Overland Jeeps

[Av8Chuck]

OP, your post wasn't engaging. It was a "look at me!" post. You're not really asking a question, you're telling, so the response, if there was one, is "ok".

Here's one for you...I bought a black Jeep. Now, watch all the people who love black Jeeps tell me how great my choice was.

This is what I love about the internet. My intent is not to say "look at me." I love photography, I pretty much have a camera and shoot what I'm doing everywhere I go. I shared these videos for anyone who might be interested in this lifestyle and is researching whats out there.

I don't consider myself an expert so I'm not about to tell others what they should or shouldn't buy, nor did I mention anything about my (not so black) jeep. My Jeep is in these videos because, frankly, it's my Jeep. It's the Jeep I was in when I shot it. If I had been in your Jeep it would have been your Jeep. In fact, in the Overland Stand video my Jeep wasn't even featured. Maybe you need others to validate the vehicles you buy but I don't. Couldn't care less.

These videos simply showed what these EXPO's are like and what there is to do while attending. There's no self promotion, selling, and there's no narrative. These videos are hard work and I love producing them for me, I'm always trying to improve them, I'm proud of them and I share them so others can view them. For those who are not aware, you can't monetize videos with copyrighted music so there's now way for me to make money nor do I care how many "followers" I have. And the followers I do have don't follow me because of the color of my jeep, they mostly follow me because of the production value of my videos.

If you didn't find these videos engaging is that my fault?

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[Av8Chuck]

Oh, no! Some of talk about lots of aspects! Personally, "overlanding" doesn't apply to me as much as "glamping". But, that's another discussion. Try below:
https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/forums/overlanding-and-camping.154/

Doh!

Not sure why I have not discovered this thread. Thanks for posting that. I'm new, what can I say?

 

[brewski]

I have to agree with @brewski that your initial post didn't really solicit much in the way of responses. This is the first time I've seen your vids so I have no opinions there. I also think that the term overlanding has been used and abused so some people tend to find it gimmicky, you touch on this above. Not to say people aren't overlanding in their Jeeps, some certainly are, but many are just weekend camping also.

Yes the "overland" has jumped the shark. I've been doing vehicle based travel for 20 some years, but never called it overlanding until that term came about 7ish years ago. It has jumped the shark multiple times now, but it is a good term. The extreme builds and running around with maxtrax and RTTs mounted all the time does make one feel like they need to add some elaboration to what they do when they say the overland.

But with overlanding becoming so popular, it has already made the aftermarket jeep market much better with a lot more options to pick from. When I got my trailer there were only a handful of companies making offroad trailers and I bought an m416 to build up. It was the cheapest and best way at that time. Now there are amazing offerings for surprisingly low costs. Same goes with jeep accessories, lots of options - some good, some not so good.

 

[Av8Chuck]

I also think that the term overlanding has been used and abused so some people tend to find it gimmicky, you touch on this above.

I think it's partly because that term specifically has started to acquire sort of a played-out and almost negative connotation. Real overlanders are distancing themselves from that term because the masses of man-bun-having weekend warriors have watered it down to be a "scene" within the off-road world rather than an actual thing or lifestyle.

I'm beginning to get a sense of what you're saying. I guess it depends on the definition of "Overlanding." I have not been doing this long enough to have my own definition but my initial thought was that it's different from camping (RTT) and RV'ing, it was about not necessarily getting off the grid but more about getting away from the grid for longer periods of time. I enjoy nature photography but as I've aged I'm not going to hike the High Sierras, I need a way to get closer to remote destinations and be self sufficient. So for me I find this "lifestyle" very appealing.

 

[Av8Chuck]

Now there are amazing offerings for surprisingly low costs.

I guess it depends on your definition of low costs? Trailers similar to Turtleback range in price from $27K-$40K. I've even considered the Smittybilt trailer kit as a platform to build on but even it is now up around $8K for the kit.

