There is a long tradition of enjoying an adult beverage by the campfire, especially after a long day on the trail. But non-alcoholic drink options for these campfire moments are typically limited and… boring.

I speak from personal experience. My first few campfires after going sober could be summed up by a can of La Croix and a good attitude. I would watch friends unlock mini liquor stores out of the backs of their trucks, and I would sit quietly by the fire while my hands warmed up a trail-shaken can of Pomplemousse.

I did not miss what alcohol did to my health, but I did miss the ritual and reward of a special drink amongst friends. And thanks to a rapidly growing market segment of alcohol abstainers, there are more drinks for the sober and sober-curious now than ever. And some of them are pretty d*mn good.

The list below represents seven years of experimenting, exploring, and taste testing to create a booze-free beverage worthy of any campfire ring.

All opinions are my own, and I fully acknowledge that my subject matter intensity on this topic is borderline ridiculous. Take what you will.

But first things first. What to know before you go.

Non-Alcoholic Drink: 0% vs .5% ABV

A few things to mention about beverages that are .5% alcohol by volume (ABV):

1. At .5% ABV, you would have to drink 10 cans in one hour to match the effect of one can of 5% ABV beer. 
2. Foods such as ripe bananas (.4-.6%) and hamburger buns (1.2%) have higher ABV than any of the drinks listed below.
3. Here in the US, the Food and Drug Administration considers drinks with less than .5% ABV to only have trace amounts of alcohol, allowing a company to label their drinks non-alcoholic. 

Real Talk: It is essential to understand what works best for you, especially if you’re in recovery or have an allergy. Please research in advance. 

Non-Alcoholic Versions of Hard Liquor are a HARD NO (Trust Us) 

A rule of thumb from years of taste testing and experimentation: Stay away from non-alcoholic whiskey, gin, tequila, or other spirits that attempt to recreate hard liquor. Very few stand independently, and most leave our palettes sad and our stomachs queasy, with one exception. (See below.)

If you miss the complex flavor profiles of hard alcohol, focus instead on NA spirits like Seedlip, aperitifs like Ghia, or phenomenally crafted beverages from Curious Elixirs. None of these beverages attempt to recreate alcohol. Instead, they focus on creating a complex and satisfying drinking experience that encourages sipping and savoring.

Now let’s get into it!

Best .5% Alcohol Beer: Athletic Brewing Run Wild IPA

Cases of bright blue Run Wild are in just about every grocery store and liquor store fridge for a reason. Run Wild offers all the hoppiness and complexity of an IPA with less than 0.5% alcohol. Cracking open an ice-cold can at the end of the day gives you the whole sensory experience of beer without the buzz. 

I have poured a cold can of Run Wild for many family members, friends, and trail buddies. In the words of my IPA-loving younger brother, “If you hadn’t told me, I wouldn’t have known.” 

If you prefer an IPA with more bite, check out Free Wave Hazy IPA, also by Athletic Brewing. It is also a winner.

Best 0% Alcohol Beer: Asahi Super Dry Zero

A few 0% beers are on the market, Heineken Zero being the most well-known. 

Skip it. Seek out Asahi Super Dry Zero instead. 

Asahi pulls off a full-bodied lager-style NA beer that retains a robust body and avoids the watery graves most 0% lagers swim in. The Super Dry Zero is more malt than hops (but the hops are there) and avoids the slightly sweet aftertaste typical in 0% options. 

Be sure to pick up the Super Dry Zero. The Dry Zero is OK but much thinner on the palate. 

Best Spirit That Doesn’t Pretend to be an Alcohol Derivative: Seedlip Grove 42

Seedlip Grove 42 is a fantastic base for a wide range of NA cocktails. Add 2oz of Grove to cranberry juice, give it a little sparking water and a splash of lime, and you have an excellent non-alcoholic drink.

Grove’s flavors blend blood orange, mandarin, lemon, and ginger, making it a joy when mixed with tonics, soda water, ginger ale, or fresh juice. 

Honestly, the entire Seedlip collection is worthy, but Grove is the one I keep returning to. Head to their website and check out their recipe page for inspiration.  

Best Mocktails: Curious Elixirs No 2 & No 4

Curious Elixirs is in a category of their own. They make no attempt to replicate alcohol – instead, they focus on creating botanical drinks with tons of personality that reference established drinks. 

