Fresh food is critical for any extended overland trip and Dometic make some of the best solutions for mobile cooling on the planet. When we started our Ultimate Overland Vehicle Build, we knew we wanted Dometic products on board.
Some times on an overland trip, you want to set up camp for a couple days in one spot and explore the region from your new home base. The perfect satellite rig for that duty is an e-bike. And we chose the QuietKat RidgeRunner.
If you plan to outfit a winch to your overland vehicle or simply want more protection from animal strikes, a winch-ready front bumper is an essential piece of kit. The ARB Winch Bumper is an outback-tested design built to protect your front end and provide a seamless integration for your favorite winch.
If you’re adding solar power to your rig like we did, you’ll need an inverter. We picked Wagan Tech’s Pure Line 2000. All Wagan Tech’s models are RoHS compliant, CE approved, and ETL certified to conform to UL and CSA Standards.
Few additions to your overland vehicle provide protection from extreme conditions more than a snorkel like the ARB Safari Snorkel. Designed to be tough and UV resistant, the Safari Snorkel provides clean and cool air to your vehicle airbox.
Reliable and durable suspension is a key component to ride quality and handling when commuting to the office or going off grid. That’s why we chose the bombproof suspension products from Total Chaos Fabrication for our Toyota 4Runner build.
CBI Offroad’s line of off-road body armor, protection, and rack systems match their motto: “Trail Proven – Adventure Ready!”
Whatever type of adventure you pursue, their off-road body armor will get you there with the style, functionality, and protection you need. CBI Offroad is a company that was founded on principles of quality craftsmanship and impeccable design for off-road vehicles.
We chose CBI Offroad’s 4Runner Swing Arm Rear Bumper and Skid Plates to protect our Ultimate Overland Vehicle Build because we love the styling and high-quality build materials. We know that this bumper and skid plates will protect the 2021 Toyota 4Runner TRD Offroad for years to come. See their full line of body armor and protection for most vehicles on their website.
We threw the 7P 4×4 Recovery Kit into the ultimate overland build because… well…. if it’s good enough for the Camel Trophy veterans, international adventurers, desert diehards, and jungle junkies that make up the 7P Overland crew, it’ll definitely get our 4Runner out of any trouble it can find.
For smooth-as-butter offroad travel, we chose Radflo Suspension Technology shocks – designed to work seamlessly with the Total Chaos 2” Expedition Series Long Travel Kit on the 2021 Toyota 4Runner TRD Offroad.
Born in Australia, REDARC has 40 years of experience in manufacturing off-grid solutions for overlanding vehicles, RVs, and trailers. They make the most rugged, reliable, and innovative battery chargers, 12V management systems and trailer braking products on the market. So there are no limits to where you can go and what you can do.
When you need to power accessories and gadgets during an overland journey, there are few better options than a portable generator. ALP’s next-gen propane generators eliminate most of the issues that plague gasoline generators. ALP propane generators don’t put off noxious fumes, can be stored inside, and require less maintenance.
Unlike some tires on this list, the Destination M/T2s are relatively new, released just a couple of years ago. Maybe that’s why they’re not as prolific in the overlanding community as they should be — they’re too new to be tried and true. Nevertheless, they should be on your list for your next overlanding tire.
Shelter and shade are the most important considerations for any overland vehicle. We went with the Expedition 3.1 Rooftop Tent, Shadow Awn 270º Awning, and Shower Cube from Alu-Cab for sleeping, shade, and hygiene while we’re on the road.
When it comes to performing an advanced winch-assisted recovery, Superwinch is one of the most trusted names in overlanding. When the going gets rough, having Superwinch on board the Ultimate Overland Vehicle will allow us to adventure further in even the most challenging terrain.
Few nameplates are as synonymous with overlanding in the U.S. as the venerable Toyota 4Runner. And there’s a good reason for it. For five generations, this high-riding 4×4 has stayed true to its trucky roots. After all these years, the 4Runner is still built on a ladder frame. It sports a true 4×4 system with two-speed transfer case, solid rear axle, and optional rear e-locker.
We partnered with Mule Expedition Outfitters out of Washington and Oregon to help us build out the 4Runner not only because they are badass builders, but they also share our passion for using premium products.
We wanted to add some modern convenience equipment to our 4Runner build, so our friends at Atlantic British provided the Australian-based Clearview Easy Slide System to ensure ease of access to our Dometic portable refrigerator.
It’s almost winter and whether you’re a year-round overlander in need of some warm camping gear or if you’re simply keen to stock up on gear for those chilly mornings next spring, now is a great time to stock up on warming (i.e. life-saving) gear.
Replacing the stock exhaust isn’t the first modification that most overlanders make, but the Magnaflow Overland Exhaust provides an increase in performance, a better exhaust note, and enhanced departure angle.
Photo by Brett Willhelm