While its roots can be traced back to Prescott, Ariz., and the first Overland Expo in 2009, the North American overland events landscape has drastically changed in recent years.

Besides the Overland Expo in Arizona, the early years also saw a handful of Overland Rally events, most backed by Overland International, sprout up across the country. These regional events helped introduce thousands to overland travel and were more community-driven than industry-focused.

While the same ethos exists between the smaller local events and massive Overland Expos today, there is a lot more of all of the above.

Overland Expos

Overland Expo has expanded to five events each year and has become even more gear- and industry-focused. The largest event is still the original in Arizona, now called Overland Expo West. In 2025, it saw upward of 28,000 attendees and 420+ vendors.

The Overland Expo event series is now on its third owner, currently Emerald Expositions (a trade-show event company). It continues to veer away from education and community and focuses more and more on gear.

While hands-on demonstrations and moving vehicle training have been greatly reduced, vendor spots and advertising opportunities have been maximized.

Happy hours and parties used to be plentiful, and are now very limited. This leaves just those who can pay the high fees for ID checks/security, licensed bartenders, and alcohol from approved vendors, which equates to big corporations and not core overland industry companies.

The Overland Expo events are still the place to get a first look at the latest and greatest gear on offer from the industry, as well as the latest vehicle builds. These events are also where you will most likely meet international travelers — even though it seems like fewer attend each year.

Overland Rallies & Rendezvous

Many of the early Overland Rally events disappeared, but a few still remain, specifically the NW Overland Rally and Mid-Atlantic Overland Festival. However, a plethora of small overland rally events sprouted up all over the continent in recent years — although many have disappeared just as quickly.

While most of these events fundamentally have the same structure/pieces as the Expos — vendors, seminars, hands-on instruction, communal food and drink, and on-site camping — they tend to draw a more localized crowd, focusing less on the gear and more on community building.

There are also a handful of rendezvous-type events, which focus more on communal camping and trail driving. These events are usually put on by local clubs and groups rather than businesses trying to make a profit.

The overland rally and rendezvous events tend to attract between a few hundred and a few thousand people. Even the largest of them remains orders of magnitude smaller than any of the four Overland Expo events held each year, which can draw 30,000+ attendees.

Defining an Overland Event

There are so many overland events now that keeping track of them all is very hard. And many events have large overland industry components, but aren’t necessarily focused on overlanding. Also, some argue that car camping festivals and RV meetups are just as “overland” as other similar-style events listed here.

That is to say, this list presents a solid starting point but is in no way comprehensive of every overland event you could attend in North America. And, I purposefully excluded RV-focused events from this list.

2026 Overland Events Calendar

Overland Events

All of these events have their place in the industry, but the overland event space has become saturated. In the past 14 years in this industry, I have personally been to over 10 different overland-specific events and north of 35 total events. Event fatigue is real!

For me, overlanding is about self-reliant, vehicle-based adventure travel. You can define that in various ways, and it can mean very different things to different people, But, it all comes down to traveling by vehicle, where the travel itself is the goal, not the destination.

Overland events are great places to build community, get travel tips, learn how to use essential gear, find deals on gear, and generally have a great time with like-minded people.

However, in my opinion, attending overland events is not overlanding. Admittedly, my opinion might fall in the minority in today’s North American overland community. The number of people who ask overland companies for free products to support their “expedition” to overland events is laughable. Don’t be that person.

Go Travel!

While I truly cherish many memories I have from these events, along with friendships made and skills learned, the experiences I like to share around a campfire or over a pint at the pub are those that I made traveling to new places and experiencing local cultures.

Attend some overland events, but remember that it’s likely more valuable to use your limited travel time and budget to actually get out and explore.

One final thing to note: I lived on the road, mostly in North America, for nearly 8 years and never ran out of cool places to see and interesting people to meet. You don’t have to travel all that far to enjoy the spirit of overland travel.

With that said, most of my most vivid memories are those created in far-off lands, with people who spoke a different language, and when I was uncomfortable in one way or another.

Hopefully, I’ll see you at an overland event soon. Or, better yet, I’ll bump into you on the road less traveled.

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All camp, no prattle. Airstream’s latest brings it together with two other western icons to build a luxury experience with more grit than the entire cast of the movie Tombstone.

The Airstream Stetson + 6666 is filled with Old-West details, vintage-looking artwork, and details inspired by those brands from the top of your hat to the bottom of your spurs.

If This Airstream Could Talk, It Would Sound Like Sam Elliott

We haven’t really seen anything quite like this before. Airstream’s classic styling has been tweaked, starting from the aluminum exterior. Weathered-look accents replace some of the usual shiny bits, while a red beltline stripe gives it a pop you won’t find elsewhere.

Then you walk around to the front and spot the cowboy artwork wrap on the front windows. When you tow this rig, it’ll feel like you’re getting chased down for rustlin’ more than just some grub.

