TOP 5 MUST HAVE features for an OVERLAND Vehicle
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- Опубликовано: 1 авг 2024
- I discuss the five must have features for any potential vehicle platform before I would even consider it as a viable platform to undertake one of my global expeditions.
I've come to these criteria after years of careful consideration, and five years and over 100,000 miles around the world through 55 counties on expedition!
00:00 Introduction
00:51 MUST fit in a 20 foot shipping container
02:23 MUST get 20mpg fuel consumption
05:15 MUST be Left Hand Drive
08:38 MUST be closer to stock
10:45 MUST have good cooking, eating, sleeping options
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Overland Travel Essentials: West Africa: Myths, Misconceptions and Misnomers
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Your channel completely changed my outlook on overlanding. Very good and sensible advice, thank you.
Glad to help
@@TheRoadChoseMe I'm concerned you may have just "helped" me to try something like this one day! I clicked - almost as a joke - to see how many ways my Prius would _not_ fit the criteria. Only it 1) will _definitely_ fit a container, 2) gets 20 MPG (with an additional 20-30 miles on top of that!), 3) is definitely LHD, 4) is very close to stock in appearance (even with a lift, larger tires, and hidden winch), and 5) let's me sleep with the AC running _all_ night long.
How dare you, sir! ;)
You probably now understand what overlanding is, not what they’re selling you!
If you can't get a good night's sleep you might as well stay home. Soooooo true.
Like. A lot. Real world experience being shared in an organized specific way.
Can tell this guy is authentic he remembered Oman, not Dubai .. 2 thumbs up!!
Listen to this guy, these are the real answers! I’ve five years of vehicle traveling, and he’s got them all correct here. My only comment, bring clothes for different seasons. Being cold is no fun, and clothes don’t take up much space in the long run.
Loving your channel. You clearly know what you‘re talking about.
I appreciate that!
This is good advice. There must be so many edifice builders out there who can't bring themselves to admit that they're caught in the accessory/gadget/trinket trap.
I am planning to purchased a vehicle for overlanding and I would not take about 95% of the "overland" vehicles I see on youtube to the local campground.
@@brookstaylor4748 That's fighting talk but I completely understand your viewpoint.
@@defendermodsandtravels Each to their own. As long as we are respectful and polite and treat people with dignity and compassion we can all get along.
@@defendermodsandtravels I am not really interested in fighting over an overland build.
@@brookstaylor4748 It was a joke :-)
I agree 1,000% with your criteria that the vehicle remain as close to stock as possible. Most importantly, you are using the vehicle in its designed form which should reduce mechanical failures. For example, big wheels put a lot more stress on the stock parts. Second, if you have a problem out on the road you are much more likely to be able to source a stock replacement part - this could be a 6th criteria.
After several months of binge-watching other high profile overlanding RUclipsrs, I stumbled across yours. Concise info & very practical. After retiring my beloved '97 Mitsubishi Pajero (Shogun) I was so tempted to get my dream 4x4 (LC 100 series) but opted for the very off-road capable 2017 model 3.2L Everest (Endeavor) 4x4 for better fuel consumption. The fuel difference per year makes a huge difference. My overlanding is only Namibia, Botswana etc so RHD is fine. Standard AT tyres for me only. All adaptations for overlanding I put on roof rack and rear drawer system & fridge slide.
Dan, your videos are "hypnotic"... I'm watching all back to back 😂
As always straight to the point without the fluff. It is not about what you can bolt on, but rather how you can use what you have. Great personal experience. Others may disagree, but hard to argue with so many miles in the driver seat.
Bull bars at the front of the vehicle are also illegal in some countries.
wow! what about an aftermarket bumper with a brush-guard? is that considered the same?
I could not agree more. I can see that your opinions are based on long experience and always consider the most practical aspect.
This is something that I really appreciate about your channel is your fresh view on things that you just don't hear from other overlanders. Your list was totally different than what I expected. I never knew about the issues with right hand drive that you brought up. Totally agree about your last point on comfort. I've owned a 2 door Jeep for years and it's very capable. But you cook outside, eat outside, sleep outside and poop outside. A couple years ago I got a great deal on a Sportsmobile van. That's my retirement rig. Definitely better for the long haul because you can cook inside, eat inside, sleep inside and even poop inside! The wife prefers it too for those reasons. I love the Jeep for weeks-long trips, but in the future when I'll be gone for months or years, no question - give me the van! Not an RV, but not rough camping either - more like glamping.
Keeping things simple seems to apply here too. Thanks for the info on the left hand drive.
Love this guy are very real and go to the real need. Love the way how he analysis every think
Thank you posting on my lunch break 🙏🏽
Easily one of the best practical videos on RUclips.
