Go Anywhere, Do Anything. That’s Jeep’s motto.
Jeeps are built for adventure and when it comes to getting out into the wildness and overlanding, these vehicles are amongst the most capable ones available to consumers on the market.
They’re marketed for their ruggedness and off-road capability, with a deep history in military heritage. There are plenty of places you can take a stock Jeep, but overlanding means tackling tough terrains and long journeys which requires more than just a Jeep that you pick up off the showroom floor.
To ensure that your ride is ready to face the demands (and thrills) of overlanding, here are five key upgrades that will improve performance, durability, and comfort.
Suspension Lift Kits
Lift kits aren’t just for truck lovers.
The first item on our list that every overland Jeep needs is a suspension lift kit. Why?
When you’re traversing rocky terrain, deep ruts, and water crossings, it pays to have increased ground clearance. A lift kit has the benefit of improving your off-road capabilities and performance by allowing you to use larger off-road tires to improve traction on various terrain, in addition to allowing for allows for better articulation which means that your wheels can flex more freely over uneven ground.
Suspension kits come in various heights which allows drivers to customize it based on the terrain and load that they’re looking to tackle, whether it’s for mild off-roading or extreme trail adventures.
It goes without saying, but a lifted truck also looks pretty damn cool.
Heavy-Duty Off-Road Tires
As lift kits give you more clearance and wheel space, you’ll want to take advantage of the bevy of tire selections at your overlanding disposal.
Where you’re going, it won’t just be smooth asphalt. While stock Jeep tires might get you around the countryside, overlanding can be a different animal so you need to beef up that rubber. Heavy-duty off-road tires are designed to provide superior traction and handling on surfaces such as mud, sand, rocks, and snow, all of which you’ll likely encounter during an overlanding adventure.
These tires utilize deep treads and aggressive patterns over a larger surface area to help your Jeep maintain its grip. In addition to enhanced performance, these tires also have reinforced sidewalls which offer increased puncture resistance as you traverse over rocky terrain.
This is why off-road tires are the second must-have item on our list. Online vendors such as NeoTires offer a wide selection of off-road tires to match your overlanding needs.
All-terrain tires are the typical go-to option as they provide decent comfort without significant road noise, but you can also opt for specialized needs such as mud-terrain and rock crawler tires. You’ll want to consider factors such as your terrain type, tire durability, and comfort if your trip involves long stretches of road driving.
Roof Rack and Cargo Storage Solutions
Overlanding means extended outdoor time, so upgrading your ride with a roof rack provides you with the necessary space for all the amenities you’ll need to bring with you. Roof racks provide ample space for storing gear such as camp gear, bikes, kayaks, or even extra provisions like fuel and water.
Space is a luxury, and you’ll create a more comfortable ride for passengers.
Some storage solution systems integrate cargo boxes and racks for specialized equipment without compromising performance. These racks can carry heavy loads and have a variety of attachments to customize your storage according to your overlanding journey.
For these reasons, having a storage system makes this upgrade a practical and efficient solution for adventurers who are looking to maximize utility while on the go.
Removable Camper Platform
If your overlanding is going to take you on multi-day overnight trips, then a removable camper platform is an absolute game-changer. This upgrade allows you to convert the rear of your Jeep into a flat sleeping area with under-storage compartments for any supplies that you bring along.
With a variety of designs to choose from, you can add any number of drawers for things like gear organization, kitchen setups, and even room for a mini-fridge. The platforms are completely removable so that you can just uninstall them and keep your Jeep for everyday use.
If you really want to get nuts, you can opt for a hard wall hang-on camper for your Jeep, essentially converting it into a small RV. This add-on has 6’ of width, which is enough room for a king-sized bed, not to mention it also has a small kitchen. How cool is that?
Skid Plates and Armor
Overlanding isn’t for the faint of heart and it’s pretty hard on the vehicle as it often involves challenging and unpredictable environments where your Jeep’s undercarriage is exposed and vulnerable to terrain such as rocks, tree stumps, and any other number of hazards that threaten to trash the bottom of your ride.
As such, skid plates and armor will protect key components like your oil pan, transmission, and fuel tank. The last thing you want is a tree branch puncturing an integral component and leaving you not just stranded, but potentially with thousands of dollars in repairs.
These armor accessories are made from heavy-duty materials like steel or aluminum, designed to withstand harsh damage and rough environments. Installing one of these isn’t carte blanche to roll over everything in sight, but it’ll let you tackle trails with confidence knowing that you’ve got ample protection. A skid plate system might run you between hundreds to thousands of dollars depending on the setup, but it’ll increase your Jeep’s longevity in the long run.
Get Out And Explore
These upgrades for overlanding are more than just tacking on gear – it’s about enhancing performance, comfort, and safety for the long haul. With these upgrades, you’ll be ready to handle anything the wild throws at you.
Whether you’re navigating rugged mountain trails or setting up camp miles off the beaten path, these modifications will ensure you’re well-prepared for any adventure.