Somewhere to Hang Your Hat

Most of the branding is on the inside, starting with (and we’re not kidding) the hat rack. You’ve got to have somewhere to hang your Stetson (sold separately).

Even before you step in, the screen door will jump out at you. The top section has an Airstream Stetson + Four Sixes logo, while the bottom half has a Stetson and a starburst motif.

Once you’re in, there is a hammered-copper kitchen sink and an oil-rubbed-bronze sink in the bathroom. The overstuffed leather couch looks like some of the nicest hide we’ve seen on wheels since the original King Ranch Fords, and it has more logos telling you about the collaboration scattered around the cabin.

One of the coolest details is the artwork on the kitchen side wall. The Stetson advertisement horse and rider is classic western, and thanks to the shiny interior walls, it’s duplicated on the main kitchen panel too, at least if the light is right.

Everything that isn’t nearly everything that isn’t metal, wood, or leather is draped in blues, grays, browns, and red tones. Airstream says the color palette is inspired by the West Texas landscape where the Four Sixes ranch — yes, it’s a real ranch and not just made up for Yellowstone — is located.

Is It Too Much or Just Right?

If you aren’t into the Western motif (or a fan of ranch owner Sheridan’s show), then the whole thing is more than a little over the top. If you are a fan, then it’s quite cool. Pardner. Live out your Rip dreams in comfort, even when you’re somewhere on the other side of nowhere.

Speaking of comfort, this is the classic 27-foot Airstream. You can get it with a queen bed or a pair of twins, and there is a convertible dinette for some more sleeping space.

If you want to get a better view of the land, lots of land where you’re camping, then Airstream’s optional and iconic rear hatch will give you that panorama.

Airstream Stetson + 6666 Is Just the Beginning

The Airstream Stetson + 6666 model comes with a 2.4kWh lithium battery, so you can run the TV and watch Paramount+ for days. It also has a 2,000W inverter and 300 W of solar panels on the roof.

Airstream will be releasing this one a little differently than most. Orders are open now, and you can place yours for the next 30 days. Pricing starts at $169,900, with production scheduled to begin next month.

If you like the idea and the execution but not the theme, watch this space. Airstream plans more Collaboration Series models with brands around the globe.

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Finding used camper vans at a decent price can be a real challenge. That’s why there are numerous websites and social media pages dedicated to connecting sellers with potential buyers around the country. Moreover, van conversions are notoriously varied, leading to even more complex decision-making for those looking for their home on the road.

But among those who fully embrace the van life for months or years at a time, there’s something even more important: How cool does it look?

In the case of Escape Campervans, the answer is very cool, indeed. This L.A.-based brand, with rental operations all over the country, has long offered rentals of its stylish campers, which all feature colorful paint jobs from real artists paid by the company. Those artists even get celebrated on the brand’s website with a photo and bio.

Now, the company’s brightly colored, psychedelic vans are on sale — a benefit of the sad news that Escape Campervans is going out of business. After 18 years, this early adopter of the modern van life movement will finally close its doors. The only silver lining of that news is the “holy grail” deals the brand is offering as it liquidates its inventory.

“For those of you who are still dreaming of that camper van on your trip — now is your chance to call it your own,” the company’s team said in a statement on the website. “And for those of you who never got a chance to rent with us, we have five models of road-ready, custom-built, well-maintained vans at all price points. And there’s nothing we’d want more than our vans to start their next chapter with you.”

Escape Campervans: Why It’s Closing

GearJunkie has featured Escape Campervans quite a few times over the years. From our guide to campervan rentals to our rugged rentals for affordable off-road adventure roundup to our pet-friendly camper van rentals piece — we clearly believe that Escape was doing something right.

The brand weathered the pandemic’s economic headwinds, rapid inflation, and dips in international travel, but “ultimately made the tough call to wind down,” a representative of the company told GearJunkie this week.

“From bucket-list road trips through national parks, to cruising the Pacific coastline on the iconic 101, to months-long cross-country adventures, you’ve brought our vans to life in ways we’ll never forget,” the company said in its farewell. “Ultimately, the time has come for this special, extraordinary chapter to close. But we’re excited to announce the good news for you: We have camper vans for sale!”

Campervans: Online Auction

Escape Campervans’ entire remaining fleet of about 600 vehicles will be sold online. Though used as rentals, the vans have been well-maintained and remain “adventure ready,” a spokesperson said.

They’re being sold to the public through weekly, no-reserve auctions on Bidadoo, eBay’s largest commercial auction partner. It’s a rare chance to score a fully converted (and tested) van life rig with a reasonable price tag. Add on the beautiful artwork, some of which comes in a removable wrap, and you’re looking at a truly special deal.

Available vehicles include many recent models with low mileage and all-wheel drive. Some have pop-top campers, and some don’t. Some of them have tasteful artwork reminiscent of vintage national park posters, and some were painted by edgy graffiti artists. In other words, there is plenty to choose from, both practically and artistically.

