April 24, 2024

EarthCruiser Announces Closure After 16 Years of Overlanding Innovation

Company to Discontinue Production of Vehicles and Service

BEND, Ore. — EarthCruiser USA, LLC, a leading manufacturer of off-road expedition vehicles, announced it has ceased operations after 16 years of innovation in the overland travel industry. The company’s last day of operations will be April 25, 2024.

Since its founding in 2008, EarthCruiser has been at the forefront of designing and manufacturing vehicles that have taken intrepid adventurers to the most remote corners of the globe. The company’s product line includes the EXP, FX, and Terranova models, as well as the recently unveiled GMC HUMMER EV EarthCruiser Upfit.

Despite EarthCruiser’s many successes, changing market dynamics and economic challenges have made it increasingly difficult to sustain operations going forward. The decision to close the business was not taken lightly, but after careful consideration and in-depth strategic analysis the company has made the decision to wind down operations in its current form.

“Our journey over the past years has been extraordinary. We are incredibly grateful to our loyal customers, dedicated employees, and industry partners for their support and trust in our brand,” said Lance Gillies, EarthCruiser CIO and Founder. “Although this decision marks the end of an era, we are proud of our legacy and impact on the world of travel, automotive innovation, and overlanding. We hope our vehicles, our customers, and their stories will continue to inspire the adventurous spirit in all of us.”

The EarthCruiser team wants to thank the overlanding community and supporters for being a part of its story.

The company is working with professionals to accomplish an orderly liquidation in accordance with state law. Further announcements will be made in the near future regarding this process. Business and asset related inquiries can be directed to Jamie Bradley at jamie@earthcruiser.com. Creditor inquiries can be directed to Zoe Habekost of Tabor Law Group at zhabekost@pdx-law.com.

About EarthCruiser:

EarthCruiser is a company of designers, engineers, technicians and, most of all, adventurers with millions of miles of collective, real world overlanding experience. With its EarthCruiser EXP, FX and EC Terranova models, EarthCruiser has designed and manufactured the ultimate self-contained, 4×4 off-road, world exploration vehicles in Bend, Oregon since 2013.

1. Build Quality

As you start to look at and compare vehicles, one of the most important questions you can consider is how you will use it. Will you be driving primarily on or off-road? For two days at a time or two months? Will you live in it full time or take it out on the occasional weekend or mini adventure? Whatever conclusion you reach, it’s essential to consider if the vehicle you’re looking into will meet that level of use. Building quality and materials are among the most significant factors that will answer that question.

A vehicle designed to be used frequently for longer trips and over rougher roads will be built of lightweight yet durable materials and easy to clean and repair or replace. Wood, which is used in many DIY and built-out adventure vans, looks beautiful and can be easy to replace, but it’s relatively heavy, is prone to changing shape when damp, and can get dented or break fairly easily. Fiberglass is the material of choice for many vehicles that need to remain strong, light and withstand the elements, such as boats, it is also relatively supple making it an excellent choice for components that need to retain their shape. Carbon fiber is even lighter but not very abrasion-resistant and can break or shatter when compressed or stressed.

The EarthCruiser Terranova comes with a 3-year warranty that covers its house fiberglass superstructure. Only the best and most rigorously tested materials and components go into a Terranova. Many of the Terranova’s materials and building techniques come borrowed from the marine industry, where water and weatherproofing, ease of cleaning, and durable strength are essential qualities. One of the ways you’ll immediately notice this quality is in how quiet the vehicle is, even over rough roads. The construction materials, design, and hardware selection mean nothing rattles, squeaks, or bangs, even on corrugated or rocky terrain. Not only does this mean it’s a quieter travel environment, but you know nothing is slowly vibrating loose or shifting and causing failure.

2. Interior Layout and Design   

Storage

The interior height of adventure vans means there’s room on the interior walls to mount cabinets above work surfaces like countertops. While having cabinets high up on the interior walls of your vehicle is a great use of space, it comes at the price of increasing the height of the vehicle’s center of gravity, which diminishes balance, maneuverability, and performance. It also means that every time your vehicle tilts, the items in those cabinets are thrown very far off the vehicle’s center line.

Many vans don’t offer storage compartments that are accessible from the exterior of the vehicle. The advantage of exterior storage is that items you may need during vehicle recovery, such as straps and shackles, are quick and easy to access. It’s also a great spot to store gear you’ll use outside, such as camp chairs and outdoor cooking gear. It also keeps this kind of gear, which tends to get wet, muddy, and dirty, away from the clean interior of your home.

Walk through vs passthrough

An advantage of most vans is the ease of moving between the driving area and the living space. This opens up the spacious feel of the living area and makes it a breeze to pop between driving and camping. The EarthCruiser Terranova has a passthrough instead, which allows access via an easily crawlable opening.

Having access between the chassis and living space is important for safety. Imagine having to leave a remote campsite in the middle of the night due to an emergency such as a storm, aggressive wildlife or intruder. Being able to move from the sleeping area to the driving area without exiting the vehicle can save precious time and keep you protected in such situations. It’s also simply convenient for those times you want to grab an item, such as a cold beverage, without leaving your vehicle and helps you to monitor the interior of your living space for loose objects.