 

[AcesandEights]

This is what I love about the internet. My intent is not to say "look at me." I love photography, I pretty much have a camera and shoot what I'm doing everywhere I go. I shared these videos for anyone who might be interested in this lifestyle and is researching whats out there.

...

If you didn't find these videos engaging is that my fault?

You asked why there weren't more responses. It is because you didn't engage the reader. That was my point. If I state my Jeep is black (which it is), it doesn't engage others or elicit responses, it's telling, but not engaging.

Yes, it's your fault because your writing or writing style is not engaging. You asked about the lack of responses, so I answered.

 

[Av8Chuck]

You asked why there weren't more responses. It is because you didn't engage the reader. That was my point. If I state my Jeep is black (which it is), it doesn't engage others or elicit responses, it's telling, but not engaging.

Yes, it's your fault because your writing or writing style is not engaging. You asked about the lack of responses, so I answered.

Fair enough. But if you just posted a picture of your Jeep without any words, I might find the photography, the accessories you've installed, the location in which you shot it engaging. Haven't you heard the expression a picture is worth a thousand words?

Why can't people see things for what they are?

 

[brewski]

I guess it depends on your definition of low costs? Trailers similar to Turtleback range in price from $27K-$40K. I've even considered the Smittybilt trailer kit as a platform to build on but even it is now up around $8K for the kit.

I would avoid smittybuilt trailers. But $5k-$8k is pretty reasonable for a trailer that is brand new. I haven't kept track of what trailer prices have done recently, and if it is anything like the cars well that would not be good for you. A year ago you could find a good condition used trailer for $5k. Trailers are crazy simple, but it is a big object that is hard to transport, small production runs and certifications to make them road legal... plus people have to make a living. If you build your own you can save a lot of money, but there are trade skills you will need to do so and not everyone has them, nor the time to DIY.

 

[AcesandEights]

...
Why can't people see things for what they are?

Exactly.

 

[Jeepeto]

I've had three Jeeps, all have been great fun but my latest which is setup for Overland adventures is awesome. Granted I'm getting old but this is a great way to get away from the grid and truly enjoy traveling.

These two videos were taken at three different Overland Expo's while we researched how to outfit our Jeep so we could enjoy this lifestyle. One way it to build an Expedition trailer to haul all the gear. Does it ever stop!?

It seems you were looking to begin a discussion on overland travel. This thread has gone slightly off the rails. Instead of criticizing, Let’s get the ball rolling…

What is your current setup?

What do you like/dislike about what you’re currently running?

Is there anything that you will do differently with your next overland setup?

What products have truly changed the way you overland?

What places have you been?

What’s your sleep setup?

What’s your kitchen setup?

What’s your overall goal with overland travel?

How can the community help you dial in your rig?

What navigation setup do you use?

How do you begin your journey with finding a route?

 

[Bulletbill]

I'd recommend looking at M101 CDN (canadian) or M416. The M1101 is very big and designed for full size vehicles. I built an m416 up for camping and works great. Having weight up high has downsides but reversing out of a trail is a lot easier than with a trailer. I don't like having weight up high for the offcamber and low hanging branches I go thru. I have had some very challenging situations snow wheeling and reversing a long way down a narrow trail on an edge of a steep hill. With how many people i see struggle with reversing trailers (even people who tow them all day long like gardeners), trailers are clearly not for everyone.
An M416 is about 6ft bed and just shy of 3ft wide. With my lid I think I have about 2.5ft height (I can't quite remember if that height is correct). I have 3 young kids, a wife and dog(s) so the jeep fills up fast. For a trailer I prefer to keep is simple and have a special wiring set up so I can charge its battery thru the 7pin w/o needing separate connectors. All I run is a fridge in the trailer and some lights. I'm currently revamping it to match my JL, since this one was built to match my JK. I don't have many pics from the trail because I'm really bad about that, I get so wrapped up in the fun I don't stop and think about getting pics. All my shots are from the campsite or when I travel with someone and they got a shot for me (many back shots).

inside

pre-trip

one of my favorite shots, Mojave Road in SoCal

That rig is awesome! I really appreciate the insight. Is there a Canadian website that is the equivalent to the .gov auctions in the US?

