The 2025 overland expo season kicked off with a bang in Southern California with not only the inaugural Overland Expo SoCal but also the California Overland Adventure and Power Sports Expo. While both shows were largely dominated by Toyota Tacoma pickups and Land Cruiser SUVs, we were excited to finally see the wildly different Tesla Cybertruck starting to catch on with the overland crowd. Before you come at us, sure, there may have only been a dozen or so between the two shows, but that was still 12 more Cybertrucks than Rivian R1Ts or F-150 Lightnings.
There’s Actual Off-Road Hardware Available For Cybertruck
Cybertruck has been on the market for more than a year and it has taken that long for the aftermarket to embrace its strangeness. Displaying at the California Overland Adventure Expo was Poway, California, based CybertruckCo. The company offers heavy-duty steel rock sliders, control arm skid plates, light bars, and more for Cybertruck. They also sell a wide variety of cross bars, bed racks, bed caps, and the impressive pop top CyberCamper.
Tesla Gets In On The Game, Too
More shocking was the fact that Tesla itself had a display at the expo. The company brought out a pair of Cybertrucks and fit one of them with the accessory CyberTent. We’ll admit, though, that with a price of $2,975 the CyberTent is less than impressive. Sure, it mounts compactly in the bed of the truck and its airframe design inflates in minutes. But up close it’s pretty lackluster.
The Best Expo Action Is In The Parking Lot
It’s always fun seeing what vehicles people drive to these sort of expo events. And this time we spotted several kitted-out Cybertrucks outside the gates. Most were fit with the obligatory molle bed racks, a rooftop tent, and a smattering of mounted accessories. Bonus points are awarded to owners who parked in the truck’s tallest off-road suspension setting.
Does The Tesla Cybertruck Make A Good Overlander?
Tesla’s Cybertruck might look like something out of a sci-fi movie, but under its angular stainless-steel skin lies a seriously capable platform for overland adventures. While purists may scoff at its futuristic design and all-electric drivetrain, the Cybertruck brings a lot to the table that traditional rigs simply can’t match.
The ability to have power on-demand while exploring the backcountry is key, whether it’s for running fridges, enabling cooking, powering lights, or charging gear. The Cybertruck’s massive battery pack makes it a mobile power station. Built-in outlets, including a 240V hookup, and the ability to run power-hungry tools or charge electric bikes straight from the truck are game changers. No need for a noisy gas generator or cumbersome solar array.
Adaptive air suspension allows for up to 16 inches of ground clearance—more than a stock Jeep Wrangler Rubicon. Paired with impressive approach and departure angles, locking differentials, and intelligent all-wheel drive, the Cybertruck isn’t just built for pavement. The electric torque delivery gives instant traction, a huge benefit when rock crawling or navigating slippery terrain.
The ultra-hard stainless-steel exoskeleton isn’t just for looks—it resists dents, corrosion, and trail rash better than painted panels. The bed (or “vault,” as Tesla calls it) is weater resistant, lockable, and comes with a built-in tonneau cover. With a 3,500-pound payload and 14,000-pound towing capacity, it can haul gear, trailers, or even another vehicle without breaking a sweat.
Like it or not, Cybertruck is providing a glimpse into what overlanding could become: quiet, clean, powerful, and self-reliant. If you can get past the looks, there’s a capable, rugged, and forward-thinking rig ready to be built into something special.