Sleeping Arrangement

Adventure Vans come in a wide array of floorplans with differing sleeping arrangements. Some put the bed above large storage areas, which is a good use of space but limits the ability to sit up in bed and use that area for reading or working. Others require that the sleeping area is converted from a dining space or storage each night. This might not be a bid deal to someone using their vehicle for short trips, but the act of having to make up and take down their sleeping area every night can feel like a chore after more than a couple of nights in a row.

Another thing to take into consideration is the direction of the bed, particularly if you’ll be sharing your space with another person. The Terranova bed offers plenty of space to sit upright when the pop-up roof is expanded, does not need to be converted to sleep in and is oriented in a north/south position. This means no one has to crawl over their partner should nature call in the middle of the night.

3. Off-Road and Driving Capabilities

Body on Frame Construction

Most often, adventure vans are built on a unibody chassis. We go into further detail on why we prefer body-on-frame construction here, but in short, body-on-frame chassis are stronger and more durable. A body-on-frame chassis, such as what the Terranova is built on, can generally take more abuse and outlive its unibody counterparts. They can better tolerate torque and flexing, which means better handling off-road and less stress on the vehicle’s housing and living space components.

Horsepower

While horsepower isn’t everything when it comes to vehicle selection, it certainly can be an important factor depending on how you plan to use your vehicle. An adventure vehicle that is overweight with lower horsepower will struggle up hills, even on paved roads and be more prone to getting stuck in mud, snow, and dirt.

Most Mercedes sprinter-based vans produce around 188hp from a diesel engine. Vans build on a Ford Transit gas engine come in at around 310hp. The Terranova is available on Ford and RAM chassis, either diesel or gas with horsepower ranging from 335-410.

Ground Clearance

One of the biggest reasons you may prefer a camper truck like the Terranova to an off-road van is ground clearance. The extra couple inches a truck-based vehicle offers over a van, even vans with upgraded wheels and suspensions, can mean the difference between being able to explore backroads, snowy roads, and sandy beaches, getting you further away from the crowds and at less of a risk of creating a recovery situation. The larger tires of the Terranova also help to increase traction.

Passenger Safety

If your intended travel group size is over 2, you must carefully consider where additional people will be seated while driving. Will each passenger get an approved lap and shoulder belt? Will they be traveling facing the side of the vehicle, which many find uncomfortable for long journeys? Are the seats designed for safety and comfort, or are they an afterthought? Are they appropriately sized for your party, including small children? The Terranova seats four persons comfortably in actual car seats with seatbelts with lap and shoulder belts, and it’s possible to add car seats for small children safely.

4. Vehicle Size

Footprint

The overall footprint of any overlanding vehicle determines what kind of roads you can navigate, how you can ship your vehicle, and where you can park it. Adventure vans are typically slightly shorter than the Terranova but wider and taller.

The Terranova’s popup roof means it is shorter and more aerodynamic when driving, creating less wind drag and noise and allowing you to access everyday spaces like drive-thru windows and parking garages. And, when the roof is up, the interior space is taller than most vans, offering 81” of headroom compared to the typical van height of just 75”.

The Terranova comes in 3-4” narrower than standard adventure vans, making it easier to park and navigate through narrow backroads and busy streets. That extra couple of inches means many adventure vans can’t fit in standard shipping containers. This is important for those planning on taking their vehicles overseas, as being able to ship in a container means you can better protect your vehicle from the elements and theft. Additionally, it’s currently challenging to ship any vehicle with a lithium battery outside of a container due to recent fires onboard roll-on roll-off vessels.

Living space

One of the most important things to many people looking to do longer trips or live in their adventure vehicle is the amount of living space it offers. The living space area inside most converted vans runs around 70-80 square feet.

The house of the Terranova offers about 90 square feet of living space, with approximately 28 square feet in the bed area and 62 square feet in the kitchen/dining/living space.

5. Towing Capabilities

If your adventure lifestyle involves lots of toys, such as boats, motorcycles, snowmachines and horses, it will be important to consider tow capacity in your decision making.

The tow capacity of most adventure vans, built on Mercedes Sprinter or Ford Transit chassis will be around 5,000lbs, enough for a light trailer such as for bicycles. Standard toy haulers weigh in at an average of 7,500lbs before adding in the weight of an ATV or snowmobile.

The Terranova is capable of towing between 15,310-17,500lbs, depending on your choice of chassis. This is enough for toy haulers, boats and even a horse trailer.

6. Ability to Stay Off-Grid

Consider the length and type of trips you’ll want to take in your new overland vehicle. If most of your travel will be between developed campgrounds, you probably don’t need more than a couple of days’ worth of potable water onboard, you might not need a toilet or shower in your vehicle, and having a limited amount of battery power for your appliances might be acceptable. If, however, you hope to spend considerable time dispersed camping, or boondocking, or hope to avoid frequent trips to gas stations to top up on fuel, water and supplies, you may find a typical van limiting.

Water

Adventure vans typically have 20-gallon water tanks, and few include a filtration system. The typical RV user goes through around 6-10 gallons of fresh water daily, meaning a 20-gallon tank will last most users two or three days. Few vans offer filtration or purification systems, meaning you’ll need to be sure the water you’re filling up with is potable.

