Question from a soon to be overlander

[Cmason16]

Ok - after much reading on multiple fourms i have the following plan, but have some questions -
Starting with a 2016 4runner trail with no KDSS
Planning on:
ARB front bumper with Warn 8000s winch
Gobi roof rack with 40in light bar
Rock sliders
Rear bumper with swing out tire carrier and swing out dual jerry can and hilift mount
Full skid plates
BFG tire upgrade 275/70/17s if i remember right

Suspension upgrade to OME heavy shocks and springs front and rear

I plan on two overlanding scenarios vehicle only and trailer supported.

when I run my weights i run over the GVWR by about 300 pounds in either scenario.

How much of a problem will this be? I am not clear on the overall impact of suspension upgrades, cargo capacity (GVWR less curb weight), and how they link to liability in an accident, general performance (especially on the daily commute when the gear and gizmos are not in the vehicle).
Am I over thinking this? Can i assume 600 pounds of capacity added to the 1550 of catgo capacity before suspension upgrades?

I am planning a 6 week trip from Virginia to CA with my foster son this summer, with lots of time in the AZ, CO, and UT area. This will hoperfully be an annual event to some part of the country. We are in the planning stages, but I would like to start the build in January.

Thanks to all for your input.

 

[(none)]

Weight is going to effect your ride, handling, fuel mileage and wear on components. Why do you think you need all of the mods? Where are you planning on going?

I wouldn't be afraid of the weight as long as you are able to drive the vehicle and you have it set up properly (suspension, tires, etc). 500 lbs isn't going to make it or break it. That being said, it's going to be a heavy rig off -road. Are you planning to drag the trailer off road? How are you monitoring the vitals, such as trans temp? Are you planning to install an auxiliary trans cooler to help cope with the extra load?

What's your history? Have you driven off-road before? What are some of your past vehicles and how did you use them?

 

[PhulesAU]

That's a pretty good bit of weight to be bolting on. Bumpers Skids Tire rack, look at some of the other rigs folks run and you notice they get by without it. See if you can get by just protecting the tender bits. something else too consider is that with the extra weight And the possibility of trailering you'll want to upgrade the brakes.

 

[Cmason16]

My 4x4 experience has been limited to military in both military and commercial off-road vehicles, but I plan to take training on 4x4 and recovery. I have driven a old 6by into the FL bush when I was a firefighter many many years ago. Lesson learned there - keep your thumbs out of the steering wheel! My military experience will translate in planning and prep, but I probably have bad habits from the field as far as driving goes.

I am want to get to locations very less traveled on routes that are not extream. No rock crawling, no crossings that need a snorkel.
I plan on an iPad based ODBII monitoring for vehicle details, which should give me trans temps. I see the front bumper for protection and recovery with the winch, the sliders and skids as protection, but I am not sure about the need for the rear bumper. Get the spare out from under the vehicle? Is it needed for recovery and jack points? The roof rack for light bulky items such as OZ5 tent.

The suspension mods will be tailored to final planned weight and balance with the lift not exceeding 3 inches, preferably 2 inches.

The trailer would not exceed 2500 pounds with a max tongue weigh of 300 pounds which of course eats up some of my GVWR. I am still working on selecting the trailer - down to either Turtleback (which will be lighter) or Borderland Outpost XT. I plan on base camp set up in several places and exploring by vehicle and hiking. I also get to bring more gizmos.

Some many choices!

 

[Cmason16]

I am discovering just how much I dislike autocorrect in typing on an ipad. I will blame the bad writing on the ipad.

 

[tk421]

I would run stock and put the money towards gas and food. So much money and weight for what I see as minimal gains off-road. I understand the fun associated with 'gear acquisition syndrome' but I would always recommend starting stock and replace the weak links when they pop up. Happy trails

 

[onemanarmy]

Some good tires and MAYBE a winch, and then have plenty for fuel and food. Absolutely no need for a full rear bumper or sliders. 99% of the places to go l, especially in the southeast, usually don't even need 4wd.

