Discussing Expedition Campers and Crossing Jungles with Lance Gillies

Overland Journal Podcast host Scott Brady interviews Lance Gillies, founder and CEO of EarthCruiser, focusing on lessons from decades of travel and building expedition campers. Gillies recounts early Australia trips to Cape York in the wet with a Hilux and Holden Rodeo, emphasizing testing oneself responsibly and learning from remote Aboriginal communities, plus practical crocodile safety. They discuss travel mindset: learning basic language and history, and memorable Mongolia experiences with shepherd families. Gillies describes a month-long east–west equator crossing of Kalimantan, Borneo using a short-wheelbase Nissan Patrol, involving deep mud, winching, a river crossing by canoe where his vehicle partially submerged, and sanctuary offered by a remote mosque. He highlights key vehicle priorities—quality winch, water capacity/filtration, fuel range, accessible recovery/medical gear, durability over show—defines overlanding as experiencing life in others’ shoes, and advises buyers to prioritize livability, containerization and serviceability; he explains EarthCruiser’s shift from diesel (Fuso discontinuation due to emissions systems) toward gasoline and recommends negotiation and Stoic-themed books.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.