Overland Storage Setup: Dual Pickup

[wessa1999]

Good day everyone, my name is Wessel aged 23 and got into this overlanding thing for the past year. I would like to share with you my overland storage setup for travelling around Southern Africa. I drive a 2022 Isuzu Dmax 3.0 LS 4x4.

Firstly, I would like to thank the team from Bushtech, Ironman 4x4 and Lucky from Kalahari Alu Canopies for the great work they have done to date.

My first step was to put on a Canopy to store my gear safely away from the elements when I travel. I opted for a Bushtech canopy, mainly because of the 10-year service and warranty, as well as the choice of accessories you can choose from. I also added a dust-kit and insulation for to keep the canopy cool inside. Proper all terrain tires were also a requirement from the get-go.

I then went camping for a few months to see what was needed and how I would like to proceed. Ease of access and keeping the setup lightweight was a requirement. I followed the advice from Get-Out-Go's video and did a lot of research before purchasing gear.

I decided to add a kitchen cupboard (a bit small but we made it work). I contacted Ultimate Overland to create custom kitchen canvas pouches to store all my kitchen utilities in the cupboard. I got a little fold out table for when I pop next to the road for a coffee.


As you can see, the fridge is nice an accessible from the side of the vehicle, without the need for a fridge slide which add a lot of weight and cost. I also opted for one large drawer to store my pot, pan and other dry foods. 78l ARB fridge, a 50-60l National Luna or such would be an easier fit in terms of size.




I added a slide out table stored in the roof, a gas stove slide and also DIY toilet for in the bush. I got one of the pump-up showers from Nemo, for washing dishes or showering when out there.



The next big job was adding enough water for a minimum of 5 days out in the Kalahari. At the back of the canopy, over the rear axle, I added two water tanks giving me a capacity of 120l of water. One is for drinking and the other for shower. All gravity fed, I also added breathers to the filler caps. Outlets were created in such a way that I can connect a hose to outlets to fill the tanks, instead of from the filler caps.


I got an idea to add a divider in my canopy as shown in above image, where I can store my ground tent, chairs and sleeping bags. The great thing about this is separating my chairs and other bits from falling on top of my clothing bags. It also created some ideas in the future for storage pouches against the divider.



The next step to becoming self-sufficient, was to use a charging system for my second battery. I contacted the guys from Ironman 4x4 to do the fitment, and we opted to put all the electrics for the dual battery setup in one of Bushtech's cupboards. They designed it in such a way that I can in the near future add an MPPT, Inverter and Battery monitor to it. The battery box was stored in the rear of the canopy over the rear axle.


I added a roof rack for additional storage of spare wheel or extra firewood. All of this gear added weight to the vehicle, especially when fully packed, therefore I opted for the Ironman 4x4 Foam Cell Pro suspension kit. I also added a snorkel for the dusty roads I will be taking the Isuzu.

Why no rooftop tent in unfenced areas? Cost was the biggest factor, I rather have a bit more financial freedom for proper vehicle maintenance and to do a magical trip to Zambia or Botswana than saving for the ultimate tent. I can set up a dome canvas tent in about 7 mins with a buddy.

What is next for the Isuzu?
1. Awning & awning room tent (having Ironman 4x4's one in mind, for when alone)
2. Long-range tank
3. Front and under body protection

I hope you all enjoyed this thread and please comment what you would have done below.

[grips]

What a privilege. Well kitted for a 23 year old. At your age I had a Cortina bakkie, Cooler box, Cheap tent and Checkers camping chairs.

Believe me even having a very nice or above average setup for a 23 year old you will find that with time and experience this may end up something very different. I grew up camping and touring and it keep changes.

You are single and most basic, you get married and you need to satisfy Swambo, then kids you need to account for and then you are back to square one

Enjoy and keep us posted on your journey.

[grips]

Ps. Me think you have a lot of wasted space

[Erwin Schimper]

Yes, what a privilege at 23. You are going to test asn change over the years to come. For now, you have ample space. Had a VW Beetle with a plastic 2 man tent and a plastic cooler box, an amry sleeping bag, and no mattress.

[wessa1999]

Thanks guys, I am forever grateful for the position I am in.

Could not agree more with you guys.

Haha let me tell you about my first few camping trips which were a nightmare. On my very first camping trip we opted to sleep in a gazebo, we ended up forgetting the entire gazebo room and just took the frame (most memorable trip). Nearly burned down the Kruger due to a gas leak in our Cadac setup (sand saved us), after that trip we changed to a small gas stove Camping without a table. Kgalagadi dust is something else. Corrugations versus long life milk carton.

Will keep you guys updated, I am heading to the Tuli Block & Kubu Island after my exam next month.

P.s. be an Actuary (busy with my final exam before being fully qualified)