Overlanding is just what the cool kids now call car/vehicle based camping; what I did for 45 years. All you need is food, water, shelter, and some form of transportation, anything beyond that it’s just a luxury.
lol, yeah, I agree. I remember when the term became popular; I was so excited that there was a word that described what I was doing, not strictly off-roading and not simply camping. I was quick to adopt the term. That was back in 2016, a lot has changed since then and it’s been heavily commercialized. Regardless, I think for a lot of people it’s nice to have a flag to fly or a word to accurately describe a pastime.
You have already been to amazing places and taken the Express through some rough areas, you encouraged me to go buy one of these too. I had been looking at other vehicles, more expensive of course but in the end it's you that make the adventure, not the type of vehicle. You are going to be amazed at the type of terrain you will be encountering in South America, I know because I went through on my motorcycle and plenty times I wished I had a vehicle to sleep in.
When I was in high school I would take my front wheel drive Honda up and down snowy roads so that I could get to know it's abilities and limitations. Plus I loved the challenge. In doing so I bonded with the car too. I totally agree with you that there's a bond between the driver and the vehicle and if you can't feel and create the bond that vehicle is not the one for you. I had an 86 F250 with a 460 and it would do anything I tasked it with. Now I have a 2015 f250. It's good for towing but I wouldn't take it off-road . They're made for towing more than offroading. So I accept that limitation.
If you’re spend enough time in Baja you’re bound to be passed by a civic full of people on the way to a remote beach. Its happened to us a number of times and is kind of a running joke. Take what ya got, get out there and learn about it. Doesn’t matter what it is, just go have a good time and make a memory. Cheers, thanks for watching!🙌🏻
Wow, the places you've seen, the "roads" you've traveled, and that van you've made into your overland queen .. Badass Betty! She's a beast and you're amazing!! What a team, all three of you.
All our upgrades have been out of necessity as we’ve pushed the van further past its intended use. But they really are a great foundation vehicle. Thanks for watching!🙌🏻
It’s always a compromise. A winch is always a life saver. We love our 21’ 4wd Rv (video on my RUclips channel) and we won’t be rock crawling the Rubicon but it will get us where I want to go. Just a little further out. Plus snow, we will hit snow eventually.
We agree that the right vehicle is different for everyone. Our Honda Pilot Microcamper isn’t for everyone but it’s what works for us. Love your build. And that scenery is stunning!
My first “overlanding” vehicle was a 12 year old, 2 wheel drive bowtie suburban with VERY low mileage and in excellent (garaged) condition, that I bought off my dad for 1K back in 1990? maybe 🤷♂️ These days I’m running a one owner (me) 2014 Tundra Double Cab with 114K miles, a 6.5 ft bed, an ARE cap and some KO2’s. The cap, running boards, and the sweet tires are the only upgrades. All my other overlanding needs (camping & off roading gear) are in totes and get loaded as the trip requires.
To be honest, I only recently entered the Chevy world. I’ve been a diehard Toyota guy all my life, but of all the domestic trucks out there, I’ve always like the square bodies and gmt400 trucks. I’m not really familiar with the various paint colours yet…so I can’t say I know much about the electric blue colour option. 😬
I love your perspective on this! I think it is the Van Halen music video for the song “Right Now,” that reminds us, “Right now your memories are getting longer, while your life is getting shorter.” I owned my old VW for 15 years before having to trade it in for our new rig. That old van was slow, broke down a lot, and wasn’t very comfortable to drive. It was however, an old friend and I knew what each little rattle and squeak meant and also what it meant when a new one developed. Because of our “relationship” I almost didn’t mind when it would leave us stranded (almost). Your experiences and abilities as a driver dictate what you need in a vehicle. Sometimes that makes you feel pretty macho about things, other times you realize you don’t need that suspension upgrade, because you’ll never use it and that can be humbling. Maybe that’s the point though? Get out there, be humbled, learn about your vehicle and learn about yourself at the same time. Live life now because it’s getting shorter, but keep a journal too, which will become longer and longer. I have a paper one in my van, but your video ones here are over the top! Thanks for taking us along on the ride!
