Outfitting An Overlander - What REALLY matters?

[@AllenTullett]

Excellent video. I'm getting sick of seeing overlanders test out compressors and go by which is the quickest, or come out with the most crazy and complicated kitchen setups. You provide practical advice for those who want to travel on a budget, and without screaming money. Thanks

[@TheRoadChoseMe]

Happy to hear it's helpful. I feel exactly the same as you!

[@zanekrempel]

When you don't watch his tire size video and end up with 35-37" tires you'll want a faster compressor.

[@AllenTullett]

@@zanekrempel For the type of overlanding I do I don't need large tyres, but they do look nice :-D

[@RetreatHacker]

My basic smittybilt was cheap, flows a lot of air and has never let me down. Arb dual compressors are hipster shit. ..imo

[@blakebarnett9319]

This concept is common for evaluating US military gear, as well, and is known as "SWaP"--Size, Weight, and Power

[@blakebarnett9319]

If you want a guess for the fourth criterion, then I'd follow the same framework. "SWaP-C" is for "Size, Weight, Power, and Cost" So cost is next, who wants to spend extra money on bigger, bulkier, more complex and difficult to repair frippery when you can keep things simple and reliable for cheaper?

[@TheRoadChoseMe]

Thanks Blake, I'd never heard of that acronym before - and it makes sense we can learn a lot from how the military evaluates gear.

[@NikkiTheOtter]

@@blakebarnett9319 I would also want to add 'How loud is it'. The compressor under the hood maybe not, because you've got the firewall there muffling it. But the fridge, if it kicks on in the middle of the night and wakes you up... (Or if the snorkel makes driving unpleasantly loud...etc...)

[@wolfgangwust5883]

Military version of KISS. Keep it simple, stupid.

[@MikeHerbstUSA]

I figured it was my engineer's background, I'm so glad that others are thinking in terms of size/weight/power/cost tradeoffs when it comes to gear. Great video!

[@TheRoadChoseMe]

.. I'm actually an Engineer too !

[@leightonoc]

This video is right on. Bigger isn’t always the best. Last year I spent six months in my Jeep traveling across North America. I only have a 2dr but I could stock it up with a weeks worth of food and water pretty easily because I was careful with my build. My goal for the build was not having a ton of stuff in the cargo area so I can still take the windows out.

[@hervecai]

4th criteria: how much does it cost ?

[@hervecai]

@@GregDBarber you are right. I should have written quality/price ratio or value for money.

[@thomasmullins1783]

I'm glad there's an "overlander" with a brain. I do local expedition type adventures every now and then here in the central USA and I carry a single compressor, single battery, decent cooler for food, and minimal cooking by stuff, etc.

[@grn9209]

Great video! I agree with all the points and would add another one. Use what you have until it needs replacement. I don’t overland full time,but really enjoy it when I can get away. My small inexpensive fridge, air compressor and pop up tent get the job done👍🏼👏🏼

[@Senki207]

Yees, this! Most overlanding channels on YT always use the same catchphrases like "Always buy from a reputable company!" "Make sure you focus on build quality." "This is something you don't want to cheap out on" and they're talking about something very simple like ditch lights. Spoiler alert, a $20 ditch light does the job just about fine, I don't see a point in spending $400 on ditch lights unless you're livelihood depends on nighttime off roading. If you run a search and rescue company where someone's life can depend on lighting, sure, absolutely, invest in the best gear you can reasonably afford but if you're overlanding and you're gonna be in camp before or maybe just a little after sunset eight nights out of ten, you're better off putting that money in the tank and having a weekend trip where you can learn more and have amazing experiences.

[@WalkingStones]

Glad to see we have the same approach to equipment. I installed in my Land Cruiser 78 a 32l fridge and single quite small air compressor. So far it’s been enough even for 3 people. You don’t have to keep cold all the drinks you carry in the same time. Some of them can wait for their turn in a normal storage.

[@rael6_4wd]

I couldn’t agree more. Weight is probably my most thought about advantage when purchasing a mod for my Jeep.

[@nikola2georgiev]

I would be the last to argue with your reasoning, Dan ! Having traveled in Africa since beginning of the 80s with various 4x4 vehicles (and motorcycles) which were 99% stock and having minimal equipment with me, I can only attest that the overlander needs haven't changed over the years (at least mine didn't). What has drastically changed is .... marketing and business. I have always put main focus on the trip itself, before as after departure, and minimal focus on my vehicle. Thanks for your good advice !