Sent from my Moto G (4) using Tapatalk

 

[SDDiver5]

Since you want to be where nobody else will be, you might want to look into ditching the show off parts of our wonderful hobby like a heavy front bumper and buying an air compressor to air up after a trail. I mean, is a heavy front bumper REALLY necessary for your type off offroad or is it more because it looks cool? Now, don't get me wrong, I love the look of an awesome winch bumper and would have one if there were some better options for my truck and I could afford it.

What is the terrain you will mostly be on? For example, If you're in the desert, heavy bumpers are not totally necessary. If you're in dense wooded areas with trees then a bumper might be needed.

Lets get to the light bar, Looks awesome. Necessary? Maybe. A few smaller lights might be a better option and you can use the $ you save for a different higher quality part or mod.

If you need a winch, a T4R hidden winch mount might be better than a bumper.

Get what I'm saying? Not trying to be negative but there are better options (in my opinion) for your situation.

If you feel you need all the heavy mods, maybe look into a bigger vehicle that can handle all of that.

Good luck!

 

[Kerensky97]

As a basic rule don't "build" a vehicle before going out. Take a stock 4x4 out often and learn where it's limits are, then upgrade from there. Your list is good but 90% won't be needed most of the time.
Just start on simple trails and 4x4 tracks that take you into the wilderness. As far as Gear Acquisition goes I think the first concern is getting your mobile camping gear setup squared away. That's going to have a bigger influence on your happiness on the trail than having the ultimate offroad vehicle.

You can do most anything with strong rock sliders and better than stock tires. Once you've done most everything you'll have a good idea what mod you need next to do the rare trail that requires insane mods.

 

[ssc45]

I would suggest the following thread. If you have already read it, then disregard. I believe it contains some good info in regards to your search.

Cheers, Steve

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/151258-Building-Driving-and-Adventuring-the-MTN4RNR

 

[Cmason16]

Thanks to everyone weighing in. I am definitely having to rethink the build.
Plan to still go with the Gobi rack and a set of rock sliders.
I need to rethink the front bumper. I feel I need the winch, but may not need the full bull bar.
I like the ARB bumpers because of the crush rate testing to ensure air bags still work.
I need to dig into hidden winch bumper options.

The rear bumper can get reduced to stock or maybe a simple upgrade for recovery and jack points.

More thinking needed.

 

[SDDiver5]

Just take your time, don't rush into it.

As you can tell we are always glad to give opinions!

 

[Benc]

Here are my thoughts if you truly plan to overland.

I here what people are saying about the weight and they are valid concerns, but there are plenty of light weight options and even aluminum armor out there that will not weigh much at all.
The way I look at it with my builds is I may not plan on rock or water crossing but have encountered both on several on my expeditions.
Being prepared for the unexpected is a good vital part of over landing!
That means carrying a lot of things you may hardly use and outfitting your vehicles with the proper equipment for your travels.
A winch and bull bar are extremely important IMO!
If you travel long distances a animal strike without a bull bar can leave you stranded in the middle of nowhere or at best ruin your trip, if a bull bar can prevent that from happening the extra weight is worth it.

I like to put myself in every scenario that could possibly happen in my travels and prepare accordingly, your military background should help.

If you truly plan to overland your going to get stuck, you going to encounter water crossings, your going to encounter animals ect, ect. Being prepared for the unexpected/un planned is the key for a successful and safe expedition.
Good luck with the build!


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[tk421]

I truly doubt the effectiveness of so-called bull bars, in moose country we refer them as damage multipliers. There is a thousand ways to skin a cat and you see that in the varying ethos of travelers on this board, from going down the trail and throwing a sleeping pad on the ground to multiple thousand dollar roof top tents that only get used in developed campgrounds. On a 4 month trip through Canada and the US I leaned towards 'be prepared for anything' and my trip suffered for it due to all the BS I carried around which never got used. Now I'm more of a minimalist as I found having a decent set of tires, recovery gear, and camping gear gets me just about anywhere I need to go. If you think of every gadget you will need for every bad scenario eventually you'll have no room for the kids.

 

[tk421]

What I'm getting at is, don't fall into the idea that you NEED to bolt on extraneous items to travel and four wheel and camp. There is essentials (recovery, first aid, food, shelter, etc.) that keep you self sufficient, and there is everything else. If you didn't know any better you would think this site is an extension of MTV's 'Pimp my Ride'.