Ah yes, our friends, always delivering the best commentary. I like that lyric a lot, so good. It’s been a long time since I’ve listened to Van Halen, maybe I need to start listening to the lyrics a little closer. I like your point about being humbled. There’s a lot of bravado that comes with the off-road/overland community and it gets tiring. I really think the best way to learn how to travel well and get a healthy respect for the terrain and your vehicle is to get out a really use it. There’s a lot to be said for accomplishing a lot with a little. Thanks as always for the insights, they’re our favourites.😊
Glad your Chevy works for you. Amazing to me that you do not have mechanical failures due to the rough trails you engage. I have 4wd since the early 1980s and I encountered vehicle failures such that today I resist as much as possible any road that is not graded flat or paved. Great you are happy certainly your Chevy deserves recognition and phrase.
It’s a constant string of maintenance and repairs, we’re always trying to keep the van away from parts failures. So there is certainly that reality, but we have been very pleased with how the van has continued to perform. 😊 Thanks for watching!🙌🏻
What a fantastic video, & you nailed in perfectly. I’m in my late 50s, & I’ve traveled all over Australia for yrs in an old car with no air cond, no coffee maker etc. I tell people now to get out, & just enjoy it outside, & to have fun. I now travel in a 90 VW Syncro Vanagon. It’s slow, un reliable but it makes me happy, & that’s the main thing. Just travel in what you already own.
Thanks so much Stephen, it’s nice getting input from the “the old guard”. We often wish we were overlanding/car camping back your days. I’d say you’re a heck of a lot tougher than we are, I’ve stayed away from the likes of a VW for exactly the reasons you’ve described, but I get the love part, it’s yours and you know it well. Thanks for watching!
@nancyschad2969 I’ll apologize on behalf of my dad, he’s very enthusiastic and loves the positive comments we get from our dedicated subscribers. He really means no harm.😊
Amazing video and narrative. Thanks so much for sharing. So true, our rigs are our "homes" and our adventure companions. They develop a life of their own and are like family.
Your absolutely right 👍. Driving skills is very important and selection of conditions and limitations of the vehicle should be kept in mind then your their . Too extreme roads will stop any powerful vehicle. Happy days ahead healthy lifestyle with mind blowing places ❤❤😊.
Once again, amazing video, especially knowing that it was segments shot over multiple years. The vistas and landscapes you capture are breathtaking. And so true about the vehicle. Some of my favourite vehicles over the years were far from perfect, usually the more "personality" quirks the vehicle had, the more endearing it was, as long as it was reliable and met my needs at the time.
Thanks for the kind words Andy. I’ve just seen so many needless conversations about the “best” or “ultimate” overland vehicle. For a pastime that’s been highly commercialized, concepts like these are what drive sales and it has a lot of people spending crazy amounts of money on a vehicle that rarely leaves the driveway because they’re working to pay it off. Thanks for watching!
Hi again Alex & Megan, Watching this video this morning gave me a lift after waking following a bad night (long term serious illness). Your awesome adventures and the epic expansive views, captured so wonderfully by your videography, allow my mind to escape, to roam freely outside of my own struggles, in those moments and beyond. Thank you. I hope you're both doing well. Love from Scotland.
It's great to escape and travel the world even when we are unable to do much of anything at the moment. Slow Roamers, Itchy Boots and Toyota World Runners are three of my favorites. Disabled and working to be more functional.
Hey Rachel (apologies if I’ve mistaken your name), this makes me really happy. I love to tell our story and make an entertaining video, but to know that our videos help people in some kind of way is really a reward I didn’t expect to receive. We’re so so happy that you can find solace, escape and enjoyment through our stories. Much love from us both. 😊😊
Dude the transformation on the van from white to the color off today you're guys home looks so amazing dude good job on it you really put that van to the test great job 😊
We drive the perfect overland vehicle! lol but you are right it’s about the journey not the mode of transportation But of course an indoor toilet is nice when you get older, as always fantastic drone footage your a master pilot Alex!
So true, run what you got, this was so obvious on the Dempster.... Honda civic's minivans, unimogs, expedition trucks.... and of course bikes and motorcycles.
My brain keeps drawing parallels to romantic relationships. Next in series “There Is No Perfect Partner.” But when you winch a relationship out of the ditch, you find what it’s capable of!
I am really jealous of all your drone work. I loaned my drone to a friend three years ago who crashed it never recovered it. He replaced it but then borrowed that one and I’ve yet to see it.