[@johnwalker3263]

Dan, you are definitely killing your chances of sponsorship by the marketers! In an ocean of nonsense you are a wave of logic and common sense! That is exactly why I subscribe and watch your stuff over a lot of the other "overlanders" that are on youtube. I see a lot of rock crawlers with roof top tents on here and on the videos at overland meets and FOR THE LIFE OF ME I DON'T UNDERSTAND THESE PEOPLE! I've always been a believer in doing what makes you happy but I'm not really convinced a vehicle heavily laden with stuff and huge tires can be anything more than a total pain to drive across a state or province, much less a continent. Keep doing what you do, and I hope your successful at it because I need something to watch!

[@TheRoadChoseMe]

Thanks for the feedback, I really appreciate that!

[@billpearlman2783]

You're a practical man, Dan.

[@ReduxGarage]

Once again, excellent advice. So many buying decisions are driven by ego (bigger is better) rather than reason.

[@promenteryrobbins]

Great video as always. Really helpful in the planning and prep of my vehicle. As well as keeping down the weight, how to make sure the weighty items are built-in to the vehicle as low as as possible will be important. Taking only what you need is key as well. So often folk buy all the gadgets and extras, but find after a few weeks of travelling they’ve not used it, and it just takes up space and becomes dead-weight. Hard to get it right first time, but after a few trip, you get to know how to prioritise what is needed and what’s nice to have. Keep the videos coming - really enjoyable.

[@P997C4S]

Excellent insight from someone who has actually been there and done that. Your thoughts are highly credible on here!

[@mugumyapaultheafricannomad9488]

I love your simplicity. The focus is to get adventure not stacking ourselves with stuff. Lovely content Chief

[@TheRoadChoseMe]

Well said!

[@JamesJones-xk9xx]

I think that you make a good point with your 3 criteria. I bought a 60 L dual zone fridge freezer and I regret it! It’s just too big! It’s almost always just me out there camping so I don’t really need that much cold food storage. I would add two more things that really matter. Performance/durability and I mean these as pretty much the same category. Not how fast it works but how well it works and how durable it is. The other category that I think is important is the cost $$$. Great video as always!

[@GATORADDAM]

Every point you made is spot on in this one! But to me I also add quality / durability to the equation. Cheap gear that's likely to fail when you most need it is never a good thing.

[@realplatinum]

I enjoyed the perspective thanks for sharing

[@matthewlockhart3226]

Love your common sense. You're one of a very few guys on youtube that practice what they preach and you preach simplicity. Too many people talk about how a person "must" have a monster truck or military grade machine to go over landing. The fact you've traveled Africa and North America in basically a stock Jeep proves them wrong. I know you've got a couple of books about your travels but do either of them contain info on your Jeep build? I've watched your videos about the build but I'd really like a how-to manual. Thanks for all you do. It's very inspiring!

[@TheRoadChoseMe]

Hi Matt, Thanks for the feedback and kind words. You hit the nail on the head, that's exactly what I'm aiming for. My books don't have huge detail on my Jeeps, because for me it's more about the trip than the vehicle. I have a pretty good list of the build here: theroadchoseme.com/the-jeep Cheers!

[@ramon.eshkar]

Great video , liked the thinking and approach,.

[@jatorresrv]

Your common sense is much appreciated! So is your tact and tone of saying, "Go to hell!" in such a manner we (at least me) look forward to the trip! LOL! Always GREAT info. Thanks for sharing!

[@johnfitzgerald5158]

