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ADVENTURE RIGS 4 WHEEL PARTS 2021 FORD BRONCO 1983 MALTEC TOYOTA LAND CRUISER 2016 MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER 2020 JEEP GLADIATOR RUBICON
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UPFIT EIBACH PRO-TRUCK COILOVER 2.0 INSTALL
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EQUIPPED WHEELS TIRES STARTER PACK: FORD BRONCO PERFORMANCE & ACCESSORIES GEAR: COLD WEATHER EDITION
44 56 68
WAYPOINT CAMP DOGTOWN OVERLAND EXPO MTN WEST OVERLAND EXPO WEST
PHOTO: TIM MCGRATH
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EDITOR'S NOTES
THE DANGER OF ADVENTURE IS WORTH A THOUSAND DAYS OF EASE AND COMFORT.” – PAULO COELHO
S
ure, it’s convenient to take relaxing vacations or weekend trips that have everything you need to be comfortable, but there’s something about going off the grid in your overlanding rig, away from the known, and just be. Adventure is something we all seek, but not many have the courage to actually obtain it. The famed Brazilian lyricist and novelist couldn’t be more correct when he wrote these words in his 1998 novel “Veronika Decides To Die.” Adventure isn’t always easy, but it’s sure worth it in the end! We know there’s a lot of work in preparation and planning overlanding trips and a lot of that work is even before you start planning on where to go as you outfit your rig for the right conditions. But once it’s all said and done, the adventure is always that much better knowing your rig could tackle anything. Just ask those featured in this Issue! They’ve broken out of their comfort zones to build badass vehicles ready for
adventure and now they’re living life as they wander the globe on four wheels. For Joe Georges of Offroad Customz, the Jeep life was instilled in him at a very young age by his family. With a history of Jeeps under his family tree, he couldn’t resist the appeal of the (then) new Jeep Gladiator when news of the pickup truck was first released. But instead of settling for its stock form given aftermarket parts were scarce at the time, he was determined to have a truck that would take him and his family on adventures of a lifetime. So instead of being comfortable with a stock Gladiator with off-the-rack parts, he persevered and fabricated his own custom pieces that fit with his journeys. Tim McGrath has had a love affair with the Toyota Land Cruiser ever since high school. Now he’s traveling the nation in his special 1983 Toyota Land Cruiser that’s been upfitted by the popular German company, Maltec, that specializes in expedition trucks. Now he’s able to showcase his love for exploring with his family, often opting for a campsite above the treelines.
Kate Field has an adventurous spirit. Growing up in Australia, she was introduced to camping and all things off-road as a young girl and that passion only grew as she became an adult. Now the Aussie ex-pat is living in the states and is a traveling nomad in her 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Van, which is named Bruce Banner. 4Wheel Parts has made adventure their primary business as they supply off-road and adventure seekers with mods and accessories that enhance their rigs. Thanks to their dedication to the industry, Ford has chosen them to be one of the first to produce authentic and quality parts for the all-new Bronco, which everyone has been talking about. We caught up with them to learn more about this special partnership and the kind of parts they’ll be producing at the 4WP Factory for the Bronco and other adventure vehicles. Automotive lifestyle events large and small are happening across the nation! We’ve got coverage on the massive Overland Expo Mountain West in Loveland, CO, and the original Overland Expo in Flagstaff, AZ. as well as a more intimate event at the 2nd Annual Camp Dogtown that took place in Williams, AZ. But no matter how small or large the event, inspiration can be found everywhere and can help you finally dive deeper into the dangers of adventure! Enjoy Issue 7!
PHOTO: HOP HUNTER 8
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
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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 Kristie Real Kristie@adventurerigsmag.com
DISPLAY UNTIL MARCH 9, 2020
ADVERTISING Omar Rojas Omar@adventurerigsmag.com
GET YOUR COPY AT DUBSHOP.COM 42” 116° 50’ 33.3 4 4.25 7” W N 32° 35’
Ricardo Gonzalez Ricardo@adventurerigsmag.com Rich Calbay Rich@adventurerigsmag.com [ ONE THING
ER ] LEADS TO ANOTH
passion is ding, my other why I Besides off-roawhich is another reason capable photography, Jeep. I wanted a vehicle those s to the my camera purchased interested take me and enough to ns. I’ve been a shoot locatio I got my first Minolt awesome ever since ng, so in photographylove camping and explori AE1 and I also that, too. perfect for the Jeep is pick parts it’s time to research when go with brands that to I do a lot of y. I do I also tend in the industr it comes for the build. reputation , but not when dispose have a good myself to work most of the s. It’s kind of a hassle ment g the environ to fluid change without harmin of old fluids up to the professionals. so I leave that
DESIGN Jonathan Rodrigues Jon@unrivaledgoods.com
SPENSION
AD RECON COMPL ETE 2020+ GLADI E 2 KIT ATOR 4.5”
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RACELA & MARCO
A. HERNAND
a kid. I when I was different dirt bikes to I started riding800cc Yamaha in 1978 an XR650, an was went from My last bike Over the the years. 12 years ago. bikes over rid of about d vehicles nt off-roa which I got owned differe off-roading in one years, I’ve involved in vehicle I ever and have beenr. The first off-road and the way or anothe 80-Series Land Cruiser it. 1996 about built was a best thing of it was the reliability ago ler a few years base a Jeep Wrang was a solid I picked up DX Jeep Rubicon version because their off-road build. My OVRLNJeep was new Jeep. My first to start a y my second to drive everywhere actuall is JKU XJ that I loved say that I’ve always can my dad’s old day. So, you back in the liked Jeeps.
SOCIAL MEDIA David Tobiassen David@adventurerigsmag.com
PERFORMA NCE/ACC ESSORIES ALPINE ELECT
RONIC 586.719.8966 | ALPINE-USA.COM S OF AMER ICA, INC. | /ALPINEUS X409-WRA-JL A | @ALPINEU The X409-W SA 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 ADVEN TURER
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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.