Thank you for breaking down the 'perfect overland vehicle' myth! 🛻 Adventure is about making the best of what you have, not chasing perfection. Great insights-keep inspiring us to explore! 🌍✨
Hell yeah! A whole video of a chevy express just ripping the trails. This is so sick! Hoping I can do the rear end swap that y'all did in yours. I'm on a 5" weldtec lift on 33s and it's a little sluggish with the 3.73 gears.
We’re in Patagonia with our Promaster. Not dead not robbed not hassled and all with front wheel drive and low clearance. Not many US “overlanders” here either which is a shame. Thanksgiving with Germans I guess.
Well said man! That's what I was trying to explain to some people who think other. Love the awesome footage you create... Best points on sites. I love it. Wish I can do the same.
Overlanding is just what the cool kids now call car/vehicle based camping; what I did for 45 years. All you need is food, water, shelter, and some form of transportation, anything beyond that it’s just a luxury.
lol, yeah, I agree. I remember when the term became popular; I was so excited that there was a word that described what I was doing, not strictly off-roading and not simply camping. I was quick to adopt the term. That was back in 2016, a lot has changed since then and it’s been heavily commercialized. Regardless, I think for a lot of people it’s nice to have a flag to fly or a word to accurately describe a pastime.
This seriously could be an ad for Chevy Express. 😂 Even though your van isn't factory, Chevrolet needs to sponsor you after this video!!!! 😮😊
Put in a good word for us, maybe we’ll get a new sponsor!🤣🙌🏻 Thanks for watching and the kind words!
@SlowRoamers make sure to tag them in your video description if you haven't already. 😆
That’s a good idea.😁
Run what ya brung! Ever onward Betty.
Heck yes!💪🏼💪🏼
You have already been to amazing places and taken the Express through some rough areas, you encouraged me to go buy one of these too. I had been looking at other vehicles, more expensive of course but in the end it's you that make the adventure, not the type of vehicle. You are going to be amazed at the type of terrain you will be encountering in South America, I know because I went through on my motorcycle and plenty times I wished I had a vehicle to sleep in.
Aw man, that’s so rad! We’re stoked for you! Hopefully it’s as good a vehicle for you as our Betty has been for us.🙌🏻🙌🏻😁
Pretty much it's a case of just drive what you are happy with, as long as it is reasonably reliable.
Yep, totally! 🙌🏻
When I was in high school I would take my front wheel drive Honda up and down snowy roads so that I could get to know it's abilities and limitations. Plus I loved the challenge. In doing so I bonded with the car too. I totally agree with you that there's a bond between the driver and the vehicle and if you can't feel and create the bond that vehicle is not the one for you. I had an 86 F250 with a 460 and it would do anything I tasked it with. Now I have a 2015 f250. It's good for towing but I wouldn't take it off-road . They're made for towing more than offroading. So I accept that limitation.
If you’re spend enough time in Baja you’re bound to be passed by a civic full of people on the way to a remote beach. Its happened to us a number of times and is kind of a running joke.
Take what ya got, get out there and learn about it. Doesn’t matter what it is, just go have a good time and make a memory. Cheers, thanks for watching!🙌🏻
Wow, the places you've seen, the "roads" you've traveled, and that van you've made into your overland queen .. Badass Betty! She's a beast and you're amazing!! What a team, all three of you.
😁😁🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻Thanks dad!
I love that. No shade to your obvious driving skills, Alex, but Betty definitely has a badass spirit. That girl's got it covered. 😄
lol, she’s as badass as they come!😁🤘🏼🤘🏼
My Chevy express wants the Betty treatment so bad 😂
But, even stock I’ve been so impressed with where I’ve been able to go! It’s a beast of a van 😎
All our upgrades have been out of necessity as we’ve pushed the van further past its intended use. But they really are a great foundation vehicle. Thanks for watching!🙌🏻
Great scenery for sure. Was it B-roll you hadn't used? Hows the trip going? I hope well. Go luck to you both.
No, I think I’ve pretty much used all these clips in various videos throughout the years. There’s still tons I didn’t use. Thanks for watching!🙌🏻
It’s always a compromise. A winch is always a life saver. We love our 21’ 4wd Rv (video on my RUclips channel) and we won’t be rock crawling the Rubicon but it will get us where I want to go. Just a little further out. Plus snow, we will hit snow eventually.