If you have to run over 45 lbs per tire I suggest getting a double ARB. I have a single ARB for over a decade and had it installed in my last 3 vehicles including the current one. It's been in a Jeep TJ w/ 32" BFG KO2s running at 35 psi all around, it's been in a Chevy Suburban 2500 8.1L w/ 33" BFG KO2s running at 55 psi all around and now in my Ram 2500 Power Wagon which is actually about 2,000 lbs heavier than the Burb but with 37" Toyo Open Country M/T running 45 psi front and 35 psi back. My experience is that it is fine for the Jeep TJ running at 35 psi. The Burb / BFG KO2s I had to run at 55 psi which very much challenged the limits of the single compressor. It would overheat and shut off midway through the 4th tire and would take way too much time (hence additional run time causing too much heat). I would actually pour some water on the compressor to get it restarted in order to finish the last tire. My current vehicle is where I really got to learn how different tires are really constructed differently and need to be run at different PSI given that vehicle weight / tire combo. My previous MTs on this truck I had to run higher pressure. The Toyo MTs I found have a much thicker / stiffer sidewall, and although my truck is much heavier, I actually run pressures much less (validated via chalk test). At 45 psi front / 35 psi rear I feel I am pushing the limits on this truck in terms of run time (due to the fronts needing 45), but it is sufficient enough and not enough justification to invest in a new double given I have a working single. If I didn't have the single already, or for some reason it fails, I would definitely invest in the double for this particular vehicle. I agree for a Jeep Wrangler or similarly weighted vehicle that the double is overkill and unnecessary extra weight and extra cost. Oh, and I think your next discussion point will be cost...because why spend money on something you don't need instead of spending it on actually getting out and traveling.

[@sautoter411]

Very well thought out and put across Rgds steve

[@wolfgangwust5883]

Very sensible advice, as always. Cliffhanger will probably cover price. Smaller fridge and smaller compressor both add to travel range, right?

[@jaredmarley2655]

When I motorcycle toured around South America my "air compressor" was a 70 gram road bicycle pump. It was cheap, tiny, reliable, and didn't need a battery to operate. Well worth the tradeoff of the extra 5 minutes of flat repair time.

[@mugumyapaultheafricannomad9488]

Motorcycle riders impress me because they're more precise on gear and more organized than guys in 4×4

[@manimalworks7424]

Same here, I carried a bicycle pump in my SUV and it worked fine

[@mugumyapaultheafricannomad9488]

@@manimalworks7424 tell me, like you could add pressure in your SUV tyres using that pump? I think I would love this

[@alexander.sollie]

@@mugumyapaultheafricannomad9488 I’ve done it with my Subaru! Bikes tend to take higher PSIs than cars, so it’s actually easy (if time consuming).

[@mugumyapaultheafricannomad9488]

@@alexander.sollie thank you for this information I never knew. Now I have something to checkout this weekend, I'm glad for this information... Simplicity is the deal.

[@amaclach]

Agreed on the ARB single. I have space for a dual, but the single is cheaper, is adequate, draws half the amps, etc, and I use an indeflate, so I have even more time :-) The single will happily reseat the bead on my 33" tires, but I've also reseated 35s with it no dramas

[@TheRoadChoseMe]

That's good to know, I've never tried to reseat a bead with it...

[@bikemexico8070]

The most important part for an overlander vehicle is reliability . . . for the vehicle and all the stuff you will install and take with you... If you go off the beaten track the stuff has to work...

[@jimsnow9183]

Yes, and maintenance cycle requirements.

[@Scratt_Offroad]

Reliability and ease of use.

[@edgallacher9362]

All good points and ones that I use to argue for and against each piece of equipment added. Keep the vids coming. They are great !!

[@TheRoadChoseMe]

Thanks, will do!

[@sar4x474]

Marketing is sometimes the invisible nefarious culprit to the off road enthusiast.

[@richardevans2534]

I am guessing reliability is Number 4. Build it into your vehicle before you go. Recondition your starter motor and alternator before that big trip and not bother carrying those as spares. Great video as always Dan.

[@resolutejku]

Great video as always Dan! Quick point though: a fridge technically doesn't run 24/7, as it only powers on when it needs to bring the temperature back down. I'm looking at the ARB Zero 44L/47Qt for my JKU, and the size and power consumption is what I'm considering.

[@TheRoadChoseMe]

Absolutely, I just meant that it was powered on the entire time. If you look into it, you'll find the Dometic draws less power than the ARB

[@Valhalla.Overland]

Good advice. Your fourth criteria will probably be quality (or price which is often the same) as there are some accessories on which you should not compromise on quality and others where you probably can go cheaper if necessary. I am sure you would have kicked yourself if you had gone cheap on your winch in your last video :-)

[@VideosOffRoad]

Hey Dan. Great video, excellent points! There is one significant advantage to the ARB Dual compressor vs. the ARB Single: If one of the two sides of the dual compressor fails, the other will very often continue to work, albeit at half the air flow. In other words: you get failover redundancy. If the single compressor model fails, you're done, with no working air compressor at all.

