How to Choose and Overland Adventure Vehicle - Coffee One-Take

Join me at camp in Washington state with my good friend Nate as we talk about some things to consider when buying a vehicle to be used for overlanding.
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[@DirtLifestyle]

Thanks for the great conversation my friend 🙌 It's always a pleasure getting to hit the trails with you

[@bigbear5531]

Love your channel also.. great job to both of you guys

[@chrislotus1976]

Hey Nate I'm currently building a 2021 ford ranger have removed the tub and am building a flatbed with a built in fuel tank in a custom head board canopy with another canopy behind it the extra tank is 100ltr and have also fitted a 75ltr water tank under the tray.

[@scottgephart9749]

So Nate, in a comment on your "CHEAP DIY Off-Road Roof Rack" video for the mini Cooper, you told me that the the Liberty would be coming back to the channel. Is that you ol' Liberty in this video, and you sold it to your brother? If so, it would be cool to see what he does with it.

[@chrisjmiller6]

Interesting discussion...as a photographer we often have a similar discussion about gear, dslr, mirrorless, full-frame. But in the end, the most important thing we can do is just get outside and enjoy our hobbies with the tools we have

[@pmurphy12667]

the best overlanding vehicle is what you have. Get out and enjoy, learn and slowly upgrade along the way to what fits you. 2 of my favorite channels coming together

[@trailrunnah8886]

Yep! I know somebody that recently did a trip through New England and the North Maine Woods in a late-model Ford Explorer. All the local groups would have you thinking that you need a built-up Tacoma, 4Runner, or Land Cruiser to do that type of trip.

[@ezzzyb7469]

I gotta 328i so I’m not gonna get far 😅😂

[@Earlywinters09]

Two of my favorite KZbinrs. Welcome to Washington Brad!

[@justinotherig]

Love that term "rocklander". That is exactly the direction we are going with our '71 J4000 restomod.

[@TrailRecon]

Right on! We love to get out and hit some easy and scenic trails, but when you can also take your vehicle on some technical stuff without worry it just adds to the experience.

[@markgosser9578]

The Glad with cab is my favorite but I love the Ram. Had a 2003 heavy duty and that truck was bulletproof! Drove it for 13 years over 300k, zero problems.

[@ianmburke]

Great honest conversation about rigs! I really appreciate Nate's 'against the grain' approach with the liberty and rover, where most people would just walk away from it or talk trash he actually uses it and shows people that there is room for diversity of rigs on the trail 🙌

[@blackfoot16]

Good to see you two doing a segment together again. Great interactive discussion.

[@Danny_Ruth]

This is a helpful discussion. My wife and I have been having the same one. I’ve had nothing but wranglers for 10 years and love them. I’m wanting a Gladiator. But now that we have 2 kids under 2, and want a third, the Ram just seems to make more sense for the room.

[@marcusalancate1782]

Great discussion to watch! THANKS. Enjoyed all of it!!

[@ms52499]

two of my fav content creators together....awesome

[@lamarwilliams185]

Thanks for this conversation!!!

[@CFairNH]

Awesome video, love these collaborations!! Great topic!! Lots of options!

[@draneldavid4472]

What an awesome collab!!!! Love you guys!!!

[@mark-di5pf]

Love my diesel 17 Land Rover Discovery with TuffAnt off road 18' wheels and AT tires, Warn winch and my Black Bean trailer. Tough enough to overland but a super comfortable ride and night sleep. Many great (memories) days and nights with that combination!

[@sierramantrvlnus]

Yay! Great conversation. Skill level and knowing your level.

[@davidbennett1981]

Thanks to both of you. Great episode that was very informative.

[@MojaveCopy]

So glad to hear these ideas spoken out loud. So true that everyone has different goals for the platform that works in those situations!!! Thanks again.

[@TrailRecon]

Absolutely! There is no one size fits all when it comes to vehicles. Everyone had different requirements for how it will be used. Thanks!

