebob]

Dan Grec has a fabulous overlander and altho I want, maybe need a bir more seniors freindly rig, Id=f I were planning international travel I'd begin by watching every video he has. a fabulous resource even if you have different needs or goals.

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=dan+grec+jeep

 

[Kilo Sierra]

Dan Grec has a fabulous overlander and altho I want, maybe need a bir more seniors freindly rig, Id=f I were planning international travel I'd begin by watching every video he has. a fabulous resource even if you have different needs or goals.

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=dan+grec+jeep

His videos are a template my potential next build. When Ursa Minor confirmed they would be doing a hardtop for the Bronco and, it went to top of my list.

 

[uncompromise]

For full time global travel I’d go with something like this: 1990 Mercedes-Benz 410 4x4

Finish out the interior similar to a scout camper.

These vans are amazing

 

[Hanzo]

For full time global travel I’d go with something like this: 1990 Mercedes-Benz 410 4x4

These vans are amazing

They are like the perfect size in my opinion. I keep imagining finishing it out like a scout camper and hitting the road with the family.

 

[Road]

It really is all about finding what works for you. I've learned over the years that less is more and simple is better.

I've spent a ton of time on the road exploring North America over the decades, starting in the early 70s with everything from a Volkswagen Beetle, a VW bus, Chevy Carryall, station wagons, pickups with camper caps, and vans. I've settled on good diesel vans as the most economical to run and maintain, easiest to fix on the road (parts availability, etc) and overall most durable and efficient for the way I like to explore.

I spend as long as eight and ten months out at a time in my current extended body diesel van, usually towing an XV-2 expedition trailer. Pics below. I'd be out still if not for the pandemic.

I designed my set up to be versatile and quick and easy to set up and use, whether deploying awning and full kitchen on the trailer or just crashing in the van, and whether for quick overnights or extended stays.

I'm solo, with the occasional family member or friend along for a week here and there. I've rigged up my gear to be flexible and modular for a variety of situations and scenarios.

I do everything from 16 week back country expeditions in the desert to cross-country trips to lake and forest camping and have been everywhere from Maine to Washington state and from the north side of the St Lawrence Seaway in Quebec and the tip of Nova Scotia to the Gulf of Mexico and everywhere in between.


Van interior after eight months steady.


New Hampshire woods.


Chihuahuan Desert


West Texas


Padre, Gulf of Mexico


Full setup for late summer rains with awning extensions for increased cover, forest camping.


Two day stay in Vermont, just the RTT.


Quick overnight, borderlands.


Extended stay for night sky work, Chihuahuan Desert

I'm not on here much, but am happy to answer any questions when I am.

- Road

Roaddude - On the Road In North America - ROADDUDE

Roaddude - Traveling Photographer/Writer/Artist On the Road In North America. Gear, reviews, people, places, and culture.

roaddude.com

 

[cortttt]

It really is all about finding what works for you. I've learned over the years that less is more and simple is better.

I've spent a ton of time on the road exploring North America over the decades, starting in the early 70s with everything from a Volkswagen Beetle, a VW bus, Chevy Carryall, station wagons, pickups with camper caps, and vans. I've settled on good diesel vans as the most economical to run and maintain, easiest to fix on the road (parts availability, etc) and overall most durable and efficient for the way I like to explore.

I spend as long as eight and ten months out at a time in my current extended body diesel van, usually towing an XV-2 expedition trailer. Pics below. I'd be out still if not for the pandemic.

I designed my set up to be versatile and quick and easy to set up and use, whether deploying awning and full kitchen on the trailer or just crashing in the van, and whether for quick overnights or extended stays.

I'm solo, with the occasional family member or friend along for a week here and there. I've rigged up my gear to be flexible and modular for a variety of situations and scenarios.

I do everything from 16 week back country expeditions in the desert to cross-country trips to lake and forest camping and have been everywhere from Maine to Washington state and from the north side of the St Lawrence Seaway in Quebec and the tip of Nova Scotia to the Gulf of Mexico and everywhere in between.

View attachment 188180
Van interior after eight months steady.

View attachment 188181
New Hampshire woods.

View attachment 188182
Chihuahuan Desert

View attachment 188183
West Texas

View attachment 188184
Padre, Gulf of Mexico

View attachment 188185
Full setup for late summer rains with awning extensions for increased cover, forest camping.

View attachment 188186
Two day stay in Vermont, just the RTT.

View attachment 188187
Quick overnight, borderlands.

View attachment 188188
Extended stay for night sky work, Chihuahuan Desert

I'm not on here much, but am happy to answer any questions when I am.

- Road

Roaddude - On the Road In North America - ROADDUDE

Roaddude - Traveling Photographer/Writer/Artist On the Road In North America. Gear, reviews, people, places, and culture.

roaddude.com

Great setup Road! Great idea to tow that little trailer behind. I've been full-time in a GMC Savana for the last 6 years. If I could do it differently I would have gotten a trailer (and invested in 4wd) Hardy, tough vehicle that at 195K still seems to have a lot left. It's been all over the Westt. My partner wants more amenities, now and so do, so we're looking at truck campers and trailers . The dealers keep telling us the Northern Lites are the top of the heap. I wonder if the original poster has pulled the trigger on his next right yet?

 

[GLOCKer]

I think I'd like to snag something to put my own touch on, but I'd want it to be somewhat roomy and comfortable. I think I'd grab an M1078 and build it up with superb creature comforts but I'd still have it maintain it's military edge in appearances.