Hiking, camping, shooting, and off-roading — these are a few of our favorite things. Even if you’re not a custom vehicle enthusiast, it’s hard to deny the value that a well-equipped truck brings to each of these outdoor activities. It offers the space to load up all the gear you want, the ruggedness to make it through mud and snow, and the emergency supplies you need if you get stuck or injured. Essentially, it offers the freedom to go on a variety of adventures. This was the realization that led me to start our Toyota 4Runner overland vehicle project, which began with the installation of off-grid communication and navigation equipment inside the cab. The next phase involves some more noticeable upgrades: a Westcott Designs roof rack, an array of Baja Designs LED lights, and an sPOD system to control the onboard electronics.
Function Over Fashion
Plenty of guys like to upgrade their trucks with heavy-duty. There’s nothing wrong with these flashy builds, but personally, I prefer the “less is more” approach. So, I started the exterior upgrades with a Lo-Pro roof rack from local Arizona truck parts manufacturer Westcott Designs. This offers expandability for a variety of gear and accessories in the future — awnings, rooftop tents, rifle cases, mountain bikes, and so on — but maintains a sleek appearance.
