Overland Expo East 2018 was a cold, muddy mess. That did not, however, stop the amazing overland crowd from gathering outside Asheville, N.C. The amazing group of travelers showed up from all over the globe in truly impressive adventuremobile. Here are some of our favorites.
GXV Adventure Truck
This is the second “adventure truck” build by Global Expedition Vehicles (GXV). Built on a big RAM chassis with a ton of quality AEV parts, this overland camper is ready for serious off-road adventures. It has a massive skylight, a full bathroom, and even a washer/dryer.
SarPinz Pinzgauer
What’s not to like about a fully updated and modified Pinzgauer? This off-road beast can carry a lot of people, tons of gear, and is fitted with a massive solar system. Follow its adventures on Instagram: SarPinz.
FJ Company 1986 FJ62
This 1986 60-Series Toyota Land Cruiser by The FJ Company is a beautifully restored and tastefully updated classic. It’s a high-roof model with original power sunroof. The suspension, tires, lighting, and sound system have been updated for an overall improved driving experience. This level of awesome doesn’t come cheap, however; the truck lists at $165,000.
EarthCruiser EXD
EarthCruiser is an Australian company that has been making impressive global capable campers for decades. It has moved a majority of its operations to Bend, Ore., and just released its latest creation, the EXD. This pop-up camper can be mounted on a flatbed or directly to a 1-ton truck chassis. It features such luxuries as diesel heat, a lithium battery system, and an integrated digital touchscreen control panel. The EXD starts at $110,000, and production starts in early 2019.
Iglhaut Allrad 4x4 Sprinter
Iglhaut Allrad is a German Mercedes-certified upfitter that creates full-time 4×4 lifted Sprinter vans. If you want one in America, you can now send a two-wheel-drive American Sprinter to Germany for the conversion for about $130,000 (including the cost of a new two-wheel-drive Sprinter). About six months later, you’ll get a 50/50 power split full-time 4×4 Sprinter with three selectable locking differentials, rolling on 37-inch tires, with skid plates and a rear swing-away tire carrier.
New Legend 4x4 Scout 800
What’s not to like about a beautifully restored International Scout body on a modern Jeep JK frame powered by a Chevy LS motor?! New Legend 4×4 has made a proper usable modern classic.
AEV Prospector XL Flatbed Four Wheel Camper
This monster truck is one of only a handful built by AEV. The big RAM was then upfitted by Main Line Overland with a flatbed Four Wheel Camper.
Drive The Globe Unimog
The Drive The Globe Unimog showed up at Overland Expo East this year without its rear cargo box. In its place was a new custom camper on a serious off-road trailer. A bright-orange Unimog on massive tires with a trailer outfitted with the comforts of home? Yes, please!
Baja Bug
Cute, capable, and fun, this fully upgraded VW Beetle is ready for adventure!
Hiace Double-Cab Firetruck
This super-clean 1991 Toyota Hiace van only has 8,000 miles on the odometer. It was used as a captain’s firetruck in Japan and kept in a garage its entire life. Powered by a 2.4-L diesel, it offers four-wheel drive and seating for six.
Overland Experts Hilux
The team at Overland Experts trains military personnel, corporations, and individuals about off-road driving and recovery. And the brand imports a few Toyota Hiluxes each year to train military and nonprofits how to use these trucks to their full potential, as they are very likely to use them around the globe.
Kenda Nissan Frontier
Kenda Tires showed off this well-sorted Nissan Frontier. While the Frontier is a seriously dated midsize pickup, it’s an impressive value and can be modified into a capable overland vehicle.
Dodge AEV RAM AT Overland Summit Camper
It’s hard to go wrong with a Cummins diesel-powered RAM pickup, especially when sorted out with quality AEV off-road parts. AT Overland Equipment has built this rig with its Summit pop-up truck camper on the back. Even when it’s 18 degrees F outside, it’s comfy in the back with the diesel heater installed on this rig. I know, as I slept in this vehicle for most of the Expo.
TRD Pro Tacoma and Four Wheel Camper
This rig takes the highest trim level of the best-selling midsize truck on the U.S. market, and puts a top-quality Four Wheel Pop-Up Camper on the back. You’re pretty sure to have a winning combo! The Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro is a capable truck right off the showroom floor.
Jeep Cherokee XJ
There is no more inexpensive, customizable, capable off-road vehicle in North America than the Jeep Cherokee XJ. This example is very clean and highly modified. That means it’s no longer as cheap, but it’s even more capable.
Land Rover Defender 110 HD
The Land Rover Defender 110 is an iconic vehicle in all respects. Heritage Driven (HD) has taken the Defender to new heights with this restomod. The vehicle sports a fully galvanized frame, Cummins 2.8-L crate motor, GM automatic trans, a full custom interior, Wilwood disc brakes, and so much more.
2019 Ford Ranger
Ford is taking the new 2019 Ranger on tour before it hits dealers early next year. Overland Expo East was the first stop on this tour, allowing consumers to drive the trucks through short on- and off-road loops. All of the Rangers there were top-appointed Lariat models, most with Fx4 off-road packages and rear locker options. While I need to spend more time in it, my first impressions are in line with my thoughts at launch. I’m not thrilled with its interior, but the 2019 Ford Ranger is a solid-quality truck with a smooth, reliable powertrain. Testing it off road, the trail control off-road driving assist — basically off-road cruise control — was impressive and smooth. On road, the truck felt planted and comfortable.
