100 Series Composite Overland Build

[NomadicMichael]

I expect this to be my last Overland build. I've been to the Expo (West and Mountain West) for the last 10 years. In 2015 after living in a 39' Diesel Pusher I had a 4x4 Sprinter 144 custom built by Colorado Camper Van. I lived in that rig for 2.5 years traveling the US deciding to settle down and build a house in SW Colorado. For the last 4 years I have been driving an '03 E-350 4x4 with 8" lift and 37" tires. The internal build is minimal on this van.

Last year I bought an '18 LX 570 200 Series for my daily driver, not sure what to do with my '06 LX470 I did a ton of research and decided to build a Maltec similar build on the LX470. Michael Clark's build has given me a lot of inspiration especially in the interior layout. While researching builds I saw a video of a Durango couple that was building an expedition truck. They chose Allan Ivy with Overlander.Global to build their truck. Allan allows customers to come on site and help with the build in his shop. I met with Allan about this build, which I believe is only being done in Germany based on my research; Allan and his son Andy were both excited about taking me as a client.

At this point we have cut the vehicle, built the aluminum sub frame and designed/ordered the composite box. I'll post more as we progress. You can also find information about the build on Instagram @motar_colorado (Michael's Overland Travel Adventure Rig) along with my person travel journey @NomadicMichael.

 

[Shayne]

Just an idea but i always wondered why the fold outside bed never seems to make it into camper builds . its more practical than a roof tent and you don't have to configure to accommodate a bed .

Google an old Coleman camper which better explains .

 

[NomadicMichael]

Just an idea but i always wondered why the fold outside bed never seems to make it into camper builds . its more practical than a roof tent and you don't have to configure to accommodate a bed .

Google an old Coleman camper which better explains .

Check out the Infanta 4x4 Inkunzi in South Africa. They use a partial slide out style bed.

 

[Shayne]

Not in the same league in any way shape or form but my budget 6x4ft box hosts a sink , cooker and two double beds .

 

[stumog]

I do love that trailer shayne

 

[wackyhacky76]

Could you please share who you ordered your composite box from or was that from Mr. Ivy you spoke about as well.

 

[NomadicMichael]

Could you please share who you ordered your composite box from or was that from Mr. Ivy you spoke about as well.

The box came through Overlander.global/Allan Ivy. He has done a number of large truck builds and during his previous time in South Africa, completed a number of Land Rover builds.

Quite honestly, the design and ordering of the box was the easy part. Knowing where to cut, designing the aluminum sub frame along with the custom boxes and wheel wells to make it a superior build were all his talents. I WAS there every step of the way making decisions and helping, but wouldn't even consider attempting it without him.

 

[NomadicMichael]

Here are some pics of the rig. I'm doing the interior and will be working on it over the next couple of months. I took it to the Overland Expo in Loveland Colorado last weekend. Many stopped by and loved the rig. The king size bed up top with all of the windows open was amazing for sleeping.

While I have most of the interior components inside, the rig currently weighs 6,250. Removing the rear of the vehicle dropped around 700 pounds which were mostly replaced by the box weighing around 600 pounds. I'll post more pics of the interior when it is complete.

 

[wackyhacky76]

The box came through Overlander.global/Allan Ivy. He has done a number of large truck builds and during his previous time in South Africa, completed a number of Land Rover builds.

Quite honestly, the design and ordering of the box was the easy part. Knowing where to cut, designing the aluminum sub frame along with the custom boxes and wheel wells to make it a superior build were all his talents. I WAS there every step of the way making decisions and helping, but wouldn't even consider attempting it without him.

Thanks Michael. I really appreciate all that information and I get where you are coming from for sure. That expertise is invaluable. I am not trying to take on quite as an ambitious project, but I just can't find what I want exactly in terms of habitats/boxes and your general style & pop up design is where my head is. Kind of funny, but after tracking Allan down on IG I realized that I walked right by and admired your rig last Friday when I was at Mtn. West. SMALL WORLD... I would like a similar habitat, but flatbed style that I take on & off as needed is my goal. I also plan to build out the interior myself, as I enjoy that & the electrical work. I reached out to Allan via message, so thank you again. And awesome rig! Good Luck w/ the rest of the build!

 

[wackyhacky76]

Michael - Do you mind sharing what your rough cost was for the construction of poptop shell?