With hundreds of rigs across the fairgrounds at Overland Expo SoCal this past weekend in Costa Mesa, which also marked the start of the 2026 Overland Expo season, narrowing it down to our picks for the best rigs was no easy task. From meticulously built expedition vehicles to creative, purpose-driven setups, the variety on display highlighted just how diverse the overlanding community has become. While it is tough to name definitive “best” builds, a handful of rigs stood out for their thoughtful design, unique character, and real-world capability. Here are a few of our favorites from the show.
1990 Mitsubishi Montero Short Wheel Base
Haley Guzikowski, known as @805bishi, brought a unique blend of creativity and capability to Overland Expo SoCal with her Mitsubishi Montero, displayed in the Nomad Kitchen Co booth and outfitted with their functional kitchen system. The rig keeps things clean and practical with a 270-degree awning, pop-up tent, and an Iceco fridge powered by Jackery power stations, creating a setup that is ready for extended time on the road without overcomplicating things. Riding on RBP tires and GFX wheels, the build stays true to a simple, capable formula. It is also a Facebook Marketplace find she knew she had to have, and honestly, we do not blame her.
Scott Brady’s Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster
Scott Brady’s Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster, showcased in The Overland Collective booth, stood out for its clean, purpose-built approach paired with a Scout Yoho pop-up camper. Outfitted primarily with factory upgrades, including the snorkel, steel bumpers, integrated winch, and BFG tires, the build leans into capability without unnecessary complexity. A roof-mounted Starlink setup allows Scott to stay connected and work from virtually anywhere, reinforcing the rig’s real-world usability. To support the added load of the camper, he upgraded to Eibach heavy-duty rear springs, increasing capacity by roughly 500 pounds over stock. True to form, the entire setup reflects a less-is-more philosophy, keeping weight down while maximizing efficiency and function for extended travel.
High Desert Scouts International Harvester Scout 800B
The International Harvester Scout 800B built by High Desert Scouts is a standout restomod that blends vintage character with modern performance. Under the hood, an LS3 motor swap brings serious power, complemented by upgrades like power steering, power brakes, and air conditioning for everyday drivability. The build stays true to its roots with original emblems, while adding capability through Bilstein suspension, General Tires, and front and rear e-lockers. Inside, it features Corbeau seats with custom upholstery, updated interior vents, Autometer gauges, and a B&M shifter, all tied together with modern tech and LED lighting. It is a thoughtfully executed build that respects the Scout’s heritage while elevating it for today’s adventures.
READ MORE: Best Gear of Overland Expo SoCal 2026
Cruiser Tech Toyota Land Cruiser FJ45
Built by Cruiser Tech, this 1983 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ45 is a beautifully restored classic that balances timeless design with real overland capability. Finished in a clean baby blue paint that perfectly complements its vintage lines, the truck turns heads while staying true to its roots with the original 2F engine and 4-speed manual transmission. Thoughtful upgrades like Dobinsons suspension and BFGoodrich 285/75R16 tires on Nomad wheels provide dependable off-road performance, while a Front Runner roof rack and Inspired Overland rooftop tent make it ready for extended travel. It is a clean, purpose-driven build that honors the Land Cruiser legacy while standing out in all the right ways.
Truman Motors “The Shorty” 2026 Ford F-450 XLT
Truman Motors’ “The Shorty” is a wild reimagining of a heavy-duty platform, turning a 2026 Ford F-450 XLT into a compact, no-compromise rig. Powered by the 7.3L V8 “Godzilla” engine, the build features a bespoke 122-inch wheelbase paired with a Truman Super Single conversion, giving it a noticeably tighter, more agile stance than you would expect from a truck of this size. A mil-spec suspension with a 2-inch lift and HD Fox 2.5 shocks at all four corners works with massive 44-inch equivalent 365/80R20 tires on DOT-certified 20-inch wheels to deliver serious off-road capability.