[@fern1493]

Again, as I've said on Dirt Lifestyle's channel, some of my two favorite KZbinrs! And also, thank you on this topic! I just recently took my Mazda 3 out on a trail, albeit an easy trail, up to a point. And with my buddy and my camping gear! Yes, I would love an overlander vehicle that has more capabilities, but at least I was able to get out there camping! It's all about what you can do with the vehicle and where you want to go, and do it! Thank you!

[@paulkimble4548]

Great conversation, great channels, thanks guys

[@brianwadsworth5752]

Great information from two great guys! I love the Bate and Brad episodes!

[@leapinlizard9487]

Great conversation Brad & Nate. I bought my first 4x4 in 1976, a F150 with manual transmission. My wife & I took it on a camping trip up to the White Mountains of northern eastern Arizona. I drove up a really rocky, steep forest road & peaked out at the highest point on the mountain thinking I had really accomplished something only to find a '60's Volkswagen beetle parked also at the top. Took my 1994 F-150 4x4 last year up the notorious backroad from Lake Pleasant to Crown King, My son-in-law & I both have a 2003 Land Rover Discovery. We have made numerous trips in them from Phoenix to Prescott, Payson & Flagstaff areas, as well as Bloody Basin & Table Mesa Roads in our "unreliable" Land Rovers! Proper maintenance, preparation & sensible driving skills go a long ways!

[@purleybaker]

Great video as always.

[@HondaFamily88]

Great topic Brad. Always good content.

[@jeffcombs8237]

Good info. Thx yall. Enjoy the trip

[@LegendsBeware]

Great vid gents. Thanks. 👍🏼

[@joserosario6081]

Thanks for the video learning so much keep up the great work

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you!

[@hughwolfe1176]

Good information, thank you for sharing your thoughts and experience… More of these talks please.

[@STinGa157]

Great video. I have 4 long legged kids plus my wife who all REALLY enjoy camping. When we had to replace our previous family vehicle, a Ford Expedition, I was able to stumble upon a replacement, except this one is 4wd. We target camp sites that are further out than most weekenders are wanting to venture to. No difficult rock crawling, but North GA mountains and creeks and stream are common. We have room for the fridge and I am about to toss on some slightly larger tires. The next step will be a roof rack and I will be completely set (except for the never ending tweaking). Maybe when the older two move out, we can get something more nimble, but for now, the larger vehicle's size and comfort is the best fit. Both of you ... keep up the great videos.

[@memofarias8068]

Great info! I'm new to this and trying to learn as much as I can

[@jeepinwithjulia]

Thanks for this. Looks like a great trip.

[@isacfunboy]

Yes ! Awesome video

[@briandmiles]

This video reminded me of the time that I took our 2006 Honda Odyssey on the Skyline Trail in Central Utah. I was able to go everywhere the 4x4's went. I did pay for it in the end when I had to replace the motor mounts but it was fun anyway.

[@sad754yt]

Thats funny. I had a Pontiac Montana back in the day with AT tires and that thing seemed to go everywhere with no problems.

[@justinotherig]

Loved, loved, loved offroading our Liberty. We miss her a little.

[@chrismirabelli3236]

Great topic hits.

[@ninez5740]

Good stuff! I remember floating around in mud with my 4x2 Ford Explorer that had a truck frame with my son. Fully capable in most situations, but crossing a shallow river bed, got stuck twice in a small hole with mossy rocks. I wasn’t far off-road in my mother in-laws backyard, but making out of so many places, it really gives you a false sense of security.

[@4xlanding272]

Thanks guys. Really good topic

[@uga.d4173]

Excellent and helpful video. Thanks for making it!

[@TrailRecon]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@hemitj]

Awesome discussion video! Thank you. It is a dream to go out west and run those roads and trails!

[@ricomacpherson6845]

Thank you for your insight

[@renevelez9444]

Those are a lot of the things I have considered. In the end you always wind up with some compromise. Great discussion!

[@offroadexcitement0211]

OK BRAD, I'm going NUTS! Can you PLEASE do a walk around of Josh's Al-U-Cab? The Blue Gladiator is the exact vehicle I want. I've been going back and forth between the Al-U-Cab and the 4x4 pop-up that you have. I like the ability to take it on and off. Again, PLEASE give us a look at Josh's rig!

