All things Overlanding thread

[Vinsil]

No one has gone on about extreme off-roading or rock-climbing. You've complained about someone testing their gear and someone posting some info on their multi-purpose rig, because they mention it works for rock crawling? Because of the bumper?

I think you're going to be hard pressed finding anyone doing overlanding and not just car-camping if you start arbitrary rules like "no lifts and no sliders". Sliders are the first mod I did because I didn't want to risk body damage while exploring. I'm not building a rock crawler and when it comes to playing on the trail I'd much rather be mountain biking. But I do like taking rougher trails to get to remote scenic areas that most other people don't have the capability to reach. I still think I'm entirely in the overlanding camp with sliders, skids, a pending lift installation, and bumper plans as I think that a capable vehicle is a core part of true overlanding, which is the primary principle of my build.

If the rules of the thread are overly strict it's just going to die on the vine but I can certainly respect your wishes in what you want the thread to be and leave it at that.



How about some cheap coroplast (or free if you "recycle" obnoxious signs)? It's light, waterproof, and reasonably durable.

Agreed, I added sliders right after my tires. Less than 4 weeks after I bought it. I don't see how that changes my setup or liquids into hardcore rock crawlers! They serve multiple uses as well and hey...we are playing with 30-40k trucks. I see small investments in protection as a good thing. Does it mean I can't use it for overlanding or glamping? No....

But it is your thread and if you don't want people talking about their reasoning behind certain mods, it won't get much action that is for sure!

My sliders are protection from trees and rocks but first and foremost, steps for my 6 year old to climb in and myself to access the roof rack. They also serve for lifting points for the highlift, bottle jacks suck off-road. They also make good door ding protectors when the truck is parked in a parking lot. Lots of uses and not just for hardcore off-roading!

Lifts also serve function as you can't really avoid it if you start to really add the weight...which overlanders do! Drawers, gear, rtt's, and you'll sag out the stock soft springs quick. Not many (or any?) places to buy stock height heavier springs.

I can go on but just because someone mods for a practical reason and explains why doesn't mean your perception is wrong but give them a chance, you might learn something!

 

[Liquidmantis]

It's cold and snowy season so I'm mostly planning for the spring currently. My next trip will probably be to meet up with my brother and parents again for a Utah trip through Canyonlands and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, although the details are yet to be decided.

Right now I'm thinking about power and getting my solar setup going. The Goal Zero Yeti 400 is currently on sale for $80 OFF through Amazon and B&H at least so I grabbed one of those for base camp power (as well as plans for taking my home office to the lake for better work days). The Renogy 100w Suitcase panel is now part of their Eclipse line and using more efficient panels, albeit more expensive as well. I'm going to grab one of those for charging the Yeti and my truck battery to offset the fridge drain.

Most likely I'll be switching to Goal Zero LED lights and the Yeti for camp lighting and leaving my fragile liquid fuel Coleman lantern behind.

Anyway, this was just a long-winded way of letting people know about the current sale on the Yeti 400.

 

[4rcybr]

The Goal Zero Yeti 400 is currently on sale for $80 through Amazon and B&H at least so I grabbed one of those for base camp power

Can you link that? I'm seeing much higher prices...

 

[Liquidmantis]

Can you link that? I'm seeing much higher prices...

Sorry! That was a rewording failure. It's $80 OFF. Actually priced $80 would be a steal.

Looks like the lithium models should be coming soon, which may be the cause of this current sale. I didn't find anything on what price the equivalent size would have nor what the plan for the current lead acid line is.

 

[4rcybr]

Sorry! That was a rewording failure. It's $80 OFF. Actually priced $80 would be a steal.

Looks like the lithium models should be coming soon, which may be the cause of this current sale. I didn't find anything on what price the equivalent size would have nor what the plan for the current lead acid line is.

Ah, gotcha. Yeah, $80 off is good, but I'll pass for now. If it had been $80 I was about to buy half a dozen and then figure out what to do with them.

 

[4rcybr]

OK, I wrote out a long thing and deleted it, but the gist is this.

