Adventure Rigs, Issue 6 by DUB Publishing Inc.

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TRAILHEAD

ADVENTURE RIGS 2017 FORD RAPTOR

2017 CHEVROLET COLORADO Z71

2016 TOYOTA TACOMA

2021 POLARIS GENERAL XP 4 1000 DELUXE

1979 INTERNATIONAL HARVESTER SCOUT

UPFIT DUB IR TINT INSTALL

EQUIPPED WHEELS

TIRES

SUSPENSION

PERFORMANCE & ACCESSORIES

AUDIO

NEXT LEVEL GRILLS

WAYPOINT PURE 4X4 BASECAMP 2.0

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PHOTO: MATT GIRGIS

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EDITOR'S NOTES

“TRAVELING IT LEAVES YOU SPEECHLESS, THEN TURNS YOU INTO A STORYTELLER.” Nothing rings truer than these words from Ibn Buttuta, the medieval Muslim traveler and author of one of history’s most famous travel books, the Rihla. His claim to fame was traveling extensively in Afro-Eurasia and adventuring in new places more than any other explorer in pre-modern history. The great thing about overlanding is that it conveniently allows you to travel to some of the most elusive places near you on four wheels. It doesn’t matter if you go on weekend family overlanding trips or weeklong expeditions with your closest pals, you come back with memories that last a lifetime and a story that will inspire all. We’ve filled Issue 6 of Adventure Rigs with a few storytellers that will hopefully motivate you to create your dream vehicle to tell your own stories in the future. Kristin and Bernie Chacon have always been car enthusiasts and their Toyota Tacoma is the first off-road vehicle they’ve owned. Nicknamed MilkTeacoma, they’re now deep into the off-road community and continue to have off-road adventures whenever they can - from local trail runs to outof-state trips. Find out how they first got started building the Toyota and what some of their favorite trails and spots are!

You don’t see International Scouts out on the trail too often, but Lindsey and Doug Hyland are looking to change that with their 1979 International Harvester Scout they call The.Girl.Scout. Both have an adventurous spirit at heart, so taking off in their rig at a whim is a norm for their family. With a love for the great outdoors, they built the classic Scout into their own personal crawlander, taking pictures and gathering stories to showcase on their socials. Matt Girgis’ day gig is pretty straightforward as his 9 to 5 is working as a mechanical engineer. But it’s the weekends that really allow his creative side to shine through as he moonlights as a videographer and photographer for his side hustle. His Chevy Colorado Z71 Midnight Edition allows him to fuel his passion for landscape photography as well as vehicle photography, which we’ve had the pleasure of showcasing in Adventure Rigs. For Mike Pfeiffer, his need for a multifunctional vehicle resulted in upfitting a Polaris General UTV, which fits his adventure lifestyle. Not only does it get the job done as a property rig, but it handles its own out in the Colorado back-country.

Nick Mazzanti of Roam Adventure Co. knows a thing or two about adventures, starting a company that provides products that specifically cater to this community. When he’s not getting down to business, you’ll find him wrenching on his Ford Raptor, which he admits is his form of therapy. To help you whip up delicious meals during your adventures, we’ve compiled some of the best grilling options available! Also, Make sure to check out our recap of Pure 4x4 Basecamp 2.0. Some say it was a camping festival, while others considered it a camping trip on steroids. But whatever it was, there’s for sure nothing else like it! So while you’re enjoying the stories that our featured rigs are providing you, don’t forget that you still have a story to tell… you just need to go out and experience it first!

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COMPANY INFORMATION Adventure Rigs is published by DUB Publishing, Inc. in San Dimas, CA. DUB® is also a design, marketing and promotions team, responsible for the development and marketing of many licensed automotive goods, collectibles, and apparel, as well as our sponsor’s key products. Contact: info@adventurerigsmag.com ADVERTISE To place an ad in Adventure Rigs, please contact the Ad Sales department at (562) 228-1737 EDITORIAL CONSIDERATION If you have an adventure rig that you think is worthy of being featured, please send an email giving us a brief description of your vehicle, photos, social media handles and contact information. Rich@adventurerigsmag.com

DUB PUBLISHING, INC. LOS ANGELES : WORLDWIDE EDITORIAL Rich Calbay Rich@adventurerigsmag.com

42” 116° 50’ 33.3 4 4.25 7” W N 32° 35’

Ricardo Gonzalez Ricardo@adventurerigsmag.com

EEP 2015 JG ER WRAN OL N IC B U R CK HARDRO N IO IT ED

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DESIGN Jonathan Rodrigues Jon@unrivaledgoods.com SOCIAL MEDIA David Tobiassen David@adventurerigsmag.com

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PERFORMA NCE/ACC ESSORIES ALPINE ELECT

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586.719.8966 | ALPINE-USA.COM S OF AMER ICA, INC. | /ALPINEUS A| The X409-W RA-JL is a direct Wrangler and fit solution 2019 on-screen vehicle Jeep Gladiator. Activatfor the new 2018 – Up Jeep e Off-Road weather-resist information. Take Mode to monito the r fit and finish. ant screen and rugged top off without worry with a dash bezel Use the large, that matche and Android s the Auto or built-in 9-inch touchscreen to camera and access Apple factory navigat ion. Retains select factory CarPlay the factory controls. $2,999. rear-view 95

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SYSTE /SKYJACKERSUSPENS IONS | @SKYJACK MS FOR THE 2020 JEEP GLADIATOR ER leased its new suspension heights. These family for the 2020 Jeep Gladiat suspension vel in one unique system or Truck. Skyjack coil spring design.s32are equipped with sion movem our Dual Rate-Lo er now has 2.5”, 3.5”, The Dual Rate ent and 4.5” full ng Travel coil allows vement. Long while the second higher suspension Travel allows rate only engage for an exceptional highwa springs. The Dual Rate-Lo contact with the top stack y ride as the s during coil ng Travel coils the ground of the coils compression coils travel much longer in the 1st lighter for consist and keeps the to expand as the terrain changes. This ent control and stability coil springs from being during displaced from allows for maximum suspension their upper coil bucket.

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R SYSTEM 208.806.0251 | DECKED.COM | /DECKEDU SA | @DECKED USA DECKED’s drawer system is an easy access innovative to truck bed storage drawers can tools, equipment and organizer that additional hold gear. incorporates midsize trucks. up to 200 lbs. each and are lockabl The deck incorporates two weathe $1,250.00 rproof, bed-len HDPE e and weathe gth rproof to provideco-molded steel sub frame to provide drawers, which roll secure storage out to provide a 2,000 lbs . DECKED fits payload capacit all full-sized y. The trucks and cargo vans FAB FOURS 2020 and JEEP 866.385.1905 | FABFOURS.COM GLADI ATOR OVERL AND RACK | /FABFOUR S | @FABFOU RSINC The Fab Fours Overland Rack ultimate advent for the Jeep points; multipl urous spirit. Key feature Gladiator was made for design; ability e tie down points; integra s include multiple mountithe to make solid ted pod mounts ng integrated floor ; expand by purchas roof able ing extra cross construction. access step. It’s easy member, and to install and Call for pricing features 12 GA steel

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CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Kristin and Bernie Chacon Doug Hyland John Pangilinan Mike Pfeiffer Bryce Harper-Smith Jordan Kepler Kaylor Dastrop Matt Girgis Tanner Yaeger Ryan Cline Brian McGee CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Kristin and Bernie Chacon Lindsey Hyland Mike Pfeiffer Nick Mazzanti Matt Girgis

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced without written permission. This book is purchased with the understanding that the information presented is from many varied sources from which there can be no warranty or responsibility by the publisher, as to accuracy or completeness.

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WHEELS

DIRTY LIFE RACE WHEELS 9310 CANYON

866.894.3351 | DIRTYLIFEWHEELS.COM @DIRTYLIFEWHEELS SIZE: 17X9 FINISH: MATTE BLACK, SATIN GOLD, SATIN GRAPHITE

ICON ALLOYS COMPASS

951.689.4266 | ICONVEHICLEDYNAMICS.COM/WHEELS @ICONALLOYS SIZE: 17X8.50 FINISH: SATIN BLACK, SATIN BRASS

MAYHEM WHEELS 8303 VOYAGER

866.894.3351 | MAYHEMWHEELS.COM SIZE: 15X7, 17X8 , 17X8.5, 18X9 FINISH: MATTE BLACK, DARK BRONZE

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MKW OFF-ROAD WHEELS M206 909.444.0164 | MKWOFFROAD.COM SIZE: 17X8, 18X8 FINISH: SATIN BRONZE, SATIN GREY, SATIN BLACK RACELINE 950 GUAGE 800.529.4335 | RACELINEWHEELS.COM SIZE: 15” TO 20” DIAMETERS FINISH: SATIN BLACK FINISH

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WHEELS

RAYS A LAP 07X

562.946.6820 | MACKIN-IND.COM |

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TIS OFFROAD 555 MRT 800.268.3943 | TISWHEELS.COM /TWENTYINCHESSTRONG @TISWHEELS SIZE: 17X9 FINISH: MACHINED WITH GLOSS RED CLEAR COAT & SATIN BLACK

YOKOHAMA WHEEL RGD2 6H 562.946.6820 | MACKIN-IND.COM @YOKOHAMAWHEELUS

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SIZE: 17X8.5 FINISH: SEMI GLOSS BLACK, UMBER BRONZE METALLIC, MACHINING & RACING GUN METALLIC, BLACK CHROME 14

TIRES

DELINTE TIRES BANDIT M/T DX9

305.621.5101 | DELINTETIRES.COM

@DELINTETIRES

The Bandit M/T DX9 is a true Mud-Terrain tire with extensive R&D. The natural balancing and extreme tread blocks give extended wear to the tread. The 3-PLY puncture guard toughness means this tire is engineered with three tough layers of polyester cords and high-strength steel belts that guard against rock and sharp debris. This tank of a tire is designed for outstanding off-road performance in dirt, mud, sand or snow. F-Rated size options are also available for serious hauling.

NITTO TIRES RECON GRAPPLER A/T 888.529.8200 | NITTOTIRE.COM

/NITTOTIRE

@NITTOTIRE

Nitto’s Recon Grappler A/T was created to provide distinctive style and versatility thanks to a number of features that combine to help you lead the pack. The staggered shoulder lugs provide light trucks better off-road traction for the toughest trails while the bold sidewall lugs off er an eye-catching design for those who care about aesthetics. The Recon Grappler A/T is tough thanks to the large tread and shoulder blocks that provide optimized siping results for better handling and more stable use in both wet and dry conditions. The overall tread pattern design is also aggressive and really stands out from other A/T light truck tires on the market. The center and shoulder grooves are set in a zig-zag pattern to provide biting edges for enhanced traction. The improved tread block rigidity reduces flex for better dry performance and a more confident on-road ride.

