Choosing my next family overland vehicle—what would YOU pick?
Taking the Next 'Financial' Leap in Overlanding: Finding the Best Overland Vehicle for My Family
For years, overlanding for me was all about exploring the outdoors on a budget, proving that adventure doesn’t require an expensive, fully built expedition rig. I wasn’t looking for a fully built truck with every high-end accessory. Instead, my focus was on finding adventure in the most budget-friendly way possible, using whatever vehicle I could afford and outfitting it with the bare essentials.
My Overlanding Journey: From Budget Builds to the Next Step
My Jeep Cherokee XJ—proof that overlanding isn’t about how much you spend, but how far you're willing to go. This budget-friendly build, with a Yakima roof rack packed with essentials, tackled trails, hauled gear, and carried me through some of my best adventures. From muddy tracks to dusty backroads, it did everything I asked of it and more.
The first time I rattled down a dirt road in my 1990s Jeep Cherokee XJ, I had no idea what I was doing. I had picked it up for $1,500, a tired old machine with high miles and enough quirks to keep things interesting. It wasn’t perfect, but it was mine. With a set of used all-terrain tires, a packed cooler, and a stubborn belief that I’d figure things out along the way, I set off into the unknown.
1999 Subaru Outback tackling the snow-covered trails as a budget overland vehicle
That Jeep took me everywhere—mountain trails, desert campsites, and backroads I probably had no business driving. It clanked and groaned, but it never left me stranded. Later, I swapped it for a 1999 Subaru Outback, another $1,500 purchase from a friend. It didn’t have the rugged posturing of a lifted 4x4, but it was unstoppable on gravel roads, snowy passes, and muddy tracks. It slipped through places where bigger rigs bogged down, proving that adventure is never just about the vehicle—it’s about the journey.
To make my budget builds even more functional, I got creative with DIY solutions:
Camp Shower: A weed sprayer and a garden hose spray nozzle—laughably simple but effective.
Cooking Setup: My well-loved Coleman pump stove, a relic of simpler times, never let me down.
DIY Chuck Box: Born from necessity, I repurposed part of my Craftsman toolbox to keep cooking gear organized.
Coleman Ice Chest Struggles: I got used to my food floating in ice-cold water after a couple of days—an unavoidable rite of passage for the budget overlander.
Now, after years of roughing it with budget setups, I’m finally ready to evolve my overlanding practice into something a little more refined. But I may have put the cart before the horse—I’ve already invested in comfort upgrades before choosing the midrange vehicle that will be my next overland platform. Now, I need to find the best one that balances capability, comfort, and practicality for my family of four—without blowing my budget.
Overlanding on a Budget vs. Investing in Comfort: Where Do You Stand?
As I transition from my ultra-budget mindset to something more balanced, I’ve noticed that overlanders typically fall into three financial categories. However, overlanding isn’t a one-size-fits-all adventure—comfort, performance mods, aesthetics, and fabrication choices can shift a build from mild to wild, dramatically influencing financing needs. Whether it's a basic lift and tires or a full-blown expedition rig with custom fabrication like this amazing Gladiator at Ozark Overland Adventures, your financial leap in overlanding depends on your priorities.
Best Overland Vehicles for Families: My Top Choices
Choosing the right overland vehicle isn’t just about off-road capability—it needs to fit our adventurous lifestyle. Our family loves exploring remote places, which means I need the ability to haul stand-up paddleboards, bicycles, and other adventure gear wherever we go. The ideal rig should provide enough cargo space and roof rack capacity to accommodate all the gear that makes our trips unforgettable.
Jeep Grand Cherokee WJ Overland (2002-2004)
4.7L HO V8 with solid low-end torque—the heart of a muscle car, stuffed into an off-road rig.
Quadra-Drive 4WD system with locking differentials—a hidden gem for off-road capability.
Solid front axle (SFA) and coil springs for flex and durability.
Affordable, with a strong aftermarket for modifications.
Needs cooling system upgrades to prevent overheating issues.
Limited cargo space compared to full-size SUVs—packing for a family of four would take some creativity.
Ford F-250 (1999-2007 7.3L or 6.0L Diesel)
Extreme payload and towing capacity—this thing could haul an entire overlanding compound.
Diesel engine options (7.3L and 6.0L) provide excellent range and longevity.
Easily accommodates a truck bed camper or off-road trailer—a potential solution for family camping.
Tons of aftermarket parts for reliability upgrades.
Full-size footprint could be limiting on narrow trails—less nimble than an SUV.
Heavy and thirsty—balancing cost and efficiency would be key.
Lexus GX470 (2003-2009) - If Found Around $10,000
Image Credit: https://www.mad4wheels.com/lexus/gx-470-2010
Legendary Toyota reliability with the 4.7L V8—smooth, powerful, and built to last.
Full-time 4WD with adjustable height suspension for a cushy ride off-road.
Plush and comfortable for long-distance travel with the family—road trip-friendly.
Strong aftermarket support for overlanding modifications.
Finding one in great condition under $10K is a challenge.
Slightly less cargo space than a Land Cruiser 100—packing efficiently would be necessary.
Upgrading My Overland Setup: Where I’m Investing First
I’ve spent years making do with budget setups, and while I still love a simple, functional build, I’ve started investing in a few key upgrades that make my trips more comfortable and efficient.
Here’s what I’ve invested in for my next setup so far (though I won’t get a fridge slider or drawer system until I choose the vehicle):
Iceco APL55 Fridge – No more dealing with melting ice in a cooler.
Jetboil Genesis 2 Burner Stove – Compact but powerful for cooking at camp.
Ignik Outdoors Firecan Fire Pit – Safe, easy fires wherever I camp, especially in California where open fires are increasingly restricted due to ongoing wildfire risks.
Ironman 8ft 90° Awning – A game-changer for shade and rain protection. I previously had the Ironman 270° awning, and while I loved the coverage it provided, it was sometimes a pain to put away in the heat.
I’m still keeping my build practical and budget-conscious, but these small investments enhance my experience without taking away from the adventure.
But the real question remains: Which of these rigs is going to be the right one for my family and our style of travel?
What’s Your Overland Adventure Setup? Let’s Talk!
Adventure isn’t just about where you go—it’s about how you get there. I’ve spent years piecing together overland rigs, finding beauty in the imperfect, the beat-up, the budget-built. Now, I’m ready to take the next step. But which path do I take?
What about you? What’s your overlanding financial leap? Have you stuck with budget builds, or did you take the plunge into midrange or luxury?
And most importantly—if you were in my boots, which rig would you trust to take your family into the wild? Let’s talk trucks, trails, and the pursuit of adventure. Drop your thoughts below!
