Some of the most inspiring vehicles at Overland Expo Mountain West are built by passionate and talented attendees, and the DIY Showcase celebrates the creativity, craftsmanship, and ingenuity of overlanders who have transformed everything from classic military trucks to modern pickups into personalized adventure vehicles. Join us August 21-23, at The Ranch in Loveland, CO to meet the builders, ask questions, and see firsthand how these one-of-a-kind rigs came to life.
2026 DIY Showcase Vehicles
This year’s DIY Showcase features an impressive collection of custom-built adventure vehicles:
- 1998 Land Rover Defender 110 (300Tdi)
- 2023 Toyota Tacoma
- 1990 Stewart & Stevenson M1078
- 2014 Nissan Frontier
- 2024 Ford Transit
- 1997 Chevrolet K3500
- 2007 Freightliner M2
- 2026 Nomad Euphoria XLQ with 2023 Aprilia Tuareg 660
- 1963 Dodge Power Wagon M43 Ambulance
- 1992 Toyota HDJ80 Land Cruiser
- 2003 Stewart & Stevenson M1083 5-Ton 6×6 MTV with DIY Habitat
- 1994 Stewart & Stevenson LMTV M1079
- 2025 UFO 20X
- 2022 Ford Maverick
Featured Builds
1997 Chevrolet K3500
What started as a low-mileage work truck from Spokane has been transformed into an exceptionally refined family expedition vehicle. Builder Levi Palmer shortened the wheelbase by 24 inches, installed a kingpin Dana 60 front axle, 14-bolt rear axle with 5.38 gears, ARB Air Lockers, and 40-inch Milestar Patagonia M/T02 tires before fabricating an aluminum flatbed and custom pop-up camper entirely in-house.
The camper showcases an impressive level of craftsmanship. Levi completed nearly every aspect of the build himself, including the cabinetry, electrical system, sewing, and even the hand-poured black walnut river countertops. Inside, bamboo cabinetry surrounds a fully equipped galley featuring a Dometic refrigerator, dual-burner stove, sink, radiant floor heating, Propex furnace, queen-size HEST mattress, and generous storage throughout. Powered by a 400-watt solar array and 300Ah lithium battery system, this K3500 delivers all the comforts of home while remaining ready for extended off-grid travel with Levi’s wife, young son, and three cattle dogs.
2023 Toyota Tacoma
Built by adaptive overlander Channing Cash, this Tacoma demonstrates that thoughtful design can make overland travel accessible to everyone. Designed specifically for full-time travel while living in a wheelchair, every aspect of the truck and its hard-sided aluminum camper prioritizes independence, efficiency, and real-world functionality rather than unnecessary luxury.
Storage, camp setup, interior layout, and adaptive equipment have all been refined through thousands of miles of travel and firsthand experience. As founder of All Abilities Overland, Channing uses this Tacoma to advocate for greater accessibility in the outdoors while inspiring others to pursue adventure regardless of physical limitations. Visitors will gain valuable insight into adaptive vehicle design and discover how practical solutions can open the door to life on the trail.
1963 Dodge Power Wagon M43 Ambulance
Nicknamed Old Blue, this remarkable 1963 Dodge Power Wagon M43 Ambulance blends military history with modern expedition capability. Builder John Van Vlack began with a retired Air Force ambulance before placing the vintage body onto a 1993 Dodge W250 Cummins 4×4 chassis with an upgraded six-speed manual transmission. The result is a classic-looking overland vehicle capable of comfortably cruising at highway speeds while retaining its unmistakable vintage character.
Nearly every component has been designed and fabricated by John and his wife, Linda. The custom interior features Baltic birch cabinetry, butcher block countertops, insulated walls, a clever rooftop tent conversion that creates standing room inside the camper, diesel heat, solar power, lithium batteries, onboard water storage, and even a custom-built wraparound batwing awning. With countless handcrafted details throughout, Old Blue perfectly embodies the spirit of the DIY Showcase and is guaranteed to attract a crowd everywhere it stops.
2003 Stewart & Stevenson M1083 5-Ton 6×6 MTV with DIY Habitat
Towering above much of this year’s Showcase, Beaufort began life as a military cargo truck before owners Rodger and Cyndee Schneidau transformed it into their full-time home on wheels. Purchased in 2025, the cargo bed was removed and replaced with a custom habitat featuring a steel frame, aluminum exterior, and closed-cell spray foam insulation.
Designed for year-round travel, the habitat includes internal fresh and gray water tanks for freezing temperatures, a queen bed, stainless steel shower, full kitchen with a four-burner stove, expansive countertops, and a powerful electrical system built around an expandable 460Ah lithium battery bank, 1,920 watts of rooftop solar, alternator charging, and shore power capability. Now traveling full time with their dog, Kuki, Rodger and Cyndee welcome visitors to tour Beaufort, exchange ideas, and learn from their experience building and living in one of the most impressive expedition trucks at the event.
Whether you’re planning your first overland build or your next major project, the DIY Showcase remains one of the best places at Overland Expo Mountain West to discover new ideas, learn directly from experienced builders, and see what is possible when creativity meets craftsmanship.