Great video! Love hearing your take on what is important and what isn't, given your vast experience!
Glad it was helpful!
Another great video with so great information on over landing . Thanks for sharing your experiences . And the videos that you share with us your over landing friends . From Steve Stott in Sutherlin Oregon U.S.A.
A friend of mine and I are establishing an overlanding team of2 until others may wish to join. I've only watched this video so far but I'm sure this channel is what I've been looking for. After I digested a bit I'll give you some comments my thoughts
Way informative, the LHD issues was so eye opening.
Rule #2: Every overland vehicle must achieve atleast 20 MPG. His first Jeep, 19 MPG. His current Jeep if he drives it gently, 18 MPG.
I absolutely love this channel, just finished watching the Africa trip videos.
After seven months in Kandahar I can attest to creature comforts making all the difference. My Bison(APC) had an inverter so we could run an electric kettle, and had lots of room for camp chairs. Nothing beats a nice hot coffee on a cold(17C seemed like -17 to us) morning.
Great video and very informative. Really glad I found your channel.
Welcome aboard!
Great advice and I appreciate the idea of staying as stock as possible. That said, I don't see that flat fenders are going to raise any more red flags than winch bumpers, external fuel tanks or a pop top. Most people simply will have no idea that your flat fenders are not stock, provided you aren't rolling 37" tires under them and a 4" lift. The best part about them is that you will likely not need a lift, if you are running 35" or smaller tires. That means your entire drive train and suspension can remain stock, which is a good thing for long term travel. I think LED tail lights would also pass fine, provided they use the legal colors. So many vehicles use LED tail lights now, including commercial trucks.
Excellent vids Bud.
Lake Havasu, Az. USA
And with ever improving technology I’m sure that the MPG can be lifted to 25 now or in the very near future. I totally agree with you, getting good MPG is so critical.
Very practical. Information!
Thanks for your perspective. Especially the final note about 4x4! I'm slowly equipping a 2x4 SUV for extended travel and many of your points have similarly occurred to me as being very sensible. But even though extensive mods are eschewed, needed equipment still has a way of escalating the cost! Of course, all those frets are forgotten once the travel begins . . .
Those are really useful tips, Dan! Thank you
Thanks for sharing. Informative as always. To answer your question: I was expecting payload to be on your list.
good info for some one looking at building an overlanding vehicle that also doubles as a daily driver.
As stock as possible is my mantra. I think if you have to modify a vehicle a ton you probably bought the wrong one. While my international travel isn’t as extensive as yours, flying in and renting a vehicle and essentially using backpacking gear was doable but the creature comfort stuff you are spot on about. For about 20 years I ran an 80 series Land cruiser that I mostly travelled solo in, had a single bunk in the back with storage under it, screen windows for ventilation, and had a place to be out of the weather when it was lousy. I have been a bit out of the loop the past 8 years but with the prevalence of overlanding and seeing some of these over the top builds I always seem to think.... but what do you do in the windy, wet, blowing sand, and/or heavy bugs when you need to eat or pass the time. Seems like there are so many products out there now there are so many great choices. I have a wife and three kids now and trying to get my head around the best setup for getting around North America with everyone happy and getting the experience of travel. Hoping that going south if we can make it work would be a doable thing down the road. The art of this all seems to be to pair down all the wants, down to the needs while keeping comfort. I picked up a super cheap, 4wd, diesel Sportsmobile with a pop top that I am fixing up currently and trying to get all of its systems back online. Even in a vehicle that size, 5 people is a real challenge. Anyway, thanks for the inspiration, looking forward to getting back into all of this.
As always, right on the money. Great educational videos, Dan. Really enjoying them my friend.
Glad you like them!
Very good points. Your insights and experience are amazing. You do not go for the "bling" but you go for functionality and practicality. I'm now a big fan of yours.
I appreciate that!
I really enjoy your channel. Please keep up the wonderful content! Your life experiences are immense.
Thank you! Will do!
Top video Dan I'm looking at my own vehicle in a different light now.
You hit it right out of the park once again. Great job.
Wow, thanks!
You provide the best info of any of the many channels that I watch (and also subscribe to).
Thanks for that!
You didn't disappoint. Much of your list was "left field" but very true (although I have RH drive vehicle and it doesn't restrict me at all). Thank heavens you didn't get into a futile discussion about vehicle marques (nor did I expect you to). The fact is that a well prepared example from any of the major 4x4 manufacturers will be suitable.
