How to Build an Overlanding Rig that's Right for You

Matt I've been watching and observing your channel for 2 years constantly learning. You're the best instructor and driver in my opinion. When I do decide to come out on trails or attend an expo I definitely would like to have you as a mentor or lead instructor lol. I've learned so much! Perference on rigs, iceco fridge all sorts of gadgets and accessories the budget cost to expensive, tires, etc. And what I respect mostly about you and this channel is that you've never spoken negative about anyone's rig or preference. You've been like a mentor maybe unintentionally but overall this channel is so relaxing and peaceful. Cara is awesome my wife adores her. We're up in Michigan and I've seen certain trips you've had here as well. I've purchased the Falken Wildspeak ATW3 for my rig I'm building, awesome tires, you've helped me decide on tires as well. I just enjoy the channel joint ventures with Brad from trailrecon you guys just make it so peaceful and exude the confidence for us starters to get out and join. Much respect 🙏🏽 to you all. I'm tuned in.

You send anyone asking about the TJ's to my channel! If you get the right rooftop tent it will work no problems!

Amazing all your explanation and setup !!! 😨😍

It Could be a CHevy 2500 Hd lol

Matt,
Can you provide a list of materials you used to build that storage box rack you have in the front of your truck bed? You used some leftover extruded rail but I’m interested in doing something similar and trying to figure out hinges/ rail attachment fitted etc

For me the destination (camp each day) matters most. I want the road to be difficult enough that I can say “not many people can be here”. But I’m not looking for anything I need a lift or winch for. But I don’t know how to confirm if the roads are too technical for me. And I don’t have time to just go explore and figure out what roads are like.

Send that person asking about traveling in a TJ to Dan at The Road Chose Me. I think he traveled the Pan America Hwy in a TJ.

Love this video however I disagree with you on your take that a jeep is more reliable offroading than a 4runner. In your experience from what you have encountered maybe true, my experience and just the overall dependability, reliability and toughness a 4runner wins. You can't argue that. Now, proper maintenance as you say is key to every vehicle to keep them going. Any vehicle can have a issue. Jeeps aren't known for much besides they can offroad with the best. Hands down I agree. Piece of mind I feel most people will choose a Japan built vehicle over an American made. That's just facts. At the end of the day it comes down to your personal preference. I don't judge, we are all out on trails to have fun. That's what matters. Anyways I enjoy you videos and you do have a great setup. Keep them up. This was my two cents.

Wow. I'll give you credit for approaching this subject, regardless of intention.
Especially by stating, " ...and we'll discuss rig selection...".

That alone can get you relegated to "ok" status.
As compared to "he's awesome!".

Case in point...agree 100% that upkeep and maintenance is key, regardless of make/model.
Disagree however that Toyotas have more trail failures than Jeeps
IME the opposite is true. But that could be strictly due to the fact I run with Toyota clubs; which on occasion, have a Jeep or two along for the ride.
And for multiple reasons one of the 2 Jeeps will crap out...

Fact is, 'off-road equipment' matters.

There are only 4 factory equipped models which can be purchased today that contain the most off road equipment. They are:
1- Mercedes Benz G-Wagon
2 - Jeep Rubicon, in any flavor
3 - Toyota 80 series Land cruiser with 3 locks.
4 - Land Rover/Range Rover Gens1/2/3 with 3 locks.
Everything else is"home built".

You're still awesome.
Happy Trails!

Reliable rig?! I live life on the edge and run a Land Rover discovery 2 for more technical trips and have an LR4 for easier trips. I’m not sure why I do it to myself, some say it’s a sickness 😂😂😂

Hi Matt, American Adventure Lab just built a mid height enclosed cab for the gladiator.

Another thing about IFS it can be capable to a certain degree. They don't make an E locker for IFS because they have an aluminum case!! I found that out after I built my GMC but that just means I don't do the technical rock crawling

Isn't the Jeep Gladiator considered in-between a full sized and a mid sized

We love your videos, but lately you seem to be making more and more infomercial type videos than overlanding videos. Seems like you are going down the same path that Trail Recon did.

