Haans Madsen (Overland Bound Member #0156) made the trek from Seattle to join us for the Off the Grid rally this past September. We had the pleasure of connecting with him (and his dog Duke!) in Shaver Lake, and we were impressed with his Overlanding set up! Read more to learn about Haans’ adventures, rig mods and thoughts on Overlanding.
What’s the Year/Make/Model of your rig?
2007 Toyota Tacoma Double Can short bed TRD Off Road
What modifications have you made so far?
Suspension Front:
OME 885 coils around bilstein 5100 Adj shocks+ 1/4 top spacer
Suspension Rear:
OME Dakar leaf packs+ u-bolt flip kit+ Bilstein 5165 remote res shocks+ energy susp bumps
Tires/Wheels:
FJ TRD black rims inside BFG AT 285/75/16 ARMOR:
ARB deluxe front bull bar w fogs and LED indicators
Pelfreybilt tire swing out w/ folding table + rotopax mount
Trail gear sliders
Pelfreybilt front and mid steel skids
All-Pro Off Road rear diff skid
Shelter:
Snugtop canopy, Tepui tents RTT, ARB 4′ awning
Electrical:
National Luna dual battery system with in can monitor
2X Optima Bluetop deep cycle batteries
Stinger fuse block
2500W inverter (plus factory inverter)
ARB 50Q fridge with wireless monitor
Handmade fridge slide in (removed passenger rear seat to install)
Multiple 12v outlets
20″ LED bar
2x bull bar mounted floods
2x Rigid Industries rear bumper reverse lights
2x 6″ single LED bar both sides of roof rack
6x rock lights
Rear canopy red LED strips
Retro fitted headlight with Morimoto projector and HID
Storage:
2x full bed-length drawer system (handmade)
Roof rack bought of Craigslist off an older Jeep FJ with custom Lexan fairing and rhino lined canopy rails to support RTT made by PRORAC
Multiple MOLLE locations
Recovery:
Smittybilt 9000lb winch with factor 55 thimble
ARB Recovery Bag with various necessary components
BP FAB recovery tow hook shackle mount
Hi-lift jack
VIAR 450P-a compressor
Security:
Center console vault
Computer high alert alarm with auto start
GPS tracking
Nav/Comm:
Hema maps via iPad in cab ram mounted
Cobra compact CB W CBI hood mount
Garmin nuvi, gazetteer and compass
(But sometimes I just like to get lost and don’t use anything. 😉
Mechanical:
Safari snorkel
High clear re-route exhaust with magna flow muffler
ARB diff breathers
Stainless steel brake lines
Camping:
All the necessary dishes cooking vessels, and stoves. Handmade “road shower”, plus all the items you would imagine you would need.
Misc:
Wet Okole seat cover
Weather tech floor mats,
Multiple first aid kits (Common injuries and one for trauma/severe)
What process did you go through selecting your rig?
It was one of those situations where you find yourself being in the right place at the right time. (And of course at the very right price.)
What influenced your Overland vehicle choice?
In all honesty, I had the truck before I knew I would be revolving my life around adventure and mystery. So, it is almost fair to say my vehicle influenced me! Besides, you really can’t go wrong with Toyota.
What are 3 things that you *really* like about your rig?
That my rig gets me to amazing places (and) it gets me back!
I appreciate that my rig is spacious enough for me and my dog Duke to feel at home, but not too big to miss out on tight trails.
That it’s a Toyota!
What would you add or improve?
I wish I could improve my gas Milage! I would like to add a supercharger.
Rooftop or ground tent?
RTT and ground! Depends on the adventure
When did you first hear the term Overland?
When I was about 15 I watched the Camel Trophy with my dad and he told me this was extreme overlanding. I was hooked!
What is it about Overlanding you enjoy most?
I don’t believe I could narrow down one single thing I enjoy. Overlanding is not so much an experience to me, but rather a range of feelings and emotions.
When I acknowledge the word Overlanding my mind goes free and I start to feel anxious. I want to get out there! There is sooo much out there. I feel elated because it means something new, new places, new faces, new ways to feel. I hear that word and it brings mystery and wonder. It truly makes me feel alive. I need to explore!
Longest trip completed/planned?
An 8k mile trip this last summer. Five states, 27 trails, 5 national parks, 45 towns. Countless wet wipe showers.
Have you ever had to make a trail repair – If so what? If not, what are you prepared for?
Not really, a few tire plugs here and there. (Nobody wants to use the spare!) Maybe some minor brake work.
What else should we know about your rig?
You should ask the Mileage under the clock?! 78K.
Tell us one time when your rig saved you, or you were really impressed by it.
Being from Alaska, I have had my share of snow days and it has impressed me beyond words. My truck saves me every time I get in it to go adventure!
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