Curious Elixirs No. 2 is the most complicated NA cocktail I’ve experienced. The first time I drank this over ice with a slice of lime, I just about fell over – there’s a very slight hint of a smoky mezcal underneath a sweet/savory pineapple and ginger ‘burn.’ It somehow tastes like a margarita, but it is entirely different at the same time. This is my favorite summer campfire ‘adult’ beverage.

Curious Elixirs No 4 suggests an Italian blood orange Aperol spritz for those who love a bit more citrus. Add a sprig of mint to your drink, and you’ve got something far beyond the ordinary.

Best Mixers: Portland Syrups

Portland Syrups is a playground. You can create your own 100% non-alcoholic drink by using one of their syrups with sparkling water and adding garnishes like rosemary sprigs or citrus wedges. Throw a bottle or two of these into your mobile pantry to play with, and you’re set. 

Best NA Hard Liquor Drink Alternative: Monday Gin

If you want to give one NA spirit a go, make it Monday Gin. 

Monday Gin has a heavy juniper nose that carries all the way to the midpoint of the drink until it settles into a mild sour citrus/grapefruit tail end. The juniper in Monday is the element that pushes it into acceptable territory. The complexity is there. 

I don’t suggest drinking Monday on its own, but then again, how many gins did I ever drink on their own?

Mix Monday in your favorite tonic, and you have something close to the real thing. Plus, Monday has zero carbs, zero sugar, and zero calories for the health-conscious. 

And make sure you have ice. Drink this lukewarm at your own peril. 

Runners up that are still winners:

Ghia Sumac & Chili (canned) – Aperitif with a burn. Ready to sip in its can. 

De Soi Golden Hour (canned) – Adaptogens for the win. An excellent blend of herbaceous and citrus notes makes this an enjoyable sipping experience. 

Surely Brut (canned) – Hits the right sparkling wine notes, but like all NA wine, it falls off quickly. This at least gets the front of the drink right and mixes brilliantly with OJ.  

Brew Dog Punk AF – Lots of Hops at just 25 calories per can

As someone who has gone from clutching a La Croix with disappointment to creating my own unique non-alcoholic drinks, I hope this inspires you to explore, experiment or just have fun next time you’re socializing around the campfire. 

A non-boozey cheers to you!  

The Overland Bound One Support Alert in action! In the vast expanses of the great outdoors, where the rugged trails of Capitan Gap, New Mexico, wind through the terrain, an Overland Bound member, known in the community as @offroadnutz, found himself in a precarious situation that many off-roaders fear. While navigating the back country trails in his 1988 4Runner, an unexpected engine failure halted his adventure, leaving him stranded far from the nearest main road. What followed is a testament to the strength and camaraderie of the Overland Bound community.

With no way to move his vehicle and in need of assistance, @offroadnutz turned to the Overland Bound One app, utilizing the Support Alert feature. This communication tool works with the Overland Bound One Resource Map and allows members in distress to send out a message to nearby community members, requesting assistance. It’s a digital lifeline for those who find themselves in unpredictable situations off the beaten path.*

The Overland Bound One Support Alert Goes Out

The call for help did not go unanswered. Another community member, @eajames, saw the alert and immediately responded, reaching out to @offroadnutz to coordinate a rescue. Demonstrating true community spirit, @eajames and a friend planned their mission, setting out the next morning in a Jeep equipped for the rugged terrain and the task at hand.

“Here he is coming down the trail. What a site for sore eyes.” -@offroadnutz

Their journey was successful, and they were able to locate @offroadnutz and his 4Runner. Working together, they managed to tow the disabled vehicle back to the safety of a main road, where a tow truck could take over. This act of kindness and teamwork highlights the core values of the Overland Bound community: support, respect, and a shared passion for adventure.

This story serves as a powerful reminder of the unpredictability of off-road adventures and the invaluable support that a community like Overland Bound provides. However, it also underscores the importance of using the Overland Bound One Support Alert feature as one of several safety measures. Members are encouraged to employ multiple methods of seeking help in emergencies, including sending SOS alerts via satellite communication devices and contacting local authorities when necessary.