The Terranova has two freshwater tanks totaling 56 gallons. It also includes a filtration and purification system, meaning you can fill it up virtually anywhere and enjoy 5-9 days between refills.         

Restroom and Shower

Adventure vans don’t always have toilets, but when they do, they’re often cassette or portable verities. This means you’ll need to find an appropriate dumping station to empty them, typically every three to four days.

The Terranova comes standard with a composting toilet. Composting toilets reduce your water consumption, eliminate the need for a black water tank, and reduce the frequency of emptying. Typically, users empty their solid tanks after around three weeks of consistent use. Our owners report that the composting toilets in our vehicle produce less odor and are far easier to maintain than cassette or portable versions.

Power and Fuel

The Terranova come standard with 324 watts of solar power, 460Ah lithium house battery and a 3000W inverter. Most Adventure Vans top out at 90-200 watts of solar power. Not all vans come standard with lithium batteries and most offer around 200Ah. How much power you need all depends on what appliances you’d like to use and for how long. For weekend trips a smaller battery and fewer solar panels may be sufficient, for multi-day adventures, particularly if you hope to cook your meals inside your vehicle, or use devices such as Starlink, you may find you want a more robust power system.

Other ways in which the Terranova helps its owners to stay off-the-grid for extended periods of time include larger fuel capacities, and the use of a single fuel source, thus eliminating the need for trips to the gas station for frequent fueling and the use of propane for cooking and heating.

Does a van feel like the best fit for you? Stay tuned as we continue development of the EarthCruiser Evado. The Evado will be built on Mercedes Sprinter and Ford Transit chassis and feature the same durability and design standards as the EarthCruiser EXP, FX and Terranova. If the Terranova would be your choice of vehicles contact our sales team to find out more and set up a test drive.

Yes, it isn’t easy. Yes, it takes planning, and yes, there is a lot of downtime, but Lance and I drove our EarthCruiser Hummer EV from Bend to Chicago for the Chicago Auto Show. Frankly, the experience was pretty good, and I, too, had been skeptical.

We were asked by the GMC dealers to attend the show and be on the GMC stand. We thought what a good time to get some real-life experience in an EV and essentially ‘practice what we preach.’ So, we started doing our research and plotting our route. We knew that the Hummer had a J1772 charger outlet and at full charge supposedly a 329 mile range. So we started with Plug Share, which allowed us to create a route and see available J1772 chargers along the way, and we determined that we’d try to stay way under the max range as we had no real data to back it up. Then we looked at the GMC app and cross-referenced their route with our PlugShare route and charging locations. Ok, we felt pretty good, and off we set. First stop Burns, OR, where there is a 65kwh charger at the Chamber of Commerce. Hooked up, went to lunch came back two hours later. Charging veryyyyyy slowly that final 20%. Not a great first impression. Part of our plan was to go to GM dealers along the way, show them the EarthCruiser Hummer, gauge interest, and use their chargers. After all, they were GM dealers, so we thought they’d have good charging. Boise next stop, GM dealer. It was nearly closing time, found the charger, plugged in, talked to everyone there–interest level high– charging, however, may as well have been a trickle charger. OK, let’s be smart: book a hotel with a charger. Checked in, plugged in, and guess what, its a 6kwh charger, which will fill us up in 2 days!!!! At this rate, we’ll never make it in time for the show.

From that moment on, we decided only the big 350kwh chargers would do, and fortunately, we found one in Boise. Electrify America has 50, 150, and 350 kWh chargers as well as CHAdeMO chargers, and they have a pretty good network. Rumor has it that Electrify America came out of the recent VW debacle. We then had a new strategy. The Electrify America chargers are usually at Walmarts or grocery stores. There’s not very much to do around them, so they definitely are a bit of a time suck. By this point we were pretty sure our real range was somewhere between 280–285 miles with the EarthCruiser camper and staying just below 70 mph. So, we had a new plan and mission. Stop frequently, charge to 80%, and keep going. Only charge to 100% 1x/day, preferably in the evening if possible. And we made it to Chicago, and the show, on schedule.

On the way back, Lance was on his own. But this time, he had a Tesla charger adapter, which meant that he could stop at hotels and charge overnight. Not every Tesla charger worked, but they are changing that so Tesla chargers will be available to more people and more places. Although this didn’t cut the time to get home due to blowing headwinds, uphill climbs, and freezing temperatures, which changed range yet again, he was still able to make it and enjoy his trip.

In all, I think there is a place for EVs in the world, and if you have time to plan, they provide a great, quiet, emission-free way to travel.

It’s Bruce from TN22, the Gray Ghost again. I’m excited to be back and share more tips on taking great photos with your iPhone camera.

Turning your iPhone upside down to take a photo may sound counterintuitive, but it can result in some stunning shots. When you flip your phone upside down, you are changing the camera’s perspective, allowing you to capture a unique angle you may not have achieved otherwise.

For example, if you’re taking a photo of a flower or a small object, flipping your phone upside down and getting closer to the ground can create a more dynamic and engaging shot. This technique can also capture reflections, as the inverted perspective can make a beautiful, mirrored effect.

