Thank you for reading our post, please rate this article at the end.
Last Updated on August 23, 2024 by Paul Clayton
Table of Contents
5 Truths Off Road Builds Beat Overlanding
Both off-roading and overlanding are very expensive hobbies that require serious planning and equipment. These two activities only appear similar, while in reality, they have more distinct features than common. So, naturally, the vehicle builds for each one will differ as well.
While both off-roading and overlanding might demand performance and safety upgrades, the rift between these two builds lies in sustainability. A really good fine-tuned is not capable of true hardcore off-roading challenges, while an off-roader can prove to be overkill during distant trips.
Off-Roading vs Overlanding Vehicles: What’s the Difference?
So, to put it simply, off-roading builds are all about ruggedness and performance because they are built for extreme conditions. You want a vehicle that can handle the toughest terrain with ease, whether it’s crawling over rocks, powering through mud, or plowing through deep sand. Off-roading builds typically feature heavy-duty suspension systems, specialized tires, and plenty of extra ground clearance to help you get over any obstacle in your path.
On the other hand, overlanding builds are more about comfort and endurance. You want a vehicle that can carry you and your gear through long journeys over rough terrain without sacrificing comfort or convenience. Although wildlife and camping are all parts of the appeal, some comfort is always welcome to make your stay more enjoyable.
The pace of the overlanding journey is very different from the off-roading trip. Overlanding builds often feature custom camping setups, rooftop tents, and all the necessary amenities to keep you and your companions well-fed and well-rested, even in the middle of nowhere.
Basically, the build reflects the main point of your chosen path. If you want to take on the challenge, conquer the perilous trails and boast about your accomplishments, then you need an off-road build that can survive whatever nature has in store. But if you enjoy the journey and the freedom of carving your own path, a more efficient and versatile overland build is the answer.
Which Requires More Maintenance?
The bad news is that both types of builds need a lot more effort and resources on maintenance and repairs than a regular car. This is, after all, an expensive hobby or, for some people, a lifestyle. And a lot depends on how often you go out and how rough you drive.
But let’s start with off-roading vehicle builds.
True off-roading SUVs and trucks are built for one thing and one thing only: getting down and dirty in the great outdoors. And when you’re out there tearing up the trails, your vehicle is going to take a beating. You’ll need to perform regular maintenance on your suspension, tires, and brakes to ensure they are not damaged or worn out.
Plus, all that mud and dirt can wreak havoc on your engine and drivetrain, so you’ll need to make sure you’re keeping up with your oil changes, air filter replacements, and other routine maintenance tasks.
To put it into perspective, let’s take Jeep as an example. These SUVs are very popular among off-roaders, but it doesn’t make them very affordable.
The average annual cost of maintenance for a Jeep is $600-$700. And it might not include replacing damaged skid plates and fixing chipped paint or dents left by rocks.
While you may not be pushing your vehicle to its limits while Overlanding as you would with an off-roading build, you’ll still need to keep up with maintenance tasks like tire rotations, oil changes, and brake inspections. You’ll also need to make sure you’re carrying all the necessary gear and supplies to keep yourself safe and comfortable on your journey.
An overlanding vehicle must be well-maintained to withstand long journeys with no mechanic shops around for many miles. They still have to haul the substantial weight of equipment and push through difficult terrains. So, as much as we want to say that these builds are cheaper to maintain, they are roughly the same.
The only difference may be in the average cost of maintenance for an SUV you are driving. But that difference is rather slim.
Which is More Accessible to Beginners?
While off-roading can be an absolute blast, it can also be a bit daunting for beginners. Upgrading and altering a vehicle to be fit for extreme offroading can quickly become overwhelming. A person without much experience can make mistakes, underestimating the challenges of driving through particularly cunning terrains or overestimating cool builds from off-roading forums. And those mistakes are very expensive.
Without expert guidance, hardcore off-roading is dangerous and can quickly become exorbitantly expensive.
A lot depends on the terrain, of course. Breaking through the patches of mud or rocky hills can be fun and affordable with a stock model with or without off-road oriented trim level. But trying something truly extreme requires a lot more than that.
Overlanding is mostly less demanding because it is about the journey rather than about taking the most challenging paths. Thus, overlanding builds take the cake on this one, as they are much more forgiving. If your car is okay for straying off the road, you can take it for a weekend overlanding trial to see what kinds of obstacles you will typically face, what feels lacking, and what needs to be improved.
Take your time figuring out your individual needs and tailoring the vehicle to that list.