The successful rescue of @offroadnutz is not just a tale of one member’s misfortune and another’s heroism; it is a reflection of the collective spirit of Overland Bound. It demonstrates how technology, when intertwined with the human touch of a tight-knit community, can create a safety net for those who venture into the unknown, ensuring that no member is left behind.

In the world of overlanding, where each journey brings its own set of challenges and surprises, stories like this resonate deeply. They remind us that beyond the rugged trails and breathtaking landscapes, it’s the bonds formed between fellow adventurers that make the journey truly unforgettable.

Join the Overland Bound Community: Adventure Awaits

This story of camaraderie and support in the face of adversity is just one of many within the Overland Bound community. It highlights not only the spirit of adventure that drives us but also the collective safety net that our community provides. Whether you’re a seasoned off-roader or just beginning to explore the vastness of the great outdoors, Overland Bound is your gateway to a community that values support, respect, and the shared passion for adventure.

By becoming an Overland Bound member, you’re not just gaining access to an array of resources, tools, and information tailored for overlanding; you’re becoming part of a global family of adventurers who are ready to extend a helping hand, share their knowledge, and explore the world together.

We encourage you to take the next step in your overlanding journey by joining Overland Bound. Experience the strength of community support, engage with like-minded adventurers, and access the tools you need to safely explore the unknown. Together, we can make every adventure safer, more accessible, and more enjoyable.

Join us today and become part of a story that stretches across continents, cultures, and the uncharted territories of the great outdoors. Let’s embark on this journey together.

Learn More

* It’s important to note that the effectiveness of Support Alert relies on the availability of cellular signal or internet reception, a reminder of the importance of planning and preparation in remote areas. Using Support Alert does not guarantee assistance and should be used in conjunction with other off grid communication and emergency devices.  

Written by Owen Lystrup

In all the challenges that come along with overlanding—or any outdoor activity for that matter—the hardest can be just getting out there. Be it a lack of funds, a hectic schedule, family responsibilities or even injuries, the excuses to not go out in the wild can seem endless if you let them.

Overland Bound member Neil Hall (OB #2420, @bwildjournals) has had his share of excuses to not go, but something calls.

Neil takes a very ‘no excuses’ approach to getting out and enjoying the outdoors. Being in the Pacific Northwest near Seattle, the wild is near and abundant, but challenges throw Neil’s way have almost prevented him from getting out at all.

“There’s been a couple times lately that I’ve wanted to throw in the towel and say, ‘forget it,’ because it’s just too hard,” Hall said in an interview. 

For Neil, getting out in the wild is something he’s revered since he was young and took trips with his father. In the past, it’s been hard for him to get outdoors because of injuries, one of which cost him his job. Neil worked as a maintenance mechanic at the University of Washington, and one day walking through the shop his boot caught a stair just enough to cause a pretty severe fall that caused a fracture in his calcaneus (the heel bone). 

Anyone who’s had one will likely say that a fracture in the foot is one of the toughest recoveries, especially if your work or hobbies require a simple action like walking. For Neil the recovery was definitely a hard one.

“The healing process took a long time, and it didn’t heal the way it was expected to,” he said. After a long recovery period, the university made attempts to work with him and keep him employed, but ultimately let him go, which put Neil on a very tightly fixed income.

During Neil’s walkaround video featured on the Overland Bound YouTube channel, you can see he’s wearing a brace on his wrist. After healing from the heel fracture that left him without a job, Neil attended an Off the Grid rally. On the return trip from the rally, Neil fell from the ladder of his CVT rooftop tent. 

“I fell half the height of the ladder, probably three or four feet. But I’m 220 pounds, and I landed on my wrist, and it didn’t like that very much,” he said.

The rest of the trip home, Neil said instead of climbing into the RTT, he slept under the tailgate of his truck. 

“At first I thought, ‘Oh I’ll be fine,’” he said. “’I’ll just put some ice on it.’” When he was home and could have a doctor look at the wrist, he was told it wasn’t going to heal quickly. “My [physical therapist] told me I did one of the most destructive injuries you can do to a wrist.”

The healing process took over two years and required two surgeries. The doctor also told him if he has one more bad fall or a bend of the wrist the wrong way, he’s going to have to get another surgery that will be a full fusion. “You won’t like that,” the doctor added.

He now travels with a Gazelle Tent to keep low to the ground and avoid any further injuries to his wrist. 

