Northwest Overland Rally 2016
The gathering of the overland tribe each year in Plain, WA is low key, fun for the whole family and full of local flavor. I’ll start off this year’s coverage with a look at the best overland adventuremobile spotted around the event.
Here are the TOP 10 Overland Adventuremobile from the Northwest Overland Rally 2016:
1. The Earthcruiser GZL Tacoma
The Earthcruiser GZL truck camper, for mid-sized pickups, made it’s North American debut at the Rally. It is a full featured European styled truck camper, which can be purchased for around $35,000. Earthcruiser is taking orders now, for delivery in about 3 months. They are estimating a wet weight of only 1,000 lbs.
2. VMI Offroad “The Trailhead” Dodge 3500 Camper
VMI Offroad makes some impressive off-road trailers, and also does custom one off vehicle builds. This full featured truck camper was near completion, and showcases the company’s custom work. It featured; dual Warn 16.5ti winches, 35″ tires, pop-top camper, diesel appliances, aluminum window shudders, cedar tung and groove headliner, 80 gallon fresh water tank and more. It isn’t cheap at $225K, but quality custom work costs money.
3. Bahn Camper Works Dodge Mega-Cab
Bahn Camper Works debuted their first ever truck camper at the Northwest Overland Rally 2016. This impressive truck camper can be yours for $60K, fully outfitted, or just $39K for the shell. Hight quality cutting edge composite construction makes this camper crazy light weight and durable. It is constructed in such a way that it is built to custom fit the specific truck bed you are putting it into, both in terms of shape and length, which optimizes living and storage space. It can also be made as a flatbed model, and in a number of different custom lengths. The modular interior components and massive swing out doors create an incredibly customizable and versatile camper/transport system. This would be an awesome setup to rock a motorcycle indoors, kayaks on the roof and custom interior storage for kiteboards and other adventure gear, especially on a slightly elongated flatbed model.
4. Search & Recreation Volvo 303
I’ve always admired the formidable, and relatively rare, Volvo 303. This example by Search & Recreation has been kept relatively stock, besides the addition of an exo-skeleton cage/roof rack and a RTT. It’s hard not to imagine the amazing places this vehicle could take you, well off the beaten path!
5. ROAM Built Sprinter
If you’re looking to build a Sprinter that can take you further off pavement than you’d normally consider in a Sprinter Van, look no further the ROAM Built. They offer a full line of tough off-road tested Sprinter accessories like bumpers, roof racks, wheels, roof ladders, etc… as well as some unique interior products that they are currently prototyping. They also offer some big fender flares to accommodate larger tires and installs of the Agile Offroad suspension kits for Sprinters.
6. VMI Dodge Flatbed
While I featured VMI Offroad‘s latest creation above, this build of theirs has now been field tested and approved by its owner. This rig is fully setup for kiteboarding and surfing for two. I love the simplicity, compact dimensions and durability of the construction.
7. Land Cruiser Camper
This tiny, home-built, 40 Series Land Cruiser overland camper sleeps two, and has a super tiny footprint, which should fit down the smallest of trails. This rig has become a regular at the NWOR and is always a pleasure to behold.
8. The Pioneering Spirit Diesel Jeep JKU
The Pioneering Spirit have built this burly Jeep JKU with a Cummins 4bt powerplant. At first you think nice well equipped Jeep, but then you hear the put put of the tiny turbo diesel and your gaze lingers as you try to figure out what this impressive package is hiding under its skin.
9. Mule Expedition Outfitters Trakka Range Rover
Mule Expedition Outfitters recently picked up this very cool Traka conversion Range Rover Classic. Unique, fun, quirky and capable, what more could you ask for from a Land Rover?!?!
10. “Otis” the Alcan 5000 Porsche Cayenne
Yes you can go fast, in luxury, while off-roading, and still roll into camp with all the creature comforts the modern overland traveler desires.
But wait, there’s more!
You didn’t really think I’d leave you with some quick Top 10 list and not show you a bunch of the other cool rigs spotted at the Northwest Overland Rally 2016 did you? The following gives you a good cross section of the interesting rigs you’ll find at this awesome event.
