Scott Brady and Matt Scott introduce a new Overland Journal Podcast series, The Principles of Overlanding, designed to deliver short, detailed deep dives on core topics like payload, border crossings, shipping vehicles, suspension, and build-outs. In this first episode they focus on payload and the risks of overloading, defining key terms including GVWR, payload (GVWR minus factory curb weight), gross combined vehicle weight rating, curb weight, roof load rating, and sprung vs. unsprung weight. They explain how added weight and larger tires compound problems such as reduced braking, handling, cooling capacity, fuel economy, and reliability, and cite SAE J2807 and the Davis Dam test. They also cover ethical, legal, and insurance implications, recommend weighing vehicles, tracking accessory weights, removing unused items, choosing the right vehicle, and using gearing, cooling, brakes, and suspension appropriately, with trailers as an option for families.
Overland Journal Podcast Episode #09
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The Principles of Overlanding
Scott and Matt have introduced an all-new series on their podcast called The Principles of Overlanding. The goal of this series is to elaborate on basic concepts in great detail, drawing on the extensive experience and knowledge of fellow overlanding enthusiasts.
Key areas to be covered include:
- Payload management
- Border crossings and necessary documentation
- Vehicle suspension basics
- Interior build-outs and camping components
- Vehicle selection considerations
Understanding GVWR and Payload
At the core of overlanding is a thorough understanding of vehicle weight management. Overlanders must be acutely aware of their vehicle’s GVWR—a critical metric that signifies the maximum weight a vehicle is rated to handle by the manufacturer.
GVWR is composed of the vehicle’s curb weight—the weight of the vehicle with a full tank of gas and necessary fluids but no passengers or additional cargo—and its payload capacity. Scott and Matt emphasize the importance of staying within these limits to avoid overstressing the vehicle and ensuring a safer journey.
The Importance of Needs Versus Wants
One persistent issue in overlanding is the tendency to pack beyond necessity. Scott and Matt advise overlanders to distill what they truly need versus what they want. Every item contributes to the overall weight, and excessively heavy rigs can lead to reduced performance, increased wear and tear, and potential hazards on the road.
Vehicle Dynamics and Performance
Matt highlights essential dynamics like sprung and unsprung weight, and how modifications such as larger tires can impact a vehicle’s performance. Overland vehicles often face accelerated wear if overburdened, which ironically calls for more repairs and adds further weight due to additional spare parts and tools. Therefore, maintaining an optimal weight balance is crucial not only for safety but for preserving the vehicle’s mechanical integrity.
Legal and Ethical Considerations
The duo also discusses the legal implications of exceeding GVWR. Beyond the risk of performance failures, there are ethical obligations to ensure vehicles can safely maneuver in emergencies. In certain jurisdictions, overloading could lead to penalties or insurance claim denials if an accident occurs.
Optimizing Overlanding Strategy
Beyond vehicle weight management, choosing the right vehicle, understanding axle and suspension upgrades, and ensuring proper braking systems are critical elements that can enhance performance. Overlanders might consider supplements such as trailers to distribute load and maintain the vehicle’s efficiency while exploring the world.
Host Bios:
Scott Brady
Scott Brady is an adventurer, author, and publisher, and the first person in history to cross all seven continents. Brady is executive publisher of the Overland Collective, home to Overland Journal, the Overland Journal Podcast, and expeditionportal.com—the world’s largest vehicle-dependent adventure community. Scott wrote Overlanding 101 (Simon & Schuster) and is currently riding around the world on his BMW GS. He also led Expeditions 7, the first expedition to drive the same vehicle on all seven continents. Brady’s polar crossings include Antarctica and a south–north crossing of the Greenland ice sheet. Scott is a fellow of the Explorers Club and lives in Prescott, Arizona.
Matt Scott
Matt is a leading expert in automotive adventure. He has extensively explored the world’s most remote places by 4WD and is considered an industry authority on overland travel. He is the only American to ever become an editor of a major Australian 4WD publication and has over 15 years of competitive auto racing experience. @mattexplore
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