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Overlanding is Dead! Is it? Finally!!
- Thread starter MadMan4BamaNATL
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So....
Anyone going to Overland Expo this weekend at OC fairgrounds?!?
Anyone going to Overland Expo this weekend at OC fairgrounds?!?
I suppose with my rig, there are some snide comments behind my back for sure. I don't care one hoot. It is heavenly. Functional for me and my young boys and gets used, hard, in a wide range of terrain.
That vid was not shot with a GoPro, but the GoPro effect of making the terrain look WAY more chill that it was, is in full effect...
My primary add-ons are just RTT (more on that later), storage system and fridge. These additions are each so fantastic, that I look back on scraping by without them a bit regretfully. All of my buddies who I "overland" with see how quick it is to set up and tear down camp (obviously to get back to some driving) and they are quite envious. It doesn't mean those other trips and rigs and adventures weren't great, they could have just been better and with fewer downsides via basic "creature comforts".
The piece of gear I like to poke fun at myself is the snorkel specifically here in So Cal. Very few water crossings... No rigs that can ford anywhere near those heights anyway. I often hear push back in that the snorkels keep ones intake air cleaner. Yeah right, nonsense.
However, I think @Desertchief got RTTs almost entirely wrong and FACTUALLY so.
His RTT false claims:
Although I certainly do not have a spec of data on it, I also suspect he got it wrong that a large number of folks with heavily built and kitted out OL-ing rigs sold them at a loss and now have instead a simple mostly stock rig and tent camp. Indeed, many have abandoned or reduced their time doing this activity, but I just don't think that is the predominant evolution path.
The next thing he got wrong is that OL-ing rigs suck on the road. Although some OL rigs can indeed do so, many also don't. All it really takes to counter most of a rigs bad behaviors from added weight are springs, shocks and perhaps sway bars. Well and maybe upgraded brake pads... I know I am certainly blessed and maybe spoiled having a Bronco Raptor, but mine, is killer, everywhere; street, high speed "Baja" wheeling and crawling. The Raptor is such a great foundation for a true do it all rig and kind of a game changer in this regard.
Rats, I guess I spend too much time talking about gear here. I'm guilty, I'm an Overlander. I'm not keeping off the trails though.
That vid was not shot with a GoPro, but the GoPro effect of making the terrain look WAY more chill that it was, is in full effect...
My primary add-ons are just RTT (more on that later), storage system and fridge. These additions are each so fantastic, that I look back on scraping by without them a bit regretfully. All of my buddies who I "overland" with see how quick it is to set up and tear down camp (obviously to get back to some driving) and they are quite envious. It doesn't mean those other trips and rigs and adventures weren't great, they could have just been better and with fewer downsides via basic "creature comforts".
Right on bro, similar perspective here.
Yup, same here. Despite being not a total pig, it is a 4 person job to get her down and my garage is not tall enough for the rig itself with the rack, let alone with the tent or for a lifting rig to get the tent off solo.
The piece of gear I like to poke fun at myself is the snorkel specifically here in So Cal. Very few water crossings... No rigs that can ford anywhere near those heights anyway. I often hear push back in that the snorkels keep ones intake air cleaner. Yeah right, nonsense.
However, I think @Desertchief got RTTs almost entirely wrong and FACTUALLY so.
His RTT false claims:
- Not stupidly heavy - plenty in the low 100 lb range. Mine can sleep 4 and only weighs about 150 lb
- A RTT absolutely doesn't "completely ruin your handling". Just plain false. I know from high speed and crawling with mine on multiple rigs. Sure my rig might tip sideways a few degrees sooner than one without, absolutely. But that would come down to driver skill at the bitter end. Mine not only hasn't "ruined" anything but it is barely noticeable.
- They do not destroy your fuel economy, affect mildly, yes.
- They certainly are not annoying to use and are simple to set up in the light or the dark.
Although I certainly do not have a spec of data on it, I also suspect he got it wrong that a large number of folks with heavily built and kitted out OL-ing rigs sold them at a loss and now have instead a simple mostly stock rig and tent camp. Indeed, many have abandoned or reduced their time doing this activity, but I just don't think that is the predominant evolution path.
The next thing he got wrong is that OL-ing rigs suck on the road. Although some OL rigs can indeed do so, many also don't. All it really takes to counter most of a rigs bad behaviors from added weight are springs, shocks and perhaps sway bars. Well and maybe upgraded brake pads... I know I am certainly blessed and maybe spoiled having a Bronco Raptor, but mine, is killer, everywhere; street, high speed "Baja" wheeling and crawling. The Raptor is such a great foundation for a true do it all rig and kind of a game changer in this regard.
Rats, I guess I spend too much time talking about gear here. I'm guilty, I'm an Overlander. I'm not keeping off the trails though.
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Ha, indeed. My "brother in arms", crushing it with RTT in tow. Great picture. GoPro effect I'm sure here again!man, theres a lot of opinions in this thread
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Hammocks all the way!
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If my take on the video is correct, @Desertchief is not referencing people such as you. I believe he is talking about the hordes of people who ran out and bought all the recommended gear and became overlanders overnight because it was the hip thing to do, clogged up the trails for the last few years and have already moved on.
