Overlanding Shock Research

Overlanding is the trending term for what many have been doing for decades; off-roading and camping in far off places, off pavement. There’s debate amongst the enthusiast of what it actually means, but don't get too caught up in the definition; no matter what you call it, the passion is there to get outdoors and off-grid.

Car-Camping / Glamping

Whatever your primary form of overlanding/off-roading is, the equipment consideration should match that purpose. Despite the latest trends in expensive race-level suspension offerings, most of these kits are overblown for the purpose in which they are used. A set of Bilstein 5100s or Old Man Emu shocks will sustain your vehicle for a very long time, over fire roads, maintained camp sites, and easy trails for many years. You do not need a $3000 suspension system to carry and support weekend-camping gear.

• A good monotube shock can handle a basic load that is within the parameters of the vehicle’s max load capacity, which is more than what most drivers will load their vehicle with (500-1000lbs in the bed/on top).
• Easy dirt roads and trails do not require extended travel capabilities or external remote reservoirs, just drive slower!
• Speed is the killer of shocks, taking it slower through terrain means you need less damping ability out of the shock, and you can take in the views, double win.

• An expedition with vehicles over vast amounts of land, with lots of equipment to sustain the passengers for many days on end between services and civilization.

Expedition Rig

If you already have a heavily equipped rig and loadout, you’re probably already considering some of the biggest brands out there right now such as Icon, Fox, King, Bilstein, SwayAway, Radflo and Teraflex - tons of options from the best manufacturers. At this level of consideration, specifics such as valving, compression/rebound adjustment, serviceability, and other small details come into play. This level of suspension is usually a ‘buy-it-for-life’ type of decision for your vehicle, mainly because its a very expensive investment, for the purpose of making your vehicle a tool for your passion.

• Coilovers and rear shocks with reservoirs are pretty standard at this level, maxing out damping capability for most terrains.
• Compression and Rebound adjustment is a consideration here, to account for different weight loadouts, and different speeds of travel over aggressive terrain.
• Types of valving such as progressive, digressive, and linear setups come down to the driver’s priority over how they want their vehicle to handle during the daily drive vs the planned expedition. Do you want your ride to handle smooth during 80% of its mileage life on the highway, or do you want it smoother during the 20% of its mileage while off-road during the adventure. Tradeoffs.

Get this Instead

We always recommend to start out of the gate with some basic upgrades over stock suspension for drivers that aren’t quite sure what they want, or how much they will be getting out on the trails. Instead of a $2k suspension upgrade as the first purchase, think about maybe a $500-1000 suspension + accessory to accommodate the adventure.

• Drawer System for organization - when your camping or sports gear is already organized, packed and ready to go in the vehicle... you are 33% more likely to get out and adventure (jk, we made that # up).
• Cooler or Fridge - a quality cooler or fridge eliminates the anxiety about ice and food storage on the road or at the campsite so you always have something fresh to eat or drink.
• Camping Arrangements - improved larger tent, better sleeping bag, better sleeping pad, better chairs. You’re spending more time sleeping or at camp than you are on rough trails so it makes sense to increase that comfort too.