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Dependability and parts availability would be important features for a global overland vehicle.

Thanks for the ideas. For me, No1 priority is reliability, don't want to be stranded in no man's land. No. 2, capability, it can go where you want to go.

Good to see you again Dan. sounds like you are talking your self into MB Sprinter 4x4. 6000 pounds load . But that is 2.77m high, Forcing you to use HC container. Will be interesting to see!

Glad to see you back Dan! Your analytical thought process speaks to your engineering background. Whenever someone just arbitrarily says “you should get this or that”, I just remember “ Free advice is worth what you pay for it!” Reliability would be top priority for me.

Dan, Great job describing criteria for an overland vehicle. From a long-distance hiker with more than 5,000 miles on foot, a bike packer, and an overlander, might I suggest critically evaluating the weight of every component and material on your new build. People always say “oh this or that doesn’t weigh that much,” but when everything is tallied up, shaving weight wherever it’s realistic, really makes a difference. Of course you cannot compromise on the functionality that you need, but I think one would be surprised at how much weight can be saved through material/component selection, and also through minimizing how much stuff we carry with us. This all equals better fuel economy and less clutter and stress overall.

I would add the terrain that you plan on driving on. if it is not too aggressive, a printer type van, properly fitted could take you to many remote locations and still have room for yoga! ;-) Love the channel. Thank you for the content.

I think basically a 4Runner would get me where I want to be. Something I can sleep inside and get to the driver's seat in an emergency. Something that is popular so I can find one to buy, and a marketplace to sell into if I change my mind. Something I can buy used with 150K miles and still put on a lot more miles. Something with a lot of after-market parts that let me do interesting things to it but is also good as-is in a stock configuration. I can find someone to work on it. Reliable. It could double as a daily driver if I needed it to. Looks good. Iconic. Affordable. And all the things you said are spot on too.

I think you should keep your Jeep JK and replace any old worn parts to new, JK 3.8 engine rebuild or engine swap to 3.6 Pentastar for improving MPG, upgrade AEV high capacity coil springs for higher payload (regearing are recommended for handling heavy loads) As for increasing interior living space for your JK, check out the "American Safari JXL" extended Jeep camper conversion

Love your practical approach grounded in real world experience! Keep the hard truths coming Dan.

Honestly I think you covered mostly all of it. One thing I would add is that your vehicle should be fun!

A great video Dan. I adopted a similar approach to buying and building up a new vehicle for remote area travel in Australia but still capable for local trips on the challenging local terrain of the Victorian High Country. Based on decades of 4x4 ownership I did my research carefully, took my time, drove all the contenders and ignored external pressure. My final choice surprised me! But has worked out perfectly. It’s important to be honest with yourself when going through the check list.

Would recommend a horse. Easy to park, factory fitted snorkel, power to all 4 corners. But they don't come in left hand drive 🙁

I like the Jeep JXL similar to your own vehicle. I’m In Central America in a van which is our home and I love the living space for a couple especially as my wife is happy. Four wheel drive doesn’t matter to me. Living space does. Having a jeep engine in my van works for me.

F-150 Tremor for payload, within 20ft, larger cab than the Gladiator, and mileage right around 19. Also, depending on how difficult the terrain you will be covering a Sprinter van is a good option.

Added criteria: probability that it will continue to run and drive with problems. Ford Excursion has been my rig since 2005. With its share of problems, it continues to slog down the road even when not at its best.

I'm a fan of the GrizzlyNBear setup. Spacious, versatile and it goes in a container. I also like the German-build Matzker Camper based on a Defender. The more choice there is, the more it's difficult to choose... Happy research! Best Regards from Belgium, David

Had a truck and planned to travel with a campercabin but always ha concers about weight. When i stumbled into your alaska videos the Ursaminor flashed me. Sold the truck, got a JL and a UM and some other parts and am ready to take off north this summer. Perfect solution for me. Thank you for so many ideas and input.

