About Overland Monkey

Overland Monkey exists because I couldn't find the parts I needed.

My name is Matthew Payne. I've been building trucks since 2016 and spending years living and travelling in expedition vehicles — most notably Matilda, a 1991 Leyland DAF T244 ex-British Army truck that I converted into a four-season home and drove across 18 countries, through the Gobi Desert and into Siberia in temperatures of -45°C.

That experience taught me everything about what it takes to create a vehicle that works in the real world. The heating systems, the electrical setup, the water supply, the habitation pod — every system had to be right because in the middle of Mongolia, there's no calling for help.

What I discovered along the way is that sourcing the right parts for this kind of build is genuinely hard. That's why I established Overland Monkey in 2023 — to supply the overland and campervan self-build market with quality, hand picked products from premium suppliers.

As an experienced overlander I understand what's involved in building a vehicle capable of rugged, off-grid, long duration travel. I'm constantly looking for and designing new products to help you build better — and I'm always happy to offer advice.

Overland Monkey also offers a fitting service to help turn your dreams into reality.

Matthew Payne Founder, Overland Monkey