Overlanding IMO requires self reliance. Self reliance requires things like armor, suspension adequate to the required task (and weight), winch, tow points all around, etc. To think otherwise is naive.

Long travel suspension and 40" tires probably aren't relevant, but I'm sure certain overlanding expeditions could argue for them.

Anyways, my setup:

Roof Rack: FrontRunner
RoofTopTent: FrontRunner
Front Bumper: ARB
Winch: Warn 10k w/synthetic line
Rear Bumper: CBI with dual jerry cans
Armor: Yes, all the way front to back (Bud Built and Ricochet)
Sliders: Yes, with bump-out (Bud Built)
Suspension: Upgraded to deal with weight and allow for bigger tires (bigger tires=safer travels on bad roads)
Recovery gear: straps, hi lift, full size shovel, axe
Air: Currently a C02 tank, still waiting to grab a used compressor off craiglist
Fridge: ARB 63


I think the next thing on my list is one of the various sattelite based emergency beacons that allow for messaging. I have some relatives who are doctors, and after some long discussions with them, I've figured it is best to keep bandaids in the car, and call for help if there truly is an emergency rather than attempting to stock a full trauma kit.

 

[Hltoppr]

Anyone have ideas on material to use to divide up a plastic tote that doesn't take a lot of room?

I used cardboard...Gorilla taped to the inside...works like a charm. So far done about 1500 off road miles with no issues.

-H-

 

[Krayziekid]

Here is a question for some of you. How do you carry extra fuel? I know a lot of people run roof racks and bumpers and stuff, but how would you carry it if you had none of that.

I have an 03 Limited. No roof rack. No rear bumper/tire carrier. No trailer (yet ). How would one go about safely bringing extra fuel for a trip where distances between gas stations can be unclear? Thanks!

 

[4rcybr]

Here is a question for some of you. How do you carry extra fuel? I know a lot of people run roof racks and bumpers and stuff, but how would you carry it if you had none of that.

I have an 03 Limited. No roof rack. No rear bumper/tire carrier. No trailer (yet ). How would one go about safely bringing extra fuel for a trip where distances between gas stations can be unclear? Thanks!

Are you eventually planning on a bumper and/or roof rack? If so, I'd get whatever containers will work with what you're planning for the future. If not, or if you just want to be cheap for now, any Wal-Mart gas container will work.

Also, while you're only allowed to fill certain containers at gas stations, you can empty one authorized container into many other containers. Not that is recommend it, but 2l soda bottles are cheap and effective...

 

[Krayziekid]

Are you eventually planning on a bumper and/or roof rack? If so, I'd get whatever containers will work with what you're planning for the future. If not, or if you just want to be cheap for now, any Wal-Mart gas container will work.

Also, while you're only allowed to fill certain containers at gas stations, you can empty one authorized container into many other containers. Not that is recommend it, but 2l soda bottles are cheap and effective...

No. I have no plans for a rear bumper or roof rack right now. I wish I could, but I simply don't have the funds to finance those. I am saving my money to do some trips in the near-ish future, hence why I am asking.

I am planning a 14 day camping trip up through Canada along the Trans Labrador Highway and basically everyone I have talked to has told me to take extra fuel when I do it. And out of all of those people it seems to be 50/50 split as to carrying fuel in a really nice Scepter/NATO container in my trunk. Some say if the container is high quality it will be fine, others say that that is not safe ever. Considering I won't be sleeping in my 4Runner, I'm a bit torn.

 

[owyheerat]

Here is a question for some of you. How do you carry extra fuel? I know a lot of people run roof racks and bumpers and stuff, but how would you carry it if you had none of that.

I have an 03 Limited. No roof rack. No rear bumper/tire carrier. No trailer (yet ). How would one go about safely bringing extra fuel for a trip where distances between gas stations can be unclear? Thanks!

Just brain storming....could you strap 1 or more Rotopax 4 gallon fuel containers to your stock roof rack? If so, there is a Rotopax group buy going right now.

