Automotive

In photos: Pickup campers, big rig motorhomes and adventure vehicles of Overland Expo West 2018

In photos: Pickup campers, big rig motorhomes and adventure vehicles of Overland Expo West 2018
Expedition and adventure vehicles of every size and type at OX West 2018
Expedition and adventure vehicles of every size and type at OX West 2018
View 171 Images
A fun thing about Overland Expo: the show starts as soon as you get out of the car. Here we saw an interesting storage solution on a rugged Subaru in the parking lot on our way to the show entrance
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A fun thing about Overland Expo: the show starts as soon as you get out of the car. Here we saw an interesting storage solution on a rugged Subaru in the parking lot on our way to the show entrance
Also in the parking lot, a 2015 EarthCruiser pop-up motorhome listed at a cool $265K
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Also in the parking lot, a 2015 EarthCruiser pop-up motorhome listed at a cool $265K
Big trucks and motorhomes of Overland Expo West 2018
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Big trucks and motorhomes of Overland Expo West 2018
Colorado's Juniper Overland is an adventure vehicle outfitter specializing in products like Four Wheel Campers
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Colorado's Juniper Overland is an adventure vehicle outfitter specializing in products like Four Wheel Campers
We loved Snow Peak's modular Iron Grill Table when we looked at it earlier this year, but the pricing seemed rather crazy. At the time, we were focusing more on the outdoor/car camping market. The pricing makes more sense in the overland market, where people spend hundreds of thousands into millions on ruggedized RVs
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We loved Snow Peak's modular Iron Grill Table when we looked at it earlier this year, but the pricing seemed rather crazy. At the time, we were focusing more on the outdoor/car camping market. The pricing makes more sense in the overland market, where people spend hundreds of thousands into millions on ruggedized RVs
Snow Peak offers various Iron Grill Table worktop and cooking accessories designed to create a personalized outdoor kitchen
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Snow Peak offers various Iron Grill Table worktop and cooking accessories designed to create a personalized outdoor kitchen
Juniper Overland at Overland Expo West 2018
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Juniper Overland at Overland Expo West 2018
EarthRoamer first revealed its super-sized XV-HD at SEMA 2017 and shows it again at Overland Expo
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EarthRoamer first revealed its super-sized XV-HD at SEMA 2017 and shows it again at Overland Expo
The XV-LTS is now the "little" EarthRoamer
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The XV-LTS is now the "little" EarthRoamer
Unfortunately, EarthRoamer still had the XV-HD gated off, so we didn't get to step inside. You can see more of the interior in our original article on it
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Unfortunately, EarthRoamer still had the XV-HD gated off, so we didn't get to step inside. You can see more of the interior in our original article on it
Motorcycles with sidecars are one of the fun common sights at Overland Expo
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Motorcycles with sidecars are one of the fun common sights at Overland Expo
This rugged Jeep Wrangler named "Jade" serves as a mobile base for owner Jake Wettern, who's documenting his 50-state road trip on YouTube
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This rugged Jeep Wrangler named "Jade" serves as a mobile base for owner Jake Wettern, who's documenting his 50-state road trip on YouTube
Here's something you don't see everyday ...
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Here's something you don't see everyday ...
New Legend shows off one of its gorgeous International Scout retro-mods
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New Legend shows off one of its gorgeous International Scout retro-mods
New Legend International Scout
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New Legend International Scout
Inside the New Legend Scout
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Inside the New Legend Scout
Newly available in the US market, the American Safari JXL package turns the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited into a live-in camper
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Newly available in the US market, the American Safari JXL package turns the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited into a live-in camper
The American Safari JXL package is available with a convertible dinette set
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The American Safari JXL package is available with a convertible dinette set
Texas-based Red River Rigs is importing the JXL camper from France and readying it for American customers
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Texas-based Red River Rigs is importing the JXL camper from France and readying it for American customers 
The unique Rungu electric fat bike/trike
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Dutch company Bliss Mobil makes an impressive expedition rig
