Off-Road • Expedition Ready
Go Where the Road Ends
Overlanding isn't about staying at campgrounds with hookups. It's about self-sufficient travel to places that don't show up on Google Maps. Forest service roads. BLM land. The backcountry. If you want a van that can actually get you there — and keep you comfortable once you arrive — you need to build for it from the start.
This is the first decision. Factory AWD (Sprinter, Transit) is good for most overlanding — it handles forest roads, snow, mud, and mild off-road without issues. True 4WD conversions (Quigley, Ujoint, etc.) add low-range gearing for serious rock crawling or steep descents, but they're expensive and add maintenance complexity.
Our Take:
80% of people who think they need 4WD would be fine with factory AWD and good tires. 4WD conversions make sense for dedicated overlanders who will genuinely use the capability.
A proper suspension upgrade does two things: improves ride quality with the added weight of a build, and adds ground clearance for rough roads. This isn't about lifting your van 6 inches to look tough — it's about the right setup for how you'll actually drive.
Stock tires are designed for highway efficiency, not off-road traction. All-terrain tires (BFGoodrich KO2, Falken Wildpeak, etc.) are the sweet spot — capable off-road without excessive highway noise or fuel penalty. Match your wheel size to the tires you want to run.
Skid plates protect your oil pan and transmission on rocky roads. Rock sliders protect your body panels. These aren't about looking aggressive — they're insurance against expensive damage when you're miles from anywhere.
Overlanding means self-sufficiency. You can't plug in at a campground that doesn't exist. Every system needs to work independently.
🔋 Electrical: Bigger is Better
For extended boondocking, we recommend 400-600Ah lithium batteries and 500W+ solar. This handles multiple cloudy days and gives headroom for Starlink, which draws more than people expect. DC-DC charging while driving supplements solar.
💧 Water: Capacity & Filtration
40-80 gallon fresh water capacity gives you a week or more. A proper filtration system lets you fill from streams or questionable sources when needed. Tankless water heaters save propane vs. keeping a tank hot.
📶 Connectivity: Starlink Changes Everything
Starlink Mini gives you real internet anywhere with a view of the sky. This matters for remote work, weather forecasting, and trip planning in areas without cell service. Budget extra electrical capacity for it.
🔥 Climate: Diesel Heater is Non-Negotiable
Mountain nights get cold even in summer. A diesel heater (Webasto, Espar, or quality Chinese units) draws from your fuel tank and keeps you comfortable without draining batteries. The best overlanding investment.
Overlanding requires more gear than casual camping. Recovery equipment, tools, spare parts, outdoor equipment — it all needs a home.
We build vans for overlanders who take this seriously. Let's talk about where you want to go and how to build a van that'll get you there — and keep you comfortable once you arrive.
Planning an overland build? Let's talk about where you want to go and what you need your van to do. We'll help you figure out what capabilities actually matter for your adventures.
ADDRESS:
6159 E Huntsville Rd, Fayetteville, AR 72701
PHONE:
(479) 326-9200
EMAIL:
info@ozkvans.com