Yep, there’s always something! Thanks for watching, have fun out there.
We agree that the right vehicle is different for everyone. Our Honda Pilot Microcamper isn’t for everyone but it’s what works for us.
Love your build. And that scenery is stunning!
Nice! That’s hardcore, and we thought we don’t have much interior space.🤣 Thanks for watching, so glad you enjoyed it!🙌🏻🙌🏻
very cool video.
Thanks for watching!🙌🏻🙌🏻
EPIC video!!! Absolutely stunning scenery, magnificent filmmaking, and Betty is looking mighty fine in her native habitat 🗻🏞️🏔️🌄
😁😁Thanks so much! 🙌🏻🙌🏻
In my opinion you have the best off road vehicle , love your videos !
"Overland vehicle "
Aww, thanks! We love the’ol girl, she keeps on pulling through stuff. Thanks for watching!
True: the van and it's driver is a very co-dependant relationship. One can't survive without the other...
👍 Rock on 🙂.
Well said!😁🙌🏻🙌🏻🤘🏼
Your adventures are wonderful and I enjoy watching them a lot and they make my day... Thank you so much.
Thanks so much for the kind words!😊🙌🏻
My first “overlanding” vehicle was a 12 year old, 2 wheel drive bowtie suburban with VERY low mileage and in excellent (garaged) condition, that I bought off my dad for 1K back in 1990? maybe 🤷♂️
These days I’m running a one owner (me) 2014 Tundra Double Cab with 114K miles, a 6.5 ft bed, an ARE cap and some KO2’s. The cap, running boards, and the sweet tires are the only upgrades.
All my other overlanding needs (camping & off roading gear) are in totes and get loaded as the trip requires.
Ooof, I’m drooling already. Love me an OBS burb.💪🏼
@@SlowRoamers
You may or may not have loved the electric blue color 😂
To be honest, I only recently entered the Chevy world. I’ve been a diehard Toyota guy all my life, but of all the domestic trucks out there, I’ve always like the square bodies and gmt400 trucks. I’m not really familiar with the various paint colours yet…so I can’t say I know much about the electric blue colour option. 😬
I love your perspective on this! I think it is the Van Halen music video for the song “Right Now,” that reminds us, “Right now your memories are getting longer, while your life is getting shorter.” I owned my old VW for 15 years before having to trade it in for our new rig. That old van was slow, broke down a lot, and wasn’t very comfortable to drive. It was however, an old friend and I knew what each little rattle and squeak meant and also what it meant when a new one developed. Because of our “relationship” I almost didn’t mind when it would leave us stranded (almost). Your experiences and abilities as a driver dictate what you need in a vehicle. Sometimes that makes you feel pretty macho about things, other times you realize you don’t need that suspension upgrade, because you’ll never use it and that can be humbling. Maybe that’s the point though? Get out there, be humbled, learn about your vehicle and learn about yourself at the same time. Live life now because it’s getting shorter, but keep a journal too, which will become longer and longer. I have a paper one in my van, but your video ones here are over the top! Thanks for taking us along on the ride!
Ah yes, our friends, always delivering the best commentary. I like that lyric a lot, so good. It’s been a long time since I’ve listened to Van Halen, maybe I need to start listening to the lyrics a little closer.
I like your point about being humbled. There’s a lot of bravado that comes with the off-road/overland community and it gets tiring. I really think the best way to learn how to travel well and get a healthy respect for the terrain and your vehicle is to get out a really use it. There’s a lot to be said for accomplishing a lot with a little. Thanks as always for the insights, they’re our favourites.😊
Glad your Chevy works for you. Amazing to me that you do not have mechanical failures due to the rough trails you engage. I have 4wd since the early 1980s and I encountered vehicle failures such that today I resist as much as possible any road that is not graded flat or paved. Great you are happy certainly your Chevy deserves recognition and phrase.
It’s a constant string of maintenance and repairs, we’re always trying to keep the van away from parts failures. So there is certainly that reality, but we have been very pleased with how the van has continued to perform. 😊 Thanks for watching!🙌🏻
What a fantastic video, & you nailed in perfectly.
