The 6 Stages of Building an Expedition Truck
You’ve worked hard for your freedom—why settle for an off-the-shelf solution? At ACME Overland, we create expedition vehicles that embody your personal style, performance expectations, and desire to get off the beaten path in total comfort.
Whether you're planning to cross continents, disappear into the desert, or find solitude in the mountains, let’s take a look at what’s included when you build a fully custom expedition truck with ACME Overland.
1. Free Initial Consultation: A Conversation, Not a Sales Pitch
Every custom build starts with a real conversation. In your initial consultation, we take the time to understand your lifestyle, travel goals, and preferences. Whether you know exactly what you want or you’re exploring ideas, we’ll walk you through all the possibilities—from the kind of terrain you plan to travel, to how long you want to be off-grid, to whether you're traveling solo, with a partner, or with the whole family.
We’ll cover:
The type of travel you plan to do
Budget expectations
Size and functionality needs
Preferences around materials, features, and vehicle design
It’s about getting it right from the beginning—no assumptions, no templates.
2. Sourcing and Importing Your Ideal Chassis
Once we understand what you need, we help locate and acquire the perfect truck chassis for your build. Whether it’s an Acela, Unimog, Isuzu, or another trusted platform, we leverage our global network to source the best possible option—handling everything from inspection to acquisition.
We assist with:
Finding the right base vehicle (in the U.S. or abroad)
Evaluating and coordinating any refurbishing work
Managing importation logistics and documentation
If you're looking to import something truly unique from Europe, we’ll walk you through timelines, and how to handle the nuances of registration, compliance, and delivery.
3. Creating a Floor Plan Tailored to You
This is where the fun begins. Working closely with our design team, you’ll collaborate on a floor plan that reflects your personal travel style. We’ll discuss everything from where you want your bed and shower, to how you’ll use kitchen space, to gear storage for everything from fly rods to mountain bikes.
You’ll also select:
Cabinetry styles and wood finishes
Upholstery and color palettes
Appliances, heating and cooling systems, and off-grid capabilities
No two ACME builds are alike. This is your chance to create a space that feels like home, no matter where you are in the world.
4. In-House Box Fabrication and Exterior Setup
We build our boxes right here at ACME Overland. Each box is engineered for strength, insulation, and durability, ready for harsh conditions and remote travel.
Included:
Box fabrication and mounting
External components: racks, LED lighting, roof decks, tire carriers
Prep and final paintwork
This is where your truck starts to take shape—not just a vehicle, but a self-sufficient machine ready for anything.
5. Interior Build-Out: Function Meets Luxury
Our interior builds combine craftsmanship with capability. From advanced electrical systems to custom cabinetry, this is where off-grid functionality meets five-star comfort.
What’s included:
Full plumbing and water systems
Custom-built cabinetry, storage, and seating
Wall finishes, flooring, lighting
Full appliance installation (fridge/freezer, stove, washer/dryer, etc.)
Diesel or electric heating, air conditioning, solar arrays, battery banks
We use only the best materials—because reliability and quality should never be sacrificed when you're hundreds of miles from the nearest road.
6. Pickup Day: More Than Just a Handoff
The day your truck is ready, we don’t just hand you the keys and wave goodbye. We make sure you’re confident and comfortable behind the wheel and inside your rig.
On delivery day, you’ll receive:
A comprehensive walk-through of every system and feature
One-on-one driving instruction if needed
Recommendations for a short overnight test trip nearby
Our shop is surrounded by scenic destinations, so you can take your new build out, test everything, and circle back with any final questions or tweaks. We’re here to support you long after you drive away.
Why ACME Overland?
Because you're not just buying a vehicle—you're building an off-grid expedition truck for whatever journey lies ahead. At ACME, we specialize in translating your adventurous spirit into a reliable, comfortable, and capable expedition vehicle.
Each truck is one of one—a handcrafted expression of where you want to go and how you want to get there.
Ready to design a vehicle that’s truly yours? Reach out for your free consultation and let’s start building your next adventure.
