Take a glimpse inside a few of the awesome DIY builds at Overland Expo SoCal
One of the most fun and interesting things about attending an Overland Expo is seeing the myriad of different overland set-ups that are out there. From motorcycles with panniers containing camping gear and kitchen setups; to Subarus with full habitats built out in the back; to former military truck conversions that include any imaginable standard 4-walled-home creature comfort – and everything in between – you can find countless variations of “mobile homes” at our events. The best place to scope out interesting rigs is in the Showcase & DIY Area, where a curated selection of unique vehicles is on display. The owners of these vehicles have agreed to camp in this space for the weekend and host “home tours” for any and all interested attendees. While it’s a great area to check out different setups, it’s really valuable to be able to talk with the owners about how and why they have built out their rigs the way they have, especially if you are in the market for an overland vehicle yourself. Vehicles you will be able to tour in the Showcase & DIY Area (and Creator Area) at Overland Expo SoCal include:
- 2015 Porsche Cayenne S
- 2015 Hilux MK7 Double Cab
- 2017 Honda Africa Twin
- 1971 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40
- 2003 Mercedes G 500
- 2021 Ford F-350 + Truck Camper
- 2016 Mercedes Benz Sprinter 144 4×4
- And more!
Read below for more information about a few of these vehicles:
2003 Mercedes-Benz G 500
Kirby Gonzales:
“Koibee_G is a uniquely built overlanding rig that merges rugged off-road performance with a fully customized interior designed for adventure and comfort. Based on the legendary Mercedes G-Wagon, it has been modified to maximize both function and style, making it an ideal companion for extended journeys into the wild. t’s a fully capable, self-contained adventure hub. Every modification is designed with intention, blending real-world functionality with personal experience to create the ultimate overlanding setup.
Key Modifications & Features:
• Suspension & Wheels: Equipped with King Shocks for superior ride quality and off-road performance, Nomad wheels for a rugged yet refined look, and Toyo RT Trail tires for exceptional traction across all terrains.
• Roof Conversion: A custom roof conversion that expands interior space, creating a more versatile and livable setup for long trips.
• Fully DIY Custom Interior: Designed and built from the ground up, the interior includes a sink, food prep area, and all the essentials needed to support an overlanding lifestyle. It is intentionally crafted to be a comfortable space to hang out, cook meals, and function as a workstation, making it adaptable for both relaxation and productivity. Every detail is based on years of experience, ensuring a setup that is both practical and efficient for self-sufficient travel.”
• Overlanding Essentials: Too many to list – you’ll have to go see Kirby’s vehicle tour at 4pm on Saturday to see all of them.
READ MORE: A Newcomer’s Guide to Overland Expo – SoCal 2025 Edition
2017 Honda Africa Twin
Chad Horton & Rose Padilla
Chad Horton and Rose Padilla (aka Two Wheels Three Sheets) of Los Angeles, California, recently returned to the United States after an extraordinary journey spanning over five years and 125,000 kilometers, exploring the remote and seldom-visited regions of South America. Their adventure followed the length of the Pan-American Highway, from Deadhorse, Alaska, to Ushuaia, Argentina. One highlight of their journey was a two-month expedition through the heart of the Amazon Jungle, which included a month-long boat-hopping adventure along the Napo and Amazon rivers. This was followed by an unforgettable ride along the infamous Ghost Road and the Trans-Amazonian Highway, a daring crossing of the South American continent’s breadth.
The conduit to these adventures was their 2017 Honda Africa Twin (manual) that is outfitted with RaceTech Suspension, Outback Motortek crash bars & bash plate, Doubletake Mirrors and Givi Trekker Luggage. Chad and Rose will technically be next to the Showcase & DIY Area in the Creator Area, but they will be giving a walk-around of their bike on both Saturday and Sunday at 2pm.
2015 Hilux MK7 Double Cab a.k.a. “Rhino
Lisa Morris & Jason Spafford:
“Meet Rhino, our 2015 Hilux MK7 Double Cab, built to take on the world with legendary durability (thanks Top Gear) and relatively decent fuel efficiency. Powered by a 2.5L turbo diesel engine, it’s designed for long-haul expeditions across the toughest terrains. But what may set Rhino apart is the carefully curated suite of upgrades that transform him into an optimum iteration of an overlanding rig.
At the core of our setup is the Alu-Cab ModCap Family Camper, a lightweight yet rugged canopy camper from OK4WD. With integrated LED lighting, smart storage solutions, and rock-solid durability, it’s an appealing basecamp on wheels. The Alu-Cab Shadow 270° Awning offers instant shade and shelter, while their 50-litre water tank keeps us hydrated on the go.
Inside, Goose Gear cabinetry and a seat delete system maximize storage efficiency, keeping our gear seamlessly organized. Thank goodness we both err on the neat side, stowing our stuff in designated areas only occasionally turns into organized chaos.
Comfort in all seasons is covered with a Dickinson Marine Fireplace and an app-controlled Chinese Diesel Heater, ensuring warmth at the flick of a switch and tap of a screen. For a touch of luxury, we’ve added a Joolca Hot Water System, making outdoor showers a joyful event rather than a bucket of warm water and soap.
Keeping provisions fresh is a National Luna 60L Legacy Smart QC Fridge/Freezer, and power management is dialled in with a Redarc Power System and Sunflare Xplor BLOX Solar Panels — giving us off-grid independence wherever the road takes us.
The build is reinforced with a CBI Off-Road bumper, providing both protection and rugged aesthetics.
Cooking in the wild works with a 2-burner stove, and downtime is made comfortable with HEST bedding and Helinox chairs.”
There is so much more to Lisa and Jason’s Hilux: make sure you join for one of their rig tours on Saturday at 1pm or on Sunday at 10am.