Oh wait I didn't realize it was supposed to be a mystery guessing game type thing. Here's my guess. Toyota Tundra double cab with 8 foot bed and some kind of pop top camper. Fits all your needs. 4x4 Bugget Friendly Reliable 22+ mpg Large interior space with pop top Fits in a shipping container

Dan, good on you guys in your plans. I can’t imagine what vehicle you have chosen or where you are going, but rest assured i know you have tremendous experience in the process, you have time and good health on your side… so your only limitation may be money. But you seem to be a highly resourceful person. Good luck and happy trails.

You should include overall driver & passenger comfort as one of your categories. That way you don't feel fatigue after a long day's drive. For instance, the old school Defender you showed as an example are very agricultural. Loud, noisy and rough. Even with a complete sound deadening upgrade, the vehicle is still noisy inside. Easily adding to the tiredness of passengers. And I'd be curious how they'd make a pop-up conversion for the Grenadier. Since it has a roof console full of electronic switches.

Hi Dan, agility, practical usability, durability, reasonable costs and 'smiles per miles' are the most important factors to me. A boring and very economical van might carry me to the same destinations, but if driving / feeling / handling the car is no fun ..... hmmm :-/

Tough criteria to meet! I would add to adapt the type of vehicle to the region of travel. This will help with parts, the knowledge the locals have on the car to fix it etc. Sounds like you are leaning towards a 4x4 van or single cab pickup with a poptop camper.

Given the last few vehicles, I can see where this is headed...but let's watch to see the outcome. Look forward to seeing your next adventures , mate (and meeting your GF, if she wants to be on camera)

My #1 overlanding fav channel ❤

I dont know if this should be one of your criteria, it is #1 with me. Visibility! I am 6'4" with, shall I say, lots of padding on the bottom side... I love my Wrangler, but I have very, very poor visibility out of it. The top reason I purchased it was not for offroading, or exploring the backcountry, but because it is the only convertible I fit in. All the smaller ones my eyes are right above the windshield but below open air. No so with the Wrangler. We have the Bestop Sunrider on ours so we can be in convertible mode in seconds and be covered back up equally fast. When open I can actually see what is around me and it is WONDERFUL! I have been out exploring in 20-degree weather with the top open and the heat on full blast, I LOVE it. Any vehicle I have must have the option to fully open the top over the driver and passenger. So I am limited to the Wrangler, Gladiator, or Bronco. But that is just me. I love the open air and refuse to give it up :)

My over land is a 06 jeep tj rubicon(2 door) Took the rear and passenger seat out. Insulated well, welled ways to make structure like a bed. In that, I have plenty of water, a tiny kitchen, bed, shower 🚿 , bathroom, everything , you have have to be very organized and single lol

Dan, the beard game is getting strong!! Looking forward to the new build!

Aa a diesel mechanic, if it's a diesel vehicle you are planning, be wary of newer diesel engines such as the ford transit, f150, they have complex DPF, SCR, EGR coolers, NOX sensors, etc that I make a living fixing when they come towed in derated and forced idle. I'd be hesitant having that in a very remote location for sure, just something to consider, lots of complexity.

Chevy Colorado is good option, I have had two Tacomas but after a lot of research the Colorado Z71 is the best mid size truck. Payload is great, fuel economy is better than any Tacoma or Jeep, towing capacity is really good as well.

For two people, increased payload and livability I'm going to guess a pickup with a pop up camper (4wheel camper or similar). Some of the new gas such as Tundra and for sure the diesel offerings (including Gladiator) should get the required fuel milage. Not sure if vans are going to fit in container or not but I would think they might also be slightly limiting in terms of off road clearance etc. BTW, not sure why you say Wrangler can't tow, as I see them towing small campers all the time. I agree, though if that's not your preference but that can also increase your "payload" in the sense of storing more supplies off of the tow vehicle.P.S. I will miss the Jeep content and I hope in the future you can find ways to include some in your offerings. I always enjoyed seeing you prove the naysayers wrong regarding Jeep, as it seems to be rare and generally looked down upon by the overland crowd.

I'm working on a mercedes g wagon 300 GD W460. - will run on clean diesel and SWO - yes slow but cool and reliable Plan is to drive from UK to Pakistan next August!

Reliability, simple and proven durable mechanics, as little electronics as possible, global availability of spare parts, can be repaired in basic workshops or in the field. Everything else depends on the number of persons, individual expectations for space and comfort.

