Outfitting An Overlander - What REALLY, REALLY matters!

[@Chicknontheroad]

Solid advice as always Dan

[@rsvp6]

I have a son who is frugal and innovative when earning a living. He came to me one year when he was 22 and said I am going to Australia for 3 months. Yea sure I said, then he showed me his plane ticket and his 65 litre backpack and he was off in 3 days. Just showed up in country and had adventures for three months before returning. He has since done the same thing in Europe and South America. He is not rich but watches what he spends and is frugal. I mention all of this because of something he told me once when I told him I envied all of his adventures. He told me "Dad there is always time to make money but you can't make more time"

[@TheRoadChoseMe]

Fantastic quote - I love it!

[@Scott___T]

Smart kid! Great he learned that lesson so early.

[@mugumyapaultheafricannomad9488]

What a wonderful kid

[@solooverland3666]

Mike Dolan - You, sir, are parenting right! Well done!

[@mikehagan4320]

Mike Dolan. You have a very Wise Son! My Son has Also Tought me Lessons about Living a Good Life. Best Wishes! M.H.

[@jamesdismoreMain]

Thanks for keeping it real Dan with your "keep your feet on the ground" and "spend your money wisely "advice. Reinforcement of things many of us know or need to know is positively one of the best things to hear from someone we respect. Yes, we all love adventure, but some of us plan too much or just don't think we can overcome the obstacles. For me, it has come down to" how bad do I want to change my life and make it more exciting. Well, pretty bad. I am moving towards the change. Have taken some big steps. Thanks for your inspiration. You are a regular person showing us regular people what is possible. Which for me has made the difference. You are someone like me that is showing me that it is possible. Keep the videos coming Dan! Each $50 not spent is more days out there living the life of adventure.

[@mugumyapaultheafricannomad9488]

I just sent this link to 2 of my friends who asked me why I didn't buy a powerful SUV to drive in my current trip around Africa and their suggestion is a Ford Truck.. however I'm doing this in a 2wd Toyota Haice van that's 1997 model, done 11 countries so far, I will continue in March due to coronavirus break-off... But my reasoning for my choice is entirely 3 things: 1. I had $5000 to spend on a vehicle so I went for this vehicle as it cost me $4500 for everything to buy and also outfit camping gear. 2. I wanted as much space as possible and this vehicle has capacity to carry up to 1000kg of weight but I only carry 350kg so I have it light and get good miles per gallon of diesel. 3. I wanted something I can fix myself and something any local mechanic in the rural roads can fix. That's it. If I had $50,000 to spend on vehicle alone I'd sure choose something different I guess but I couldn't wait until then.. I had to hit the road and it's just more than fun... Again, I can't thank you enough Dan, keep the content flowing

[@TheRoadChoseMe]

It sounds like you made EXACTLY the same choice as me when I did the Alaska-Argentina trip. Going now in a $5k vehicle is SO, SO much better than waiting an unknown number of years (maybe forever?!) to do it in a $50k vehicle. Enjoy the road!

[@NikkiTheOtter]

I will say, I want to adventure, but I have certain requirements for my adventuring that mean I can't really get away with a 2wd van. Some of the places I want to go I legitimately need a 4WD (Or spending hours and hours winching). And a bathroom that is actually enclosed (Because I don't want to try pissing in -20 air). So to that end, I would rather postpone my journey another year to get that 4x4 with a toilet.

[@daveybernard1056]

An extremely important philosophical talk, which should also ring a bell for backpackers. This is exactly the sort of thinking I am engaged in as I consider the Sierra Nevadas for 2021.

[@jobrand7852]

Great advice Dan. We've traveled Southern Africa for a couple of decades and your take on this is spot on. Your original three criteria is correct, power consumption should be part of the budget (add more panels and use lith-ion batteries). Nobody in overlanding gets into the absolute basics as well as you do. Size, weight and budget is every overlanders challenge.

[@tomcaldwell5914]

Dan, you really give us some sound, practical advise. Thanks!!!

[@TheRoadChoseMe]

Glad to help!

[@gloredon]

Dead on. You've got to budget for the adventure. Seeing a lot of your other vids, this was totally expected. Good job Dan.