Neil has been living off a budget that makes it difficult to keep a hobby like overlanding going, let alone doing any kind of build project on a rig. 

“If I can wing a tank of gas, that’s usually when I go,” Neil said. 

Neil also has a creative mind that drives him. He finds ways to repurpose materials for his truck that can get him amenities he’s looking for. Projects he’s worked on in the past include a custom slider box made from a repurposed entertainment center he found at a Goodwill.

His truck features a navigation Ram mount he got off a clearance shelf for $15. He also has one for his phone, which he bought for $5. The CVT tent—Neil’s biggest splurge that he sold for worry of another fall that would permanently cripple his wrist—was protected from branches and other trail debris with an old snowboard he mounted to his truck’s rack. And rather than paying for an expensive side awning, he used a custom rigged tarp cut to six-foot sections and held up with poles he bought from a hardware store. 

“I have a lot of ideas,” he said. “Some of them are good, some not so good. I wanted the fancy rigs I see in videos, but I just can’t afford it.” Rather than go without, Neil just finds ways to improvise.

You can now find Neil trekking through the PNW in his 4 Runner.

His creativity, he said, has just always been there. “I used to draw a lot, and I got pretty good,” he said. “I started taking photos and doing videos for YouTube and Instagram for that creative outlet. When I don’t have what I need, I think about what I need to buy or what I could find to make it.”

In addition to exercising his creative mind, Neil found the outdoors helped his state of mind as well. He was in a prolonged depressive state when he heard about an Overland Bound meetup nearby in August 2016.

“That’s when I first crashed the party,” he said. Neil said he was hunting for a tent online when he came across an Overland Bound video, which led him to the meetup. 

“I was too shy. I don’t talk to people ever. But some kind of leap-of-faith pushed me to go, and I crashed the party, so to speak.” Neil said he felt a bit like an outsider when he arrived, but soon met another Overland Bound member who greeted him with a hug. 

“He told me where to camp, told me not to worry about anything, and I signed up for Overland Bound the day I got home from the trip.”

“Overland Bound helped me more than they will ever know,” he said. “I can’t even say in words what Overland Bound did for this person.”

He’s been trying to keep the good tidings going, paying it forward by improving the world on each trip he’s able to take. “The Trail Guardian program is a big deal to me. In the Pacific Northwest, homelessness is a big problem. Not only is it in the cities, but it’s moved into the forest. Some of these people when they leave, they leave everything behind. A couple months later, the animals have gotten to it and taken stuff here and there. It gets to the point where no one wants to camp there.”

Neil said when he goes, if he sees a campsite that’s obviously been deserted, he fills his truck with gear, garbage and anything left behind. 

“That’s my goal when I go out. I try and leave it better than I found it.”

A big thank you to Neil for sharing part of his story and for being such a postitive member of the Overland Bound community. 

Written by Jack Shaw
Cover photo by Mike Johnston

Overlanding off-road is an incredible way to travel for outdoors enthusiasts, letting you be one with nature and rely on yourself for survival. If your trip lasts days or weeks (or longer), you’ll need the right vehicle for practicality and comfort.

These excursions aim to get the most out of the journey, so how do you accomplish a fulfilling trip? It starts with the machine you pick. Here’s a guide on selecting what size overland vehicle is right for you.

Questions you should ask

Getting an overland vehicle is exciting, as it will unlock new outdoor adventures for you and your family. Before you decide, ask yourself these questions to narrow down what you want.

What will you use it for?

The first question you should ask yourself is what you’ll use it for. If your primary goal is overlanding, you need a vehicle with high ground clearance to avoid bottoming out. You never know when you’ll encounter rocks and challenging terrain in your path. Ground clearance should be at least 8 inches, with some vehicles exceeding 10 inches.

Driving your big rig is half the challenge with overlanding. You’ll also need the vehicle for camping if you plan to stay multiple days. Ensure the rig is large and comfortable enough to sleep in.

What terrain will you drive on?

Do you have a preferred terrain to drive on with your off-roader? The area you live in may influence what size overland vehicle you should select. A machine with high ground clearance is excellent for rocky terrain and muddy areas. You’ll want off-road rated tires and a high clearance in order to maintain traction.

