There’s something about a wagon. Long, lean, capable without making a scene. For years, I had my 2000 Ford Explorer built up as a rugged overlander — rooftop tent, lift, the works. It was a beast, and it took me places I’ll never forget. But after downsizing life and reassessing how I travel with a body that needs more care and recovery time, I knew I needed a vehicle that was quieter, more efficient, and just as capable in its own right.
Enter the Volvo XC70 — AWD, 2.5L turbo, high ground clearance, and timeless lines that look just as at home on a dirt road as they do in a downtown parking lot.
Downsizing, Not Downgrading
This wasn’t about giving up adventure — it was about refining it.
The XC70 is built for long drives, bad weather, and gravel roads. It’s not going to rock crawl or ford rivers, but that’s not what I’m after anymore. I need a vehicle that handles real-world remote travel: forest roads, service trails, quiet campsites far from the crowds.
And it needed to double as a micro camper — a place to sleep, recharge, and roll out again in the morning.
The Build: Simple, Smart, Stealthy
The plan for the XC70 build is based around a few core ideas:
- Modular Design: A sleeping platform with storage underneath. Easy to remove or reconfigure.
- Stealth Capable: Curtains, quiet profile, no roof tent — great for urban or trailhead overnighting.
- Essentials-Only Gear: Portable power, compact kitchen setup, and reliable lighting.
- Roof Rails & Rack: For the occasional cargo box or bike transport.
- All-Weather Tires & Skid Protection: To keep the adventure going year-round.
This isn’t about #vanlife or elaborate builds. It’s about mobility, resilience, and making the most of a platform that can handle both highway miles and hidden backroads.
What This Build Means to Me
The XC70 is more than a car. It’s a symbol of this new phase — one where my body may have limits, but my curiosity doesn’t. Where I can pull off onto a logging road, sleep under the stars, and wake up to coffee brewed just outside the tailgate.
This is how I keep exploring. Smarter. Lighter. Still wild at heart.