If you asked any group of overlanders what the perfect vehicle is, you would get a thousand different answers. Maybe that’s because there are indeed so many “perfect” choices out there, each one best suited to each individuals needs. I do honestly feel that the best choice however is the vehicle that just lets you get out there. The one that’s already in your driveway, no matter the particular style or make, as long as it is dependable enough to not leave you stranded along the trail. We all have dream vehicles and desires to set them up in certain ways before we head out on that first real trip. The intention is good. After all, you don’t want to get stuck or have a breakdown or find you’re missing critical items after you start your journey. But in reality, many things we think are crucial simply are not. A true overlander isn’t focused strictly on the vehicle but rather on the adventure, the chance to just be out there. So, yes, it is true that while we strive for the perfect choice… the best one really is just the one that gets you started. Get outside and let it build from there…

So, that’s exactly what we are doing. We have been banging our heads thinking of which vehicle platform we eventually want to build up. In the meantime however, we have a perfectly well suited Hummer H3 sitting in the driveway just asking to prove itself worthy.

While there are many off-roaders that will bash on its limited travel independent front suspension, or its aluminum front diff housing, we have (knock on wood) never had a single issue on the trail with this truck. In stock form, the Hummer H3 is quite capable for general off road use. Even the Inline 5 cylinder engine, underpowered as it might be on the freeway, is more than enough on the trail and has the added benefit of being fairly quiet and decently fuel efficient as well. All the better for getting closer to the wildlife or enjoying the scenery. They came from the factory with 32 inch tires and some models come stock with rear lockers to boot. We like the almost straight up windshield because it helps provide some shade from the sun coming in while driving. Not to mention those leather heated seats can’t be beat on chilly mornings.

We have seen some pretty amazing builds as well. Extreme engine swaps, beefier drivelines and custom built suspensions have enabled 37” tires to be fit with ease allowing these little trucks to be on par with some of the bigger vehicles out there.

We aren’t quite that extreme but we do believe in being set up for success, so to speak. A simple torsion twist on a 1” body lift make our 35” BF Goodrich Mud-Terrains look like standard equipment. Most of our current focus however is on adding the accessories or modifying it for Overlanding use.

A set of old-school KC Daylighters on a custom roof bar (read home-made) and a pair of cowl lights from Predator Motorsports in Vista, California take the bite right out of the desert darkness while replacing the fake snorkel caps with something useful.

We looked at a couple different options for adding gas cans for extended range. At one point we even just had some strapped to the rear spare with cargo straps, just to see if we liked them. It was ok…but we wanted to do something a bit different. Along came Rotopax! (No, we have no sponsorship here) First, let me just say what an amazing company! Not only are they made in the USA, they truly are rugged and built to last. The volume threw me back a bit at first. Used to having 5 or 6 gallon cans , the smaller 2 gallon cans seemed limited. Then I realized that they are thinner so you can stack multiple cans in the same space as a Jerry can. The caveat with that is that they are much easier to hold up while filling your gas tank or lifting them onto the rack. It may seem silly but holding a 6 gallon can up at shoulder height while trying not to spill any gas isn’t necessarily the easiest thing to do. But what really got me with Rotopax is the customer service! Simply amazing! Not only do they offer a military discount, when I emailed them with a question, the response was immediate and didn’t treat me like my question was taking up their time. At first I ordered a couple cans and then realized I wanted the water cans also so place a second order… and then a third for the lockable mounting brackets (yes, I should have thought it all out at the same time) … realizing I was the same person (with no account), they grouped my order together, automatically refunded some of the costs involved, applied my discount without asking and had them to me within just a couple days… Bam! Life-long customer won!

We custom created our own rack system that we knew we could continue adapting and changing s needed and added the Rotopax cans to both sides of the truck and used some weather seal foam strips to protect the vehicle from any vibration the cans might have… honestly they are really solid there though.

The inside is set up with a drawer system and provides a sleeping platform as well. We have debated on a roof top tent several times and the debate still goes on …but, what we really wanted was to be able to pull into a spot, pullout the bed with just a couple simple motions and rest securely inside something that offered more protection that just a tent. We generally travel with just the two of us and having the security of at least regular tinted car windows and a metal enclosure around us while sleeping is worth whatever sacrifice it comes with ( not much actually). Being able to lock ourselves in makes sleeping that much more comfortable.

Even with the drawer system and the pull-out bed, we still have a fully functioning back seat big enough to carry 3 extra passengers on the occasion and can still load groceries into the back if we just happen to need to run around town or something as well.

The drawer system is also another piece that is going to be a little different for each person. We have had many different vehicles in the past and been on many different types of camping trips without finding the need for drawers, or so we thought. By the way, it’s worth mentioning that we have at one point or another in our adventures together, been set up for everything from ultralight backpacking excursions to glamping in a cabin in the woods with solar power…

Our drawer system has changed layouts several times and is still a work in progress. With the intent of adding a fridge at some point, we have built around that thought and currently have a space for the Dometic drawer fridge but are still debating if a larger one is needed. Currently we are sliding a couple regular coolers into that space.

We will likely do a full write up on the drawer system itself so for now, we’ll just say that we have a couple small drawers for odds and ends, along with space for our toiletries, towels for the beach, and on one side is a multistage pull out that has a full size stainless steel sink, a 2 burner stove and even a pullout cutting board. Absolutely one of the best features of the truck when Overlanding… after all, the trail gets you somewhere. When you’re there, having a set-up that is comfortable, useful and even enjoyable to use makes a world of difference, especially when it could be days, weeks or even longer.

This is just where we are at right now with the Hummer. Even while we are debating the next vehicle, this one will continue to evolve right along with us. Each time we go out, we note the things that would be nice or things we would like to change. Adding on comes in pieces not all in a weekend.

The Hummer H3 has given us exactly what we wanted. A well thought out vehicle that we can depend on, that we can continue to change around. It is a vehicle that we are both comfortable driving in a wide variety of terrain and most importantly gets us out there…. together and happy as always, to see new things, to go new places, to chase the sun wherever the journey takes us.