Another benefit of flipping your phone is that it can help you stabilize your shot. When holding your phone upside down, your hand is naturally closer to the ground, which can improve your grip and prevent shaky or blurry images.

Turning your iPhone upside down may seem unconventional but it can lead to creative and beautiful photos. So, feel free to experiment and try new things with your phone the next time you’re out. You never know what kind of masterpiece you might create!

As you journey across the beautiful landscapes and breathtaking vistas during your travels, you’ll undoubtedly want to capture the wonder and magic of these places. And what better way to do that than with your trusty iPhone and its unique panoramic photo feature?

To use the Pano mode in the iPhone camera, follow these steps:

1. Open the camera app on your iPhone.

2. Swipe left on the camera screen until you see “Pano” mode.

3. Hold your iPhone vertically.

4. Tap the shutter button to start taking the panoramic photo.

5. Slowly and steadily move your iPhone to the right or left to capture the scene.

6. Keep moving until you’ve captured the scene you want in the photo.

7. Tap the shutter button again to stop taking the panoramic photo.

8. Your iPhone will automatically stitch the photos together to create one panoramic image.

That’s it! You now know how to use the Pano mode in your iPhone camera to capture stunning panoramic photos.

With this feature, you can create stunning photos that truly capture the essence of the world around you. You can capture it all in one immersive shot, from the rolling hills to the towering peaks. And the best part? You can do it all with just a few taps on your phone!

Of course, the panoramic photo feature is about more than just capturing wide-angle shots. You can also customize your photos to suit your needs and preferences by adjusting the crop ratio. Want a classic look? Go for the Standard (3:2) ratio. Are you feeling artsy? Try the Square (1:1) ratio. Are you looking to capture the full majesty of a landscape? The 16:9 ratio has got you covered. And for portraits, there’s the timeless 4:3 ratio.

The iPhone camera offers different crop factors that you can use to change the aspect ratio of your photos. Here’s how to utilize them:

1. Open the camera app on your iPhone.

2. Tap the “Aspect Ratio” button at the top of the screen. It looks like two rectangles of different sizes.

3. You’ll see different options for aspect ratios, including 1:1, 4:3, and 16:9.

4. Select the aspect ratio you want to use by tapping it.

5. You’ll notice that the viewfinder has changed to reflect the new aspect ratio.

6. Take the photo as you usually would.

That’s it! You can experiment with different aspect ratios to find the best option for your photo. Remember that changing the aspect ratio may crop some of your photos, so ensure you capture the scene correctly.

Finally, a bonus tip: one of the most important things to remember is always to clean the lens of your phone. It might seem obvious, but fingerprints and smudges can seriously affect the quality of your photos. So, before taking any shots, give your lens a quick wipe with a clean cloth.

I hope these tips have been helpful, and I can’t wait to see the amazing shots you’ll capture with your iPhone at the upcoming Owner’s Gathering!

Over the years, I have owned various cameras, but the iPhone camera has become one of my favorites. Its compact size, ease of use, and advanced features have made it an indispensable tool in my camera bag.

Today, I would like to share a few of the features of the iPhone camera. The iPhone camera automatically adjusts the focus and exposure to create a well-balanced image, allowing you to shoot in various lighting conditions, including low light, and still capture high-quality photos.

However, there can be times when you might want to adjust your photo’s focus point or exposure. So, if you’d like to change the focus or exposure point, tap on the screen where you want to focus. A yellow square will appear, indicating the focus point. You can also move the focus point around the screen by dragging the yellow box to a new location. Moving the focus point can be particularly helpful when you want to focus on a specific part of the scene, such as a person’s face or an object in the foreground.

You will also see a small sun icon next to the focus point. To adjust the exposure, swipe up or down on the screen until the image appears brighter or darker. This motion will adjust the exposure in real-time, allowing you to see the effect of the changes on your photo.

You can also lock the focus point and exposure, tap, and hold on to the screen where you want to focus. The yellow box will appear with the words “AE/AF Lock” above it. The focus and exposure settings will now be locked in place, allowing you to move the camera without losing the settings. To unlock the AE/AF, tap on the screen again or press the shutter button to take the photo.

You also might want to ensure that your camera is level when taking a photo, and the iPhone camera has just the tool to help you ensure your camera is level. To turn on the level function, open the camera app in Settings, then under Composition, swipe to the right to turn on the Level function. You can then align the segmented horizontal line on the screen to level your photo. The level function is handy when taking pictures of landscapes or architecture, where straight lines are essential for creating a visually appealing image.

The focus, exposure, and level controls on my iPhone camera

I am excited to share my knowledge and experience with you and look forward to exploring the world of photography with this incredible community. Thank you for your attention, and if you would like to see some of my photos, I invite you to check out my photo website, www.brucecostaphotography.com. And I hope to see you at the EarthCruiser Owners’ Gathering in March.

• A new division of EarthCruiser, EarthCruiser Innovation (ECI).
• Home to design and development programs and is the primary focus for EarthCruiser
• founder Lance Gillies.
• Provides services for outside partners and for EarthCruiser use, readying improvements
• and new designs for execution.