Low roof, short wheelbase Ford Transit T250. We have a 9,000lb GVWR. That is about 4,000 pounds of payload. We have about 1,200 pounds of available payload after we are full of fuel, water, gear, people, a pop-up roof and a 4x4 conversion (Quad van). It will fit in a standard shipping container (container wheels). While it is not as capable as a Jeep off road we have had it in some difficult terrain without damage to the vehicle or getting stuck. It works great for the two of us and our plans. We have incorporated lots of your previous ideas based on your videos and really appreciate your down to earth, common sense approach! I do wish the Transit was sold in more countries for parts availability and mechanic familiarity but we just don't have that many great options in the USA for world supported vehicles.

I'm not sure its important enough for you to have it on your list of musts, but for me I want to be able to go from the driving position to the sleeping/living area without exiting the vehicle, both for security and especially poor weather/tracking muddy boots inside etc. I'm really interested to see what you have bought, as I have pretty much the same criteria as you, but struggle to find anything here in Canada that fits the bill. As much as I agree with not importing an odd vehicle, I'm thinking of bringing in a left drive Landcruiser troopy from central america, but I'm hoping your new vehicle shows me an option I have overlooked!

OIther than reliability, I would say the ability to have aftermarket fuel or water carrying tanks that can be installed out of sight, esp under the body.

your criteria seem right for you, and they should with the experience you have and how much thought you have probably given it. We are all at a slight disadvantage as the 1 criteria not mentioned is destination /route as that would influence the choice too. Only real thing you didn't consider was pets, as many do travel with animals. And maybe break interior living down into 3 area's especially if that's important - sleep, cook and live area's it might be not all of those 3 that are important. And you can Ro-Ro something that wont fit in a container, so then the ability to block/lock the driver seat from the living area becomes important for anti-theft. The 1 unique thing for me, is roof space / solar array. I stay in one place a month at a time and everything is /can be electric; but its not a consideration

I recon a Ram 2500 or 3500 , Diesel , with a camper in the box . Cheers Wild Bill Jeep Overlanding the Arctic watershed of Northern Ontario and Northern Quebec . The Trans Taiga road Quebec and trails north of Lake Superior . This year it's off up to Yukon and NWT to Tuktyaktuk and then back down to northern BC.

I'm considering a Mitsubishi Montero 2003-2006 for the USA. Massive room, comfortable on road capable off road acceptable gas mileage. Wish they kept selling them here the last models look amazing.

Ford Ranger or Chevrolet Colorado with some type of light weight camper that extends up so you can stand inside. Something like the base 4 wheel camper. A Alu-cab or domestic equivalent would be nice but they are expensive with long build times. I couldn't think of anything that would give you 25mpg other than a diesel. In the past you have stated you are against traveling in developing countries with modern diesel engines due to low Sulphur requirements. I just watched a video on the new Ford Ranger and prior ranger owners chimed in saying they get 25+mpg. The Ranger has been one of the top performers in off road vehicles in Australia, that's when the light bulb went off. It would be interesting to see how a smaller turbo engine performs long term overlanding.

When covering the vast distances of North America, one of the more interesting considerations is the ability to stealth camp, if you need to spend a night at a truck stop or, god forbid, a Walmart parking lot. Personally, I think a 4x4 Econoline might make a lot of sense considering your needs.

For interior space and payload, a full size van makes some sense (in a low roof to fit a shipping container). The GM vans are body on frame, and were available with AWD from factory, or 4x4 conversions. Sprinter 4x4/AWD and Transit AWD also exist, but may not be as good off-road since they are unibody. If off-roading is less important, the new hybrid Sienna wins all fuel economy challenges for the size - 6.7L/100km with AWD! Our Promaster rarely uses less than 12, usually 14.