[@TrailRecon]

We will be shooting his walk around this weekend.... walk around in the coming weeks!

[@griffinfamilyadventures2756]

Also please ask him if he’s experienced any undesirable stock front suspension behaviors, or any diesel de-rating during hot/heavy/high operation.

[@ninez5740]

Yes! What’s this fireplace he has on this rig?

[@brenttasa3291]

Great video as always

[@heycoachmoose]

Great discussion

[@shravanjalla2572]

Thanks for all the great info! Appreciate the content and recommendations. Hope to see more content from both of you 👍🏽

[@TrailRecon]

More to come!

[@AsterixmGame]

There is a point where wants and practicality have to connect, you can absolutely get started with your basic awd or even 2wd vehicle, but after a while you’re more invested in the hobby, you’ll need to eventually get into something more practical for the hobby, like a jeep or something 4wd and more capable. I think the best choices to start though are generally good starter friendly vehicles like jeeps and toyotas because they have so much aftermarket support.

[@RDK210]

Great vid. My wife Amy and I just purchased a 2017 Subaru Outback and we outfitted it with the Nomad kitchen and a Thule. Not quite the rockcrawler but we’ve had her(SCOUT17) all over Big Bear on roads we never would have taken our sedans plus just got back from Spirit Lake north of Vernal Utah and had a blast softroading through Ashley National Forest. I say make it happen and get out there with whatever you can do

[@darksideemt]

Great talk and info for people to consider. I just got a 2020 Grand Cherokee Trailhawk yesterday and that is going to be my overlanding vehicle for a few years. My wife has a new JLU Rubicon but we live in different states for a while but we will alternate depending on where we are going once we are living together again.

[@stanleyfurash7929]

Awesome info as usual

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you!

[@marissafinn8379]

Good stuff! A washingtonian here, awesome to see you exploring the state!

[@DonovanGoodwin]

Nates spot on with the reliability comment. So many things I was worried about when buying my Jeep when it came to reliability and I've owned it for over a year and a half and had absolutely zero problems with it so far. And that's just it. As the years go on it's hard to say that reliability hasn't begun to equalize between the manufacturers. A good friend of mine sold his Toyota Tacoma because of just how many problems he had with it, and the I turn around and another friend is super pleased with his Toyotas reliability. It's just not as simple as Toyotas are more reliable than Jeeps or vica versa. And I think that's what is supported by many recent studies but perhaps I'm just mistaken.

[@luisdavila3037]

Great Topics! 👍

[@joekennedy8411]

I love the conversation.!.!.! It hits so close to home, I try to tell people the more/better you wheel on 32’s the more fun it is on 40’s later! And…anyone familiar with Hollister hills SVRA… we went up to Hector Heights for lunch, bunch of Jeep’s on 37’s + …then what pulls up…a Subaru…😂

[@up2top]

Nice video. Great conversation.

[@joseantoniofernandez1492]

Great conversation! As an X-Infantry soldier, now retired, I know the difficulties and suffering, when going out to the woods unprepared. My two cents, particularly when dragging the family along for the fun, it seems to me, rule 1; do not forget anything! Your plan should read like an operation’s order, together with mission essentials and considerations for a safe, secure, fun, round trip. Get in and get out. Just thinking, as I learn from you. Thank you!

[@ExploreUSAMade]

I enjoyed the convo guys, and fun to see you in my home state

[@Garrett.T14]

I always loved your silver jeep so much that I made my own build on that same style! Keep it up Brad!

[@TrailRecon]

Thanks! Will do!

[@J.Young808]

The silver JK is still in the family, one of his sons has it.

[@scottg9208]

Good discussion and for me, its all about where you want to go and then match the rig to be able to go to those places safely and comfortably. I currently have a Ford F350 which carries a Northern Lite 8.11. I am seriously considering a Four Wheel Camper Hawk like you have on your Power Wagon just so I can get a little further back off the trail. But, my Northern Lite sure is comfortable!

[@cedricmurillo6009]

Watching from 🇵🇭

[@snicklefritzd3612]

Dirt lifestyle collab is my favorite!!! So...which is it, gas or diesel?

