Hoping this is the right place to ask this, if not, any signposts towards the right direction would be great!

I'm working on a "light conversion" of an m100 trailer into an overland/camping trailer. I want to avoid cutting changing the initial body too much, since they are getting harder to find in original condition, and I don't want to add to that if I don't have to.

Now that the base parameters are somewhat framed, details.. I'm looking at building an adjustable height rack. I'd like it to be low while driving and raise it up as part of the deploy action. My better half really likes having a vestibule and I like the look of the Thule "Tepui Ruggedized Autana 3". but it appears to need some height, and I would like some non crouching height, for the vestibule area. So basically I want 6"+ clearance when deployed.

I've looked for an adjustable rack that is designed to move AFTER being installed and haven't found anything, which is part of why I'm posting here. Is this just a dumb idea? is there some other reason I'm not thinking of other than cost or just being a rare requirement? sanity check m'i right?

my current plan is to use a framework of square tubing, I'm currently looking at 2", 0.12" wall square tubing for the "base" then 1.5" same wall tubing for the "upper section" and basically nesting them inside of each other.. then figuring out where the friction points are and making jenky roller bearings (drill a hole in the tubing undersize for a bearing ball and build some sort of containment structure, if it's even need) then offset the weight with sealed gas pistons, or figure out a motorized or cranked lifting mechanism.

thanks in advance for any pointers, well wishing, and even claims of idiocy!

Hey all! Starting to plan a 2 week trip to Baja California next year(thinking spring time). What are some places worth checking out? Tips/tricks/advice/things to know for visiting Baja California for the first time?

Thanks!

I have an older, high milage FJ Cruiser that I adore and currently have built out with a basic platform (from seat removed as I'm rather tall).

I want to build a troopy style pop top in order to stand, sit and hang in the back. I have one notable example of a guy who did this to his Xterra. Of course this would require cutting a giant hole in my roof and affixing a sturdy RTT to the roof itself (not a rack).

Can anyone give some input? Crazy idea? Not concerned with resale value as I've already had to weld part of my rusty frame and I'm nearly at 240k miles.

Video for reference

https://youtu.be/FRCUBu5sPlY

What kind of scanner do some of yall keep at hand. Incase you have to do an engine check while in the field?

I am looking for options to buy a hardshell awning (maybe even a 270) for my 5 foot bed tacoma. I like the iKamper one but it is toooooo spendy! Do you have any suggestions?

I’m in the planning stages of building an adventure truck.   I plan to build/test the truck next year while I go semi-retired….then full retire the year after and go play.    I plan to do a pop-up style camper shell (Oru Design) and am now focused on planning for the power supply.  I am planning for a 200+ ah battery and 400w of fixed solar on the roof.  We’ll camp occasionally with shore power hook ups and also occasionally bring along a generator.   AC demand will be for a small induction cooktop, portable AC unit, charging laptops and heated mattress cover.

I’ve looked at, and really like, the Redarc Manager30 for its compactness (3 chargers in one).   I’m concerned, however, that the 30amp charging may not be enough.  I also love the concept of the Redarc Redvision TVMS for its ability to control lights etc via phone or touchscreen.   My concern, in addition to the 30amp charging rate, is using the AC shore power charging with the Manager 30.   If I was on shore power, I’d be charging the batteries while powering components through an inverter.   Maybe that is OK but also seems inefficient.

I really like the Victron inverter charger for the AC side.   As I understand it, the unit will transfer shore power directly to the AC outlets, charge the batteries with excess power or function as an inverter if no shore power is available.

Would it make sense to have a Victron inverter charger with a Redarc BCDC 50a for truck and solar charging and manage/monitor with the Redarc TVMS? I considered going all Victron and probably would if they had a controller similar to the TVMS.  Am I overthinking this?  (Probably… but who doesn’t).   Would going with the Manager 30 be sufficient?...meaning is 30amp charging enough and work well enough with shore power?

Hello,

where is the best place to buy a 4x4 camper or pickup for our trip to South Africa, will also go to Botswana and Namibia and then store it for following years (plan is to return every or every other year).

We were there 2times now and we rented but now we want to buy. Thanks in advance

Hi all! I've read over the rules but I'm a bit new here, so please redirect me if this post is inappropriate.

I'm planning ahead for a 3 month long summer overlanding trip in the West and am looking for a budget (hopefully sub $10k) 4x4 truck/SUV that would fill my needs as both a daily driver and an overlander.

So far, I've only really looked at 1st generation Sequoias and 4th generation 4runners. These SUVs seem very good for overlanding and reliable for daily use but I'm looking to find other good options.

My general criteria is that:

-It's comfortable to live in (I know this is subjective, but I'm open to hot takes!)