[@TheRoadChoseMe]

Interesting point, though a birdie told me ARB are having A LOT of warranty claims on their dual, while the single never has a problem!

[@VideosOffRoad]

@@TheRoadChoseMe Wow! I had not heard that. :-o I have had an ARB twin compressor under my front passenger seat for 2+ years now, no problems. I use it quite often. I wonder if many of the ones failing are under the hood, where heat, dirt and water are much more likely to affect it? Maybe the dual gets hotter than the single and the combined heat is just too much for it? Or maybe only the recent builds are having issues due to a manufacturing change? Hmmm.....

[@kevingoza]

Just read you article in Tread, Nov-Dec 2020! Great piece.

[@TheRoadChoseMe]

Thanks - I'm happy to hear you enjoyed it!

[@oldchicago3216]

Very helpful video thanks 👍🏻

[@TheRoadChoseMe]

No problem 👍

[@stout_tossme7541]

I love this video. My wife and I are rather frugal and minimal in our camping. I take your three things into consideration. I go for quality. How long will it last?

[@mark2073]

No. 4 -- reliabilty!

[@jcblackmon]

Awesome info! It's great to hear perspective that is based on expereince. Loving these infomrative videos, thank you!

[@TheRoadChoseMe]

Glad you like them!

[@zp8462]

Another oh so true video, speaking from experience and having the t-shirt. The 4th, I would venture is buying on impulse, or being influenced by an influencer in buying something without applying your mind - I have a storeroom full of stuff, discarded when common sense kicked in. But beware of inverse also, I have a lot of quality super lightweight gear (hiking), and find that carting it around on corrugations, sharing space in a crate, etc destroy the kit, much harsher in back of overland vehicle than in a backpack, and one tend to be out longer than backpacking, so harsher wear and tear - apply balance, actually, apply your mind, and your series is all about that to me. Great series of videos, when will your book be out?

[@TheRoadChoseMe]

You raise a very good point - lighgweight backpacking gear isn't as durable as "car camping" stuff, so we as overlanders have to pick and choose when we buy from each category! .. I'm aiming to have the book for sale for Christmas!

[@markuffindell]

Thanks Dan, for more sound sensible advice. I am building out an F-150 Supercab 4x4, so with a higher payload and larger volume (with canopy) I hope I’ll be okay with exceeding your limits for your Jeep. 🤨

[@TheRoadChoseMe]

Get back to me when you're done, and let me know how it went exceeding the limits of your vehicle!

[@markuffindell]

@@TheRoadChoseMe Sorry I did not clearly articulate my position. I do NOT intend to exceed my vehicle weight limits, but I am adding heavier components to my vehicle than you did to yours. I am hoping that as I progress with the build I do not run out of room and weight! Keep up the good work.

[@TheRoadChoseMe]

Hey Mark, sorry I wasn't super clear either! I was making a bit of a joke, and saying that you likely WILL run out of payload and space ... because literally *everyone* does. It doesn't matter what vehicle you have, the goldfish will always fill the bowl!

[@markuffindell]

@@TheRoadChoseMe Yes. This is my fear.

[@TheRoadChoseMe]

That's why my advice to you is not to go into this thinking "Ah-ha, I have a bigger vehicle and higher payload than Dan, therefore I can go for bigger/more equipment". Go into this thinking "I have limited payload and storage space, I must be *very* careful with both." That's the path to success.

[@Simon-tg7jg]

Great video Dan and very practical - thank you.Would you have advice on the style of jack you prefer - hi-lift, bottle, exhaust etc...I like the hi-lift for its multiple uses but it is very heavy compared to my bottle jack. Cheers

[@TheRoadChoseMe]

I might do a video on that soon - I have a hi-lift now but I'm looking to change

[@1957blaine]

To me the forth criteria should be reliably

[@L-lp9fl]

As a minimalist it makes absolutely sense. Does a auxiliary air tank do the trick?

[@TheRoadChoseMe]

I've never needed one, and have absolutely no idea why anyone ever would.

[@rsvp6]

I have been following your channel and have really benefited, thx. Question is How many of these things did you figure out before you started your trips?

[@TheRoadChoseMe]

I knew nothing when I began, literally NOTHING. I've just learned it over 10 years of hard lessons, trial and error and keeping my eyes open and asking a ton of questions to anyone I bumped into who is actually driving around the world.

