Thinking of making my truck into a overland trail rig

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McBroom

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As the title says, I wanna turn my truck into an overland trail rig.
The main question is how to do it and what equipment should I put on it?
I have an old ladder rack that I could put on it and use that as a way to mount things I would need for camping and stuff like water extra fuel and stuff. What do y’all recommend and how would I go about building my set up?


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BruceMorgan

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jp3.jpg jp2.jpg jp1.jpg
A Facebook friend did an overland type setup as you can see above. Now this was his first vehicle project and I'm not sure how well all of this would work in the real world. It certainly looks cool, but the people over at https://expeditionportal.com may have other thoughts. I like it though.

A list of modifications:
- New differentials/covers
- New front bumper
- Raised air intake
- Twin air compressor w/ auxiliary tank and auxiliary air port
- Air suspension
- Switch pod w/ custom relay board
- Trail lights
- Upgraded rear trackbar
- LED high beams
- HID low beams
- Bed rack
- Bed drawer system
- Tiregate tailgate
- 37” tires w/ beadlocks
- New exhaust
- Flatlink winch hook
- Rock sliders
- Transmission skid plate
- Steering brace
- Cell phone booster
 
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McBroom

McBroom

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That’s awesome looking rig


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BruceMorgan

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McBroom I tried posting from my iPad and photos weren't uploading. So I had to rush down to my PC and edit my post with photos.
 
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McBroom

McBroom

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McBroom I tried posting from my iPad and photos weren't uploading. So I had to rush down to my PC and edit my post with photos.

Thank you.
My wife got me a 2.5” leveling kit for Christmas.
I don’t think I need it that extreme of a rig as there’s not many trails or places in north Texas to go. But maybe down around the Rio Grande area or west Texas.


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BruceMorgan

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I've seen a few overland rigs in person and spent a lot of time surfing Expedition Portal, so I'm far from an expert, but the overland vehicle builds generally combine a moderate offroad capability with multi-day, off-grid camping ability. So they'll have skid plates and winches, and on-board air so you can air down the tires if needed then air them back up. And they'll have water tanks, extra fuel, tents, solar power setups, multiple batteries.
 

TatertotScott

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Don't forget a place to sleep. I am generally a fan of quick deploy sleeping in/on a vehicle in order to maintain a small footprint site, don't worry about rocks or as many poisonous/venomous pals, never worry about random water ingress, and less room taken for a good tent. I am thinking a canopy with roof rack and a RTT on that.

Common sense isn't...nor is common decency.
 

LoneStarSilver

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Thank you.
My wife got me a 2.5” leveling kit for Christmas.
I don’t think I need it that extreme of a rig as there’s not many trails or places in north Texas to go. But maybe down around the Rio Grande area or west Texas.


Blue Mule 18 Ram 4x4 C/C
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Then you've got to spend some time out in west Texas. There are some trails that would definitely challenge a rig like that. That is one great looking rig!!
 

Silver Goose

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I may be too old to understand the concept, but I am willing to learn.

What is your design purpose? What is the end product going to do?

And last, but not least, will you be making money with the rig,e.g., taking people into the outback?

Good luck

Larry
 
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McBroom

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I may be too old to understand the concept, but I am willing to learn.

What is your design purpose? What is the end product going to do?

And last, but not least, will you be making money with the rig,e.g., taking people into the outback?

Good luck

Larry

None of that. I’m thinking of just a simple trail rig that can also double as a bug out truck.
I found out yesterday that my daughter is pregnant. Hell of a Christmas present.
So now I might not get to transform the truck. Grandkids become expensive but worth it. This is my 1st grandchild.

I really was thinking about it being an off the grid hunting fishing camping type of truck that can go anywhere.
1b685eea77d73602d5676dafee9b4bf5.jpg


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Donutsahoy

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None of that. I’m thinking of just a simple trail rig that can also double as a bug out truck.
I found out yesterday that my daughter is pregnant. Hell of a Christmas present.
So now I might not get to transform the truck. Grandkids become expensive but worth it. This is my 1st grandchild.

I really was thinking about it being an off the grid hunting fishing camping type of truck that can go anywhere.
1b685eea77d73602d5676dafee9b4bf5.jpg


Blue Mule 18 Ram 4x4 C/C
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I know it’s a bummer when we can’t make mods to our trucks that we want but congrats on becoming a grandparent McBroom!


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Silver Goose

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McBroom, to add to your project, I thought of this product. Roof Nest, this is a tent that can be mounted to your ladder rack, with modification, that could sleep two and is easy to remove when not needed. It will keep off of the ground and is very weather resistant. As for solar power, prices are coming down and efficient is in excess of 20%. The weight of my 100-watt solar panel is less than 4 pounds. Add a couple deep cycle batteries and should be good for a few days in the outback.

Good Luck and again Congrats of the new addition.

Larry
 

TatertotScott

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One thing I wish I had done was get the 6'4" bed as I am 5'10" tall. Alas, I bought the 5'7" bed. So a sleeping system is a must for me.

My alternative is to use my Ram as a puller, and setup my XJ as a toad....I can sleep in the XJ fairly well with the wife, let the kids sleep in the truck bed.

I just got new shoes today...we'll see how they work. LT275-65/18 E rated. 34" tall. Nokian Rotiva AT.

Tires are definitely one of the most important factors in an overlander/expedition rig.

So for me:
Camper Shell (coming eventually)
Roof Rack for shell
Toad XJ for sleeping/off road adventure (nearly done)
34" Tires (done)
Step bars (Tyger three tube) (done)
Bed liner/bed mat (done)
Bak Revolver x2 tonneau (done)
Self Recovery gear (partially done)
Emergency kit (partially done)




Common sense isn't...nor is common decency.
 

MikeG71

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I don’t think I need it that extreme of a rig as there’s not many trails or places in north Texas to go. But maybe down around the Rio Grande area or west Texas.


Blue Mule 18 Ram 4x4 C/C
Off Road.


C'mon Man!! REALLY?!!? Where's your sense of adventure?? I'm thinking ROAD TRIP!!!!! LOL!!

Awesome news to hear about the Grandchild. Congrats Brother!! My Grandson is almost 3, and my daughter just moved more local to our area. Pretty stoked that they are closer than Kansas .
 

w6pea

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View attachment 150106 View attachment 150107 View attachment 150108
A Facebook friend did an overland type setup as you can see above. Now this was his first vehicle project and I'm not sure how well all of this would work in the real world. It certainly looks cool, but the people over at https://expeditionportal.com may have other thoughts. I like it though.

A list of modifications:
- New differentials/covers
- New front bumper
- Raised air intake
- Twin air compressor w/ auxiliary tank and auxiliary air port
- Air suspension
- Switch pod w/ custom relay board
- Trail lights
- Upgraded rear trackbar
- LED high beams
- HID low beams
- Bed rack
- Bed drawer system
- Tiregate tailgate
- 37” tires w/ beadlocks
- New exhaust
- Flatlink winch hook
- Rock sliders
- Transmission skid plate
- Steering brace
- Cell phone booster

Beautiful rig you got there.
 
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