Bend, Oregon — EarthCruiser Overland Vehicles announces the launch of a new division,
EarthCruiser Innovation, ECI. The division was created to better capitalize on the growth of the
overlanding market and to drive innovation. ECI will focus on supporting customers, finding
solutions, and accelerating the advent of emerging technologies. The division will draw from
decades of overlanding experience, bringing together people and resources to create and
nurture a culture with innovation at its core.

EarthCruiser Innovation’s first project was a collaboration with GMC to create an overland upfit
solution for the all-electric GMC HUMMER EV. The result set a new standard in zero-tailpipe
emission overlanding possibilities through its full integration onto the HUMMER EV Pickup
chassis. It offers adventurers the perfect blend of state-the-art technology, innovation, and
comfort to explore on- or off-road.

“ECI answers the need to continue pushing us to envision, create, and embrace the new and
the different,” said EarthCruiser CEO/Founder Lance Gillies. “With this dedicated division, we
can focus on new solutions and continue to disrupt the industry.”

Future ECI projects will focus on product development. The program will harness the power of
data, technology, and human-centered design to accelerate the company’s growth and create
solutions for tomorrow. Central to ECI’s mission will be a community of creatives, engineers,
and experts focused on creating innovative solutions that will save customers money,
outperform existing solutions, and answer the needs of cutting-edge technologies.

###

Idaho

Sometimes overlooked for its neighbors to the west and south, you don’t want to sleep on all Idaho has to offer. With a Backroads Discovery Route that covers over a thousand miles of dirt and gravel and over 62% of the state’s area open to the public, there’s enough in this one state to fill any overlander’s calendar for months.

The hardest part of overlanding Idaho may just be picking which area to explore. The Magruder Road Corridor covers the best of the Bitterroot Mountains. It makes for a fantastic extended weekend overland trip and a great introduction to all the state has to offer.

If rock climbing, mountain biking, or just taking in stunning geology is your thing, City of Rocks National Reserve is an easily accessible area not too far from Boise. Further west, you’ll find the unearthly landscape of Craters of the Moon National Monument. Flanked by BLM land with dispersed camping options, this area has an other-worldly feel that makes it easy to see why it was used for training for the Apollo 14 astronauts.

Colombia

The topography of Colombia is diverse, like really diverse. Home to the most species of birds of any country on the planet and 10% of the world’s biodiversity, the country’s terrain varies from snowcapped mountains to rainforest and tropical beaches. It’s home to indigenous communities, modern cities with thriving art scenes, and tranquil coffee plantations, all connected by a network of roads both paved and dirt.

There is so much to explore it’s easy to spend a few weeks or a few months taking in all the options. A journey down the road known as the Trampolín del Diablo, or Devil’s Trampoline, is not for the faint of heart, but rewards the intrepid traveler with incredible Andean scenery. For a lighter adventure there are laid back beach towns on the Caribbean coast which connect via tiny dirt roads to villages deep in the jungle.

Eager to shed an image reinforced by decades of negative media, the government and people of Colombia are warm and welcoming. The food is delicious, the beers cold, and the coffee world-class.

Baja Sur

Each winter sees a migration of North Americans heading south into Mexico for warmer temperatures and sparkling beaches. Most will stick to Mexico Highway 1, making a beeline to a handful of popular beaches and campgrounds. What they are missing out on is the breathtaking scenery of the peninsula’s inland, including towering cactus forests, hidden waterfalls, indigenous cave art, volcanic rock formations, and near-endless dirt roads. And while there’s plenty to get excited about in the northern half of this area, the off-road areas further south abound with hidden gems that slide under the radar of the mass-tourism crowds.

Just north of the bustling tourist mecca of Cabo San Lucas, you’ll find Cabo Pulmo National Park, a stunning marine reserve known to be the oldest of only three coral reefs on the west coast of North America. The only community here is entirely off-grid, and you’ll find a laid-back attitude, cold beers, and excellent tacos to fuel your diving, mountain biking, and hiking adventures. From there, it’s a short day’s drive into the mountains to seek out hidden oasis waterfalls and quaint rural villages.

Most of the roads tracing the southeastern edge of the peninsula remain unpaved. This means if you’re willing to brave some bumpy trails and cross the occasional arroyo, you can still find quiet bays that feel like the Baja of yesterday.

West Virginia

While the western half of the US seems to garner most of the attention when it comes to epic overlanding routes, there is plenty to see and do in the east. West Virginia isn’t known as the “mountain state” for no reason; it’s home to the Appalachians plus countless wild waterways, scenic gorges, and dense forests.

An excellent place to start is Dolly Sods Wilderness with the ‘road to the sky’ and continue into the Canaan Valley for a weekend getaway. The Hatfield-McCoy Trail System is an off-roader’s heaven with over 1,000 miles of technical terrain to explore. For a drive with a view, head up to the highest point in the state, Spruce Knob.

Botswana

It doesn’t get much wilder than Botswana. With one of the sparsest population densities, with most people residing in just a handful of cities, the majority of the country’s incredible ecosystems are wide open for wildlife and exploration. In fact Botswana has set aside an impressive 17 percent of its land as National Parks and another 22 percent as Wildlife Management Areas.