[@mugumyapaultheafricannomad9488]

@@TheRoadChoseMe I'm happy learning from you. I don't know any other channel that has content that's practical like yours Dan... I have watched every single video of yours and it's wealth of information...

[@TheRoadChoseMe]

Thanks! Let me know if there's a topic you want me to cover, or something you're wandering about that I have not talked about yet!

[@brianmason3458]

a very pragmatic approach-thanks

[@TheRoadChoseMe]

You're welcome

[@kevingriffin9170]

not quite sure that you are 100% right about the fridge part.From what I see they are all using around the same amps, plus they "cycle" and are not running all the time. Also, a larger fridge could be used to store that extra water enabling you to stay out longer.Of course, they do take up more space etc. But what do I know? lol

[@TheRoadChoseMe]

To cool more volume, the compressor will have to run for more time, thus consuming more power over a period of time.

[@kevingriffin9170]

@@TheRoadChoseMe however, if the fridge is kept full then the coldness stays? As the food supply diminishes wouldn't it be good if the space was refilled with water etc? Yes my brain works in mysterious ways ;) Some can be used as fridge/freezer combos also, so food for later in the trip can kept for longer and temperature reduced in the freezer section at such a time.

[@TheRoadChoseMe]

The freezer ones use *way* more power, because they have to keep the interior so much colder than ambient. There is no question I'd have to upgrade my battery capacity if I had one.

[@jamesdismoreMain]

Now you tell me. After I bought most of my gear. Timing... Timing Dan. Anybody need a 95 liter Dometic twin freezer fridge? It is just me and I eat out for every meal possible, uh oh...And I just realized this week that my cooler will not open if I have my solar electronics under it in the rear. I think my tortilla just developed a rip. Sadly I buy the biggest and best and think afterwards. Really to be honestw with you, thank you Dan for teaching us how to fish instead of just throwing us a couple fish. I subcribe, literally, to your way of thinking, when I can be mentally stable. Please keep the videos coming. You are inspiring me with every video. I am getting closer to exiting the USA every week. Soon Baja beaches for a test run over the winter. Then Tuktayaktuk and across Canada to Nova Scotia and Labrador next summer. Eventhough it makes sense to drive to Ushaia afterwards. I am shipping my jeep to Africa as soon as the jeep is paid off. I cannot wait to go to Africa and I am honestly afraid that I may not get there soon enough. Yes, Africa! Jessica Hippo, my love, I am coming to you! Thanks again Dan. I would not be doing this if it were not for your Africa videos. I increased my Patreon donation to you. You deserve at least a tank of gas from me each month, but this overlanding stuff is crazy expensive. See you on the road someday soon, I hope. Let all of us know if you attend any events or expos in the coming year and I will drive there to shake your hand. Maybe a fist bump wearing my mask of course. All destinations planned are COVID willing. I am a US citizen and we are not all that smart at times. Herd Immunity anyone? Hopefully the world will be open to us again in the future. Unless Trump is King and then we will attack all of our allies and make our empire bigger. (Please vote Biden everyone.) Eventhough I am personally insane. I believe that sanity is a plus in a ruler. Please turn me over, I think I am burning on this side.

[@TheRoadChoseMe]

Haha, thanks James!

[@mugumyapaultheafricannomad9488]

James, if you come to Africa I would be happy to know. I'm on road for months in row driving 40 African countries and in total I will have covered over 100,000km. From March 2021 I'm doing Ethiopia, Djibouti and Kenya. Afterwards I will do West Africa as I did southern Africa already... I'm ugandan myself from East Africa. If u happen to get your schedule time I would do my best we bump into each other on the road. If u Send me your social media link I would catch up with you and perhaps if luck allows I would be happy to welcome you do a few days expedition with you in any African country here. Great plan James

[@jamesdismoreMain]

@@mugumyapaultheafricannomad9488 Hello MJ, Thank you for the invitation to meet. Sounds very good to me. It is nice to think that not only do I have an entire continent waiting for me to explore, I now have someone to meet for an adventure also. KZbin is the only social media that I frequently use. Are we able to use our KZbin accounts to communicate, perhaps the Discussion tab? I will send you a message in your KZbin Discussion to try. Let me know if you recieve it.

[@johnnychen9897]

You can absolutely do an epic trip without a fridge... if steak dinner with cold beer isn't high on your priority.