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Dutch company Bliss Mobil makes an impressive expedition rig
Bliss Mobil offers a little storage on back for carrying a more nimble off-road machine
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Bliss Mobil offers a little storage on back for carrying a more nimble off-road machine
Bliss Mobil at Overland Expo West 2018
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Bliss Mobil at Overland Expo West 2018
Bliss Mobil camping module on a Couch Off-Road Engineering Unimog truck
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Bliss Mobil camping module on a Couch Off-Road Engineering Unimog truck
A sleek outdoor cooking area from Bliss Mobil
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A sleek outdoor cooking area from Bliss Mobil
EarthCruiser presents its newest truck camper prototype, the GZL MOD
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EarthCruiser presents its newest truck camper prototype, the GZL MOD
An EarthCruiser GZL 300 minus the truck
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An EarthCruiser GZL 300 minus the truck
The EarthCruiser GZL Mod is a simpler, more customizable version of the GZL pickup camper
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The EarthCruiser GZL Mod is a simpler, more customizable version of the GZL pickup camper
Go Fast Campers shows its light, Baja-inspired pickup pop-top
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Go Fast Campers shows its light, Baja-inspired pickup pop-top
Smarter, lighter pickup campers have been a big trend over the past couple years. Here, Montana's Go Fast Campers shows its 250-lb (113-kg), fully upgradeable space-frame pop-up
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Smarter, lighter pickup campers have been a big trend over the past couple years. Here, Montana's Go Fast Campers shows its 250-lb (113-kg), fully upgradeable space-frame pop-up
The Go Fast Camper starts at $5,750, as currently listed on the company's website
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The Go Fast Camper starts at $5,750, as currently listed on the company's website
GFC's removable bed panels create up to 94 inches (2.4 m) of standing room inside the pickup bed
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GFC's removable bed panels create up to 94 inches (2.4 m) of standing room inside the pickup bed
A homebuilt expedition truck based on a 2017 Fuso FG14 4x4. According to the information presented, 500 man hours and over $130,000 went into the build. It was for sale at $157,500 at the show
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A homebuilt expedition truck based on a 2017 Fuso FG14 4x4. According to the information presented, 500 man hours and over $130,000 went into the build. It was for sale at $157,500 at the show
An emergency services truck you can live in
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An emergency services truck you can live in
Awesome Ford Bronco with matching trailer
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Awesome Ford Bronco with matching trailer
Ford Bronco with matching trailer
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Ford Bronco with matching trailer
Expedition vehicles of Overland Expo West 2018
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Expedition vehicles of Overland Expo West 2018
Expedition vehicles of OX West 2018
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Expedition vehicles of OX West 2018
Nissan-based "Pro-Rig XL" homebuilt expedition truck with honeycomb-core construction and lifting expansion
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Nissan-based "Pro-Rig XL" homebuilt expedition truck with honeycomb-core construction and lifting expansion
Motorcycles of Overland Expo West 2018
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Motorcycles of Overland Expo West 2018
Motorcycles of Overland Expo West 2018
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Motorcycles of Overland Expo West 2018
Ubco's 2x2 is an electric bike that looks right at home at Overland Expo
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Ubco's 2x2 is an electric bike that looks right at home at Overland Expo
Expedition vehicles of Overland Expo West 2018
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Expedition vehicles of Overland Expo West 2018
A rather different look for an expedition truck
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A rather different look for an expedition truck
Montana's Acela Truck Company converts military trucks into civilian work trucks
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Montana's Acela Truck Company converts military trucks into civilian work trucks
Acela's Monterra 6x6 would make a mean expedition motorhome
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Acela's Monterra 6x6 would make a mean expedition motorhome
Originally previewed at SEMA 2017, the Jeep Wrangler-based AEV Outpost II camper on show at Overland Expo
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Originally previewed at SEMA 2017, the Jeep Wrangler-based AEV Outpost II camper on show at Overland Expo
We originally thought the AEV Outpost II might be a new market option, but heard at the show it was just the owner's one-off
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We originally thought the AEV Outpost II might be a new market option, but heard at the show it was just the owner's one-off
