Growing up, I always had a fascination with adventure vehicles. I had always wanted to partake in van life or have some kind of vehicle I could go off road to elaborate destinations in. My dad's black Ford Raptor was a dream, and I eagerly grabbed every opportunity he gave me to take it for a spin. However, life has a way of taking unexpected turns, and when my parents decided to move to Florida, my dad made the difficult decision to part with his beloved Raptor. I tried to buy it from him, but he declined. That's when I decided it was time to chase my dream and create the perfect travel vehicle for my adventures.
In 2019, I started noticing roof-top tents becoming a trend, and I knew that I needed either a truck or a Jeep to turn this dream into a reality. My desire to travel and explore the great outdoors was calling, and I couldn't ignore it. So, I set out on a mission to find my dream vehicle. After months of hard work on the Equestrian circuit, I finally had the means to make it happen. I purchased my 2017 Jeep Rubicon. I'll be honest; the car payment was no joke, but I knew it would be worth it for the adventures that awaited.
At the time, there were not many specialists in overlanding, and I had never even heard of the term before. Overlanding involves modifying vehicles for recreational purposes, equipping them with essentials like tents, fridges, and even solar power. Eager to bring my vision to life, I reached out on Facebook, seeking guidance and expertise. To my surprise, two military gentlemen located at a base just 45 minutes from my house offered to help me modify my Jeep. Little did I know, this chance encounter would lead to a fantastic partnership as they started their company "The Overland Essentials."
Rhino Rack System
The folks at The Overland Essentials enthusiastically took on the project of making my ideas a reality, teaching me everything about overland builds along the way. They expertly installed the Rhino Backbone System and Vortex Bars with the Tuff Stuff Alpha Rooftop Tent, and I was ready to hit the road.
As I embarked on my adventures, I quickly discovered that the world of overlanding offered endless possibilities for vehicle customization. Once again, I turned to The Overland Essentials for help, and they guided me through installing a fridge (yes a fridge) and drawers in the back of my Jeep. Their generosity even extended to providing parts from their previous builds, which proved invaluable.
Tuff Stuff Alpha Hard Top 4 Person
With my Jeep now fully equipped for life on the road, I embarked on my first two-week journey, and everything went off without a hitch. My trusty companion, now affectionately known as "Rue Rue the Rubicon," has since accompanied me to nearly 30 national parks across the country. It's been an incredible journey, and every penny spent on this adventure has been worth it.
Dometic Fridge and Goose Gear Drawer System
If you've ever considered pursuing overlanding, my advice to you is simple: Just do it. The freedom, the experiences, and the memories you'll gain are beyond measure. My Jeep Rubicon has not only fulfilled my dream of adventure but has also opened up a world of exploration that I never could have imagined. So, go ahead, take the plunge, and turn your vehicle into the ultimate travel companion. You won't regret it.
My Build :)
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