Time and time again, we come back to the same questions: what mods should I do to my overland vehicle? And if modifications are done, you may ask: my first overland build is it worth it? Let’s take a look at the modifications that you can do to your vehicle without breaking the bank first.
11 Overlanding Vehicle Modifications Start With Adding the Following:
- Upgrading your tires
- Aggressive toe hooks
- Additional lights to the vehicle
- A roof rack or rooftop tent
- Interior rubber floor mats
- Upgrading suspension
- Snorkels
- Steering guards
- Recovery gear
- Air compressor
- Secure storage
Mods To Make Your Overland Vehicle More Dirt Worthy
Upgrade Your Tires
One of the most popular modifications for overlanders is fitting bigger tires. Larger tires mean more ground clearance, a more comprehensive range of available air pressure, and a larger contact patch. If you want to go two steps further, consider fitting bead-lock wheels.
Bead locks allow you to fit shallow profile tires without the fear of them rolling off at low pressures (as long as they match your wheel studs).
Add Aggressive Toe Hooks
Toe hooks are perfect if you plan on doing any winching in your vehicle. Toe hooks aren’t just for hardcore rock crawlers; they give extra traction whenever your tire moves forward, even when it’s not gaining a solid grip on the surface below it.
A popular mod along with the toe hook adds traction gussets and guard rails inside and outside your car or truck. These not only look great and give your vehicle a much more aggressive appearance, but they also protect vital components.
Add Lights To See Farther Down The Trail/ Road
Another favorite modification for overlanders is adding extra lighting. The extra light will allow you to see farther down the trail and help others find you if you break down at night.
Several Auxiliary Lights Available:
- Driving lights (typically fog lights).
- Spotlights.
- Clothesline headlights can be used by hanging them off the hood or roof rack.
It’s up to your personal preference which type of light bar is perfect for you. However, we’ve found that most owners prefer adjustable light bars because they’re typically less expensive and provide plenty of light for almost any situation. Aftermarket LED bulbs tend to last longer and work better than stock light bulbs.
Add A Roof Rack (if not using a rooftop tent)
Use Rubber Mats
One of the more popular interior modifications is lining your roof rack with a durable rubber mat. By using this, you can place jerry cans and other cargo on top of your vehicle without worrying about them falling off or causing damage to the inside of your car. It also increases traction in wet conditions.
Lights
Another significant modification for your roof rack is fitting it with LED lights, additional lighting, or solar panels to keep batteries topped off while driving down the trail. These products are all very similar; however, solar panels tend to be much more expensive.
If you plan to stay outdoors for extended periods and don’t plan to use your vehicle to charge batteries, we recommend solar panels; if not, LED lights and additional lighting tend to be cheaper options.
Suspension
For those willing to spend a little more money, you can upgrade your suspension for better off-road performance. Several different manufacturers specialize in lifted suspension systems for overlanders.
It’s vital that you only spend the extra money on aftermarket parts if you’re planning on taking your car or truck off the road often because otherwise, it might be a waste of money.
Snorkels
One popular modification among owners is adding snorkels. Snorkels allow air into the engine so you can breathe normally while driving at high speeds through deep water crossings. They also protect your engine from being flooded if you’re unlucky enough to stall out in deep water.
Steering Guards
Like snorkels, steering guards are designed to keep your car or truck’s vital components safe while crossing rough terrain. Steering guards prevent rocks and other debris from damaging the front grill on your vehicle and help provide extra clearance for steep climbs.
If you plan on taking your car off the road often, definitely invest in a set of steering guards.
Floor Mats
You can also ditch the stock floor mats for heavy-duty rubber floor mats that are almost impossible to break through. Carpet is okay if it’s thick enough, but overlanding vehicles are meant to handle the roughest conditions imaginable. This means they’re likely to rip your carpet to pieces.
Cargo Shelf and Ladder Rack
Another modification that we see pretty often is adding a rear cargo shelf and tough ladder rack. These accessories hold extra gear, but many people also use them as seat mounts for additional passengers.
Recovery Gears
The most important modifications you can make are safety-related. First and foremost is having a complete set of recovery points on your car or truck. Before taking your vehicle off-road, it’s highly recommended that you invest in quality recovery gear and gloves.
Air Compressor
Another excellent safety feature is an onboard air compressor which allows you to quickly refill tires using a 12v battery or your vehicle’s alternator. This will save you the hassle of trying to find a pump or air compressor to hook up at your campsite.
Secure Storage
Secure storage is another modification we see pretty often, and it’s typically reserved for those who plan on traveling long distances and want additional security for their luggage.
The Most Popular Storage Solutions Are:
- Truck bed covers.
- Hardshell luggage carriers.
- Lockboxes and locks.
Using these products in conjunction with one another can keep thieves away from your belongings.
Specific Make and Model Modifications
- Several modifications are specific to certain makes or models of vehicles, such as replacing side-view mirrors with wide-angle mirrors. This type of mod comes in handy if you’re planning on driving alongside because it gives you a much better view of the sides of your vehicle.
- If you’re planning to go off-road, you should invest in a front recovery hook and rear tow hitch.
Accessories
Several accessories can make life a little easier while on the road, such as:
- Dash cameras.
- Lightbars.
- Auxiliary switches.
- Inverters.
These modifications might not directly improve your vehicle’s performance, but they make it easier to live out of an overlander full-time.
CB Radio
If you plan on driving for long distances or through foreign countries, we highly recommend purchasing a CB radio. This is one modification that will always come in handy no matter where you drive.
Although it might seem like a lot of money at first, having these types of tools readily available during emergencies could save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars in the long run.
Side Steps and Ladders
When preparing your vehicle for an overlanding trip, we highly recommend buying a few accessories such as ladders and side steps. Not only do these modifications help make it easier to get in and out of your vehicle, but they also provide additional protection against door dings.
Simple Common Sense Modifications: Take Good Care of Your Vehicle
- Changing the oil often (every 5000 miles).
- Keeping air filters clean and replacing them regularly.
- Checking fluids regularly and topping them off as necessary.
- Make sure brake pads don’t wear too low (you should always have at least 1/4 inch of pad material left).
Final Thoughts
While the most important thing to do is to get out and away from everything and everybody, modifications can make it more fun and safe. But most of all more prepared. I believe it is best to start small and make changes over time. This way, you can enjoy the journey to the journey of overlanding.
Check out this article we wrote on the best suspension for overlanding vehicles, here.