If you planning yo travel to Central Asia, and spend lots of time driving around Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgystan, Georgia, Turkey and in general that part of the world. I would suggest you look into dual fuel vehicle. Like gasoline which can run on propane-butane. It will seriously save you some money of fuel in that part of the world. If you can gets 11l per 100 gas you will get 13l per 100 on propane butane. But propane-putane cost 1/3rd of the gas in this part of the world. To convert your car to dual fuel will cost you less then 1000$. The conversion is fairly simple, you can still drive your car normally if anything go bad with your dual fuel system, maintenance is very simple. Also propane butane is more common in this countries, even more common then diesel. Sometimes we get shortages of diesel, but no problems with propane butane or gas. Also diesel is more expensive then gas. I would jus give you and example, 1l of gas (petrol) in Kazakhstan cost 205 tenge (60 cents), 1L of diesel cos 295 tenge (85 cents), 1L of propane butane cost 75 tenge. So traveling in this part of the world is seriously cheaper using propane butane then anything else. STAG and Lovato make good reliable dual fuel systems, which are common and parts are available everywhere, also it is easy to find mechanic who can work on it, especially STAG. Cheers, hope it helps

Not knowing where it is you are planning to go in the next trip and what kind of roads or routes you are planning it’s a little tough to formulate a suggestion. Is there availability of low sulphur diesel? Are you wanting a brand new vehicle or slightly used? If so I have a somewhat interesting suggestion… they stopped offering the 2.8 Duramax in it this year but the Chevy Express van had it as an option untill ‘22. Since you don’t need to tow, a 1 ton spec’ed Express van with a Quigley conversion and the baby Duramax woukd give you economy, range, payload, and vast interior space, especially if you did a Sportsmobile pop top conversion. There are other 4wd conversions available but they are pretty tall and the Quigley offers and IFS front end using the GM truck components keeping it a bit lower and easier to source parts for. I was thinking this setup would be a great upgrade for our family of 5 as we all cram into a regular body E350 Sportsmobile with the RB50 layout inside and penthouse pop top. We make do but for two people it would be a dream. Ours is a 2001 with a 7.3 Powerstroke and 4wd, i friggen love the thing but just on 33’s it is right at the max height for a container. I think the GM van could get you a bit more breathing room for shipping. If the diesel option doesn’t work wjere you are going they now come with a 6.6 gas and that’s going to bomb your economy needs. If we upgraded I would go 6.6, Sportsmobile interior conversion, and pop top with a Quigley 4wd. That’s a great adventure rig if you want a liveable interior… amd want to tow. I fell like you are gravitating towards possibly a Ram 3500 with a flat bed tray/box camper for the back, though even with diesel you aren’t going to be hitting your fuel economy needs… Curious to see what you go with… Thinking either some sort of truck with camper or van….. Last gen Colorado with small camper? Decent payload but not better than the gladiator, great economy… our ‘22 z71 Colorado Duramax sees 30+mpg daily unloaded with a small lift. Again though, modern North American spec diesel probably isn’t going to work friending in where you are taking this… sorry, kind or thinking out loud. 😆

For great durability, longevity and payload, I would look at a 3/4 ton Chevrolet suburban with rear barn doors. Mine has a 42 gallon tank. I feel they are overlooked because they are so common. it is the longest-used automobile nameplate in the world, being made since 1935. Mine has performed very well off road. Isn’t it wonderful to have so many great choices?

Sounds like a diesel 3/4 ton truck with an pop-up/wedge camper could be candidate 1) Seems like dimensionally it could fit in a container 2) diesel variants can achieve those fuel ratings 3) easy to buy in north America 4) wedge/pop-up camper in back could maintain dimensions for container and allow for increased living space in back Bonus) huge increase in payload compared to wrangler and gladiator Bonus 2) AEV makes nice gear for RAM 2500 and you already have used and trust AEV products

Hey Dan, Reliability is a good criteria you haven't brought up. Cheers!

I'm betting one of the diesel full sized 1/2 ton trucks, likely the GMC AT4 with the diesel. Scott Brady over at Overland Journal has raved about that vehicles performance

Awesome content 👏 Greetings from south africa 🇿🇦

Couple of comments/ideas (I know this is "in the past" as well) Defenders (25 yr old) are pretty easy to get parts for in NA, and have the payload AND worldwide parts availability. A tow bar is useful for recovery with a good quality tow point. it's central and usually very strongly mounted otherwise totally agree. For me now interior living space is becoming much more important I'm 90 certain that you bought a RAM but could be totally surprised

I am curious what you did choose. I think the Chevy Silverado Trail Boss with the 3.0L diesel would be one of the few vehicles that might meet your criteria: High Payload, Large Living Space (with bed camper), and decent MPG.