New inventory will drop every Tuesday until it’s all gone. Currently, there are several dozen vans on the Bidadoo webpage for Escape Campervans. Makes and models range from modern Ford Transits to older E-150s — all including extensive conversions. You’ll also find numerous James Baroud rooftop tents sold separately.

A Range of Options

It’s probably no surprise that a rental van company would have such a huge range of inventory on hand. The most expensive options published on the auction site on Tuesday include 2023 Ford Transits with AWD and low mileage.

For example, this 2023 Transit is listed at $62,500 OBO, has less than 9,000 miles, and offers a laundry list of features. Those include a pop-top tent, internal bench beds, air conditioning and heat, a kitchenette, storage, and more.

An example of a mid-range option is this 2018 Ford Transit with 136,000 miles that just sold for $16,211. There are also much older models selling for rock-bottom prices, like this 2013 Ford E-150 with more than 360,000 miles.

If your preferred van is already sold by the time you read this, just remember: It’s not your last chance. More vehicles will be posted on the webpage every Tuesday until all the inventory is gone. So if you’re on the hunt for a stellar deal on a converted van, check back next week. You might just find an incredible deal on a van that’s also a genuine work of art.

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Having the freedom to choose where you go and how you camp when you get there is the best part of traveling in an RV.

Regardless of the kind of RV you have, the best way to upgrade your trip is to hack your packing. Avoid the gear explosion and a chaotic camp kitchen by packing well before you hit the road.

1. Meal Prep Before Leaving

Have you ever finished up a long day of playing outside and thought, “Wow, I’d love to chop veggies for dinner!” Exactly. 

The point of travel is to maximize your time doing what you love and enjoying the people you’re with. Give yourself more of that by doing some meal prep before you hit the road.

The best way to plan your meals on the road is to plan the exact recipe for each meal and then meal prep what you can ahead of time. Many class A motorhomes, class C motorhomes, 5th wheels, and large travel trailers have a full-size fridge and freezer, which makes food storage simple.

Camper vans and small travel trailers, like teardrop or truck campers, will have more compact fridges. But that just means you need to be a bit more clever and might have to do some food prep while on the road.

Since almost all RVs have a fridge and freezer, you can cook all your meat and veggies ahead of time (or go super-simple with easy one-pot style meals). Then, store the meals you’ll be eating first in the fridge and freeze the rest, pulling out the freezer meals at least 24 hours ahead of time and thawing them in the fridge.

2. Utilize the Trailer Hitch for Your Toys

Not everyone wants to drive a sport utility RV to haul their whole garage. If you’re interested in being a bit more nimble and having more options for camping, camper vans and truck campers can get you and your gear to your next destination.

Both camper vans and slide-in truck campers free up the trailer hitch so you can add a rack or small trailer to haul your bikes, kayaks, boat, or gear bins.

You can maximize your fun while keeping your rig minimal enough to allow access to more backcountry locations, depending on your truck or camper van.

3. Utilize Collapsible and Nesting Items

There’s a certain magic trick that happens when you think you have tons of room and then somehow end up overpacking or bringing things that don’t function well on the road.

But when you use collapsible or nesting gear — like tableware, camp chairs, travel carts, and water jugs — you free up valuable space in every area of your RV. 

Gear can get bumped around on the road, but in general, items that collapse or nest together travel a bit better. Plus, big items that collapse down (like gear carts) or nest together (like laundry baskets) can easily be stored in your RV’s exterior storage or in the “basement” storage that larger motorhomes and travel trailers often have.

4. Use Packing Bins for Clothes

Your suitcase shouldn’t get all the organization glory — grab some packing cubes or clear bins for your RV closet.

Make the most of minimal clothing storage by keeping all your clothes organized into packing cubes or clear plastic bins. You can color-code packing cubes to make it easy to figure out whose socks are whose, and then easily stack them in smaller storage areas while keeping your intimates separate from your outdoor gear.

Soft packing cubes are easy for less space because they pack down small, while clear storage bins are great for deep closets or storage areas where you might need more structure.

This is a great option for teardrop trailers or camper vans with minimal storage options. In larger travel trailers, you’ll have the blessing of full drawers or closets, and packing cubes can keep you even more organized on the road — because, let’s face it, even with a full wardrobe, your closet can get chaotic.

5. Take Advantage of Vertical Storage Space

When you travel in an RV, storage can be lean and organization is king — especially in living zones that generally have a lot of small items. The best way to hack your kitchen or bathroom is to take advantage of wall space for storage.

Make the whole crew say, “Yes, chef!” by adding magnetic strips to your kitchen wall to hang knives (after you’ve parked for the day, obviously), spices, and metal storage containers for tea and small snacks. Hang your spice rack behind your stove if you can, and take full advantage of a full-sized stove to whip up a meal for hungry campers in a class A motorhome or 5th wheel.

Keep your bathroom odds-and-ends organized with hanging toiletry bags that can go behind the door or hang in the shower in smaller RVs. 

