Inspiring Overlanding Builds for the Adventurer in All of Us

March 31, 2020October 27, 2022 JM Logan 0 Comments ARB, Black Rhino, Dometic, Factor 55, Ford Transit, Jeep Wrangler, KC Hilites, Overlanding, Overlanding Lifestyle, Overlanding Vehicle, Pro Comp, Readylift, Rhino-Rack, Smittybilt, Subaru Crosstrek, Toyota Tacoma, WARN

Somewhere in the space between off-roading and RV’ing there lies overlanding. It’s a journey of taking the road less traveled to get from one place to another. When the sun sets, instead of checking into a Red Roof Inn or pulling into an RV park, you set up shop right where you are. This requires a vehicle that is not only rugged, nimble, and compact, but also comfortable and livable. It’s a quickly-growing build category that has bled into the space of existing off-road manufacturers and even created some all-new companies as well.

Take a trip to most any aftermarket supplier-driven automotive show or expo these days—like SEMA—and you’ll find more than a few dedicated overlanding builds prowling the grounds. These supplier-built beauties will drop the jaw of even the most discerning adventure-seekers.

But there’s something a bit more special about heading to a local park, trail, or car meetup and checking out the builds from us ‘normal’ folk. We (usually) don’t have an infinite budget. We don’t have a Rolodex of friends in the industry to assist. And we don’t have access to hard-to-find or custom parts and materials. What we (usually) do have is limited time, limited space, and a day job.

What we may lack in capital and knowledge though, we make up for with vision and options.

It’s certainly not a knock, but how many of these beastly SEMA supplier builds consistently see mud or rock? Their purpose is to showcase product and draw attention. For those of us ‘normies’ that enjoy the overlanding lifestyle, we don’t let the newest aftermarket releases dictate our end vision, but rather, our end vision guides us to the parts we’ll use.

That being said, let’s take a look at some of the recent overlanding builds flexin’ on the ‘gram that caught our attention.

“Social Distancing” is the hot new buzz-phrase in these turbulent times, and we can’t think of a better way to put miles between you and the populace than getting out far into nature where the herds are thin. And maybe, just maybe, this will be the inspiration to start on that overlanding build you’ve been cooking up!

2013 Toyota Tacoma

@TACODARKNESS – Vernon Davenport

Smaller Trucks really make for a great overlanding foundation: a smaller footprint and shorter wheelbase that still offers plenty of room. And Tacos have the < full-size market covered.

As the name implies, TACODARKNESS is a blacked-out beauty of a Toyota based in the adventure heaven that is Utah. With the ladder up, tent out, and tailgate down this build could certainly be shown in automotive textbooks as the definition of an overlanding vehicle. With a full complement of storage, recovery, and lodging accessories, we’d ride this Taco with confidence to the four-corners of the planet.

Magnuson Supercharger
Pro-Comp/IVD/Old Man Emu Suspension
ARB Skid & Awning
Fuel Wheels
Cooper M/T Tires
Smittybilt Tent
Prinsu Rack
Brute Force Bumpers
Dobinson Snorkel
The Water Port Shower
Pelican Storage

Cover Up with Retrax

If your overlanding rig of choice is also a pickup truck, you know proper bed coverage is key to keeping your gear protected and organized. Quality equipment makes all the difference—so we suggest you check out the Retrax XR series. This innovative series of retractable tonneau covers comes in four flavors: RetraxONE, RetraxPro, Retrax PowertraxONE, and Retrax PowertraxPRO.

Retractable covers are generally the most waterproof of all tonneau options on the market, thanks to a low-profile design that creates a firm, dependable seal with the truck bed rails. All four covers in the Retrax XR series are engineered to retract without joints, hinges, or moving mechanisms that can trap dust, wear out, or freeze, making them pretty maintenance-free units. Plus, those with the “Powertrax” designation open and close electronically via key fob. The “ONE” and “PRO” are separated by their polycarbonate and aluminum constructions, respectively.

Additionally, these covers are not spring-loaded, meaning you can lock them in any position. This is a useful feature for overlanders when they need quick, convenient access to their gear.

All four options in the Retrax XR series also employ a TRAX Rail System that allows them to be nearly-endlessly customized with a variety of aftermarket accessories. This clever, integrated system won the Best in Truck award at the 2018 Keystone BIG Show. Featuring T-slot bars that play nicely with accessories from major manufacturers like Rhino Rack, Yakima, Thule, and more, the TRAX Rail System allows customers to double their cargo-carrying capacity. That kind of versatility comes in handy when you need to haul survival and recovery gear, spare parts, recreational equipment, and more with you 24/7.

Click here to learn more about the Retrax XR Series and find dealer near you!

Ford Transit Van

@IMPACT.OVERLAND – Kirk Williams

#VanLife gets a lot of love on the socials, and we haven’t found a page that embodies that mantra quite as well as Impact.Overland.

Kirk Williams is a quadriplegic adventure athlete who travels across the world. He had a vision to build a vehicle that could accommodate him and his disability—and the folks at Benchmark Vehicles and Quigley 4×4 did just that. His custom Ford Transit is outfitted with a bed, shower, sink, fridge, kitchen, and even a bathroom.

While Transits are certainly larger than the average overlander, it was still no easy feat to fit a comprehensive living space into a van—but they did, and it’s a sight to see. All this while still having the capability to tackle tough terrain and off-road situations. It’s not only a great build, but a great inspiration as well.

BF Goodrich KO2 Tires
Aluminess Front & Rear Bumper
KCHilites Pro6 Fog Lights
Warn XEON Winch
Custom Kitchen
Built-In Bed
Bathroom

2018 Jeep Wrangler JL Rubicon

@HOTKARLSADVENTURES – Hot Karl

We can’t have any adventure-related article without featuring the original adventure vehicle—the Jeep Wrangler.

This white Rubicon looks just as much at home during the cold Washington-state winters as it does in the dead of August. Open the back and you’re met with rows of storage and a Dometic Fridge to keep all those perishables properly chilled. The black ROAM Adventure Co. rooftop tent keeps those human perishables out of harm’s way as well.

While we think of Rubicons as the perfect foundation for an off-road vehicle, HOTKARLSADVENTURES proves that it’s got great bones for a livable overlanding build when the rocks subside and its time to rest your head at night.

BF Goodrich 37” KO2 Tires
Method Wheels
ROAM Adventure Co. Rooftop Tent
Rhino Rack Pioneer Rack
Dometic Fridge
Metal Cloak Suspension
Warn VR Series Winch
Factor 55 Recovery Gear
KC Hilites Lighting
Powertank Air System

Subaru Crosstrek

@VALATRK – The Compact Overlander

We’ve got much love for Subaru’s Crosstrek here at The Engine Block. We’ve highlighted it a few times for being a perfect compact, fuel-efficient overlanding choice.

The industry feels the same as a slew of new soft-road/overlanding parts have hit the market in the past 12 months. But VALATRK’s Subaru ain’t your momma’s wagon. It packs in a great deal of functional utility without disrupting the clean lines of the Crosstrek. A 23Zero tent and awning provides cover and protection, while Extreme LED lighting keeps dusk at bay. Stiffer RalliTEK springs sit above Black Rhino wheels and tried and true BFG KO2 tires. We can’t stop staring.