2024 Ford Maverick Tremor: An Overlanding and Adventure Build
The Ford Maverick might not be the first truck that comes to mind when you think about overlanding, but that hasn’t stopped some owners from turning Ford’s compact pickup into a capable adventure vehicle.
Matteus, a Maverick owner from Los Angeles, California, has spent considerable time and money transforming his 2024 Ford Maverick Tremor XLT into a well-equipped overlanding rig. His build includes a Go Fast Camper, upgraded suspension, all-terrain tires, auxiliary lighting, onboard electrical power, a refrigerator/freezer, and a custom slide-out kitchen.
More importantly, this isn’t just a truck that looks ready for adventure. Matteus has put thousands of miles on it exploring some challenging destinations throughout the western United States, including the Mojave Road, Death Valley, and the White Rim Trail near Moab, Utah.
His build is documented in several threads on Maverick Truck Club, where he has shared photographs, equipment lists, and updates as the truck evolved.
Starting With a Ford Maverick Tremor
Matteus started with a 2024 Ford Maverick Tremor XLT equipped with Ford’s 2.0L EcoBoost engine.
The Tremor package provided a good starting point for an off-road build, but he wanted to turn it into something that could carry camping equipment and support extended trips away from established campgrounds.
One of the first modifications was a Rough Country 2-inch lift, along with 245/70R17 Toyo Open Country A/T III tires. The additional ground clearance and more aggressive tires gave the Maverick a better starting point for exploring dirt roads and rougher terrain.
He also installed Air Lift airbags, which would become useful with the additional weight of the camper and camping equipment.
Other early modifications included Air Design fender flares, ceramic window tint, black roof wrap, and a chrome delete on the badging.
Go Fast Camper and Overlanding Equipment
One of the most noticeable additions is a Go Fast Camper mounted over the Maverick’s bed.
The camper is supported by three Beef Bars and includes a solar panel mounting tray. The setup provides a place to sleep while keeping the truck’s bed available for other equipment.
An Overland Vehicle Systems HD LT 270-degree awning extends from the passenger side. An OVS shower room attaches to the awning setup, providing some privacy when showering or changing clothes at camp.
The truck also carries Maxtrax recovery boards mounted to the Beef Bars.
For auxiliary lighting, Matteus installed a pair of Baja Designs LP6 lights up front, along with Squadron Sport ditch lights mounted near the A-pillars. Additional Baja Designs S1 lights provide white rear-facing backup lighting and yellow rear-facing chase lighting.
An Auxbeam six-gang switch panel and fuse box controls the auxiliary electrical equipment.
He also installed an MRT exhaust system, adding another modification to the truck beyond its camping and off-road equipment.
A Self-Contained Camping Setup
The camping equipment is where this Maverick really starts to stand out.
Rather than relying on coolers and a basic camp stove, Matteus built a custom pull-out kitchen for the truck. The kitchen includes a Blackstone griddle, making it possible to prepare meals without having to unload a collection of camping equipment.
Food storage is handled by an Alpicool dual-zone refrigerator/freezer with approximately 45 quarts of capacity.
Electrical power comes from a Bluetti AC180 portable power station, supported by a 100-watt Renogy framed solar panel. A Bluetti Charger 1 DC-DC charger provides another way to charge the power station while traveling.
This combination provides electrical capacity for refrigeration, camping accessories, and other equipment without requiring a conventional permanently installed auxiliary battery system.
The result is a compact pickup that carries much of the equipment you’d expect to find in a considerably larger overlanding vehicle.
Upgrading the Suspension
The original Rough Country 2-inch puck lift was eventually replaced with Eibach Pro Coilovers and Eibach heavy-duty rear coils.
Matteus also installed Timbren Active Off-Road rear bump stops.
The suspension changes were more than just an attempt to improve the truck’s appearance. They addressed how the Maverick handled rough terrain, particularly with the additional weight of the camper and camping equipment.
In an October 2, 2025 update on Maverick Truck Club, Matteus described the change from the Rough Country lift to the Eibach suspension as a night-and-day difference.
He reported that the truck was riding considerably better and that he had much more confidence when encountering larger bumps at speed, particularly with the rear suspension.
The Timbren bump stops also made a noticeable difference. During a subsequent trip to Utah, he specifically mentioned that they helped the ride and made the rear of the truck feel better supported.
Underbody Protection and Wheels
As the truck became more capable, underbody protection became increasingly important.
Matteus added JJC EVAP skid plates and rock sliders to help protect vulnerable components when traveling over rocks and other obstacles.
At the time of his October 2025 update, he was still waiting for additional gas tank and catalytic converter skid plates.
He also replaced the original wheels with fifteen52 Traverse MX wheels finished in Magnesium Grey.
These modifications would soon get a real-world test on one of the more challenging trips the Maverick had undertaken.