OR 4 DOOR, INCLU
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DECKED DRAWE
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
DING RUBICON
SUSPENSIONSYSTEM S | @SUPERL IFTSUSPENSION mpletely new LEVEL with under your Jeep Gladiat Superlift’s 2.5-inch LEVELor. Superlift as a strong, IT leveling Suspension modern die-form kit. This all-new spacer levelkin ed design constru is driven to design leveling kit all leveling is the right cted of solid xtended sway g kit which provides a and suspen option steel giving stock bar links and your Jeep Gladiat sion kits to the highest e Warranty adds clearan quality ride and stance Program. $129.95 or a strong ce for 35” tires and leveled (non-Rubicon) brings the front level with the rear. and 37” tires It has for Rubicon models. It’s made
ADVEN TURER
IGSM AG.COM
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IGSM AG.COM
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OPERATIONS Kiani Tran-Boutros Lisette Carrales
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CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Matt Girgis Katie Field Roman Racela Tim McGrath Steffen Schulte-Lippern David Tobiassen Hop Hunter CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Kate Field Matt Girgis John Pangilinan Joe Georges Tim McGrath David Tobiassen Kathryn A. Reinhardt
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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 BLACK RHINO RAPID RF 800.479.9723 | BLACKRHINOWHEELS.COM @BLACKRHINOWHEELS SIZE: 17X8.5, 17X9, 17X9.5, 18X8.5, 18X9, 18X9.5, 20X8.5, 20X9, 20X9.5 FINISH: MATTE BLACK, MIDNIGHT BLUE, MATTE BRONZE, AND MATTE BRUSHED GUNMETAL The Black Rhino Rapid RF is a Rotary Forged off-road wheel with weights starting at 22 lbs/wheel. Available in 5-lug and 6-lug with four standard finishes, including: Matte Black, Midnight Blue, Matte Bronze, and Matte Brushed Gunmetal.
DIRTY LIFE DUAL TEK DT-1 626.363.1660 | DIRTYLIFEWHEELS.COM @DIRTYLIFEWHEELS SIZE: 17X9, 20X9 FINISH: MATTE BLACK W/ SIMULATED BEADLOCK RING, SATIN GOLD W/ SIMULATED BEADLOCK RING, CRIMSON CANDY RED W/SIMULATED BEADLOCK RING The Dual-Tek Series from Dirty Life is the ultimate DOT beadlock wheel. You won’t need two sets of wheels for the street and trail anymore. Mount your tires using the standard DOT bead seat for street use or choose the functional beadlock seat for off-road use.
FUEL NITRO 800.493.7891 | FUELOFFROAD.COM @FUELOFFROAD SIZE: 17X9, 20X9 FINISH: ANTHRACITE, MATTE BLACK, MATTE BRONZE The Fuel Off-Road Nitro is a split spoke design available for both 5-lug and 6-lug applications. Available in both 17” and 20” sizes, finishes include Anthracite, Matte Black, and Matte Bronze.
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GEAR OFF-ROAD RAID 763B 714.990.2233 | GEAROFFROAD.COM @GEAROFFROAD SIZE: 18X9, 20X9, 20X10, 20X12 FINISH: SATIN BLACK AND BRONZEBLACK MILLED, MACHINED BLACK The Raid is a new deep-dish mesh wheel created fit most bolt patterns and offsets for today’s popluar light trucks and SUVs available in 18s and 20s.
ICON ALLOYS RAIDER WHEEL 951.689.4266 | ICONVEHICLEDYNAMICS.COM @ICONALLOYS SIZE: 17” FINISH: SATIN BLACK, SATIN BRASS, TITANIUM FINISHES ICON Alloys is proud to introduce their latest wheel design, the Raider. Featuring a modern 6-spoke design, sharp lines, a vented rock ring, and “ICONoptimized” dimensions, this new wheel is not only designed to improve the looks of your Jeep, truck or SUV, but the overall function as well. Staying true to the ICON Alloys approach, the 17” Raider has been engineered to maximize caliper clearance and optimize wheel position for unhindered suspension travel and steering function.
MAYHEM WHEELS 8303 VOYAGER 626.363.1660 | MAYHEMWHEELS.COM @MAYHEMWHEELS SIZE: 17X8 FINISH: MATTE BLACK Mayhem’s popular overland 8303 Voyager is now available in utility van fitments. The full-fac multispoke wheel is a solid choice for upfitting your adventure van.
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WHEELS MKW M206 909.444.0164 | MKWWHEELS.COM @MKWOFFROAD SIZE: 17X8, 18X8 FINISH: SATIN BRONZE, SATIN GREY, SATIN BLACK The M206 was built for you and your rig to both function and look good. The wheel design features a slotted outer face connected by 5 spokes with some additional detail on the spoke. Overall, the wheel design adds an aggressive look to your rig.
MOTIV 428 BALLAST 704.992.2000 | MOTIVWHEELS.COM @MOTIVWHEELS SIZE: 17”, 18”, 20” FINISH: GLOSS BLACK, MACHINED BLACK The Motiv Ballast is a clean looking 8-spoke wheel design with a deep lip that will give your ride the clean looks needed to turn heads on-and off-road.
RACELINE WHEELS 951 RYNO 714.529.4335 | RACELINEWHEELS.COM @RACELINEWHEELS SIZE: 17X8.5 +0 AND +18 OFFSETS, 17X9 -12 OFFSET TO FIT MOST 5, 6 AND 8 LUG APPLICATIONS FINISH: SATIN BLACK, TEXTURED BRONZE AND MACHINED FINISH As the newest wheel in the Raceline Ryno family, this intimidating 6-spoke mesh design is an absolute beast and is ready for anything you can throw its way. With a debossed Raceline logo on spoke. It features a simulated beadlock lip with stainless steel bolts. There is also a black-out snap in cap with contrasting embossed Raceline logo plus a push thru cap for 8-lug applications. 14
TIRES
DELINTE TIRES BANDIT A/T DX10 305.621.5101 | DELINTETIRES.COM
@DELINTETIRES
The Bandit A/T DX10 sets a standard for AllTerrain tires with superior extended tread wear. This aggressive tread pattern is designed to provide reliability and lasting tread for relentless adventure and comes with a 50K Warranty. A bench-shaped tire shoulder gives stability in high-speed turns in dry, wet, or snowy conditions. A five-block tread pattern evacuates water and reduces noise on a variety of roads and terrains. F-Rated size options are available for serious hauling.