[@TheRoadChoseMe]

Absolutely. I drove 40,000 miles from Alaska to Argentina for two years without one!

[@johnwalker3263]

Im not a beer drinker but I have enjoyed many steaks on up to two week trips with my Coleman cooler and frozen water bottles, and the plus side is I don't need two batteries to do it!

[@carlosr.garcia9996]

Hello Dan as always quality themes and points to be discussed. Would you please share a video what kind of overlanding navigation app you use. Thanks ans stay safe!

[@TheRoadChoseMe]

Hi Carlos, absolutely that video is here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pIu1gqV9a8d2ac0

[@Warren_B]

Thanks again for another great video. I have not purchased an air compressor as of yet, but I am considering it for my build. I feel like one of the pushes for dual air compressors are air lockers. But are those even really necessary to overlanding? My 2 door Jeep JK is still pretty much stock, with the exception of the ARB rock rails and 33” BFG KO2 all terrain tires. Recovery ropes, soft shackles, a tire repair kit, tool bag, Maxtraxs, the Outback Trailgaiter and a Coleman stove are the only other things I have. I probably can start an overlanding trip with just those. If I may add a build question to this. I would like to add the ARB front/rear bumpers and a winch. Will I need to upgrade my suspension right away or can I manage until the other heavy items are added? A Gobi roof rack and Goose Gear system are later plans for the Jeep but I don’t want to go any higher than a 2.5” lift. ARB also has a suspension upgrade kit I am looking at, somewhat similar to your AEV kit.

[@TheRoadChoseMe]

You absolutely DON'T need lockers for overlanding. I drove to Argentina without them, and I never wanted them. Get out and use your vehicle, and figure out what kind of exploring you like to do. Same story for the suspension - wait and see how it goes.

[@Warren_B]

@@TheRoadChoseMe 🙏 Many thanks for your advice. I am so glad for people like yourself that can help people like myself in avoiding that overlanding mods rabbit hole.

[@duane4972]

With concept 1; If you are going to use the space, why not get 2 separate air compressors so you have a backup if 1 quits working?

[@TheRoadChoseMe]

... and a backup fridge, and a backup water pump, and a backup starter, alternator and water pump. ..... see my video on EXACTLY why this is a bad idea: kzbin.info/www/bejne/p4O1nqOqdqZsms0

[@manimalworks7424]

Thanks for another great video. Which ARB compressor did you get?

[@4bnewb969]

I think he mentioned is is the ARB ‘single’ on-board. Here in Oz the model code is CKMA12. 👍

[@manimalworks7424]

Thanks

[@SStarwind]

#4: Is it stopping you from actually getting out there and traveling? and/or cost. Same thing

[@eriknyman7210]

Great advice Dan. An off topic question perhaps but..: Wheel alignment? Is that something you bother with while out on the roads? I hear some people recommending doing this after a hard 4x4 session or long trip. Should it be part of the regular 5-10,000 km service? Do you rotate your tyres when you change your oil?

[@TheRoadChoseMe]

I rotate my tires every 10,000kms when I do an oil change. I wouldn't get a wheel alignment unless I had reason to think something was wrong or a replaced something in the suspension/steering. I got one when I got my new Yokohama tires last year, and the alignment place said it was perfect .. the last one before that was before Africa.

[@eriknyman7210]

The Road Chose Me Thanks for the advice mate! You are a breath of fresh air among all the KZbinrs, 4x4 fitment centres and workshops who only try to sell you the biggest and the best, and sometimes I can almost feel tricked into believing that if I don’t have a 50k budget, I shouldn’t be attempting overlanding at all. Your videos and books are great and have inspired me so much! Keep up the good work. Cheers from Tanzania

[@TheRoadChoseMe]

You're very welcome. Keep in mind when I drove from Alaska to Argentina my Jeep cost $5000 and had about $75 worth of modifications! The entire trip for 2 years only cost $27,000 .... so you certainly don't need a 50k budget to be an overlander!

[@gloredon]

Your criteria seem like excellent choices and thought processes. Unfortunately, when using the air compressor as your main example, the space criteria ends up being immaterial. I mean, what else are you using that extra leftover space under the hood for? Nothing. The weight and power aspects of it are dead on. Maybe it would have been a better choice to use the fridge as your primary example, since it absolutely meets all the criteria and also leads into those other aspects you discussed. Great video though. Makes me think about going out and pulling my took boxes from inside RedPool to see what I could eliminate, or reduce numbers (like all the sockets I have on board) or find a smaller, lighter version that works just as well. Even though I am not an overlander, the criteria should be important to me as well. But with today's high being 18F, and tomorrow's being 15F, I think I might wait until later in the week. Keep up the great content. You delivery is one of the best out there, calm, thoughtful, entertaining, and spot on.