The exterior is equally dialed, with a 69-inch Ford OEM pickup bed, heavy-duty front and rear bumpers, and Truman-spec fenders that tie the whole look together. Lighting is handled by a full Baja Designs package, including LP9s up front, LP4s on the A-pillars, Squadron fogs, and Baja Designs S2 Sport lights for brake and reverse, ensuring visibility in any condition. A Warn 16.5TI-S winch adds recovery confidence, while a Kuat IBEX bed rack expands utility for gear and accessories. Inside, a Truman-spec leather interior with custom badging elevates the cabin, rounding out a build that blends brute capability with attention-grabbing design in a surprisingly compact footprint.
Chase Gardner’s AEV Prospector XL
Chase Gardner better known in the community as, Chase.in.point, debuted his latest build at Overland Expo SoCal, turning heads in the GME booth with a clean, purpose-driven AEV Prospector XL setup. The home-built rig pairs an Alu-Cab camper with a full multicam vinyl wrap, giving it a distinctive look that matches its capability. Rolling on massive Toyo Tires Open Country M/Ts in 42×13.5R17, it is built to handle serious terrain while maintaining a cohesive, well-thought-out design.
Inside, Goose Gear components and a Dometic fridge create a functional living space, while an Alu-Cab awning and Baja Designs lighting round out the setup for extended travel. It is a dialed, self-built rig that blends style, utility, and real-world readiness. He mentioned the build is not quite finished yet, but we are looking forward to seeing how it all comes together as it already looks great in its current form.
Chivas Sotelo Four Wheel Campers 2026 Ford F350 SuperCab
Chivas Sotelo’s 2026 Ford F350 SuperCab stood out with a clean, functional setup centered around a Bowen Customs flatbed, finished in a color-matched paint scheme with black rear fenders to mirror the front flares and create a balanced, cohesive look. Topped with a Four Wheel Campers Hawk+ camper, the build is ready for extended travel while maintaining a streamlined profile.
Designed with utility in mind, the flatbed features lower storage boxes, a rear underbed drawer, a massive 28-inch forward garage, and integrated bedside tie-downs, along with Rigid Industries rear lighting. It rides on KMC wheels wrapped in Toyo Tires Open Country R/T Pro, striking a balance between durability and all-terrain performance. Supporting the added weight, Carli Suspension XXHD rear leaf springs help keep everything planted and composed.
Up top, TrailRax’s new modular roof rack for the SuperCab expands cargo capability, while Expedition One bumpers with an XD bull bar add strength and protection. A Smittybilt X20 Gen3 winch with synthetic rope is tucked up front, and lighting is handled by Rigid Industries 360 Series Pro SAE yellow fogs paired with 6-inch amber lights on the center bar. It is a dialed setup that blends everyday utility with serious overland capability.
“Sgt. Gray” Stewart & Stevenson M1079A1 LMTV
Sgt. Gray is a Stewart & Stevenson M1079A1 LMTV owned by Keith and Carrie Knight aka @nomadventures360. It is a purpose-built expedition platform designed to go farther and stay out longer than just about anything else at the show. This isn’t just a build, it’s a fully self-sustained system engineered for extreme overlanding. With 2,600 watts of solar feeding a massive 19.2 kWh Victron lithium battery bank, backed by a 5,000-watt inverter, DC-to-DC alternator charging, and a 3,500-watt generator, the rig is set up to operate off-grid indefinitely.
Water and provisions are just as dialed. A 130-gallon freshwater system, paired with the ability to pull and purify water from natural sources, along with 50 gallons of gray water capacity and a composting toilet, makes long-term travel realistic. Inside, a full-size 12V fridge/freezer and roughly four weeks of dried backup food ensure sustainability in remote environments. With 200 gallons of diesel delivering around a 1,700-mile range, plus an additional 50 gallons of gasoline for the generator and a motorcycle, this LMTV is built for serious, no-limits exploration.