Your video caused me to reflect on my current rig that was inspired by my first rig which was a 96 Ford Ranger with a shell. I built a comfortable bed with storage underneath and a rack to carry bikes, skis, kayaks, etc. I was out most weekends and took it through Alaska and the Yukon. At the time, I had no idea that I was overlanding or had built a "rig". It was just something I enjoyed that suited my Colorado lifestyle. Years later, I now understand that what I really liked was that it was always packed with cooking and pantry and ready to go at a moment's notice. If I had a long day in the mountains, I didnt have to go home and could just camp and scrounge dinner out of the pantry box. My current rig has the fridge, pull out kitchen and RTT and sets up in a minute and is extremely comfortable, but it is the "readiness" factor that your video helped me appreciate. It is that element that leads to me getting out more frequently than if I had to plan and pack extensively. For me, my rig is the key to my lifestyle.

Great content as usual Matt, great stuff!

Another spot on video Matt just get out and use what you have and someday you might evolve to your set up. I'll be honest your Gladiator is just about perfect. I love it. So handy to get to everything.

Thanks for the honest take on this subject for newbies… good seeing you at the Red, wish I had time to talk a bit but was chasing grand daughters at the becker booth 😊

Not everyone is willing to go this minimalist, but I do without a cooler or a fridge. Shelf stable food only. If I want a steak or something perishable, I get one for the night if I go through a town. I’ve learned to go without cold drinks.

Another great video Matt. The only thing I disagree with you on is your comments regarding a 2 door Jeep. I have done overlanding trips in my 2 door and love it. I have a Gobi Rack system that my RTT is mounted to and works great. I take out the back seat when I do trips and that gives me alot of space to use. Do you have a video on diesel heaters? Thank you.

All the dependability arguments go out the window when you go off road? What? You just completely lost me there. A Toyota is going to be more reliable then a Chrysler product every day of the week, off road or not. If you compare a Jeep on road to a Toyota regularly going off road? Yes the Jeep is likely going to be more reliable, but that's not really the discussion here.

I don't know what category I fall in, I have a lifted jeep, recovery gear and go out exploring and wheeling, I just stay in a hotel at night and then go out and hit the trails again and drive cross country so to speak to my next destination.

Hey Matt, very nice video. I found it to be very helpful. Thank you for sharing. Have a great day.🚙

Great video Matt, but here's an idea for a new video from you because in this video you mentioned that it would be smart to know how to work on your rig and you also said you should check it over and make sure things are tight before you leave I think it would be cool for you to make a video and show us how you do that and what kind of tools you take with you. Thanks again for making these great videos I look forward to them every week!

I appreciate your video info, I always check them out when I can. I am building my overland rig (Jeep Wrangler JL) But I currently drive my Jeep Renegade on and off-road (I have a small channel where I share my Renegade wheeling experiences). I wish I could load more weight to it and use it as my overland rig but I just don't have enough power to transport all the stuff. I live in Kentucky, hopefully one day I can join you on a trip/trail. Cheers!

Good info. I’m going to get a new truck or Jeep soon and set it up for weekend trips. I live in upstate ny just south of the adks and would be using my vehicle as a daily commuter also so I’m thinking minimalistic is best. I def can’t see myself driving around w a rooftop tent but would love the convenience of the quick set up.

Very well said enjoyed the video. I hope a lot of people watch this to get the correct definition. Thanks for sharing. Looking forward to more informational videos like this one very well done🎉😊

Hey Matt, just starting to Build my 2022 2Dr Bronco… roof rack and RTT are next on the list.. love the Content and Great Info…keep doing what ya Doing… 👍🏻👍🏻

I really like your videos - I have just bought an Ineos Grenadier Trialmaster in the UK and your videos have inspired me to make it into an overland vehicle to explore Europe. It's an amazing car.

Excellent as always. Question: what's a good resource to find out the difficulty of a trail. Planning a trip out to Death Valley in Dec and will be rolling in a stock WK2 Grand Cherokee Trailhawk w/ Goodyear Kevlar ATs. Certain trails would probably be more suited for a Wrangler, but not sure the best way to find out. Thanks.

