The Best DIY Overlanding Rigs from Overland Expo West 2025
While the exhibition booths at Overland Expo West showcase impressive, high-end overlanding vehicles, it’s in the campgrounds where you’ll find the real gems: DIY rigs built for adventure. Our team scoured the attendee campgrounds to discover unique, practical, and inspiring creations that represent the best of overlanding culture.
1. 1995 Ford F150 XL with Four Wheel Camper Granby
John McDonough’s 1995 Ford F150 XL, paired with a 1987 Four Wheel Camper Granby, is a testament to the charm of older vehicles. McDonough found the camper in near-perfect condition on Craigslist, and it still boasts its original brightly-colored cushions and dark-brown faux wood paneling. The Ford truck, previously used by the Forest Service, has only 129,000 miles on its original paint job. McDonough added extra springs and air bags to handle the camper’s weight and installed a winch up front. “I love these older vehicles because they’re built to work, and they’re easy to fix,” he said.
2. 1997 Airstream B 190
Richard Kalina’s 1997 Airstream B 190 is a Ford van with a V-10 engine, converted into an off-road monster. Kalina added four-wheel drive, raised the suspension six inches, and fitted 35-inch tires. Inside, the van retains its original oak cabinets and now features a stove, sink, heater, and bed. Kalina uses the van as a snow-capable ‘hotel on wheels’ for his monoskiing adventures in Canada.
3. 2024 Grenadier Station Wagon
Terry Woller’s 2024 Grenadier Station Wagon is a highly customized version of the relatively new vehicle. Woller added a Silenus roof conversion from Alu-Cab, featuring an integrated rooftop tent accessible from inside the vehicle. The truck also boasts King suspension, 35-inch tires, and a triple-locked drivetrain for enhanced off-road capability. “I think it’s the best-looking four-wheel-drive vehicle on the market, and it’s made to handle anything off-road,” Woller said.
4. 2006 Lexus LX470
Michael Trahan’s 2006 Lexus LX470 features a custom camper built by Allan Ivy of Overland Global. The camper offers surprising interior space, with a double-decker bed, shower, dinette, and 87-liter fridge. Trahan designed the camper to his exact specifications, and it handles well both on highways and gnarly dirt roads.
5. Unimog U500—Global Expedition Vehicles Pangea
Hunter Bond’s Unimog U500 is an imposing overland rig with a roof that extends to 16 feet when raised, allowing for a comfortable king-size bed on a raised platform. The vehicle is equipped with 46-inch military-grade tires, a 140-gallon diesel tank, three sets of lockers, two freezers and a fridge, and a 25,000-pound winch. Security cameras surround the truck, making it suitable for sleeping anywhere.
6. 2024 Tesla Cybertruck
Troy and Vickie Overby’s 2024 Tesla Cybertruck is modified for serious off-roading with 35-inch tires. The couple uses a $3,000 Tesla-made Cyber Tent that slides onto the back of the truck, complete with an awning and storage space underneath. A custom wrap on the truck can be repaired using heat from a hair dryer, providing added practicality.
7. 2022 Ford Transit AWD Van
Jim and Katya Preston’s 2022 Ford Transit AWD Van may look unassuming, but it’s the star of their YouTube channel, showcasing its capabilities on challenging trails. With a two-inch lift and all-terrain tires, the couple fearlessly tackles obstacles that would deter most van owners, thanks to Jim’s skilled driving.
These DIY overlanding rigs from Overland Expo West 2025 showcase the creativity and resourcefulness of the overlanding community, proving that adventure is within reach with the right vehicle and a bit of ingenuity.