I saw it referred to as "Homeless people cosplaying for rich people" a while back.
Nailed it
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You’re not even who I’m talking about here, but I’m glad you made the whole thing about you lol.I suppose with my rig, there are some snide comments behind my back for sure. I don't care one hoot. It is heavenly. Functional for me and my young boys and gets used, hard, in a wide range of terrain.
That vid was not shot with a GoPro, but the GoPro effect of making the terrain look WAY more chill that it was, is in full effect...
My primary add-ons are just RTT (more on that later), storage system and fridge. These additions are each so fantastic, that I look back on scraping by without them a bit regretfully. All of my buddies who I "overland" with see how quick it is to set up and tear down camp (obviously to get back to some driving) and they are quite envious. It doesn't mean those other trips and rigs and adventures weren't great, they could have just been better and with fewer downsides via basic "creature comforts".
Right on bro, similar perspective here.
Yup, same here. Despite being not a total pig, it is a 4 person job to get her down and my garage is not tall enough for the rig itself with the rack, let alone with the tent or for a lifting rig to get the tent off solo.
The piece of gear I like to poke fun at myself is the snorkel specifically here in So Cal. Very few water crossings... No rigs that can ford anywhere near those heights anyway. I often hear push back in that the snorkels keep ones intake air cleaner. Yeah right, nonsense.
However, I think @Desertchief got RTTs almost entirely wrong and FACTUALLY so.
His RTT false claims:
About the only thing he got right is that climbing down the ladder at night to release some "processed beer", indeed isn't fun.
- Not stupidly heavy - plenty in the low 100 lb range. Mine can sleep 4 and only weighs about 150 lb
- A RTT absolutely doesn't "completely ruin your handling". Just plain false. I know from high speed and crawling with mine on multiple rigs. Sure my rig might tip sideways a few degrees sooner than one without, absolutely. But that would come down to driver skill at the bitter end. Mine not only hasn't "ruined" anything but it is barely noticeable.
- They do not destroy your fuel economy, affect mildly, yes.
- They certainly are not annoying to use and are simple to set up in the light or the dark.
Although I certainly do not have a spec of data on it, I also suspect he got it wrong that a large number of folks with heavily built and kitted out OL-ing rigs sold them at a loss and now have instead a simple mostly stock rig and tent camp. Indeed, many have abandoned or reduced their time doing this activity, but I just don't think that is the predominant evolution path.
The next thing he got wrong is that OL-ing rigs suck on the road. Although some OL rigs can indeed do so, many also don't. All it really takes to counter most of a rigs bad behaviors from added weight are springs, shocks and perhaps sway bars. Well and maybe upgraded brake pads... I know I am certainly blessed and maybe spoiled having a Bronco Raptor, but mine, is killer, everywhere; street, high speed "Baja" wheeling and crawling. The Raptor is such a great foundation for a true do it all rig and kind of a game changer in this regard.
Rats, I guess I spend too much time talking about gear here. I'm guilty, I'm an Overlander. I'm not keeping off the trails though.
I, too, daily drive a Braptor. Even with the Whipple 91 tune, intercooler, and exhaust, the thing is such a pig on my long Baja trips. I have the Tuffy box, a hub tent, fridge, a power tank, recovery bag, and two carry-ons with our clothes. Absolutely hate the way it drives on those trips.
Completely unloaded around town? It’s like a damn Porsche 911 with 37’s on it.
Yeah, I know he wasn't talking about me or types like me. I still have many issues with his "facts".
Yeah, I know I'm not the target. I was using my case in part to refute most of your RTR claims.
Also, the thread is full of folks explaining their likes, dislikes, gear and pet peeves.
Disagree on how the Braptor handles when loaded, even stock.
Also, since I own a 911, have to disagree on that as well. With my real time adjusting F&R sway bars it corners as flat as a race car. The Raptor, great for what it is in terms of pitch and roll for sure, but not even in the same league as a 911.
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Ok maybe I was being a bit hyperbolic with the 911 comparison, but for a 5000lbs SUV with 14” of suspension travel, she boogies when completely empty.
Not I said the catSo....
Anyone going to Overland Expo this weekend at OC fairgrounds?!?
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I will be at the Expo tomorrow. It is right across the street from me, so I could not resist going for the first time.
It is hard to believe the trend has slowed down with all the vehicles waiting in line to get in today.
It is hard to believe the trend has slowed down with all the vehicles waiting in line to get in today.
I've read about half of these 10 pages so far. I promise I will read the rest soon. 
It reminds me of how my son often tells me: "You can make camping as simple or as complicated as you want."
It reminds me of how my son often tells me: "You can make camping as simple or as complicated as you want."
One thing many forget is how during '20 - '23 you had many folks with A LOT of additional income from working at home vs going to the office, sometimes both spouses, which amounted to a ton of personal income savings and with many not wanting to travel on planes or go anywhere, driving and hitting the country became a big trend.
Folks were spending A LOT of money on this hobby IMO like many others that are starting to dry up.
Most of that saved money is gone with return to work, inflation and the economy.
Just my 2c.
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Folks were spending A LOT of money on this hobby IMO like many others that are starting to dry up.
Most of that saved money is gone with return to work, inflation and the economy.
Just my 2c.
Reply
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