Car Camping / Trip Reports / Photos / Buildouts / “Overland” / Expedition Rigs Area (homeless?)

meh, just drink out of the creeks. That would be canadian (30 years ago)

 

Exactly. Everyone is different and just because someone has a truck armored for rockcrawling doesn't mean its necessary for everyone. However, it terms of the weight added by bumpers. My tube bumper from Trail Gear is barely heavier than the OEM bumper and my homebuilt rear bumper is actually lighter than the OEM rear bumper with much better protection from both. So when I said the mpg drop would be miniscule that was referring to any drop on mpg due to poorer aerodynamics with my bumper vs an OEM one since weight is a moot point for me.

I agree a LOT of people doing the "overland" type stuff can do what they're doing with a 100% stock vehicle. Other than the camping gear, the only real necessary truck mod *might* be sliders for most of those people. Most people feel like they "need" far more mods to their trucks than what is really necessary for the type of travel they do. There's nothing wrong with doing mods to trucks beyond what you "need". I'm sure I could probably do a lot of the trails I do with fewer mods than I have but it would be much more challenging and the likelihood of breaking parts increases. So strategic upgrades are not a bad thing.

But people have seemed to forgotten how important the driver is and just getting out there and practicing in different terrain with a truck that is not equipped to the gills is so valuable. I for one am really glad that I had no money when I first got started over 20 years ago and was learning how to wheel in my almost stock FJ40 with no lockers, barely a lift and 31's, and no power steering. I learned a lot about what you said in regards to picking lines, wheel placement, throttle control etc. I shake my head at people all the time on the trails with a vehicle that is seriously built but the guy can't drive to save his life.

 

Instead of laughing why not be a spotter and teach them something

 

Oh I do. And I don't laugh at them, shaking my head doesn't mean I just leave them to flounder either. Everyone has to start somewhere and nobody expects that you're a pro the first time you hit the trail. I'm happy to help anyone on the trail. Any of you that have been on a trail with me know that. My point is that people think they need an uber-truck with all the hardcore mods right from the start. When they have that truck they think they should be able to do anything and go anywhere but their individual abilities are the thing holding them back. Develop the individual abilities first rather than the truck first.

 

Honestly, its when you get cocky and think u can do anything u come across is when you mess up....

 

Thats funny

 

Great point. So glad you mentioned that, I was thinking ARB and plate, so yeah, tube would be strong and a lot lighter

Yup. I hear that. Strategic upgrades are a great way to mitigate risk. They are also fun and satisfying, especially when I'm able to use my own creativity and unique problem solving abilities.

When you describe your past experience, I can identify. My off road driving experience is much more limited though, 6-years total, all in the 2nd gen 4x4 off-road trim Tacoma, with stock suspension. The factory locking diff and atrac have been invaluable. It's enabled me to take my truck to all kinds of places that a stock truck should probably have no business going, In technical terrain I am very slow and very careful, had to be or I'd have destroyed the truck. I've had rocks inches from the xfer case, sweating bullets, haha. But I have learned a ton this way. Risky perhaps, but I've managed to get out of the binds okay and I know my limits and the limits of the stock truck.

One day, I'll spring for skids and it will be a relief really. The older I get the more I want assurances and peace of mind. Heh.

Good dialog Adam.

 

No excuses. Just get out and do it! Grab a map and a camera and get out and explore! Once you go, you will realize how it easy it is, and then smack your forehead as to why you haven't done it yet. Sometimes wheeling solo is fun, I don't have to worry about bogging people down and I can go at my own pace. But if you're looking for company, I'm sure there are more than a few off roaders who live in the Vegas area on here.

 

There's also a fair bit of stuff closer than Death Valley. Lots of stuff off I-8 east of Alpine before you even get to Imperial county. There's also anza borrego. TONS of stuff to explore in there. Not as much as DV, though, but it's all closer together!

 

Oh my bad, I thought you were in San Diego...
Anza borrego's a bit farther from Las Vegas! There's still Mojave, though.

 

Seriously. Me too. I starting in an 87 pickup. Bone stock. and then my taco..bone stock.

hell i still don't have lockers..

but learning to drive without the goodies is super important i think. I wish everyone started that way.

 

I started with a 98` 5 lug taco, with out 4x4 or much travel you really have to pick lines right and sand was a nightmare

 

Ryan, if you don't have one, but a T-handle tire plug kit. It should come with some rubber cement and some strings. Add a pair of pliers to your kit. A 12v pump should also me mandatory. Then go to DV and have fun.

 

Idon't know what I did there, but anyway...Death Valley this fall.

 

perfect answer

 

Cool. We'll get something planned.

I slept on the floor last night.

 

I need some input on some storage modifications.
This my truck now. 2008 DC SB, OME lift, baja rack utility rack, bestop canopy.


Went family camping for the first time this past weekend with the pop up trailer. With the wife, 2 kids and the dog in the truck Storage space disappears fast, poor dog had no space in the back. the pop up was packed full, I even had 2 action packers on the roof rack ( they seem flimsy when tied down that way, started to distort once the straps were tight enough.) I am thinking about the frontrunner Wolfpack boxes for he roof.
I also like to carry a lot of drinking water, I am thinking about baja racks dual water can holder for the roof too.
I am not doing any serious off-roading with the pop up behind me, so roof weight isn't much of a concern. Is there any other options out there?
I like the idea of a rear swing out bumper, but that just seems like a really expensive way to mount water/fuel cans at this point. My spare still fits under the bed.
I know you guys will have some cool ideas, just remember I need to be able to convince my wife that there is a really good reason I'm spending $$$ on the truck again.

 

Rotopax on the bed rail mount.

 

My current trailer options.

The M 416 is blocked in by my disassembled rock crawler and not usable at the moment.