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Indian cars modified for camping & overlanding
BHPians love to travel, and of course we want to do the travelling with our cars. Well, how about taking it a step further and spending the night with them, perhaps in a secluded location under the stars? Overlanding allows us to go to remote locations across the country, and camping in our cars allow us to pitch tent wherever we want to.
BHPians love to travel, and of course we want to do the travelling with our cars. Well, how about taking it a step further and spending the night with them, perhaps in a secluded location under the stars? Overlanding allows us to go to remote locations across the country, and camping in our cars allow us to pitch tent wherever we want to. All that we need is the right car, with some modifications to make it a lot more hospitable.
Here are some great examples of cars that have been suitably modified for overlanding + camping in India.
Mitsubishi Pajero
One of India's most loved body-on-frame SUVs. Thanks to its rugged image and off-roading capabilities, the Pajero is a popular vehicle used for overlanding. If you want to dive deeper, check out BHPian Tejas@perioimpl's detailed thread documenting his Pajero conversion, shown in the 2nd picture above. Sad that Mitsubishi India is no longer selling cars in India.
Isuzu V-Cross
Since its launch as a lifestyle vehicle, the V-Cross went on to become one of the most popular pick-ups in India. With a length of almost 5.3 meters it's a large car, and the vast cargo area adds a lot of versatility for modifications. This one has been done up by XS Overland and even comes with a 65 liter fridge.
Force Gurkha
The Gurkha is one of the most capable off-roaders in the country and has quite a fan-club despite its shortcomings. This one has been modified by Bimbra 4X4 and gets a tent, a canopy and auxiliary lights. The BS6 Gurkha is expected to be launched sometime in 2021.
Force Matador
Back in the late 90s, the Matador was the vehicle that took me to school and back. However, today, reliability with these aged vehicles can be an issue. That said, this Matador has travelled all the way from Kerala to Himachal Pradesh in a 100 days. Plentiful space available inside makes it a good camper.
Toyota Fortuner
Thanks to its reliability and off-road capability, the Fortuner is another popular vehicle used for overlanding. With the facelift, Toyota has given the SUV even more power and torque, which will come in handy while exploring new terrain. The blue Fortuner pictured above belongs to BHPian rahultomahawk.
Mahindra Scorpio
The Scorpio is sometimes known as the budget Fortuner. It has proven itself as a reliable workhorse and is abuse friendly. The brand itself has reached a cult status in India. The pick-up version of the Scorpio, the Getaway, offers some additional modification potential over the SUV. Oh, and the badass looking Scorpio in the last picture is a vehicle made specially for Gul Panag by BHPian Jaskirat.
Mahindra Thar
The Thar is known for its off-roading capability thanks to 4X4 and a short wheelbase. It's one of the most affordable and best-selling off-roaders in the country. This modification gives 'soft top Thar' a whole new meaning.
Mahindra Bolero
The Bolero has been the best-selling SUV in India for a long time, and is still extremely popular in rural areas. It is known for its no-nonsense ruggedness and durability. Pick the 4X4 variant, and it gives you the base for a great camping vehicle.
Mahindra CJ 500 DP
BHPian wanderernomad drives a Mahindra CJ 500 with a custom built camping trailer. The perfect combination of an off-roader and camper letting you spend the night anywhere you want to. Check out his Habban travelogue.
Tata Xenon
As you can probably tell, pick-ups are a popular option amongst campers due to the possibility of more tenting options. Modified Xenons like this are offered on rent by caravan rental companies.
Toyota Land Cruiser
Land Cruisers are one of the most popular camping vehicles the world over, but only a handful of them are used for overlanding in India. Its reliability and the confidence it gives the owners to take it anywhere has made it popular for overlanding internationally. This one was owned by BHPian rahultomahawk at the time of these pictures being taken. Read the story of his baby LJ78 here.
Mahindra XUV500
For those wanting a more polished Mahindra alternative to the Scorpios and Boleros, here's a kitted out XUV500.
Jeep Compass
The Compass gets a strong diesel engine and a four-wheel drive system allowing it to get off the main road and into the wild. However, it is not very popular for camping as reliability is not exactly its strong point. Here's one with a roof tent.
Mahindra Imperio
The Imperio pick-up is available as a commercial vehicle. A camping company is offering a modified version of the vehicle on rent with enough space for 2 passengers to sleep inside.
Tata Crew Cab 4X4
This camper was designed by the owner himself and cost about 9.5 lakhs to build. The vehicle can accommodate four and comes with a fresh water tank, solar panels, a fridge, drawers, beds, waste water tank, a portable toilet, stove burner, a water purifier, and folding tables and chairs.
Tata 207
BHPian DKG also built a standalone camper on a Tata 207 pick up. And you wouldn't believe it, but there's place in the camper for his motorbike, in case he feels like taking it along for the trip.
Willys MB
BHPian Richard_R did an overland conversion of his Willys. The vehicle gets a DI Turbo engine from a Bolero, a roof-top tent that he designed and built, a pressurisable 40-litre water tank, and an auxiliary inverter battery for a fan and 12V charging points. It has enough space to accommodate two people along with a foam mattress, blankets and pillows. It also has cooking utensils, cooking ingredients, gas cylinder, an icebox and tools.
Continue reading about cars converted for camping for more insights, information and BHPian comments.
- Tags:
- Indian
- Other
- Camping
- Overlanding
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