Here it’s possible explore one of the world’s largest salt pans at the Makgadikgadi Basin and spend a morning surrounded by curious meerkats. Overlanding the Okavango Delta region is one of Africa’s most legendary routes, with dirt tracks connecting Chobe National Park through the Savuti area to the Moremi Reserve. Daily challenges here range from frequent river crossings to elephant gridlocks. And there’s also the legendary Kalahari, a remote desert region famous for its black-maned lions and sandy trails.

While renting a fully kitted out overlanding vehicle is easy, Botswana is best suited for those with overlanding experience. The deep sand, extreme climate, remote conditions, and large wildlife all can spell disaster for the unprepared. But for those looking for a unique and challenging adventure, there is no place better.

Portugal

Overlanding in Europe isn’t always easy. Most roads are paved and campgrounds tend to be small and developed – not usually an overlander’s ideal. But there are some spectacular exceptions, and one is Portugal. There it’s possible to join organized overlanding tours or explore on your own the country’s beautiful beaches, mountains, rolling farmland, and charm.

Besides partaking in Portugal’s legendary food, wine, and hospitality, there are plenty of outdoor activities to fill your days, from surfing to birding. The country’s vast network of dirt and gravel tracks mean you’ll experience a wide array of terrain from rolling hills, to rocky technical climbs, to quiet beaches.

You can ship vehicles roll-on roll-off or in a container directly to Portugal, or there are a number of small companies who offer overlanding vehicles and gear to rent.

Vancouver Island

How does an island filled with secret beaches, waterfalls and thousands of miles of dirt roads sound to you? Canada’s Vancouver Island is 12,000 square miles of rugged natural beauty with many areas only accessible by logging roads.

The northern part of the Island is particularly great for uncrowded beaches, Forest Service roads and spectacular scenery. If you’re up for a challenge there are plenty of technical routes to choose from, and early spring journeys may give you the opportunity to practice some trail clearing skills – bring your chainsaw!

The Island isn’t just great for scenery, there’s also excellent surfing, paddling, hot springs, mountain biking, whale watching, birding, fishing and even scuba diving. Diving in Canada? You bet! Jacques Cousteau called it “the best temperate-water diving in the world,” just be sure to pack a dry suit or a thick wetsuit.

Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan is rapidly emerging as one of the world’s newest adventure hotspots and with good reason. A staggering 92% of the country is mountainous, connected by a network of mostly dirt and gravel roads. The mountain lakes are filled with trout and salmon, the locals happy to host you for a homestay in a yurt, and you’ll never run out of mind-blowing vistas you’ll usually have all to yourself.

It’s a joy just to aimlessly explore here, but those interested in a more targeted itinerary can plan to rock climb, mountain bike, hike, or head out for a ride on one of the famed Kyrgyz horses. While the capital of Bishkek is modern and vibrant, it’s just a short drive to nomadic pastures filled with yaks and flanked by ancient caravanserai, remnants of the Silk Road.

While tourism infrastructure is still in its infancy, there are now rental agencies offering off-road vehicles with roof tents and guiding services ready to help you plan your trip to “the Switzerland of Central Asia.”

Maybe 2024 can be the year you take that sabbatical, ship your vehicle to South Africa, and complete the African Transit you’ve always dreamed of. But even if it’s not possible, and let’s be honest, it’s not usually an easy feat for anyone, perhaps consider taking a small step towards that journey. While bucket lists are fun and inspiring, the pressure of thinking of a trip as a “once in a lifetime” experience and making them epic in length (and budget) can feel paralyzing.

One way to move past this is to book a mini trip covering part of your dream journey. There are now entire fleets of rental vehicles equipped with roof tents and camping gear all over the globe, from Chile to Mongolia. Taking a two-week trip with a rental vehicle will help you get your feet wet for that multi-county journey. You’ll get a feel for how long you like driving each day, what grocery shopping will be like, and how to handle land borders and authority, all things that will help you better hone your budget and itinerary for that epic overland.

2. Learn Something New

Make 2024 your year of picking up a new skill or two that will add to your enjoyment of overlanding. Overlanding encompasses a vast array of skills, everything from driving and vehicle recovery to camp cooking and wildlife watching. Sign up for an EC Adventure, or take a local workshop in basic mechanics. See if anyone near you offers a master class in barbeque cooking. Your local Audubon Society probably offers beginner birding walks; you might be amazed at how much learning about birds increases your enjoyment and awareness of the places you overland. One can never over-practice navigation, and a fun way to push your skills is to sign up for a local orienteering event. Community colleges are a fantastic resource, offering classes in everything from mechanics to cooking.

3. Organize Your Rig and Gear

When your gear and vehicle are well-organized, you’ll save time on the trail, and it will help you get out the door, too. Knowing your rig has everything you need or that all it will take is moving a few bins from your garage into your vehicle can make the difference between having an adventure and opting to stay home. Invest in quality gear for your vehicle and have a specific place for everything you need. Bonus points if your gear serves multiple purposes and saves money and space.

One EarthCruiser owner told us that he put a small sticker on every item when he first moved into his vehicle. The first time he used each item, he removed the sticker. A year later, he went through his vehicle and jettisoned every item that still had a sticker on it. Genius.

4. Get out of your Comfort Zone

If you’ve been overlanding for a while now, it might be time to try something just a little bit different. Plan a “stretch” trip to broaden your skills, increase your confidence, and perhaps serve as an introduction to something you hadn’t realized you’d enjoy.

