Brad Kowitz, known to the off-road world as TrailRecon, isn’t just another guy with a cool rig. He’s a retired U.S. Navy Master Chief Corpsman, a devoted family man, and the creator of one of YouTube’s most respected overlanding channels. What started as a spontaneous Jeep trade-in in 2015 has turned into a passion-fueled career, with over half a million subscribers following Brad’s adventures, builds, and brutally honest gear reviews.

Brad approaches every build, whether it’s a Gladiator, a Wrangler, or his newest 2024 Land Cruiser, with intentionality and real-world testing. His audience knows they’ll get authentic feedback and trail-tested gear reviews, not just hype. And that’s exactly what makes this build special. As he transforms the LC250 into a capable and self-sufficient overland rig, we knew he had to be among the first to test and provide feedback on KC’s Platform One™ system - both for its performance and its potential in real-world adventure scenarios.

Is the 2025 Land Cruiser good for overlanding?

Why did Brad choose a Land Cruiser for this latest build? Let’s take a closer look.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser isn’t quite what the purists hoped for, but even still with its hybrid powertrain and modern design, offers a solid foundation for overlanding and off-roading. It is packed with plenty of off-roading essentials like full-time 4WD and locking differentials and pairs it with modern tech like Crawl Control, Multi-Terrain Select, and front sway bar disconnect for better versatility on rugged terrain. Brad aimed to enhance its capabilities without compromising its daily usability. To support this, he integrated KC’s new Platform One™ roof rack system into the build, allowing us to both showcase the vehicle’s potential and gather Brad’s valuable feedback for real-world applications - helping us continue refining the product where it matters most.

A major goal of Brad’s while building this vehicle was to reduce his use of propane and to use more easily renewable power. To do this, there are three core components of having a proper power system in the LC250 - Harnessing energy, Storing that energy, and then Accessing that energy. You’ll note throughout his videos that he has a fully built out system to accomplish this. It’s complete with solar panels and DC-DC chargers to harness energy, then a conceptual KC LiFePO4 150 AH battery to store it, and a 2000W inverter to be able to access the energy.

Overall, though the build will continue to evolve over time, it’s already proving itself as a capable, self-sufficient overland platform. With Brad’s real-world feedback and continued use, this Land Cruiser, and KC’s Platform One™ system, will keep adapting to meet the demands of adventure.

"I love that KC is switching into power systems to go with their lighting systems, it’s really kind of a neat idea. This is a full weatherproof solar controller that you can mount up here on your roof rack or wherever you need to, just makes it really practical."

- Brad Kowitz, TrailRecon

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Build Specifications

Armor & Protection

  • Full underbody skid plates for engine, transmission, and fuel tank protection
  • DV8 Off-Road Front Bumper
  • Warn Winch with Factor 55 accessories
  • Rock sliders doubling as side steps

Storage & Interior

  • Complete Goose Gear storage and drawer system for organizing gear
  • Reinstalled one rear seat to accommodate additional passengers
  • Dometic water storage tank positioned between front seats for easy access
  • Dometic drawer fridge integrated into the Goose Gear system
  • 67 Designs phone mount
  • Custom icom radio mount

Roof Rack & Accessories

  • KC Platform One™ roof rack with modular crossbars
  • Three 50W KC x Sunflare BLOX solar panels mounted on the roof
  • KC Solar Charge Hub mounted to the roof rack

Power System

  • KC Group 31 LiFePO4 150Ah battery system (concept)
  • Redarc 2000W inverter supporting AC appliances like an electric coffee percolator and stove
  • Victron Orion DC-to-DC charger
  • KC Solar Charge Hub mounted to the roof rack
  • KC Power Distribution Kit to relocate power access points to under-the-hood

"I installed some KC FLEX ERA 1 dust lights in the rear—that’s really nice because, you know, I spend a lot of time out in the desert, and when we’re kicking up a lot of dust, being able to see the person in front of you is super helpful."

- Brad Kowitz, TrailRecon

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Lighting

  • Overhead Lights - 50" Gravity® Titan® Light Bar mounted to the roof rack
  • Front Bumper Lights - 20” Profile™ Lights (prototype)
  • Ditch Lights - KC FLEX ERA® 1 lights
  • Side Flood Lights - 10” Profile™ SideCast Lights (prototypes) flush-mounted to the roof rack
  • Dust Lights - KC FLEX ERA® 1 lights mounted to the rear of the roof rack
  • Interior Lights - KC Cyclones for rear hatch visibility
  • Underhood Lights - KC Cyclones

Wheels & Tires

  • 285/70R17 BFGoodrich KO2 all-terrain tires
    • 17” Method Raced Wheels

Suspension

  • 2.5-inch lift using Camburg and King suspension components

Learn More About Platform One™