Where to Start Your Overland Build

[@davep2945]

Number one thing is get out there with what you have a find out who you are and what you really want to do. A modern stock 4x4 pickup can go a heck of a lot more places than most buyers think, especially if you take the time to both learn your truck and learn off road driving. Too many guys are watching YT videos about rigs going places they would never go and doing things they would never do and then deciding, yep, I gotta' build my truck like those guys rigs or else I won't be able to traverse a pothole. So where you actually start is with knowing yourself.

[@OverlandOutfitters]

Great comment, and exactly what I suggest to any customer who comes in asking what they should do first! Doesn't help our sales at all, but hopefully helps people save money and enjoy the outdoors more!

[@halfaron]

Some of the potholes around here are pretty big...

[@AndyNC]

That's true. Not only in the offroad/overland groups... it's in every group. Runners buy gear that they see on professional Ultra Runners and they only take a walk 2-3 times a day in the neighborhood when it's not raining. Guys on bicycles are dressed like their on some famos racetrack. I could go on with every group. Just go out and do your thing. If you notice on some trips that you need an improvement here and there... go for it, but not because someone on a YT Channel said you need to have it.

[@jasongaudreau2075]

I was going to troll but read your comment and decided to be respectful. Truth is if you have the money to begin with…and you already “know yourself” and have been around trucks, rigs, excavators, loaders, dozers, some abrams tanks etc. purchasing the most capable vehicles off the manufacture lots is the best place to start…and not have to modify as the mods will always take away from the vehicle, while adding. A raptor 37, either 3.5 or R, will get 99% of humans 99% of the places they need to go with or without much experience. Also a 392 rubicon or regular rubicon with 35” extreme recon package will do the same. There are purchasable vehicles such as the Local Motors Rally Fighter. And Brenthel sells straight up trophy trucks. I don’t see much need for rock crawling skills as usa in 2023 is fully modernized infrastructure so crossing the rocky mtns and the Appalachian mtns is mostly able to be done in a Prius. Canada and Mexico are available to bug out and I don’t see a need to cross the pacific or Atlantic oceans in any craft by myself. So no need for a transformer. I’m sure Optimus prime has better people to escort, like marky mark or Shia. Both of whom I’d crush if I were him…while opening my doors for Megan fox.

[@jasongaudreau2075]

I laugh whenever I see a taco in town rocking fox 2.5”s with 35”s and a full rack with tent on top. They go camping and tow a trailer!!! I’m betting 50% of those roof top tents will never see more than the owners kids playing in them. And then they go on and on about how much it costs to regear for the 35”s and then it leaves them no power to take off and want an expensive supercharger install. Man, I am so lucky to have a raptor on 37’s with a warranty. Plenty of power in any circumstance and 37” tires stock. I’m going to get a 392 rubi next…or go nuts and build a gladiator hellcat. Just need the drivetrain out of a 392 rubi to slap on the gladiator and a hellcrate motor. That would definitely cost more than the 392 rubi extreme recon with warranty.

[@TwoHeadsBrewing]

Just go! It's absolutely right, and it will let you know what's really necessary in your build. A 2" lift, 33s, and some camping gear and then hit the trails. Also a good idea to bring some friends with capable rides so you can see which setups are the most capable in certain scenarios. Great video!

[@canyonoverland5003]

My wife is not overly fond of camping in the wilderness so my goal in upfitting the truck is making things more comfortable for her. I added a spacious tent, permanently attached privacy enclosure, and fridge, among other things. I waited later to install stuff that I wanted like a front locker and regearing. As Braeden mentioned, all these addons are expensive. Next in line are an aftermarket front bumper and a kickass winch.

[@OverlandOutfitters]

Sounds like you're doing it right!

[@bluemoose1972]

Look into a Hiker trailer 5x9. Midrange .mow that's what I have. Talk about cool camping

[@KayBertoss]

Very good common sense video. Anyone interested in this hobby should watch this first. Amazed at how capable my 2020 DCLB 4x4 Tacoma trail limo is for what I do.

