Top 5 Overland Accessories for Everyone
Whether you drive a luxury Sprinter condo or a ’93 Subaru Sambar, there are summer overlanding accessories universally designed to make everyone’s life off the beaten path just a bit easier.
Water Storage
Advances in modern science have continued to prove, what we previously understood as facts in elementary school, to be quite the opposite. While human composition is no longer 97% water, today that percentage rests somewhere between 55% and 70% - depending on which scientist you talk to at the bus stop. Water is key to the survival of each and every human being. It acts as the primary vehicle for nutrient delivery at the cellular level, while concurrently flushing out toxins and wastes. That H2O(hhhyeaahh) protects your innards and regulates body temperature with no added cost to you. It stands to reason that while those scientists make up their minds, it’s important to have access to a clean water supply at all times - to prevent death (if that wasn’t already abundantly clear).
We love the trusty Jerrycan. Originally designed by the Germans in the 1930s to transport fuel, it was quickly adopted by the Allies and used on both sides of the battlefield. It has since been used to haul all the various liquids in short supply on any adventure - that’s right, water, too. LifeSaver has gone on to develop a Jerrycan with removable pump and water purifier capable of filtering 5,300 US gallons (20,000 liters) of drinking water. It removes all the horribles that can, at best, make for a violent few days while reducing the use of disposable plastics, and extending your reserves by just under 5 gallons per can.
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Dometic Go has gone a step further and designed a portable, self-powered water faucet and retention jug that regulates flow (conservation of resources - Check), and dispenses your fresh water with space age convenience.
Awnings
Shrewd overlanders only find themselves caught in the sun's heat without reprieve once. Once. Proving Martha and her Vandellas wrong (mostly out of necessity and not unsubstantiated spite I’m sure), we now have both a place to run to, and a place to hide, baby. Depending on your chosen adventure chariot, two new sexy shade solutions have got you covered. We’ll pause while you put grandma’s beach umbrella in the dumpster.
Don’t be discouraged by the technical complexities of their distinguishing titles and rest assured, the 270, 180, and Straight Out awnings are - straight forward. As with any accessory built for universal enjoyment, while one size might fit all, some options fit better. It’s best to be certain of your individual needs and potential complications when it comes to vehicle attachments.
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Straight Out awnings are the simplest of the three mentioned. Typically housed in a hard or soft shell across the driver’s or passenger’s side roof, they either roll out or extend and retract with the assistance of an awning crank handle - think starting a car in 1917 H. Ford style. Obviously, such a design only shades a portion of camp site real estate. The 180 degree awnings cover a bit more ground with an aluminum framework that rolls out of storage and locks into position, effectually providing shade along the length of the mounted side.
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270 degree awnings roll out a bit further and meet at the rear roofline. These are perfect for SUVs and vans with rear doors that swing out. However, truck cap windows and large vertical hatches can swing up and impede proper canopy function. You might want to first ensure neither appliance interferes with each other’s air space before purchase.
ARB Straight Out Awning Options & Accessories
EEZI Straight Out Awning Options & Accessories
REIGN 270 Awning Options & Accessories
EEZI 270 Awning Options & Accessories
Portable Solar Options
“But I already have a panel mounted to the roof.” That’s a wonderful option when on the move. But… what if you want to relax in the shade and need to charge, professor? Portable options are all about flexibility. Whether acting as a backup to your main solar mount, or your only means of harnessing that sweet heat while you can, you won’t regret this upgrade for at least another 7 or 8 billion years.
Portable Battery Storage Solutions
Batteries have come a long way since the rechargables your grandma used to keep in the fridge “…so they last longer.” I’m not singling grandmas out. It’s not their fault they were grossly misinformed. Even our most advanced lithium-ion tech has advanced exponentially in the past few decades. Apart from the empty promises of endless free cold fusion power, we have almost everything we need in today’s battery tech - portability, functionality, reliability and safety to name a few. Integrated dual-battery systems are wonderful and highly recommended. But EcoFlow portable battery units can leave your vehicle and continue to power your devices. They accept a charge from your vehicle’s alternator as easily as they do your portable solar panel, and internal inverters keep the party going until someone calls the park rangers.
Powered Refrigeration
We know. We know. Refrigeration in the wilderness? A bit bougie, no? The answer is yes - and you’ll like it. Granted, modern household refrigeration wasn’t common until only 70 or 80 years ago. And sure, by keeping our treats cool in the wild, “roughing it” becomes a lifestyle of yesteryear. Chop your firewood. Hike those trails. Sleep on tree roots and herniate a disc. Refrigeration is a luxury we can all afford. Think about experiencing a day on the road or camp time in the middle of nowhere without a piece of jerky or salted fish in sight. Unruly kids driving you crazy? Maybe you have some ice cream sammies stored in that dual zone ice chest of yours. Maybe they’re your ice cream sammies and you don’t like to share. This is a judgement-free zone.
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ARB and Dometic fridges are what we find in most builds these days. Both companies produce reasonably sensible single and dual zone units, designed to last with the latest in integrated cooling efficiency tech. That’s all well and good. But let’s take a peek at the other side of reasonably sensible fence.
National Luna Legacy Smart Fridge
Hello, National Luna. These portable refrigeration monsters are engineered and built in South Africa to withstand the harshest climates imaginable. Unlike the planned obsolescence included free with purchase of your home refrigerator, National Luna models are encased with stainless steel and their compressors carry a ten year warranty. It’s the kind of appliance that doesn’t need your business today, because it’ll forever be on your mind.
Now that you’ve broken that seal and come to terms with your bougie new glamping lifestyle, you might not want to haphazardly throw your advanced mobile refrigeration unit in the back seat with those unpredictable children and their curious minds. A Goose gear mounted baseplate system is what your peace of mind needs. A place for everything. The Goose system not only mounts and protects your investment but also features track mounted slides for smooth drawer-like access.
You’re ready for adventure. Your 4x4 rig should be ready for it, too. At Main Line Overland, we sell a vast selection of the best overland vehicle upgrades and off-roading accessories the industry has to offer. With over 10 years of experience as a full-service 4x4, expedition and overland vehicle outfitter at our West Chester location, we now offer our full range of products and services online. Our valued customers can expect the same expertise and personalized customer service, no matter where their journey takes them next.