FALKEN WILDPEAK A/T TRAIL 800.723.2553 | FALKENTIRE.COM
@FALKENTIRE
The Wildpeak A/T Trail is the first ever CUV All-Terrain tire on the market. With years of R&D it was engineered to match today’s modern crossovers to strike the perfect balance between aggressive off-road traction and sold all-weather performance. It’s certified for severe snow conditions with its three-peak mountain snowflake (3PMSF) symbol and is available in 30 sizes for 16 up to 20-inch wheels. The Wildpeak A/T Trail is a perfect fit for the Subaru Crosstrek and Outback, Toyota RAV4, Jeep Renegade Trailhawk and many other popular compact adventure rigs.
YOKOHAMA GEOLANDAR X-AT 714.662.8400 | YOKOHAMATIRE.COM
@YOKOHAMATIRE
Engineered to endure from peak to pavement and everywhere in between, the GEOLANDAR X-AT is built to conquer serious off-road terrain without compromising on-road comfort. Armed with a 45,000-Mile Limited Treadwear Warranty, a quieter ride and unique dual sidewall design, the GEOLANDAR X-AT provides extreme versatility so you can go farther with confidence. ADVENTURERIG SM AG .COM
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STARTER PACK: 2021 FORD BRONCO The most anticipated new Adventure Rig is finally out and here are some of the new parts available to help you start down the rewarding path of customizing your ride!
4WP FACTORY 4WHEELPARTS.COM
01. FRONT BUMPER A full-width bumper with grille protection, recovery points and auxiliary lighting tabs. Optional winch mount and skid plate available. Constructed from 1/8” thick steel with a textured powder coat finish. This bumper strikes the perfect balance between protection and approach angle in addition to weight and strength.
02. WINCH PLATFORM As the perfect addition to their full-width bumper, this winch integrates seamlessly with the front bumper and accommodates most winches rated at up to 12,000 lbs and is compatible with both roller and hawse fairleads. Constructed from 1/8” thick steel with a textured powder coat finish.
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03. FRONT BUMPER SKID PLATE It’s designed to effortlessly integrate with the full-width front bumper to provide superior under-body protection. It’s trail-ready powder coated and features core underbody protection for the most vulnerable parts of the Bronco. Also features a customizable logo plate.
04. REAR BUMPER The full-width rear bumper carries the same design cues as the front bumper for a cohesive look. It will accommodate all factory tow and safety packages while providing recovery points and auxiliary lighting provisions. It’s constructed from 1/8” thick steel and comes with a textured powder coat finish.
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05. SPARE TIRE RELOCATION BRACKET This is perfect if you want to run larger tires since a larger spare will also be needed. It’s modular and allows you to reposition the spare tire 1.9” away from the vehicle while raising the spare 2.4” or 3.4” for optimal placement depending on tire size. Bolt-on installation and constructed from 1/8” thick steel with textured powder coat finish.
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06. THIRD BRAKE LIGHT BRACKET
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This simple bolt-on Light Bracket relocates the third brake light upwards and can be used in conjunction with the Spare Tire Relocation Bracket or on its own.
07. SIDE STEPS Side Steps provide a functional platform to assist not only with entering and exiting two-door and four-door Broncos but can also be used if you need access to any roof-mounted accessories. Structural tubing provides increased durability and simple bolt-on installation.
08. FENDER DELETES These Fender Deletes allow owners the ability to clean up the looks of their Bronco if they plan on getting it dirty. The kit features aluminum construction and comes with four mounting plates to fill in the fender pockets when the OE fenders are removed, providing a finished narrow look.
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09. 2.5” VSRT COILOVERS The 2.5” diameter VSRT Coilovers are the only product on the market with Vehicle Specific Ride Tuning (VSRT). They feature durable hardanodized, thick-wall impact-forged bodies and 17-4 PH stainless steel hardened shafts that are chrome plated for maximum corrosion and abrasion resistance. They also have integrated closed-cell foam bump stops for precisioncontrolled unloading during impacts at full bump.
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10. TUBULAR UPPER CONTROL ARMS
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The all-new design provides the strength of a race-style uniball arm with the ride quality and characteristics of the factory part through the use of a high-angle ball joint. These arms provide OE-ride quality on the road and increase caster to allow for proper alignment after a lift. Low maintenance PTMEG bushing and helix grooved pivot points combined with a sealed dust cap are sure to provide years of quiet and problem-free performance.
11. ADJUSTABLE TRACK BAR
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The new Track Bar for the rear of the Bronco is designed to center the vehicle after a suspension lift is added. It features an onvehicle adjustable sleeve that allows for precise axle alignment while still on the vehicle to prevent the need to disassemble the suspension to adjust. It includes a three-piece multi-rate bushing assembly at one end and a precision alloy FK rod end on the adjustable side for improved handling and performance. It’s powder coated for maximum corrosion resistance.
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STARTER PACK: 2021 FORD BRONCO
ADDICTIVE DESERT DESIGNS ROCK FIGHTER FRONT AND REAR BUMPERS
ADDICTIVEDESERTDESIGNS.COM
The ADD Rock Fighter front bumper features a modern radius plate steel design and a standard winch mount. There’s a universal light mount for up to a 20” radius light bar or five cube lights. There are also two light mounts on top for round lights. There’s an optional 3/16” aluminum skid plate and the vented lower panel with louvers is for intercooler airflow. Retains OEM parking sensors and there are reinforced Clevis mounts for 3/4” D-Rings. Adaptive Cruise Control relocation bracket available separately. The Rock Fighter rear bumper features a modern plate steel design and retains OEM tire mount and backup camera. The bumper also retains OEM parking sensors, hitch and license plate light. There are also reinforced Clevis mounts for 3/4” D-Rings and the 4th brake light relocation bracket is included. The Rock Fighters are fully bolt-on and made in the USA.
BAJA DESIGNS BAJADESIGNS.COM
A-PILLAR KITS
Their A-Pillar kits come with a more robust bracket to support any of their Squadron or XL series lights. They decided to throw in some additional lenses with each kit to allow enthusiasts to take advantage of their uService feature to optimize their output to their desired lighting zones.
XL LINKABLE KITS FOR THE ROOF OR BUMPER
The XL Linkable was designed for the enthusiast looking to take charge with a light package that is completely customizable for their needs. The XL Linkable provides fantastic output, as well as more adjustability than a traditional light bar that can be added to either your bumper or roofline. This kit is a turn-key LED system for the Ford Bronco owner that is looking to drastically improve the looks and performance of their truck.