Great vid as always! I’m looking to do a pan-Canadian trip with my daughter, she’s only 4 now. I have my vehicle (2020 4Runner), now it’s just a few more years paying it off, getting all the mods needed and waiting until she’s a bit older to enjoy it! You’ve kept the inspiration alive! I’ve heard Newfoundland and Labrador is just amazing. Also, would love to hear your story about malaria
Awesome! Keep planning and saving, you can absolutely do it! - plenty of people do with kids and families
Thanks again. Keep it up 👍🏽...
Very well said. Thank you so much for sharing these information. Very practical indeed. Cheers.
I wish you all of the success that your hard work has earned you. These are really great videos
Thank you so much 😀
My favorite world traveler channel. Thank you for keeping it real with common sense!
Thanks!
Spot on info. Al 5 topics are very usefull.
LH drive vs RH drive goes with the territory. Piontless having a LH drive car if your region are RH drive. 4 or 5 countries in the world who wont allow me then so be it. One you mentioned will any ways never see me due to personal reasons.
Great sound Advice as usual, for any Overlander ! My 08jkuRubi, w a very simple Overlander setup, gets about 20mpg also. Light and simple and versatile. And Stock mostly too, just a 2” Lift, stock size Good Tires. Thanks again Dan ! 🌲🇨🇦🙏
Sounds absolutely perfect!
Way too practical!! Every overlander needs a six inch lift, enough electronics in the rear and under the hood to power the space shuttle and so much gear that if you have to bug out you can equip an entire insurgency with what is left behind... oh wait... that’s for a mall crawler, not an overlanding rig!!
This was a truly brilliant video Dan!! I hope I get to have a chin wag with you one day!! I aspire to drive the length of the Pan American highway!! Kudos!!
Thanks for the kind words, I hope we cross paths one day!
Fantastic, simple, logical information as always ! - G'Day from Australiaaaa !
Thank you! Cheers!
Thank you, this was an amazing and informative video
Glad it was helpful!
Real and honest video 👌
Another excellent, "just the facts" video. Priceless advice. Keeping your Rig as close to stock as possible really hit home. Each modification, even to make something stronger, puts more stress on another part of the vehicle that was not designed to handle it. The RUclips video described below does a great job illustrating this. Every bigger, better, stronger, heavier duty part bolted on is attached at a bracket of some sort. The number 1 most common failure in Moab is brackets/attachment points breaking because they cannot support the new heavier modified load they were not designed for. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience. RUclips by TrailRecon - video name: Top 10 Things you might break off roading in Utah
Your right, modifications that were never designed by the manufacturer, and break even on simple overland trips, I’ve seen it so many times, lost count.
Thank you sir for nice video , hugs from Croatia.
I’m new here. I’ve never been overlanding but always enjoyed camping and road trips and your channel is very inspiring!
Welcome aboard!
Great video!!! Thanks for all the useful info!!
Glad it was helpful!
Good list. Mine are (in no particular order) vehicle durability, ease of maintenance and repair, driving comfort, living comfort, and safety.
I am so thankful to you for your ch.you are going to save me thousands I was fixing to put on 38s and wheels welder all that.i knowhave the moneto bylessbut better.nobig lifts your ch. Rocks
I just found your channel and am of the same mind as you about running as close to stock as possible. I am not a overlander but I have a 1999 Ford Ranger pickup and it works just fine for me when exploring the states. I also like to ride motorcycles off road. Thanks for all the good advice about traveling from the states to Alaska. That is probably the longest trip I would attempt put hay who knows.
Great videos!
two things I would rate as required, big enough payload and parts availability. I don't plan leaving north america, but those two, plus eat/sleep/cook are vital
Really great channel and information - thanks mate :)
Glad you enjoy it!
I really like your philosophy to overlanding.
Thank you!
Makes all sense The road chose my😁
You are excellent. Thank you brother for all the advice. Youre inspiring
I appreciate that!
Good insights. Cheers bud.
I'd like to do what your doing and I enjoy your valuable experience and information
How about jeep gladiator?
Keep up the great work and content
Loving your channel ! Thanks very much.
Glad you enjoy it!
Cheers Dan! Thank you!
You bet!
Hello Dan... LOVE your videos because you speak from such rich/real life experience; very nicely done. I missed seeing you at all the shows and rallies this year. I TOTALLY agree with your ultimate five features, as you describe in this video, but ONLY for LIFESTYLE OVERLANDERS. What's a "lifestyle overlander?" This is someone exactly like you... Someone that is totally living out of his vehicle for months/years on end. Compare this to what I call a "recreational overlander" - of which there are probably hundreds of thousands around the world. This is someone that may only be living out of their vehicle for as little as a weekend or at most a few weeks/months. The "recreational overlander" may even go international, so some of your priories are important to these folks as well. Everyone knows the perspective you bring to the table, so most viewers understand why you would choose these important top five features you seek in an overland vehicle. I'm simply trying to add some clarity and additional lexicon.