This might mean tackling a trail rated a bit more complex than usual or visiting one of your favorite destinations at a different time of year. It will give you an opportunity to hone your skills, try out new gear, and explore new destinations. Who knows, you might just fall in love with overlanding in the winter. We sure have.

5. Visit Bend, Oregon

Finally, if EarthCruiser’s hometown of Bend, Oregon, isn’t in your 2024 plans, consider adding it to your list. There’s a reason we selected Bend as our home base. We are surrounded by some of the most scenic landscapes around, with seemingly endless public lands at our doorstep. We are nestled against the Cascade Mountains on one side and the expansive high desert on the other. From world-class fly fishing to mountain biking, skiing, paddleboarding, hiking, and more, there are more activities here than one could explore in a lifetime. Bend is pretty good at making beer, too.

While you’re here, if you’re considering purchasing your next overlanding vehicle, drop us a message; we’d love to show you our vehicles and our ‘home.’ We can’t wait to see you in 2024.

Happy New Year!

Personal Paperwork

• Passport
• Visas
• Proof of Onward Travel
• Driver’s License
• International Driving Permit (IDP)
• Vaccination Records
• Medical Insurance

Overland Vehicle Paperwork

• Title & Registration
• Carnet de Passages en Douane
• Vehicle Liability Insurance

Other Paperwork

• Trip Insurance
• Pets
• Translations of Medical & Dietary Needs

PERSONAL PAPERWORK

PASSPORT

Check your passport early in the planning process and ensure it’s valid for the entirety of your trip plus an additional six months. Why the extra time? A significant number of countries make this a firm requirement upon entry. Also ensure you have enough blank pages to hold the visas and stamps you’ll collect on the way. Some countries require a minimum number of blank pages before they’ll grant you entry, 2-4 pages being common.

Standard processing times for US Citizens are commonly 7-10 weeks, so it’s important you begin the renewal process early. If you’re traveling for an extended time, you may have to renew your passport on the road at an embassy abroad. Each embassy has different rules and estimated processing times for doing so. The good news is that it’s sometimes possible for US Citizens to renew in person at an embassy within 24-48 hours. It may be possible to obtain a second passport should you find yourself needing to mail off your passport for visas while overseas. 

VISAS

One of the first things you’ll want to research is visa requirements for each country you plan to visit. What type you’ll need, how long it is valid, where to obtain it, and how to renew it. The most reliable place to find information on visa requirements for specific countries is directly through that country’s embassy. The US State Department’s website is an excellent resource for US Citizens, with a handy search feature that brings you directly to visa information by country. Some countries grant visa-free entry, which means you’ll simply need to stamp in and out. Others will allow you to purchase a visa at the airport or land border. Some countries require obtaining a visa in advance, sometimes requiring a letter of invitation before you can apply for your visa.

If you plan on remaining longer than standard visas allow, ensure you clearly understand the rules on extending your visa or obtaining a new one after temporarily leaving that country. For complicated trips, you may consider enlisting the help of a visa service. The cost will be more than if you handled all your visas yourself, but such a service can help expedite and coordinate the shipment of your passport between embassies. When purchasing visas online, beware of look-alike scam websites, an increasingly common way to steal money and identities. Always carefully check that you only purchase your visa from the official government website.

For obtaining visas upon arrival, either by land or air, ensure you know in advance if you need to provide photographs of yourself. It’s good practice to carry a few spare photos, just in case. For travel through the Middle East be aware that women may need to wear hijab for their visa photographs.

PROOF OF ONWARD TRAVEL

An often overlooked paperwork requirement for international overlanding is not having proof of onward travel. Some countries are increasingly concerned about travelers overstaying their visas or illegal immigration and, therefore, will ask travelers to provide proof that they intend to depart their country. Most commonly, this is an airline, bus, or train ticket, which overlanders often don’t have when they plan to depart via road. Sometimes, proof of hotel reservations in your next country will suffice; other times, you might have to get creative and book a sacrificial cheap flight or purchase a refundable flight. Currently, several countries in Central and South America, including Peru, Brazil, and Costa Rica, can be picky about this requirement. It’s worth planning ahead to avoid being denied entry at the border. Several African and Central Asian countries also require proof of onward travel. 

DRIVER’S LICENSE

Like your passport, check your driver’s license early in the planning process to ensure it will remain valid through the entirety of your trip. Replacing a lost or expired license while overseas means having to do so online or via mail. Embassies don’t provide this service. Waiting for a replacement license to arrive in the mail has the very real potential to delay your overlanding trip, so take extra care of this document while traveling. You’ll be asked for your license at land borders and when purchasing insurance, but often an IDP (see below) will suffice.

INTERNATIONAL DRIVING PERMIT (IDP)

This simple paper document is easily and quickly obtained via AAA in the US and at national auto associations for other nationalities. It serves as a copy of your driver’s license translated into ten languages and is recognized by most countries and required by some. You’ll be asked for it at some land borders, and it is often the easiest thing to produce if pulled over or questioned by local authorities. It also has the advantage of being only $20, making it only a minor inconvenience if lost or left behind with officials. It’s a good idea to bring two copies on your overland journey, just in case. In a few countries, your IDP alone isn’t sufficient. To drive in China, for example, you must get a temporary Chinese driver’s license which can be obtained at the local police department.

