In 2014 we made one the most important decision of our lives: we decided to sell everything we owned to become full time Overlanders and explore the world while we were still “young” and healthy.
The second biggest decision was the vehicle selection!
Finding the vehicle that would suit us best, was not an easy task.
Our online searches were endless, we first fell in love with the Toyota Landcruiser Troopy camper conversion in Australia but we quickly found out that it was impossible to import to the US (unless in was 25 years old) and after all, it was maybe just to small for us.
After more research our final 2 options were the Bengal TX by TIGER Adventure Vehicles and the V1 by XPCAMPER.
In October 2014, we attended the Overland Expo in Asheville NC and were able to see the Tiger and the XPC and all kinds of other great Overland Vehicles.
After much reflection we made our final decision and in January 2015, after selling our house, we put a deposit on a V1 XPCAMPER (now Nimbl Vehicles).
We liked the bright and airy interior, the queen size bed with a lot of headroom, the low profile of the vehicle that fits in a shipping container, the superior design technology and the overall quality.
But first we needed a truck …
In March 2015, after searching on Craigslist and AutoTrader we found the truck we were looking for in Sandy, Utah: a 2007 Dodge Ram 3500 SLT, Quad Cab, SRW (Single Rear Wheel) with a Cummins 5.9L turbo diesel engine, 4WD with only 48,000 miles.
Because our journey takes us through Central and South America, we had to go with a 2007 truck or older because of the ULSD (Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel Fuel) that is not available in most Central and South American countries.
It also came equipped with a Jake Brake which will be very valuable when driving the many downhill roads in Central and South America. It will spare our brakes from heating up. The engine brake was an unexpected bonus.
Modifications and add-ons:
ARB Front Bumper
WARN Winch 16.5ti with synthetic rope
IPF 900 Dual Beam lights with 110/80 watt bulbs
TOYO Tires A/T II Open Country Xtreme LT295/70R18 129/126S
Fuel Off Road Wheels Deep Lip Beast D564 18×9
ICON 2.5’’ Lift Suspension System: Coil Springs, Shocks, Stabiliser bar
Daystar Air Bags
ARB front and rear Airlockers (Air operated locking differentials)
Dynatrac Free Spin kit
Sway bar
AFE Power Front Differential Cover with Gasket
Steering tie rods
AFE Power Rear Differential Cover
ARB Differential breather kit
Borgeson Upgraded large Steering Box
Borgeson Steering Shaft
Stabiliser bar
Performance enhancement package:
Volant Air Intake System, MBRP exhaust system, Edge vehicle monitoring system
Pure Flow Airdog 100 (Fuel Pump)
TITAN Diesel fuel tank (62 gallon)
ARB Dual compressor with tank and hoses
ARB 37 quart Refrigerator installed in the back of the truck (single seat removed)
XPC Skidplate
3M Automotive security window film
Ravelco Anti-Theft Device
Recovery package:
Masterpull Snatch block
ARB Tree protector strap 16ft
ARB Snatch Strap 24000 lbs
ARB Strap wraps
Maxtrax set with linking kit and leashes
ARB Speedy Seal Tire repair kit
ARB E-Z Deflator
ARB Blue Inflator with gauge
ARB Gear bag
Hi-Lift Jack HL484 48’’
Hi-Lift Jack FK Fix-It-Kit
Hi-Lift Jack ORB Off-Road Base
Tri-Lynx Levelers (pack of 10)
V1 XPCAMPER (now Nimbl Vehicles)
Standard features:
LED lighting
Stainless steel flush mounted sink
Dometic CoolMatic CRX-110 compressor refrigerator/freezer
Webasto Diesel cooktop x100
Marine hardware for all hinges and latches
Wet bath: Shower / Thetford Cassette toilet C402
Johnson Pump Aqua Jet Water Pressure Systems
Queen size bed with Froli box spring system
Under bed storage with custom storage bags
Large skylight/escape hatch over the bed
2 Maxx Fan
4 dual pane windows
72 gallon (270 l) heated fresh water tank
27 gallon (102 l) grey water tank
3M Whole Vehicle Water Filtration
Webasto Dualtop diesel water and air Heater
2 flex solar panels @ 200W ea w/30 amp controller
2 batteries @ 300 AH AGM 6V ea (300 amp 12V)
Add-ons:
1 additional flex solar panel @ 200W
2 additional batteries @ 300 AH AGM 6V ea (300 amp 12V)
Pure Sine Inverter 2000w 12V with battery monitoring system
Dometic Awning 10’ polar with remote control and LED lights
Outside shower
Dometic Microwave
Rear LED GoLights
UV Water Filtration system
1.5’’ memory foam mattress topper