-It's reliable (so the high miles aren't a bother, though I would prefer less than 250k miles anyway)

-It can be found for less than $10k in good condition (though I'm open to the $10k ballpark if it'll make a big enough difference in any scenario)

-It's offroad capable, preferably 4x4

I understand most older trucks and SUVs have bad gas mileage (at least compared to modern vehicle's standards) so good mileage isn't really important.

Again, sorry if this post isn't appropriate for this page, but I'd greatly appreciate any advice! Thank you!

Hi im new to the overlanding (but not camping) looking to make new friends and find weekend warriors to go on quick overlanding trips.

I live near fairfield CA but happy to meet near SFO or Sacramento area!

Does anybody know of any groups?

New FSR awning arrived. I need to use the upper hole on the bracket in order for enough clearance with the door on my 4Runner.

Anyone see any trouble with drilling another hole or lengthening the slot? I really don’t feel right about just rocking down the road with only three bolts in this thing.

Looking to spend a couple weeks off the beaten path around January. 4x4 and off-roading, dirt roads, etc. around Arizona or Utah. Looking for very remote and beautiful nature. Zion and Moab come to mind but don’t have an overland route

Traded in my Taco for a 2021 LC200 (needed more room) and I'm starting to plan out my upgrades, starting with a roof rack. I found the Sherpa "the Blanca" which looks great and seems to be a positively reviewed brand in general, from reading different posts on Reddit. I had the "Bravo" rack on my Tacoma, from Uptop Overland, and thought it was great, but was wondering if anyone has any thoughts or advice on which one is better or more recommended? there's really only 2 reviews on Sherpa's website and was hoping for some more insight from anyone who's owned one or the other (or both). Thanks!

https://preview.redd.it/tavfki488rxd1.jpg?width=1000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=358aba54db2c0722b2065bd2feef82d035a982f9

I’m heading out Thursday with no concrete plans. I’m coming from TX. I’ll probably camp in Albuquerque Thursday night. I’m solo if anyone wants to join and follow/lead or even ride shotgun.

Looking for an angled Rack/carrier for kayak(s). I recently changed my tonneau cover from BakFlip trifold to a retractable Retrax in order to add rack/crossbars. I have low profile Yakima Skyline towers and Yakima JetStream crossbars, so I need something that angles part of the kayak above the cab of the truck (small 5'7" bed in '22 Tundra). I've seen a couple options (Billie Bars and another I beleive), but nothing specific to my setup/existing rack system. Ideally, something that uses my Retrax T-Slots/rails would be awesome. I'd rather not have to remove my exisiting towers/crossbars and was hoping there's an accessory to add to the bars (high rack nearest cab and low on other bar)

Is there anything out there? Or has anyone come up with a modification? Any suggestions?

Thanks

For those using the Front Runner tent mount kit on rtt's with a standard channel as opposed to using the supplied brackets that "sandwich" the carriage bolts between crossbars. When bolted down to the Front Runner mount, what would prevent the tent from sliding off the channel if you were suddenly braking, steep incline, steep decline, etc.

Hi everyone! Looking for recommendations on trails to overland and camp. I'm in South Central Alabama. I heard about the Bama Adventure Trail but can't find anything else on it. Looking to plan a spring time trek in my 2017 Renegade Trailhawk.

Hi! I am planning to go from nepal to mainlandchina with a bus via Tibet. Approximately in early december (Departing 4-10th) starting in kathmandu. Searching for people to join to cut expenditure. currently at around 700Dollars pp. for 4 Days ktm to lhasa. Anyone text me to join.

#travel #overland #tibet #kathmandu-lhasa #overland

I'd like to go anywhere between Stanislaus to Shasta/Trinity. Just wondering if it'll mostly be snowed/iced and unsafe. I have a lifted 4x4, but if traveing solo on snow roads, I'd probably not want to get stuck out there.

TDLR: I moved from LA to Seattle and have found myself bit by the overlanding bug. I slept in my gf's Honda Element with a wooden camping platform and was blown away by how nice it was compared to traditional tent camping. My main issue is my height, being 6'6 I struggle to find cars that I can sleep in without being in the fetal position. With all the options and resources available, I found myself lost in the overlanding sauce. These are the cars I have looked into so far:

2nd Gen Toyota Highlander- Have yet to lay down in one

2nd Gen Honda Pilot- I seem to fit

2nd Gen Lexus GX 460 - I don't seem to fit

Coming from a 2015 Dodge Charger, I want something that:

- is very reliable

- fits me

- can be moderately modded for off-roading/just looking cool

- is still comfy to drive/ a good DD

- around $16k with moderate to low miles

Any suggestions or advice would be amazing, I greatly appreciate you taking the time!! Thanks!!