In a world that often feels saturated with six-figure overland vehicles, it’s nice to be reminded that you don’t need to spend a fortune to be part of this community of travelers.
Pro snowboarder Mike Basich, who called an off-grid stone cabin at the summit of California’s Donner Pass home for many years, had the desire for more freedom and the ability to travel. But he was not impressed with the production rigs and big price tags of the overlanding world. “There’s a company that builds out these vans for like $300,000,” he said. “If I’m going to spend that much, I want it to fly.” Of course, he was joking about the flying part. But not about the high price tags, which ultimately inspired him to design and build his own vehicle.
Basich spent approximately $40,000 dollars (and many, many man-hours) turning a Fuso Canter 3.0 diesel cab-over truck into what he calls the “Dream Chaser.” With its unique slide-out kitchen, wood-stove, and bathtub, Mike’s Fuso is a great example of ingenuity and a reminder to stay creative and never underestimate your own abilities.
