Overlanding Vehicle Builder's Guide
What is overlanding? Wikipedia states, "Overlanding is self-reliant overland travel to remote destinations where the journey is the principal goal. Typically, it is accomplished with mechanized off-road-capable transport (from bicycles to trucks) where the principal form of lodging is camping. It often lasts for extended periods of time (months to years) and spans international boundaries."

Overlanding did not originate in America, and it is a little different here. You would be hard-pressed to find a bicycle out in the desert, and most people don’t go overlanding for quite that long. However, the spirit of the activity is the same.

Do you want to give overlanding a try? Great! You will need some gear.

In The Overlanding Vehicle Builder’s Guide, veteran racer, off-roader, and journalist Don Alexander provides a terrific overview of what to consider when building your overlanding rig. This includes the planned duration of the trip, the number of people in your party, how far off the beaten path you want to go, and the creature comforts you require.

Understanding those wants and needs shapes what gear you need for the best experience. Covered are the strengths and weaknesses of the types of vehicles themselves, modifications to the vehicles to make them more capable, accessories (lighting, camping gear, food and water storage, etc.), and equipment for trail mishaps and recovery. Driving techniques and trail rules and etiquette are also included.

If you are ready to build a rig or just want to know more about the hobby, this book is a great guide to help you get started.

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Overlanding Vehicle Builder's Guide
What is overlanding? Wikipedia states, "Overlanding is self-reliant overland travel to remote destinations where the journey is the principal goal. Typically, it is accomplished with mechanized off-road-capable transport (from bicycles to trucks) where the principal form of lodging is camping. It often lasts for extended periods of time (months to years) and spans international boundaries."

Overlanding did not originate in America, and it is a little different here. You would be hard-pressed to find a bicycle out in the desert, and most people don’t go overlanding for quite that long. However, the spirit of the activity is the same.

Do you want to give overlanding a try? Great! You will need some gear.

In The Overlanding Vehicle Builder’s Guide, veteran racer, off-roader, and journalist Don Alexander provides a terrific overview of what to consider when building your overlanding rig. This includes the planned duration of the trip, the number of people in your party, how far off the beaten path you want to go, and the creature comforts you require.

Understanding those wants and needs shapes what gear you need for the best experience. Covered are the strengths and weaknesses of the types of vehicles themselves, modifications to the vehicles to make them more capable, accessories (lighting, camping gear, food and water storage, etc.), and equipment for trail mishaps and recovery. Driving techniques and trail rules and etiquette are also included.

If you are ready to build a rig or just want to know more about the hobby, this book is a great guide to help you get started.

36.95 In Stock
Overlanding Vehicle Builder's Guide

Overlanding Vehicle Builder's Guide

by Don Alexander
Overlanding Vehicle Builder's Guide

Overlanding Vehicle Builder's Guide

by Don Alexander

Paperback

$36.95 
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Overview

What is overlanding? Wikipedia states, "Overlanding is self-reliant overland travel to remote destinations where the journey is the principal goal. Typically, it is accomplished with mechanized off-road-capable transport (from bicycles to trucks) where the principal form of lodging is camping. It often lasts for extended periods of time (months to years) and spans international boundaries."

Overlanding did not originate in America, and it is a little different here. You would be hard-pressed to find a bicycle out in the desert, and most people don’t go overlanding for quite that long. However, the spirit of the activity is the same.

Do you want to give overlanding a try? Great! You will need some gear.

In The Overlanding Vehicle Builder’s Guide, veteran racer, off-roader, and journalist Don Alexander provides a terrific overview of what to consider when building your overlanding rig. This includes the planned duration of the trip, the number of people in your party, how far off the beaten path you want to go, and the creature comforts you require.

Understanding those wants and needs shapes what gear you need for the best experience. Covered are the strengths and weaknesses of the types of vehicles themselves, modifications to the vehicles to make them more capable, accessories (lighting, camping gear, food and water storage, etc.), and equipment for trail mishaps and recovery. Driving techniques and trail rules and etiquette are also included.

If you are ready to build a rig or just want to know more about the hobby, this book is a great guide to help you get started.