I’m in my late 50s, & I’ve traveled all over Australia for yrs in an old car with no air cond, no coffee maker etc.
I tell people now to get out, & just enjoy it outside, & to have fun.
I now travel in a 90 VW Syncro Vanagon.
It’s slow, un reliable but it makes me happy, & that’s the main thing.
Just travel in what you already own.
Thanks so much Stephen, it’s nice getting input from the “the old guard”. We often wish we were overlanding/car camping back your days. I’d say you’re a heck of a lot tougher than we are, I’ve stayed away from the likes of a VW for exactly the reasons you’ve described, but I get the love part, it’s yours and you know it well. Thanks for watching!
You know what you are talking about, you earned it fully! What a masterpiece! ❤❤❤
😊😊Thanks so much!🙌🏻
Agreed, a masterpiece!
😁😁
Betty is bad ass bodacious van. And yeah she has some pretty neat passengers too. Excited for the next adventure.
Hahaha, thanks Nancy! 🤣🤣🙌🏻🙌🏻
From me too, I'm a nancyschad fan! 😂
@@alistairjackson7658 Are you for real or a spammer? Anyway, you approaching me is creepy and not welcomed.
@nancyschad2969 I’ll apologize on behalf of my dad, he’s very enthusiastic and loves the positive comments we get from our dedicated subscribers. He really means no harm.😊
Amazing video and narrative. Thanks so much for sharing. So true, our rigs are our "homes" and our adventure companions. They develop a life of their own and are like family.
Thanks Louisa, glad you enjoyed it. 😊😊
Great video…you have the power to go anywhere!😊
😊😊thanks so much!
King and Queen of the 2wd !
👸🏽🫅🏻💪🏼😊
Your absolutely right 👍. Driving skills is very important and selection of conditions and limitations of the vehicle should be kept in mind then your their . Too extreme roads will stop any powerful vehicle. Happy days ahead healthy lifestyle with mind blowing places ❤❤😊.
You’re absolutely correct! Thanks for watching Ratnadip!😊🙌🏻
Once again, amazing video, especially knowing that it was segments shot over multiple years. The vistas and landscapes you capture are breathtaking. And so true about the vehicle. Some of my favourite vehicles over the years were far from perfect, usually the more "personality" quirks the vehicle had, the more endearing it was, as long as it was reliable and met my needs at the time.
Thanks for the kind words Andy. I’ve just seen so many needless conversations about the “best” or “ultimate” overland vehicle. For a pastime that’s been highly commercialized, concepts like these are what drive sales and it has a lot of people spending crazy amounts of money on a vehicle that rarely leaves the driveway because they’re working to pay it off. Thanks for watching!
Ya, and some of those tight corners, rock gardens, cactus and tree tunnels are the best reason not to have a $200K body and paint job! 😂
Yes indeed, very true!
Hi again Alex & Megan,
Watching this video this morning gave me a lift after waking following a bad night (long term serious illness).
Your awesome adventures and the epic expansive views, captured so wonderfully by your videography, allow my mind to escape, to roam freely outside of my own struggles, in those moments and beyond.
Thank you.
I hope you're both doing well.
Love from Scotland.
It's great to escape and travel the world even when we are unable to do much of anything at the moment.
Slow Roamers, Itchy Boots and Toyota World Runners are three of my favorites.
Disabled and working to be more functional.
Hey Rachel (apologies if I’ve mistaken your name), this makes me really happy. I love to tell our story and make an entertaining video, but to know that our videos help people in some kind of way is really a reward I didn’t expect to receive. We’re so so happy that you can find solace, escape and enjoyment through our stories. Much love from us both. 😊😊
@ahsnap9103 we’re honored to be named amongst greats like @toyotaworldrunners and @itchyboots! Thank you!
Sending you best wishes from Quadra Island, BC
😊😊
.First..🤣 ..omg ..what a view .!!!
🤣🙌🏻🙌🏻
💥💥💥💥💥💥💫YEAH BUDDY💫💥💥💥💥💥💥(great vid/photo's) ~peace~
Heck yeah my guy!😁😁🙌🏻🙌🏻
Dude the transformation on the van from white to the color off today you're guys home looks so amazing dude good job on it you really put that van to the test great job 😊
Haha, thanks man! Glad you enjoyed the video!😁🙌🏻🙌🏻
@SlowRoamers yes i did dude amazing
🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻
We drive the perfect overland vehicle!
lol but you are right it’s about the journey not the mode of transportation
But of course an indoor toilet is nice when you get older, as always fantastic drone footage your a master pilot Alex!