FOG POCKET
This kit is designed for the Ford Bronco enthusiast that is looking to light up the trail with ample light and differentiate yourself from the pack. It’s a factory fog light replacement kit that plugs and plays right into your factory connectors and couldn’t be any easier to install. It comes in a variety of intensities, ranging from their road-compliant SAE Squadrons to the high output Squadron Pro series. 20
REVERSE
Whether you’re backing down a trail or backing into a camp spot, these lights will be sure to illuminate the task at hand. An easy bolt-on option to increase safety and visibility, this kit includes an auxiliary light bracket, a toggle switch harness and your choice of S1 or S2 series lights. This kit attaches directly to the spare tire mount and can accommodate factory, as well as many aftermarket wheels. If you’re looking for an awesome lighting addition for your Bronco this is it!
CAMBURG ENGINEERING CAMBURG.COM
CAMBURG FORD BRONCO 2021 SUSPENSION AND ACCESSORY PACKAGES
Camburg has teamed up with FOX Racing, Baja Designs, Method Wheels and General Tire among many other companies to offer complete suspension and accessory packages for the new 2021 Ford Bronco. Utilizing FOX’s Factory Series 2.5 DSC coilovers front and rear, Baja Designs fog, A-pillar and bumper lights with Method wheels and 35”-37” General tires will make for the ultimate trail and off-road rig.
KINETIK SERIES BILLET AND STANDARD TUBULAR UNIBALL UPPER CONTROL ARMS
Camburg Engineering has developed a few different upper control arms to match your budget and needs. They have their standard tubular Uniballs Series arms as well as their elite KINETIK Series billet uniball arms for the new Bronco. These upper arms allow for increased wheel travel and articulation out on the trail, they correct suspension geometry for improved handling both on and off-road and are considerably higher quality and strength compared to the OEM parts for off-road use and longevity.
REAR LOWER TRAILING ARMS
With the vast amount of testing Camburg Engineering has under their belts already, they’ve addressed some of the issues with the new 2021 Ford Bronco. They’ve designed a much stronger rear lower trailing arm kit since the stock OEM versions are prone to damage as well as limiting wheel travel and articulation. They have two versions available: their thickwalled tubular uniballs series and their elite KINETIK series billet aluminum series. Both trailing arm kits utilize Made in the USA FK 1” uniball bearings for zero bind and maximum articulation with increased ground clearance and include all the necessary hardware.
FOX PERFORMANCE RIDEFOX.COM
ELITE 2.5 SUSPENSION
Fox has developed three aftermarket suspension platforms for the full-size Bronco. The first available is the Performance Elite 2.5 Series. It’s designed for more confidence both on and off-road with wide-range adjusters and better heat dissipation. 2.5” diameter onepiece aluminum bodies and external reservoirs increase oil volume to combat heat buildup from extended off-road use at speed. The Dual speed compression adjusters allow quick ride adaptation to a wide variety of terrain and vehicle loads, providing the ideal setting to tackle the trickiest off-road obstacles or tame the twists and turns on the road with the turn of a knob.
ADVENTURERIG SM AG .COM
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STARTER PACK: 2021 FORD BRONCO
MAGNAFLOW
MAGNAFLOW.COM
THE NEW MAGNAFLOW STREET SERIES AXLE-BACK EXHAUST SYSTEM provides owners of the 2021+ Ford Bronco (2.3L and 2.7L) with an enhanced driving experience both on and off-road. The system balances a moderate exterior sound with the comfort of a mild interior audio level, while black powder coated 4” tips and the addition of a split-dual exit design upgrade the appearance. As with all MagnaFlow Street Series products, the system for the Bronco features CNC precision manufacturing and dyno-proven performance, while offering the confidence of quality stainless steel construction and a limited lifetime warranty.
WARN ELITE BUMPERS WARN.COM
THE NEW ELITE BUMPERS are WARN winch-ready and accept most WARN mid-frame winches up to 12,000 lbs. These rugged bumpers allow Ford Bronco buyers to add a winch for vehicle recovery, add extra protection to guard against trail hazards, and make the new Bronco even more capable. The bumper includes welded eyelets for shackles, ports for OE or auxiliary lights, and off-road jack tabs. It’s also available in two versions: one without the tube and one with a welded-on grille guard tube, which offers additional protection to the winch as well as an aggressive look. Additionally, the Elite Series bumper has recessed light buckets for either the OE fog lights or aftermarket units. They also feature a state-ofthe-art powder-coated finish for long-lasting corrosion/UV protection.
ZONE OFFROAD
1” LEVELING KIT
Available with the standard IFS suspension or upgraded Sasquatch package providing a 1.1” taller ride height, the Bronco has clearance for up to 35” tires from the factory. Building on the 4-corner coilover design, Zone Offroad offers a 1” leveling kit designed to level out the stance and eliminate the factory nose-low rake. This improves the appearance with clearance for larger aftermarket wheel/tire packages without sacrificing vehicle driveability. The leveling kit uses a two-piece design with upper and lower strut mount spacers that install easily to provide the desired level stance on all Bronco models. These spacers are built from high-strength American steel laser cut for a precision fit and finished in a durable black e-coating. These, paired with the longer replacement hardware and step-by-step instructions, allow you to bolt on this 1” leveling kit within a few hours. 22
ZONEOFFROAD.COM
2” LIFT AND LEVEL
The team at Zone Offroad is offering a 2” lift solution designed for the base model (does not work with Sasquatch or Badlands Models) Broncos. These new 2” lift kits lift and level the stance eliminating the factory nose-low rake and allowing clearance for up to 35” tires. This new kit is designed to take advantage of the impressive travel on the new Bronco utilizing top-mounted strut spacers to raise the stance without sacrificing ride quality or overall driveability. The spacers are built from heavy-duty semi-aromatic glass-fiber reinforced nylon resin design, offering strength and a clean OE appearance once installed. These, paired with the longer replacement hardware and step-by-step instructions, allow you to bolt on this 2” lift kit within a few hours.