Which Offers More Versatility?
The simple answer is overlanding builds. They are a little more versatile striking a delicate balance between the tenacity of an off-roading vehicle and the comfort of a regular car. They have more room for improvement when you need to add some features for performance or leisure. But this versatility comes at a price.
As they say, Jack of all trades, master of none.
Off-roading is only a part of the overlanding experience that spans beyond pushing through nightmarish terrains. And overlanding builds to try to optimize the car for some extreme conditions, but other important things like weight or fuel consumption limit them. Lighter materials and auxiliary fuel tanks can partially help, but not always.
In contrast, off-roading vehicles also have their own kind of versatility regarding terrains and performance. Specifications like torque, ground clearance, and length all have an effect on the way this particular build behaves. Some builds are optimized for slippery surfaces, others for crawling over steep rocky hills.
But that kind of power requires more fuel. These vehicles are durable but heavy and bulky. And they are rarely very comfortable to be in for a long period of time. It is hard and expensive to try and rebuild an off-road car to be great for overlanding.
The Pros and Cons of Off-Roading Vehicle Builds
So basically, off-roading builds are tough as nails. These vehicles are built to handle some of the roughest terrains Mother Nature can throw at them. They’ve got beefed-up suspension systems, sturdy frames, and aggressive tires that can tackle anything from mud pits to rocky trails.
They can get you to places other people can only imagine. No basic overland vehicle has the capacity to get that far.
And yet there are reasons why not everyone equips off-roading gear, and the special builds for overlanding exist. First and foremost, off-roading builds can be expensive. You’re not just buying a vehicle, you’re buying a whole slew of upgrades and accessories.
And let’s not forget about the maintenance costs. Off-roading can be tough on a vehicle, and you’ll need to be prepared to shell out some serious cash to keep it in top shape.
Another downside is that off-roading builds aren’t exactly fuel-efficient. You’re not going to get great gas mileage when you’re crawling over rocks and through mud pits. And let’s face it, gas isn’t getting any cheaper these days.
The Pros and Cons of Overlanding Vehicle Builds
These vehicles are designed to handle a variety of terrain and conditions, from rocky trails to sandy dunes. They’re equipped with beefed-up suspension systems, powerful engines, and all-terrain tires to give you the confidence to tackle any obstacle that comes your way.
Another great thing about overlanding builds is the sheer amount of gear you can bring along. From camping equipment to food and water, you can load up your vehicle with everything you need for an extended adventure. And with the right build, you can do it all in comfort and style.
But it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. A serious downside is that overlanding builds can get heavy. All that gear and equipment adds up, and you’ll need to be mindful of your weight distribution if you want to keep your vehicle stable and safe on the road. And let’s not forget about fuel efficiency – these builds aren’t exactly known for their mpg.
They often lack the power, durability, and size to keep up with off-roading vehicles. That is why you never go overlanding without a good self-recovery kit full of various gadgets. Chances are, you will use them a lot.
Which Build is Right for You: Off-Roading or Overlanding?
When it comes to choosing between an off-roading build and an overlanding build, it all boils down to what you want out of your vehicle. Off-roading builds are designed for tackling tough terrain while overlanding builds prioritize comfort and versatility for extended trips. There are also hybrid builds that combine elements of both.
It’s important to do your research and consider what you want out of your vehicle before making a decision. Whether you choose an off-roading build, an overlanding build, or something in between, get ready for an adventure.
Wrapping it Up
Off-roading vehicle builds and overlanding builds are two different approaches to building a vehicle for off-road adventures. While there may be some overlap in the components used in each build, the overall goals and priorities are different.
Off-roading vehicle builds are focused on maximizing the vehicle’s performance and capability in challenging terrain. These builds typically feature modifications such as high-performance suspension systems, lockers, winches, and aggressive tires. The goal is to create a vehicle that can tackle the toughest trails and obstacles with ease.
Overlanding builds, on the other hand, prioritize comfort and self-sufficiency for extended trips. These builds often include features such as rooftop tents, refrigerators, water filtration systems, and solar panels. The goal is to create a vehicle that can carry all the necessary gear and supplies for extended travel and provide a comfortable living space while on the road.
Both types of builds require careful consideration of the vehicle’s weight and balance, as well as the specific needs of the driver and passengers. Ultimately, the choice between an off-roading vehicle build and an overlanding build depends on the individual’s goals and priorities for their off-road adventures.
Home page
Back to top of page