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TIRES

TOYO OPEN COUNTRY A/T III

he great thing about living in So. Cal is the fact that you can head up to a trail on a whim and then go right back to your everyday life a few hours later. With these kinds of impromptu excursions, the right tire is needed to not only handle the varying terrain confidently, but also perform like a champ when it comes down to daily driving. Enter Toyo’s Open Country A/T III light truck tire, which is the brand’s latest iteration of their all-terrain tire that’s touted as suitable for daily driving and some mild off-roading. Since it’s the third installment in the history of their Open Country A/T line, Toyo has reworked their A/T II to create an unparalleled tire for weekend warriors, trail heads and more. Building upon the success of their more-than-capable A/T II was no easy task, but with advancements in tire technology and armed with feedback from offroad enthusiasts, Toyo engineers went to work to create and launch the A/T III in unison with the increasing demand from the burgeoning off-road adventure and overlanding communities.

Aesthetics is a big part of the modern all-terrain tire, but first and foremost it must be functional. The redesign, while being new, still has design cues from the original Open Country A/T from roughly two decades ago which is a testament to Toyo’s advanced design and engineering. The iconic tread pattern is different but echoes the original footprint that fans loved about it when it first came to market. Combined with an aggressive sidewall available in three different shoulder designs depending on sizing and construction, the A/T III is the direction in which modern all-terrain tires should be evolving to. For performance, the tire has improved wet braking and handling in addition to being more than capable in the snow with the biggest addition being the three-peak mountain snowflake (3PMSF) rating. This is huge for those who deal with significant snowfalls in winter. Instead of having to change out to a winter tire, the A/T III will more than suffice. We haven’t had a chance to test it in snow, but living in So. Cal, this only means we’ll be ready for mountain adventures to Big Bear and Arrowhead when winter conditions arrive. To put the hype of the A/T III to the test, we mounted a set on a 1st gen Toyota Tacoma that is an able off-road rig on our local trails on the

weekends, but is mainly a pavement-pounding daily driver. We fitted LT265/75R16s with an E-load range on a lightweight set of 16x8 Black Rhino Stadium rotary forged wheels. The A/T IIIs were installed in late January earlier this year, but we were only able to drive them in a day or two of rainy conditions. Despite the roads being slick with rain the tires rolled straight and true, showing no evidence of slippage and giving confidence with control on windy roads and traffic. The bulk of the seat time with the A/T IIIs was mainly on the lovely but harsh roads and freeways of Southern California. Unsurprisingly, the A/T IIIs are a solid performer on the pavement. We kept an ear out for any road noise, given the aggressive tread pattern but for the most part, they offer a quiet ride. We also found the handling exceptional on twisty roads as well as being responsive during hard braking situations in traffic. With OEM-like road manners, they are a solid choice for vehicles that spend the majority of their time on the streets. When it came time to run the tires off-road, we made several trips locally to varying but mainly dry conditions in the area: Johnson Valley, Cleghorn, Big Bear, Joshua Tree and Barstow,

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to be exact. We drove fire roads and easy trails at full street pressure with no problems and easily got over a few rutted hills in 2WD with a little momentum. For more fun and challenging sections we aired down to about 12 PSI and easily made it through loose, rough and rugged terrain with the help of 4WD and at times the rear lockers. They performed extremely well with only minor slippage during certain off-camber situations in sandy and loose dirt. Grip and feel were solid throughout. The tires’ unique tread pattern was able to clear itself from debris with very little effort and helped minimize spinning similar to how a mud-terrain would perform. With having logged about 3,000 miles we can confidently say that the Open Country A/T IIIs live up to the hype. Although the A/T IIs were 20

already quite capable on their own, Toyo still wasn’t satisfied with the performance of the tire and sought out to improve their Open Country line, which as an enthusiast, is a quality you want from manufacturers. The A/T IIIs are one of the best all-terrain tire options for light trucks on the market today, and we can confidently say that if you’re in the market for a new set, check out the A/T IIIs.

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SUSPENSION BDS SUSPENSION 2021 FORD F-150 4” & 6” LIFT SYSTEMS 517.279.2135 | BDS-SUSPENSION.COM

@BDSSUSPENSIONS

The BDS Suspension 4” and 6” lift systems for the 2021 Ford F-150 are available in standard (strut spacer) IFS systems as well as FOX 2.5 factory series coilover systems. BDS off ers next level performance and capability with clearance for up to 37” tires under the new F-150. High-clearance crossmember design maximizes ground clearance while off ering additional off-road protection, while redesigned steering knuckles specific to the 2021 F-150 to maintain ESC system compliance. Available with strut spacers or FOX 2.5 factory series R/R coilovers to improve ride quality, performance and off-road capability. Rear lift is provided via a replacement lift block to level stance, to eliminate need to stack blocks. Kits includes Factory Protection Plus (No Fine Print Warranty, ESC System compatibility, 5yr60k mile drivetrain warranty). $1,947.35 - $3,793.03

BDS SUSPENSION 2021 FORD F-250/F-350 SUPER DUTY TRUCKS LIFT SYSTEMS 517.279.2135 | BDS-SUSPENSION.COM

@BDSSUSPENSIONS

BDS Suspension lift kits and accessories for 2021 Ford F-250/F-350 Super Duty trucks include 2.5”, 4” and 6” lift heights. BDS Suspension off ers a variety of lift options to improve the look, performance, and capability of the late model Super Duty. Additional lift heights and options will be added soon, including an 8” lift. BDS Suspension off ers several accessory options, including shocks and stabilizers, coilover conversions, radius arms, driveline adjustment, track bars and traction bars. As with all BDS kits, these include Factory Protection Plus (FPP) for peace of mind wherever your adventures may go. Included in FPP is BDS’s No Fine Print Warranty, ESC System compliance and a 5year - 60,000mile supplemental drivetrain warranty. MSRP varies, starting at $1,671.72 - $4,101.64

BILSTEIN B8 UPPER CONTROL ARMS 800.537.1085 | BILSTEIN.COM

/BILSTEIN.US

@BILSTEINUS

The new B8 Upper Control Arms by BILSTEIN are designed to coorect geometry and increase suspension travel on lifted trucks and SUVs. Maintaining a full range of motion, the direct-fit upper control arms expand caster angles and improve ball joint pivot angles for more straightline stability and greater wheel travel when the trail gets rough—all while providing greater strength and toughness. The B8 UCAs feature 4130 chromoly tubular steel construction and are professionally MIG-welded with formed steel bushing gussets for superior strength.

CAMBURG ENGINEERING PERFORMANCE X-JOINT UPPER ARMS 714.848.8880 | CAMBURG.COM

@CAMBURGRACING

Camburg’s new X-Joint upper control arms are perfect for the weekend warrior and Overland trail rig. Their X-Joint is an extreme performance, all-weather, high-angle, fully sealed ball-joint that allows for more wheel travel and is considerably stronger that stock. The upper arms correct both camber and caster for improved geometry for better handling both on and off-road. Combine these with FOX coilovers for added lift and an improved ride. $699.99

ICON VEHICLE DYNAMICS ’03-UP GX470 / 10-UP GX460 STAGE 7 SUSPENSION SYSTEM (BILLET) 951.689.4266 | ICONVEHICLEDYNAMICS.COM

/IVDSUSPENSION

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The ICON Stage 7 suspension system drastically improves the GX’s ride quality, reduces body roll, increases wheel travel, and provides a lift height range of 0-3.5” to allow for the fitment of larger, more aggressive wheel and tire combinations. The CDC Valve shocks allow for 10 compression damping settings to suit all types of setups and driving styles, while a bolt-on design makes for a straightforward installation without the need for any custom fabrication or major modifications. $6,610.43

SKYJACKER 3” TACOMA, 4RUNNER, AND FJ CRUISER UCA KITS 318.388.0816 | SKYJACKER.COM

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Skyjacker’s NEW 100% bolt-on 3” UCA kit features DOM Tubular Extended Upper Control Arms engineered to position upper ball joint at optimum position after lifting to allow for maximum pivot and ball joint angles during suspension travel to reduce stress and ball joint wear while allowing ease of front end alignment. Also included are 3” performance lift struts, diff erential drop down kit, skid plate lowering kit, rear e-brake extensions brackets, rear blocks/ubolts and rear shocks. ADVENTURERIG SM AG .COM

PERFORMANCE/ACCESSORIES

BESTOP SUNRIDER FOR HARDTOP 310.415.5149 | BESTOP.COM

@BESTOPTEAM

Feel the wind in your hair and the sun’s warmth on your face. Just flip back the Sunrider for Hardtop and you instantly have open-air fun. It’s an allweather, all-purpose, all-year answer to those bulky factory Freedom Panels. It’s the first and only product that provides hard top owners instant access to an open-air driving experience without leaving the front seat of your Jeep. Ready-to-install with no drilling, no modifications. $299.00

BULLY DOG THRUSTER THROTTLE BOOSTER BULLYDOG.COM

@BULLYDOGTECH

When your vehicle’s throttle isn’t what you need, it’s time for a boost with the Bully Dog Thruster. This device is easy to install inline between your vehicle’s pedal position sensor and the vehicle harness. Adjust on the fl y and really feel the change as you drive. It’s idea for off-road vehciles with its waterproof design, but it will give your vehicle just the boost it needs. $145.95

ICON IMPACT ARMOR JEEP WRANGLER JL PRO SERIES FRONT BUMPER 951.689.4266 | ICONVEHICLEDYNAMICS.COM /IVDSUSPENSION @ICONIMPACTOFFROAD Designed for the ultimate in off-road form and function, the ICON Impact PRO Series Front Bumper features a high-clearance design to sneak by the tightest rocks. The stubby width protects the Jeep’s lower grille corners while allowing the front tires maximum room for articulation to help pull the vehicle over steep obstacles. The 3/16” CNC laser cut plate steel construction provides the ultimate protection from trail impact and is finished in a durable semi-gloss black powder coat. $3,199.99

MAGNAFLOW OVERLAND SERIES PERFORMANCE EXHAUST SYSTEM FOR TOYOTA TACOMA AND CHEVROLET COLORADO 800.990.0905 | MAGNAFLOW.COM/

@MAGNAFLOW

MagnaFlow Overland Series cat-back exhaust applications are now available to purchase for the 2016-2021 Toyota Tacoma, the 2005-2015 Toyota Tacoma, and both the 2015-2021 Chevrolet Colorado and 2015-2021 GMC Canyon. The new Overland Series systems for the Tacoma and Colorado/Canyon share a number of unique features, including MagnaFlow’s No Drone Technology, or NDT. Versatile sound tuning incorporating noise-cancelling quarterwave resonators results in a less aggressive, but signature, MagnaFlow tone. This technology combined with the compact muffler design, high-clearance exit pipe, stainless steel construction, and limited lifetime warranty, vehicle builders can be confident in the performance and quality of the Overland Series. $699.95