35,000 Miles of Adventure
By September 2025, Matteus reported putting approximately 35,000 miles on the Maverick in its first 16 months.
Those miles included trips along the Mojave Road, the Los Angeles Coast 4×4 Trail, numerous excursions along Highway 395, and visits to Saline Valley and Death Valley.
He also reported driving through deep snow, mud, and sand, saying the little truck had gotten him everywhere he needed to go without getting stuck.
The truck hasn’t been without its share of off-road damage, however.
Matteus described getting the Maverick approximately three feet in the air, resulting in three blown tires and damage to a CV axle, both tie rods, and the steering rack and pinion.
He subsequently upgraded the tires and explained that he regularly airs them down to approximately 18 PSI when heading off-road.
The rear bumper also took a beating during his adventures. After repeatedly damaging it on the trail, he modified the bumper to improve departure clearance. The MRT side-exit exhaust was part of that modification.
By his September 2025 update, he estimated that he had invested approximately $22,000 in modifications, not including the cost of the truck itself. Most of the installation work was performed by the owner.
White Rim Trail: Putting the Build to the Test
Perhaps the most interesting update came in October 2025, when Matteus and his wife completed the White Rim Trail near Moab, Utah.
Located within Canyonlands National Park, the White Rim Trail is a remote backcountry route known for its spectacular scenery, rocky terrain, and challenging sections. It’s not the sort of place where you want to discover that your suspension or underbody protection isn’t up to the task.
The couple completed the entire route in their Maverick Tremor, making it another significant destination for the growing adventure build.
Matteus pointed out that Canyonlands requires vehicles traveling the White Rim Trail to have four-wheel drive and low-range gearing. Although park personnel didn’t check his Maverick, he acknowledged that after encountering some of the more difficult sections, he understood why those requirements were in place.
The Maverick performed well during the trip, but the owner was particularly glad he had installed the Eibach suspension, Timbren bump stops, skid plates, and rock sliders beforehand.
He reported encountering some fairly large ledges where the truck slid across obstacles, scraping the skid plates and rock sliders.
The suspension upgrades also received additional praise. Matteus said the Eibach Pro Coilovers and rear springs, combined with the Timbren Active Off-Road bump stops, helped the ride considerably and made the rear suspension feel better supported.
It was a good real-world test of the modifications and demonstrated why underbody protection is an important consideration when building a vehicle for more serious off-road travel.
The White Rim Trail joined the Mojave Road, Lost Coast 4×4 Trail, and Saline Valley Hot Springs in Death Valley as another destination the Maverick had successfully reached.
A Different Approach to Overlanding
Not every overlanding vehicle needs to be a full-size pickup with a heavy suspension system, steel bumpers, and an elaborate rooftop tent setup.
This Maverick Tremor demonstrates what can be accomplished with a smaller pickup when the equipment is selected around the owner’s intended use.
The combination of the Go Fast Camper, upgraded suspension, all-terrain tires, auxiliary lighting, portable power, refrigeration, and custom kitchen makes it a practical camping platform while retaining the relatively compact size of the Maverick.
It’s also a good example of how owners are finding new ways to use Ford’s smaller pickup beyond its traditional roles as a commuter, work truck, or daily driver.
Matteus didn’t simply bolt on a collection of accessories to make his Maverick look like an overlanding vehicle. He built it around the trips he wanted to take, made changes based on his experiences, and continued upgrading it as he discovered what worked and what needed improvement.
For anyone considering using a Ford Maverick Tremor for camping, overlanding, or exploring backcountry roads, this is an interesting build worth following.
Follow the Build
Matteus has documented the truck’s modifications and adventures in several threads on Maverick Truck Club. The original discussions include additional photographs, equipment details, and updates from the owner.
- Ford Maverick Tremor Adventure Build (for Overlanding / Camping)
- Fully Built Out Tremor Maverick
- Maverick Overland Build Near Completion
- White Rim Trail (Moab) in My Maverick Tremor!
See it on Instagram
instagram.com/matteus.degasperis
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About The Author
Growing up, my father always believed that every family needed a truck—there’s just something about having a vehicle capable of hauling anything at a moment’s notice. That philosophy stuck with me, and it’s been the foundation of my lifelong passion for Ford trucks.
While I’m best known for my work with Ford Rangers, I’ve owned a wide variety of Ford trucks over the years—including F-150s, F-250s, F-350s, and even larger rigs like the Ford Excursion, Ford Expedition, and a 1982 Ford Econoline Sportsmobile camper van. I’ve used these vehicles for everything from family transportation to towing car trailers and campers, and each one has fueled my love for Ford’s versatility and durability.
I especially enjoy the styling of 1970s and 1980s Ford trucks—the bold designs, rugged presence, and classic charm are timeless. Sharing my passion for Ford trucks, vans, and SUVs with other enthusiasts online brings me a great deal of joy, and it’s why I created Blue Oval Trucks.
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