The Overlanding experience doesn’t require much to get into, but for more intense adventuring and the ultimate experience, having the extra gear and upgrades can be worthwhile. Upgrading your truck in a variety of ways can make any terrain accessible for roaming as well as camping. Your pickup truck type will determine the upgrades you have and those you may want to consider.
How do you upgrade your truck for Overlanding? Here are some of the best changes and additions you can make to your truck for Overlanding:
- Four Wheel Drive
- All-Terrain Tires
- Sliders and Front Bumper
- Storage Drawers for Truck Beds
- Storage with Bike Racks
- Roof Top Tent or Camper
- Additional Lighting
Some of these changes will depend on the type of Overlanding you do (such as taking on more challenging terrains), which makes certain upgrades more necessary than others. Many upgrades will enhance your truck for an ideal Overlanding experience, and we have pulled them together so you can decide which changes make the most sense for your needs!
Best Truck Upgrade Ideas for Overlanding
The equipment required for Overlanding is typically manufactured by specific outdoor adventuring companies. It is recommended to have it installed by professionals to ensure that it is correctly assembled and outfitted, but many of these changes can also be made yourself. When ordering multiple pieces of equipment, having it all assembled professionally at once may be most efficient and secure.
Let’s look more closely at the different types of upgrades you should consider in your Overlanding adventures and how to do it. These upgrades are not listed in any particular order, but the upgrades that address performance related changes are typically of higher priority for driving experiences.
Four-Wheel Drive for Overlanding
While most trucks will already be equipped with four-wheel drive or 4WD, some may only have two. If you fall into this second camp, we recommend upgrading your truck to 4WD for Overlanding use. Unlike two-wheel drive (2WD) , 4WD provides power to all four wheels simultaneously for more difficult driving conditions.
There are two primary systems you can upgrade to for 4WD, including:
- Full-time AWD or 4WD: These will send power to all wheels whenever the car is being driven (all-wheel drive offers some of the same features as 4WD but does not deliver in many intense off-roading applications).
- Part-time AWD or 4WD: Some systems will allow you to turn the 4WD on and off to operate as 2WD when it is not needed. For extreme off-road conditions, this system allows you to engage the added power when you need it.
This choice will depend on the difficulty of Overlanding you plan to do and what your truck is already equipped with. This upgrade is mainly directed at truck owners who need to upgrade from their current 2WD system. Most trucks have a rear-wheel-drive, which makes them useful for heavy loads but does not perform as well for slippery or performance conditions.
Upgrading from 2WD to 4WD can be incredibly expensive. Our recommendation for Overlanding enthusiasts is to purchase an AWD or 4WD vehicle rather than reconfigure their truck. It can be done but will require much more time and money than trading in a 2WD vehicle for a 4WD.
All-Terrain Tires for Overlanding
The quality of your tires and the amount of traction on the tires will have a significant influence on the types of environments you can overland in. If you are looking to explore more challenging terrains, opting for higher traction tires will be more beneficial. Look for local tire stores that offer rugged terrain options but are still suitable for on-road usage.
These heavy-duty tires should be designed for on-road and off-road use to be effective and safe for your entire trip. This is the most important thing to remember because many truck owners may think they need more tire traction than they do. While the broader and more ridged tires are great for intense terrains, they are not ideal for standard driving.
While there may be times when you need to be in mud or snow for off-roading, most time spent on your Overlanding trip will be standard on-road driving. High traction tires are designed for soft ground usage and will not perform as safely on the road. The smaller tires gouges allow for optimal road use and braking. Finding something in between is best for most Overlanding.
Always try to think realistically about what you will be doing versus what a decked-out Overlanding truck might have. This will not only keep you safer, but it will increase overall truck performance (often, even gas mileage).
When looking for the right all-terrain tires, you should consider:
- Hybrid tires: These will offer enough traction for trail exploring but also work for highway driving. They have noticeably deeper treads than your standard on-road tires.
- Sizing: Most Overlanding tires are on the larger size, with many being up to 35’’ in width.
You should always have access to a spare tire, especially when traversing off-road where there may be sharper rocks and objects that could pierce a tire. For Overlanding, it may be necessary to carry two as the risks of damage are greater in rough terrains.
Upgraded Front Bumper and Sliders for Overlanding
If you’ve ever had any damage done to your car, you know how expensive it can be for even minor incidents! When Overlanding off-road, the risks of damage are increased with exposure to unpredictable natural barriers and elements. To protect your truck from damage, consider upgrading with sliders or a front bumper.
The areas closest to the ground are likely to experience the most contact, making these the primary points to protect. As a truck dips, the front and underside of the vehicle are exposed, and this upgrade will serve as additional reinforcement. The standard bumpers installed are not as strong and could damage upon contact with rocks, trees, and other hazards off-road.
Sliders (sometimes referred to as nerf bars or step bars) not only make it easier to get into a lifted truck but also provide another layer of protection from damage. Because they protrude from the vehicle, you are creating a barrier between your vehicle and the environment. They can also be used to support the entire frame of the vehicle for weight distribution.
If you do add sliders to your truck, they should be lightweight. Because Overlanding often requires a lot of gear that will weigh the vehicle down, looking to save some of those pounds on the sliders is worthwhile.
Storage Drawers for Truck Beds for Overlanding
While trucks are ideal for storage with a large bed, adding more specific organizational elements will not only make it easier to store more things, but it will also protect your gear from weather and theft. Consider adding storage drawers into your truck bed, which are often best when mounted so they will not shift when driving.
These are some of the most popular and functional storage box types for Overlanding:
- Drawers: Installed to cover the entire bottom portion of the truck bed, you can easily access all equipment by pulling out long drawers. The top portion is a flat surface, so you can still utilize the top portion of the bed. These are great for security as they do not expose your items.