ORACLE LIGHTING JEEP GLADIATOR JT REAR BUMPER LED REVERSE LIGHTS 800.407.5776 | ORACLELIGHTS.COM @ORACLELIGHTS The new Rear Bumper LED Reverse Lights are high-output replacement auxiliary LED reverse lights that seamlessly integrate into the bumper reflector area to provide more than 1,500 additional lumens when backing up in a Jeep Gladiator JT. Designed for function and durability, these lights add additional lighting to improve your Jeep Gladiator reverse visibility. Ready to install out of the box using factory mounting hardware. $1,334.59

RIGID INDUSTRIES ADAPT XP EXTREME POWERSPORTS LED LIGHT 855.760.5337 | RIGIDINDUSTRIES.COM @RIGIDINDUSTRIES The RIGID Adapt XP has a signature look that is unlike any other off-road LED light on the market. Feature packed with the most advanced patented technology, this light features a highstrength aluminum heat sink and an impact resistant polycarbonate lens. On the inside the Adapt XP contains cutting-edge technology. The Adapt XP takes off-road lighting performance to a whole new level with two layers of adaptive response to your vehicle and driving conditions. The first layer of adaptive response is RIGIDs Active Power Management (APM) system, which continuously monitors input voltage to determine the status of the vehicles electrical system. If the voltage is stable, the Adapt XP will continue to utilize all available power to give you the most output possible. If the available voltage to the light begins to drop due to insufficient power, RIGIDs APM system will gradually reduce the lights power consumption until the vehicles voltage stabilizes. The second layer of adaptive response featured in the Adapt XP is RIGIDs proven Active View Technology. As an extra feature, the Adapt XP features a Magnetic Reed Power Clip for additional customization. Leaving the clip in place limits the light to consuming a maximum of 2.7 amps for the single unit and 2.5 amps per light for the pair when all zones are activated. Output is 40W with the switch in place. When the switch is removed the single light will consume up to 6.5 amps and the pair will consume up to 5.7 amps per light when all zones are activated. $429.99 ADVENTURERIG SM AG .COM

PERFORMANCE/ACCESSORIES SMITTYBILT HARD SHELL TENT 877.474.4821 | 4WHEELPARTS.COM @4WHEELPARTSOFFICIAL

/4WHEELPARTS

The Smittybilt Hard Shell Tent is designed for the enthusiast who is looking for a low profile, durable and high value rooftop tent. It features gusseted awnings on all 4 sides, extra long telescoping ladder with 300lb capacity and is equipped with gas-assisted struts for an easy setup and teardown. It comes with durable insulation, 2” thick high-density foam mattress and a LED lantern. The Hard Shell Tent has the features needed for you to enjoy the outdoors with the ultimate off-road shelter. $525.95

WARN MULTI-MOUNT KIT

833.727.8784 | WARN.COM

/WARNFANS

@WARNINDUSTRIES

For years, the WARN Multi-Mount has allowed users to mount a winch up to 10,000 lbs. in capacity in a portable tray and move it from vehicle’s front to the rear. This provides the ultimate in vehicle recovery versatility. Warn has updated its Universal Multi-Mount Kit, which is now manufactured with 2” stock tubing to reduce slop and improve its use with Class III 2” receivers. The updated kit includes Quick Connect Wiring for the front of the vehicle. Rear wiring is sold separately.The American-made Multi-Mount Kit gives users the freedom to move the winch cradle, or completely take it off. Constructed of durable steel and wearing a black powder-coated finish, the kit is predrilled to mount WARN winches up to 10,000 lbs. in capacity. This includes the ZEON 8, ZEON 10, 9.5xp, XD9i, XD9, as well as older winches, such as the M6000, VR8, or VR10.

SUPERCHIPS FLASHPAQ FOR 2021 JEEP WRANGLER AND GLADIATOR 888.227.2447 | SUPERCHIPS.COM

/SUPERCHIPS

@SUPERCHIPS_OFFICIAL

Superchips’ Flashpaq’s advanced features paired with ease of use continues to mark it as one of the most popular and convenient updagrades available for the Jeep enthusiast. Carrying on their traditions of off ering stateof-the-art devices, with all the calibration and feature control owners demand of their Jeep rigs, they’re announcing that Flashpaq coverage is available for the 2021 3.6L V6 applications. Features include max power gains of 35HP/37TQ; throttle mapping optimized for improved driving experience; pre-loaded calibrations for easy tune flashing; and Improved throttle response and fuel economy. 26

ZROADZ OFF ROAD PRODUCTS Z834211 OVERLAND TRUCK BED RACK 866.483.7744 | ZROADZ.COM

@ZROADZOFFICIAL

The ZROADZ Overland Truck Bed Rack is the first truck bed accessory mounting system engineered with bed access doors designed for lighter, larger accessories that are more efficiently stored not take up valuable bed space and can be easily moved out of the way to gain access to the bed of your truck. Spare fluid containers, traction pads, or any items weighing up to 30 lbs. can be mounted and lifted out of the way on the aluminum door frames.

There’s not always a road to adventure. If you’re the type that goes way off the beaten path, you know you can’t leave anything to chance. That means being well equipped for anything fate throws at you. For your wild off-road escapades, you want tires that can race through mud with authority. The fact that they look totally badass doesn’t hurt either. So suit up with the Atturo MTS: amazing performance and a super-sharp profile. Where will you go with Atturo?

For more information visit ATTURO.COM/MTS

MUD-TERRAIN SPORT ADVENTURERIG SM AG .COM

UPFIT

THE DUB IR

treatment WORDS / PHOTOS: JONATHAN WONG/DRIVING LINE MAGAZINE

indow tinting isn’t a modification that’s exclusive only to the hardcore car enthusiast community—it’s everywhere. The blackout-limo shade of tint from the ‘80s is what brought on restrictions of how dark you could go on your windows, and safety tint laws were put into effect - not only so you could see better through your windows at night, but so cops can also see what’s going on inside the vehicle. Crazy as it seems, tint can be a lot more than just an aesthetic change; window tint can benefit you and your passengers’ health. DUB Magazine may not strike a chord with tinting at first mention, unless you count the endless vehicles they’ve covered over the years, featuring everything from moderate to can’tbe-seen dark tints. Having health in mind, DUB recently launched a new product that’s not aimed specifically at enthusiasts, but more toward the everyday consumer.

DUB IR™ is a new type of nano-ceramic ceramic tint that’s designed to block out harmful UV and infrared rays (IR), which is something that not all tints can do, no matter how dark the tint shade is. Driving a vehicle in broad daylight actually exposes you to more UV rays than you think, even if you’re partially shaded. Think of it like leaving the house without sunblock - you won’t be burned as if you would be standing in direct sunlight, but over time it can and will show its effects. DUB IR™ is currently in the process of acquiring the Skin Cancer Foundation’s seal of approval, which will only give you more reason to strongly consider this upgrade.

While we can’t force you to apply sunscreen every day, we do highly suggest, at the very least, outfitting your ride with DUB IR™ tint. It’s said to reject more than 80% of infrared while blocking out 99% of UV rays. At the same time it also rejects up to 60% of heat, which will keep your interior cabin cooler. DUB IR™ is available in a variety of light and dark shades, with 100% clarity to make it a fully legal modification, depending on your state’s laws. We visited AP Sounds and Customs in Southern California, where they removed a generic, darker tint in favor of a lighter DUB IR™ upgrade.

Installation: 01.

01. DUB IR™ can’t be purchased by consumers as raw materials, but your local installer can order as much or as little that’s needed to tint your vehicle from DUB’s dealer network. Remember to check your state law to see what the legal amount of shade can be applied to your vehicle. In some instances, DUB IR™ can be used in a lighter shade and still perform as described.

02.

02. Your installer should be able to remove old tint easily, and if you’re doing this yourself, it’s actually easy. Use a steamer to help get the edges to peel free and throw that cheap stuff in the garbage.

03.

03. Next, you’ll want to remove as many contaminants from the factory glass surface as possible. Even if your car’s never had tint before, this step will be needed to ensure as smooth a mating surface as possible.

05.

05. Old school tint installers relied on their eyes and hands, and unless you are old school, it’s tough to beat the precision of this machine, no matter how good you are.

07.

07. Before the DUB IR™ tint is applied to the inner glass, AP’s installers form the tint on the outside.

04.

04. AP does have one trick up their sleeve to gain the edge over their competitors, and that’s using a vinyl plotter/cutter and special software to cut the film to a vehicle’s exact measurements, which includes all side windows, rear glass and in some cases, the front windshield (although not legal in every state; again, check your state’s laws).

06.

06. Next the tint is trimmed out of the master roll sheet—using the plotter not only saves time but materials, which also means, saving money.

08.

08. Forming the tint on the outside makes it more spot on to position once it is ready to apply to the inside.

ADVENTURERIG SM AG .COM

UPFIT

09. It takes a lot of extra time but you want your tint done right, right?

10. Once the tint’s been applied, give it a solid once-over to make sure there are no contaminants or air bubbles, and if there are, you can continue to work on it until they’ve been cleared.

11. After the DUB IR™ tint has been installed -it’s a touch darker than the factory tint (which, by the way, isn’t actual tint, it’s merely colored glass without any protection from UV and IR rays), adheres to proper vehicle code and will do what it’s meant to do: protect the skin you’re in and keep your vehicle cooler; it’ll also protect your interior from sun fade and damage.

DUB IR DUB-IR.COM | AP SOUNDS AND CUSTOMS APCUSTOMZ.COM | DRIVING LINE DRIVINGLINE.COM 30

Developed utilizing our extended-travel monotube design and variable force valving, Eibach PRO-TRUCK COILOVER 2.0 delivers control during on-road transit and compliance for maximum traction on the trails. Now available for late model F150, Ranger, Silverado, Colorado, Tundra, Tacoma and 4Runner. MADE MADE IN INTHE THE USA USA

eibach.com/ptc ADVENTURERIG SM AG .COM

GUARDS YOUR SKIN. KEEPS YOUR CABIN COOLER.

