2000 Explorer XLT Overlanding Build

[trueblue02]

I'm Back! Got really busy with the final preparations and didn't have time to post before leaving, but I got back a couple days ago and it was an awesome trip! Tons of cool back roads, beautiful campsites, and plenty of hiking! I ended up getting BFG AT KO2's in 265/75/16 so about 31.5" tall. They fit with a slight fender trim and do rub a little on gentle turns where the suspension gets compressed by dips but that is very rare...

After getting the tires I went to work on a bed platform in the last couple of days before leaving, so was in a rush to get done. Ended up using a few pieces of plywood, a long 1"x12" board, and some other bits and pieces to make it. It turned out really good, fit perfectly over the cooler and came up to just the right height for the rear glass opening. It had a hinged panel in the back that could fold up for better access to the storage below...

We were able to fit all my tools, the cooler, all the cookware, the stove, all the towels and cleaning supplies, and a few bags and books under the frame so there was plenty of storage! Only a couple backpacks were to big to fit and had to be put in the front seats when we went to bed. So this how the truck was setup when we left, heading north through NorCal and Redwood National Park. Everything was in great shape and we were stoked!

Bonus Big Tree Pic:

 

[WormsExplorer]

That looks like you had fun doing that. Do you have any other pics out there in the woods?

 

[trueblue02]

We got a bunch from the trip! We explored a bunch in the pacific northwest and through the Rockies to the southwest as well. Here's a shot from our campsite in the Hoh River valley in Washington:

And our drive north into the Canadian Rockies:

That's mount Robson, the tallest mountain in Canada at 14,160'. We did about 7,000 miles over the whole trip so there was a bit of maintenance that needed to be done. Got the oil changes in Montana and then had to change the rear pads and rotors in Idaho. Took two hours of banging to try to get the passenger rotor off before giving up, then only 30 minutes to do the whole drivers side. Guess that's just how things go...

 

[Blk2kXLT]

Kroil is your friend