If your crew has a lot of smaller gear for hiking or different kinds of shoes for all kinds of adventures, a bonus hack is to utilize hanging closet bins or shoe racks. That way, you won’t misplace a headlamp or collapsible water bottle in the corner of a storage bin.

Adventure on the Road

With an RV, you have the option to bring more gear, food, and clothes for your adventures. While mishaps are bound to happen, with a little planning and some specialized gear to fit your RV, you can enjoy a smoother trip.

If you want to avoid the parks (and the crowds), there are plenty of detours outside the major National Parks that are worth the trip. Plus, private RV parks near National Parks typically have better availability and more amenities than the National Parks themselves.

In the last few years, around 300 million people have visited National Parks annually — which can make finding RV camping tough. But what about the less trafficked nearby parks and natural areas? If you’re looking for a camping trip off the well-worn path of the National Park circuit, here are five detours that are worth the side quest.

1. Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge

High up in the greater Yellowstone ecosystem in Montana sits the biggest wetlands complex in the area: Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge. A convergence of multiple ecosystems — from forests to lakes, grasslands and sage-steppe — provides ample space for an abundance of wildlife. 

Surrounded by mountains and far off the main road (the closest facilities are about 45 miles away), those looking to get away from the bustle of Yellowstone National Park will find tranquility and views here. The refuge is often called the most beautiful national wildlife refuge in the United States.

Plus, the area is an anglers paradise, with opportunities to catch cutthroat trout, mountain whitefish, arctic grayling, rainbow trout, cutthroat-rainbow hybrids, and brook trout.

The best time to go is the summer through fall when wildlife is abundant and opportunities for outdoor recreation abound. Kayak on the Lower Red Rock Lake (though, note swimming is not allowed), cast a line, look out for elk, or hike on the two easy hiking trails, Odell Creek or Sparrow Pond trails. 

It’s not recommended to visit in the winter. Travel in the area is generally limited to dry times of year and tow trucks are upward of 45 miles away, so know your limits.

RV Camping in the Area

• There are two established campgrounds with spots available on a first-come, first-served basis: River Marsh and Upper Lake campgrounds.
• Large RVs cannot be accommodated in either campground due to limited and confined space for vehicles to turn around.
• Upper Lake Campground has potable spring water.
• Both campgrounds offer vault toilets.
• Ideal for camper vans and truck campers. It’s recommended that small trailers utilize River Marsh campground.

2. Sunset Crater National Monument

The Sunset Crater National Monument, located outside of the Grand Canyon, is rich in volcanic geological history and offers hiking through unique landscapes with views of the Sunset and Lenox craters.

While Arizona clearly boasts numerous geological wonders (looking at you, Grand Canyon), the Sunset Crater National Monument offers visitors a unique detour. 

Hike through remnants of lava flows and then tour the nearby Wupatki National Monument (included with your admission), where the Sinagua people relocated to before the Sunset Crater Volcano erupted.

But that’s not all: the Sunset Crater National Monument is also an International Dark Sky Park, and the Astronomers of the Verde Valley host summer sky night events with telescopes for the public to use.

RV Camping in the Area

• The best campground nearby is the Bonito Campground, which has 22 sites available on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Motorhomes and trailers over 41 feet are not permitted and there are no utility hookups.
• All roads and spurs are paved.

3. Natural Bridges National Monument

South of Arches National Park hides a gem of a monument. As you leave Moab, you’ll be greeted by some of the most spectacular red rock scenery in the state, followed by pinyon pine and juniper forests. 

Venture through Bears Ears National Monument and you’ll eventually hit Natural Bridges National Monument — Utah’s first National Monument. 

The park has three natural bridges, which differ from arches by the process through which they’re formed. Bridges are carved by running water while arches are formed by seeping moisture and frost. 

Cruise through the one-way loop and stop at the numerous overlooks to see each bridge. Then lace up your hiking boots and hit one of the numerous trails. Uplevel your sightseeing by taking a hike at night to witness the approximately 15,000 stars in the sky through one of the natural bridges. 

Plus, if you do some stargazing, you’ll get to witness the very first International Dark Sky park certified by the International Dark Sky Association in 2007.

RV Camping in the Area

• Camping is available in the monument with 13 sites, all reservable at recreation.gov.
• Max RV and trailer length is 26 feet. 
• Year-round vault toilets are available but no water or amenities at camp sites.
• Great for travel trailers, class C motorhomes, and smaller RVs.

4. Cape Disappointment State Park

This park in Washington state is a great detour from one of the area’s most popular attractions: Olympic National Forest. Cape Disappointment State Park is home to two functioning lighthouses, old-growth forests, and rugged beaches. Plus, stretch your legs on the 8 miles of hiking trails. 

The views encapsulate a classic Washington state environment, without fighting crowds or venturing high up into the Olympic Peninsula. 