[@TrailRecon]

Always great to hang out with Nate and we had an amazing time in the Pacific Northwest!

[@jamesconnely5932]

How true our needs change in life so does our overland ingenuity with our rigs and gear to obtain our goals out on the trails. Only answer I have found is to build your rid for your needs and goals.

[@smallnuts2]

I have a 4runner and love it. Only thing is mpg/gas when going on long trips. I get about 280-300 miles on a full tank. It Cost a fortune. I sleep in the back and I'm making a canopy with canopy fittings to make a screen room for my back hatch.

[@peterhoma6385]

Good points , well said , that Tacoma looks sweet can’t wait to see what lift & tire/wheel combo he does to it .......

[@bradshutler9356]

I am going to keep driving my 95 Tacoma XC because it's paid for, reliable, will take me any place I care to go. I've had it for 26 years and have invested a good sum to build it out over the years and can not think of any other 4WD vehicle I would rather have. Now that I"m an O'l Retired Gray Haired Fart I find it difficult to climb in and out of the camper shell to sleep when camping. So I am researching pop up campers and find the costs rather staggering plus the long wait times. Time will tell if I take the plunge and get one as know the comfort level and storage space would be much better. Awesome video y'all!

[@mJramos760]

You guys pretty much covered everything !👍🏻 but at the end of the day it comes down to your needs and wants! I really wanted a 4Runner, Tacoma or jeep JL but didn’t go that route since I need a higher tow capacity and payload ! Ended up with a double cab GMC Sierra 1500 v8 and it gets the job done so easy! Good mpgs on the highway as well on 35’s ! Rides smooth and handles great offroad with fox suspension! And still tows 9k .

[@trailrunnah8886]

The thing about the crossover style vehicle that seems cool is that it will make "easy" trails fun & challenging. In the same way that stuff that's easy for your JLU on 37s would be a challenge for my stockish 4Runner, stuff that's easy for my 4R would be a challenge for these crossovers. So if you don't have good trails near you, you can still go out and have a good time off-roading and work on your basic driving skills. Also, if you have a lot of pavement miles in between, you can't beat the fuel economy that some of them are capable of.

[@brianmuse7215]

I agree I went out the first time to Colorado in a 2004 Jeep TJ. The past 2 weeks. 3 coolers, a tent, sleeping bag, air mattress, cooking gear, and Harley. It was crammed. I have a 2008 F150. I think it’s a lot better for overlanding I’m 600 miles from Colorado. I’m going to trailer the Jeep next time with the pick up.

[@Intentsrig]

I watched a new power wagon have it’s bedsides absolutely trashed on slickrock trail and that was before the new harder section of trail. Lol. He made it out though.

[@JamesFisher92]

so glad to you see you WA and hitting the WABDR! I am excited to see if you do the BDR from canada to mexico when that one is fleshed out (if you decide to do it)

[@roymenke1909]

First! My wife and I love your videos!

[@TrailRecon]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@Nobikedave]

Great video! I love how you two sit and casually talk about stuff. Thoughts on using say …a new Ford Ranger as an overlanding rig?

[@giovanniestribor2735]

I completely agree with overbuilt cause you never know what you’ll need! Few weeks back during that heatwave, a couple buddies and I went to Van Epps in Cle Elum WA, it’s a mild trail. We all have well built wheeler/overlander s but if we didn’t have a winch we wouldn’t have made it! Even though it was dead summer and the hottest point at that, there was still hard pack slushy snow that we had to winch across so for anyone who thinks bare minimum is ok, think again!

[@brianellman]

This was fantastic. watched guys from Nee Zealand. they had a bunch of stuff even battery chain saw. and knowing what to bring for food. :-)

[@campntheback9192]

Truck Camper and Power Wagon my choice of vehicle since the mid 70's. Boondock much of the time. Very versatile for travel or recreation. Just need to be aware of it's size limitations and what trails it can travel.

[@chkwgn460]

We are taking an Amtrak to Washington and renting a Tacoma. Unfortunately I don't have a lot of extra time to explore but I would love to spend a week or two exploring beautiful Washington state. Great video.