Gvwr is considering the lift? Does the lift add Gvwr? I’m assuming it’s mostly a consideration of the frame durability. In the truck world, it’s a combination of frame and suspension/payload capacity.

I went out with friends to some dunes and was the only one who thought about bringing a new container of antifreeze.
I didn't need it, but there was one person out there who brought me beers all night long after I gave it to him!
You don't have to be a rolling toolshed, but carry some common spare fluids and parts that are known to break on your specific rig, i.e. Various Sized Bolts, Cotter Pins, Duct Tape, JB Weld, Ratchet Straps, etc. IFS folks should have a spare CV Axle sealed in plastic and spme extra grease.😊

Hello Matt!
My wife and I love your videos. We’ve been following you and Cara for a while and are patreons as well.
We’re going to start overlanding in Costa Rica soon but we have no idea how to manage the bathroom situation. Can you please make a video on the types of toilets, technologies available, privacy tents, showers, etc.?
Thank you and keep the great videos coming!
Bernal Guillen

Why is the sound biased to the left? Super distracting

Great timing on the video! Just took delivery of my new JT Rubicon last week and have been racking my brain on where to start. This video gave me a little direction...that I probably won't follow because attention span and patience of a toddler! But I will try. Thanks for the great info!

I'm running a 4th Gen Ram 1500 RWD, I'm definitely looking at putting a winch and more recovery points on my ring. I'm running some generic Bed cross bars and a Gen 1 Smitty Built RTT. I love it!

disagree hardshell vs softshell, setup time is about the same,, softshell can fit more bedding, and most softshell have a better overhang that overhands/shelter's the ladder ..

Inspired overland makes a lightweight soft rooftop tent that works just like the hardshell, no difference in ease of setup

You don't need all this stuff people. I use primitive stuff and eat better than mat and sleep just as well

Stock 2 doors jeep sport and a light teardrop to go anywhere without emptying the wallet, it is that easy

We roll with the Ranger Tremor and the Bushwhacker. Good offroad capabilities with a proper low range and good ground clearance with the trailer. 5' bed to bring way too much for a week long adventure. Not doing anything too extreme but getting off the beaten path and running about 15k miles per year with the setup. Appreciate the great content Matt.

I was out running errands and thinking about this some more. It's a weird flex, but I would argue that one way to START building an overlanding rig is with a really solid vehicle-based bug-out bag. Yes, other things are needed, but that would be just basic core minimalist gear that is really a win-win because it will give you basic stuff to sleep, cook, stay warm, etc...but when you want to upgrade to other things you still have the bug-out bag to function as a vehicle-based emergency kit (in your rig or a different vehicle) for actual emergencies. There are a lot of different ways to craft that kit, but it doesn't need to be high end. I've got a Stanley Two-Cup cookset and a basic alcohol stove that work JUST FINE thank you very much. It's maybe not a thing most people would think about, but it's a piece of kit that can live life as an emergency kit beyond life on the trail. And in the unlikely event that something horrific happens and you need to leave your rig (or any other vehicle) for some reason, you'll be safer to walk out prepared.

I’m honesty surprised yours fits in your garage with those tires, that lift, that rack, and that tent 😂. Mine is just on 37’s with a 2” spacer lift and there’s only a couple inches left for the garage door area. I have no rack or anything sticking up above the top of the jeep

Sometimes I miss my crewmax tundra. The room in the bed was amazing. I would carry all the firewood too!

But the sold axel diesel gladiator rubicon is a beast off road!

You hit a lot of great points. People getting into this hobby will learn a lot from this video.

Matt, Being a Power Wagon guy residing in the east, if you aren't afraid of some PA Pinstripes, you would be surprised how tight of trails we operate comfortably on. It's weird. I almost sense my rear fenders to the inch when I am weaving through the trees. Just like you adjusted from the JK/JL to a JT wheel base, the PW is one more level, but they are surprisingly nimble. Add rock rails, off road bumpers on each end and diff guards, these beasts can be much more resilient and workable on tight trails.

How large is ur propane tank and how long will that one last?

Size aspect. That's one of the reasons I like my nearly stock XJ and YJ. They can fit anywhere in the Ouchitas and Ozarks. Usually without even squeezing, through.