RV Camping in the Area

• Inside the park there is one campground with around 197 campsites, 60 of which are full hookup sites. Sites are available first-come, first-served.
• Sites can accommodate RVs 45 feet or less.
• Ideal for larger class A motorhomes or larger travel trailers.

5. Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve

If you’re interested in ancient lakes that are over 1 million years old and also 2.5 times more salty than the ocean, then you’re in luck. The Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve is a detour you need to make. 

Outside of the popular Yosemite National Park sits the oldest lake in North America. Known for the “tufa towers,” which are calcium carbonate spires and knobs formed by the interaction between the freshwater springs and the alkaline lake water. 

This unique habitat attracts 1-2 million birds per year, making it one of the best spots for bird and wildlife viewing. The unique spires are a photographer’s dream and make the lake a stunning sight year round. 

RV Camping in the Area

• Nearby campgrounds include Lundy Canyon with 36 sites, Big Bend campground with 17 sites accommodating 30 foot RVs, and Aspen campground with 45 sites with a 40 foot RV accommodation.
• Great for class A motorhomes, 5th wheels, and class C motorhomes.

The Best Part of RV Travel — The Detours

You buy an RV to see the sights, not get stuck in one place. So why not adventure off the beaten path and hit some detours near the most popular National Parks? 

The best part of traveling with an RV is getting to choose your own adventure, so make one of these parks your next detour.

I’ve spent decades shaving weight — grams off a bike build, scrutinizing pack weight before a climb. Weight kills performance. Every. Single. Time.

But I didn’t truly understand how dramatically weight affects a vehicle until I drove my empty cargo van home from the dealer.

The Lightbulb Moment

I’d previously owned vans with heavy suspension modifications. Upgraded shocks, struts, springs, the works. Did they drive better than stock? Absolutely.

Then I picked up my cargo van. Stock suspension. Bad tires. Zero modifications. And it drove 1,000x better than my heavily modded rigs.

Better acceleration. Better turning. Better over bumps. Better braking. All of it. Just right off the dealer lot.

The Real Problem Was Weight

That drive home was a punch to the throat. The costly suspension upgrades had definitely improved things, but they were fighting a losing battle against the real problem: weight.

Every cabinet, every “essential” system, every built-in feature I thought I needed had compounded into thousands of pounds that murdered the van’s handling, fuel economy, and component longevity. The suspension was working overtime just to compensate for all the things that justified a $100,000+ van.

The physics are brutal and inescapable. More weight means harder braking, faster brake wear. More stress on every bearing, bushing, and joint. Worse fuel mileage, sluggish acceleration, and compromised handling that makes highway driving exhausting and mountain passes feel sketchy.

My new build would be different.

The Vandoit Education

My time as a Vandoit ambassador taught me the other half of the equation: modularity. The cabinets and rear cabin seats could swap in and out, letting me reconfigure the van for different uses. That’s modularity — the ability to change your setup based on what the trip demands.

Materials Matter

I also learned what materials to avoid. Nothing that absorbs moisture — that’s mold and a pain in the ass to clean. Nothing that absorbs odors.

I’ve been in $200K vans that permanently smell like bacon because someone cooked in it once. I cook inside when it’s frigid or raining out. I don’t want my van to smell like every meal I cooked or well-used climbing shoes. 

Same goes for materials that are hard to clean or require babying. No leather seats that need conditioning. Or fabric walls that trap dirt and moisture. No flooring that scratches easily or has crevices where dirt hides. The interior has to be truly adventure-, dirt bag-, and dog-proof.

I want surfaces I can wipe down in minutes and sweep out quickly. This is a tool, not a luxury RV I’m afraid to use.

How the Industry Does It

That’s how a vast majority of the industry builds campervans. Load them with every feature imaginable. It makes them more attractive on the showroom floor, easier to sell, more impressive in photos.

Many commercial builders try to be everything to everyone — the ultimate mobile apartment that can handle any scenario. And I get it. When you’re selling a vehicle that costs more than some houses, buyers expect the works.

The modular concept was brilliant. But I discovered it didn’t match how I actually used my van.

The 10% Problem

First, the main cabinets — while solidly built for durability — were too heavy for me to move solo. More importantly, I was hauling around features I’d use maybe 10% of the time.

That built-in hot shower? Amazing when I needed it. But I needed it on maybe one out of 10 trips. The hydraulic bed? Incredible engineering, but I set it once and never moved it again.

All those comfort features I thought were essential added hundreds of pounds to every mile I drove, whether I was using them or not.

Portable, standalone solutions exist for almost everything. A portable camping shower weighs a few pounds and lives in a closet at home until I need it. A compact camp stove does 90% of what a built-in kitchen does at a fraction of the weight.

I was carrying a full-time solution to part-time problems.

There’s no point in modularity if reconfiguring your rig requires a friend with a strong back. And there’s no point in features if they cost you performance every day for the occasional day you use them.

The Build Philosophy

Here’s the plan: build the lightest, most modular campervan possible, where every component I can move myself serves multiple purposes. This van gets only what I need 90% of the time. Everything else stays home until the trip requires it.