[@TheRoadChoseMe]

Actually, the compressor is the perfect example, because the dual won't even fit under the hood! And so I'd have to put it inside where other important stuff is. Obviously too it eats up payload and uses tons more power than the single! Thanks for the kind words!

[@minardml]

I'm thinking the fourth criteria is reliability, which ultimaly affects cost.

[@eddie1v]

Did you add the hood vents yourself?

[@TheRoadChoseMe]

Yep - I cover that in this one kzbin.info/www/bejne/kJ2vfWx-gZ1kp8k

[@jimsnow9183]

While motorcycle camping and touring, I use a 3 litre camelbak for all uses (excluding shower), for one person, for 24 hours. Do you have a formula for your context?

[@guledhirsi4279]

You are very recouse ful man

[@christophermartinez5314]

Awesome

[@thejackofalltravels8267]

Smart

[@LiveOutsideNow]

Cost

[@joetejada5256]

Quality is the fourth.

[@TheRoadChoseMe]

close

[@joetejada5256]

Then it's dependability.

[@spudboy1328]

4th criteria: reliability

[@RobertVinet]

#4. Reliability.

[@TheRoadChoseMe]

Close!

[@bmonck5110]

Great stuff. There is too much “arms race “ commentary from other overland “experts”! If you follow all their advice your truck would be overloaded and cost a fortune and probably be more complex and therefore prone to failure and harder to fix in the bush.

[@TheRoadChoseMe]

That is EXACTLY what I saw at all the overland shows last summer, and it really shocked me.

[@bmonck5110]

@@TheRoadChoseMe I think this is where the divide happens between the majority of people (who are close to home-based travelers , at one end of the money-time equation) and the relatively few overlanders (at the time end of that same equation). Maybe there are just two camps....

[@mugumyapaultheafricannomad9488]

@@TheRoadChoseMe it's why I no longer have interest in all these marketed travel rigs anyway... Just hype. To my needs it's about a functional vehicle to explore. One nugget I got from you Dan that has worked well for me is to put more focus on sleeping area in the rig. Comfortable sleeping is the biggest reward that keeps me never wanting to leave the expeditions

[@TheRoadChoseMe]

Exactly right - there's a huge difference between just tolerating the trip and finally getting sick of it, or having enough comfort you're perfectly happy to keep going and going and going.

[@jeremy8715]

It may not be a race but most no one wants to spend 15-20 minutes airing up tires. Also, most people want the bigger one because they have 35” tires or bigger (me included).

[@TheRoadChoseMe]

It takes my ARB single about 90 seconds to take my 33s from ~22psi to ~40psi. So I spend more time taking off caps and putting them back on and walking around to the four tires than it actually takes the compressor to do it's thing. Total time is less than 10 minutes. Close to 5 if I care to hustle. I aired up a friends 37s a few times. It still wasn't long enough to be any kind of problem.

[@adelarsen9776]

If you don't have a 2 port espresso machine, slide out kitchen and 2000 Amps of Lithium you're just a loser and need to upgrade to be like real over landers. If you're not driving a grand edifice that would make the Taj Mahal blush then you're not spending enough of your kids inheritance. Go max out that credit card and join the team. If you're not lining the pockets of the Chinese trinket makers and filling your vehicle with "Must Have's" then you need to get with the program. If you've not got the latest instant on-demand hot water and NASA Mission Control Centre electrics then you can't go overlanding. You have to stay at home. Call your bank manager and re-finance.

[@erichughes9098]

😎👍

[@christophermartinez5314]

👍👍👍👍👍

[@manzano5620]

Notification gang!!

[@TheRoadChoseMe]

... I know I've made it as a KZbinr when I get this comment on my videos :)

[@robreed8823]

You forgot a rule of the fancy jeepers, is there enough chrome on it to impress everyone!

[@zuesmondo1]

Do you really need it?

[@daveybernard1056]

Good stuff. I bet #4 is reliability.

[@TheRoadChoseMe]

close!