Overlanding enthusiasts were in for a show at this year's SEMA. For those who missed it, here are the 10 best overlanders we've seen.
When Toyotas and Jeeps with roof-top tents, traction boards, roof racks, and fridge/freezers initially appeared at the SEMA Show, many people felt Overlanding was merely a gimmick. Some predicted that Overlanding would disappear, similar to the double-row light bar, but those forecasts were mistaken, as Overlanding is currently more widespread than ever. These overland projects, which include everything from rooftop tents to snorkels to trucks turned into campsites, call out the explorer and adventurer in us all. The concept of setting up camp in the middle of nowhere, far away from a bustling city, has never been more alluring. And the reasonable cure to spending most of the 2020 shut-in is to travel as far away as possible.
A few vehicles stood out among the many on exhibit at SEMA 2021. These rigs were notable for a variety of reasons. Some structures were massive, magnificent creations requiring thousands of working hours and tens of thousands of dollars. Overlanding has grown in popularity in recent years, as evidenced by the many overland builds from both manufacturers and independent businesses. Others were more straightforward, yet had that certain something that made them feel unique.
Overlanders are natural daydreamers, and this gorgeous Land Cruiser FJ-75 Troopy has us fantasizing about hitting the road and setting out camp in the wild. The Mulgo Pop Top conversion on this FJ-75 Troopy is unique.
The Mulgo replaces the entire roof rather than merely hanging a tent on it. With the top unzipped, there's plenty of space to stand up, walk around, and change clothes, ensuring a pleasant camping experience. It's small and traditional, and it's ready for off-grid adventures.
Rhino-Rack was created in Australia, where nearly every reptile, tarantula, and kangaroo are out to get you. The rooftop tent was born because of this. Also, notice the Batwing awning that covers this Chevy's back.
Another full-size truck is under construction. It has just enough gear to get its rider into the woods for a few days. The Pioneer rack above the cab is one of our favorites since it offers a lot of functionality.
Related: Check Out These Awesome Chevrolet Overlanding Blackout Concepts From SEMA 2021
At SEMA, Toyota's overland presence was significant, with a 2020 4Runner exhibited in a more realistic sense, loaded with everything you'd need for distant travel and camping while remaining clean and functional.
The 4Runner is a great place to start because it handles well off-road without any modifications. This one has a solar-powered AluCab roof-top tent. If you want to whizz around camp, there's even a QuietKat RidgeRunner E-bike fitted on a Thule rack.
Related: The Toyota Tundra TRD Desert Chase SEMA Concept Is An Off-Road Racer
Denney fused a Prerunner and an overlander to build a Prelander in order to combine the Raptor's performance and his Tacoma's camping setup. It's simple to mount a bed rack and a tent to a Raptor, turn on the lights, and call it a day.
The upgraded long-travel suspension is installed on this Prelander constructed by Instagrammer Tacodust, which improves the truck's already excellent high-speed off-road capability. Denney can crack open the Go Fast Camper, change into his pajamas, and be ready for bed in less than five minutes.
Related: Here’s What We Love About The Ford F-150 SVT Raptor
Long before the show, Tacozilla generated a lot of excitement and went viral. TacoZilla, a go-anywhere, lightweight adventurer constructed on a 2021 Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport 278 HP 3.5-liter V6 truck, was on display at the SEMA Show 2021. This mobile home is ideal for a variety of journeys.
Tacozilla is without a doubt the best Overlanding masterpiece developed by a manufacturer in Las Vegas. There's a full kitchen, bathroom, and comfortable sleeping quarters. Unfortunately, this camper is unlikely to see mass production.
The original EarthRoamer is well-known, and many people have drooled after it. The first EarthRoamer, which was based on Ford's burly F-550 Super Duty frame, was massive in size, potential, and price.
It also includes an 11,000-hour lithium-ion battery system as standard. Perfect for individuals who want to feel like they're away from home without actually going. It holds 100 gallons of fresh water and 95 gallons of diesel fuel. Extensive off-grid vacations in far-flung wonderlands have never looked so appealing.
It's not just the overland enhancements that make this automobile valuable. The FJ-40 was officially discontinued in 1984, but Brazil continued to produce them until 2001, making the Bandeirantes even more unusual.
This is a moderate overlanding rig with changed suspension and 35-inch tires. The bed rack and rooftop tent are standard Overlanding equipment, but the off-road trailer gives this one-of-a-kind vehicle a little more versatility.
Related: Here’s Why The Toyota Land Cruiser Is Skyrocketing In Value
In 1979, the AMC American Eagle made its premiere as America's first crossover SUV. Surprisingly, the AMC Eagle became an instant best-seller, selling 46,379 units in its first year, nearly doubling the company's total vehicle production.
The first had straight-six engines with 258 cubic inches of displacement and three-speed automatic transmissions. Krueger Kustoms isn't sure what they put in this one, but it does have a rooftop tent, so it's an overlander.
It's impossible to discuss Overlanding without discussing Jeep. It's even better if it's a vintage Jeep from the 1960s. This is the unique overland construction at SEMA, as they built just 500 of these Jeeps for the military.
As a result, most of the changes on this rig, even staples like the leaf springs, were custom-made. It has 37-inch tires and a 5.7-liter Chevrolet V8 engine that delivers power to the ground. The Jeep M677 took a lot of effort and time to develop, but the end product is a rare overlander that drew a lot of attention at the 2021 SEMA Show."
Everyone was drawn to this Jeep advertisement vehicle for Dana's Ultimate 60 axles. Dana's Project Bug Out Gladiator, custom-built by Expedition Vehicle Outfitters, is an exercise in extremity. Many didn't know what to make of it at first but took their word for it.
This build contains as much functionality and real-world capability as it does a theatrical excess of spectacle. The suspension is an EVO Double-Throwdown Coilover long-arm with coil-overs and bypass shocks, to begin with. Instead of a shelter, I think a .50 caliber would look a lot better on the rooftop. We all have got to admit that this insane level of customization looks absolutely amazing on this underrated American icon.
Ramya is a Computer Engineering graduate with a lifelong love of automobiles. Digs all types of cars but has a special place in his heart for Japanese and Italian two-seater sports cars.