And this one hurts: I don’t need a $5,000 six-speaker sound system with a 12-inch woofer. Ouch!

Light Is Right

Lightweight isn’t about sacrifice; it’s about efficiency. I’m not going ultralight-backpacker extreme, cutting my toothbrush in half. I’m questioning every pound.

Does this cabinet need heavy-duty materials or will lighter ones do the job? Can this system mount to the wall instead of sitting on the floor? Do I really need this, or is it just nice to have?

Modularity Means Simple

Modularity isn’t about complexity — it’s about simplicity. The floor plan needs to be dead simple. Maximum open space. Minimal built-ins. Components that can slide, stack, and reconfigure without tools.

Every piece should make the van more useful, not less.

The goal is a platform, not an apartment on wheels. I want room for gear — bikes, skis, climbing equipment, camera gear, whatever the mission requires. The van should adapt to the adventure, not force the adventure to adapt to it.

The Floorplan: Keep It Simple

For me, the best layout is the most common: a standard platform bed in the back. I’ve had the fancy stuff. Hydraulic beds that raise and lower. Murphy-style beds that fold up against the wall, creating lounge space for hanging out at camp.

They’re impressive and offer real versatility for people who use their vans as mobile living rooms. But they also add weight, mechanical complexity, and potential failure points. I don’t want the complications.

Why a Fixed Bed Works

I set my old hydraulic bed to fit bikes underneath and only adjusted it when my daughter was small enough that the lower platform mattered. Now she’s tall enough to climb in the same way I do.

The reduced headspace while sleeping doesn’t bother me. I’m sleeping. My eyes are closed.

Front Seats Only

I’ve also had removable rear seats for a passenger-hauling setup. This time? Just the front seats.

I’m giving up something — the ability to split gas costs with passengers. But even when I brought extra people, they had to haul all their gear for camping and doing all the things. This added significant weight and often forced everyone to compromise on what they packed because of limited space.

If the trip involved bicycles, I could only take two bikes anyway to have any room left for other gear. And if bouldering was on the menu? Crash pads could take up most of the van if we were highballing.

The passenger capacity was somewhat theoretical. In practice, it rarely worked the way I hoped.

I’m offsetting the solo-driver gas cost in other ways. I chose the non-turbo Ford Transit motor — less power, but also less complexity and better fuel economy. And, this entire build will be dramatically lighter than my previous rigs, which means better mileage than I’ve ever gotten.

Where I Won’t Compromise: Battery Power

There’s one place I’m not skimping: battery capacity.

I know from experience that in remote places without plug-ins, I always used all the power I had. Every amp-hour. Cameras, laptops, lights, charging devices, running a fan or AC on hot nights, keeping the fridge cold for a week-long trip, it all added up.

I’ve been in situations where I was rationing power by day 3, and it was miserable.

Why Battery Weight Is Worth It

Yes, batteries are heavy. A serious lithium house battery system adds massive weight. But this is the 90% use case. This is what I need on nearly every trip.

Unlike the built-in shower or the fancy hydraulic bed, power is non-negotiable when you’re off-grid. I can’t just “bring it if I need it.”

So the electrical system gets a full build. Adequate solar to keep things topped off. Enough battery capacity to run everything I use without anxiety.

This is where the weight is worth it — because the alternative is being tethered to campgrounds or constantly worrying about whether I have enough juice.

What This Really Means

I’m approaching this build like any performance equipment decision. Every component gets interrogated: What does it weigh? Can I move it myself? Will I actually use this 90% of the time, or is this a “nice to have” that’s dead weight?

Cabinets will be lightweight materials, sized so one person can handle them. Systems will mount high or externally where possible. The floor plan will prioritize open, reconfigurable space over fixed furniture.

If something is not needed, it can be removed.

What Gets to Move

What I specifically want to be able to move, based on past experience: cabinets if I don’t need them on a particular trip — either for more headspace or to free up floorspace.

The kitchen galley in case I need that space for gear. I can cook outside most of the time and wash dishes out there too. If I’m on a bike trip with multiple bikes or a moto trip with all the protective gear, I don’t need the galley taking up valuable floor real estate.

What Gets Left Behind

That hot shower I loved in the Vandoit? I’ll bring a portable shower when I know I’m going somewhere I’ll actually use it.

The fancy cabinets with multiple drawers and fold-down tables? Scaled back to ones I can move myself. 

The built-in everything? Stripped down to built-in essentials — and a serious electrical system that won’t leave me stranded without power.

The best modification is often the one you don’t make. Every pound I don’t add is a pound that isn’t wearing my brakes, killing my fuel economy, or making the van handle like a loaded dump truck.

This build is about getting back to what a van does best — getting you and your gear to the adventure, then getting out of the way.

Less weight. More versatility. Maximum capability.

That’s the plan.

