A truck is more than transportation. It’s a ticket to adventure, a shelter in the wild and your trusted companion on the trail. Transforming a stock truck into a capable, self-sufficient basecamp is a journey in itself. One that requires more than just a collection of parts. It demands a guide. That's why your first destination should be inside the Juniper Overland Workshop.
Bridging the Gap in the Overland World
Years embedded in the truck camper industry planted the seed for Juniper Overland. Co-founder Chris Janeway, who had been selling a popular off-road camper brand since 2011, witnessed the explosive growth of overlanding firsthand. Yet, he and future partner Josh Abram consistently identified a critical gap.
Customers weren’t just looking to buy a camper; they were seeking a partner. They asked, “What else do I need?” and “How do I make my truck truly adventure-ready and reliable?” They found themselves navigating a fractured landscape between conventional 4x4 shops, traditional RV dealers, and the demanding, systems-based reality of serious overland travel.
By the summer of 2017, the path was clear. Chris and Josh decided to create the solution themselves. They founded Juniper Overland as an outfitter, a resource and a trusted partner for turning a vehicle into a home on wheels, capable of tackling any terrain.
Thriving Where Others Merely Survive
The name itself is a statement of intent. “Juniper” is the resilient tree that clings to life in the harshest environments of the American West. The high desert, alpine ridges and red rock country. They are tough, beautiful and built to thrive in rough conditions. This became the perfect symbol for the rigs Juniper Overland aspires to build.
So, what is the Juniper Overland difference? It’s a philosophy that permeates every project.
“Approaching every vehicle like it’s our own,” the team explains. “We don’t upsell unnecessary parts or chase trends. Instead, we build systems that work for how the customer actually plans to use their rig.”
The Juniper Overland Philosophy
The team's ethos boils down to three core principles.
- Honest Communication: A commitment to guiding customers, not just selling to them.
- Attention to Detail: A focus on clean integration and robust systems that last.
- Proven Experience: Every product and modification is vetted through real-world, trail-tested use.
Architects of Adventure
Juniper Overland is a collective of specialists who live and breathe the overland lifestyle. They don't clock out at 5 PM. These garage mechanics, backcountry explorers and passionate adventurers live the lifestyle and have turned their passion into a vocation.
- The Foundational Knowledge: Owners Josh and Chris have personally owned, built and iterated on multiple campers, giving them decades of combined, real-world experience.
- The Operational Engine: General Manager Jen started as a technician, giving her an unparalleled understanding of every build, down to the last bolt. She visualizes a complete vehicle system before it’s even scheduled.
- The Parts Encyclopedia: Sales Manager Nate, with a deep background in the outdoor industry, knows the “why” behind every part and can curate the perfect setup for any need.
- The Storytellers: From seasoned installers to the marketing team, every member draws from personal experience. From month-long Sierra trips to remote Colorado passes, this informs their work and communicate its value.
Systems Over Stuff
Walk through the Juniper Overland Workshop, and you’ll see a rotating lineup of rigs that serve as both personal vehicles and R&D platforms. From a 3rd Gen Tundra with a ModCAP Canopy Camper to a Tacoma sporting a Contour Canopy. This hands-on experience is critical to their build process.
“We’re not a tire-and-lift kind of shop,” they clarify. “We specialize in vehicle-based living systems. Power, water, heat, shelter and storage. These are the things that make extended, comfortable travel possible.”
This systems-thinking approach is what sets Juniper Overland apart. Especially as one of the only shops in Colorado that sells premium Alu-Cab Campers and handles the full truck integration in-house. A customer can buy a camper and have it professionally upfitted for immediate, reliable use under one roof.
Their favorite projects are the full-system builds, where they can take a stock truck and transform it into a turn-key expedition vehicle. “It allows us to plan everything as a cohesive system. One wiring harness, efficient cabinet layouts, custom suspension valving for the exact weight. Seeing it all come together is the most satisfying part.”
Common Pitfalls and Must-Have Gear
With so many rigs passing through their doors, the team has a clear view of what works, what doesn’t, and what's essential.
The Most Common DIY Mistake?
“Electrical,” they state without hesitation. “Underestimating current draw, using incorrect wire sizing, or poor fuse protection can cause major issues. Beyond that, bolting on gear without considering weight distribution and vehicle dynamics is a recipe for a rig that drives like a boat.”
The Non-Negotiable Modification?
“A dual-battery or robust power management system. Reliable power for your fridge, lights, comms, and heat changes everything. A DC-to-DC charger from a brand like REDARC is a game-changer. A close runner-up is an air heater for those ski-in-ski-out Colorado nights, it’s non-negotiable for comfort.”
The First Three Upgrades for a New Build
- A Proper Suspension Upgrade: Not for height, but to confidently carry the added weight.
- A Core Power System: For keeping essentials running off-grid.
- Recovery Gear and Training: Traction boards, a compressor, a kinetic rope, and the knowledge to use them safely.
A Partnership Forged in Philosophy
When asked why they partner with Alu-Cab, the answer is immediate and aligns perfectly with their own mission.
“Alu-Cab builds with the same philosophy we do. Strong, modular, and ready for anything. Products engineered for real-world use, not just showroom appeal. The design, quality of materials, and global reputation for reliability made it an easy choice.”
From an installer’s perspective, the appreciation goes even deeper. “Everything fits right. The precision saves us hours, and the hardware quality means we aren’t modifying parts to make them work. From the Contour Canopy to the Shadow Awning, Alu-Cab builds with installers in mind. That attention to detail shows in the final product.”
Where To Next for Juniper Overland?
The journey is far from over. Juniper Overland is charting a course for significant growth, moving to a larger facility to accommodate the soaring demand for quality campers and expert integration. But beyond expansion, the team is deepening its commitment to community and education.
They are launching a new video podcast, The RIG Show, dedicated to diving into industry news and providing real-world reviews of the gear they install. It's a move that supports their core identity: not just as outfitters, but as guides, committed to helping every adventurer find their path into the wild.
Expertise and trust lead to the best adventures. And Juniper Overland are that steady hand, guiding you through the complex. When you finally turn off the pavement, you can focus on the path ahead.