For sure Robert - there are multiple different "kinds" of overlanders who have different goals and different needs for a vehicle. I speak from my experience and help people who want to do similar.
all good criteria for sure, maybe I'm a bit softer than the hard core guys, but a comfortable drive is important to me.
I guess something that's easy to service would be an advantage, you did that on a previous video.
I for sure thought you'd have 4x4 as one of your criteria.. :D Your channel has got me hooked! Thank you for making these vids! I think I'll be buying one of your books to show my support!
Awesome! Thank you!
Tons of people do the pan american highway and other overland trips in 2 wheel drive sprinter vans and vw buses, so it's not as necessary as you might think.
@@jasonb6570 Yes but I was sure it would be one of his requirements for West Africa like the trip I'm planning with my VW Bus 👍🏼
@@Matthews_Media rear wheel drive is all you need. as proven by every other VW which has toured the world.....with the kitchen sink.
Good stuff!
Congrats! An excellent video full of common sense as always. I owned a Mitsubishi Montero/Pajero Sport 2019 4x4, cause it is a SUV mounted in the same plattform that L200/Triton pickup (non a monocasque one), plenty of space and good offroad capabilities. In México aftermarket parts for it are very limited but hearing you about to have the vehicle as close to stock as possible is very good in a región where most of people think that having a "munster truck" is the best way to travel...hahaha.....Best regards from México!
In my opinion the Pajero Sport is one of the most underrated 4x4s around.
Fantastic vid! I feel I'm going to go down the Google rabbit hole researching now ha. Thanks
Glad it was helpful!
Great channel and content. Real, practical information and advice! Great content. Learn something new every time I watch a video. Do you have a full in-depth video on ur Jeep build? The rooftop tent inside and outside?
Thanks very much for the feedback, I really appreciate it.
I'm just about to film a very detailed review of the pop-up roof and go into depth about the pros and cons. Stay tuned!
That's one beautiful jeep mate!👋😎👍
Thanks 👍
Really helpful insights
Glad it was helpful!
Keep the videos coming!
New ones every Monday and Thursday!
You definitely can register a left hand drive vehicle in Australia. But besides that, this was a really interesting point that I didn’t know about left hand drive vehicles not being allowed in some countries. Thanks
Great video. Thanks
You are welcome!
Lots of small very useful important information
Glad you liked it
Plan per tank, to fill up and stock up. Rt tents to high so planning a rear or side fold out. Some even overland in a Beetle. If RH drive countries do allow LH is their a overland world body to address these kind of problems? Tourism must be a great asset for any country. Super content, thank,s.
🙋🏻♂️Great advices. Thank's 💛🇪🇦👍🏻
I was inspired by the LR guy in the middle of nowhere banging out dented rims and steering, suspension parts. I ended up mostly banging up language and getting suspended.
Nice!
Top 5! Reliability of platform and availability of global spare parts. Top rated and reliable accessories that are battle proven like Warn winches and not a knock off that looks good on the front of a rig. Fuel choice for me is Petrol not Diesel....I love my last 5 Diesel trucks and know that a global vehicle is just a bit easier in Gasoline. Keeping it as close to stock as possible!!! finding a control arm for an AEV duel sport suspension might be impossible in Chad!! Use rebuildable parts! King shocks just might be able to be rebuilt anywhere in the world with a very easy to store rebuild kit! Dats it!! Learning sooooo much from Dan!! TY!!
Cheers Sean!
very hard to achieve 20 mpg in a petrol vehicle travelling with a family of 3. I barely do it in a small 2.4 diesel.. I am 21 mpg with an RTT on. ...
I like that set up small and nimble.
My wife wants to go big.
Full size truck and 26 ft trailer.
We may never hit the road.
A setup like that is certainly comfortable, but it comes with so many downsides.. it's a tricky balancing act, and one we all have to figure out for ourselves.
I was going to go for bigger tires on my 3rd gen Tacoma till I saw your tires video. Stock Tacoma tires are almost the exact same size most common in Africa. If that size can do Africa, I will be fine in the desert Southwest with stock sizes.
On the mileage thing: driving uphill to 8,000 feet in the Sierras to cut wood today, I averaged 20.5mpg On the way back (downhill), I averaged 38mpg. Boy is it nice to drive a fuel efficient truck.
I think the V6 guys are getting 15mpg, real world. Been there, done that, would never go back.
Wow, 20.5mpg going up into the mountains is excellent mileage! Very, very nice.
