“It’s all about the journey, not the destination”
That’s a quote I’ve heard many times, but a concept I didn’t fully understand until I joined the Overlanding scene.
Overlanding gave me the ability to explore different areas near & far, at my own pace, all while having the necessary resources for overnight stays located just on the roof of my Jeep JL.
I moved from Florida to California seven years ago, and have been yearning to get out there and start exploring the epic scenery of The West… and gain some new perspectives.
After sorta-failed attempts of road-tripping, and ending up at overpriced hotels while not reeeeally seeing anything past the highway horizon, I started digging-in & researching the uprising Overlanding movement.
When I first installed my electric roof top tent from FreeSpirit Recreation & was no longer limited to day trips, I stocked-up & headed out for adventure. But it didn’t take long to think, “Why stop here?? I need more stuff!”
I was fortunate enough to collaborate with a number of amazing vendors in this industry – like Black Rhino Wheels, Delinte Tires, BDS Suspensions, Hammer Head Bumpers, & many others.
Combining all of these great products allowed me to grow my build into a dependable, capable, and (bottom line) badass Jeep.
Thanks to the guys over at The Shop bodyshop in Orange, California, I was also able to get the Jeep cleaned-up, dressed-out, & ready for SEMA in less than 2 weeks! There were lots of sleepless nights and 2AM pizza runs, but they got it done! And come SEMA, the Jeep was featured in the Delinte Tire booth, where it received outstanding feedback. It’s fun to watch ‘the light go off’ in peoples’ heads when they realize the game-changing convenience of having an electric tent, Road Shower water tank, Dometic compact refrigerator, & a Viar compressor all easily accessible. It’s definitely a more elevated camping experience… commonly referred to as ‘glamping’.
Now that all the glitzy auto shows have come to an end, it’s time to hit the trail & see what adventures I can get myself into. See – Overlanding is a great branch-out for any car nut who loves adventure, exploration, and a little uncertainty. It’s an outlet where seat-time is at a maximum, and the cost to play… is basically fuel & food. No matter where I end up, or how long it takes me to get there… I know I’ve got all the tools to get me through the expedition.
BDS Suspensions – 4.5” lift w/ steering stabilizer
Hammerhead Armor – bumpers
Delinte Tires – 37×13.50/22 Bandit DX12 R/T
Black Rhino Wheels – Fury 22×11.5 -44
Warn Industries – winch
Viair Corp – air compressor
HornBlasters – horns
Switch Pros – aux power system
Corbeau – seats
Rhino-Rack – roof rack
The Shop OC – installer
Pedal Commander – throttle response controller
Hi-Lift – jack
Dometic – refrigerator
OC Wraps – decals
Freespirit Recreation tent
Road Shower – shower
Quake LED – headlights
Extreme Dimensions – hood
K&N – air filter
AVEC – light bar
Bestop -tailgate shelf
Magnaflow – exhaust
Steer Smarts – steering
Optima – battery
Black Rhino Sidebar
These are the Black Rhino Fury in a 22×11.5 with a -44 offset… bolt pattern 5×127 hub centric for Jeep Wrangler. Retail on one of these bad boys is about $450 on the 22”. Black Rhino is a part of TSW Wheels.
Text by Ralph Rubio Photos by Scott Chu