 

[brewski]

@Av8Chuck here are quick discussion of the low cost trailers 2 friends of mine have; TuffStuff and JackWagon. Both these guys have 2 doors.

TuffStuff trailer.

Here is the JackWagon trailer, this should start around 20:35

 

[brewski]

That rig is awesome! I really appreciate the insight. Is there a Canadian website that is the equivalent to the .gov auctions in the US?

There is a Facebook group called M416 & M101 Series Military Trailers. You can find a lot of info in there about the trailers and sometimes people sell theirs there too. But I, and I think most people, just search For Sale websites and in lots of areas w/ a large radius to find the good deals. I got mine in 2014 or 2015 so shopping the market was completely different then, I found mine on Craigslist and had a small trip to get it. I felt really lucky, but I probably paid more than I could have for the condition and I didn't have to travel too far to get it. It all comes down to what your budget is and what your time is worth to you.

 

[Adv_aw8s]

Here are some links to dirt lifestyles you tube channel were he's building an overland trailer from an inexpensive harbor freight trailer.

 

[Av8Chuck]

It seems you were looking to begin a discussion on overland travel. This thread has gone slightly off the rails. Instead of criticizing, Let’s get the ball rolling…

1. What is your current setup?

2. What do you like/dislike about what you’re currently running?

3. Is there anything that you will do differently with your next overland setup?

4. What products have truly changed the way you overland?

5. What places have you been?

6. What’s your sleep setup?

7. What’s your kitchen setup?

8. What’s your overall goal with overland travel?

9. How can the community help you dial in your rig?

10. What navigation setup do you use?

11. How do you begin your journey with finding a route?

1. I have a 2020 Rubicon w/iKamper RTT, 270 degree Batwing awning, a refrigerator, drawers for utensils and a burner, tailgate table, toilet and privacy tent and you can see for yourself how the Jeep is configured.

2. If we're traveling and stop for the night to camp and then move on in the morning this setup is great. I would still like to figure out how to include a hot shower. But the downside, like it is for everyone, if I want to stay in one location and explore then you have to breakdown camp and as a photographer that happens a lot. This has not been a deal breaker but this is where the appeal for an expedition trailer comes in.

3. I think my desire to build a trailer is a result of two things a) we really enjoy doing this and it hasn't taken long to sort out what we need vs what we don't. And b), because of that I think by adding additional creature comforts; hot shower, better energy - solar and a generator, better kitchen setup I'm confident this will provide a more active lifestyle while at the same time be able to accomodate my passion for photography.

4. Probably the Jeep itself. We have an F150 with a shell that we could "camp" out of if I didn't want the hassle, of which in CA there is a lot, of taking our 25' ROO trailer. It really provides the freedom with a lot less anxiety to go just about anywhere more cost effectively. I also have a Ford Transit 148 with a medium roof that I will probably convert.

5. I travel a lot. I think Overlanding provides way more opportunity than camping in the wilderness. The mobility it provides makes producing images, videos and stories easier in all settings. Yep, you guessed it, another video...


We've been all over the Western US and hope to travel to the remaining parts as well. I'd also like to ship the rig to New Zealand and spend a year there.

6 & 7, Sleeping is in a SkyKamp 2.0 and currently using a Coleman but thinking about getting a Jetboil.

8. I just want to continue to document and share the how amazing this country is. Far too much attention is being paid on the negative. I love traveling, meeting people and exploring new places with a camera in hand.

9. I'm not sure. It's not just about the kit, it's more about the community. I'm sure the community aspect will sort itself out while discussing the stuff.

10. I have been trying to use Gaila GPS, and a few online sites. I'm kind of flailing at the whole navigation thing.

It's been a while since I've had such a homework assignment, kind of fun. I appreciate you taking the time to to ask these question.

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