Starting with the venerable 2022 LX600, we’ve outfitted it with the best overlanding gear on the market today including several first-ever overland components for the all-new full-size platform. Stay tuned here as Overland Expo’s staff of seasoned overlanders take the rig on their own adventures throughout the year capturing stories and demonstrating just how good the LX 600 and our ultimate gear is on the trail.
Photos by Nick Jaynes
Thanks to the rise of overlanding, 4×4 trucks and SUVs are more popular than ever before. The handful of factory overland-ready rigs on the market are supported by hundreds of aftermarket parts makers that can transform a capable stock rig into a trail-conquering overland machine.
However, sifting through the virtual sea of parts to find the best, most solid and reliable pieces of equipment can leave your head spinning. After all, just because something looks cool doesn’t mean it’s tough enough to withstand a hundred thousand miles of overlanding.
To cut through the noise, and further inspire novice overlanders to get outfitted, inspired, and out on their own overland journeys, Overland Expo is building its own Ultimate Overland Vehicle.
The Ultimate Overland Vehicle and Trailer were recently auctioned on Bring-A-Trailer with 100% of the proceeds going to the Overland Expo Foundation. Thank you to all who made this possible.
Read the latest coverage of the 2023 Ultimate Overland Vehicle.
Why we chose the 2022 LX600, build gear chronicles and stories from the road.
Overlanding trailers are getting better each year, and for 2023, we picked Off Grid Trailers’ roomy and robust Pando 2.0. It doesn’t look big from the outside, but inside, there’s a queen-sized bed, copious storage space, LED lighting, and more.
Overland Expo’s 2023 Ultimate Vehicle build is based on the new LX600 platform, a luxurious adventure machine in its own right, but made far more capable with a long list of additions, modifications, and enhancements at every level.
We chose the LX600 as our Ultimate Overland Vehicle 2023 because, from our POV, it’s the pinnacle full-size 4×4 SUV on the market today.
Based upon the 2022 LX600, the build is Overland Expo’s vision of the ultimate overland vehicle.
The gear we chose for the Ultimate Overland Vehicle Build and why.
The Kenda Klever R/T was made to conquer rough terrain without sacrificing the ride and comfort of an A/T tire.
The new 23 Zero Armadillo A2 is a rugged, 14 GA, fully welded, Aluminum, 4-season, hard-shell roof-top-tent. It’s uniquely and aerodynamic styled with semi-textured, high-gloss, black, trail-hardened finish ready to deflect low hanging branches or high-speed roadways in all conditions.
The MagnaFlow Overland Series Cat-Back Performance Exhaust System has been specifically built for the adventure-minded driver while maintaining MagnaFlow’s deep signature sound. Incorporating features to enhance both on and off-road activities.
The new five-arm, free-standing, Peregrine 270° Awning is suitable for mounting on most 4WD vehicles and trailers including teardrop trailers with a rear galley.
Off Grid Trailers manufactures all-metal, zero-wood off-road capable, overland camping trailers. As a company, they value high-quality manufacturing, long-term durability, efficient lightweight and serviceable design, as well as environmentally friendly materials.
The Next Generation ARB Summit Bumper muscles up with the most innovative and advanced technology, all while fully integrating with driver assist safety technology.
The ZERO BREEZE portable air conditioners use an industry-leading micro twin-cylinder compressor to allow for #SpotCooling—a 30°F drop in 10 minutes. It provides a comfortable environment for a limited area with less power consumption.
Intensity IQ driving lights are a breakthrough in customizable light control. A unique four-optic design (Super Spot, Spot, Flood and Midrange) is employed to provide virtually an unlimited choice of light beams to suit any road condition.
The Solo Stove Pi Duale is a versatile dual-fuel pizza oven for every backyard, every adventure, every pizza, and every person that values exceptional culinary experiences.
Be prepared for anything with the BoxoUSA Off Road Tool Bag with Tool Roll. Loaded with 80 professional grade tools, each hand selected by enthusiasts and professionals alike, this bag can handle the most common outdoor repairs that they’ll experience.
The OPTIMA YELLOWTOP® DH7 Battery is one of the very few car batteries on the market that is truly dual-use. With premium starting power and impressive cycling capabilities, this heavy-duty battery is also perfect for today’s vehicles that are packed with accessories.
Introducing the LX600 bumper by CBI Offroad, expertly crafted with their signature swing arm design to deliver exceptional rear-end protection. Perfectly engineered to follow the body lines of the vehicle, this bumper will keep you protected no matter what trails you decide to conquer.
Mule Expedition Outfitters is a full-service vehicle outfitter offering some of the most popular overlanding services and products.
The LX600 is the pinnacle of offroad luxury and Prinsu has designed a roof rack to match that title. The Prinsu Roof Rack is precision engineered to fit the LX600 and is the perfect rack to “carry your adventure” wherever you go.
Midland Radio, the leader in two-way radio technology, is transforming communication to help build connection on the trail.
Comeup is proud to announce the new SOLO Series winches available in both 9500 and 12500 ratings. The SOLO is an integrated-style winch, with a control pack that is easily relocatable using the Comeup SOLO Relocation Kits (sold separately).
The fabrication specialists at TOTAL CHAOS pride themselves on manufacturing only the highest quality hand crafted parts. TEAM TC is dedicated to constant innovation.
The award-winning CFX3 45 powered cooler is a reliable must for weekend camping.
The OTK 1450 from Self-Reliance Medical is designed as a portable First Aid Kit with Trauma capabilities for any workplace, overlanding, or hobbies.
Dometic’s Hydration Water Jug lets you easily store and pour the water you need. The volume-maximizing design provides 11L of convenient, safe water supply.
Radflo Suspension Technology is a manufacturer of high-performance custom OE and universal length shock absorbers.
The MAX is an axe-based, multipurpose tool kit designed for fire control, and used as a recovery tool kit in military vehicles for over 25 years. It’s the standard pioneer tool in the Army Humvee, and in its replacement vehicle, the JLTV.
Vision X scene lighting is the perfect way to add lighting to your overland vehicle for increased visibility while navigating difficult terrain or for additional light while setting up camp.
Goose Gear’s Ultimate Chef Package for the is a complete solution for the weekend warrior or the avid overlander.
Victron Energy’s power management components are unmatched in terms of compactness, customization, interconnectivity, monitoring, and efficiency.
Tactical Chair One, based on the original Chair One, is the epitome of comfort and lightweight packability, combined with the strength and durability of the military-inspired line.
Unlock the power of off-road exploration with onX Offroad, the undisputed trailblazer in outdoor adventure. Prepare to revolutionize your wilderness experience with the brand’s game-changing navigation app.
The utilitarian Tactical Table provides superior stability and extra surface space while remaining exceptionally light and packable.
Bring a bold new look to your ride with ICON Alloys Compression wheel. Combining sharp lines, a 12-spoke design, and “ICON-optimized” dimensions, these wheels will increase both the form and function of your mid- and full-size truck, Jeep, or SUV.
We’re building the ultimate overland vehicle in partnership with these great brands.
We’re beginning to look for partners for our 2024 Ultimate Overland Build! Want to get involved? Let us know!
Download our free guide to the overland industry as your year-round resource and start living your adventure.
Photo by Brett Willhelm, Willhelmn Visual Works
Photo by Brett Willhelm