BROWN

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INTERNATIONAL DUB IR CANADA Distributed by Five Star Enterprises Vancouver, British Columbia, V5X-4P3 Canada (855) 888-5058 Tint World 1 Brampton, ON L6T-4K8 Canada (905) 792-2874 DUB IR KORE Distributed by Miss Auto Miss Auto Gajwa-Dong,Ilsanseo-Gu, Goyang-si,Gyeonggi, S Korea +82 1089902646 ADVENTURERIG SM AG .COM

OWNER: NICK MAZZANTI @NICK.MAZZANTI PHOTOS: TANNER YAEGER, BRYCE HARPER-SMITH

@ROAMADVENTURECO

was raised in San Antonio, Texas, where my Mother moved from Chicago when I was a wee boy. I went to the University of Texas and got a degree in Mechanical Engineering. After joining the workforce for a few years as an engineer, I felt the professional world was moving too slow for me and began hustling contract work in the nights and evenings. Around that time I was also into trail riding on my dirt bikes and needed a way to tow them around. The BMW M3 just wasn’t cutting it as a tow rig. I decided I would start off with a 2007 Toyota Tacoma and figured I would leave it stock to use as my daily driver and dirt bike hauler. That didn’t last long because before I knew it, I had Total Chaos mid-travel arms with Fox remote resi IBPs on 33s, trying to figure out how to stuff 35s under the fenders. When I realized there was no good “go fast” terrain in Texas and everything was about rock crawlers, I chose not to destroy my clean ‘Yota and picked up a 1992 Toyota pickup, which I named “Buttercup.” It was a blank slate that I learned to fab, weld and Frankenstein. This is where I would say my passion for off-road really took off. I always loved vehicles and camping, so I decided to make a company doing what I was passionate about and started Roam Adventure Co. with a mission to build the ultimate base camp. I wanted to build not only great products, but also a brand with a level of personality and community that I hadn’t seen before.

WHEELS & TIRES: Falken Wildpeak M/T 37x12.50R17LT, Icon Alloys Rebound 17x8.50

POWERTRAIN AND UNDER THE HOOD PERFORMANCE: Mountune High Flow Intake, Mountune front mount intercooler, COBB Accessport V3 ECU Flash Tuner

ADVENTURERIG SM AG .COM

LIGHTING: Bumper: KC HiLites 7-Light Gravity LED Pro6 Light Bar with amber covers, A-Pillar: KC HiLites Flex LED Duals, Overhead: KC HiLites 9-Light Gravity LED Pro6 Light Bar, Roof Rack: KC HiLites 10” C-Series LED 100W Flood Lights, Rear: KC HiLites Flex Singles, Chase Bar: KC HiLites 28” Chase LED Light Bar, Rock: Feniex Industries Amber/White Cannon

A LEARNING CURVE

Growing up my dad was always into cars, mostly sports cars with a Blazer and Bronco sprinkled in there. Probably because of his passion and always working in the garage with him, I too fell in love with vehicles. I’ve always had my eye on the first-generation Ford Mustangs. When I was 15, I got a job working for my dad’s business, saved up some cash and bought my very own Silver Frost-painted, black interior, no air conditioning 1966 Mustang. That thing was my baby, but it taught me a lot about mechanic work the hard way. I was left stranded or without a ride for the weekend many times. The old engine forced me to learn just about every aspect of the internal combustion engine. By the time I sold it a few years later, I had rebuilt the original engine, built a new 5.0 engine, rebuilt the transmission several times, learned electrical, brakes, paint, interior, and you name it. I learned a lot about customization from that vehicle. In college, I joined the Formula Society of Automotive Engineers (FSAE), where I learned to take my automotive hobby and turn it into a home-built race car. We used Solidworks to design our own parts, prototyped and analyzed our designs to reduce weight, improve efficiency and build cars that just hauled ass.

GEAR STORAGE, ORGANIZATION, ROOF RACK, BED RACK: Top: Roam Adventure Co. 83L Rugged Cases with Lid Organizers, Bed: Roam Adventure Co. 105L Rugged Cases with Molle Panels, Back Seat: Roam Adventure Co. 82L Rugged Case, Roof Rack: KC HiLites M-Rack, Bed Rack: Wilco Offroad Low Pro Bed Rack, Bed Storage: Decked Truck Bed Drawer RECOVERY GEAR: Winch (sitting in the garage): Warn VR EVO 12-S Winch, Deadman Offroad Recovery Kit, MaxTrax MKII Vehicle Recovery Device ARMOR, BUMPERS, SLIDERS: Icon Impact OffRoad Armor Front Bumper N-Fab RKR Rails EXTERIOR MODS: Advanced Fiberglass Concepts 2” Flare 2” Rise Front Fenders, Advanced Fiberglass Concepts 2.5” Flare 1” Rise Rear Bedsides

THE TALE OF BUTTERCUP

My first true build was Buttercup, my 1992 Toyota Pickup. I always used to tell my passengers to “buckle up buttercup” before I hit a gnarly obstacle. So I decided to call the truck itself “Buttercup.” After four years of tinkering, Buttercup was a solid axle swapped, 6” wider axled, e-lockered (front and rear) 5.29 geared, caged and armored machine, with a “my other ride is your mom” sticker on the passenger side and a fake electric car charging port on the front driver side. I got to park in the front row at all the grocery stores... My favorite thing was that none of the welds broke! During the build process, I got tired of waiting for my buddy to bring his welder over, so I swiped my CC, got a welder and a bottle of gas. I learned to weld on that rig by pointing and shooting and somehow they all stuck! I certainly set myself and my seats on fire a few times and there were some ugly spots, but I got much better with practice!

SUSPENSION, BRAKES: Icon Vehicle Dynamics 3.0 Remote Reservoir CDCV Coilovers Icon Vehicle Dynamics Billet Upper Control Arms with Delta Joint up front, Icon Vehicle Dynamics 3.0 Triple Bypass Shocks, Icon Vehicle Dynamics Multi Rate Leaf Pack, Icon Vehicle Dynamics Hydraulic Bump Stop Kit in the rear, Freedom Motorsports R1 Concepts GEOMET Double Coated Rotors, Centric Posi Quiet Ceramic Performance Brake Pads ADVENTURERIG SM AG .COM

ELECTRONICS, COMMUNICATION, INCABIN ACCESSORY MOUNTS: Kenwood TM-V71A Dual Band Transceiver, Rugged Radios V3 Handhelds, Feniex Industries Typhoon Handheld 100W Siren and Controller, Builtright Industries Dash Mount RAM X-Grip Mount, Dash mounted hula girl, Ipad Mini CAMPING GEAR: Roam Adventure Co. Vagabond Roof Top Tent, Roam Adventure Co. 5’ Straight Awning, Roam Adventure Co. 20qt Rugged Cooler, Dometic CFX65DZ Portable Fridge

THE RISE OF THE RAPTOR

She’s just a beast. I chose the Ford Raptor to build after chasing for Cameron Chin of Nefarious Kustoms at the Mint 400 in 2017. It was so much fun trying to keep the cars together, running spares between pits in the dirt and the nasty terrain with a rag-tag team. This was my first exposure to desert racing and I was hooked. That was in March and the next race event we were going to attend was the Baja 1000 in Baja California. I decided I needed to build a rad chase truck so to the dealership I went! Ford has a place in my heart because of my first 1966 Mustang. I love a bunch of other vehicle makes, but I think Ford will always win my heart because of my first love. Typically, I go by the thought of building my vehicles from the ground up. I like to start with armor then begin building the driveline where the power meets the pavement and work my way up to the engine. This way, the vehicle can handle the performance mods down the road. With the Raptor build, it was a bit different as the platform already has a bomber powertrain.

WRENCHING IS THERAPY

I do just about everything on my own vehicles. Wrenching is a form of therapy for me. When I look at a broken vehicle or any auto project, all I see is an easy problem to solve. Sure, some things are more difficult than others, but it’s just 38

a bunch of nuts and bolts that you have to figure out how to take apart and put back together. The problems I encounter in the garage are a lot easier to overcome than those we find in the business world!

Falken Wildpeak M/T Tires - The Falken Wildpeak M/Ts are super grippy on just about everything we have hit and aren’t overly obnoxious on the road. These tires have taken a beating and haven’t let me down once!

On this build, it is mostly bolt-ons as there are sooooo many parts out there for the Raptor. I will say that the KC M-Rack is the first 9-light M-Rack of its kind. The one on my truck is the prototype of the now production version that the team and I built back when I was running Product Development for KC HiLites in 2019. I do have a custom-fabricated hunting knife that was made from the stock Raptor leaf springs sitting in my truck all the time, though! My buddy Jordan Kepler from Lost Sasquatch Provisions forged it for me as a gift.

Advanced Fiberglass Concepts Fenders and bedsides - Not only did these allow me to run 37” tires through their full range of motion, but the way they improved the aesthetic of the truck is insane! The fenders look just close enough to stock that they are not obnoxious yet they help the truck turn as many heads as possible on the road.

FAVE MODS

KC HiLites Lights - I love the aesthetic of the Pro6 lights across the front and even more the utility of the lights when running around the desert at night. Icon Vehicle Dynamics Suspension - The Icon Vehicle Dynamics suspension setup made a world of difference over the stock Raptor suspension. Because the rear leaf packs can be adjusted, I am able to set up the truck for different trails and events. I have even hit whoops fully loaded at 70mph comfortably!

Roam Adventure Co. Vagabond Roof Top Tent - I love how easy this thing is to set up. The built-in ultra-plush mattress and panoramic windows make laying down at the end of a long day a dream. Good rest makes the next day that much better.

UP FOR A CHALLENGE?

Cost and space to build were challenges. Everything for the Raptor seems to be made of gold. As soon as the Raptor name is added to the product description, the price somehow doubles or triples! Because of this, I acquire the parts a bit slower than some other builds. While I was living in SoCal, space was an issue as well. I would work on my truck in the street or in my driveway where I had to park on top of the garden to fit this thing! Now that I live in AZ, I have an oversized 2-car garage where I can make magic happen.

I was on a roll for a while there getting the truck built just the way I wanted. Then I got sidetracked with my RZR, Comanche and Ram builds, and the Raptor just got parked for a few months. I am hoping to get back to the Raptor soon. I plan to build a full interior cage, install the Camburg Engineering Performance Long Travel Kit upfront, some custom 52” long links in the rear, Arizona Desert Shocks 3.5” Coilovers up front with 3.5” triple bypasses in all 4 corners, and an Alcon Big Brake Kit. This truck was built to be the ultimate base camp. I wanted a rig that could get me just about anywhere comfortably and fast! I use the base camp as the central point for so many other adventures. Oftentimes I take my mountain bikes, dirt bikes or RZR to explore the scenery more once I set up camp.

THE ADVENTURES

Really, there are so many good ones from the runs to Baja California, through the Mojave Desert water crossing, above the clouds in Big

Sur… but if I had to pick one, it would have to be the big summer road trip I took with my lady Morgan Atteberry. Last year, we took off from Show Low, Arizona, passed by Ship Rock in northern New Mexico as we headed into Southwestern Colorado. There we hit some insane trails blocked by melting glaciers, speckled with snowmelt lakes, and huge mountain passes. Imogene Pass sitting at 13,114’ was a wild trail to get through. It was tight and had several cliffhangers. We camped in the middle of the forest along snowmelt streams and waterfalls. We then took off to meet some friends in Moab, where we bombed some red rock trails, went cliff jumping, and completely doused our trucks in red dirt. There was one area of the trail that had to be a foot deep in loose red dusty dirt. It made for a wild time. After we had a few nights of fun in Moab, we took off to Lake Powell as a crew and found some of the most epic camp spots up on the rim and down by the water. That trip was full of so many incredible views, broken trucks, good people and awesome adventure… man, I need to do that again!