[@victorbart]

Great tips! You have the correct mindset 😃 I like buying used gear. For example my fridge is the awesome 50L waeco rhd50. Brand new is it 1300 euro and made for the Volvo FH highway truck. I bought it from a truckdriver that got a different truck. I got it for 175 euro! It is 12 and 24volt and when I turn it on directly cold inside. Best thing it is a box with a side door and basket inside. I seen so many top loading fridges on slides in camper builds.....

[@jimstringer1733]

As I've said for decades, build the vehicle you need, not the one you want! That has saved me lots of money over the years! Great video Dan!!

[@TheRoadChoseMe]

Well said!

[@sailorf21]

And with that you boiled it down to the simplest thing... for every $50 you spend on the vehicle (above what is really needed), means one less day out there; living. The same is truth for cruising on a sailboat. THAT was a good really, really matters video.

[@Onward4x4]

Thank you!! Your videos as always are practical, honest and useful! Literally, I watched a video by a person who was talking about a sponsored product who "highly recommended" getting it while admitting it did nothing noticeably different... I so appreciate your videos. Thanks.

[@TheRoadChoseMe]

I have to admit I'm kind of sick of that in our industry, and so that's what I'm working on changing!

[@AndrewBrowner]

youre absolutely right, and id also add that if you take a very basic rig on your first trip and realise any upgrades or orginization in it is temporary youll be much better able to build and organize the vehicle a little bit better after every trip as you learn what works and what doesnt.. trying to build an overlanding rig when youve never done a massive overlanding trip is hard and will be fraught with mistakes aswell, for me and others the offroading aspect is just as important as the traveling aspect, its part of the adventure to go up every interesting side road that catches your eye or travel to some sight or scene that is at the end of a hard trail or just generally push the vehicle and have fun with it, obviously you need to be skilled with a tool pouch in order to do that, dont think you can offroad and have a shop fix everything or youll be stranded and writing 4 figure cheques alot...

[@explorebeyondlimit]

And I'm going to explore Africa in a Dacia Duster. I read your book and now watching some of your videos. Good insights! Thanks =)

[@TheRoadChoseMe]

Have fun!

[@WalkingStones]

I was lucky to have my expedition camper van conversion guy as a very down to earth, practical man experienced in overlanding, so he was always challenging us if we really needed what we mentioned we wanted.

[@stilllearning7439]

Where are you and would be good to know such conversion guy?

[@WalkingStones]

@@stilllearning7439 The Netherlands

[@Venture2Roam]

Great perspective from someone who’s been there, and done that!

[@GATORADDAM]

Balance is the key. Another spot on video!

[@BearPerformance_]

Love your videos! I enjoy them so much you've inspired me to start my own channel! I'll be taking a 4x4 Fiat Panda across Africa! Its gonna be hectic!

[@TheRoadChoseMe]

Awesome, you'll have an amazing time!!

[@P997C4S]

Excellent advice, I could not agree more. Keep sharing your advice given your excellent credibility from a guy who has actually done this.

[@TheRoadChoseMe]

I appreciate that!

[@andyloucks]

Yeah I get that with a lot of things in life. I’ll buy quality stuff and get judged for it, and not buy other stuff at all and then be judged for not buying them. You get judged either way, so you need to pay attention to what you’re actually trying to do. That $50/day is actually a great frame to look through, thanks for that.

[@kiplambel4052]

I'm fortunate enough to be able to afford whatever I want, and intelligent enough to not piss money away on things that won't improve my experience. It's good to see advice discouraging wasteful spending. So many of those "Ultimate Rigs" aren't something I'd enjoy driving. The more kit you carry, the more truck you need, till it's too big to go where you want. Years ago, I was wondering about all those lifted trucks I was seeing in town, but not on the trails. Then I saw one with a personalized license plate that said "2hi2 4x", and that about sums it up. Massive tires and lifts have a place in mud bogs, and *can be* helpful rock crawling, but at a point it just becomes a liability.

[@markuffindell]

Thanks Dan for more solid advice to help us make wise overlanding prep decisions 👍

[@TheRoadChoseMe]

My pleasure!

