Hi everyone. I've been a ghost on ExPo for well over 3 years, and finally joined ExPo just over 2 years ago. I haven't really been much of a contributor, though I have PM'd with a few on here, and mostly used my countless hours of surfing ExPo to soak in the amazing wealth of information there is on here and a few other forums. That is going to change now. There are so many of you I have learned from, will be emulating, and have spoken to by now. I will try to note how I was able to get here and how each of you have helped. What I have come to learn is that this community is so tightly knit, most everyone has heard of or knows everyone else, and no matter what, everyone is always willing to take a phone call, meet up, or help however they can. This is also part of the reason I love this lifestyle so much, it is one of the few places in the world where you can still find this level of involvement and commitment. If I leave any of you out, I sincerely apologize for that oversight!
I have been into camping, hiking, etc. for many years. I have always wanted to start a build like the one I am about to share with you for some time. The ability to take off, go literally anywhere, and be self-sustained almost indefinitely has intrigued me since I was very young. I have finally decided to jump right in and go for it...well, that and it took several years of convincing my wife Lauren that all would be OK, and that we are only dipping our toe into what enjoying life really feels like. :sombrero:
It all started with Theron Humphrey's build thread of his FJ60 over on mud (not sure if he is on ExPo). If you haven't seen it, or don't know of him, follow him on Instagram @thiswildidea...he does some pretty cool stuff. This wasn't nearly the first build thread I dove into, there was Paul May/Equipt1's 100 series thread, his 4R build, Kurt from CruiserOutfitters 100 series build, AdventureDriven's Lexy build, and many others are amazing as well and had their part in my learning, interest, excitement...but something clicked with Theron's thread...Needless to say I was engulfed. I shared some of the captions and pictures with my wife, again slowly beginning the master plan, and Lauren started listening.
:REAdvRockClimber:
Next came finding Expedition Overland. These guys are amazing! I somehow came across their various build threads, their website: www.xoverland.com, and their SERIES!!!! If you haven't seen them, it is a MUST! I, of course, plugged my laptop into the tv to watch...Lauren was doing something and got curious passing by, she was hooked too. Watching the XO family and their adventures really helped us get serious about the potential for a build, what we would ultimately do to Bear (our 200 series), and where we would want to explore.
Why a 200 series, besides the fact that the truck has been used worldwide for decades as exploration and safari vehicles, there were a few other reasons. I have owned a 4R (V8), Tundra, and some other vehicles. With the 4R V8 option no longer being available and the supercharger not being available for the newer gen 4r's a bug reason was the engine. Where ever we might go, I wanted the capability to confidently climb high altitudes, fully loaded with little concern. Capacity, the 4R is a great chassis but I thought for the longterm that the Land Cruiser would be better suited for us, with potentially starting a family in the next year or so, gear, etc. Additionally, the materials used the build the 200 series are vastly higher quality than the 4R, and most other vehicles for that matter. Thus, we ended up purchasing Bear very lightly used (dealer demo) with about 8500 miles on it.
Some of my plans include a custom drawer system which I will build, OME suspension running 440lb springs in the front and 880b springs in the rear, full front back and underwear treatment (much more to come on this very soon :Wow1
, K9 roof rack, national luna fridge, clamshell storage for the 60% side of the middle row seats, IBS dual battery solution with a rear bluesea saftey hub for my rear cargo electrical distribution which I will install, and potentially a water system of some sort behind the drivers seat. I am sure much more will be added as we go like compressor, small inverter, hot water, etc. I am thinking this project will take me about 12-18 months to complete.
I do want to preface this build thread by stating that I am not mechanically inclined, I do not know that much about electrical, nor woodworking - but with the help of many, and Google at our fingertips, I have been able to learn a lot which has led me to this point. I know there are more and more aftermarket accessories, drawers, etc. available in the market today, but there is something about having a slight hand in actually building your vehicle..you are emotionally invested, part of you is in it. So here we go...this build has been a long time coming and I am excited to share it with you. I put this plan together to suite my needs, which won't be everyone's needs, but it works for me..I am just hoping that someone takes a little away, or sparks an idea, like so many threads have done on here for me....Also, I do tend to over analyze things and take my time with them so the progress of this build may be a little slow for some, onto the FUN! :victory:
Below are some pictures of when we brought her home:
Next up...removing the 3rd row seats and starting the drawer plan...