Large and small vehicles work for overlanding, each bringing pros and cons. Large overland machines will likely have more powerful engines but are more challenging when navigating rough terrain. Conversely, smaller vehicles are typically more fuel efficient but will provide less comfortable rides.

Photo by Barry J Holmes for Overland Bound

How many people come with you?

Next, consider how many people will accompany you when you’re overland-bound. Will a partner or a friend come along? What about your kids? Making your trip a family affair requires a larger vehicle with more seating.

Plus, there’s also cargo you need to fit in the back. The last thing you want is your kids feeling cramped against your cooking gear and tools. On the other hand, frequent solo trips may let you get a smaller vehicle and easily navigate the dunes and hills.

How long are your trips?

Overland trips can last days, weeks or even months and years, depending on your itinerary. The length of your excursion will affect your vehicle selection by influencing how much cargo you bring.

Overlanding for a few days will require some gear, food and tools. However, a week or more extended trip will start to increase your vehicle’s load. You may need additional refrigeration to store the food you’re bringing.

If you need a large vehicle, check the payload capacity to ensure it fits your needs. For example, a Toyota Tundra’s payload capacity is around 1,940 pounds, whereas the Ford F-350 Super Duty can hold 8,000 pounds. 

What is your budget?

Considering price is essential due to how expensive cars are nowadays. Kelley Blue Book data show the average transaction price of a new vehicle was about $48,334 in July 2023 — down slightly from June.

The size of your vehicle correlates with how much the machine will cost. Big rigs will cost more because their engines are more powerful and require more resources. You can save a few dollars by choosing a smaller vehicle or considering alternatives. For example, renting is a solid option if you don’t go on overland trips often.

How big are overland vehicles?

Once you answer those questions, you’ll better understand your priorities when getting an overland vehicle. So, how do they correspond with size? Here are a few examples of overland vehicles and how big they typically are.

Vans

Vans have become more than just a vehicle for picking up the kids from soccer practice. Nowadays, auto manufacturers produce terrific vans for overlanding. For example, the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter has evolved to be a formidable vehicle.

The Sprinter provides a happy medium with off-roading capabilities and comfort. Its base model has a 144-inch wheelbase and a standard roof. However, you can upgrade to a 170-inch wheelbase with a higher roof.  The vehicle is tough enough to last on gravel and dirt while keeping you comfortable on overland trips.

Photo by Jason Darrah @primal_outdoors and his well equipped and well traveled van. A highly recommended follow. 

Trucks

There are a wide variety of options for overland trucks. Small trucks get the job done if it’s only you on the trip with your essentials. A few mid-size options on the market include the Ford Ranger, GMC Canyon, Chevy Colorado and the Toyota Tacoma. For example, the 2024 Ford Ranger XLT has a 128-inch wheelbase, a 211-inch length and a 74-inch height. Choosing an off-road package like the Tremor for Ford or the AT4X for the Canyon are ideal. 

Are you looking for a middle ground? Full-size trucks are great if your overlanding requires more towing and payload capacity. Some trucks in this category include the Ford F-150, Toyota Tundra, Chevy Silverado and the Ram 1500. The Dodge Ram, for example, has a 144-inch wheelbase, a 233-inch length and a 78-inch height.

The heaviest end of the spectrum comes with heavy-duty trucks. These rugged machines bring maximum towing capacity for your boat, RV and other vehicles. The RAM HD, Ford Super Duty, Chevy Silverado HD and the GMC Sierra HD are some of the best options on the market. The GMC Sierra HD boasts a 172-inch wheelbase if you get the long bed, a 266-inch length and an 80-inch height.

And in a category all its own there’s the entire Jeep lineup. From two door Wranglers to full on Gladiator trucks, Jeeps are well known for their off-road durability. 

This build by Kingston @roaminglost merges heavy duty truck with comfortable habitat. Photo @roaminglost.

Extreme Big Rigs

Who says you need a van, truck or SUV to go overlanding? Some companies go above and beyond and make extreme overland rigs. These machines make living in your overland vehicle more manageable.

One option you have on the market is the Mercedes Zetros. This recreational vehicle is terrific for overland trips because of its size, space and durability. The Zetros has a 4,800 mm wheelbase (189 in) and a weight ranging from 8.1 to 11.5 tons. Inside the vehicle, there’s enough room for a living room, kitchen and other amenities.

