I cant believe the number of people that have picked this up as a hobby. The first time I heard the "overlanding" term was probably 4 or 5 years ago. And until atleast 18 months ago it was still pretty niche. But in the last 12 months especially I can't even fathom how much it has exploded.
It makes me happy seeing more people get out and appreciate this amazing region we live in. But this past summer I was also left me with a number of disappointing moments which made me wish all the stupid people had stayed home. If you do decide to venture out this summer, do so responsibly. That statement comes with a number of factors:
1. Tell people where the fuck you are going. And give them a return date.
2. Have comms (GMRS, HAM, Land Mobile, Cell Booster, SAT Phone, Sat Communicator, etc). Any one of those devices can save your life.
3. Be respectful - this has a lot of aspects to it, like not littering, packing out what you pack in, not being an asshole, etc. But chief among them is just use good judgement.
4. Careful with fire (watch the forestry and government websites, if there is campfire bans stick to them), and just use good judgement around fires.
The list goes on, but I'll try not to get too preachy.
This is my setup from last year:
Looking at a 2008 GMC Sierra (this was my old work truck, so it is equipped with all the flashing lights, and all that jazz). In addition I'm running a Land Mobile radio for all the LAD channels and RR Channels. I also have a HAM Radio for communication with other wheelers or my party. Running a We-Boost cell booster.
Truck itself has a Titan tank which stores over 200L of fuel, and the tool box/tidy tank combo stores another ~300L. Other than that I just bullet proofed the suspension with beefy kryptonite stuff, and Duratracs, and I could get most any place I wanted.
Rack setup was pretty basic, Thule Xportster with a couple rigid scene lights, and a Dog House RTT I've had for a couple years.
Anyone looking at RTT's, stay away from shittybuilt, their tents are junk, my old one barely made it through 3 years. This Dog house tent is marginally more expensive, but way better quality.
I just sold my GMC yesterday. Got a 2017 Ram instead:
Most of the same gear is going to be going on the new truck. But looking to build this one out way further.
This is a Prospector XL, 3" lift, widened fender openings, 40" tires, etc.
I'm looking to build something simillar, except utilizing a Carli Lift kit instead of the AEV lift. But same 40" tires, same fenders, 4.88 gears, Detroit Lockers, etc. This has been in my head for atleast 4 years, but now I'm just saying fuck it and going for it. lol