[@quintonurl4641]

Love the channel keep up the great work. What chair are you using? My wife and I just got a new Ford Ranger FX4 for our camping/future overlanding adventures.

[@iamblaineful]

As a WA native now living in NorCal for the last 10yrs, a Jeep JT Gladiatior Diesel for my "Rocklanding" vehicle. 6" LIft on 37's, no need to regear makes the diesel a great rig for this application. Mine is a Rubi, so we only occasionally need rear lockers, and its very rare when we are fully locked....the Rubicon Trail is one of the times, Have you tried to steer a fully lock Rubi up switchbacks? It doesn't. A bit of rear locker will get most rigs over 99% of things., including the Rubicon. We have a bed rack, RTT, bumpers, winch, tools, recovery gear, refer, etc...then load it with camping gear. + diesel, she's a heavy girl, and runs what are considered the "hard" trails without any drama. I love my JT, but if it weren't for regular life, I would have bought a JL Wrangler. Homeowners, we need one truck, period. Mine flexes like crazy with a MetalCloak Lift and Evo Offroad 4.5" springs/spacers that are diesel specific. Full tire stuff into the fenders in extreme flex, love it. With long shocks, it droops out a crazy amount, but that is how we run her, hard.

[@DonovanGoodwin]

For me as a weekend warrior my 2 door Jeep jk works so well for me. And yes storage is challenging, but it's a thing that I get to work on and do exactly how I want. For me the amount of aftermarket support it has, for the performance it has, I can't think of any other platform for me. But I do lots of rock crawling(We go to Moab more than once every six months) and wheeling. Camping is in many ways the secondary part of my experience. I ground camp and pack a simple cooler for food. But that's just the spectrum of Off-Roading for you. Are you only wheeling? Are you going on extended trips? Are you young, don't care so much about comfort? Are you older and wanting more creature comforts? To answer the question, what's the best overland vehicle platform? Well that depends on your needs, who you are, and how much your willing to work on you vehicle to make it yours. It's really that simple I think.

[@luchaDor]

I have a small & light SUV. I don't want to do the Rubicon with it, just some backcountry discovery routes. I have a blast because I drive roads that it can do, but also push its capabilities. Its the same principal that is more fun to drive a slow car, fast... I have fun driving a moderately capable vehicle on moderately difficult roads. If it gets too challenging, I turn around and enjoy how far I made it.

[@jamesfisher6480]

Good video. 👍👍👍👍

[@Chad_H]

Welcome to Washington! Glad to see you on the WABDR! Hope you stopped for photos at Bethel Ridge and Lion Rock! Hope you make it up to the North Cascades and the Olympics as well!

[@markdemieville2941]

Love seeing you guys film together! Sounds like I'll be down in San Diego in September to pick up my bronco. Would love to get a chance to say hi to you

[@stevenpricela]

Brad, Now you've got the nice overland vehicle... Four Wheel Campers pop up!!!

[@bobbydecatur4259]

Love this conversation i have a 06 jeep commander i have the 3.7l v6 rwd. its a 7 passengers but with it just being me and my wife i can throw the seats down or take them out and carry 1200lb with the seats in and 1500-1600lb with the seats out mpg 14 city 20 highway i can still tow 3500lb with the added weight but full tow and loaded maybe 7 mpg

[@triot2127]

A component for deciding if you need a winch, traction boards, and other gear is to ask yourself if you are willing to pay the recovery cost if you get stuck without those items. They will all pay for themselves the first time you need them.

[@kiplambel4052]

Great video, Brad! It's ALL about compromise. What do you want to do most, and what can you make work to tick most of the boxes? I started off with a CJ2 and a ground tent many years ago. Now I have a similar FWC Hawk on an F150 4x4. It doesn't go anywhere near the off road trails I did in the CJ, but I'm taking it to Alaska soon, and have taken it to many of the same desert locations you did this spring (Mojave Preserve, Joshua Tree, and Death Valley) although not the hardest trails in DV. It's not a Jeep, but the wife has her shower, and I have a full kitchen and comfortable bed inside. I camp on the trail, AND Walmart parking lots after a 900 mile day, and the 36 gallon tank gives me great range! It makes a great base camp for hiking or fishing trips, and I can pack a lunch and break camp in 15 minutes.

