Camping/Overlanding Thread

Not sure what his is but I would assume mega. That’s what I run

 

Nice. Got any pics?

 

Just read through this entire thread. Love the content.

have had my truck for awhile but just now getting into the overland stuff.

I am a city boy born and raised in LA. My definitely of camping is well....I don’t have one.

but always loved the idea of the overland setup where you leave with your rig and you’re good to go (with obvious prep). Having the tent above ground obviously helps with unwanted friends.

the GF and I live in SF but spend time in SoCal as well. I have a bed rack on order from RCI, some molle panels for the console, as well as recovery tools to start. Need to find a good deal on a RTT to get it all put together.

Again I really don’t have a clue but am learning a lot from this forum. Our first trip will be one night with a yeti cooler and some chips and Hawaiian roll sandwiches. No cooking lol.

thanks for having me!
Names Zach by the way

 

Welcome Zach. Sounds like a good plan. Even better to just get out there and camp. The more you get out there the more you will know what you want and need. You will be surprised that you don't need much to have a good time.

 

thats definitely a good mindset.
I guess I think a little too much about emergency situations as well. I’m capable but not rebuilding and engine with a twig capable. Actually not rebuilding an engine with a full garage of tools capable either.

also being a type 1 diabetic I gotta make sure I have enough juices supplies food in case we were to get stuck and need to hold out for a while.
All just thoughts for now. Excited for my rack and to meet all y’all internet friends!

 

Small start. Little Amazon delivery came today.

 

Well I'm not sure if you can think too much about emergency situations, especially in your situation. Some people don't ever think about such situations, without a care in the world, and never have issues. I'm the opposite and like to be prepared. With your situation I would definitely look into getting a fridge and probably a solar setup if you are planning on getting way out there. An of course a jump pack of some kind. I'm no Macgyver either, that's why I buy Toyotas. Not a failsafe vehicle but pretty reliable.

Anyway I am also waiting on an RCI 12" rack for my hard shell tent. Ordered about two weeks ago. An still working out how to mount the fridge in the cab. Have now started the ball rolling on a solar system too...I would really be jonesing for the rack if everything wasn't shut down and could get out and camp, but the worst part about the shutdown is I keep finding ways to spend all my money.

 

Thanks for the input. Yea I’ve definitely been spending a fair amount haha. Need to cut back.

with my situation I probably wouldn’t leave for more than two nights right now. I really need to learn what I’m doing.

I’ve got a yeti 75 that’ll hold a fair amount. I was more worried if I broke suspension components or something. I don’t think I’ll go so far out there would be an issue. Before my first trip I think I just need to figure out a cb radio or whatever people use. Looking for insight on that.

I’ve got the 12” rack coming as well. Got my hi lift, shovel, and axe ready to be mounted.

 

You should be fine with the Yeti then. Ratchet straps for broken suspension along with other recovery gear. Look on getting into HAM radio instead of CB. Another option until you can get your comms up to speed is a SPOT or other personal emergency beacon.

https://www.findmespot.com/en-us/

Yeah this rack needs to get here. I'm afraid I am probably gonna be waiting a few more weeks though with the current situation.

 

^^^^^This

Lots of good options out there that can bring some peace of mind when you're out somewhere alone, or as a solo vehicle with just the Mrs.

I use a Garmin InReach because I like being able to send texts to the family to check in on occasion. Also, they can send a text to you if they need to get ahold of you for some reason. You can choose from different tiers of service to fit your needs and you can turn the service on/off as needed (30 day activation periods). SOS function goes thru their monitoring station/office though, not direct to GOVT agencies.

If you need "life/death emergency" help as fast as possible, a PLB (personal locator beacon) is probably your best bet. It's a one time cost (purchase price right around $300) with no monthly subscription fees. You register the device and the network is monitored by NOAA and the Air Force, no 3rd party people. You push the button and they come and get you. This is not something you would use if you just broke down somewhere and needed assistance.

 

great setup!! quick q: wouldnt the trd sway bards be counter intuitive here? how are these performing offroad?

 

Thank you! I’ve read here on many threads calling for removal of the sway bars. I drive my truck 99.8% of the time on paved roads and at higher speeds so its greater benefit for me to have them on.

Also, the truck’s setup far exceeds my offroad driving capability. I haven’t even gotten close to seeing the limits of the truck.

 

Braved the weather last wk end here in Alberta. There was quite the mud hole we had to cross to get here, cracked the skid plate and everything. Dont underestimate your stock trucks capabilities.

 

95% of the time, i'm running solo so, i don't get anywhere without the spot. mtb, hike or out in the truck. i've been considering switching to inreach mostly because i'm looking into garmin's overlander and the two will pair.

 

What kind of fire pit is that? The Woman was telling me we should think of getting one eventually for use during the fire bans.

 

Its actually a Mr heater shop heater. 30-80k BTU. The only thing is it makes a bit of noise, but im too cheap to buy a camp specific one so will use it till it dies. Been very durable so far and keeps us pretty warm under the big top. Nice to be able to turn it off and go for a walk whenever, and making a fire in soggy conditions is not a good time.

 

F that

 

I have been thinking of the same. I already carry a propane tank, so why not add a gas fire pit for that same reason.

I'm gonna need a bigger truck LOL

 

There were 2 trucks stuck infront of our camp, so we grabbed beers and watched the shit show. The pathfinder had at least 1’ of water inside the cab. It was some solid entertainment.

 

Having a buddy who works for Garmin, I managed to get hold of one of the Overlander Beta units for a few days last June. It's a very nice unit, especially for someone like me who isn't savvy with all the phone/tablet mapping options available on the interwebs. For the short time that I had it, it did anything I wanted it to do and, overall, I actually liked it. It's very user friendly and I could see it being very useful out in the boonies.

I will say, at the time I thought $700 was a bit steep for what it is. Someone with skills could build a solid tablet to do pretty much the same thing, even pairing the inReach using Earthmate, for a whole lot less.

Anyhow, it looks like their $100 off right now so, if you're looking, now might be the time to pull the trigger.

 

i don't want to build anything tech related anymore. i just want to buy it, plug it in and have it work. but, it's going to have to wait. we're stretched pretty thin these days.

 

Can we see more of your camping trailer?

 

Sure!
I did a “lightweight camper build” on tacomaworld. bhttps://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/lightweight-camper-build.465804/
The slide out is new this season, adds quite a bit of space.

 

I bought an Outland Firebowl for exactly this situation. It works great and even not when there is a fire ban. I used it last right before the shutdown when I camped inside the Daytona Speedway for a Supercross race. I love the thing. It's fairly big and there are some other brands that are smaller but I feel this is just about perfect. I find I use it at home sometimes also. It's instant ambience. Of course it doesn't replace a real fire but it is very convenient and quick.

 

Awesome thanks. Have some stuff to read up on.

 

S

Supercross. Im jealous.

 

Yeah it was the last race held and was fortunate to see it. All races cancelled and the country shut down 3 days later.

 

curbside pickup from REI this afternoon with a pretty solid discount. My wife and I actually agreed on this camping/travel purchase. Plan to use to rock the toddler to sleep. I’m sure I’ll be stealing it whenever I can though for personal use. Looks much more comfortable and robust than my chair! I’ll update on its usefulness once we spend the week hopefully rocking the lil one to sleep at my in-laws Sarasota condo

 

Very first impression, rei as usual has their stuff together. Curbside delivery was flawless. And I’m excited to get home and try this thing out. Can tell it means business by packaging alone. It could sit on my helinox and hurt it