I have been into camping, hiking, etc. for many years. I have always wanted to start a build like the one I am about to share with you for some time. The ability to take off, go literally anywhere, and be self-sustained almost indefinitely has intrigued me since I was very young. I have finally decided to jump right in and go for it...well, that and it took several years of convincing my wife Lauren that all would be OK, and that we are only dipping our toe into what enjoying life really feels like. :sombrero:
It all started with Theron Humphrey's build thread of his FJ60 over on mud (not sure if he is on ExPo). If you haven't seen it, or don't know of him, follow him on Instagram @thiswildidea...he does some pretty cool stuff. This wasn't nearly the first build thread I dove into, there was Paul May/Equipt1's 100 series thread, his 4R build, Kurt from CruiserOutfitters 100 series build, AdventureDriven's Lexy build, and many others are amazing as well and had their part in my learning, interest, excitement...but something clicked with Theron's thread...Needless to say I was engulfed. I shared some of the captions and pictures with my wife, again slowly beginning the master plan, and Lauren started listening.
:REAdvRockClimber:
Next came finding Expedition Overland. These guys are amazing! I somehow came across their various build threads, their website: www.xoverland.com, and their SERIES!!!! If you haven't seen them, it is a MUST! I, of course, plugged my laptop into the tv to watch...Lauren was doing something and got curious passing by, she was hooked too. Watching the XO family and their adventures really helped us get serious about the potential for a build, what we would ultimately do to Bear (our 200 series), and where we would want to explore.
Why a 200 series, besides the fact that the truck has been used worldwide for decades as exploration and safari vehicles, there were a few other reasons. I have owned a 4R (V8), Tundra, and some other vehicles. With the 4R V8 option no longer being available and the supercharger not being available for the newer gen 4r's a bug reason was the engine. Where ever we might go, I wanted the capability to confidently climb high altitudes, fully loaded with little concern. Capacity, the 4R is a great chassis but I thought for the longterm that the Land Cruiser would be better suited for us, with potentially starting a family in the next year or so, gear, etc. Additionally, the materials used the build the 200 series are vastly higher quality than the 4R, and most other vehicles for that matter. Thus, we ended up purchasing Bear very lightly used (dealer demo) with about 8500 miles on it.
Some of my plans include a custom drawer system which I will build, OME suspension running 440lb springs in the front and 880b springs in the rear, full front back and underwear treatment (much more to come on this very soon :Wow1
, K9 roof rack, national luna fridge, clamshell storage for the 60% side of the middle row seats, IBS dual battery solution with a rear bluesea saftey hub for my rear cargo electrical distribution which I will install, and potentially a water system of some sort behind the drivers seat. I am sure much more will be added as we go like compressor, small inverter, hot water, etc. I am thinking this project will take me about 12-18 months to complete.I do want to preface this build thread by stating that I am not mechanically inclined, I do not know that much about electrical, nor woodworking - but with the help of many, and Google at our fingertips, I have been able to learn a lot which has led me to this point. I know there are more and more aftermarket accessories, drawers, etc. available in the market today, but there is something about having a slight hand in actually building your vehicle..you are emotionally invested, part of you is in it. So here we go...this build has been a long time coming and I am excited to share it with you. I put this plan together to suite my needs, which won't be everyone's needs, but it works for me..I am just hoping that someone takes a little away, or sparks an idea, like so many threads have done on here for me....Also, I do tend to over analyze things and take my time with them so the progress of this build may be a little slow for some, onto the FUN! :victory:
Below are some pictures of when we brought her home:
Next up...removing the 3rd row seats and starting the drawer plan...