[@TrailRecon]

I love my Jeep and will still be hitting the trails with it, but my Ram and Four Wheel Camper will be used for some of the exact same reasons you mentioned. Safe travels on your Alaska trip!

[@bigslacker666]

Good discssion, the factors are on point. I used to have a JK and an FJC. Both were MORE capable in technical spots than my current Raptor. *BUT* I've got the ability to carry WAY more gear, my range is stupid high (500-600 miles to a 36 gallon tank!), the truck is mega capable as long as things aren't too tight and the COMFORT beats anything else I've been in. For my needs here in the sierra it's a no brainer to stick with a fullsize rig. I may even go bigger at some point with an HD platform and slide in like Brad has!

[@jamesajac4384]

Great video thanks for sharing your thoughts, although I did not hear either one mention the number one factor in my opinion is BUDGET!! My thoughts are get what you can in YOUR BUDGET and make it work the best you can!!

[@jasonscoggins01]

Ty

[@ahhhhhderf1]

Awesome collaboration! Brad, what are your thoughts on the xtreme recon package for the jlu?

[@bajasoobnut]

My experience with my own 03 Jeep Liberty I agree full size is the way to go if it's more than an overnight trip and is the reason why I have a 02 Toyota Sequoia

[@bajasoobnut]

And I found Nate's channel last year because of that crd liberty that was his lol

[@awhipps]

Great conversation! Go with what ya got and evolve. My wife prefers having a house and eating everyday so I have a budget. Right now I drive a T100 and I love it. Do I wish I had a $60k vehicle with $20k in mods, sure. I still have a great time though.

[@mattjaco81]

Love the T100!

[@firebir11]

Very very true

[@Alex_556]

Great discussion, Brad! And welcome to PNW. Seems like we zipped through the Bethel Ridge almost at the same time :) Are you planning to compile the video about this BDR trip?

[@trentslusher317]

I saw you both coming down the hill towards Mazama Campground at Crater Lake a few days ago 👍

[@KA5IVR]

Speaking of Comfort... One of the best upgrades I did to my '06 TJ was to upgrade the Seats. The OEM seats offered almost no support and at the end of the day, you would feel like someone had beat you with a bat. Now, the new seats support and hold you in place. No more beat feeling at the end of the day. Well worth the cost!

[@paulspurlock599]

What seats did you go with?

[@KA5IVR]

@@paulspurlock599 Master Craft. The only complaint is their packing for shipping. One came in damaged and had to send it back and get remade. Would have been fine, if they shipped in good boxing.

[@brucebenson9651]

On PBS, Car Talk was once ask what vehicle to overland from Canada to the tip of South America.... they picked a Land Rover only because in every remote country you can find parts. I would still take a Jeep Wrangler but was a point worth thinking about. I love them both but have owned 10 jeeps and no Land Rovers. Dirt's channel makes me think if I make that trip... ?!?!

[@hussainallawati1]

Hey Brad. great show , can you talk about IFS or solid axle which one is better ?!.

[@marc-andrebenoit5776]

I believe the best 4x4 overlander is the one you can afford. I swap alot, now i ride a 2022 VW taos daily and looking into a Toyota Highlander (1990-2003 models) for overlanding

[@DMH51]

Right now my biggest trouble with my Jeep JLU Rubicon diesel build is trying to get the parts needed to build it out. I have the front and rear AEV bumpers, AEV lights, 10-gallon fuel caddy, Warn winch, AEV lift kit, and wheels. That's all I have currently done for my build.

[@therealtashiro]

Check out the Seattle area as there are new KOA campgrounds going up everyday! 👍🏻

[@mithrandir1313]

I have a 2018 Toyota Tundra... my "Wide Hip'd Girl".... gotta be willing to accept lots of Texas Pin-striping if you off-road a full size truck!! :O