I was previously living in SoCal, where friends and I loved Anza-Borrego, Joshua Tree National Park and Big Sur. Now I live in Northern Arizona, which is quite a different scenery. The trails I have been exploring up here are full of towering Ponderosa Pines, cold water lakes and immense wildlife. I haven’t found my new favorite spot just yet, but this area of the country is truly incredible for camping, fishing, and cruising the backwoods with the windows down. Most of what I have run in the Raptor has been on desert runs in SoCal or Baja California, which is mostly about hauling ass, eating whoops and getting stuck in loose sand from time to time. The most difficult trails I have hit were out in SouthWest Colorado near Ouray and Silverton. My truck is just so dang wide for those tight, twisty mountain trails, and she drags her wide hips through just about everything out there. As for battle scars, she’s got trail rash all over and rock chips pepper the bedsides, but that’s how I like my rigs - beat not babied.

ADVENTURERIG SM AG .COM

PREP & PLAN

Typically, the short trips start with a friend calling or me and my lady just wanting to get out, we pick a spot, grab the Rugged Cases full of gear and roll out. When we are preparing for a larger road trip, I like to look at a map and pick a direction. Sometimes we start with a few spots that I have wanted to see or camp at and add them to the route. Then, I begin researching destinations along the way and some trails that lead there. Once I get to the area of our destination, we will cruise the trails and just

CAMPING GEAR: Roam Adventure Co. Vagabond Roof Top Tent, Roam Adventure Co. 5’ Straight Awning, Roam Adventure Co. 20qt Rugged Cooler, Dometic CFX65DZ Portable Fridge

explore to see what kind of adventure we can get into! Though we may get a bit sandy sometimes, we always stick to the trails and leave the areas we camp in better shape than we found them. Friends and radios are a must. I plan on getting a hold of a Garmin Spot X at some point, so I can communicate with people if I am out alone but as of right now I just rely on the people that head into the wilderness with me!

ADVENTURERIG SM AG .COM

OWNER: MATT GIRGIS

@RAD_Z71 & @OVERLAND.ISH

ROAM, ADVENTU

’m from Orange County, CA. I am a mechanical engineer throughout the week, and a videographer/photographer on the weekends for weddings, events, offroad magazines and individual bookings. I got exposed to off-roading as a kid with my dad. He would take me out with his truck and would take me out to the desert or the dunes to explore. I even learned how to drive as a kid when we’d go off-roading.

RUNS IN THE FAMILY

Overlanding became more of an interest to me as I began to get older and started building my own off-road build. As a kid, my family would always go camping with our trailer to RV parks. I loved it, but I didn’t like how crowded spots were and that we were stuck in one spot. It didn’t necessarily feel like camping to me, since we could shower, watch TV, and pretty much have everything we had at home with us. When I was first introduced to overlanding, I had just started college and had the bug to travel. I saved up some money to get a rooftop tent, a bedrack and a few other essentials and began my journey. I grew up always working on my dad’s truck and always camping with family who’d build custom off-road rigs to take out to the dunes and the desert. I’ve always been a truck guy, and I love the way they sit higher in traffic, tackle the dirt off-road, and their ability to store and hold a variety of gear in the bed. The very first off-road vehicle I owned/built was a 2003 Chevy Avalanche that I got off my dad. My favorite thing about the truck was the suspension and engine. The dual reservoir 5160 Bilstein shocks were so smooth and the rear coils were so much more comfortable than rear leafs. The engine was a 5.3L V8 with a race cam, push rods and a custom tune. That, paired with its exhaust, made it a beast. 42

2017 CHEVROLET COLORADO Z71 N38° 35’ 10” W109° 32’ 21”

I SAVED UP SOME MONEY TO GET A ROOFTOP TENT, A BEDRACK AND A FEW OTHER ESSENTIALS AND BEGAN MY JOURNEY. – MATT GIRGIS

URE, DISCOVER PERFORMANCE: 3.6L V6 Engine, S&B Cold air intake, Trifecta Performance Tune, 8speed transmission, 4.56 Nitro Gears

ADVENTURERIG SM AG .COM

RECOVERY GEAR: DV8 12,000lb winch Maxtrax, Deadman Offroad kinetic strap Deadman offroad

ROAM, ADVENTURE, DISCOVER - RAD

Many don’t know that the “rad” in RAD_Z71 stands for Roam, Adventure, Discover. It’s been a rad truck for sure. I’ve always been a fan of Chevy, but I also do love other vehicles from other brands. My dream has always been to build a long travel Chevy truck. My first love of Chevy was the Kibbetech long travel Duramax Silverado build that got me hooked. I first was looking at the Tacoma, but the power output was a little concerning as I knew I’d be loading the truck down with larger tires and a bunch of gear. As I passed by the Chevy dealership, I saw a pretty good-looking Midnight Edition Colorado Z71 displayed on the corner. I took it out for a test drive and was extremely impressed by the power, the material inside and the front and rear seat comfort.

PARTS PHILOSOPHY

When it comes to picking parts for the build, I follow the philosophy of “you get what you pay for.” A lot of the parts such as suspension, tires, wheels, bed racks, roof racks, etc. can be expensive, but in my last build, I dealt with the repercussions of cheapening out and regretting not going with the quality product in the long run.

GEAR STORAGE, ORGANIZATION, ROOF RACK, BED RACK: Decked Drawer system, Roam Adventure Co storage boxes, Prinsu Roof Rack, Wilco ADV rack (in some other pictures), Leitner Designs Bed Rack (in recent pictures)

ARMOR, BUMPERS, SLIDERS: Front and Rear DV8 bumpers, CBI front, oil, transfer case, transmission skid plates, Rocky Road Outfitter sliders EXTERIOR: Daley Visual wrapped my overland wrap

WHEELS / TIRES: Fuel, Rebel 6, 17x9” in Anthracite with Maxxis, RZR AT, 285/70/17 SUSPENSION, BRAKES: Peak Suspension, the Summit Kit set at 3” of lift, R1 Concepts OE performance rotors and pads, Timbren Industries Active Bump Stops

I try to do most of the work, such as the roof rack, bed rack, wiring and lights. However, for wheels, tires, and suspension I’ve been using DNA Wheels Of OC to install my parts and align the truck. I currently have a custom bracket to hold my KC Pro6 lights on my Prinsu Designs rack. I did design a bracket in CAD in order to be produced and will be coming out with that soon. I love my KC lights! Rolling into camp late has never been so much fun! My favorite mod of the truck is the suspension. I do like going fast, and having the suspension to handle the abuse I put it through has been a blast. Another fun mod was the wrap done by Daley Visuals. I love their unique flair to make the truck look aggressive, yet fun for someone to see that I have a passion for adventure. Armor has been a great feature since I often take the truck where most wouldn’t take it. Having CBI skids all under the vehicle has really saved me from getting through some crazy obstacles. Also, I recently have gotten DV8 front and rear bumpers for the added protection. The biggest challenge is time and money, but also the limited aftermarket support. As I mentioned, you get what you pay for, so it’s taken a lot of hard work and patience to get the build where it is today. It’s still changing and has a few big changes, but it really has been a great vehicle where it stands.

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The truck is currently in its next phase for Baja Kit’s Prerunner kit and custom-spec Kings, rear Deavers, and Fiberwerx widebody glass. I have some new ground and rooftop tents coming in with my company at Overland(ish) and will be running that on my new Leitner Designs rack. It will also be getting new Fuel wheels and 35” Maxxis RZR ATs.

PASSION FUELED ADVENTURES

My biggest passion is photography and videography. The whole reason I was drawn to overlanding was due to it fueling my passion for landscape photography. It then evolved my photography towards overland/off-road photography, which is what I’ve been doing most lately. I love nature, the outdoors and offroading. It’s been a great way to recharge/reset with the everyday chaos and non-stop work. It really has been great therapy for me. One of my favorite local trails is Santiago Canyon. I love being able to take a quick drive up the mountain to overlook the city below. It’s so peaceful being able to be up in the clouds up and away from the busyness of the valley below. The most challenging trail I’ve taken the truck on so far was Gold Mountain trail in Big Bear, CA. The skids and rock sliders were lifesavers in protecting all the vitals on the trip. With a lot of meticulous spotting and tire placement, we were able to enjoy the ride up while many of the other vehicles in the group suffered from body damage and broken axle shafts.

ELECTRONICS, COMMUNICATION: Midland MXT275 GMRS radio, 67 Designs rail and phone mount, SPOD 8 Circuit SE System with HD Switch Pane, switch system, All my camera gear (Sony full frames, drones, gimbals, and MacBook Pro), Blackfire USA 500W Lithium Portable Power Station

CAMPING GEAR: All black Roam adventure Co tent, Roam Adventure Co Awning, MrBuddy Heater REI 0 degree bag, EZ-Sink portable wash and shower station, Blackstone Griddle, Moutain Hatch cutting board, GSI outdoors utensil kit MISCELLANEOUS GEAR: Smittybuilt Air compressor, Morrflate multi tire inflation deflation kit

MAKING MEMORIES

The most memorable trip was exploring the 395, with the drive breathtaking along the whole route. The drive breathtaking along the whole route. We set forth and started our first night in Trona pinnacles, which was amazing. Seeing the unique formations really had us thinking we were on another planet, especially when the stars that night were so bright and clear. The following day we set forth to Coyote Flats. This day was especially important since my best friend was proposing during sunset, so we needed to make sure we got there early enough for a prime location for photos. The journey started off with missing a turn onto the trailhead and needing to backtrack a few miles. We started ascending very quickly on steep switchbacks, which resulted in my friend’s soon-to-be fiancé getting altitude sickness. As we pushed along we finally made it to the top. The scenery with green meadows, whitecapped mountains, a flowing creek through the center really was something else. As we crossed the valley, we got to our destination at Funnel Lake. It really was a surreal location to be at. We thankfully got there with time to spare in order to set up camp and for my friend to propose. She said yes! It definitely was a great place to be to enjoy the beauty as well as enjoy the time with friends and loved ones.

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LIGHTING: KC Pro6 Gravity lightbar, KC C2 perimeter lighting on the Prinsu roof rack, KC Dual amber flex’s for my ditch lights, KC G4 DOT amber fogs

PREP & PLAN

When I first look into different trails and campsites, I’ll review the trails on the OnX offroad map and markdown many of the potential campsites and waypoints along the route. One of the most important pieces of emergency equipment I always keep in the truck is a Garmin inReach satellite phone that I can use to share my location and communicate with friends or family. I also always bring extra food and water, first aid, and fuel.