Hahaha, thanks Tim! Glad you enjoyed it, you gonna need lessons soon?😁
well said.
😁🙌🏻🙌🏻
What a beautiful video!
Thanks Mitchell!
@@SlowRoamersYou are most welcome, my friends!
😊😊✌🏼
So true, run what you got, this was so obvious on the Dempster.... Honda civic's minivans, unimogs, expedition trucks.... and of course bikes and motorcycles.
Yessir! Run what ya brung! Thanks for watching!
My brain keeps drawing parallels to romantic relationships. Next in series “There Is No Perfect Partner.” But when you winch a relationship out of the ditch, you find what it’s capable of!
Don’t tempt me maaaan….🤣🤣🤣🤣
Nope, don't do it. Winching the wench is a BAAAAD idea!! 😂
@alistairjackson7658 good one dad.🙄😜
@wahlet it’s a profound statement you given us. Thank you.
Thanks Wes🤣
WoW! You've gone through some crazy terrain with just 2wd! I also could be considered nuts for going to these places with a stock Tahoe!
Always sending it in 2WD!😁🤘🏼
Betty rocks! Just like my mom. Her name was Betty, too. :) Excellent subject focus, using videos from previous trips.
It’s a good name!🤣 Thanks so much for watching, glad you enjoyed it.
I am really jealous of all your drone work. I loaned my drone to a friend three years ago who crashed it never recovered it. He replaced it but then borrowed that one and I’ve yet to see it.
Sounds to me like you should stop lending drones out…🫤 Thanks for watching!
Where did you get the Front bumper ? Thank you !
It’s a one off built by yours truly.😊
Thank you for breaking down the 'perfect overland vehicle' myth! 🛻 Adventure is about making the best of what you have, not chasing perfection. Great insights-keep inspiring us to explore! 🌍✨
We’re liking these positive comments, thank you for the kind words. Glad to be of inspiration. 😊
Awesome!
😊🙌🏻🙌🏻
This is what I'm talking about!! Amazing. Great edits too btw
😁🙌🏻🙌🏻 Thanks Dirk, glad you enjoyed it!
Hell yeah! A whole video of a chevy express just ripping the trails. This is so sick! Hoping I can do the rear end swap that y'all did in yours. I'm on a 5" weldtec lift on 33s and it's a little sluggish with the 3.73 gears.
Whew! Glad you enjoyed it and thanks for watching. It’s tough to find that rear end, but it’s rad when ya do. Good luck with the swap!
I remember when overlanding was called car camping. 🤷🏼♂️
lol, same.🤣
We’re in Patagonia with our Promaster. Not dead not robbed not hassled and all with front wheel drive and low clearance. Not many US “overlanders” here either which is a shame. Thanksgiving with Germans I guess.
Amazing! We’ll be following in your footsteps.😊 Safe travels!
You can tell Betty is heavy, but she sure has taken the abuse.
Hahaha, oh yeah, she’s put on some weight. We’re continuously surprised by how much abuse this van will take.
❤️🤗❤️🤗👩❤️🤗🚐
😊😊👋🏼👋🏼✌🏼
ty
Np 🙌🏻
Perfect is the enemy of good.
That’s an interesting phrase never heard it before. Thanks for watching!🙌🏻
Well said man! That's what I was trying to explain to some people who think other. Love the awesome footage you create... Best points on sites. I love it. Wish I can do the same.
Thanks Andrew, glad you enjoyed it! I figured someone needed to say it in an easily digestible way. Thanks for watching!😊🙌🏻
What type of drone do u use for overhead shots? The videos are so smooth and clear! Lovely views!!
It’s a DJI Air2s😊
What about my ol rusty trusty Tercel 94?
Oh c’mon now, that’s an OG overlander!😁🤘🏼🤘🏼🤘🏼
music bagground way way to dominating - lost on me.
👍🏼
Off-topic, maybe. I think there's no point of too much drone footage in your video.
Cool 👍🏼
I am sooooo bored by the 2WD thang....
Cool. 👍🏼