The AEV Outpost II interior wasn't ready at SEMA, but has since been fitted out
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The AEV Outpost II interior wasn't ready at SEMA, but has since been fitted out
The Outpost II is a rugged, side-pop camper module for the Jeep Wrangler chassis
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The Outpost II is a rugged, side-pop camper module for the Jeep Wrangler chassis
American Expedition Vehicles unveils its first aftermarket parts for the Chevy Colorado (including ZR2)
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American Expedition Vehicles unveils its first aftermarket parts for the Chevy Colorado (including ZR2)
This AEV Chevy snorkel made some noise ahead of the show, when it was spotted on a camouflaged truck and believed to be a production version of the ZR2 AEV from SEMA 2017. For now it's just a newly debuted Colorado snorkel
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This AEV Chevy snorkel made some noise ahead of the show, when it was spotted on a camouflaged truck and believed to be a production version of the ZR2 AEV from SEMA 2017. For now it's just a newly debuted Colorado snorkel
Alu-Cab shows off its Gen3 roof-top tent
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Alu-Cab shows off its Gen3 roof-top tent
In a world of pickups and SUVs, it's the expedition Subarus seem to stand out
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In a world of pickups and SUVs, it's the expedition Subarus seem to stand out
Classic jeep on show at OX West 2018
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Classic jeep on show at OX West 2018
Classic jeep on show at OX West 2018
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Classic jeep on show at OX West 2018
Tepui's "White Lightning" roof-top tent gets some new color
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Tepui's "White Lightning" roof-top tent gets some new color
Tepui has added an old school logo since we last checked them out
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Tepui has added an old school logo since we last checked them out
Tepui White Lightning tents wearing some color
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Tepui White Lightning tents wearing some color
Another sleek Subaru camper rig
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Another sleek Subaru camper rig
Subaru with CVT hardshell roof-top tent
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Subaru with CVT hardshell roof-top tent
Patriot Campers LC79 SuperTourer
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Patriot Campers LC79 SuperTourer
Australia's Patriot Campers has based its SuperTourer trucks on Land Cruisers in the past, but here it gets a little more American with a Ram 2500 base developed with help from its American distributor Exploration Outfitters
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Australia's Patriot Campers has based its SuperTourer trucks on Land Cruisers in the past, but here it gets a little more American with a Ram 2500 base developed with help from its American distributor Exploration Outfitters
Patriot Campers' PCOR tourer - "the baddest Ram in America" - went on sale at Overland Expo
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Patriot Campers' PCOR tourer - "the baddest Ram in America" - went on sale at Overland Expo
The Australian invasion of the US market has helped make portable grills standard fare. This one rests inside the PCOR tourer truck
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The Australian invasion of the US market has helped make portable grills standard fare. This one rests inside the PCOR tourer truck
A look at the sliding/nesting hardware on the PCOR Ram tourer
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A look at the sliding/nesting hardware on the PCOR Ram tourer
A strong contender for best-looking couple of OX West 2018: a G-Class pulls a curvy Vintage Overland teardrop trailer
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A strong contender for best-looking couple of OX West 2018: a G-Class pulls a curvy Vintage Overland teardrop trailer
Patriot Campers PCOR Ram tourer
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Patriot Campers PCOR Ram tourer
AT Overland shows its new Summit topper
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AT Overland shows its new Summit topper
A look inside the AT Overland Summit topper, available for pickup trucks of various sizes
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A look inside the AT Overland Summit topper, available for pickup trucks of various sizes
Equipt shows off an expedition rig at Overland Expo
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Equipt shows off an expedition rig at Overland Expo
A rugged bar ready for backcountry cocktail mixing
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A rugged bar ready for backcountry cocktail mixing
A look inside the Equipt expedition truck
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A look inside the Equipt expedition truck
Classic military jeep
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Classic military jeep 
Expedition Portal Jeep Cherokee camper rig
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Expedition Portal Jeep Cherokee camper rig
Plenty of Wranglers on show around Overland Expo, but Jeep Cherokee campers are a bit rarer
