Are you considering yourself a wanderer of the road? In recent years, two popular terms have emerged across social media, marketing, and industry: vanlife & overland. There has been a significant increase in companies embracing the trend of individuals relocating to their vans to explore America and those seeking to venture into the less-traveled paths of America’s wild terrains. However, a new category of travelers is gradually gaining attention – the Van Overlanders. These are people who desire the freedom to dwell in their vans and journey through the USA while also daring to traverse long gravel roads without hesitation in the face of any challenges.
I must concede that we proudly call ourselves Van Overlanders, even in a 2WD van. Our love for the outdoors and rugged trails, combined with a spirit of adventure shared by many Americans, drives us. Although not an expert, I am familiar with navigating trails and maneuvering vehicles through demanding obstacles. When the concept of vanlife emerged, it piqued my interest, but I clung to my pickup and rooftop tent for some time. It was not until a month-and-a-half-long expedition through Alaska and Yukon in 2017, half of which was spent with a damp mattress due to a sudden downpour that seeped through my tent door, that I seriously considered vanlife as a feasible option. I envied those travelers who could comfortably seek shelter inside their vehicle during a rainstorm while I sat in the front seat waiting for it to pass. Some vanlife enthusiasts even had heating systems and cooking facilities indoors, away from pesky insects. Apart from comfort, I admired the vans equipped with all-terrain tires and sturdy bumpers.
Today, my partner and I traverse in a raised 2006 Chevy Express 2500 furnished with bumpers, a winch, a roof rack, an independent electrical system, and a cozy interior shielded from bugs and heavy rain. Together, we have been dwelling in the van for about a year, with a substantial renovation in between. Since October 2023, we have roamed around exploring hiking trails, beaches, expansive gravel roads, and a myriad of thrilling adventures, all set against the breathtaking backdrop of North America’s landscapes. Recently, we embarked on a 200-mile journey across Nevada, a significant portion of which was on gravel roads. During this particular escapade, we encountered a challenging situation while stranded in a remote mountain pass with no assistance, cellular service, or another vehicle to rescue us. It was up to our resourcefulness, strength, and recovery equipment to extricate ourselves.
This experience prompted me to reflect on the vital gear that every daring vanlifer, RVer, or overlander should have on hand. If you closely examined the photos, you likely spotted the winch attached to the front of our van. Many individuals perceive a winch as the ultimate solution for vehicle recovery, although it can be a costly and sometimes unnecessary addition to your recovery arsenal. Nevertheless, you will be pleased to know that with the correct, affordable, and easily accessible tools, you can self-recover in a multitude of scenarios. To begin, I will highlight four indispensable items you should carry.
1. Recovery Boards (also known as Sand Ladders)
Recovery boards are available in various sizes, shapes, and materials. While most people are familiar with the brand Maxxtrax, opting for a budget-friendly alternative on Amazon will generally suffice and quickly get you out of a predicament. Travelers stuck on soft, slick, or uneven surfaces often encounter a condition known as a “one tire fire,” whereby the differential of their vehicle sends power to the spinning wheel, typically the one on the unstable surface. Traction boards serve to provide the spinning wheel with a textured surface for better traction, enabling both wheels to gain a solid grip and propel the vehicle forward.
Therefore, the next time you find yourself immobile on mud, sand, snow, or similar terrain, position the traction boards beneath the spinning tire or both drive tires, and witness your vehicle effortlessly maneuver its way out. Sand ladders prove effective in a multitude of scenarios, often surprising individuals with their efficiency. Choose the size and shape based on the available space; it’s better to have them ready when needed.
2. A Spade (the larger, the better)
Surprisingly, the following item on our recovery list is a simple spade. While a shovel may deserve the top spot, it cannot function as effectively as a traction board, which can serve as a makeshift shovel. A spade is invaluable for displacing coarse materials like soil, making it far more efficient than using your hands. When stuck, many people resort to utilizing a small, collapsible camp shovel. While these work adequately, I firmly adhere to the principle of “bigger is better.” We carry a moderately long spade characterized by a sturdy handle, broad blade, and substantial grip. I acquired this shovel approximately nine years ago from a hardware store for around $30, and it has aided in extricating numerous vehicles over the years. If space permits, opt for a larger spade, and you will undoubtedly appreciate it when in need.
If you happen to encounter a situation where you’re unable to move.
3. Necessary Items for the Job: Air Deflation Device & Inflator
Lowering the air pressure in your tires can significantly enhance your driving comfort on rough terrains while also improving tire grip. Having the right deflation tool will cut down your downtime and make the deflation process smoother.
Various tools are available for purchase online; we personally rely on an ARB EZ-deflator. This tool extracts the valve core to release air from the tire efficiently, ensuring you don’t misplace the core. It includes a gauge for monitoring your desired tire pressure easily. Decreasing tire pressure expands the tire’s contact area, enabling the tread to perform optimally and aiding your suspension in absorbing minor bumps on rough roads.
On the flip side, you’ll need to reinflate your tires upon returning to paved roads. Traveling on asphalt accelerates tire wear and poses various risks, so it’s not recommended. We carry a substantial dual-piston compressor suitable for our large tires, reducing roadside downtime. However, we also have experience with smaller single-piston and battery-powered compressors from DeWalt. If you plan to utilize the air-down/air-up technique for improved traction, ensure you have both deflation and inflation tools with you.
4. Essential Toolkit: Recovery Harness
We bring along both a conventional 40,000lb recovery strap and a 15,000lb kinetic recovery strap. While having both is not obligatory, we’ve found the classic strap useful in conjunction with winching. Straps are valuable to have in case conventional recovery methods fail or when another vehicle is present. Often, a brief pull from another vehicle can free yours, or if a rescue vehicle arrives, you won’t have to resort to less secure or riskier towing methods. If you must choose one, opt for the kinetic strap. This choice has several advantages: smaller vehicles can more easily extract larger ones and decrease the likelihood of damage from abrupt acceleration mishaps. If you’re unfamiliar with how a kinetic strap functions, numerous YouTube videos illustrate its effectiveness in vehicle recovery.
There you have it, four practical and budget-friendly tools for extricating your vehicle from challenging terrains. These tools, coupled with some elbow grease and sensible decision-making, will aid in overcoming most situations you may encounter without breaking the bank. So, armed with this knowledge, are you ready to intentionally get your vehicle stuck for an adventure?
Discover more:
What is Overlanding?
How To Drive Off-Road with a 2WD RV with AsoboLife
