Check out the logo I designed for my overlanding blog/vlog.



For the past year I've been researching, planning and buying gear and upgrades for the 2019 Toyota 4RUNNER TRD OFFROAD. In these strange times some hard decisions have had to be made. 2020 just keeps throwing curve balls at us all and we've definitely had our share.

Shortly after we bought the 4RUNNER, Mrs. Parallel made it quite clear that she wasn't willing to upgrade the tires until the OME tires needed replaced. As such I began the upgrades for our overland rig by buying rock sliders, a front bumper with 30 inch light bar and a 10,000 lb winch, on board air compressor, MaxxTrax, etc.
The plan was to get the rig outfitted with upgrades that would help with protection and recovery while we put those upgrades through their paces and trained my teenage son on how to choose a line through obstacles, vehicle recovery, and such. Then, when the time came to upgrade tires, we would upgrade the suspension with a 2-3 inch lift which would enable us to fit bigger 275/70 R17 tires without clearance modifications.

Then along comes COVID-19, multiple tropical storms/hurricanes, seriously sick kids requiring hospital stays and/or surgery, etc. Add to that the impending costs of braces for both kids, a new HVAC system and tankless water heater for our house and I had to make some decisions concerning the budget for our overland rig. Bear in mind that we don't do debt...

So... now that the original tires are close to needing replaced, I needed a solution. The solution was to forego the upgrade in tire size, thereby being able to delay the need for the suspension lift. We choose to buy the less expensive Kenda Klever in the stock 265/70 R17 size AND at Black Friday discounted price. This will allow us to be able to tackle some mud and lessor trail obstacles while biding our time to rebuild the budget.

I still need to install the ARB Dual on board air compressor and 1 gallon tank, as well as a custom fuse and relay panel that I'm still awaiting a shipment from Waytek Wire in order to complete, but this is what she's going to look like for the next year or so.

I like the logo. Some definitely unforeseen hits, but sounds like you have a plan. Excellent choice on rig and I look forward to the blog and updates.

Sounds like a solid build you have started. Link to your blog?

Great minds think a like. I designed one a couple years back. Got some sweet hats and shirts made.
Then life got in the way. I ended up changing rigs from an Expedition to a Tundra.
The logo and name was geared directly for the Expedition but it can easily be used with both.

Fortunately for me the Tundra handles 33s just fine on the stock suspension. I bought the truck used and the tires were shot so they were replaced within the 1st week of ownership.
I have skid plates, my GPS mount setup. I have ordered my complete suspension. Everything is here but the shocks which are likely 4-6 weeks out still.
No worries as I still need to get some of my parts powder coated.
I’ll have a 2.5/.685 lift when I am done. Sliders will be ordered in a couple weeks.
I to am working with onboard air but I am only going with the single ARB compressor.
Need to collect a little more recovery gear but not too far off.
Did a couple decent trips in the Expedition before changing gears to the Tundra. Looking forward to spring to get out on the trails. I had thoughts of doing a little YouTube channel hence the reason for the logo.
But probably not even going to fool with it.

quote:

Originally posted by Beancooker:
Sounds like a solid build you have started. Link to your blog?

Blog Link is bigeasyoverland.com

YouTube Channel is Big Easy Overland - YouTube

I also have a facebook page for it and an instagram account, at least for now.

All of these are in the beginning stages. I'm looking to get better at making videos for YouTube (and a possible move to an alternative platform). I'm also looking to improve my website that I use for the Blog, I'm no site guru to be sure.

Another overlander here. We were able to get a “consulting gig” in Alaska this summer that took all of one day but gave us the legal means to get through Canada. This allowed us to take a 10 week trip exploring most of what that great state had to offer. This was in our F-350 that is lifted with 35”s and has an extended range fuel tank.
We also wanted to go to “Tuk” in the Northwest Territories but that was locked down tighter than a Nun’s chastity belt so we are planning on going back in a year or two.

We are now in the process of building our Jeep Gladiator. The truck itself really doesn’t need any upgrades but we have installed an Alu-Cab canopy on the back with a Truck Vault custom drawer slide which leaves space for our fridge, second battery (Battle Born) and a water tank. I have removed the rear seat and built a platform like the one Goose Gear sells for over $1000 but cost me less than $100 which is where we’ll put most of our gear. Hope to take this rig to Mexico in a year or so..