3 TOP OVERLAND VEHICLES

We’ve all been there, scrolling the internet for vehicle inspiration, seeing how others do it before building our dream rig or ride. Maybe your family has grown (or shrunk), and your vehicle needs have changed with it. Maybe your current setup is tired, and your vehicle needs a refresh. Whatever your circumstances, we’ve done the legwork for you and found three top-notch vehicles from around the world that we think you’ll love. Here are three great overland vehicle set-ups for you to enjoy. ​

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2018 MERCEDES G63 G WAGON​

Owner: J-Matt Garcia from Las Vegas, Nevada, USA​

Aim of the build:​

My G-Wagon build aimed to be more minimalistic, lightweight, and functional than my previous builds. I am over the moon with the result. ​

Trips planned for 2025:​

Several, including Moab, Denver, Northern California, and the King of the Hammers event. Plus a few more, I hope. ​

Never compromise on:​

Quality products that will last even if driving over the most challenging terrain. ​

List of Front Runner Dometic gear: ​

Dometic CFX3 Fridge​

Hydration faucet & jug

Front Runner Slimline II Tall Roof Rack​

MAXTRAX​

Recovery Gear Mount ​

Rear Ladder ​

Quick Release Awning

Kitchen Utensil Set ​

Expander Chairs ​

Wolf Pack Pro​

List of upgrades: ​

Jack Wagon Overlanding Lift Package, which is a 4-inch lift​

Adjustable King Shocks ​

Caster Correction Offset Bushings​

Extended Brake and Locker Lines ​

Eurowise Front and Rear Adjustable Panhard Track Bars ​

Race Chip Tuning ​

Toyo Tires 35/13.5/20​

463 Industries GC01 Wheels 20x9​

King Shocks Steering Stabilizer ​

List of other overland gear: ​

Carbon Fiber Roof Top Tent ​

Molle panels​

Midland comms system

Owner: Martin Vekemans from Belgium, Brussels​

Aim of the build: ​

To keep it as original as possible while creating a practical overland vehicle.​

What have you done:
I used Driftwood Atelier to design and build the interior drawers and slides for the fridge and kitchen. Additionally, we added a smaller storage space behind the driver’s seat to organize all my photography equipment. For me, it’s the perfect minimalistic setup without any compromise. ​

What do you use it for: ​

Primarily for road trips and short adventures. It’s not a fast vehicle, so it gives me time to enjoy the landscapes and surroundings. ​

Advice for others: ​

Get experience first. Don’t just buy a classic; try new things, fail, try again, and learn from this process. Surround yourself with good people, and don’t take “it’s impossible” for an answer. ​

Planned adventures for 2025:​

I would like to travel through Portugal, there are some tremendous off-road routes along the coast, close to perfect surf spots. ​

What is your no compromise rule: ​

Practicality. Don’t ever have something that’s not useful in your build. Everything should have one or multiple uses. Be minimalistic; don’t take too much stuff.​

List of Front Runner Dometic gear: ​

Slimline II Roof Rack ​

Roof Top Tent​

20L Pro Water Tank plus Mounting System ​

Surfboard Mount ​

Wolf Pack Pro​

Fire Pit​

Expander Chairs ​

Kitchen Cutlery set ​

Craig Kolesky from Cape Town, South Africa​

Tell us about your setup: ​

I photograph a lot of kiteboarding, mountain biking, trail running, and shoot for clients such as Red Bull, Nikon, Duotone, Front Runner Dometic. Since I’m always away in a wild and remote location, reliable gear is essential.​

How have you turned it into your dream vehicle: ​

The Hilux is now where I can call it a dream build for overlanding and photoshoots. The system now allows quick access to all gear, whether photographing or camping.​

​Advice for others: ​

Start slowly, find out what system works for you, don’t pack too much, and keep it simple. When I see mates struggling with a lot of gear and having no clue, I use the term KISS: “Keep It Simple, Stupid.”​

Never compromise on: ​

Power to keep all my gear charged and ready for use. As I am always on the go in my vehicle, a proper light setup for driving at night or working around the car was non-negotiable. As I often find myself in faraway, remote locations, I always have a Garmin InReach or Sat Phone with me just in case of an emergency. They are not cheap items, but you must never compromise on safety. ​

What trips or adventures do you have planned for 2025?​

I have a few trips planned to Namibia, plus a few other projects with Red Bull, but as you know, we must keep our schedule flexible.​

What Front Runner Dometic gear have you added: ​

Slimsport Rack on front​

Slimpro Canopy Rack on BushTech canopy​

2m Awning​

MAXTRAX​

Light Bar​

Expander Chairs​

Under Rack Table​

20L Pro Water Tank​

Jerry Cans​

Wolf Pack Pro​

Kitchen Utensil Set​

Dometic GO Compact Camp Table / Bamboo​

Dometic GO Water Hydration Jug 11L & Faucet​

Dometic GO Compact Chair

List of other modifications: ​

Tough Dog Suspension ​

Piak Front Bumper ​

Yokohama Tyres, ​

FlexoPower Power Station and Solar Panels​

M-Tech 2-way Radios. ​

Starlink ​

BushTech Tray System ​

Viper Exhaust Upgrade ​

Light Force Lights