Just over two years ago, I installed the Nomad Kitchen Co. Overlander Kit onto my truck. Today, I’m going to talk about everything I’ve learned and experienced with this storage and kitchen setup to help you decide if it’s right for you. Check out my my initial installation and review of the kit.
Throughout the time I’ve owned it, I’ve gone on multi-day trips, overnights, and even parking lot events. As a result, I’ve gathered knowledge, plus a list of likes and dislikes. My experience has been wonderful, but I’m here to share my key observations.
Let’s get started!
Table Of Contents
Purpose & Functionality
As a weekend warrior overlander, I wondered whether this setup was too overkill. The conclusion I reached was no, not really.
Camping meals are notorious for not being glamorous, and finding the patience and skills to cook a nice meal in the elements out of a standard basic kitchen can be challenging. As a novice cooker, I’ve embraced the challenge and really enjoyed and appreciated the “full-size kitchen” like feel the Overlander offers. Having one side of the setup dedicated to the cooking and the other for counter space and prep, it’s nice to split the tasks and have the space needed to throw down a good meal.
As I’ve learned over the last year, I really have no excuse not to make a good meal outdoors with a setup like the Overlander. I haven’t changed a thing since my initial purchase; rather, I’ve just added certain gadgets to help make it even more functional.
The beauty of the Overlander is its versatility. Unlike other competitors on the market, it’s entirely removable within minutes. Using the unique strap system, the drawers are not permanent, leaving the perks of a wide-open truck bed still possible.
Whether you need to haul construction materials or just load the bed full of gear, the Overlander can be removed within 2-3 minutes by undoing the ratchet straps. Once you’re done using the full bed space, install it back with the same straps. The setup is incredibly functional and user-friendly, which has been one of my favorite talking points.
Putting the skepticism behind it, the strap system does a really good job of keeping the unit secure. After tightening it down, there’s no budging or movement, leaving you with peace of mind on the trails.
As discussed in the initial review, the Overlanders’ construction is wood with a custom bed liner-like coating, making the system durable and customizable. You can mount and drill whatever you want into the system, stack or rearrange it however you please. You can even use one side of the slide-outs instead of both. That’s the beauty of the Nomad design that I’ve appreciated: the non-permanent installation and customization.
Features, Highlights & Experiences
There’s a laundry list of features to discuss, but I want to focus on the one that stands out the most – durability.
The first thing that comes to mind with wood construction is… “how durable is it”? Over my ownership, I’ve had no issues with this, and mine has been through the ringer. It hasn’t shown any signs of wear or durability loss, from different climates to getting tossed all around and a bunch of gear thrown on top, water exposure, etc. The kitchen and drawer sides are stuffed with gear, and no signs of performance loss or breakage have occurred!
Furthermore, with a combined dry weight of 135 lbs., it is quite a bit lighter than other brands on the market.
Nomad designed the kit and all their products with the customer and convenience in mind. There are a few details about it that I would’ve never thought of if I had built one that is even remotely similar.
This includes specific cutouts for propane lines, a universal stove mounting location, slots specific to countertops and cutting boards, trash bag hooks, and much more. As a feature guru, I’ve appreciated the thought process incorporated into the design.
I’ve been all over the West Coast with my truck and Overlander setup, and I’m pleased to say it’s been great. From spending a week out in the Sierras to a quick overnight in Flagstaff, the system has served me well in my quest to find not only a storage but also a cooking solution.
The ease of setup and breakdown makes the somewhat laborious task of cooking more enjoyable. You can spend less time struggling and more time eating!
Pros & Cons
I don’t have many cons to mention about the Overlander. Nothing is perfect, but it’s really close! One of the biggest cons I want to mention is the price. It’s a hard pill to swallow for the ~$2,750 base price tag (LT Series, at time of publishing). The whole bundle kit comes in at $3500 with all the accessories, which is steep but not entirely outrageous. However, for a product built in the US with this high quality, it’s hard to expect low prices.
Pros
- Customizable
- Lightweight & durable construction
- Universal truck bed fit
- Non-permanent mounting
Cons
- Pricey
Final Thoughts
All in all, I believe the Nomad Kitchen Co. Overlander is an awesome product for those looking to get more out of their storage and kitchen setup. While it’s on the steeper end of the price point, you get what you pay for. The old saying “buy once, cry once” is pertinent here.
If you’re in the market for a storage and kitchen setup for your rig, I highly suggest checking out Nomad Kitchen Co. Whether you’ve got a truck or even a sedan, there are options out there to fit your adventure needs.
Till then – Happy Trails!