Reliability and dependability should be right up there on the list. You mentioned Grizzlynbear, well their rear diff just exploded today. This is probably less of a consideration when purchasing new vehicles for each trip.

Sounds like either a 4WD Van or Ambulance is worth serious consideration.

Fuel and registration are ongoing costs. In Australia there is quite a sizeable difference between a 4 and 8 cylinder vehicle add to this possible better fuel economy from a smaller 4 cylinder engine , the savings can add to 1000s over the life of the vehicle.

Waiting to see what you have chosen and the finished vehicle.

Driving comfort won’t be a big consideration for me, as that is what you will be doing the most. All the other options you mentioned are valid and need exploring. For reliability, Toyota and they have a huge worldwide support network, although some markets don’t get all engines. I personally have a discovery 3 which is huge inside, the most comfortable vehicle I’ve ever owned. I regularly get 28-34 mpg in the uk, mostly loaded. With a 113 inch wheelbase, it doesn’t pitch on the rough, and is very, very capable off road. The air suspension irons out the bumps, and gives excellent on road manners, and at a flock of s switch, additional height for the rough stuff

Well, I guess you got me on Patreon. jJust couldn't wait for the new build.

Ok, I know you asked for criteria and not vehicle guesses. I can’t help it though! Based on your criteria I’m guessing a low top Chevy Express with a 2.8 diesel and a quigley or similar 4wd conversion. That would check your interior space, payload, MPG, off-road capability, container-able and normal budget boxes. If you’re worried about new diesels and questionable fuel, then I’ll guess an OBS ford diesel truck or similar with a minimalist camper

Looking forward to your new adventures and wishing you luck. One thing that you forgot is that you can use high cube container, which will give you 2.69m of internal height. It could be useful as height is a dimension that you can benefit a lot, without compromising that much of capability, with pop-up roof for a van for example.

Sounds like a Sportsmobile or other adventure van like vehicle is what your looking for.

So excited to get started on a new trek!!

1968 Kombi? Can do it all - you know it’s true!

He’s going to get a lifted Prius, with a 4 wheel drive conversion and a pop up roof on it 😂

Lovely Ep

Considering this video and your last vehicle in Australia I'm surprised you didn't choose a diesel ute. The CSR trip in particular plus all over Australia the fuel use is less. Seems the 2.8 or 3.0 Duramax is the American choice for 20 mpg all loaded up.

Land Drover Nice this can be somthing!

But, but, but, you completely looked over the Astro van.....! :)

Ok sounds like you are going to Norway / Scadivavia? Its rainy in norway lets see cant whait! If in Sweden you are welcome to the island of Gotland where i live and let me show you all there is here! Kind regards Erik!

Man, again I regret not being on patreon, it was the same story the last time :P I did buy your books tho, and I'll buy the next one as well. Let's see... poor weather, "remote but not remote", totally new area. Current world situation... you're coming to Scandinavia! Excellent. What you're looking for is a small four-wheel drive van, like a Mercedes Vito. 7-8l/100km, enough interior space to swing a cat around (hitting every wall in the process, but why else would you be swinging the cat around in there?), and with the proper tires you'll do just fine bumping over rocks and roots. And as a bonus, you'll have all the people who think "overland" means big tires and a winch getting their undies in a twist while simultaneously alienating the vanlife crowd with their everloving sprinters.

Currently Im looking more into cross-overs. I think they fit most of my trips and get better fuel mileage. subaru, kia/hyundai/rav4/mazda even lexues rx.

I do like the jeep jxl conversions!

Hey Dan, got a play-off beard😁Maybe it has to be a van. Used Sprinter, Iveco, Transit or something like that and DIY it

Astro van with the 4wd transfer case from a S10. With a small lift, you'd be high teens mpg. Lots of space, easy to work on, cheap... or you could buy an Astro Tiger and be a total badA**.

I’m going for an old solid axle hilux. They are pretty bulletproof and there should still be os support as they have been used widely by terrorists. I’m in Aus so I might have to get LHD conversion somewhere like Cambodia.

