Overland Build Idea

valhalla360 wrote:
Crazy thought...(not really clear where this should fit in in terms of forum).

If you look at the custom overland rigs, usually built on something like an issuzu cab over truck...they start in the $250k range and easily move up into the $500k or higher range.

What if you picked up a basic truck with no box or flatbed. Then picked up something like a 17ft travel trailer.

Yank the axles off the trailer and mount it on the truck frame. Maybe install a 3 point support for the trailer to minimize twisting of the house box on rough roads. There would be some work involved but I wouldn't think it would be too extreme.

Say $50k for the truck. $15k for the source trailer. $5k to weld up a 3 point support and another $5 for misc work to do the mounting (maybe fabricate a set of steps, integrate running lights, charging the house batteries, etc...).

Now you would have a brand new overland rig for $75k. If you bought used, you could probably cut that in half.

Comparing the livability of your average overland truck to a 17ft travel trailer, the travel trailer looks a lot more comfortable to live in.

You could look for a 4x4 cab over truck but really most of the advantages lie in the high ground clearance. It's a pretty standard truck so no issues getting work done on it.

Crazy or doable?

Definitely doable,,with enough time and money lol

Or you could build your own design to make it stronger better insulated longer lasting,heres an example

https://youtu.be/ao2LiqegRJQ

For another interesting,
maybe better TC construction look up Kimbo camper on YT