VACCINATION RECORDS

Most countries have dropped vaccination requirements for COVID-19, but many require proof of vaccination against diseases such as Yellow Fever. Check with your travel doctor as to what vaccinations are recommended for each area you plan to visit. Have them fill out a “vaccine passport” and a “yellow card” for proof of Yellow Fever vaccination, if needed. The alternative may mean having to obtain your vaccination at a location abroad which may not meet your expectations of safety or hygienic standards.

MEDICAL INSURANCE

Carefully review the terms of your medical insurance plan to find out if you’re covered overseas. U.S. health insurance plans often don’t cover regular and routine medical care abroad and will only cover urgent or emergency care. Purchasing a separate travel medical insurance policy can help to offset costs and provide peace of mind. 

Proof of medical insurance is now required for entry into a growing number of countries including Nepal, Bolivia, and Rwanda. You can purchase medical insurance as a standalone plan or as part of a comprehensive travel plan. Look for companies that offer telemedicine if you’re traveling to remote areas or have existing conditions that need frequent management.

You might also consider purchasing evacuation insurance, which typically must be acquired separately via a specialty company. Airlift evacuations can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars and repatriation after an accident can add further expenses not typically covered by standard insurance.

OVERLAND VEHICLE PAPERWORK

TITLE AND REGISTRATION

You’ll be asked for your vehicle’s registration at most border crossings, when purchasing insurance, and when picking up or preparing your rig for shipping. You will need to show the original document, photocopies will generally not suffice.

CARNET DE PASSAGES EN DOUANE

A carnet is a document required in many countries to temporarily import your vehicle. It essentially acts as a guarantee you won’t be selling your overland vehicle in the country you’re entering. The price of a carnet depends on the value of your vehicle and the countries visited. Eighty-seven countries accept carnets, though many of them do not require them for entry via land. 

Sometimes, even if not required, having a carnet can expedite or simplify border procedures, though this is not always the case. In general, you will want one if overlanding through much of Africa, the Middle East, Southern Asia, and Australia, though requirements change frequently. 

Again, your best resource for current requirements will be the embassy of the country you plan to visit. It is undoubtedly better to have one and not need it than the other way around, though it is an expense and hassle you may wish to avoid, if possible. When purchasing a carnet, make sure you have enough pages to cover your entire trip. You will use one page for each entry into a country.

VEHICLE LIABILITY INSURANCE

Most countries require you to carry local liability or “third-party” insurance on your vehicle. This covers you when someone else makes a claim against you for damages, say from an accident. In many places, this is easily purchased at the border or online in advance and is often far less expensive than similar coverage costs in the U.S. Information on required coverage is best obtained directly through each country’s embassy. For many parts of the world, it’s possible to purchase one policy that covers multiple countries. MERCOSUR covers multiple countries in South America, COMESA Yellow Card covers much of East Africa, and it’s possible to buy one policy to give you coverage for most of the E.U. Consider taking out additional voluntary insurance to cover theft and damages, though this can be expensive and is sometimes difficult to find for developing countries.

OTHER PAPERWORK

TRIP INSURANCE

It’s a good practice to take out general travel insurance for international trips, but coverage varies widely. Read carefully before purchasing so you’re clear what is and isn’t covered. Delays and cancelations from foreseen events and pre-existing medical conditions usually won’t be covered. Did you miss a hotel reservation because you were delayed at the border? Not typically covered. Neither will items stolen from an unattended vehicle.

Many travel policies are limited to trips of 90 days or less. For extended travel, look for companies specializing in “long stay travel insurance” or “digital nomad insurance.”

PETS

Thoroughly research your destination’s regulations regarding required paperwork, vaccinations, and potential quarantine periods for your traveling pets. It’s a good idea to bring a crate or carrier with you, as many land borders will require your pet to be contained while customs carry out their inspection.

TRANSLATIONS OF MEDICAL AND DIETARY NEEDS

Perhaps this isn’t “paperwork” per se, but one item that is essential for traveling through countries whose language you don’t speak is a printout of translations of important medical and dietary concerns. Having the local word for allergies and conditions at your fingertips can save precious time and confusion in the case of an emergency.

OVERLANDING PAPERWORK STORAGE

Finally, once you’ve spent all the time and money needed to gather these crucial bits of paper you’ll want to keep them accessible, safe, and dry. Keeping everything you need in a binder with water-resistant plastic sleeves and store it in a very secure place, such as a safe. 

Scan or photograph every document and store them securely in the cloud and leave a full set of copies with a friend or relative back home, just in case. For longer overland trips, consider giving a trusted person Power of Attorney so that they could handle documents and accounts on your behalf while you’re out of the country.

Hopefully this information helps you build the knowledge and confidence to begin planning a seamless international overland adventure. While the preparation can feel daunting, the reward of immersing yourself in new cultures and environments is one of the most rewarding experiences life can offer. For those looking for the perfect vehicle for international overland travel, look no further than our new and pre-owned EarthCruiser EXP that’s optimally sized to fit inside a shipping container.