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PERFORMANCE/ACCESSORIES
ANDERSON COMPOSITES JEEP GLADIATOR CARBON FIBER FENDER FLARES 626.333.7024 | ANDERSONCOMPOSITES.COM
@ANDERSONCOMPOSITES
Carbon fiber fender flares (front and rear) for 2020-20221 Jeep Gladiator (JT). Mount with OE hardware and fronts have provision for the OE lights. $1,499.00
DS18 JVOCE 772.800.9273 | DS18.COM
/DS18SOUND
@DS18_OFFICIAL_
JVOCE is composed of high-quality components, including some from one of their loudest speakers, The Pro-Hybrid 6. This enclosure has two high-powered speakers that are a water resistant and 6.5” mids accompanied by a high-powered and high-intensity driver - all built into the frame of the speaker. $459.95
EIBACH PRO-TRUCK-LIFT STAGE 2 951.256.8400 | EIBACH.COM /EIBACH @EIBACH_WORLD The PRO-TRUCK-LIFT STAGE 2 features the ability to fine tune with threaded front height adjustment and shares the same rear sport shocks as our STAGE 1 system. The PRO-TRUCKCOILOVER 2.0’s utilize their extended travel monotube design and variable force valving, which delivers control during on-road transit and compliance for maximum traction on the trails.
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HEISE 22” HIGH OUTPUT HEATED LIGHTBAR
386.257.2956 | HEISELED.COM/
@HEISELED
Snow covering your lights? This heated 22” lightbar will automatically defrost in cold temperatures for a quick de-icing, so you can head into the night with plenty of lighting coverage. Heise’s HE-HDRH22 high-output lightbar is rated IP67 with 120W, providing 10,800 lumens of light. It is designed with integrated advanced thermal management and a military breather port that allows moisture to escape and prevents fogging while defrosting for added visibility during the snow season. $503.00
ELEMENT CHROMOLY UPPER CONTROL ARMS 800.569.7906 | ELEMENTHARDPARTS.COM /ELEMENT-HARD-PARTS @ELEMENTHARDPARTS Element’s Chromoly Upper Control Arms are built using 1.25” diameter x .120” wall 4130 chromoly tubing. Designed for lifted vehicles, these UCA’s will correct caster while maximizing wheel travel. Included are USA-made FK heim joints, FK uniballs and a one-piece uniball pin made from 17-4 stainless steel and hardened to H900. Want more? Check out their innovative self-lubricating bushing design, that is free-pivoting, requires zero maintenance, zero lubrication and will not squeak! A coat of gloss black powder and a second coat of clear makes for a killer looking arms that scream quality. $699.95
ICON VEHICLE DYNAMICS IMPACT PRO SERIES REAR BUMPER FOR JEEP GLADIATOR JT 951.689.4266 | ICONVEHICLEDYNAMICS.COM
/IVDSUSPENSION
@ICONIMPACTOFFROAD
The Gladiator JT brings a new level of utility and versatility to Jeep vehicles, but the JT’s increased dimensions require even more sturdy armor, especially at the rear bumper. The ICON Impact PRO Series Rear Bumper provides the Gladiator JT with unparalleled strength, clearance and functionality. Designed for the ultimate in off-road form and function, PRO Series features a multi-faceted, high-clearance design that sneaks past the tightest obstacles on the trail. The Gladiator JT PRO Series Rear Bumper is designed to work with the stock tow hitch and includes provisions for retaining the OE tow harness receptacle, as well as having the ability to reinstall the factory backup sensors. PRO Series bumpers are manufactured from 3/16” thick plate steel, CNC laser cut and precision brake-formed for an exact fit. If you manage to get yourself into a tight spot, recovery is aided by a pair of extreme duty recovery shackle tabs that are CNC machined from beefy 1” thick plate steel. Like the rest of the PRO Series bumpers, even the recovery tabs are engineered for maximum clearance. The PRO Series bumper looks as great as it performs, with a durable multi-stage black powder coat finish. ADVENTURERIG SM AG .COM
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PERFORMANCE/ACCESSORIES ICON VEHICLE DYNAMICS JL BODY-MOUNTED TIRE CARRIER 951.689.4266 | ICONVEHICLEDYNAMICS.COM
/IVDSUSPENSION
@ICONIMPACTOFFROAD
Safely carry up to a 40” spare tire on your Jeep Wrangler JL with the ICON Impact PRO Series Body Mounted Tire Carrier. Large spare tires can put excessive stress on the stock spare tire mount, beyond what it, and the tailgate it is attached to, was designed for. The ICON Impact Body Mounted Tire Carrier alleviates these stresses by placing the load of the spare tire’s weight almost exclusively on the reinforced rear corner section of the Jeep’s body, where the tailgate attaches, rather than on the tailgate itself. The tire carrier is further strengthened by a thick steel reinforcement plate that ties the upper and lower hinge together while clamping them securely to the heavy gauge structural steel of the Jeep’s inner body tub. The tailgate and the tire carrier open and close independently but tethered together with a heim joint linkage so that accessing the Jeep’s rear cargo area is still a single-action process. Simply open the tailgate and the tire carrier opens with it. $995.95
ICON VEHICLE DYNAMICS JL LICENSE PLATE RELOCATION KIT 951.689.4266 | ICONVEHICLEDYNAMICS.COM
/IVDSUSPENSION
@ICONIMPACTOFFROAD
Just about every high-clearance off-road bumper available for the Jeep Wrangler JL forces a relocation of the license plate. The JL License Plate Relocation Kit from ICON Impact accomplishes this task and so much more. This single kit solves three common issues as it also relocates the factory third brake light to the center of the spare tire and provides mounting provisions for the factory backup camera. Both the third brake light and backup camera are left homeless when installing any aftermarket bumper and tire carrier that eliminates the factory spare tire carrier. This kit is the perfect companion for ICON’s JL PRO Series Body Mounted Tire Carrier, or for anyone who wants to relocate the license plate and third brake light while retaining the factory backup camera. When the spare tire is needed, the entire assembly is quickly detached with the removal of two bolts and unplugging the wire harness. All components are CNC laser cut and brake formed sheet metal, powder coated in a semi-gloss black finish. $149.95
KC HILITES CYCLONE V2 888.689.5955 | KCHILITES.COM
/KCHILITES
@KCHILITES
KC is proud to introduce the all-new, redesigned, and more powerful Cyclone V2. Taking an already beloved and proven light and making it better was no small task. KC set out to make it not just brighter, but also respond to the feature requests of our users who have put this product through its paces. KC added additional LEDs, increasing the output of this light to 600 lumens with a total of 15 LEDs, which is three more than the first version, and 12 more than the average rock light. In addition, scratched and damaged lenses are a worry of the past with the Cyclone V2’s ability to quickly and easily replace the clear or colored lenses while maintaining an IP68 adventure-ready rating. If that wasn’t enough, KC took an already good-looking light and made it even sleeker with an all-black face and modernized aesthetics making for one of the best looking lights in its form factor. Swappable lenses will be sold in single options as well as 6-pack configurations. Singles and 6-packs lenses are available in the following colors: clear (white), diffuse white, amber, red, blue, and green. 26