PEOPLE | PRODUCTS | VEHICLES | IDEAS

NOVEMBER 2–5, 2021 • LAS VEGAS CONVENTION CENTER • LAS VEGAS, NEVADA

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OWNER: KRISTIN + BERNIE CHACON

@MILKTEACOMA WORDS / PHOTOS: KRISTIN & BERNIE CHACON

N38° 35’ 10” W109° 32’ 21”

y husband, Bernie, and I are car enthusiasts! We’ve always loved building and modifying vehicles, whether for aesthetics and creative reasons or now for utility. We had customized eight Volkswagens together before we bought our first truck. Our Toyota Tacoma, uniquely named MilkTeacoma, is the first off-road vehicle we have owned! After purchasing the Tacoma, we wanted to learn more about what was available out there to do. So, we got to know people in the off-road community and started attending events. We became close with others in the community and joined them on off-road adventures, from local trail runs to out-of-state trips. We almost got a Volkswagen Amarok pickup truck, but it became a toss-up between that and the Toyota Tacoma. Both vehicles were about the same price, even if we had to import the Amarok, but there is no comparison between

the two regarding reliability and maintenance cost. The Toyota Tacoma won! We do like VWs a lot, and we’ve owned a few of them, but the Toyota brand runs deep in the family. Bernie grew up with his stepfather who owned a 4Runner, and his father owned a HiLux. Bernie’s first vehicle was a Toyota Celica.

A PLAY ON WORDS

Naming our Tacoma sort of has a funny backstory. When we bought the truck in the Quicksand color, the first thing our daughter said was, “it is the color of milk tea,” which was her favorite drink! We thought of a wordplay to incorporate what she said, and thus MilkTeacoma was born. The Tacoma is our first-ever off-road build, and we love that we can get up and go and have no problem getting to wherever we want the truck to take us! There hasn’t been one place we wanted to go to where it couldn’t handle the terrain.

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When we got the Tacoma, we got a tip to focus on three main mods: armor, clearance and recovery. These three are so important when starting any truck build that will make offroading and adventure travel more enjoyable. It has worked well for us, and we pass along this advice to anyone who asks. To fully understand our new truck’s ins and outs, we committed to doing most of the wrenching on the vehicle. We have done 90% of the work ourselves and have installed everything that is a bolt-on part. We’ve also done some extensive custom electrical work on the rig. We gutted the entire vehicle and added Hushmat sound deadening.

With HardWired Performance’s expertise, our electrical management system links to one central area, using a combination of the Bussman fuse block, SwitchPros, and Redarc Electronics. We have local friends, such as Kibbetech, that help with the other things on the Tacoma. We also like to drive to Las Vegas to get help from Rogue Off-Road.

THE PERFECT GETAWAY PLAN

MilkTeacoma is our family getaway rig, but she is also used primarily as my daily driver. We like to take her out and go on off-road and camping adventures as often as possible. The ability to get up and go to escape from our daily urban life

and go on a turnaround trip to a local trail with little preparation is second to none. One of the trails we try to hit more often is Rowher Flats in Santa Clarita, California. It is a day trip offroading spot that is local to us. There are a lot of opportunities there to experience driving on different terrain with some very tight turns. But the best part is a super steep decline right before the exit, where you get to oversee the dam and a lot of the surrounding area. We made it a goal to make our MilkTeacoma unique and personal to us. We built a liquor bar that is easily accessible from the outside of our RLD canopy. It has to be our most unique

and favorite mod on the Tacoma by far. We are whiskey drinkers and it is fun and convenient to have bottles and shot glasses so easily accessible. We also love our front grille, with the custom 3D printed MilkTeacoma emblem on it. Our light bar on our roof is custom-made by pairing together some KC HiLiTES G46 Gravity LEDs, using a modified overhead crossba,r and a custom wind faring made by Mercenary Offroad. Our setup is constantly changing based on our current needs or things we learn along the way. Another favorite of ours is a set of Toyo Open Country AT III tires we’re currently rolling on. They are the perfect combination of being quiet on the pavement for daily driving and then handling rugged off-road terrain when we take the rig out to the backcountry. We also get much better gas mileage than the previous brand of tires we were running. We know the importance of good tires out in the bush, and we trust Toyo to get the job done out on the dirt. They give us the confidence that their tires will bring us back home safe from our trail adventures.

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BATTLE SCARS

Our first off-road adventure ever in MilkTeacoma was to Calico Ghost Town (Barstow, CA). We were following other people driving similar rigs who have had off-roading experience in the past. We ended up in an area that was a very narrow pass through rocky terrain with many boulders. There was no way to turn back, so we did our best to spot and guide each vehicle through. Our truck, which was only a month old at the time, ended up with damage to the face of all of our wheels, a basketball-sized dent in our front skid plate, and dents and scratched paint on our rocker panels. One of the most memorable outings we’ve done in MilkTeacoma was the FJ Summit trip to Colorado. We went with a few buddies to participate in the event, and on the road trip out there, we ended up at a bunch of unique places. We went to Toquerville Falls, Top of the World, and Alpine Loop in Utah. Then in Colorado, we enjoyed Engineer Pass and Imogene Pass, but the most epic was Black Bear Pass. It was truly remarkable to see so many places in our truck on that one trip.

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PREPPING MADE EASY

Going on a long trip like that requires some planning and preparation. Our routine has changed over the years, learning what we do and do not need on trips. We used to overpack. We now have our recovery and camping gear stored in Front Runner Wolf Pack boxes in our garage, so they can easily be grabbed and packed for a trip. We pre-cool and pack our Dometic dual-zone fridge, pack our flat top grill, fill our water tank, make sure the sleeping bag and pillows are in the rooftop tent, and pack a duff el bag. We have found a routine to pack and get going much faster! We also always make sure our routine maintenance is up to date, such as oil changes. We make certain that our wheel alignment is good and rotate the tires, especially before a long trip. A piece of advice we can give to our fellow adventurers is to avoid going on solo trips. We typically do not go on trips to the middle of nowhere by ourselves. We prefer to travel with other rigs so we can work together when someone gets into a jam. Make sure to pack and learn how to use your recovery gear. Research the area you plan to explore beforehand to be somewhat familiar with what to expect. Do not be too hard on yourself if your vehicle gets some battle scars, as it is part of the adventure. As essential as it is to be safe out in the backcountry, it’s also important to have fun.

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OWNER: MIKE PFEIFFER PHOTOS: MIKE PFEIFFER

@LASTLINEOFDEFENSE

was an Army brat, so I’ve lived everywhere but for the past decade, my home base has been Colorado. Currently, I own/run a small holster company LLOD, and do this YouTube / Social Media thing. Previously I worked as a backend web developer, and currently, also do some marketing for Fox. My automotive background is nothing formal just been a garage tinkerer and off-roader for as long as I can remember. Mostly trucks - the whole UTV world is very new to me. The first off-road vehicle that I owned was actually the first vehicle I got when I got my license, a Jeep Wrangler. My Wrangler was pretty much stock - I was just a poor high schooler. In college, I built up a Suzuki Samurai from stock - converted it to coil suspension and did all kinds of crazy stuff to that. Probably the ultra-low transfer case gears were my favorite thing; I could just get out, and watch it crawl up obstacles on its own.

ULTIMATE UTILITY RIG

In a perfect world, I’d have a few rigs for different activities. The General fits me really well because it’s a great rig to work around the property, but also take out in the Colorado back-country. It’ll be a capable little pack mule for some hunts, and just a great utility rig for my property. So yeah, if I were to choose a single rig, it’d still be the General. Ideally, it’s a multi-function rig that I can use as a mountain bike shuttle, get to some back-country fly fishing spots, use as a hunting rig, etc. Currently, it’s just kind of a fun trail rig and another tool for the property. UTVs seem to be getting more and more popular on the trails, so they’re at a point where it’s impossible to ignore them. I wanted to see what they were all about and see how I could work them into my adventures. It’s a pretty new rig, and the whole thing is pretty new to me.

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LIGHTING: Seizmik Pursuit LED Night Vision Mirrors

LIGHTING: KC Hilites Flex Era4 with combo lens, KC Hilites Cyclones 60

The aftermarket parts are all functional upgrades/modifications. For the exhaust, I wanted a quieter, more pleasant tone, since it’ll also just be a work vehicle around my property. The various racks were because I’m a bit of a gear junky, and knew that I’d want to pack a bunch of stuff. All of the future stuff I have planned will really just come into play as I get a little more experience with what the General is capable of as it sits, and the areas that I think could use upgrading.

LEARN TO LET GO

Historically I’ve always been one to do the work on my rigs - from an earlier time where I had much more time than money. As I get older and my plate fills more, and I have access to more disposable income, I’m learning to let other people work on my rigs more. I have my hands in a lot of projects and am learning to let go a little, haha. G-Force Powersports is a local shop that has been doing a lot of modifications on the General.

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There’s nothing really custom yet. There have been some very small fabricated pieces to get my comms setup dialed how I want it, but nothing really noteworthy. The build isn’t final, so I’m sure this will change as I add more to it, but some of my favorite features: HMF exhaust, because it really improves the tone and makes it less harsh (though I’d honestly love a solution that just drops the decibels as much as humanly possible). The RBO Expedition Rack is awesome and adds a ton of storage to the rig. The Rugged Radios are great because comms are key. KC Hilites Flex Era 4s, ’cause they’re just awesome. I think it’s a challenge I’m still working through. Historically the truck/rig that I drove to the trail was also the rig that I drove on the trail. Now I’m needed to decide which to drive, and what to take where. It’ll be a little bit of a learning curve to find out what is the best/most fun/most logical rig to take at times.

FUTURE FUN

Other than the plethora of trails within an hour or two of my place near Denver - I’d love to get it out to Telluride/Ouray. I’ve spent a good bit of time out there in trucks, but I think the experience would be even cooler with a side-by-side on the trails. I’m no stranger to Moab either, so that’s naturally a destination that I’d like to take the General. One thing I’ve never done surprisingly is ripping around on the dunes. We’ll see if the General is up to that task, but more than likely 62

ARMOR, BUMPERS, SLIDERS: Full-length Polaris sliders EXTERIOR MODS: Polaris plow, plus hydraulic winch controls, Polaris glass windshield with wiper/ washer, Polaris rear glass windshield. RECOVERY GEAR: Polaris Pro HD winch with Factor55 Ultrahook, Maxtrax Minis, Various Factor 55 gear GEAR STORAGE, ORGANIZATION, ROOF RACK, BED RACK: Polaris Hood Rack Razorback Offroad Expedition Bed Rack, Miscellaneous gear (rotopax, maxtrax, shovel, etc) attached to the racks, Various Kemimoto bags / interior storage

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I’ll expand the fleet and outfit a Turbo RZR that might be a little better suited for some of the fast stuff. I have a few spots that I love and try to keep relatively private. I love getting up to secluded alpine lakes, letting the dogs roam free, and not having anyone else in sight.

ALWAYS A PREPPER

I tend to use a variety of apps like ONx, OnTrail, Gaia, etc - but also just google satellite to scope places out, and Google to find some blogs, etc talking about places. I have a pretty good network of adventurous friends that are willing to share some of their favorite spots with me as well. For preparation, I just try to have all the various gear that can get me out of some trouble. Figuring out some of the common things that fail on a UTV versus a truck (belts, axles, etc) - and expanding my trail fix knowledge.

