There are few modifications that improve a backcountry vehicle like the installation of a proper suspension. The 4Runner, in particular, benefits from increased spring rate and firmer shock valving. One of the great strengths of the North American Spec 4Runner is that it has a legitimate payload, some models having a rating as high as…
TruckHouse Unveils Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro Composite Expedition Truck
TruckHouse BCT Luxury Overland Rig The BCT from TruckHouse is a composite expedition truck built on a Toyota Tacoma TRD PRO chassis. This niche market has traditionally featured full-sized and heavy-duty trucks but the BCT bucks that trend, filling the void of mid-sized expedition vehicles. But just because the BCT is smaller doesn’t mean that…
Featured Vehicle: Torsus Praetorian
Personally, I picture myself white-knuckling the wheel as I smash through a wall of zombies, quickly swerving away from the pavement and bombing down a rutted-out two-track to make my escape into the forest. But to be fair, the Torsus Praetorian was designed to be more than just a post-apocalyptic bug-out vehicle. Its creators have…
Building A Wrangler For Someone Who Gives
These are challenging times, with hardly a week in 2020 passing without a notable disruption to normalcy. However, there are also wonderful joys that have transpired, like reconnecting with family, or the daily acts of kindness and sacrifice from public servants, neighbors, and medical professionals. Recognizing this, our team sought out a small way to…
Classifieds 2013 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road
Are you preparing to go on your first overland adventure? Or, are you a seasoned traveler looking for a previously built ride to take you where you want to go? If you are like me, you have been planning your trip for a while, and if you haven’t built your rig, this 2013 Toyota Tacoma…
Classifieds 2009 F250 Lariat FX4
We all may have customary vehicles we think of when building our first overland rig, but Adam chose a less conventional starter vehicle. Ford separates the Lariat as its luxury model and as an overland vehicle. Who wouldn’t appreciate added style and comfort to their long adventures? This is a comfortable and capable choice that…
The Lexus J201 (Land Cruiser) Project
There are few vehicles on the planet that have earned the respect of a J-Series Land Cruiser. Having toured the Toyota plant in Nagoya, quality was evident at every corner, even the janitor had the power to stop the production line if something was amiss. While most OEM manufacturers have parking lots filled with vehicles…
Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4×4 Brings the Fun
By and large, the modern-day car has become a tool or a fashion accessory, taking us to the grocery store, or the bank, or hauling our family to and from soccer practice. But in this pursuit of functional design, one key element has been neglected: fun. OK, also character. Fortunately, not every vehicle that leaves…
Expedition Portal Classifieds :: 1989 VW Syncro Camper
Modern vehicles certainly have some advantages when it comes to performance, reliability, and available parts. But it’s hard to beat the character of a classic adventure rig, especially the Volkswagen Syncro. The beloved, boxy T3 body style was produced from 1979 to 1991, with production of the 4WD Syncro continuing into 1992 at VW’s Austrian…
The World’s Fastest Production 4WD? The Ram TRX
For those looking to cross the Gobi Desert really fast, look no further than the newly announced 702-horsepower Ram 1500 TRX. (Editor’s Note: Manufacturer’s unedited press release below) All-new 2021 Ram 1500 TRX: Quickest, Fastest and Most Powerful Mass-produced Truck in the World With 702-horsepower 6.2-liter Supercharged HEMI® V-8 Engine 2021 Ram 1500 TRX Engineered…
Featured Vehicle :: Anders’ 2001 Turbo-diesel Cummins Ram 2500
Anders Zway may already be a familiar name to some of you. He’s an ExPo Forum regular who goes by the handle Landman. A couple of months ago, Anders pointed me to the full build thread on the ExPo Forum, where he detailed his experience creating what he has dubbed, the “Puller Project,” named after…
Video of the Week: Rivian R1T Shredding the Trails
If the name Rivian doesn’t mean anything to you yet, do yourself a favor and read up on them right here. But for those of you who have been following along eagerly with the development of their incredibly slick-looking electric vehicles, we’ve got a great video of the week for you. This is the R1T,…
Jeep Ultima :: Building the J8 for Overland Travel
Where do we mount the .50 caliber? Testing and modifying a military Jeep exploration platform.
Nitro Gear’s Restored Trakka Troop Carrier | Feature Vehicle
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in Overland Journal, Summer 2020. All too often, the vehicles we love are eventually lost. Old muscle cars are traded in for more practical sedans or wind up in a ditch, road trip vans succumb to high miles and blown motors, and our trusty camping trucks begin to rust after…
Featured Vehicle :: Brett’s 1992 Toyota Townace A’m Craft Camper
I first crossed paths with action-sports photographer Brett Wilhelm in Driggs, Idaho, back in 2018. I was en route to Victor, Idaho, to run an event, and Brett was making his way south for a photo assignment. We chatted photography over a cup of coffee before going our separate ways. I connected with Brett…
Tom Sheppard Reviews the Suzuki Jimny
This article was originally published in Overland Journal’s Gear 2020 issue. If you find the absurdity of black leather seats scaldingly hot or sticky in summer and dark-slippery-cold in winter; if the advantage of flush, pop-out door handles escapes you; if a line of 10 tiny touchscreen icons has you taking off your gloves, reaching…
The Vagabund Lada Niva :: Drool
The Lada Niva is timeless, pulling the heartstrings of overlanders around the globe. I have seen them in the most remote regions of Russia, Iceland, and even Kyrgyzstan. Essentially, they are the Jeep Eagle of Russia, and they are as cool as hell. Vagabund Moto clearly sees them as legit as well, having recently completed…
Classifieds :: Survivor 1972 Range Rover Classic
Editor’s Note: There are moments in time when something truly special crosses our path. This moment is an all original 1972 survivor Range Rover Classic, available from the second owner. This is the first Range Rover registered in Austria. The age would allow easy import into North America, although European delivery would be a perfect…
Classifieds :: 2008 Ram 2500 Cummins with Fourwheel Camper
For Sale: 2008 Ram 2500 4×4 SLT Regular Cab, 6.7 Cummins Diesel with 2015 FWC Hawk Flatbed Camper Mario from Adventure Trailers is selling his well-built and proven Ram truck for $50,000 firm. It has been in our family since 2015. We built it originally to showcase the FWC Flatbed product for shows. It has…
Feature Vehicle: EarthCruiser Mercedes Benz G-Pro Escape
There is no way around it, the EarthCruiser Mercedes Benz G-Pro Escape is an object of desire. This tightly integrated pop-up camper mated to a Mercedes Benz G Professional chassis has serious off-road capability combined with a refined and compact living space. EarthCruiser Australia Builds A Beast With offices in Bend, Oregon, and New South…