For those who dream of hitting the open road, venturing off the beaten path, and embracing the freedom of overland travel, building the perfect rig is a deeply personal journey. It’s not just about the vehicle—it’s about creating a reliable, adventure-ready home on wheels that can handle rugged terrains and long-distance trips. That’s where MULE Expedition Outfitters comes in. Founded by Joe and Dana, a couple with a passion for exploration and hands-on vehicle building, MULE has become a trusted name in the overland community. Their story, rooted in a garage-built Vanagon Syncro Westfalia and fueled by a commitment to quality and community, has inspired countless adventurers to chase their own far-flung dreams.
Image credit: MULE Expedition Outfitters
A Humble Beginning in a Garage
The story of MULE Expedition Outfitters began in 2010 when Joe and Dana embarked on an ambitious project: transforming a Vanagon Syncro Westfalia into the ultimate overland vehicle. For two years, they spent their weekends and evenings tinkering in their garage, pouring their creativity and expertise into every detail. The result was a van they nicknamed “DASMULE,” a rugged, innovative rig that caught the attention of the growing #vanlife community. What set their build apart wasn’t just its functionality but the clever design solutions they incorporated, tailored to the demands of off-road travel and long-term adventuring.
The buzz around DASMULE didn’t stop at admiration. Friends, family, and fellow adventurers started asking for advice. They wanted to know how Joe and Dana built their van, what gear they used, and how they made it all work for real-world travel. The couple quickly realized there was a hunger for practical, experience-based knowledge in the overland community. People weren’t just looking for parts—they wanted guidance from folks who had been there, driven the trails, and faced the challenges of overlanding firsthand. This realization sparked a bigger idea: a company that could share their expertise and help others build their own adventure-ready vehicles.
From One Van to a Thriving Business
Out of that garage project, MULE Expedition Outfitters was born. What started as a passion project for Joe and Dana grew into a company dedicated to empowering overlanders. While the original DASMULE van was a Vanagon Syncro Westfalia, MULE’s mission expanded far beyond the Vanagon niche. The company evolved to serve a broader audience, offering parts, accessories, and expert advice for a wide range of overland vehicles. Whether someone is building a compact van for weekend getaways or a heavy-duty rig for cross-country expeditions, MULE aims to provide the tools and knowledge needed to make it happen.
Image credit: MULE Expedition Outfitters
The heart of MULE’s success lies in its founders’ commitment to authenticity. Joe and Dana didn’t just want to sell products—they wanted to share the lessons they’d learned from their own travels and builds. Their early experiences shaped the company’s ethos: every customer deserves personalized guidance, high-quality gear, and a team that genuinely cares about their journey. This approach resonated with the overland community, and MULE quickly became a go-to resource for adventurers looking to turn their vehicles into reliable, road-ready companions.
A Team Built on Passion and Experience
As MULE Expedition Outfitters grew, Joe and Dana knew they couldn’t do it alone. They set out to build a team that shared their love for overlanding and their dedication to helping others. They were deliberate in their hiring, seeking out individuals with real-world experience in the overland and off-road worlds. The goal was to create a team that didn’t just sell parts but acted as trusted advisors, offering insights drawn from their own adventures and professional expertise.
Image credit: MULE Expedition Outfitters
Today, MULE’s team is a tight-knit group of enthusiasts who live and breathe overlanding. They’re the kind of people who have spent countless hours on remote trails, tweaking their own rigs, and learning what works (and what doesn’t) in the field. This hands-on knowledge allows them to connect with customers on a personal level, offering recommendations that go beyond generic sales pitches. Whether a customer is a seasoned overlander or a newcomer to the scene, MULE’s team takes the time to understand their goals and budget, ensuring they get the most value out of every purchase.
What sets MULE apart is its emphasis on treating customers like friends. The team doesn’t just want to make a sale—they want to help people build rigs that will carry them through unforgettable adventures. This customer-first philosophy has earned MULE a loyal following, with many clients returning for advice and gear as their overland journeys evolve.
Quality You Can Trust
One of MULE’s core principles is a commitment to quality. Joe and Dana learned early on that overlanding demands gear you can rely on, especially when you’re miles from civilization. That’s why MULE only sells and installs products from brands they trust. Every item in their inventory is vetted for durability, performance, and customer support, ensuring that customers can hit the road with confidence.
Image credit: MULE Expedition Outfitters
This focus on quality extends to the advice MULE provides. The team’s collective experience allows them to guide customers toward solutions that make sense for their specific needs. They understand that building an overland rig is a significant investment, both financially and emotionally. By recommending products that offer the best bang for the buck, MULE helps customers avoid costly mistakes and ensures their rigs are ready for the long haul.
Empowering the Overland Community
MULE Expedition Outfitters isn’t just a retailer—it’s a hub for the overland community. The company’s roots in sharing knowledge remain strong, and they continue to provide resources for adventurers at every stage of their journey. From detailed build guides to tips for planning epic road trips, MULE’s website and team are packed with practical advice. They’ve seen it all, from the challenges of navigating remote trails to the joys of waking up to a new view every morning, and they’re eager to pass that wisdom on.
Image credit: MULE Expedition Outfitters
For Joe and Dana, the mission has always been about more than just selling gear. It’s about inspiring people to get out there, explore the world, and create their own stories. MULE’s growth reflects the growing popularity of overlanding, but the company remains grounded in its original vision: to help people build vehicles that take them far, far away.
Why Choose MULE Expedition Outfitters?
For anyone looking to build an overland rig, MULE Expedition Outfitters offers something special. It’s not just about the products—though their carefully curated selection is top-notch. It’s about the people behind the brand. Joe and Dana’s journey from a garage-built van to a thriving business shows their dedication to the overland lifestyle. Their team’s expertise and passion make every interaction feel like a conversation with a fellow adventurer. And their commitment to quality ensures that every purchase is a step toward a reliable, adventure-ready rig.
Whether you’re dreaming of your first overland trip or upgrading a seasoned rig, MULE Expedition Outfitters is there to help. They’ve built their reputation on trust, experience, and a genuine love for the open road. For overlanders who want to go far—really far—MULE is the partner you want by your side.