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Plenty of Wranglers on show around Overland Expo, but Jeep Cherokee campers are a bit rarer
After launching last year, the well-equipped Chevy Colorado ZR2 is starting to show up more and more in the overland market
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After launching last year, the well-equipped Chevy Colorado ZR2 is starting to show up more and more in the overland market
Chevy Colorado ZR2 adventure camping rig
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Chevy Colorado ZR2 adventure camping rig
Chevy Colorado ZR2 adventure camping rig
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Chevy Colorado ZR2 adventure camping rig
Global Expedition Vehicles newest offering: the $198K Adventure Truck
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Global Expedition Vehicles newest offering: the $198K Adventure Truck
Global Expedition Vehicles at OX West 2018
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Global Expedition Vehicles at OX West 2018
Freespirit Recreation at OX West 2018
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Freespirit Recreation at OX West 2018
Freespirit Recreation tops a Subaru with one of its roof-top tents
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Freespirit Recreation tops a Subaru with one of its roof-top tents
Another light, sleek pickup camper, the Snap Treehouse ...
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Another light, sleek pickup camper, the Snap Treehouse ...
The Snap Treehouse starts at $6,300
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The Snap Treehouse starts at $6,300 
Vagabond Drifter all closed up and ready to drive
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Vagabond Drifter all closed up and ready to drive
A peek inside the Vagabond Drifter - the interior is highly customizable
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A peek inside the Vagabond Drifter - the interior is highly customizable
The Vagabond Drifter starts at $6,500
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The Vagabond Drifter starts at $6,500
Vagabond Drifter-topped Tacoma
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Vagabond Drifter-topped Tacoma
Expedition vehicles of OX West 2018
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Expedition vehicles of OX West 2018
Expedition vehicles of OX West 2018
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Expedition vehicles of OX West 2018
A Ford Raptor camper? Yes please.
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A Ford Raptor camper? Yes please.
Nissan shows its Project Basecamp Titan
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Nissan shows its Project Basecamp Titan
Mate electric folding bike
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Mate electric folding bike
Rally-style Porsche 912
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Rally-style Porsche 912
No one was around to chat with about this Porsche, but it was quite a cool sight nonetheless
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No one was around to chat with about this Porsche, but it was quite a cool sight nonetheless
Rally-style Porsche 912
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Rally-style Porsche 912
Rally-style Porsche 912
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Rally-style Porsche 912
Ququq is making the trip to the US, from Germany. One of the products it's experimenting with is a Jeep Wrangler-based in-vehicle camper box to complement its G-Class and Defender kits
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Ququq is making the trip to the US, from Germany. One of the products it's experimenting with is a Jeep Wrangler-based in-vehicle camper box to complement its G-Class and Defender kits
Ququq hasn't made a proper Wrangler box yet. It told us this one is just one of its van kits stuck in the back of a Wrangler and doesn't quite fit. It used Overland Expo to gauge interest
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Ququq hasn't made a proper Wrangler box yet. It told us this one is just one of its van kits stuck in the back of a Wrangler and doesn't quite fit. It used Overland Expo to gauge interest
The Suzuki Samurai is one of the most fun-looking 4x4s out there
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The Suzuki Samurai is one of the most fun-looking 4x4s out there
Pop-up Jeep Wrangler camper
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Pop-up Jeep Wrangler camper
Pop-up Jeep Wrangler camper
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Pop-up Jeep Wrangler camper
Toyota Land Cruiser pickup
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Toyota Land Cruiser pickup
Awesome custom 79 Series Land Cruiser Pickup expedition truck from Proffitt's Resurrection Land Cruisers
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Awesome custom 79 Series Land Cruiser Pickup expedition truck from Proffitt's Resurrection Land Cruisers 
Armorlite's EXP-1 overland pickup camper shell
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Armorlite's EXP-1 overland pickup camper shell
Armorlite Technologies specializes in aluminum sandwich composite panels and has developed modules for industry as well as recreation
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Armorlite Technologies specializes in aluminum sandwich composite panels and has developed modules for industry as well as recreation
