Building the Ultimate Overland Adventure Rig

Building the ultimate overland adventure rig may be right up your alley. In a recent YouTube video, Ginger and Greg from Driven to Adventures share their journey of transforming a truck into a tiny home on wheels that is suitable for their nomadic lifestyle. From modifying the truck to adding features that allow them to go off-grid, they share valuable insights and tips for anyone interested in creating their own mobile home.

From House on the Lake to Overland Adventure: Our Journey

Have you ever dreamed of leaving everything behind and traveling full-time on the road? That’s exactly what we did. My husband Greg and I met through friends and quickly fell in love. We got married, bought a house on the lake, and spent every weekend with our friends.

But eventually, we realized that we were maxing out on vacation time and didn’t want to wait for the calendar year to start over for more time off. So over dinner one night, I suggested that we sell everything and travel full-time. To my surprise, Greg was on board.

We started researching different rigs, knowing that we wanted to make this a lifestyle and not just a vacation. We briefly tried out a campervan before realizing that it wouldn’t work long-term. We eventually settled on an aluminum truck camper that we could modify to be off-grid capable.

We spent months modifying the truck camper, adding things like a custom-made bumper with powerful lights and a structure for additional storage. We also installed five solar panels and six batteries for a total of 720 amp hours of battery life, allowing us to live comfortably off the grid.

Now, we’re traveling the country in our tiny truck camper home and living our dream of adventure and exploration. It’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it.

Finding the Perfect Rig: Research and Selection Process

Finding the perfect rig for your adventures is an exciting but crucial process. It requires research and careful selection to make the best decision. Start by considering your lifestyle and preferences to ensure that your rig aligns with your goals.

Ginger and Greg, who live in a tiny truck camper home, shared their process of finding the perfect rig. They first realized that they didn’t want a vacation trailer but a rig that could support their long-term travel plans. Consequently, they opted for an aluminum camper that is durable and suitable for living on the road.

The couple also researched every type of rig, which helped them gather crucial information from different online communities. They realized that what may appear perfect in a dealer’s lot is not always ideal in practical situations, so they made an informed choice.

Their rig selection was also influenced by their off-road capabilities and off-grid preferences. They compromised on a truck that would meet their off-road and adaptability needs and allow room for future modifications.

If you’re planning to live on the road or travel frequently, it’s crucial to consider the features you’ll need in your rig. Be patient and take your time to find the perfect rig that will serve you well in your adventures. Happy searching!

Our Off-Grid Capable Truck Camper Home: Modifications and Features

Our off-grid capable truck camper home is the result of our desire to travel full-time while still having the comforts and capabilities of a permanent home. We knew from past experiences that a campervan wasn’t going to cut it for us, so we spent a lot of time researching and planning for the perfect rig.

We decided to go for an aluminum camper that would hopefully last us a long time and provide us with off-road capabilities. We also wanted to be able to modify it to be off-grid capable, which we achieved through extensive modifications.

We built a custom structure made of metal and covered it with a plastic material for additional storage space and to accommodate our tools and outdoor gear. We also installed a custom-made bumper with receiver for the lights and added a set of powerful lights from Baja Design.

In terms of power, we have five solar panels from Grape Solar, each with a wattage of 180, making a total of 900 watts. We also have six AGM batteries from Victron, with each having a capacity of 120 amp hours, all connected in parallel, for a total of 720 amp hours of battery. We also have a pure sine charge charger and inverter combined, with a wattage of 2000 or 2 kilowatts, which we use for cooking appliances and the AC.

All in all, we are proud of our off-grid capable truck camper home and the modifications and features we have added to make it our own. It allows us to live our dream of traveling full-time while having all the comforts and necessities of a permanent home.

The Importance of Storage and Tools in Overland Travel

When it comes to overland travel, storage and tools are essential components to your setup. Without these, you may find it difficult to live comfortably and safely on the road. Before setting out, it’s important to consider the amount and type of gear you’ll need to store and bring with you on your journey.

As Ginger and Greg discuss in the video, finding the right rig was crucial to their overland lifestyle. They knew they needed a sturdy and reliable vehicle that could handle off-road capabilities and also be modified for off-grid living. When selecting your own rig, make sure to prioritize storage space for all of your gear, tools, and supplies.

Speaking of tools, having a well-stocked toolbox can save you a lot of stress and frustration on the road. You never know when something might break or need adjusting, so being prepared with the right tools is important. Consider the types of repairs you may need to make and pack accordingly. It’s also a good idea to have some basic knowledge of mechanics and repairs to troubleshoot any problems that may arise.

Overall, storage and tools play a major role in the success of any overland trip. With proper planning and organization, you can make sure that you’re well-equipped to handle any situation on the road. So make sure to pack wisely and stock up on the necessary tools to keep yourself safe and comfortable while exploring the great outdoors.

Solar Panel and Battery Set-Up for Overland Adventure Rig

For off-grid overland adventures, an essential component is the solar panel and battery set-up. Ginger and Greg, the avid travelers and truck enthusiasts, have modified their rig to be off-grid capable. They have equipped their home on wheels with five solar panels from Grape Solar, each generating 180 watts, totaling 900 watts. This can keep their batteries charged while they adventure in the remote wilderness.

Having enough battery storage is also critical to run all the appliances. Ginger and Greg use six AGM batteries from Victron, each with 120 amp-hours, connected in parallel, giving a total of 720 amp-hours. The batteries power their pure sine wave charge charger and inverter, which is combined, and produces 2000 watts of power. This inverter is used for high-power applicances like cooking appliances and AC.

In addition to batteries and solar panels, Ginger and Greg also have an air compressor and extra drinking water in case of emergencies. They have used storage compartments for organizing their tools, outdoor gear, and spare tire. They even have lighting from Baja designs, which can turn night into day.

It is crucial to select the best quality and most efficient components for the solar panel and battery set-up. Ginger and Greg chose Grape Solar panels and Victor On batteries, which are tried-and-tested brands in the overlanding community. To ensure the equipment lasts long term, they keep their setup in excellent condition and regularly monitor the power generation and battery charging. As with anything related to overlanding adventures, preparation and maintenance are key.

Q&A

Q: What inspired Ginger and Greg to sell everything and travel full-time?

A: Ginger was the one who approached Greg with the idea of traveling full-time as they were maxing out on vacation time and found themselves waiting for the calendar year to start over to get more vacation time. They wanted to make traveling a lifestyle rather than just a vacation.

Q: How did they choose their overland adventure rig?

A: They wanted an aluminum camper that would be good for them long-term and also off-grid capable. They researched different rigs and modified their truck to have off-road capabilities and plenty of storage for tools and outdoor gear.

Q: Where did Ginger and Greg buy their truck from?

A: They bought their truck from Canada about six months ago.

Q: What modifications did they do on their truck?

A: Greg built a structure in metal that he welded and covered with plastic material for storage and added a custom-made bumper with lights from Baja Design. They also have five solar panels from Grape Solar, six batteries from Victor On connected in parallel, and a pure sine charge charger and inverter combined for power.

Q: What are some of the tools and gear they have stored in their truck?

A: They have tools, outdoor gear, a spare tire, an air compressor for tire inflation, and extra components for their solar charge controller stored in their truck. They also have a tandem kayak and extra drinking water for emergencies.

From finding the perfect aluminum camper to modifying a truck to suit your every need, Ginger and Greg share their journey to creating a capable and sustainable home on the road. Their attention to detail and dedication to a long-term lifestyle is admirable, and their passion for helping others is evident in their impressive tool collection and willingness to lend a hand.