ORACLE LIGHTING REAR BUMPER LED REVERSE LIGHTS FOR JEEP GLADIATOR JT 800.407.5776 | ORACLELIGHTS.COM
@ORACLELIGHTS
The Rear Bumper LED Reverse Lights for Jeep Gladiator JT replace the factory bumper reflectors with high-output replacement auxiliary LEDs. This reverse light design seamlessly integrates into the bumper reflector area to provide more than 1,500 additional lumens when backing up. Designed for function and durability, these lights feature an aluminum housing with PMMA lens while also maintaining the rear reflector function with a scaled-down version integrated into the housing. $149.95
MEK MAGNET LIGHTWEIGHT REMOVABLE TRAIL ARMOR 800.858.1794 | MEKMAGNET.COM
@MEKMAGNET
New MEK Magnet removable trail Armor for Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator is lightweight and utilizes nano-hold technology to stick to aluminum and non-metallic vehicles. New graphics and clear Armor options available. The Armor has been redesigned for even more vehicle side body coverage to protect over 80% of the scratchable surfaces. Armor is reusable, washable and withstands all legal highway speeds. $548.00
POWERBASS XL-1250
909.923.3868 | POWERBASSUSA.COM
@POWERBASSUSA
The XL Series Soundbars were developed for the growing power sports market, including UTV and marine applications, where electronics must withstand harsh environments and are perfect for the offroad world. From UTVs to Jeeps, sand rails, dune buggies, boats and Rvs, the XL Series Soundbar is a great way to enjoy your favorite music when you are on the trails bashing in the mud or sand, through the creeks and across the lake or even down the road on your next extreme adventure. $899.99 ADVENTURERIG SM AG .COM
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PERFORMANCE/ACCESSORIES
ROCKFORD FOSGATE RNGR18-STG1 AUDIO SYSTEM 800.669.9899 | ROCKFORDFOSGATE.COM
@ROCKFORDFOSGATE
This new all-in-one audio solution is purpose built for the off-road environment, featuring a single enclosure that houses a pair of 5.25-inch speakers and a Bluetooth-ready source unit. The audio components are pre-installed so that this kit can be quickly installed in place of the factory center cup holder and connected using the included plug-and-play harness. $619.99
TUFFY SECURITY PRODUCTS MODEL 376-01 SECURITY CONSOLE SAFE FOR 2021 FORD F-150 800.348.8339 | TUFFYPRODUCTS.COM
@TUFFYPRODUCTS
Tuffy Security Products has introduced the Model 376-01 Security Console Safe for 2021 Ford F-150 trucks equipped with a full center console. Designed to be inserted into the OEM console with no drilling required, the latest security safe from Tuffy for the 2021 Ford F-150 maintains a stock look, while providing superior security utilizing the company’s exclusive Pry-Guard locking system. The product is manufactured of welded steel and features a 10-tumbler double-bitted lock that adds premium security for valuables. When installed, truck owners have full use of OEM USB and power outlets located inside the console. Finished with a durable black texture powder coat, the console safe provides years of dependable use with full access to the factory accessory tray, armrest and lid. Tuffy’s exclusive lid support keeps the console lid open while accessing contents, making storing and accessing valuables easy and convenient.
WARN INDUSTRIES ROCK SLIDERS FOR JEEP WRANGLER JL
WARN INDUSTRIES SERIES G2 WIRELESS REMOTE KIT
800.543.9276 | WARN.COM
800.543.9276 | WARN.COM
/WARNFANS#
@WARNINDUSTRIES
Available for both two-and four-door Jeep Wrangler JL models, these double-tube-style sliders are made from thick steel and provide plenty of armor from whatever the trail throws at users. However, unlike most rock sliders, these have the ability to bolt on a set of steps to provide easy access to the Jeep’s cabin. When it’s time to hit the trails, the steps are easily removed with a wrench, and you’ve got fully functional rock sliders with no compromises. When it’s time to hit the road, simply bolt the steps back on. The steps also feature a non-slip step pad for secure footing. The sliders and steps all wear Warn’s state-of-the-art powdercoated finish to resist corrosion, and will look great for years to come.
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/WARNFANS#
@WARNINDUSTRIES
The WARN Series G2 winches are made for industrial applications. Now, they also have the ability to be controlled wirelessly with this versatile wireless remote kit. This control solution can be easily integrated into 12V and 24V WARN Series G2 winches. The easy bolt-on solution provides users the ability to securely mount the receiver directly to the winch’s control pack. The system features easy plug-and-play installation, and lets users effortlessly control the winch from up to 50’ (15.2m) away for increased winching options. The system is sealed for protection against the elements providing exceptional reliability. Plus, a two-color LED provides clear operator feedback, and the two-button activation sequence guards against accidental power-ups. The kit includes a wireless transmitter, receiver, holster, mounting bracket and hardware.
ADVENTURERIG SM AG .COM
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UPFIT
PRO TRUCK
Coilover 2.0 Install WORDS / PHOTOS: ANTHONY MORRISON
E
very enthusiast knows that the easy way to change the look and feel of their vehicle is with a suspension lift. There are numerous options to choose from and each offers different benefits for your application. However, many find that they have to choose between the cost of comfort over performance and drivability when it comes to aftermarket suspensions. Thankfully, Eibach is making that decision much easier! If you’re looking for a bump in height, improved off-road performance
along with everyday road comfort, they have you covered. Eibach, the guy’s who have been manufacturing suspension parts for every company and vehicle under the sun, have been hard at work developing, testing and manufacturing their line of PRO-TRUCK suspension components. Not only are they manufacturing these shocks and springs in-house at their Southern California facility, they also offer installation!
This supercharged 2nd Gen Toyota Tacoma came in for a much needed lift. Because of the added weight of the supercharger and the desire to get the heights exact, they opted for the new ProTruck Coilover 2.0s. The fully threaded bodies allow fine tuning of heights to accommodate for "taco lean” and other things like, you know... a supercharger!
