Overlanding?

[DesertRat]

I looked at that one. It looks awesome but it's like $1200. They have ones for the Tahoe and Suburban too.

I'm currently looking into modifying one of the many racks available for the 4Runner. Prinsu Designs has beautiful racks in many different sizes for the 4Runner for $600-700.

I was jonesing for that rack before I sold my 4runner. Unless they've changed the design (too lazy to look right now), the crossbars were extruded aluminum, side rails were flat metal and angle brackets were used for mounts. I plan to build something similar for my Tahoe when time allows.

 

[DesertRat]

<deleted> accidental double post

 

[Tozan]

I was jonesing for that rack before I sold my 4runner. Unless they've changed the design (too lazy to look right now), the crossbars were extruded aluminum, side rails were flat metal and angle brackets were used for mounts. I plan to build something similar for my Tahoe when time allows.

They are pretty easy to make but, when you weld the angle on be sure to adjust it first because they are not 90 degrees.

 

[swathdiver]

Here's a 2500 built for Overlanding:

https://www.overlandbound.com/forums/threads/2003-chevy-2500-suburban-overland-build.4762/

 

[Neill Campbell]

Wow, that's a lot of words to say absolutely nothing.

Regroup, organize your thoughts, and try to put forth a coherent argument that refutes the points I have brought up ... or at the very least stop misinforming people. Practically no one starts overland builds with these trucks for good reasons.

You think I'm mean to you ... try posting your wisdoms on EP and let's see how that goes for you.

And I'm in AZ all of November ... you're welcome to join us on the 'back way' Phoenix to Crown King rd with your rig. It's a 7ish/10 on the difficulty scale so you should breeze right through it.

You come across as condescending with a narrow view and itching for an internet argument.

 

[soulsea]

Oh thank god, I was worried I was being too subtle.

 

[TroySmith80]

What a dumpster fire. Not sure what soulsea is so upset about, definitely disheartening to see a mod being so combative. The most helpful thing he said was this:
"I really think the reason for most disagreement on this subject is because people are saying different things when they say overlanding."

That much i agree with wholeheartedly.

I couldn't bear to read anymore past that.

Overlanding is such a stupid and misused term, it drives me crazy. Surely we can agree that it is not a word with a narrow and specific definition, anx as such what vehicles are or are not good choices depend on a more specific description of the driver's needs.

Tahoe/yukon/suburban is among the best vehicles for a person who values capacity, comfort, affordability, reliability and mild to moderate off road ability.

If you want something capable of majorly difficult off road trails, you're going to have to spend more money and/or give up on some of those other values, no matter what vehicle you choose.

 

[Doubeleive]

you know a simple little thing like a stock subaru brat will take you to places you never thought possible, a lot of times off-roading (overlanding), (whatever you want to term it as) can come down to simple skill no matter what you are driving.

 

[The_Burban]

Here's a 2500 built for Overlanding:

https://www.overlandbound.com/forums/threads/2003-chevy-2500-suburban-overland-build.4762/

Darn, was hoping 07+. Like to see what's done with the platform.

Still very cool build. Thanks.

 

[Doubeleive]

Darn, was hoping 07+. Like to see what's done with the platform.

Still very cool build. Thanks.

I am of the opinion if you want to build the 07~14 up then like the border patrol units your going to have to cut the bumpers, remove the running boards. then have custom front and rear bumpers fabricated especially if you want a winch setup, then skid plates like the border patrol units, skid plate for the gas tank, then beef up the rest of the drivetrain and suspension, disable the airbags, wont be a rock crawler but could be a fairly capable vehicle. unfortunately there just isn't much out there aftermarket wise for this kind of thing so it's not really cost effective to do. due to wheel base length it might not get to the same places that a cj7 would but it could still be just as fun. who's willing to drop 20-40k and give it shot? lol

 

[Cyclemoe]

Here’s my 06 2500. Gets me where I want to go and back.

 

[The_Burban]

I am of the opinion if you want to build the 07~14 up then like the border patrol units your going to have to cut the bumpers, remove the running boards. then have custom front and rear bumpers fabricated especially if you want a winch setup, then skid plates like the border patrol units, skid plate for the gas tank, then beef up the rest of the drivetrain and suspension, disable the airbags, wont be a rock crawler but could be a fairly capable vehicle. unfortunately there just isn't much out there aftermarket wise for this kind of thing so it's not really cost effective to do. due to wheel base length it might not get to the same places that a cj7 would but it could still be just as fun. who's willing to drop 20-40k and give it shot? lol

@swathdiver he has the cash to do it.. keeps 50k in his stash box

https://www.tahoeyukonforum.com/thr...hhhh-its-a-secret.114214/page-11#post-1378164

Mine is a family hauler. I do like to see what others do with these things especially for extended stays, comfort, overnight accomodations.. things that can apply to a long road trip, keeping the kids and wife comfy, happy...

 

[swathdiver]

@swathdiver he has the cash to do it.. keeps 50k in his stash box

I did, my wife and daughters found it though, empty now. Well, it's got some IOUs in there but they're worthless! LOL

 

[Tozan]

Darn, was hoping 07+. Like to see what's done with the platform.

Still very cool build. Thanks.

Mine is a very capable 2011 and it can be done for less than $20 grand. There are some companies still that build bumpers and winch mounts for these. My airbags are still working and at 175,000 everything is still working fine.

 

[Tozan]

wont be a rock crawler but could be a fairly capable vehicle. unfortunately there just isn't much out there aftermarket wise for this kind of thing so it's not really cost effective to do. due to wheel base length it might not get to the same places that a cj7 would but it could still be just as fun. who's willing to drop 20-40k and give it shot? lol

Skid plates wont be necessary if it isn't going rock crawling. There are companies that make the bumpers.

Who wants to drop $20k.. I did and it works great... This what you can get for less than 20k

 

[swathdiver]

Skid plates wont be necessary if it isn't going rock crawling. There are companies that make the bumpers.

Who wants to drop $20k.. I did and it works great... This what you can get for less than 20k

View attachment 231658

Do you take extra fuel on those trips out into the desert? If so, how much?

 

[Tozan]

Do you take extra fuel on those trips out into the desert? If so, how much?

My last trip was 280 miles and I didn't bother bringing extra fuel. I can carry 10 gallons in my rear rack if needed. I have been thinking about cutting the rear cross member above the spare tire and putting in a new cross member to make room for a 15 to 20 gallon transfer tank back there.

 

[swathdiver]

My last trip was 280 miles and I didn't bother bringing extra fuel. I can carry 10 gallons in my rear rack if needed. I have been thinking about cutting the rear cross member above the spare tire and putting in a new cross member to make room for a 15 to 20 gallon transfer tank back there.

Thanks. I'd be concerned about running out of fuel out there with mine if I drove that much. My Wavian Jerry Cans do not leak or stink up the cab, we can and have carried them inside without issue.

 

[Doubeleive]

Skid plates wont be necessary if it isn't going rock crawling. There are companies that make the bumpers.

Who wants to drop $20k.. I did and it works great... This what you can get for less than 20k

View attachment 231658

what is this under the front end? some kind of lift?

 

[Doubeleive]

Skid plates wont be necessary if it isn't going rock crawling. There are companies that make the bumpers.

Who wants to drop $20k.. I did and it works great... This what you can get for less than 20k

View attachment 231658

lol, I need skid plates just on pavement, I occasionally take out stop signs haha