[@markuffindell]

Would you please share with us how much money you spent on the purchase and outfitting of your Jeep, and how much you spent on the Africa trip. This information will help provide a relationship between pre-trip and trip expenses. Thanks 😊

[@TheRoadChoseMe]

I talk a lot about trip costs in this one - kzbin.info/www/bejne/jpa1ZIakmL-erJI

[@markuffindell]

@@TheRoadChoseMe Great. How about build costs?

[@TheRoadChoseMe]

For Africa I paid $18k for my Jeep when I bought it used, and I spent a bit more than that building it out. For Alaska to Argentina I paid $5k for my Jeep and spent $50 total on modifications. I sold it in Argentina for $5k.

[@blakebarnett9319]

Nailed it! SWaP-C has surfaced as evaluation criteria in the military for a reason.

[@chrisg1234fly]

Making some of those decisions now. Roofrack or no Roofrack. RTT or Ground tent. Cranking battery just died...went for the best i can fit in to replace it. Starts sooo much better!

[@TheRoadChoseMe]

I'm about to film a video about the pros and cons of different sleep setups...

[@adelarsen9776]

I tell you why I really enjoy these videos : Your videos send a big Royal Salute to the grand edifice makers. It puts them in their place - at the bottom of the barrel. Don't you know that you need a Unimog and a dual-port Espresso machine ? You need 1000 Amps of Lithium. You need a big stereo and a new rear axle. Give the bastards the finger !!!!

[@CIAG4PNP]

Great solid advise sir! Thank you!

[@johnfitzgerald5158]

I think I should clarify my comments on the prior vid regarding a single vs double ARB. If you're airing up beyond 45 psi (typically a full size rig), I believe the dual compressor is the right fit. A single will overheat and that leads to the concern of failure or shortened life. That in itself would justify the cost and weight.

[@jbxplores]

Exactly, that's why I travel in an old Volvo. 😄 Thanks for the video!

[@TheRoadChoseMe]

You bet!

[@sleepyshanghaikid]

please advise of bulk list of which equipments shall be necessary for overland, thank you very much

[@overlandsubaruinternationa2378]

serious mat wooooowwwww love your mentality i lurn the hard way when ive bean to australie on a backpacking adventure... this thinking does not apply in overlanding only but in everything you do..... love it love it love it..... it cost me a fortune in OZ. thy called me flash backpacker i lurn trust me .... now small budget and trying to be as best efficient as i could be... good job mat love you chanel and idea i will continue to share you chanel and ideas chear!!!

[@TheRoadChoseMe]

Thanks!

[@flysoutbackadventures]

Good advice. Thats exactly how i do my travels in Oz. And yes, I get similar responses. "Its alright for u. U have no responsibility's and plenty of money". Reality is. I work 72 hr weeks. Spend almost nothing. Save everything else. Then off I go.

[@TheRoadChoseMe]

Exactly!

[@douglansburg4545]

Always great advice,thanks again

[@jacktyler7599]

Dan, I'll vote for you being 'poor but clever'. ;) And I think you'd agree there's a related personal choice to be made WRT purchasing gear: Whenever possible, do the install yourself. We had to pour a lot of money into our stock ketch to make it safely ocean capable but we did almost all the work ourselves. Not only the cheaper option, but when on the hook in a distant port, the second benefit was we knew how the gear was installed, we had the spare ('cause we knew to bring it with us), and we avoided the rabbit hole of finding someone else to do a fix. "$50 vs. another exciting day" Now there's something to paste on the frig door!

[@pedrodiaz4764]

Great advice, as usual. Keep those videos coming!

[@TheRoadChoseMe]

You got it!

[@paulspeakman551]

Prioritizing how you spend your money is a good overall life lesson.

[@jatorresrv]

Addendum: Whether rich and never worked or have to work a day in your life or too poor to shop at The Dollar Store, sharing your experience is much appreciated! Thank you. "Dismiss the triggered so that you can focus on those who VALUE, TRUST, and APPRECIATE your contribution!" (-TheKnittedBrow) While the link listed above, you did not mention your book, "Work less to live your dreams", which is essentially your message here. From someone who read your book, a great common sense financial source in general and the theme here. Again, thanks for sharing.