[@ElCasadeCaca]

I don't know how we ever made out before all these modern advancements. I carry a come along in my truck, along with several chains. I've learned throughout my 20 some years of off roading that a second or third vehicle is the wise choice in the long run. My previous truck was a 93 Toyota truck with 31 X 10.50s on it. Best mudding truck I had and it had a 2.4 liter engine. I truly enjoy the videos yall are putting out. It would be interesting to see how yall wouldn't have made out in different situations without the winches and modern advancements. Casa.

[@mahalomydude]

🙌🏼 Thanks Brady!

[@bigblackvenom4440]

I got my truck done by you ... great job!

[@brandonbrown927]

Thanks Braeden! I'm from VI so this video definitely applies to me haha. As someone fairly new to the off-road culture, I've done a bunch of mods to my truck to personalize it but nothing really major in terms of suspension, bumpers, sliders, etc. because I just don't go places that I might need those things; we mainly stick to resources roads and fairly well-travelled trails. I'm not saying they're unnecessary for me because I'm prettyy sure I might need them in the near future (and probably might pull the trigger on some nice sliders soon with BF sales coming up) for some trips I'm planning, but when it comes down to it social media apps really distort your perception of what you think you need vs. what you actually need to participate. I think this video is great at re-aligning your expectations when you fall into the trap of GAS (gear acquisition syndrome).

[@OverlandOutfitters]

The more you get out, the more you'll know what you need! (And the more stuff that will break, so you might as well upgrade!)

[@madcratebuilder]

This is the best advise I've heard from a retail outlet in a long, long time.

[@MattyC007]

Great video. Just get out there. I’ve been reminded just how capable a stick vehicle is while waiting for parts over the past year. That said, the first mods I did were tires, skids and sliders. I can’t wait to get my suspension, bumpers and winch on next week.

[@jgm113]

I just did some crazy shit with my SR5, no lockers. All it's got is a front space lift and 33's. I want a real lift kit, shit's expensive. If I waited until I had all the badass parts I would never get out there.

[@1Troutguy]

If the road look bad, nasty back up, I have a stock JK, I can go to LOTS of places, just now getting heavy duty springs to allow for the extra weight I have, and new shocks to adjust to the 2" lift. All that fancy HIGH priced Suspension are for Serious Rock Crawler guys. Just get out there and have an Adventure.

[@stephaneperron4751]

Just go! Bang on on the order. Great video like always.

[@mahbuddykeith1124]

Just realized you guys are nearby! I’ll go and see you guys sometime.

[@rolandklann6250]

Great Advice Braedon ! We drive an older Stock Ranger truck with 32" Tires Goes a lot of places ! But the best investment we made was taking time to learn from experienced people like 4 Wheel Drive association of BC Training sessions or Overlanding Canada. Chris Walker and his staff are excellent.

[@Reverend1776]

Great list and good order...I have had "learning opportunities" in the journey myself...you know...parts in the shed that have since been removed instead of buying the right thing first (eg. Steps vs. Sliders). New followers need more of these videos!

[@OverlandOutfitters]

I've literally done my suspension 5 different times! Sure wish I had just gone all in to begin with! Hoping to release one of these videos every friday, but might miss a few, we'll see!

[@Reverend1776]

@@OverlandOutfitters I hear you...I have two sets of Kings because I live in a place that has no rebuilds so I have to ship them out. Spend hobby but worth every penny!

[@Kovemaster_69]

In my application I use aluminum. I've got a 6 inch lift on a aluminum f150 so I won't have too much smacking around

[@arlogriggs6652]

My advice start with the engine then armor for everything underneath. Bumper and snorkel are last on the list worrie about being able just to get out first and enjoy your trip.

[@Vaejovis357]

Thanks. Good advice from someone who knows from experience

[@overlandvoyager2780]

I didn't armor first but did add rock sliders before skid plates or bumpers.

[@useryggfdcc]

An extra winch rope is a must. When it breaks.....

[@shawnbrennan7526]

Can’t go wheelin’ without wheels! Definitely picking those first drives a lot of the other choices in your setup.