Product Details

ISBN-13: 9781613257487
Publisher: CarTech
Publication date: 03/08/2024
Pages: 176
Product dimensions: 8.50(w) x 10.90(h) x 0.40(d)

About the Author

Don Alexander’s passion and experience for motorized propulsion date back to 1959, when he first began kart racing. He later developed an insatiable passion for Jeeps. He is currently the proprietor of the Jeep 4x4 School and has trained thousands for off-road driving. He also competed in oval-track racing, drag racing, road racing, and land-speed runs. He holds the land-speed record of 222 mph for a diesel pickup. Alexander has authored 18 books and has written more than 1,000 magazine articles. He has produced off-road training videos and the SoCal 4x4 Adventures and Extreme Jeepin’ TV shows. Alexander lives in Big Bear, California.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments

Introduction

Chapter 1: What Is Overlanding?

The Freedom to Explore, Responsibilities, and Consequences

Dispersed Camping

Leave No Trace

Chapter 2: Overlanding Vehicles

Important Questions

4WD versus AWD

Solid Axle versus Independent Front Suspension

Roof Weight-Bearing Capacity

Brands and Models

Chapter 3: Overlanding Newcomer Tips

Driving Tips

Vehicle Tips

Gear Tips

Other Tips

Chapter 4: Overlanding Trailers, Adventure Vans, Truck-Bed Campers, and Expedition Rigs

Trailers

Adventure Vans

Truck-Bed Campers

Expedition Rigs

Chapter 5: Building an Overlanding Rig

Determine the Type of Overlanding that You Prefer

Cause and Effect

Build Options

Chapter 6: Suspension, Steering, and Brakes

Suspension Components

How Suspension Works

Solid Axle versus Independent Suspension

Steering

Brakes

Chapter 7: Tires and Wheels

Selecting the Best Tire Type

Off-Road Tire Design Features

What Type of Off-Road Tire Is Best for Your Specific Needs?

Optimal Tire Size

Tire Pressure

What Off-Road Tires Need to Do

How to Measure for Optimal Sidewall Heights and Tire Pressures

Off-Road Tire Pressures

Options for Airing Down Tires

Tire-Pressure Deflators

Deflators, Replacing Valve Stems, or Adding a Second Valve Stem

Tire-Pressure Gauges

Reinflating (Airing up) Tires

Onboard Air Compressors

Compressed CO2 Systems

Multi-Tire Inflation/Deflation Systems

Wheel Specifications

Chapter 8: Vehicle Protection

Potential Hazards

Skid Plates

Rock Sliders

Bumpers

Chapter 9: Electrical Accessories, Electronics, and Lighting

Auxiliary Switch Solutions

Auxiliary Lighting

Radio Communication

Satellite Messengers

GPS and Smartphone GPS Applications

Electronic-Calibration Modules

Batteries and Jumper Batteries

Inverters

Power Sources/Power Stations

Battery Isolators and Monitoring Systems

Generators

Solar Panels

High-Output Alternators

Estimating Electrical Power Needs

Chapter 10: Vehicle Recovery Gear, Winches, and Trail Tools

Recovery Tools

Multi-Use Tool Kits

Winching Tips, Tricks, and Techniques

Road Building

Winter Recovery

Chapter 11: Engine and Driveline Upgrades

Engine Upgrades

Automatic Transmission Coolers

Cooling System

Drivelines

Ring-and-Pinion Gear Upgrades

Front Axle Shafts

Rear Axle Shafts

Selectable Axle Lockers

Limited-Slip Differentials and Detroit Lockers

Driveshafts, Yokes, CV Joints, and U-Joints

Full Axle Assembly Swaps for Solid-Axle-Housing-Equipped Vehicles

Chapter 12: Overlanding Adventure Accommodations

Rooftop Tents

Ground Tents

Awnings

Privacy Shelters

Annex Rooms

Portable Toilets

Portable Showers

Sleeping Bags

Ground Covers and Cots

Chapter 13: Gear Storage, Food Storage, and Preparation Gear

Refrigerators

Ice Chests

Water Tanks and Pumps

Slide-Out Drawers

Storage Bags

Hard Storage Cases

Stoves, Griddles, Barbecues, and Skottles

Propane Tanks and Mounts

Kitchen Gear

Chapter 14: Fluid Storage, Tools, and Medical Items

Fluid Storage

Tire Repair Kit

Tools and More

Chapter 15: Driving Tips and Tricks

Using the Controls

Climbing Hills

Descending Hills

Chapter 16: Passage Through Tough Terrain

Spotting Rules

Verbal Communication and Verbal Commands

Hand Signals

Spotting Tips

Driving Tips

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