The Ultimate Overlanding Build
Author: Sterling Feathers
Sterling Feathers
Sterling was born in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and has had a massive passion for cars since he could talk. He studied Business Administration at Ferris State University hoping to run his own car dealership one day. As time went on, Sterling began writing car reviews on his own website until he found his home with us as our first Copywriter! He loves everything about the car culture and was Vice President of the motorsports club during his time at Ferris. Sterling enjoys going to every car show and meet possible, attending autocross events, and going for long road cruises with other members in the car scene. He currently drives a 2016 Volkswagen GTI with a stage 2 tune, downpipe, BC Racing coilovers, and a set of Artisa ArtFormed Elders.
May 7, 2021
Overlanding is a daunting task and building the perfect vehicle isn't easy. We broke it down for you so that it doesn't seem as scary!
Table of Contents
1. What Vehicle Should I Take Overlanding?
2. Start Here For Your Overlanding Build
3. Phase 2 Of Your Overlanding Build
4. The Final Pieces You Need For Your Overlanding Build
What Vehicle Should I Take Overlanding?
When starting your Overlanding build the very very very first place to start is to find the perfect vehicle. Whether you go for a softroader or a hardcore rig is up to you, do whatever works.
We want to set you up for success so we will say that the most common platforms we see for an Overlanding build are either a Jeep Wrangler or Gladiator or Toyota Tacomas, FJs, or 4-Runners.
Light trucks are most commonly seen otherwise but do whatever is right for you and whatever you have the means to make happen. The most important thing is to be safe and have fun on this journey, these recommendations are simply tried and true Overlanding vehicles.
Start Here For Your Overlanding Build
Can you guess where you should start? Yup, wheels, tires, and suspension. The bread and butter of an off-road or overland build. This is your foundation on which you will build your vehicle. We suggest you choose wisely.
Starting with wheels for your Overlanding build, we recommend something strong, durable, sturdy, and easy to clean. These wheels need to be able to keep up no matter what crazy trail or path is ahead. For this we recommend Anthem Off-Road, these are going to be your go-to for an Overlanding build as they are known for their durability and use outdoors.
As you start your tire search be sure to check out our many tire reviews here. A fan favorite tire that we would recommend to you no matter what the weather is like would be the BFGoodrich KO2 All-Terrain tire. This will easily take you from the road to your off-road overland destination. You cannot go wrong with this tire.
Finally, for your suspension, we would recommend Rough Country if you are on a budget as they create high-quality, low price products. Or if you want the best of the best as far as performance goes, check out Icon Suspension Systems.
Phase 2 Of Your Overlanding Build
The next portion of your build will be the necessary accessories, armor, and protection to save your vehicle from all the bumps off the road. This will include rock sliders, front and rear bumpers, skid plates, and lighting. All of which can be found here on TrailBuilt.
The Final Pieces You Need For Your Overlanding Build
These are the obvious items you will need to finish your build and probably the last ones you get. Your tent setup whether that be rooftop, on a bed rack, or separate from the vehicle completely with its necessary accessories. Check out our blog about Overlanding trailers here.
You will also need recovery gear for any sticky situations you may encounter. This may include traction mats, a winch, a shovel, and other emergency supplies. As well as your usual camping accessories you may need ie. a sleeping bag, water source, grill, cooler, etc.
What do you think the Overlanding necessities are? Let us know in the comments below!
And like always remember that we offer as low as 0% APR financing so you can build now and pay later. We also offer free shipping, mounting, and balancing on all wheel and tire packages.
