How to Make a Used Vehicle Overland Ready

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Overland travel is hitting critical mass; in fact, it’s appropriately appealing now that camping has become this summer’s most popular social distancing activity. This is especially true for dispersed camping options on public BLM or national forest land, with many states closing their popular campgrounds to avoid large groups congregating in close proximity.

The challenge with accessing ideal locations is that getting off the beaten path requires a capable, high-clearance 4×4 vehicle. Think of it as backpacking with a truck; instead of a hiking trail, a bumpy road will lead you to some equally pristine wild areas.

If you’re new to the idea, buying or even building a new rig can be cost-prohibitive. Good 4x4s off the lot are north of $30K, and upgrades for self-sufficient off-road travel may inspire buyer’s remorse, with thoughts that, “I could have bought a house for that!”

Used trucks and SUVs, however, are a dime a dozen at often a fraction of the price. Purchasing one just means adding more gear to elevate your overland camping experience. Toyotas are our favorite for projects like this and we chose a 1999, third-generation 4Runner to build as an example of simple modifications to make a used vehicle overland ready.

Before you hit the trail, search online resources like Expedition Portal or Overland Journal to master the basics with the smaller stuff like recovery equipment and navigation. And remember, “Know before you go,” should be a mantra for anyone diving into a new adventure.

Why You Should Try Overlanding for Your Next Adventure

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Under the Hood

Nothing beats a bone stock truck; making too many modifications means more things that can fail on the trail. If a seller is open to the idea, pay to have your mechanic take a look under the hood before you buy. A trained eye should be able to spot any major issues like rust under the truck, or worse: deficiencies that can leave you stranded, like a timing chain that needs replacing.

If everything passes the test, one of the most practical upgrades is installing an Odyssey battery. Its Extreme series promises twice the overall power and three times the service life of conventional models. It’s also built to withstand the relentless rattles you’re sure to encounter off-road. Think of it as an insurance policy to make sure your rig turns over, because AAA won’t offer a jumpstart where you’re headed.

Dustin Beatty

Inside The Rig

Interiors are more of a personal preference, but an aftermarket stereo with at least a Bluetooth connection will drown out the washboard road noise.

Decomposed granite, rocks, mud, sap, sand and sticks will all wreck havoc on your floor, especially if you have to get in and out to navigate unpredictable obstacles. Protect your trim with Weathertech’s floor and cargo liners. Each one is laser measured for an ideal custom fit. Simply brush or hose them off after each use to keep the original interior as good as

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