​​Putting Together a Toyota Overlanding Rig​

Our craving for adventure awaits. The desert and the mountains offer opportunities to go beyond the mundane to discover new ways of enjoying these great landscapes. Overlanding is a way of life. It combines the allure of wanderlust, the taste of extreme driving, and the tenacity of setting up camp in the middle of nowhere. It goes beyond ordinary camping trips and tame off-road exploration. It is a growing movement among adventurers, and Toyota proudly plays a big part.

“Overland” is a verb that opens the possibilities for an adventurer. To do so, you must have the right gear and a vehicle that is prepared for rougher terrain. You need camping equipment, recovery tools, and a robust medical kit, which should cover the essentials for shelter, water, food, navigation, first-aid, tools, and so forth.

Getting there should be the challenge you need for your overlanding trek. Maps and a GPS device or app will help lead the way to your campsite or destination. You may also want to consider a satellite communication device, since it’s highly likely your smartphone might not be able to pick up mobile signals in remote areas.

Your vehicle should have four-wheel drive—especially a system that is shiftable between High and Low ranges through a transfer case. It should be equipped with all-terrain tires, including a full-sized spare, and accessible recovery points. Make sure you know the cargo capacity, payload, and towing limits before you start loading your vehicle. Putting too much weight on the vehicle will affect performance and its ability to get through tougher obstacles.

What happens if you get stuck somewhere and cannot get your vehicle out of trouble? A basic tool kit should be with you in case you need to do any on-the-spot fixes, along with a tire repair kit for patching or plugging tires. Considering packing an air compressor and tire inflator to help with your tire repair. A recovery jack (that you know how to use) could help lift your vehicle out from a bind, along with traction boards and shovels. An optional item to add to your overlanding experience is a winch. A fire extinguisher should also be handy.

Whether you’re doing a day trek or an extended excursion, bring food and water with you, as most places will not have access to these essential items. For water, bring water jugs, canteens, or tanks for storage. You may also want to add a water filter to ensure that the water you bring is good to drink or in case of emergency. Bring a portable stove, cookware, and utensils for food. Firewood and even making fires for cooking may not be allowed or feasible where you go, so be aware of rules and your options. You can store food and drinks in a cooler, and don’t forget to pack non-perishable food with you. Add a bucket for water; you might need it just in case.

If you plan on doing an overnight trek, you can equip your vehicle with a rooftop tent and/or canopy. A traditional ground tent also works. Bring some sleeping bags, pads, and pillows for a good night’s sleep. Have extra protection for when temperatures drop. You should also add a weather-resistant tarp to protect you from rain or snow.

The most important piece of gear you will need is a vehicle that will get you there. Toyota has a selection of vehicles, including the Tacoma Trailhunter and Tundra TRD Pro, that are designed to tackle anything in their wakes. Used Tacomas and Tundras can also be great starting points for your overland rig.

Valley Hi Toyota has a few vehicles that can make your want of extreme adventure a great experience every time. Contact us to search for your next overlanding rig to tackle the nearby deserts and mountains.