So for those with Overlander rigs, questions..

[RubiNewbCB]

Here is my setup but take it with a grain of salt as I am still getting in the overlanding and have only gone a few times. I have the Gen 2 deck system with a RTT. I can say that the mattress in my RTT was extremely comfortable and I using have issues sleeping since I have a quadruple neck fusion and a SI Joint Fusion it can make sleeping pretty rough sometimes but I had no issues. We are started with the least amount of stuff and figured we would figure out what we actually needed on each trip. The latest addition was Starlink so I can work remote and don't need to use PTO to go on trips now.

Does your starlink stay in that position full time even with the tops on?

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[MaximusTX]

Does your starlink stay in that position full time even with the tips on?

yeah, it works just fine with the tops on. This screenshot is with the tops on. I have the plan suspended currently since I am not using it so it is showing a low speed plan.

 

[RubiNewbCB]

yeah, it works just fine with the tops on. This screenshot is with the tops on. I have the plan suspended currently since I am not using it so it is showing a low speed plan.

It fits good with the tops in that location? What molle setup is that?

 

[MaximusTX]

It fits good with the tops in that location? What molle setup is that?

Yeah, the only issue is the brackets for it do not line up with the holes on the molle panel so I have to make a different mounting plate for it. The company that makes the mounting bracket also makes a molle panel but theirs was like $300 I think so I went with Amazon's for $89 with free shipping.

Roof Rack Cargo Overhead Molle Panel - Amazon
Starlink Mini Overhead MOLLE Mount
Jeep JL – JT Overhead MOLLE Shelf (Made By the same company as the Starlink Mounts. Not the one I used)

I ordered this to make the new mounting plate from
6061 T651 Aluminum Sheet Metal

 

[MassMopar]

Some awesome setups in this thread. I keep my RTT/Camping setup trailer-based most of the year, then move the RTT to the truck for some fall/winter camping I don't want/need the trailer for. As far as trailers go - be realistic. You're probably not going to torture yourself taking one down the Rubicon trail. Get a regular road trailer, save yourself $$$, use it as a basecamp, and get far into the backcountry with a lighter weight setup. Your mileage will vary.

 

[RubiNewbCB]

Some awesome setups in this thread. I keep my RTT/Camping setup trailer-based most of the year, then move the RTT to the truck for some fall/winter camping I don't want/need the trailer for. As far as trailers go - be realistic. You're probably not going to torture yourself taking one down the Rubicon trail. Get a regular road trailer, save yourself $$$, use it as a basecamp, and get far into the backcountry with a lighter weight setup. Your mileage will vary.

Your setup and suggestion reminded of this channel and his current build.

 

[Blade1668]

The idea of a dedicated trailer seems very appealing. My experience with the small bed tent I use now is very positive but sleeping on a slope is tough and finding a level spot for the Jeep can be challenging. A trailer would be easy to level for sure. I know it would limit the trails I can take but you have to give somewhere I guess.

I'll try to snap a few pics of some of mine setups... I can get a few in one shot sort of. Along with my project fixing my Comanche.

 

[JTdiRtyD]

Don't chase that perfect setup right away, as your wants and needs are going to change as you get out more. I've been through multiple setups over the past couple years in search of that perfect build for me. I think I've finally found it, or at least the foundation to build off of.

I hate, I mean HATE living out of totes, even if just a couple days. It doesn't take long before having to empty out a bed worth of totes to get that one item thats buried becomes annoying. Additionally, having to empty out your bed of totes and gear because that's also you're sleeping platform sucks. Now you have all this stuff you have to either leave outside, or stuff into the cab, which really sucks when its wet or muddy.

IMO, the only Decked drawer worth a look is the single drawer, and even that has a lot of wasted space especially along the sides. Sure, they have openings and cubbies along the side to give you some extra storage, but you're still limited by the size and shape of the whole system. If you're handy with building things, you can build a drawer system for half the cost of a Decked that'll give you more usable storage space.

A lot of folks hate trailers, but I love them and think they make the most sense for folks that don't want a dedicated rig. You don't have to rebuild your truck every time you want to take a trip, you can leave them ready to just hook up to and go. They give you the ability to base camp and keep your vehicle available to use without needing to break down camp and pack everything up like you would with an RTT. You get more storage space and more room for expanding your build later on. They can be as big or little as you want them to be. They can be bought or built to handle some pretty serious trails. Downsides can include cost, fuel economy hits, can be difficult to navigate tight spaces, and some trails may not allow trailers (common in the Rockies).

I currently have my truck set up for just me, and we have a trailer for when the Mrs comes with. Can find more info on my build(s) which is linked to the left under my name.

 

[SMITTY NY]

I feel your pain, I went simplest route as I mountain bike and camp. Pressurized water and all essentials. Easy to take off for the 5-6 months of non use. Billie Bars are great, no wind noise and not over the cap height. Good luck!

 

[Zephyr]

I've been "overloading" for 40 years, most of which it was still just called car camping.

If your garage can accommodate your truck with a RTT attached, and you can add a hoist to remove it, it's a relatively simple process for 1-2 people to remove and reinstall most RTTs. If not, I'd recommend a gantry crane outside. Having to rely on others every time you want to change is a pain so you probably won't do it.

There are half racks that can accommodate a fold out RTT that eliminates the wind resistance issue (mostly). But I'm not a fan of those types of RTTs and prefer hardshell styles. YMMV

I've never used a Decked system but have heard complaints that although they are convenient, the box, slides and drawers take up a lot more space than you expect, resulting in much less actual usable drawer space than they were thinking. Again, YMMV

After a years of experience with different setups, I've settled on Alu-Cab, having had two RTTs and now on my second Canopy Camper (different rigs, not a quality issue). It's a buy once-cry once option that I would whole-heartedly recommend if you can swing it. There is a very lengthy thread on here with all sorts of great information.

 

[smlobx]

I’m enjoying seeing all the different set ups here. That’s the thing about overlanding/camping there are so many options.

I am fortunate to have two rigs depending on the need. A few years ago we took my oldest son, his wife and our granddaughter out west. I put the RTT on top of my overland trailer and towed it behind the F-350 with our pop up camper. My wife and I slept in the rtt and the kids in the camper. They flew into Durango where we picked them up for a week. Worked great. We even dropped the trailer at the base of one of the mountains and took the F-350 up to the pass the day after it opened! It was amazing seeing all those side by side guys with their mouth wide open!

 

[Blade1668]

Well, not nice and clean kinda in a mess. But being down for several months,.

The utility trailer is for the 4 wheeler in second picture too. Along with several self propelled trip hazards.
Dang I need to wash n wax my Scamp again.

 

[xch47cpt]

I’ve been looking at either going with a GoFast camper or a Lonepeak. Both are great but come at a weight cost and neither are easy to remove. They are more for a permanent build out. Maybe going with a rack system from Xtrusion overland might make more sense and is quite portable and easily transformed. Their XO Skelton is pretty sweet.

I'm not sure about Lonepeak, but GFC has quality issues. I own 2 Packout's give them look, and if interested let me know and I can broker some free stuff or discounts at Packout.

 

[WambliSka]

Again thanks all of you for all the ongoing posts. Love seeing pictures of your rigs and writing down ideas.

 

[Rick_Jame55]

Colorado to Dead horse AK. I use totes and Milwaukee pack outs. The FSR tent lives on the truck year round. As the others mentioned, metal over plastics. And I average 20 mpg (Diesel).

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