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Let’s cut to the chase: you don’t buy an RV to travel faster. You get an RV to take in the journey and immerse yourself in the destination. 

When you travel down the blacktop of America’s highways and turn down the less-traveled scenic byways, your slower pace is rewarded with often-missed views: the sunrise over red rock desert in Utah, or snow geese migrating through Pennsylvania in the spring. 

Once you get to where you’re going, you get to explore the area exactly how you want — no hotel restrictions or vacation rental chores. With an RV, you can choose your own adventure, and the right rig to match.

Whether you need something nimble to turn down whatever dirt road you choose and escape the crowds, or maybe you need a toy hauler to bring the fun wherever you wander. Below are the best RV types for the exact detour you want to take, so you can pick the exact right RV for your adventure.

Chart Your Own Course

If your adventure plan includes Bureau of Land Management (BLM) camping and getting sufficiently lost in order to find your sanity, then a compact truck camper or a camper van is right for you.

There are 245 million acres of BLM lands in the United States, which means plenty of backcountry camping along unmaintained dirt roads. If you want to escape the crowds and skip the amenities found in campgrounds and RV parks (like pit toilets, electric hookups, showers, etc.), then an RV setup that contains everything in a trim package is the best option.

A truck camper slides into the truckbed, making it easy to drive and leaves the bumper free so you can tow whatever toy you want to bring along. A class B motorhome on the other hand, is a classic camper van, and has all the amenities of a motorhome, but is compact enough to take places a large RV can’t go. 

Pros of a Truck Camper or Camper Van

• Compact living space means the backcountry or unmaintained dirt roads are more easily accessible depending on your van or truck.
• Easy parking makes travel and navigation a breeze.
• Truck campers offer the ability to remove the camper when the season is over, reducing gas consumption and wear on your truck.
• Camper vans allow you to quickly access the living quarters and the driver’s seat without leaving the vehicle or camper.

No Toys Left Behind

Are you the type that has more outdoor toys than garage space? If you’re packing the kayaks, the dirt bikes, the MTBs (the list goes on), then you’ll need a toy hauler.

You’re the type that brings the fun and you need an RV to match. With a toy hauler, you’ll have a dedicated garage-on-wheels that’s typically separate from the living space. This kind of RV comes in a few different styles, like a travel trailer, a 5th wheel or a class A motorhome.

No matter which style you choose, the intent is the same: haul your gear to your camp and have a great time. But, if you want more nitty-gritty pros of each style, check out the list below:

Pros of a Travel Trailer

• A travel trailer disconnects from your vehicle, which means you can park your trailer and use your vehicle to get to hard-to-reach places.
• Travel trailers come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, from compact and minimal to all the bells and whistles, you can find exactly what you’re looking for.
• Lightweight options allow you to easily tow with smaller vehicles.

Pros of a 5th Wheel

• The raised forward section makes for a more spacious bi-level floor plan and is what sets 5th wheels apart from other travel trailers.
• This style of trailer disconnects from your truck, making it easy to park and then use your truck to get to your adventures.
• The larger living area makes this a great option for families.

Pros of a Class A Motorhome

• A motorhome is an all-in-one style camper that doesn’t require a separate vehicle to tow it. 
• Home-like amenities abound, making it a true long-haul option for extended trips.
• For those looking for luxury, class A motorhomes offer some of the most high-end options.

Keep It Minimal

If you’re looking for a trailer that’s ideal for a weekend, a small group, or just you and your partner (or your pup), there are plenty of minimal options. If you live in a city and lack storage space, these options will keep you comfortable even in a smaller space.

Teardrop trailers are the modern answer to the old-school travel trailer, with the recognizable curve and pointed end that give them their name. These small trailers can be pulled by a small SUV and have a basic kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping area. 

If you want to take a small family or a friend group out for a camping adventure, a pop-up camper offers everything you need in a size that fits into a garage. This style of RV also allows the user to feel closer to nature and connected to the outdoors by mimicking the feeling of sleeping outside.

Pros of a Teardrop Trailer or Pop-Up Trailer

• Both options are smaller in size, making them ideal options for people that live in cities and don’t have a large storage area.
• Both allow for more flexibility in the type of vehicle you own since they can both be hauled with a small SUV.
• Smaller sizes mean more options for parking and camping areas.

Ready to Detour?

RV adventures offer a slower pace and more immersive travel experience, while giving you a home-away-from-home feeling you can’t get in a hotel. If adventure travel and excursions are on your agenda, it might be time to check out your RV options.

It’s time to find a new home for my custom-made Jeep Camper, and I want to make it a fun experience rather than just being sad to see it go.

This camper was designed and built from the ground up to explore the most remote corners of the globe. And, I want to see the new owner do exactly that, as I did. Nothing would make me sadder than seeing this expedition-ready machine just sit in a garage somewhere. So, I want to provide an incentive for the next owner to take big adventures.