[@patrickjaquemet9732]

Great video as always, thank you guys for making this!

[@Stuie086]

Love the video and the host!!!

[@photogenetics89]

He's ok I guess.

[@OverlandOutfitters]

[@Jotin8664]

This video was it! Subbing

[@martynevans3315]

Good list... I took my newly purchased, stock 2008, 4x4 4Runner, out with some people. Like swimming, never go out alone if you're just starting out! We went on a couple of seperate day, and night runs over various terrains. Stock, it kept up pretty well, and if I encountered an especially difficult section or got a feeling of deficiency, I took a mental note to figure out what would make things go easier and/or more enjoyable the next time. The first thing I noticed was that taking tires offroad means you'll need to air down and back up again when you're done. Borrowing gear is OK the first couiple of times. People know youre new to it all, especially if you're in a stock vehicle. You don't want to always be, "that guy" though. So, a decent compressor and a good tire gauge was my next purchase. Basically, go out with some knowledgeable people and learn by doing.

[@OverlandOutfitters]

Great comment, this is exactly what I recommend to all of our customers who come in and ask what they should do first. Doesn't lead to a lot of sales, but I would feel too guilty selling something they don't need. I also appreciate you not wanting to be "that guy" having wheeled with that guy several times myself! hahaha

[@martynevans3315]

@@OverlandOutfitters Yeah, being "that guy" more than twice will get you the look! 🙄

[@dudedecent6118]

Braden, love your show. Will be retiring in 2 years and anticipate overlanding pretty much full time. Have had 6 jeeps in my life, but am seriously considering the soon to be released Taco Trail Hunter (your comments?). Will probably go with a six foot bed with a Super Pacific wedge camper. Understand why you state to identify your tire size up-front, but I can't see myself going larger than 35's...the Trail Hunter will supposedly come standard with 33's..is this a big enough difference that I really need to make that decision up-front? Am very concerned about weight as I will likely be adding a frig, bed heater, water storage, shower, canopy, air compressor, winch, etc...the creature comforts. Should I really be concerned about the weight difference between steel and aluminum bumpers, sliders, skid plates, etc.?...as again, supposedly the Trail Hunter will come with Old Man Emu suspension components specifically designed for overlanding.

[@Genosphere]

Wench in the front or back with a good inexpensive pumper on the taco OR a set of good AT tires. From personal experience, wench will save you ass if you go it alone and get stuck.

[@JD83734]

I’ve been in some pretty dumb places with stock old 4wd, all terrain tires, and custom pin stripes paint jobs. Maybe add some dents and rust. That’ll get you most places unless you’re seeking out hard stuff. Going around the obstacle doesn’t sell product

[@djhuff5174]

I think for safety, some communication works be a good idea. Just another tool just incase.

[@photogenetics89]

Finally a new video!! Wickawickawooooow

[@OverlandOutfitters]

about time!

[@danremington8910]

And I really like this video! It’s good advice!

[@Arikaandmarksuperfuntime]

The music kept making me thing things were about to get spicy outta nowhere 😂😂😂 good info tho

[@logipunk]

"just go....." thats all....i wish i could....but hopefully soon

[@chrischeries7151]

I would highly appreciate it if you could get back to me on this question, I have a 2014 sr5 with a lift and tires but a open rear diff, what is my best option to getting a locking rear end on my truck?

[@rhllnm]

Great channel!

[@farookismail6470]

The videos are helpful, great advise

[@mitchellbrown6709]

I mean hell I plan on using a 91 k5 on 35s

[@dewarner12]

This was a really helpful video. I am starting this process with a 2022 Tacoma Trail Edition. It seems like one important first thing to do is install recovery points. Do you have any recommendations for a front recovery point for a Tacoma? All I have been able to find so far is the front recovery point from ARB. Thanks -

[@OverlandOutfitters]

The ARB recovery point is the only one I'm aware of. However I would suggest a lowpro bumper instead, as it will have built in recovery points, as well as the ability to mount a winch and light bar. It could also be jacked off of if needed.