Do you have any plans for your lottery winnings? You’ll need to hit the jackpot to afford Unicat’s million-dollar Terracross model. This gigantic machine looks like the manufacturer created an RV based on military vehicles. The vehicle has a full kitchen, a bathroom and 532 horsepower under the hood. If you spare no expense, this vehicle is for you.

When your overland vehicle is a military machine. The unimog is a great platform to build an overland habitat on.
Photo by Barry J Holmes for Overland Bound.

Picking the Proper Overland Vehicle for You

Overlanding the right way starts with selecting a suitable vehicle. There are numerous options on the market, so choose your big rig carefully. When browsing, ask yourself the five questions in this article and make the best choice for your needs.

Author Bio

Jack Shaw is a seasoned automotive writer with over six years of experience. As the senior writer for Modded, he combines his passion for cars, trucks, and offroading with his expertise to deliver engaging content that resonates with automotive enthusiasts worldwide.

Going off-road takes you on incredible adventures, from the Rubicon Trail in California to the Everglades in South Florida. You mainly focus on staying safe on rough terrain and having fun with nature surrounding you when off-roading. However, riders sometimes forget small details like fuel economy and its impact.

How can you optimize fuel efficiency in an overland vehicle? This guide outlines what you need to know while driving and before you leave the garage.

How Can You Optimize Fuel Efficiency While Driving? 

Off-roading can require long trips to get to your destination. How can you ensure your fuel efficiency stays top-notch on the highway?

Careful Acceleration

While a fast start on the road is temping, rapid acceleration compromises your fuel efficiency. Your truck’s engine is already working hard to carry a heavy load, so quickly accelerating further strains the motor. You’re also putting unnecessary stress on the tires and transmission.

Instead, carefully accelerate after cranking the engine. You’ll optimize fuel efficiency because the truck can easily overcome drag and inertia. It also makes for safer trips because you have more time to react to the road before you.

Using the AC Wisely

Summer is an excellent time to go off-roading with the kids in the warm weather. However, some locations get hot in the summer, making you crank the air conditioning. While you need the AC to stay comfortable, you should use it wisely to ensure you don’t compromise your fuel mileage.

Start by using the recirculation mode in your truck. This setting recirculates the air inside your overland vehicle instead of drawing in air from the outside. Your truck will cool much faster and more efficiently than using fresh air.

Also, try using the AC only when driving at highway-level speeds. When moving slowly, your AC compressor creates more drag. Roll down the window to increase fuel economy, especially in stop-and-go traffic.

Limiting Idle Time

Fuel efficiency is at its worst when your overland vehicle isn’t going anywhere. Idle time burns gas unnecessarily, so limit it when you can.

Your truck may sit idle when taking a break or waiting for your friends to arrive. Sometimes, you’re stuck in the mud or rock crawling. Regardless, your vehicle burns more fuel than necessary. Turn off the engine and the air conditioner if it’s not too hot.

What Maintenance Helps Overland Truck Fuel Efficiency? 

Manufacturers design overland trucks to last long, but your vehicle may become less efficient as parts wear. Here are a few maintenance tips for ensuring your overland truck’s fuel economy.

Changing the Air Filter

The air filter is one of the engine’s most important pieces. This component traps the dirt and debris from outside, and protects your engine from these contaminants. Considering the mud and sand you drive through, it’s a crucial component of your overland vehicle.

The air filter will become dirty over time and require a change. If not, you’ll have less airflow and your engine must work harder to overcome the restrictions. The last thing you want is an engine running rich. You should change your air filter at least once annually, but your overland vehicle may need a few inspections throughout the year.

Checking the Tire Pressure

Your engine is the biggest decider of your fuel mileage, but you should be aware of other components influencing your efficiency. For example, periodically check your tires’ pounds per square inch (psi). Underinflation can be bad news for your fuel economy because it increases your rolling resistance, forcing your engine to work harder.

Underinflation hurts your tires the longer your overland truck runs on them. The Department of Energy says you lose 0.2% of your fuel economy for every 1 psi below the average. Conversely, you can gain between 0.6% and 3% in your fuel mileage by properly inflating your tires.