Armorlite has created a very impressive interior inside its EXP-1 expedition truck camper
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Armorlite has created a very impressive interior inside its EXP-1 expedition truck camper
Inside the Armorlite EXP-1
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Inside the Armorlite EXP-1
New Legend International Scout
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New Legend International Scout
New Legend International Scout
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New Legend International Scout
New Legend International Scout
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New Legend International Scout
New Legend International Scout
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New Legend International Scout
New Legend International Scout
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New Legend International Scout
New Legend specializes in Scouts, but here it turns its attention to a classic Jeep Grand Wagoneer
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New Legend specializes in Scouts, but here it turns its attention to a classic Jeep Grand Wagoneer
Inside the New Legend Jeep Grand Wagoneer
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Inside the New Legend Jeep Grand Wagoneer
New Legend Jeep Grand Wagoneer
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New Legend Jeep Grand Wagoneer
This homebuilt expedition truck, referenced as "Adrift," was the most impressive truck camper we saw at Overland Expo West this year
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This homebuilt expedition truck, referenced as "Adrift," was the most impressive truck camper we saw at Overland Expo West this year
That three-layer power-lift design increases headroom inside and also offers a ventilation window
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That three-layer power-lift design increases headroom inside and also offers a ventilation window
The Adrift homebuilt truck camper
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The Adrift homebuilt truck camper
Adrift homebuilt expedition truck
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Adrift homebuilt expedition truck
The dog enjoys the views and breezes provided by the middle-layer power-open window in the Adrift truck camper
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The dog enjoys the views and breezes provided by the middle-layer power-open window in the Adrift truck camper
The Adrift's bed electrically lifts out of the way
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The Adrift's bed electrically lifts out of the way
The Adrift toilet electrically slides out of a storage compartment just inside the entryway
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The Adrift toilet electrically slides out of a storage compartment just inside the entryway
Lexus expedition rig
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Lexus expedition rig
Classic Land Rover
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Classic Land Rover
Expedition vehicles of OX West 2018
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Expedition vehicles of OX West 2018
Expedition vehicles of OX West 2018
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Expedition vehicles of OX West 2018
Expedition vehicles of OX West 2018
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Expedition vehicles of OX West 2018
We didn't see many requisite Volkswagen camper vans at this year's show, but we did see a pretty cool Baja Bug
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We didn't see many requisite Volkswagen camper vans at this year's show, but we did see a pretty cool Baja Bug
1961 VW Beetle turned "Baja Bug"
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1961 VW Beetle turned "Baja Bug" 
Expedition vehicles of OX West 2018
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Expedition vehicles of OX West 2018
Expedition vehicles of OX West 2018
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Expedition vehicles of OX West 2018
Expedition vehicles of OX West 2018
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Expedition vehicles of OX West 2018
Expedition vehicles of OX West 2018
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Expedition vehicles of OX West 2018
Expedition vehicles of OX West 2018
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Expedition vehicles of OX West 2018
Maltec brings its carbon fiber truck campers over from Germany
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Maltec brings its carbon fiber truck campers over from Germany
Maltec specializes in sleek, pop-up campers built atop Toyota Land Cruisers
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Maltec specializes in sleek, pop-up campers built atop Toyota Land Cruisers
Maltec shows its carbon fiber pop-up campers at OX West 2018
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Maltec shows its carbon fiber pop-up campers at OX West 2018
Maltec/Sackwear expedition truck
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Maltec/Sackwear expedition truck
Sloop Imports shows the burly Camp King Industries roof-top ten
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Sloop Imports shows the burly Camp King Industries roof-top ten
Sloop Imports camper pickup
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Sloop Imports camper pickup
Jeep Kitchen at OX West 2018