I’m in Australia, & that’s really interesting about how you can’t drive a RH drive vehicle in certain countries.
The tires are so correct as anything sticking outside of the wheel arches you will be fined by the police, & your car will be defected.
Also in Australia. I’ve bought a right hand vehicle for my trip. I did think LHD would be better but I don’t want to go into Saudi Arabia because I’m not married to my girlfriend and I really respect them and their customers. Bummer about Central America but hey.. that part of the world was literally going to be the last ones on my mind.
Excellent and informative Dan - Thank you ! Wondering your thoughts on electrics - dual batteries, charging systems, solar, fridge/freezer, communications etc. for international overland travel. Cheers
Thanks Simon, I'll do videos about all that in the coming weeks!
I bought my truck which is basically the most Australian vehicle you can buy in america. 4x4 body on frame rear locker with a 2.8 diesel. It's a chevy colorado and the engine is a global engine albeit modified slightly by GM. It checked the boxes because it's never leaving america. 25+ mpg highway, off road capable, and comfortable inside. If I were doing what you're doing the Jeep wrangler is the only vehicle I'd consider because of the sleeping roof thing you have plus parts won't be too difficult to get world wide.
Not many people even know this, but the 2.8 diesel you have is the exact same VM 2.8 that Jeep had in the export Wrangler from 2007-2018 ! It's been branded as "Duramax" but it's actually made by VM. Shame Jeep never certified it for emissions in North America, but I'm happy GM did!
Damn dude that is an incredibly global perspective on overlanding. I haven't taken my rig outside of the southeast United States! Lol!
I really love your info and delivery, thanks!
Yep, it's what I've done and what I know, so that's what I'm teaching people!
@@TheRoadChoseMe What languages do you speak?
I learned Spanish on the road in Latin America, then French on the road in West Africa.
Spanish passes for Portuguese (they understand me, and I learned enough) and I got a few works of Swahili and Arabic (but not nearly enough).
I'll do a video about languages soon!
@@TheRoadChoseMe It would be hard to road trip in Latin America without Spanish wouldn't it lol
That'd be so great thank you!
13:35 Priorities are alot different when youre going to head off around the world.
Yeah this list isnt what I was expecting but these were great points.
Yep, they sure are! I have a lot of experience doing that, and I wanted to get that information out there for people who are looking to drive the Pan-American or go further afield.
Well I appreciate the insight and delivery, youve got me thinking differently, thank you! Im one of those guys building what youd call a "monster truck jeep" and while conquering all the local trails is fun I might go a different route with my next project when I get sick of breaking stuff 😂 plus the wife wants a Jeep of her own
Some people's around the world is civilized countries and hotel rooms. Mine is remote areas where I don't see people for weeks on end. I might add some extra fuel in there somewhere, as an emergency pack. But your list seems pretty good.
I drove from Alaska to Argentina - 40,000 miles through 17 countries, and I only needed to carry extra fuel once!
Very helpful - thanks! Do you have a video on rooftop tents, in general, and your tent in particular? I'm interested to know more.
Not yet, I will do that one very soon! (It will be big)
I'd like your take on suspension upgrade.
Will do very soon!
For Iceland, there is that car ferry from Denmark - FYI
And yes, they charge more for bigger rigs 🚙
Thanks, thats an option I'll be exploring in the future for sure!
Hi.. you are very welcome to Iceland 😎
Can't wait!
@@TheRoadChoseMe cool.. you need to be here sometime between mid july and end of september to be able to get around the highlands. I wpuld be glad to assast you if you need any info 😎
Mate, bloody good common sense there. The current trend in overlanding is excess, everything bigger and more of. People forget that basic Jeeps and Land Rovers, went around the world before anyone knew what a 37 and lightbars were.
and roof top tents ,now basic jeep still does that LR maybe the new defender ? rest of there line to much of a luxury car . range rovers discoervy .. air ride .22" tires 550hp v8s there off road controls traction control is one the best off road ability but price drive s most of us back to jeep Toyota
The 20`Container is also available as HighCube :-) I personally have & currently own a RHD in a LHD country. Reversing through fi McDonalds driverhrough is a very much 1.World problem. Apart from crossing Saudi, I se little to no drawbacks with this. IMHO You should have taken sparepart availability into the equation. I know You have covered spares & prices in a previouse video, I recon You still will (either) pay a fortune &/or have to wait for weeks for parts in the right corner of the World...... Just had such an aquaintance who had to truck his 4x4 out of remote northern Scandinavia due to being a non-runner from one day to the next... No local mechanic to help out. Next to a sound sleep/rest/food-prep area, I have & will invest in GOOD seats :-)