a little back story before we get into the real build stuff. This is a 1996 Mercedes benz C220. This is probably the last vehicle to be built as an overland vehicle but I have some good arguments as to why I'm doing this.The first founding principle of overland bound is; Overlanding is: "Vehicle Dependent Travel". Nothing else. We will not further define "overlanding". it's a vehicle. It travels. This car is also unbelievably reliable. My parents got it with 110,000 miles and drove it to 270,000 which is when I bought it as a cheap run around car. It's currently at 290,000 and it has earned its keep as one of my three forever(or until it's not worth fixing anymore) cars.
It continues to impress though, it has a full size spare, well protected fuel lines, factory metal skid plates, pull points tied into the frame, one of the best factory jacks I've ever used, and a good factory first aid kit. This thing is a little beast in the snow, mud, dirt, sand, or gravel. I've never gotten it stuck and I've driven it some places I definitely shouldn't have and it came out like a champ.
But thats enough bragging on the car, let's get on to the "build". Since this is my daily driver I don't want to get crazy with it but there are a few things I have done and have plans for to get it a little more capable for what I do. I added a roof rack, and kayak roof mount. I keep a small compressor and fix a flat in the trunk, along with a pull strap if I get stuck. I actually recently acquired a 36" hi lift jack that I plan to add to the trunk so I can do a little more self recovery. I usually have a small ozark trail fake-yeti soft cooler in the trunk too. I have a small kennel in the back seat for my smaller dog who is usually my exploration companion. I plan on making an organizer for the trunk, putting together a shelter setup, and adding some hella lighting to the front of the car. I use it mainly to scout for trails for my jeep and geocaching so if anyone has any recommendations on some more stuff to add feel free to chime in. I'm going to try to update this thread as often as possible very time I do something new. If anyone is still reading at this point I appreciate it, I feel like I should write articles instead of being a mechanic sometimes