Accidents can happen on the road, so prepare with the proper tools to care for your tires. You’ll need a tire pressure gauge, portable air compressor, tire plug kit and typical tire-changing tools.

Tire Alignment

Off-roading means driving over rocks and rough terrain. While this adventure is thrilling, you’ll likely harm your tire alignment over time. Overland vehicles have rigid suspensions, but off-roading will mess up alignment. Misaligned tires force your truck to work harder, thus burning fuel.

Aligning your tires improves fuel efficiency, so follow your manufacturer’s recommendations on how frequently you should do it. Most will say once every two or three years, but constant off-roading may require more trips to the mechanic.

Maintaining the Brakes

Another lesser-known factor in your fuel economy is the brake system. Each time you hit the brakes, you create friction to slow down your truck. This friction produces heat and resistance, thus making your vehicle work harder. Avoid hard braking and go easy on them to increase your safety and your brake’s longevity.

The last thing you need is to damage your brake system unnecessarily. Worn brake pads can tighten disc brakes, harming fuel economy and causing vehicle pull. Periodically check your lubricants and your brake pads to ensure everything works as it should.

What Prep Improves Your Efficiency? 

Are you getting ready for an off-road excursion? If your journey requires a road trip, you can use these tips to improve fuel efficiency.

Route Planning

The best way to prepare your overland vehicle is to do route planning. Before heading out the door, find the most efficient route to get to your destination. These roads will have less traffic and reduce the distance traveled.

Thankfully, you don’t have to do the work yourself — intelligent technology is by your side in route-planning websites and applications. Modern global positioning systems (GPS) watch traffic and alert you if there are routes with less congestion. If you don’t have a GPS in your car, use your phone’s built-in GPS — even if your device is offline. 

Become Roof Rack Aware

In motorsports, race teams aim to make their cars as aerodynamically efficient as possible by reducing drag. Even minor things can increase wind resistance and compromise your overland vehicle’s fuel mileage.

For example, you may put roof racks on your jeep, truck or SUV. Placing them on top makes your vehicle less efficient because you’ve disrupted the airflow.Be sure to load gear that is low to the roofline up front and then create as aerodynamic a gear height profile possible.

Reducing the Load

When you go off-road, your vacation could be multiple days or weeks long. You’ll need plenty of supplies to get through the trip. While these goods are necessary, you should know how heavy loads affect fuel mileage.

Adding extra weight to your vehicle makes it work harder than it’s accustomed to, burning more gas or diesel. Your fuel mileage decreases by about 2% for every 100 pounds of extra weight, so be careful when loading. Stick to the essentials and leave the rest at home. If you pack your truck efficiently, you’ll find the right balance of fuel efficiency and having enough goods for the road.

Also, be mindful of your towing. Load your truck evenly, and ensure you have the proper towing hitch and ball mount for your vehicle. Pushing your truck harder compromises fuel efficiency, so don’t exceed the automaker’s towing recommendations.

Getting the Most From Your Overland Vehicle

When thinking about off-roading, fuel economy might not be the first thing to come to mind. However, it’s a more significant factor than you think. Some off-road trails may have limited filling stations available in the area. Your fuel tank is essential to arriving at each destination safely, so follow these tips to maximize your fuel efficiency in the short and long run.

Author Bio

Jack Shaw is a seasoned automotive writer with over six years of experience. As the senior writer for Modded, he combines his passion for cars, trucks, and offroading with his expertise to deliver engaging content that resonates with automotive enthusiasts worldwide.

That moment when you can check owning a Camel Trophy Land Rover 110 off your bucket list… When the opportunity to own a piece of Land Rover history presented itself to Chris Solis eleven years ago, he jumped on it and hasn’t looked back. 

Part adventure machine, part never ending project, Chris takes us through the details of his build and shares the story of how he acquired it.

Cover photo by Barry J Holmes

Name: Chris Solis, Overland Bound Member #7200 and Medical Ambassador

Home Base: SF Bay Area

Occupation: General and Trauma Surgeon, Dad/Husband

What’s the Year/Make/Model/Mileage of your rig?

Year: Mostly 1989. It depends on the part.

Model: Land Rover 110 (wasn’t a Defender yet) Camel Trophy Spec

Mileage: 53,000km/33,000 miles

What is it about Overlanding you enjoy most?