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Jeep Kitchen at OX West 2018
Toyota Land Cruiser
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Toyota Land Cruiser
Hunter RMV is a Nevada-based expedition vehicle builder that drops a camper module atop Stewart & Stevenson trucks
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Hunter RMV is a Nevada-based expedition vehicle builder that drops a camper module atop Stewart & Stevenson trucks
Hunter RMV Predator 6.6 expedition vehicle
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Hunter RMV Predator 6.6 expedition vehicle
Hunter RMV Predator 6.6 expedition vehicle interior
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Hunter RMV Predator 6.6 expedition vehicle interior
Hunter RMV Predator 6.6 expedition vehicle interior
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Hunter RMV Predator 6.6 expedition vehicle interior
Inside the Hunter RMV Predator 6.6
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Inside the Hunter RMV Predator 6.6
Inside the Hunter RMV Predator 6.6 expedition vehicle
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Inside the Hunter RMV Predator 6.6 expedition vehicle
Inside the Hunter RMV Predator 6.6 expedition vehicle
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Inside the Hunter RMV Predator 6.6 expedition vehicle
Inside the Hunter RMV Predator 6.6 expedition vehicle
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Inside the Hunter RMV Predator 6.6 expedition vehicle
At the wheel of the Hunter RMV Predator 6.6 - where the military roots shine through
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At the wheel of the Hunter RMV Predator 6.6 - where the military roots shine through
Hunter RMV listed pricing for two Predator 6.6 models: one based on a 2003 Stewart & Stevenson M1078 A1 LMTV 4x4 with 8,000 miles ($197,500) and one based on a 1998 M1078 4x4 with 21K miles ($178,500)
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Hunter RMV listed pricing for two Predator 6.6 models: one based on a 2003 Stewart & Stevenson M1078 A1 LMTV 4x4 with 8,000 miles ($197,500) and one based on a 1998 M1078 4x4 with 21K miles ($178,500)
An actual military truck looks a bit different than the converted Hunter RMV Predator 6.6
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An actual military truck looks a bit different than the converted Hunter RMV Predator 6.6
Hunter RMV includes slide-outs on its Predator 6.6 models, increasing interior space
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Hunter RMV includes slide-outs on its Predator 6.6 models, increasing interior space
iKamper shows the Skycamp expanding hardshell roof-top tent
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iKamper shows the Skycamp expanding hardshell roof-top tent
Yet another sweet Land Cruiser
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Yet another sweet Land Cruiser
Pope Overland Expedition uses some nice light fabric on its roof-top tents, which should prove cooler than darker tents but also probably quicker to get very dirty
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Pope Overland Expedition uses some nice light fabric on its roof-top tents, which should prove cooler than darker tents but also probably quicker to get very dirty
Pope offers a variety of 2- to 3-/4-person tents
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Pope offers a variety of 2- to 3-/4-person tents
Hunter RMV at OX West 2018
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Hunter RMV at OX West 2018
Electric bikes seemed to be particularly popular at this year's show
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Electric bikes seemed to be particularly popular at this year's show
Australia's TrayOn shows its truck-back camper
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Australia's TrayOn shows its truck-back camper
Australia's TrayOn shows its truck-back camper
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Australia's TrayOn shows its truck-back camper
Altitude Rack Systems demonstrates its power pickup rack that raises up to provide bed access and lowers down for a lower-profile ride
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Altitude Rack Systems demonstrates its power pickup rack that raises up to provide bed access and lowers down for a lower-profile ride
Altitude Rack Systems demonstrates its power pickup rack that raises up to provide bed access and lowers down for a lower-profile ride
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Altitude Rack Systems demonstrates its power pickup rack that raises up to provide bed access and lowers down for a lower-profile ride
Lance Camper at OX West 2018
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Lance Camper at OX West 2018
Ququq brings its camper-in-a-box systems to the US
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Ququq brings its camper-in-a-box systems to the US
Beastly truck topped with a Freespirit Recreation tent
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Beastly truck topped with a Freespirit Recreation tent
Hood ornament of the show
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Hood ornament of the show
Expedition and adventure vehicles of every size and type at OX West 2018
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Expedition and adventure vehicles of every size and type at OX West 2018
View gallery - 171 images