CAMPING GEAR: Miscellaneous kit CAMP KITCHEN GEAR: Dometic CFX3 25, Miscellaneous compact kit - Jetboil, etc. MISCELLANEOUS GEAR: Roof mounted element fire extinguisher, Not installed - Polaris Tracks, Not installed Polaris full doors

I try to have at least a base level of knowledge on how to fi x some common things that could break or go wrong, in conjunction with bringing along the tools and spares necessary to get you back on the trail. Other than that, recovery gear, medical gear, and comms gear carry over pretty well from the overland world. I’ll also usually try to hit trails with a buddy, so in a worst-case scenario, we can use the other rig to get us back where we need to go.

THE JOURNEY IS JUST BEGINNING

It’s been a fun little beginning to this journey so far. Polaris has been super helpful with the build, and they’re amazing partners to have. UTV Source has been another awesome resource with all things aftermarket and helping guide me down a path that makes sense for what I’m looking to do with the rig. I have a bunch of other industry partners in the offroad world who are expanding more and more into the UTV space as well. The future looks bright! AUDIO, MULTIMEDIA, ENTERTAINMENT ELECTRONICS: Ride Command + Rockford Fosgate audio ELECTRONICS, COMMUNICATION, IN-CABIN ACCESSORY MOUNTS: Full Rugged Radios setup with the RRP696 Intercom Kit and GMR25 radio with helmet kit, handhelds, etc. POWERTRAIN AND UNDER THE HOOD PERFORMANCE: HMF Twin Loop Exhaust System 64

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OWNER: LINDSEY + DOUG HYLAND

@THE.GIRL.SCOUT PHOTOS: DOUG HYLAND

THE.GIRL.SCOUT

1979 INTERNATIONAL HARVESTER SCOUT

’m Lindsey, and I’m a food blogger and photographer. My husband, Doug, is a creative director, writer, and photographer. We live in San Diego, California, but we’re off exploring whenever we get the chance. My journey in the automotive world began when I was a little girl. Back then, I’ve always loved the Scout and the Bronco, and both were my “dream cars.” I saved up all my babysitting money to buy one of them when I was old enough to drive. Unfortunately, my dad decided that neither was safe for a sixteen-year-old girl to drive. So, I ended up with a hand-me-down Ford Explorer.

FINDING LOVE IN THE OUTDOORS

The origin of my start in the off-road scene is sort of a funny story. I was kind of this nomadic adventure junkie who bounced all over the place - Alaska, Colorado, etc. When I met Doug, he was sort of doing the same thing in his Jeep. Our second date was a week-long trip through Moab, Utah. I fell in love with four-wheeling instantly. And with Doug...probably on day four. He drove, 66

I photographed. Now, I primarily drive, and he mostly takes the pictures. Fast forward a few years. We were on the way to a hike when we saw this Smurf blue Scout for sale on a roadside farm. I’d wanted a Scout (or a Ford Bronco, honestly) even before I was old enough to drive. I knew I had to have it. Doug knew it would need a 1-ton axle and an LS swap.

GIRL SCOUT

I call my build “The.Girl.Scout” for obvious reasons. I’m a girl, and my rig is an International Harvester Scout. I also feel like the name just kind of speaks to our lifestyle - constantly exploring and learning. It’s my first build, and I’m learning a lot along the way. Doug and I have been slowly putting together the Scout for about three years. Will we ever finish? Probably not. Although several diff erent shops have done a good amount of work on the rig, Doug and I do many of the basics on the Scout and do plenty of tinkering.

These days I strongly believe in “doing it right the first time.” It’s a philosophy that’s been forged by bad experiences with cheaper parts, putting band-aids on things and having them fail, and generally paying more in the long run. The build still has a ways to go, but we will not be cutting any corners. A lot of the vehicle is custom because there aren’t any bolt-on parts for Scouts that support how I like to drive. Take the current front axle, for example. It’s a Dana 61 with Dana 60 inners. A lot of work went into making that happen. And then there’s everything else - custom driveshafts, bumpers, gas tank, control arms, cage, everything going on under the hood - we even moved the rear wheel wells. The list goes on.

THE FAVES

Some of my favorite mods on the Scout make the rig more enjoyable to drive and easier to take out to the backcountry because of their functionality. Of course, they’re cool mods, too! The LS swap makes the Scout drive like a modern vehicle. It was a significant upgrade from the rebuilt engine we had in it before. The Ram Assist Steering makes it easy to turn those 40s, aired down, and on rocks. It’s amazing. I could think of so many bad lines I’ve taken in the past before we had the Ram Assist because I couldn’t execute a full turn. I love having an iPad in the Scout. I know this is a weird one, but hear me out. During the day, it is our navigation system. At night, we snuggle up in the back and watch movies. We even have plans for a surround sound and a roll cage mount - like a cozy little camp theatre. We have inverters to power our electronics. We have several twoprong outlets under the seats and several cable outlets in the dash. Not the most exciting thing to talk about, but they make life so much easier, especially on long trips away from civilization. Lastly, we have 1-ton axles and lockers. I guess they speak for themselves. We’ve added a set of Toyo Open Country MTs, and they’re awesome tires. We don’t even carry a spare, which is kind of crazy considering how “out there” we get. They take a beating for sure.

NEVER-ENDING

Like I said previously, Doug and I will probably never finish building the Scout. Upfitting this rig is a never-ending process. We’re planning on getting custom aluminum armor made. We’re envisioning a few panels that would look almost seamless and tied into the cage. The goal is not to change the body too much and to have it withstand hits without denting. We’d like to have a complete overhaul of our suspension with coilovers and bypasses. Another axle swap with bigger gears and selectable lockers, plus an Atlas transfer case. A complete overhaul of the interior would be great. We’re working with a company on a custom drawer with a sleep platform system. A complete rewire, too. A full or partial chassis that we’re still trying to figure out. There is still so much to do. ADVENTURERIG SM AG .COM

CRAWLANDER

I consider my rig as a combination of crawlers and overlanders. We really just love to wheel - easy trails, more challenging trails, doesn’t matter as long as we’re outdoors. We are passionate about exploring, history, photography, and spending time under the stars. And obviously, we love to drive. One of the most extraordinary things about owning a Scout is that you don’t see many of them on the trails. Plus, the brand’s history is so rich and interesting, and so is the culture around Scouts. I feel like I’m part of something bigger. There are two things I love about my rig. First, that it drives like a modern vehicle. I can use it all weekend on the trails and all week as a daily driver. It took a lot of work to get it there, and I’m super proud of it. I’m the only one rolling on 40” tires in the yoga parking lot. The second is that we can sleep in it so comfortably. It’s like a camper van that we can crawl.

CAPTURING ADVENTURE

I joined an adventure club when I was in high school and caught the bug. Since then, I’ve lived and traveled all over the world. Ironically, my husband was a dedicated Boy Scout and an all-around adventure nut. We’re both naturally curious people - always digging into places and craving experiences. Photography is how we attempt to capture and share all of it. We’re constantly amazed by the places we go. And trying to capture the “bigness” of an experience or the uniqueness of a place is kind of a way of making it permanent for us. Of course, sometimes we just shoot the Scout. That’s fun too.

GOOD MEMORIES

There are so many fantastic memorable trips with the Scout that it’s hard to name just one! My vote would probably be beach camping in Northern California. Doug and I had a tough time getting there - we had to sleep on the side of the road a few nights, flat tires, wheels flying off of our trailer, forest fires, and so on. One night Doug almost got in a fight with a group of tweakers in a trailer park. After all that mess, I have to say that we felt like we’d earned an amazing camping experience. And we got one. We spent three days on a black sand beach - swimming, cooking, and having bonfires. Sleeping in the Scout, listening to the ocean all night...it was heaven. We have some favorite local California spots that we love to go to, but they change with the seasons. Currently, we love all things Big Bear/ Arrowhead. There are so many trails up there for overlanders and crawlers. Plus, incredible campsites if you know where to look. Then there’s the desert season. We’re big fans of Anza Borrego and the surrounding areas. Each year it seems like we discover an entirely new section of the place. As much as we drive to other states, we feel lucky to call these places our “backyard.”

BAD MEMORIES

Well, I smashed up both quarter panels pretty good in the San Bernardino Mountains last year. Scratches? I don’t care about them. But smashing up a vintage truck hurts every time. Recently, a Toyo Tire shoot at Sand Hollow in Utah broke my drag link twice in one day on the same obstacle. I think we were on Double Sammy? Well, when you go off-roading, you’ll break something. It comes with the territory.

PLANNING...JUST A LITTLE BIT

We’re all about spontaneity. We usually just hop in the Scout with a rough destination in mind and camp/explore along the way. I’ve pinned thousands of locations in Google maps with campsites we’ve been to, places we love, and things we want to see, which usually does a lot of the planning for us. We also own a lot of out-ofprint trail books. We’re also all about meeting locals and finding the “secret” spots. One time, while we were having a nice steak dinner at a restaurant in Durango, Colorado, we got to talking with our server, and he drew us a map of all his favorite camping, hiking, and exploring areas of Utah! We ended up extending our two-week-long trip by an extra week to scope out all the recommended spots, using the little map he drew on the receipt. While there, we met a team of archeologists. They pointed us in the direction of some completely pristine cliff dwellings. There were still bits of corn in the food mills and elaborate pottery everywhere. I would say that was another one of our favorite trips. So, to summarize, we drop pins and research thoroughly, but we stay flexible. We’re never really on a schedule. We just kind of go where the wind takes us. I think it’s more fun that way. ADVENTURERIG SM AG .COM

SYSTEMS AND GEAR CHECK

We check the fluids and bolts. And pack a lot of tools and recovery gear. We’ve been thinking back on some of the failures on the trail these past few years - a dead alternator in Death Valley with a snowstorm blowing in, a melted shifter cable on a shelf road in the Sierras, etc. There are just some things that cannot be avoided. Sometimes you’ve got the tools you need to fix it. Sometimes you climb a mountain until you find cell service. And sometimes you run into Good Samaritans. We pack enough food, water, first aid supplies, and warm clothes when we travel to ensure we’ll be ok. We do wheel alone much, much more than we should, though. I’ll be the first to admit that that is kind of reckless. We do take precautions and have contingencies in place just in case “sh*t hits the fan.”

PRO TIPS

If you enjoy traveling, love the outdoors, and would like to do what we do, here are some tips that you might find helpful. I guess they’re all common sense.

Pack correctly. Be ready to hike for a few days if you need to, and plan for the elements. Tell people where you’re going before you head out, and try to have a plan for cell reception or some kind of way to contact help.

Make sure your vehicle can handle the terrain you’re taking it on. If the trail seems complicated, research it. Watch people on YouTube on how they navigate the obstacles on the route you’ll be traveling on.