Getting away from people and work and getting into nature.  Spending time with my family and friends away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

What’s your favorite destination?

It’s a secret, but anywhere cell service isn’t present and some type of water is.

Longest trip completed/planned?

Annual 10 day trip through the Sierras for the last 8 years.What influenced your vehicle choice?

I have always loved Land Rovers since I was a child growing up with them.  My grandfather was from England and had moved to the States after WW2 and started his own shop.  I grew up around British cars and loved the sense of adventure that Land Rovers had about them.

What are 3 things that you *really* like about your Land Rover Camel Trophy 110?

That it is truly rare.
The way that I am just happy to be driving it, even with all of it’s “unique personality traits”.
Driving it is always an adventure and makes me feel like I am on that adventure.

What process did you go through selecting your rig?

While surfing the internet looking for a Land Rover to replace my 1992 Nissan Pathfinder I came across this original Camel Trophy truck for sale.  As it was a childhood dream I called the dealership and negotiated a price and two weeks later it was in my driveway.

Tell us one time when your rig saved you, or you were really impressed by it.

Everytime it starts I am impressed.Have you ever had to make a trail repair?

Hahahaha….EVERY…..DAMN…..TRIP!  Not always major things but always something.  Take your pick of repairs: the time I lost a trailing arm bolt and used a trailer hitch pin or the time my dampener took out the sway bar drop arm nut which allowed the drop arm to swing free and break the line between the auxiliary tank and the main tank so I was dumping diesel from both tanks in the middle of Death Valley or… well you get the point.  The list goes on and on.  I am prepared for most issues when it comes to repairs.

What major modifications have you made so far?

Engine swap to a 200Tdi Land Rover engine

Transmission upgrade

Rear axle swap to Salisbury (what was originally on the truck)
Give us your gear and mods run down…
Shelter:

Alu-Cab Gen3 Roof Top Tent, Alu-Cab 270 degree awning, and Quickpitch en-suite privacy shelter.

Electrical:

House battery: Battleborn 100ah lithium battery for the camping stuff

Redarc BCDC that charges the Battleborn

Start batteries: Dual Odyssey 65ah group 34

Renogy 100W solar panel on the roof with Renogy controller for the start batteries

IBS split charge for the start batteries to allow them to link for winching

Lighting:

Roof lights: Hella Rallye

Camp lights: Amazon specials for side/rear floods

Interior: LED strip lights and National Luna dual color flood light

Camping & Kitchen:

Tembo Tusk Skottle with sidekick table and National Luna 50L fridge

Storage:

Homemade shelf/drawer/cubby system and Frontrunner wolf packs

What would you add or improve?

Nothing.  I’ve spent the last 11 years making it exactly the way I want it to be.

What’s the one piece of overlanding equipment you can’t live without? (Besides your rig.)

Skottle

What else should we know about your rig?

It has a very interesting and unique history.  It’s first mission was to prescout the 1991 Camel trophy event that was scheduled to be in the Himalayas.  That event didn’t happen due to a coup in the area but my rig then toured around India until it was shipped back to Holland and placed in a museum.  It was then returned to service for the 1996 Dutch Camel Trophy Trials and then back to the museum.  After many years of being on display the truck was bought by a company that did corporate team building in Holland before being imported to the US by the first private owner.  It was eventually sold to a Land Rover dealership to add to their collection of unique Land Rovers where I found it for sale and became the second private owner.

Learn more about the history of the Land Rover Defender Series here!

Suspension:

2 inch lift, Old Man Emu dampeners and springs

Tires:

BF Goodrich KM3s 275/75/16

Wheels:

Land Rover “1 Tonne”

Recovery:

Dixon Bate recovery points front x2, rear x1

ARB snatch strap

Factor 55 closed winching system soft shackles, van Beast D rings

ARB tree strap

Superwinch Husky 10 worm drive winch w synthetic line

My brain 😂

Security:

Manual transmission

Nav/Comm:

Gaia GPS on ipad

Yaesu 8800 HAM radio

Baofeung HT radios

CB

Mechanical/Engine:

2.5L Land Rover 200Tdi

Follow Chris’s travels here!

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 Trail Review: Bitter Springs Trail, Nevada

Verfied and approved by Overland Bound Ambassadors CB Overland