[@gstt500]

Bravo! Wise words.

[@denishb6587]

Great topic and honest video as always. Do you have list of all your upgrades and equipment?

[@TheRoadChoseMe]

For the Argentina trip, here's everything - theroadchoseme.com/on-the-road For Africa obviously I was doing something more serious, here's that list: theroadchoseme.com/the-jeep

[@RinaldoCaptain]

Really great channel and loads of really great advice! Would you say a 4x4 is a must have for overlanding or could one get by with a 4x2 with diff-lock...obviously one would need to go where the vehicle is capable enough though!

[@TheRoadChoseMe]

Many thousands of people have driven around the world without 4x4. It's not absolutely needed, but as you said it might limit where you can go on some days/sections.

[@RinaldoCaptain]

@@TheRoadChoseMe wow, thanks for the quick reply! I'm South African and stumbled across your channel. Really great content Dan - love that you've been to the Drakensberg! Did you by any chance get to visit Durban or Kruger National Park?

[@TheRoadChoseMe]

I drove around Durban (didn't spend any time) and decided to skip Kruger. Because I was on the continent for 3 years and 35 countries, I had *A LOT* of wildlife experiences without crowds of tourists and without paying too much!

[@cameronwood1994]

A friend of mine, who Dan has also met, drove from Aberdeen in Scotland all the way to Cape Town in her 1958 Morris Minor 1000. If you want to go remote, sure get a 4WD, but in reality it's not necessary. I'm seriously toying with the idea of doing it in a Trabant!

[@black_widow_overland]

Great video. Very good points.

[@sethpage416]

What do you do for general maintenance during your trips? Things like fluid changes, belts, etc?

[@TheRoadChoseMe]

I cover that in my maintenance video here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jYvUgXp5lpuog68 kzbin.info/www/bejne/aaiXoJmnrctoZ6c

[@sethpage416]

@@TheRoadChoseMe Thanks. I saw that when it came out, but forgot all about it.

[@L-lp9fl]

Truth by rich experiences! Thank you.

[@Millsy.g]

Longer term, what’s your plan for when you get to an age where work isn’t an option anymore? Are you still saving for retirement while travelling?

[@TheRoadChoseMe]

I'll do a video on that if you like - it's something I get asked quite a bit.

[@jeremy8715]

Please do that. It’s one the main reason I believe most people don’t do trips like yours. It’s why I haven’t either. I don’t want to retire poor and have work at a store / fast food and live with my future kids / government assisted living. Even worst, homeless.

[@vvk]

@@TheRoadChoseMe Also, if not too personal, how are this long trips affecting your family & love life. I worked the last 15 years for an international organization. A job that required frequent travel overseas and family life ( or for most people even having a family) was, to put it mildly, challenging. So I wonder how you coped with that.

[@TheRoadChoseMe]

I talk a lot about that in both of my books, actually. It is a big problem.

[@Millsy.g]

@@TheRoadChoseMe Would very much like you to touch on this. It's one of the bigger reasons I haven't taken large chunks of time off work. Though I will say caring for family is the bigger one that really can't be fixed without huge sums of money.

[@vvk]

Hi Dan, could you post a list of the best add-ons you have installed on your Jeep? It possible it would be great if you could clarify what was the approximate cost (to buy and and install) all the add-ons.

[@TheRoadChoseMe]

Will do! , thanks for the idea!

[@stout_tossme7541]

YES! This! All-day this! In 2 years I am doing Canada (hopefully making it to Tuk). I go "over landing" with all my quality, but old camping gear. I have no desire to make my 4 runner into a true "overland" vehicle. I buy quality items. My wife and I are frugal. I can not agree more with this video

[@solooverland3666]

You already made the smartest choice w your 4Runner. Enjoy!

[@stout_tossme7541]

@@solooverland3666 I went out with some friends a few days ago for an overnight trail ride. One has a Taco completely built and decked out for "Overlanding" the other has a 4 runner with a 2" lift bigger tires, and a rooftop tent. I kept up with both. I do think I may do a level g kit and a heavier bash plate on the front (and sliders, just to be safe). But that is it. This 4 runner is leaps and bounds better than a few others we drove and have owned.