Just buy my camper, and I’ll pay half the diesel bill to drive it to the Arctic Circle ($2,000) or half the diesel bill to drive the entire Pan-American Highway ($4,000). Send me a few photos and stories from the adventures and I’ll happily transfer the money. Nothing would make me happier.

Growing Family Requires Changes

Ex-NASA engineer Michael Fuchs is the genius behind this incredible camper. He designed it to offer the creature comforts and warmth of a million-dollar EarthRoamer on a much smaller platform and budget. And, it is much more suitable for exploring the far corners of the world than big expedition campers.

This Jeep Camper was designed from the ground up to fit perfectly inside a standard 20-foot shipping container. It requires nothing more than diesel, drinking water, and food to keep the adventures rolling.

This camper is a dream come true for one or two people to live out of on global travels. With the recent addition of my daughter to our travel team, I have to face the hard truth that this camper simply doesn’t work for our growing family any longer. So, I have to part ways with what is easily the best Overland vehicle I have ever owned.

Custom Overland Jeep Camper

Built on a 2021 Wrangler Rubicon EcoDiesel, the magic of this vehicle is the fully equipped living box constructed from 1-inch honeycomb core panels. Measuring 6 feet by 7.5 feet, the 45 square feet of floor space is well over double that of a standard Jeep Gladiator bed. And, this camper is a double-decker. The pop-up roof with insulated canvas provides plenty of space for a bed that is almost queen-sized.

With 600 W of solar on the roof, 200 Ah of lithium batteries, a dual-burner induction cook top, a 50L fridge/freezer, a 2kW diesel heater, 40 L of drinking water this camper is ready for comfortable remote adventures. With running hot and cold water in the sink and outdoor shower, and a fully custom interior from Goose Gear, the interior of the habitat feels like a modern luxury apartment.

One of the best features of this custom camper is the pass-through from cab to camper. It makes moving gear and people from front to back a breeze. And when you want to keep the outside out and inside in, the Arctic Tern door, windows, and side hatches are the best of the best in terms of quality, insulation, and functionality.

Over the last year of full-time travel, we managed to explore the corners of 12 countries on three continents. And, from 0 degrees F in Iceland up to 110 degrees F in North Africa, my little family was always comfortable living inside.

Being built on a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon with front and rear locking differentials, a low-range transfer case, and an electronically disconnecting front sway bar means it has the off-road chops to easily handle the hardest tracks a global explorer will encounter.

The 3L EcoDiesel engine in the Jeep pumps out 420 pound-feet of torque at just 1,600 rpm. This grunt makes it a breeze to drive while returning a very respectable 24 mpg, which it got over the last 19,000 miles of adventure across three continents.

The Road Chose Me Jeep Camper Specs

• Chassis: 2021 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Unlimited
• Powertrain: 3.0 EcoDiesel (240 hp / 420 lb.-ft.), ZF 8HP75 8-speed Automatic
• Suspension: AEV 2.5″ DualSport XP Suspension + Heavy Load Springs, remote reservoir Bilstein 8100 big bore shocks
• Wheels & Tires: 18” Mopar Steel wheels, Yokohama Geolandar A/T4 Tires (295/70R18)
• Armor: AEV EX Front Bumper + Skid Plate, AEV Rear bumper
• Power System: 200Ah Renogy Lithium battery, 600W Renogy Flexible lightweight solar panels, 50A Renogy DC-DC/MPPT Solar charge controller, 3000W Renogy Pure Sine Wave Inverter, Renogy Core ONE smart monitor
• Camper Habitat: 1-inch foam and honeycomb core composite panels on internal steel frame, Goose Gear Venture Series full interior, Insulated canvas by Supertramp Campers, Espar 2kW Diesel Heater, Arctic Tern insulated windows/side hatches/door, Expedition Upfitter 12V water boiler & 2 gal. (8L) tank, 10 gal. (40L) fresh water tank, Guzzle H2O 0.5 micron carbon filter & UV lamp, Dometic dual induction cooktop, 50L Dometic 12V fridge/freezer, outdoor shower, RoamRest 2” high-density foam mattress & seat cushions (upstairs bed is 60″ wide and 67″ long)
• Additional Upgrades: AEV Steering Damper, Warn Zeon 10-S Winch, Factor 55 Ultra Hook, AEV snorkel with dust pre-filter, Maxtrax MKII Recovery boards, Digital Rear View Mirror, Lightforce Venom LED Driving Lights & 20-inch Lightbar, Lightforce ROK LED 40W Revere light, Rhino-Rack Pioneer Platform with side rails, ARB Air Compressor, 813 Fabrication under seat mount, Hazard 4 molded storage headliners, OffRoam GPS/GoPro mounts

Adventuremobile & Fuel to Use It as Intended

I’m asking $145K for my home on wheels, and interested parties can reach out to me at The Road Chose Me. If you want even more photos and details on this ready to overland the world rig, then check out the for-sale thread on Expedition Portal.

I’ll be sad to see it go. But I’ll be very happy to see it tackle new adventures around the world.

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