Ready to dive into the world of overlanding? Discover essential gear, tips, and upgrades to elevate your adventure with AORC. Get prepared to hit the trails and explore the great outdoors!
All About Overlanding
There’s something magical about getting off the grid and immersing yourself in the great outdoors. Away from the hustle and bustle, where cell signals vanish and the internet feels like a distant memory, you can truly unplug and soak up all that nature has to offer. But to embark on your adventure, you’ll want to gear up! Here at American Off-Road Customs (AORC), we’ve got everything you need to get prepped for your journey.
To really embrace the spirit of overlanding, starting from the ground up is key. Tires should be your first stop. As we mentioned in our previous post, Choosing The Right Tire, we’ve got tips on what to look for and the awesome options available at AORC. In short, if you’re a weekend warrior or doing some light off-roading, all-terrain tires are your best bet. If you’re going all-in on off-roading, mud-terrains are the way to go. And for those of you who find yourselves somewhere in between, hybrids might just be the perfect fit. Plus, don’t forget about securing those new tires with some stylish beadlock wheels from brands like Method, ICON Alloys, and more!
Let’s Talk Suspension!
Once you’ve nailed down the tires, it’s time to focus on your suspension. Your budget will play a big role here, but we highly recommend checking out coilover shocks as a fantastic starting point. Today’s coilovers come equipped with compression and rebound adjustment knobs, letting you fine-tune your ride comfort like a pro! This is super important when tackling various terrain types at different speeds. Brands like ICON, Bilstein, and King can elevate your ride to the next level. Some companies, like FOX and SDi, even offer electronic shocks that adapt instantly to the terrain—how cool is that?
Storage Solutions
Now that you’ve got your tires and suspension sorted, let’s talk storage! This is where you can really deck out your vehicle for those longer trips, and having a roof or bed rack can make all the difference.
No matter if you’re rocking a Jeep, Truck, Toyota, or Bronco, installing a rack is essential for managing your cargo. Companies like Overland Vehicle Systems (OVS), All Pro Off Road, and Body Armor 4×4 have racks that fit a variety of makes and models. A solid setup should include support bars and accessory mounts for things like spare fuel jugs and tools.
Don’t Forget the Rooftop Tent!
And let’s not forget the rooftop tent (RTT), a staple for any overlanding vehicle! Made from high-grade, lightweight, and waterproof materials, these tents ensure you stay comfy and cozy in the great outdoors. OVS offers fantastic options like their Nomadic and Bushveld product lines, and you can also check out Sky Ridge by Body Armor 4×4 and SkyRise by Yakima.
A big part of overlanding is self-reliance, which means being prepared to provide for yourself, whether it’s the basics or a few extra comforts. GPS devices like the Garmin Tread XL are perfect for every adventure, offering high-resolution images and satellite-supported navigation to keep you on track. And if you ever find yourself in a tight spot, having recovery gear like Warn’s Zeon winch line and Mk. II recovery boards from MaxTrax will ensure you’re always ready to roll!
Kitchen on the Go!
Speaking of comfort, you’ll love the fantastic upgrades available for truck beds and cabin interiors. Check out ARB 4×4 for their popular fridge-freezers like the Zero and Classic Series II. These pair beautifully with fold-out kitchen sets like OVS’s Komodo camp kitchen and the CP Duty 39-piece kitchen glamping system. These durable yet compact setups take up minimal space while offering full kitchen features, including stovetops, grills, and kitchenware storage.
Overlanders thrive on those unforgettable moments—like catching a breathtaking sunrise from a mountaintop or stargazing at night. You can enjoy these moments even more with top-notch accessories like OVS’s UFO solar light pod, which charges up during the day and includes a portable speaker and charging ports for your devices!
Customize Your Adventure!
Of course, there are endless ways to customize your overlanding vehicle! Whether you need spare fuel jugs, tool sets, or recovery gear, AORC has you covered. We love seeing how our customers take their trucks, SUVs, and other vehicles to the next level. Come visit us at one of our locations today to learn more, and don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest promotions, events, and all things off-road!
Build Process Overview:
- Initial Consultation: We start by understanding how you intend to use your off-road vehicle to recommend the most suitable upgrades.
- Budget Planning: Aligning your vision with your budget to ensure cost-effective solutions.
- Part Recommendations: Expert advice on the best parts for your needs, complete with pros and cons based on real trail experiences.
- Deposit and Ordering: Secure the parts with a deposit; labor costs are settled upon vehicle pickup.
- Installation Scheduling: We keep you updated on part arrival and schedule installation.
- Build Updates: Receive regular text updates and watch your build progress on our social media.
- Pick-Up and Payment: Finalize the project with vehicle pick-up and labor payment.