Learn basic recovery skills.

Learn to drive in different types of terrain and weather conditions.

I also think it’s a great idea to go with friends! If one vehicle has a problem, then you can get back safely in theirs.

And lastly, nature is not your friend. And some people aren’t either. Have a plan for both.

ADVENTURERIG SM AG .COM

PURE 4X4 BASECAMP 2.0 PHOTOS: BRIAN M C GEE

stablished in 2007 in the streets of Sacramento, CA, PURE was first a staple in the nightlife and promotions industry. But it was their lifetime infatuation with their 4-wheeled counterparts that led them to create a branch tailored for the tuning scene. In 2012, they added PURE VIP to represent their passion for building VIP-styled rides. PURE VIP has since grown from Northern California to Southern California, Hawaii, Japan, Texas, and Colorado. With the pandemic shutting normal lifestyle activities, many turned to explore the great outdoors. Starting in October of 2020, with only a handful of built trucks, PURE 4x4 was born. They are now up to 40 rigs spread throughout their four chapters in NorCal, SoCal, Las Vegas, and Hawaii. They’ve had a total of three offroad events, and their last one, Basecamp 2.0, took place back on the weekend of May 9th. The event was one part camping, one part festival with a splash of a truck show thrown in. It brought together the overlanding and off-road community in Northern California for a weekend of fun and good times.

41.9296° N, 123.5 4 4 9° W

WAYPOINT

Positive vibes have always been certain for PURE which has proven to be a surreal vessel to reach new heights, to meet people from all walks of life, and to continue to aspire to inspire. They encourage everyone to "Choose Your Adventure” during their stay at the Basecamp series of events. There are plenty of activities to do within the area, such as hiking, wheeling, water sports, etc. For Basecamp 2.0, more activities were added on-site, including live music and performances, 4x4 workshop, 4x4 trail awareness seminar, night trail ride, scavenger hunt, "lumen hour,” karaoke contest, "The Great Frontier Cook-Off,” and various children’s activities. Make sure to follow them on socials to find out when the next Pure 4x4 Basecamp goes down!

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@PURE4X4

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PURE 4X4 BASECAMP 2.0

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AUDIO

DS18 JL - SBAR22 (954) 924-1213 | DS18.COM | FACEBOOK.COM/DS18SOUND | @DS18_OFFICIAL_ This soundbar is a bolt-on replacement for your Jeep’s lackluster original soundbar and replaces it with loud and great sounding DS18 audio. This powerhouse has room for two 8” speakers and two high-powered tweeters for amazing sound for someone that still wants amazing music volume without sacrificing much retail space in your vehicle. This system can plug and play direct to your Jeep factory harness with just a simple factory connector. $349.99

KICKER PSM3 MINI-ENCLOSED SPEAKERS 405.624.8583 | KICKER.COM | FACEBOOK.COM/KICKERAUDIO | @KICKERAUDIO KICKER adds a new look to the versatile PSM3 Mini-Enclosed Speakers for powersports. Made for bikes, ATVs, and anything else that has a round bar or handle, the newest version of the PSM3 speaker line adds a glossy black housing to the mix, along with the durable chrome pair that KICKER has had for years. Designed specifically to deliver crystal-clear audio and last through every kind of weather, the rugged PS speaker system boasts high-power handling and volume from the robust, three-inch woofers for ultra-clear music reproduction through helmets, wind noise and road noise. THe PSM3 pairs in either 2-or 4-Ohm versions. PSM drivers advertise heavyduty ceramic magnets, water-proof suspension, and a polymer basket for battling the elements. The lightweight, durable design of the speakers does not aff ect how the bike rides or handles in any way, and they fit with ease on round pipes ranging from 7/8” to-1-1/4”. The speakers come complete with cast-aluminum mounting hardware originating from a single-point clamp that resists vibration. $199.95

PLANET AUDIO BBD12B SUBWOOFER 805.751.4854 | PLANETAUDIO.COM |

/PLANETAUDIOUSA.BIZ |

PLANET AUDIO MINI BANG SERIES AMPLIFIERS PLANETAUDIOUSA

The new 12” Big Bang BBD12B is a powerhouse of a sub at an aff ordable price. High output and deep bass make the BBD12B the ideal subwoofer for nearly any install. Features include: Power handling of 2,500/1,500W (Max/RMS); dual 4-Ohm 2.5” copper voice coil; 83dB sensitivy; 28Hz frequency response; and 1-year and 60-day warranty and 60-day hassle free returns. $164.99

805.751.4854 | PLANETAUDIO.COM |

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PLANETAUDIOUSA

Planet Audio has announced the launch of four new Mini Bang Series amps: the MB1200.1D, MB600.2D, MB300.4D, and MB2200.5D. All four amps feature high and low level inputs; fixed high/low pass crossovers; variable bass boost; remote sub control; illuminated end panel strips; and a 5-year Elite Warranty. Packed with features and the reliability BOSS Audio has become famous for, these new Mini Bang Series amplifiers won’t break the bank while providing your system the power it craves. $99.99+

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OUTDOOR GEAR GUIDE JUST BECAUSE YOU’RE OFF THE GRID doesn’t mean you have to eat like a savage. Thanks to new technology and a growing interest in taking to the great outdoors for some escapism from everyday life, there is a plethora of options when it comes to grilling gear and making fine dining meals when you’re out in the middle of nowhere.

BBQ DRAGON

877.293.7861 |

BBQDRAGON.COM Fire up your charcoal grill faster using the BBQ Dragon grilling gadget. The gadget blows large amounts of low-velocity air at the fire so that it starts faster than on its own. It can start a charcoal grill in just 10 minutes without the need for lighter fluid, making it a great tool for campfires, wood stoves, smokers and more - all while giving you more control over temperature. $50.00

COLEMAN TRITON CAMPING STOVE

COLEMAN.COM

If you’re looking for an economical camping stove, you can’t go wrong with the Coleman Triton Camping Stove. The propane stove features two adjustable burners with enough space to hold a 10” pan and a 12” pan - at the same time. It’s powered by pressure-controlled technology that allows it to maintain a steady heat flow for even cooking. It’s very compact and portable, easily fitting onto camp tables and tailgates. Clean-up is a breeze since its chrome-plated plates pop out for easy washing. $80.00 78

ENVIROFIT ROCKET STOVE ENVIROFIT.ORG Campfire cooking is made easier with the Envirofit Rocket Stove that is light to carry and robust enough to support large pans. It features a patented metal alloy combustion chamber that keeps firewood burning while sending flames up via a central opening to heat pans and pots faster. This also helps it use less fuel and have lower emissions that can harm the environment. $110.00

NOMAD MOBILE KITCHEN NOMADKITCHENCO.COM Be a master chef while out camping with the Nomad Mobile Kitchen. It fits in most SUVs and hatchbacks and is easy to install or remove with basic tools. The all-in-one vehicle-mounted kitchen comes with a bamboo cutting board, stainless-steel washbasin, drying rack, room for 14-gallons of water and tons of storage space. There’s a drawer that is a two-burner stove, but that’s sold separately. Finishes off ered include black or natural. $699.00+

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OUTDOOR GEAR GUIDE

PK ORIGINAL GRILL & SMOKER

PKGRILLS.COM

Grill up some amazing meats using the PK Original Grill & Smoker. Inspired by the grills of the 1950s with its capsule-shaped design, the grill is made from aluminum for a more consistent and evenly distributed heat source, which makes your meal have that real smoky flavor. The grill is easy to assemble and features 310 square inches of cooking surface, with four vents to set up zone and control airflow while cooking. It’s also portable so you can take it on camping trips or tailgates. $70.00

WOLF & GRIZZLY CAMPFIRE TRIO WOLFANDGRIZZLY With the Wolf & Grizzly Campfire Trio, you can leave your bulky grill at home the next time you go camping. With everything you need to whip up delicious meals, the grill comes with everything you need to safely contain and grill over a fie. It has a stainless steel M1 grille that features a rollable and foldable frame that can be easily and neatly packed away in its carrying case. The fire safe is also made from stainless steel, comes in its own carrying case and has a foldable frame. You’ll also get a ferrocerium rod and knife steel striker that’s held together with a custom paracord that also houses an emergency jute tinder inside of it. $179.00

ZIV PORTABLE SMOKER ZIVSMOKER.COM Enjoy some smoked meat anywhere you go with the Ziv Portable Smoker. The sturdy smoker works with any heat source, including grills, camp stoves and even open flames. It has a cooking surface of 12” x10” so that you have enough space for all your meat choices. It weighs 13.9 pounds and folds into an odor-free case for easy transportation. $120.00 80

Color Change as Tough as the Terrain Avery Dennison® Supreme Wrapping™ Film Rugged Collection Vehicles get even tougher with the new Avery Dennison® Supreme Wrapping™ Film Rugged Collection. The 3D conformable, textured color change film gives your ride the look and feel of a bed liner without the permanent application. Take on the roughest terrain with Rugged Supreme Wrapping Film in four new colors:

Rugged Onyx

Rugged Combat Green

Rugged Bedrock Grey

Rugged Marsh Green

TRAIL'S END

AD INDEX 21 4WP Factory www.4wp.com/BroncoHQ 27 Atturo Tires www.atturo.com/mts 81 Avery Dennison www.averydennison.com 2-3 Black Rhino Hard Alloys www.blackrhinowheels.com 71 Body Armor 4x4 www.bodyarmor4x4.com 77 Camburg www.camburg.com 32-33 DUB IR Tint www.dubir.com 31 Eibach www.eibach.com 5 Gram Lights www.mackinindustries.com 61 KC HiLiTES www.kchilites.com 83 Kenwood www.kenwood.com/usa 65 LTA Manufacturing www.ltamanufacturing.com 84 Mickey Thompson www.mickeythompsontires.om 11 RIGID Industries www.rigidindustries.com 41 ROAM Adventure Co. www.roamadventureco.com 53 SEMA Show www.semashow.com/register 16-17 TIS Off-Road www.tiswheels.com 57 Venom Power www.venompowertires.com 4 Volk Racing www.mackinindustries.com 9 Yokohama Wheel www.mackinindustries.com 49 Zone Offroad www.zoneoffroad.com

PHOTOS: DOUG HYLAND 82

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ALL BAJA BOSS® TIRES FEATURE:

BAJA BOSS® A/T 50,000 MILE WARRANTY

BAJA BOSS® M/T

33X12.50R22LT LT285/55R22 AVAILABLE FALL 35X12.50R22LT LT325/50R22 35X15.50R22LT 37X13.50R22LT 35X15.50R24LT AVAILABLE FALL 37X13.50R24LT AVAILABLE FALL

33X12.50R22LT 35X12.50R22LT LT325/50R22 37X13.50R22LT 38X15.50R22LT 37X14.50R24LT 38X15.50R24LT

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