Hello, everyone! New member here.
My name is Casey, and I've named my new rig the "Bushtit," after a bird, of course.
It's a 2018 Tacoma Offroad that I ordered from the factory months ago, because I'm picky. It's the first *new* vehicle I've ever bought, and one of only two (of 20? 30?) that were legally roadworthy:). I just got it two days ago. I'm happy. :)
Like many people, I've been overlanding for years, but didn't know it had a name, and certainly didn't know other people had the same philosophy. Off roaders seemed to always be rock crawlers, or mudders, or something niche-y.... I always wanted to do those things, but to cover some distance, too. And experience the land around me on the way. I had a Jeep YJ for 12 years, and drove it over 200,000 miles- everywhere from Louisiana to Alaska and nearly all points in between. I've always liked to stay on gravel or funner where I could. I always had a theory that I wanted to build a rig not to get "anywhere," but to get me within hiking distance of anywhere... something that can roll down the highway nicely, carry appropriate amounts of gear, be reliable, and still perform off road. An expedition rig. An Overlanding rig.
Thanks for the wealth of information you all have provided- As a mariner, I spend vast swaths of my life on a boat in the middle of nowhere, and spend my off time in a vehicle in the middle of nowhere, but I"ll try to give back to the community where I can!
More later, great to 'meet' you all, and thanks for having me!
-BASF