Where to start vehicle wise

[Michael_USMC-USAR]

So I joined this group in hoping to meet other overlanders near me. I live in Minnesota and wonder if there are any groups around me. My wife and I have toyed with the idea of building a diy overlander from a fire department or national park ambulance. At the moment, I just want to get out there and start learning and growing. I have a 2016 Dodge Durango that I am willing to do some mods on, however they are not easy to find. I have a 1998 Dodge Ram 1500 but the engine and tranny both need work to become dependable. So, in your humble opinion, should I put my money towards the eventual ambulance, find upgrades for the Durango, or buy something that is halfway there already.

Thanks for your feedback!

 

[K12]

So I joined this group in hoping to meet other overlanders near me. I live in Minnesota and wonder if there are any groups around me. My wife and I have toyed with the idea of building a diy overlander from a fire department or national park ambulance. At the moment, I just want to get out there and start learning and growing. I have a 2016 Dodge Durango that I am willing to do some mods on, however they are not easy to find. I have a 1998 Dodge Ram 1500 but the engine and tranny both need work to become dependable. So, in your humble opinion, should I put my money towards the eventual ambulance, find upgrades for the Durango, or buy something that is halfway there already.

Thanks for your feedback!

Best thing to do is get out there. I would suggest starting in the Durango as it is more reliable. Start small make sure you have the essentials (food, water, shelter, maybe heat in MN spring/winter). Figure out what works for you what are the things you realize you need, what are quality of life things that make the trips more enjoyable. As you go out make the list of things you want to bring and when you get back note the things that wearnt thought about or touched. Over time you will build the neccessities list and things you would like in your current setup or what you want in the future conversion plans.

The most important part is to get out in nature and enjoy it and leave it better than you found it.

 

[highboy4x4]

So I joined this group in hoping to meet other overlanders near me. I live in Minnesota and wonder if there are any groups around me. My wife and I have toyed with the idea of building a diy overlander from a fire department or national park ambulance. At the moment, I just want to get out there and start learning and growing. I have a 2016 Dodge Durango that I am willing to do some mods on, however they are not easy to find. I have a 1998 Dodge Ram 1500 but the engine and tranny both need work to become dependable. So, in your humble opinion, should I put my money towards the eventual ambulance, find upgrades for the Durango, or buy something that is halfway there already.

Thanks for your feedback!

Best thing to do is get out there. I would suggest starting in the Durango as it is more reliable. Start small make sure you have the essentials (food, water, shelter, maybe heat in MN spring/winter). Figure out what works for you what are the things you realize you need, what are quality of life things that make the trips more enjoyable. As you go out make the list of things you want to bring and when you get back note the things that wearnt thought about or touched. Over time you will build the neccessities list and things you would like in your current setup or what you want in the future conversion plans.

The most important part is to get out in nature and enjoy it and leave it better than you found it.

Best advise I’ve heard in a while. Although it seems like common sense it’s full of wisdom. Get OUT there and do it. Figure it out as you go, make those lists, find what works for you, be adventurous!! Be flexible with time and effort and ENJOY!

 

[Viking1204]

Where are you at in MN? I grew up in SE MN near Rochester! Been living in NW Florida since 1992! Best advice has been given already, get out there in the Durango and see how far you want to go with a build!

 

[Michael_USMC-USAR]

Where are you at in MN? I grew up in SE MN near Rochester! Been living in NW Florida since 1992! Best advice has been given already, get out there in the Durango and see how far you want to go with a build!

I know where Rochester is, used to work in that area a bit. Now I live in Mora, about 1.5 hours SSW of Duluth.

 

[Michael_USMC-USAR]

Update: My wife and I have decided to work on our Truck to be our overland vehicle. The Durango can stay as our daily driver. We do have a smallish old camper that we are going to Gut and convert to an off road camper.

 

[ssouthard]

Update: My wife and I have decided to work on our Truck to be our overland vehicle. The Durango can stay as our daily driver. We do have a smallish old camper that we are going to Gut and convert to an off road camper.

Making memories is what it's all about! Send us some photos of your next adventure!

 

[socal66]

My first "real" overloading vehicle was a 2000 Dodge Dakota Quad Cab which shared the same platform as the Durango. The only "mods" that I did was put on good all terrain tires and install a tonneau cover over the bed to keep all my gear out of the elements. I was able to take it really much on most trails out there including the White Rim and Elephant Hill in Utah and several backcountry trips in Death Valley, etc. The most important thing that was mentioned before is reliability. If you're going to be in the middle of nowhere you don't want reliability issues.

 

[Michael_USMC-USAR]

Update: My wife and I have decided to work on our Truck to be our overland vehicle. The Durango can stay as our daily driver. We do have a smallish old camper that we are going to Gut and convert to an off road camper.

Making memories is what it's all about! Send us some photos of your next adventure!

I will do just that.

 

[Michael_USMC-USAR]

My first "real" overloading vehicle was a 2000 Dodge Dakota Quad Cab which shared the same platform as the Durango. The only "mods" that I did was put on good all terrain tires and install a tonneau cover over the bed to keep all my gear out of the elements. I was able to take it really much on most trails out there including the White Rim and Elephant Hill in Utah and several backcountry trips in Death Valley, etc. The most important thing that was mentioned before is reliability. If you're going to be in the middle of nowhere you don't want reliability issues.

My Durango is a 2016. They don’t really carry much clearance. The Dodge Ram 1500 is a ‘98 and already 4x4. The only issues I am sure of at the moment is either a corroded or loose wire in the dashboard, and I had a transmission light come on. And the lack of power. The power could be a bad MAP sensor, a leaking intake plenum, or a clogged catalytic converter. It only has 130,000 miles on it. Otherwise she drives fine.