Once the vehicle is racked, it’s time to remove the stock components. First item to be removed is the wheel speed sensor line brackets to prevent the wires from being stretched or broken. Then the sway bar end links are removed to allow the sway bar to be moved freely.
Next, are the castle nuts that hold the upper control arm and outer tie rod in place. It’s important to know that these two components are press fitted, so they will have to be removed with a ball joint splitter or shocked with two hammers. The upper control arm is preloaded, so the castle nut is left on the threads to prevent the spindle from flying down upon removal.
Now that the front suspension assembly has been opened up, the lower shock mount bolt can be removed carefully. Some Tacomas at this step with worn bushing may cause the lower control arm to drop quickly. So, it is important that this bolt is always removed with caution to prevent damage to brake line and, the aforementioned, wheel speed sensor wire. 30
Finally the top four shock nuts are removed and the stock shop assembly can be put to the wayside.
Before the Pro Truck Coilover 2.0 is installed, it’s important to measure the height of the lower perch.The lower perch height determines spring preload. Preload determines the ride height of the vehicle. The preload must be set to meet the desired ride height. The additional weight of the supercharger was taken into consideration, so preload was added to compensate in the front of the vehicle. With a preload set, the Pro Truck Coilover can be installed on this Tacoma.
The Pro Truck Coilover 2.0 was designed with ease of installation in mind. These kits come pre assembled and adjusted to sit at the front end level with the rear out of the box. Even with the additional shock length, the coilover mounts to the chassis with ease. The bolt holes in the Eibach top-hat match the location of the OE top-hat and lower shock mount, so no additional changes need to be made to factory suspension or electrical components for fitment. The provided spanner wrench can be used fine tune ride height even after installation.
The rear shocks require the removal of the upper and lower mounts. Start with the lowers and remove the nut from the bolt with a 17mm wrench and a 17mm socket. For the top nut, use a pair of vice grip-needle nose pliers on the end of the threads of the shock. If you try to loosen the nut without holding the threads of bolts, it will just spin inside the tube of the shock. Once you have the bolt threads locked off, use a 14mm wrench to remove the nut and then pull the bottom of the shock out by pulling down. ADVENTURERIG SM AG .COM
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UPFIT Insert the new Eibach shock into its new home, starting at the top. Remove the nut, washer and bushing and insert it into the bracket. Then, replace the bushing, washer, nut and then snug the nut down. Place your bottom bolt in from the brake caliper toward the middle of your truck and tighten the nut with a 17mm wrench and 17mm socket. Once both are secure lower the truck and torque everything up back to factory spec.
Now that the Pro Truck Coilover 2.0 has been installed, measurements were taken again on stock wheels to note the exact change in vehicle ride height. This Pro Truck Coilover kit sits inside the inner fender with style. The machined pockets and laser-etched Eibach logo on each top-hat towers over the silver powder coated ERS race spring and can be swapped later down the road as heavy weight mods add up. The zinc-coated shock body ensures that the entire assembly stays free of rust and corrosion while giving the entire package a look that’s guaranteed to last.
With the additional height, a new set of Mayhem Wheels 8303 Voyager’s wrapped in AMP Terrain Pro 33’s were easily fitted with no body clearance issues. This wheel and tire combo completely transforms this Tacoma, giving this chrome-clad pavement princess the first steps towards trail worthiness.
Any change in height requires an alignment. Shortly after the new springs, shocks and tires were installed, the caster, camber and toe were dialed in for comfort and minimal tire wear. All that’s left now is a road test.
Even with off-road tires this Tacoma retains its comfort on the road while benefiting from additional travel on the trails. Eibach has achieved this feat through its shock valving. Every Pro Truck Coilover 2.0 has application specific valving to accommodate for shock oscillations resulting in a comfortable ride. Longer piston rods and shock body allow for additional travel boosting the capabilities of off-road performance. This system is a great balance of street drivability and performance for off-road use. With height adjustability provided from the coilover the vehicle can be set up and suited to the owner’s needs. If you’re looking for a do it all setup the Eibach Pro Truck Coilover 2.0 is the way to go.
EIBACH SPRINGS EIBACH.COM // 32
@EIBACH_WORLD
GRAB LIFE
BY
THE
BOULDERS
Be ready for whatever comes your way. There’s a very good reason we named our most aggressive off-road tire the Trail Blade BOSS. It was meticulously engineered to take on your wildest escapades, gripping in the messiest mud and dancing over boulders and sand with equal ease. The fact that they give your vehicle a super sharp look doesn’t hurt either. So suit up with the tire that dominates in all terrains. Where will you go with Atturo?
For more information visit ATTURO.COM/BOSS
OFF-ROAD ADVENTURERIG SM AG .COM
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WORDS: KATHRYN REINHARDT // PHOTOS: COURTESY OF 4WP AND FORD
W
hen news broke that Ford would be updating their iconic Bronco for modern times, enthusiasts everywhere were abuzz with a new off-road contender. Like the popular and dominating Jeep, the new Ford Bronco is ready for rugged terrain and trails right out of the dealership. But because stock isn’t how we roll, aftermarket companies immediately started designing new parts to add to the Bronco’s off-road appeal. But not everyone was asked by Ford themselves to create aftermarket parts and accessories and that honor was bestowed to 4 Wheel Parts, who officially engineered and built two Ford Broncos for Easter Jeep Safari back in March to interrupt the Jeep event. We caught up with Kathryn Reinhardt, 4WP’s Director of Retail Marketing, to get an exclusive look at their Bronco projects and newest aftermarket parts for what will be the hottest rig of the year!
PARTY CRASHERS It was amazing to hear that Ford would come out with a new Bronco. They’re stepping up and being an active competitor to the Jeep market, which
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has had no real competitor for years and years. So to have Ford show up with the new Bronco really opens 4 Wheel Parts to new customers. Ford reached out to us about three weeks before Easter Jeep Safari and asked us to build a new Bronco Black Diamond 4-door, and when Ford calls, you say “yes.” Then, they called the next day and asked if we could do one more for the Bronco Sport, so we had three weeks to prototype and customize two new Ford Broncos. We produced both in time for Easter Jeep Safari, and really, Ford crashed the Jeep party in Moab, UT. We had all eyes on the Broncos and they even had some people put down deposits for their own Broncos on the spot. The fact that Ford purposely picked strategic partners like us for EJS really reinforces the fact that these Broncos were meant to be modified, upgraded and taken off-road. Ford didn’t give us any direction, which was the beautiful part about it all. They trusted our experience in the aftermarket and knowledge of the marketplace to produce a custom Bronco that would show consumers the potential or help guide them in their plans of building their own. We created new parts that we knew would handle any off-road terrain and look good while doing it.