With all the info you have provided the only vehicles I can think of unless you go a truck of some sort, would be the new Defender 110 or 130 with the rear seats removed. The 130 has a lower payload though I believe. However I live in Australia not Canada/North America so don’t know all the options available to you there.

Reliability Reliability Reliability! I don't know where you're going, but I've been toying with the idea of a Ford or Chevy straight axel 4x4 conversion with a nice lift on 35s. But there goes your gas mileage. For more room / interior living space and 22 to 25 mpg it'll have to be something diesel. We'll see.

The Toyota troop carrier is the greatest 2 person over lander ever made and it’s not even close and ticks all your boxes

So, no Wrangler, Bronco, 4Runner, Tacoma, Gladiator, Defender, Land Cruiser, Grenadier... 🤔 what's left for you to use? or are you going to agoing full size (RAM, Tundra, Sequoia)... or a van (Revel, Storieteller), but I don't know how they would fit your "container size" criteria so I'm really curious which is your chosen one

More space and payload means bigger, less fuel means smaller... Good luck with that!

lol. All that means “fk I want a greandier” - me too buddy

Based on your criteria, it sounds like you need a half ton pickup or full sized SUV with a hybrid. Sequoia, tundra, or F150.

Want to make sure the vehicle you choose has good availability of doors parts and after market mods.

More head room before you pop the roof . Take the shipping containers height and figure it out.

I!d love to see a build on a 100-series or 200-series Landcruiser, or even a Prado

Oh... Scandinavia? Cold and windy... 🙂

Would be amazing if Ineos gave you a Grenadier to put through it's paces!

You should really put the Defender back on your list. It is the vehicle of choice for many overlanders and for good reason, it is a proven overlander.

I’m thinking a single cab 3/4 or 1 ton truck, diesel with an 8’ bed and a camper on the back, or an older sprinter 144” wb with 4x4. It’s a global platform, gets great mpg, has great interior space and can be purchased in North America.

comfort, while not the be all and end all if you were to step out of say a gladiator into a 79 series dual cab landcruiser you would notice a significant drop in ride comfort which will effect travel speed it's rougher you have to drive slower, you don't travel as far or have to drive longer in a day to go the same distance and you also put more hours on the vehicle at a slower pace more hours runtime equal more fuel used and more wear and tear/maintenance. if there's a downside to comfort it's that you may punish the vehicle more, everything above the suspension is more comfortable but below the suspension things are copping more of a beating at higher speeds. and higher speeds are just more risky. ease of repair and costs, you factored in parts availability and service network. but is the vehicle friendly to maintain. does it shutdown if a sensor fails and need to be towed to a dealer to go on a special computer to be reset that only the dealer has access to preventing you from just replacing the sensor yourself. is it hard to modify to suit your needs is fitting a winch bar a big ordeal even the dealer balks at eg new defender.

Sounds like you are going to get a van.

It sounds to me like a full size pick-up will fit a lot of your needs. F150, Silverado, Ram, etc.

Another essential element of overlanding; gasoline vs diesel engines.

At 13:00 mins in. Im thinking fullsize 1/2 ton pick up with the new Alu-cabin.

It’s the better mileage and more space that will be hard together. Diesel gers more mileage but cost a lot more .

Harder tracks would be easier and parts would be more durable with a solid front axle rig. Simple and strong.

Sounding like you are going to get a van Dan, Sprinter 4x4 maybe. I think it would a decent choice except adblu is hard to get in central asia

I don’t know what the fuel mileage is but lately I’ve been looking at 4:06 garage in Oregon there an international Harvester shop that saves old IH trucks. An old international travel all or like-minded Chevy suburban the Mexican market four-door Ford bronco thing perhaps some of the older 60s era panel wagons will give you the payload capacity in this volume that you need, But I’m not sure about fuel economy on any of those older engines you’d probably be looking at installing a modern day fuel injected power plant although I have heard of guys with international harvesters getting well into the mid 20s in fuel mileage on scouts and scout 2.

Already expected you will not show us the result. But he more videos!

Awesome Dan! Go get something fun, maybe a 79 series in South America

Get a Subaru Outback. Wilderness if you are feeling particularly adventurous.