Overland Camping for beginners

Exactly this. Start with safety I say then start to add slowly.
- first aid
- warmth
- water
- comms. I have 2 garmin Inreach because sometimes we ride our mtb’s separate from each other (kiddo situation dictates that for now)
- basic tool kit

then I keep a journal of things that I wished I had on the trip and rank them on necessity versus comfort.

 

How do you like your Voodoo Rack? Which did you go with?

 

I've had the @KB Voodoo since May and i love it! It’s very well built and sturdy!
Lately I’ve been on higher speed off-roading so some bolts have come loose but as I go along I will be thread locking the most essential joints like the ones attaching the rack to the S-nut bolts to the bed rail. But if you just check all the bolts after being out on the trail you should be able to catch any that come loose.
Overall quite happy with the choice!!

 

To answer your questions, it is a 4x4 and I have been off road a few times in Colorado and Canada.

Could you suggest a good budget friendly 17” rim? I could care less what they look like because I will most likely run 2 sets of rim/ tires, 20” for city driving and 17” for trips.

 

Awesome! Now we need a group buy for Voodoo Racks Do you use a tonneau cover?

 

The truck came with one when I got it and with the rack I took it off. It’s hard to get full access into the bed with a cover so it’s open for now.

 

I've done a lot of 'connect the dots' on the map with trails throughout the west in my '94 v6 and previous Tundra. Didn't know it was called 'overlanding', I just wanted to stay off the highways and see all the things we miss in our hurry to get somewhere. What I make sure I have...

1. Good maps/map books, and a hand held GPS (I have an old Garmin that I use for waypoint data.)
2. A good first aid kit should never be overlooked. I trek to the .99c store for a cheap backpack (ok ignore the sponge bob on the front LOL) and fill it with wipes, bandages, antiseptic ointment, aspirin, pain pads and so-on. Grab the more pricey items like Tourniquets from the drugstore. Update it regularly with fresh replacements. Throw in a couple of glow sticks in case you need to use it in the dark and don't have a flashlight handy. I also keep some of those 'space blankets' which can keep you warm or make some shade or attract rescue. And one of those 'life straw' things to filter 'iffy' water in an emergency.
3. Flashlights. Rechargeable via USB or cig lighter plug. Battery powered ones should have lithium batteries for longer shelf life.
4. Recovery gear. Recovery strap(s), hitch shackle, appropriate shackles for the front (soft or hard, I have both) and some kind of recovery board. You can make them out of wood with holes drilled and bolts with nuts run through it for traction (I carry Go-Treads). Throw in a hatchet and shovel, and a couple of fire extinguishers.
5. Tools for basic truck repairs including an air compressor, tire patch kit, valve stems, duct tape, socket set, open end and adjustable wrenches... I also carry one of those tire inflate/sealer cans for emergency.
6. Water. Water. Water.
Add whatever you use for camping.
Sounds like a lot but most of it fits into two tool boxes I bought at Home Depot that stack together that I strap to the front of the bed. Shovel and extinguisher mount to the rail sys and the first aid kit is stuffed under the front seat. I always have that in the truck.

 

Considering buying one of those back seat air mattresses that fill the leg gap. My crewmax bed is too short for me to sleep

 

Lots of good input so far but I always like to be able to self recover just Incase, at least a hi lift jack and enough rigging to winch out if you don’t have a winch. The rest will fall into place and you can always take note for your next trip of what’s going to make you more comfortable and what’s not needed. Don’t fall for all the glitter of others setups. What works for one won’t work for all.

 

Have you seen those 'tent' extenders that cover the open back of a pickup with a shell on it? Basically extends the space the length of the tailgate. Like

$220 DAC Full - Size Truck Tent for Tailgate

this. Been thinking about this for a bit myself.

 

I guess I haven't! The price is right too! I have a canopy too so this would work. It kind of just looks like a tarp though . It does have good reviews!

 

All you need is your truck. The rest you can Bear Grylls that shit

 

Agree with spare, water, recovery tools. Is your level kit a spacer lift? Might want to change that for serious off roading. There’s a lot of fail pictures of broken shocks with spacer lifts on the internet.

 

some of their content is okay. i prefer the expo forums.

 

I have more rubber than most of you even with my 20’s. Haters.

 

Link?

 

Here's one, but there are several brands.

HIRALIY 53.94 x 34.25 x 17.72"es Car Air Mattress, Inflatable, To Clean

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BSGVYHQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_qTddEb52E7D13

 

I don’t plan on Serious off roading as my truck is not at that level. Yes it’s a top sturt pro comp level kit. Yes you are right, spacers have there short comings. Considering that I only have less than 2000 miles on my truck I will use the oem suspension for the near future. IMO it’s foolish to replace parts that are still under warranty. If I end up enjoying off-road adventures, I will definitely upgrade components to suit my needs.

Thanks for the constructive input guys!!!