We've looked at the camper vans. We've checked out the trailers. And we've saved the best for last. Possibly the biggest highlight of Overland Expo West each year is the big, all-terrain truck campers and motorhomes, monsters that we rarely see on roadways or in campgrounds but see in full force at the show. Along with these biggest of expedition rigs, we've gathered light, sleek pickup campers, SUV campers, roof-top tents and all the other miscellaneous sights into one last show gallery.

Pickup campers get light, sleek and cheap

One of the trends we've noticed of late is the growing popularity of the humble pickup camper. Not the big, long-legged white bed boxes of old, but a new breed of fast-and-light topper. We looked at the Go Fast Camper last year, and along with that model, Overland Expo had several other new streamlined pop-tops on display.

The Snap Treehouse starts at $6,300
The Snap Treehouse starts at $6,300 

One model that caught our eye, the Snap Treehouse is an all-aluminum truck topper with a clamshell-style roof-top tent. It can be custom-fitted to virtually any pickup truck and sits high above the bed so that you can still haul all your gear inside. The sleeping deck lifts out of the way, freeing up 6+ feet (1.8+ m) of headroom inside. It is available for preorder now, starting at $6,299, and options include a winterization kit, solar prewiring and ventilation fan.

Go big or stay home

Hunter RMV at OX West 2018
Hunter RMV at OX West 2018

One of the biggest, burliest expedition vehicles of the show, the Predator 6.6 from Nevada-based Hunter RMV is a repurposed Stewart & Stevenson M1078 4x4 light medium tactical vehicle (LMTV). Hunter secures a five-sleeper camper module on back, wires up all the amenities and sends a military-grade motorhome clawing out to trails and tracks that would turn other motorhomes to junkyard debris. Expansion slide-outs help to increase space and livability at camp. The models we looked at at the show ranged between $177 and $198K.

#Vanlife meet #Jeeplife

The Jeep Wrangler is always popular at Overland Expo West, but this year it was popular as a live-in motorhome, as well as just an off-road-savvy 4x4 and aftermarket parts target. We looked at the American Safari JXL in more depth, but there were also two other new Wrangler-based motorhome designs.

We originally thought the AEV Outpost II might be a new market option, but heard at the show it was just the owner's one-off
We originally thought the AEV Outpost II might be a new market option, but heard at the show it was just the owner's one-off

The Outpost II from American Expedition Vehicles is the most impressive Jeep camper we've seen of late. AEV previewed it at SEMA last year and had it more fully completed at OX West. Unfortunately for those who love it at first sight, the model is a one-off designed by and for AEV founder and president Dave Harriton.

No worries, though, there might be another Jeep option on the way, and it'll be much cheaper than a retail Outpost II. After years of expanding its lineup of camper-in-a-box kits in Europe, Ququq is seeing how the US will respond to the idea of transforming vehicle cabins into sleep-in campers. Given how the van life movement has been rolling along, we can see it responding quite well.

Ququq is making the trip to the US, from Germany. One of the products it's experimenting with is a Jeep Wrangler-based in-vehicle camper box to complement its G-Class and Defender kits
Ququq is making the trip to the US, from Germany. One of the products it's experimenting with is a Jeep Wrangler-based in-vehicle camper box to complement its G-Class and Defender kits

Along with showing its standard van kit, Ququq is experimenting with a more all-American Jeep Wrangler kit. At the show, it had jury-rigged one of its van kits to a Wrangler and was gauging reaction to see if a dedicated package would be worth pursuing (the van kit doesn't quite fit properly), as it's done with Mercedes G-Class and Land Rover Defender variants. We can't imagine reaction among the Wrangler-happy crowd was anything but "thumbs up," so hopefully we'll see this one down the line.

Adrift away

We generally spend most of our time at OX West checking out the wares being showcased by exhibitors, but often some of the most interesting vehicles are those built by DIYers. That was most definitely the case this year, as the coolest vehicle of the entire show in our humble opinion was the Adrift motorhome.

This homebuilt expedition truck, referenced as "Adrift," was the most impressive truck camper we saw at Overland Expo West this year
This homebuilt expedition truck, referenced as "Adrift," was the most impressive truck camper we saw at Overland Expo West this year

Based on a Ford F-550 Crew Cab, the Adrift was built to head south of the border for a bit of fun and work - chasing waves on the coast while performing volunteer medical work where needed. The distinctive chassis-mounted module is fully automated, including a three-tier body with lifting roof that creates plenty of standing room inside and includes a separately operated ventilation window. Also operated from the command center are the lift-away bed and slide-out toilet. The thing is an all-terrain intercontinental tank outside, a clever smart home inside.

The Adrift toilet electrically slides out of a storage compartment just inside the entryway
The Adrift toilet electrically slides out of a storage compartment just inside the entryway

What better place to end than a power-sliding toilet? Anyway, we'd be here until next year's Overland Expo West if we had to identify each and every vehicle and accessory we loved. But you can jump to the gallery and check out all the other highlights.

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2 comments
2 comments
ChairmanLMAO
please keep posting on saturdays - sunday too
guzmanchinky
I would argue that a Wrangler is the most off road camper you can get. I would also argue that it's a bit small of a platform for camping, but for one person it's probably fine. I would thirdly argue there is nothing better than the Sportsmobile 4x4 vans. Just big enough to comfortably hold two people, just small enough (barely) to get up and down most trails. Thos big monsters are SO cool, but you'd never see them anywhere except wide open spaces, and the nicest places are buried in the forest up a mountain somewhere...