[@solooverland3666]

@@stout_tossme7541 Glad to hear! Happy trails, have fun!!! 💪🏻

[@yorkchris10]

Labor rates can be lower in places you visit - so you could delay changes until needed. I've been following Les Marioles Trotters and their van "rebuild" .

[@TheRoadChoseMe]

.. the problem with that is quality parts are either extremely expensive, or literally impossible to get. For example outfitting my Jeep in Morocco would have cost 5x what it did in North America in parts alone.

[@yorkchris10]

@@TheRoadChoseMe not much wood in Morocco :) They brought the van with all overlander equipment from France, but they did bodywork from scrap steel and interior re-work from wood supply store in Africa. I think they had extra time due to Covid. They had a problem with one differential that had to be shipped from France.

[@tonyanderson191]

I had this discussion with my wife. She wants to go to all of these incredible places but tells me"we can't afford hotels and going out to eat everyday"my answer? We only need gas money. And now she is on board with sleeping in the car and cooking our food over a Coleman stove.

[@manimalworks7424]

I have been waiting for your great videos!

[@TheRoadChoseMe]

New videos come out every Monday and Thursday!

[@thejackofalltravels8267]

My overlander is changing Every time you speak

[@mikehagan4320]

People think "you are too rich or too poor." Some people need you to fit into a Category to make them Feel Good about Themselves or there Opinions. Best Wishes! M.H

[@TravelinLight303]

The vendors who advertise in OJ or have a booth at the Expo cringe when you post a video about the truths to adventure. It is not about what you bolt on to your rig but the adventure your rig can help you achieve.

[@ReduxGarage]

More great advice. So many decisions, including prioritization, come down to managing one’s ego and self esteem. In our house there are plenty of conversations about experiences vs stuff. Keep ‘em comimg, Dan.

[@SamCarleton]

Something dawned on me towards the end of your video, it’s not all about money. From all I can tell you are single without kids, which is not always the case with folks. When you went around Africa you interviewed other Overlanders, any chance you do more of that of thing? I would love to hear other types of families do it, too😉

[@TheRoadChoseMe]

Absolutely Sam, I aim to do more of that in the future when I'm on the road again!

[@SamCarleton]

​@@TheRoadChoseMe what I was hoping was you might be able to reach out to some of the ones you know and have met now and do it virtually, as I say it now, it sounds like a bad idea, but I am full of bad ideas :) hehehehe

[@christophermartinez5314]

Great videos

[@jeremy8715]

What really matters is the third “really”.

[@Elly_Elly254]

What's your next exposition destination ..from Nairobi kenya

[@TheRoadChoseMe]

Covid has messed up all my plans - so I have a lot of different ideas and dreams, but I don't know what is going to be possible yet!

[@MichaelRoyDuckworth]

This video reminds me of when I heard of a priest say that " There are more since prayers said in a hospital than any church". The same can be said about over landers and those that intend to get to profit from them.

[@AndrewBrowner]

hey i need to travel from NS to ON next week, do you know any specifics on what kind of stops or limitations ill have, other than a quarantine on either end of the trip (not an overlanding trip) from what i gather on the government of canada website is that NB/PEI/NL are the only provinces shutting people down for entry and since im in the atlantic bubble and NB is the only place out of those 3 or the territories that i need to move through i should be good? its all pretty confusing and theres alot of "recommendations" posted rather than rules/laws.. they can take their recommendations and put them you know where as far as im concerned thanks if you can shine any light on hurtles i might need to jump in order to drive from NS to ON and eventually back

[@TheRoadChoseMe]

I'm on the other side of the country, sorry I have no idea at all. Best talk to the relevant authorities there.

[@johnfitzgerald5158]

I guessed right.

[@alanobrien3138]

You can’t have a good overland vehicle without 37 inch mud tires.

[@Yoglawm]

Tag along with a buddy, no gear to buy - just help with the traveling cost. If he doesn't mind that is.

[@ZEROmg13]

....."rich" in experience/fun/adventure/memories.

[@thenoviceoutdoorsman6895]

But I feel like your roof top tent cost over 7 grand.