I have not tried this, and maybe its a stupid idea. Just throwing it out there.

Nice photos...

 

[Liquidmantis]

I've been doing research on this myself, and is one of the key factors for a rear bumper for me. From what I've seen Rotopax have a lot of issues with leaking and I wouldn't feel comfortable using them for fuel on the roof.

 

[Vinsil]

Rear cargo basket. Harbor freight has the aluminum ones for less than $90. Strap cans on, move out. Cheap and easy and you will use that basket for more than just cans!

 

[4rcybr]

No. I have no plans for a rear bumper or roof rack right now. I wish I could, but I simply don't have the funds to finance those. I am saving my money to do some trips in the near-ish future, hence why I am asking.

I am planning a 14 day camping trip up through Canada along the Trans Labrador Highway and basically everyone I have talked to has told me to take extra fuel when I do it. And out of all of those people it seems to be 50/50 split as to carrying fuel in a really nice Scepter/NATO container in my trunk. Some say if the container is high quality it will be fine, others say that that is not safe ever. Considering I won't be sleeping in my 4Runner, I'm a bit torn.

You'll be fine with a container like that. I've carried fuel in much worse.

 

[Spenny]

Yea, proper fuel cans are fine inside. I've got a couple Wavian NATO cans and no gas scent from them at all. I don't really want them inside, but until I reconfigure a roof rack or rear bumper, they'll go inside

 

[Gen1_4Run]

OK, I wrote out a long thing and deleted it, but the gist is this.

Overlanding IMO requires self reliance. Self reliance requires things like armor, suspension adequate to the required task (and weight), winch, tow points all around, etc. To think otherwise is naive.

Long travel suspension and 40" tires probably aren't relevant, but I'm sure certain overlanding expeditions could argue for them.

Anyways, my setup:

Roof Rack: FrontRunner
RoofTopTent: FrontRunner
Front Bumper: ARB
Winch: Warn 10k w/synthetic line
Rear Bumper: CBI with dual jerry cans
Armor: Yes, all the way front to back (Bud Built and Ricochet)
Sliders: Yes, with bump-out (Bud Built)
Suspension: Upgraded to deal with weight and allow for bigger tires (bigger tires=safer travels on bad roads)
Recovery gear: straps, hi lift, full size shovel, axe
Air: Currently a C02 tank, still waiting to grab a used compressor off craiglist
Fridge: ARB 63


I think the next thing on my list is one of the various sattelite based emergency beacons that allow for messaging. I have some relatives who are doctors, and after some long discussions with them, I've figured it is best to keep bandaids in the car, and call for help if there truly is an emergency rather than attempting to stock a full trauma kit.

Great list! Gives me some direction and ideas.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[NoOneBetter]

I use Wavian NATO cans as well and keep them inside the 4Runner for the time being. No issues with fumes also.

 

[Krayziekid]

Just brain storming....could you strap 1 or more Rotopax 4 gallon fuel containers to your stock roof rack? If so, there is a Rotopax group buy going right now.

I have not tried this, and maybe its a stupid idea. Just throwing it out there.

Nice photos...

I looked in to that, and from what I have seen most people fab a custom bracket to mount them to the stock roof rack. But I am hoping to keep my roof relatively clear and the COG low. I definitely could put them up there, but I would prefer not to. I've also not heard fantastic things about Rotopax, especially if mounted in the direct sun, so the roof might not be my first choice. Thanks for the idea though!

 

[Krayziekid]

I've been doing research on this myself, and is one of the key factors for a rear bumper for me. From what I've seen Rotopax have a lot of issues with leaking and I wouldn't feel comfortable using them for fuel on the roof.

Yea definitely agree. Kinda steering away from rotopax and dont really want anything on my stock roof rack or on my non-existant rear bumper lol.

 

[Krayziekid]

Rear cargo basket. Harbor freight has the aluminum ones for less than $90. Strap cans on, move out. Cheap and easy and you will use that basket for more than just cans!

Thanks for the idea. I've looked in to that but I'm not a massive fan of lowering my departure angle that much.