[@dewarner12]

@@OverlandOutfitters Thanks for this reply. I have been researching lowpro bumpers since getting your reply and really like this idea. Of course, I have some questions: 1. Does the additional weight of a lowpro bumper and a winch require some front end suspension enhancement? 2. The requirements for several I looked at require removing the crash bar. Will this create any problems? 3. What do you do about a front license plate that is required here in Maine?

[@thegiant573]

For me 1# is tires. If you can't get there and back it anit no fun.

[@fatfitnessvang299]

I have a 2017 tacoma trd sport. I wish i have money to upgrade my truck 😢

[@marc-andrebenoit5776]

I’m currently building a gen 4 4Runner. I used to wheel with a 2019 pro-4K Nissan Frontier. It was pretty much stock but it was enough. Now, with little me on the way I needed something more spacious. I’m having a hard time choosing the right bumpers for front and rear to keep gas consumption fairly close to stock with less weight on the truck , but I want something good. Any guys here have suggestions? Also I’m in Canada, availability is sometime an issue. 🤷‍♂️

[@brandolifts7928]

I just bought a 2003 nissan frontier. It has an LSD in the rear, obviously it's not as good as a locker but do you think it would be a worthy upgrade?

[@steveg1854]

Do you think there is a significant ride quality difference between load range C vs E tires?

[@markbrodeur5910]

So when your Toyota walk around, you talked about putting your dual battery sat in the passenger side back of your truck and I’ve been considering the same things but I was wondering with yours if they are lithium batteries are a gem? I have two nice odyssey batteries and I really don’t wanna spend the money for lithium batteries but I’d be worried if I put the AGM batteries it wouldn’t be safe in the cab of the truck. I have a 2011 Trd sport double cab long bed any information if we could p.m. somewhere where I can talk to you would be greatly appreciated.

[@timothymcvay7286]

What is your opinion on a great 2012 dodge ram Laramie 4x4 for off roading and camping? It already has a 6in lift..35 tires

[@bluemoose1972]

What would be better a 2023 4x4 Toyota off-road or a 4x4 sport to pull a 1,400 micro hiker trailer on a cross country trip coming out of PA. ??

[@OverlandOutfitters]

They both have the same capacity. The sport is built with aesthetics in mind (colour matched parts, etc), while the offroad has functional upgrades such as a rear locker.

[@DarrenTerhune]

"Just go!" Just go hard till you rip things off and your forced to just upgrade 😂

[@OverlandOutfitters]

Exactly!

[@zapcodeknock4503]

Nice

[@collinwilliams9510]

What about regearing for the bigger tires? Mainly the 33s and 35s

[@OverlandOutfitters]

I mentioned this in my newest video about first five mods. For 33s, regear will help, but isn't completely necessary. For 35's, I would go to 5.29. You can run stock gears, but the truck will be very sluggish

[@collinwilliams9510]

@@OverlandOutfitters thank you for the info! Also, great video!!

[@davidsharp3522]

Somewhere between tires and suspension, gears.

[@OverlandOutfitters]

Good call for sure, though I would just do gears at the same time as lockers, which is #5 on my list. Super important though, and could definitely be done earlier.

[@timothymcvay7286]

What's the best lockers for a 2012 dodge ram Laramie 4x4

[@bluemoose1972]

Like your videos, keep music low😎👌

[@danremington8910]

On board air!

[@OverlandOutfitters]

Definitely a great idea, and could be fit in anywhere on this list!

[@JJABL]

What’s the biggest tires a Toyota 4Runner 8in diff can handle with a regear?

[@OverlandOutfitters]

Depends a lot on how you drive. You can break gears with 33's if you're hard on them. I'm running 37's with my 8" rear end with ARB locker and 4.88's and haven't broken a diff or axle yet.

[@joebuck574]

There’s other very or more capable trucks than Toyotas, I get those are good trucks I love Toyotas , but come on branch out !

[@bluemoose1972]

1,400 lbs.

[@LightInnDmountain]

lol…. Put all the Xmas lights and gadgets on a Tacoma …… then complain about performance 🎭

[@lanesfakis5873]

First, start with a Jeep.