- Crossover boxes: These storage units sit up directly against the cab and often match the width of the bed. They are shorter, so they do not rise above the height of the bed for visibility. While they do take up bed space for other items, they can make organization much easier.
- Side boxes: For small equipment, a side box that runs along the width of your bed can be excellent easy access (especially when standing next to the truck). They are lightweight and can be mounted for limited movement.
Upgrading your truck with storage for Overlanding will help you to maximize your usable space in a truck. If you need lots of gear or plan to spend long periods on your trip, these storage solutions make it easier to find what you need and keep your space organized.
Storage with Bike Racks for Overlanding
If biking is a part of your Overlanding activities, adding a bike rack to your truck will further maximize your truck storage without taking up room in the bed. There are in-bed solutions that are very secure and will work if you don’t need a lot of additional equipment, but a tray bike rack is great for attaching to the underside of the vehicle for support.
Tray racks allow you to use all the needed truck bed space while still securely holding your bikes. When looking for the best bike rack for a truck, there are some considerations you should make:
- Weight and weight capacity: You not only want to look at how heavy the rack is but also how much it will be able to hold. The ideal choice is a lightweight rack that can handle a considerable amount of weight. This will come down to material choice, with aluminum and similar materials being more durable.
- Size: If you only have one bike, you need a much smaller rack than users who have three or four to carry. This will also play into weight and security as a larger rack is heavier and needs additional reinforcements.
- Mounting compatibility: Not all tray racks are going to work well with a truck. Look specifically for racks that will fit securely on the underside of a truck’s end.
- Truck access: By putting a bike rack attachment on the outside of the truck, you are limiting access to the bed. This type of system would not work if you also want to include drawer storage. Deciding if easy access to the bed is important will help to determine what type of bike rack you will choose.
This is a simple and easy upgrade that can be removed when needed for trips where bikes aren’t necessary. Having this tool available is helpful for both Overlanding trips and other transporting needs.
Roof Top Tent or Camper for Overlanding
One of the coolest Overlanding upgrades anyone can add to their vehicle is a roof top tent or camper. These are slightly modified for trucks as they do not have as large of a roof space, often incorporating the bed as a living area. They can also be extended off of the roof with pole reinforcements.
Roof top tents are available in a variety of sizes and with varying levels of features. They require specific rack systems that can support the weight of these tents, as they are often quite substantial. The tent must be secured to the rack so that it can support the weight of those inside and not be shifted while in use.
Roof top tents are preferred over standard tents because they are:
- More comfortable: Most have built-in mattresses that make sleeping much more comfortable than on the ground.
- Off the ground: This helps to protect users from water and animals, as they are very durable even in poor weather conditions.
- Durable: The tents are built with high-quality materials to protect users from weather and can be used over long periods.
Campers are another more traditional solution and can be secured to upgrade your truck to a sleeping solution. These can range from temporary campers to those that break down to more permanent additions. They will include mattresses and comfortable sleeping areas to make your Overlanding adventures more enjoyable.
When considering adding a sleeping arrangement, make sure it is properly mounted and secured for safe use. Smaller and more portable options are convenient and effective upgrades for a more fun experience!
Additional Lighting for Overlanding
If you are going to be Overlanding and driving at night, additional lighting beyond your standard truck headlights may be necessary. Because there is very little light available beyond the truck, it may be difficult to see where you are going off-road. More lighting will keep those in the vehicle safer and allow for better performance.
LED lighting is often preferred because it provides quality and high-powered light to make your range of visibility much clearer.
Consider installing some of these lighting options to your truck for Overlanding:
- Grill lights: Adding additional mounting lights to the grill will enhance the brightness of the area directly in front of the truck.
- Overhead lighting bars: Consider mounting a bar of LED lights to the hood of the car to serve as a more extensive source of light. This will allow for much clearer viewpoints in dark conditions.
Additional lighting may not be necessary for all Overlanding adventures, but they do increase your vision at night. Consider using brighter headlights than the factory lighting if no other changes are made. These lighting changes are necessary for anyone who will be spending a considerable amount of time Overlanding at night (specifically for additional safety).
Factors to Consider in Upgrading Your Truck for Overlanding
This article has highlighted some of the most worthwhile upgrades that can be made to a truck for Overlanding. Some of these changes may make more sense than others, depending on the type of Overlanding that you do. Making changes to your truck should be calculated from multiple angles so that it works best for your truck!
These are the factors you should consider when upgrading your truck for Overlanding:
- Compatibility: When making upgrades to your truck, you will need to make sure that the hardware and additions are compatible with your specific make and model. There is a wide range of products that will accomplish all of the upgrades listed, but you should make sure that the specific product works with your truck.
- Price: The price of a product is a significant factor in purchasing behaviors (this is also closely tied to the quality of the product). You may have to prioritize some upgrades over others based on your budget. Upgrades can be expensive, especially with more permanent changes. Shop around for different products looking at both price as well as quality.
- Security: All products and upgrades you make should be secure and safe. This means that they must be installed correctly. Safety should be a top priority while Overlanding and using your equipment. Make sure you consult a professional for upgrades that are not designed to be done at home.
- Spacing: You may also not have enough room on the truck to make all of the changes you want. Prioritizing upgrades may also depend on the physical dimensions and capabilities of your truck. For example, putting a permanent camper on a truck will not be compatible with large storage solutions that need a bed.
In Conclusion
Making upgrades to your truck for Overlanding is a great way to get the most out of your adventures and keep your truck in top performance conditions. While some of these upgrades are more necessary than others, they are all designed to improve driving conditions and allow for more excellent traveling experiences.
If you’re thinking of different ways to accessorize your truck or make it more functional, consider checking out my recommended accessories page. I spent a good amount of time picking out mods that can be useful for most pickup trucks.