Trucks vs. SUVs for Overlanding – What’s Right for Your Journey?

By Morgan MacDonald

Overlanding: Choosing Your Platform – SUV or Truck?

So You Wanna Go Overlanding...

You’ve been sucked into the rabbit hole. One minute you’re watching a chill video about campfire cooking, the next you’re Googling winches, rooftop tents, and wondering if your grandma's old Jeep Cherokee can make it to Baja. Welcome to overlanding: part adventure, part obsession, and part "how much gear can I cram into this vehicle before it becomes a tank?"

One of the first and biggest decisions you'll face is choosing your platform: SUV or truck. It's like choosing between tacos and burritos — both are amazing, both will take you places, but each comes with its own flavor. So how do you choose? Let’s dig in.

The SUV Argument: Cozy, Compact, Capable

SUVs are often the gateway drug to overlanding. They’re usually cheaper to buy and easier to live with as a daily driver. They fit in parking spaces, sip fuel a bit more politely, and offer an all-in-one package.

Pros:

• Enclosed space: Great for keeping gear dry and secure.
• Shorter wheelbase: Better maneuverability on tight trails.
• Comfort: Typically more plush and family-friendly.
• Affordability: A used 4Runner or Xterra can be a budget-friendly entry point.

Cons:

• Cargo space is limited. You’ll become a Tetris champion.
• Less modular: You can’t slap a full camper on the back.
• Payload limits: Especially once you and your buddy Hank the 80-lb lab are in the back.

SUVs are perfect for weekend warriors, solo travelers, and those who want to dip their toes into overlanding without giving up city life.

The Truck Side: Room to Grow (Literally)

Trucks are the Swiss Army knives of overlanding. If you like options, trucks offer a blank canvas for modular builds. You can build out a canopy system, install a pop-up camper, or just throw a mattress in the back and call it home.

Pros:

• Tons of space: Beds can carry everything from bikes to BBQ grills.
• High payload capacity: More mods, more gear, more fun.
• Modularity: You can set up your rig exactly how you want it.

Cons:

• Size: Longer wheelbases can limit trail access.
• Open bed: You’ll need a topper or tonneau cover to secure gear.
• Ride comfort: Especially when unloaded, trucks can bounce like a pogo stick.

Trucks are ideal for serious adventurers, off-grid campers, and anyone who looks at a mountain and says, "Yeah, I can live there for a week."

Real Talk: What’s Your Lifestyle?

Here’s where you get honest with yourself:

• Are you mostly doing weekend trips within a few hours of home?
• Do you have a family or travel solo?
• Do you want to sleep in your vehicle or tent it?
• How much gear do you really need?

Also, don’t forget your day-to-day life. A fully built-out Tacoma looks rad in the REI parking lot, but do you really want to daily drive a rooftop tent through Starbucks?

Let’s Talk Mods

Both platforms can be heavily modified, but here’s a taste of what you can do:

SUVs:

• Roof racks for storage or tents
• Suspension upgrades
• Drawers, fridges, and slide-outs
• Interior sleeping platforms

Trucks:

• Camper shells or slide-in campers
• Bed racks and rooftop tents
• Custom flatbeds with storage
• Dual battery systems, winches, lighting, and more

And this is where Sa'Mor Adventure Depot comes in. Whether you want to bolt on a few goodies or build a full-blown expedition rig, we’ve got you. Advice, products, installation — we’re your pit crew.

Break It Down: SUV vs. Truck

Still Not Sure? Here's What We Recommend

• "Weekend Warrior with a Dog" – Go SUV. Simple, comfy, ready to roll.
• "Family of Four Exploring National Parks" – Truck with a topper or camper. You’ll want the space.
• "Solo Nomad Going Full Send for a Year" – Truck with a modular build.
• "Mild Off-Roader Who Loves Gadgets" – Either works. Flip a coin, then let Sa'Mor build it up.

Final Thoughts: Just Start Somewhere

Here’s the secret: the best overlanding vehicle is the one that gets you out there. Whether it’s an old SUV with hand-me-down tires or a freshly built truck that looks like it came off a movie set, what matters is the adventure.

And wherever you land, Sa'Mor Adventure Depot is here to help make that journey epic. From vehicle advice to gear installs, we’re here for your wild ideas.

Ready to roll? Come talk to us. Let’s build your dream rig — SUV, truck, or rocket ship.