[@TheRoadChoseMe]

Right. THIS Jeep has a lot of expensive and extensive modifications, because I was doing something so enormous (3 years right around Africa) and because I saved for so many years I was careful to have money for the modifications AND the trip. The one I drove to Argentina had $100 worth of modifications. It cost $5000 and I sold it for $5000 at the end of the trip. At that time I didn't have money for modifications AND the trip so I made the trip a priority above expensive modifications.

[@toddmartinson8357]

Sound advice

[@christophermartinez5314]

✌🏻✌🏻✌🏻✌🏻

[@farmboy5129]

I could afford to take three months off work I can't afford to be without health insurance for three months. Damn US heath care system

[@gumbystown]

I don't know anybody who can take a three-month vacation that doesn't own their own business or is rich

[@TheRoadChoseMe]

Start saving TODAY - something like $100 a month. In two or three years you'll be able to take three months and drive up to Alaska and back. I'm not saying it will be easy, and I'm not saying you will be able to afford it NOW, but it certainly can be done.

[@gumbystown]

@@TheRoadChoseMe I don't know any job that would let you leave for 3 months and you have a job when you get back is what I'm saying.

[@TheRoadChoseMe]

That's why in my last AK Highway video I said the thing you have to do now is start talking to you boss. Go to them and say this is one of your life dreams, and something you really, really want to find a way to make happen. Find a way to negotiate it - maybe not next summer and maybe not the one after, but the one after THAT. Work overtime now, start doing whatever it takes to save the time, or to help your boss realize that you actually CAN make it work for them. And finally, at the end of it all, if you job is not letting you live your dreams even after three years of working on it together and trying to find a solution as a team... then you need to find a job that does. Yes, that will be very hard work too. And it will be worth it. The short answer is if you do nothing, nothing will change.

[@joelletendre1011]

@@gumbystown In Canada, many companies let employees take a leave of absence. Usually up to 6 months every 3 years . Like Dan has mentioned, it is all about priorities. My wife and I take at least one 3-4 week trip every year. People ask us how we afford it. Lets start with cell phones. We have had the same phones for 5-6 years. Same with vehicles. We don't eat out often, we don't have TV, etc etc. The same people that say to us it must be nice, have new phones every year at 100/person/month. New vehicles every couple of years, financed. It's not that hard to save . IF you are a great employee, and the company you work for will not give you a leave of absence, you should have no problem getting another job.

[@eesko2000]

It’s more of a Life Style and a Mindset, - not necessarily a Vacation from a Long Term job, for many people who Overland often , or just Live it, as a Way of Life. - Simplify: possessions and expenditures and financed anything, - scale down , and save , and become Employable with versatility that you can take on the road. And build up a great KZbin channel etc , as a source of Income. 🌲🇨🇦🙏

[@williamhussey1611]

Wow first time ive ever been the first comment. [Edit] In the time it took to wrote this my place was stolen

[@TheRoadChoseMe]

... if I could make your comment the first one, I would! :D Maybe next time

[@nickhuynh6321]

Some day I'll be so rich that I'll just hire someone else to have all those fun adventures for me...

[@hoss6048]

Money one thing...an employer letting three months off another for most, including me. I’d be looking for a different job.

[@TheRoadChoseMe]

Start asking your boss about it now - work towards a plan so it can happen 2 or 3 years from now. If you boss isn't willing to work together to find a workable solution with that much notice, it sounds like you need to work towards firing you boss and finding a better one.

[@andreasgauckler3152]

Well, I can't afford to leave for months simply because my son has to go to school and therefore i have to provide for a home.

[@TheRoadChoseMe]

Yes, absolutely. For many of us it will take years and years of savings, and sacrifices. If you work hard enough for long enough, you should be able to take your son when he is on summer holiday!

[@ML-ws6ce]

maybe you´re to normal ;)

[@Efntodd]

So buy a quality small fridge, quality air compressor and fuel?

[@TheRoadChoseMe]

Haha, or just fuel if you want! When I drove from Alaska to Argentina I didn't have a fridge or compressor, so it's not like you actually *need* them. It's up to you, really.