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THE FOUNDING OF 4WP FACTORY 4 Wheel Parts has always been a leader in selling parts for the off-road community, and now with the creation of the 4WP Factory brand, this product line just cements us further as a trusted manufacturer to support enthusiasts everywhere. It gives consumers direct-to-you factory pricing with premium engineered parts by 4WP. Essentially, we created a new brand purpose-built for the Bronco that’s available at our 99 stores nationwide and online. The reason for creating this new brand was to fuse our love for the offroading lifestyle and community and combining it with our namesake and the brainchild of that is the Ford Bronco. 38
The Bronco is already a highly capable off-road rig. But when it came time to decide on what parts to create for it, the suspension was No. 1. The first thing you do when you want an off-road vehicle is lift it to get more clearance and travel. So, we created upper control arms and shocks that allowed us to get more space in that wheel well to fit taller tires to improve its off-roading and rock crawling capabilities. Standard is 35” tall tires, but we beefed up the Broncos to fit 37s, which is the tallest you can go right now (you can do 40” tires, but that wheel isn’t going to turn well) without doing some major fabrication. Our engineers focused on providing Bronco owners parts that would help them go everywhere and adventure further. Other parts we created include the front bumper that can accommodate winches from popular brands like Warn and Smitybilt, a rear bumper, side steps and body armor that protects the Bronco from trail carnage. Creating fender deletes was a must-have in our 4WP Factory stable and is the No. 1 selling product for the 2-door and 4-door Broncos as of July. The fender deletes are functional in that they create space for tire clearance and also visual by giving the Bronco a sleeker look. And because we know auxiliary lights are essential for any off-road vehicle, we’re working on lighting accessories to complement the Bronco. In addition to more undercarriage armor and accessories. ADVENTURERIG SM AG .COM
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WHEN FORD ONLY GIVES YOU THREE WEEKS, THAT’S A CHALLENGE. OUR ENGINEERING TEAM STEPPED UP IN A BIG WAY. – KATHRYN REINHARDT, 4WP
Interestingly, some people don’t have their Broncos yet, but have already ordered their parts for it without even knowing an ETA on delivery times of those parts. It just solidifies for us that this new Bronco aftermarket is real and will be going winch-to-winch with the Jeep aftermarket in the years to come. The Jeep and Bronco have a lot in common and are both easily
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modified vehicles. They both can go everywhere and anywhere, making them solid choices as adventure vehicles for the bulk of the off-road community. The Bronco platform was a perfect introduction to the 4WP Factory brand and closely behind it, we introduced parts for the Toyota Tacoma.
STEPPING UP When Ford only gives you three weeks, that’s a challenge. Our engineering team stepped up in a big way. The entire team was focused on the two Broncos and built parts that they would want on their rigs because they themselves are off-road enthusiasts. They immersed themselves in the project and imagined the real-world situations the Broncos would be in to create the parts. With only a couple of days before they had to be delivered in Moab, UT, our team worked feverishly to get the parts prototyped, fitted and tested for EJS. We did a couple of shakedown trail runs on Hell’s Revenge and Area BFE, which are two of the area’s most popular trails, and the parts all performed better than expected. In stock form, the Broncos are highly capable offroaders. It definitely gives you Jeep vibes and it has a really innovative interior to it. The creature comforts of the new Bronco are great and you have the ability to house all sorts of switches for your mods and gadgets such as GoPros to show off your adventures. It’s basically ready to be tapped into. After the parts were added, you felt the confidence to take over any terrain. The height in the suspension is bigger so it allows bigger tires for better grip and clearance to go anywhere you want. Plus, you have all that exterior body armor to trust that you won’t hurt the Bronco. These parts will be the buffer between you and that boulder.
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PRO MODDING ADVICE FROM 4WP Start now! The past two years have been crazy, and we know that the marketplace has limited inventory and that there is a shortage of parts. A great thing is a lot of manufactures are excited to be creating new parts for the Bronco as well as other popular rides in the growing adventure and overland markets. So, get on the waiting list for the aftermarket products for your own build. At 4WP, we are definitely mindful of inventory and are reproducing new batches of products every single month in our Chula Vista, CA, facility. 4WP is coming up on our 100th retail store in the US, and this is a huge accomplishment for any retail chain. Plus, we’re also celebrating our 60th year in business, and the fact that Ford wanted us as a strategic partner says a lot about our place in aftermarket parts. It tells us we are a trusted supplier and, most importantly, that our customers have helped us get to this great milestone! 4WP FACTORY BRONCO SPORT
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WAYPOINT
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he 2nd Annual Camp DOG TOWN brought together more than 100 people for a weekend that almost didn’t happen in the middle of one of the most beautiful spots in Williams, Arizona. With the original event being canceled (KC CAMP), Ali Sedaghat (@KateTheJeep) took on organizing the event himself with only one week to go. This year, the camp was put on a lot looser than normal due to some fast turnarounds and a lot of moving parts. Unfortunately, Ali’s Jeep Wrangler (@Kate.The.Jeep) blew its motor on the way up, but after a quick tow back to camp, the event was back in full swing. Despite the tumultuous start, there were tons of great highlights from the adventurous weekend. Marco and Jillian facing off in the street taco challenge was unforgettable, while Innova’s shooting and axe throwing event at the GUNFIGHTER Canyon allowed guests to get out some angst. They even had some private sessions for shooting a fully automatic submachine gun and axe throwing. Off the Grid Surplus brought their race Jeep and raced it against Marco’s Jeep Rubicon 392, housing a powerful 6.4-liter V8 engine. The trail run exploring Sedona, AZ with Adam (@oh_that_1_ dude), Fieldcraft Mobility and Rugged Radios was exciting for those who ventured there.
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WORDS: DAVID TOBIASSEN // PHOTOS: DAVID TOBIASSEN & HOP HUNTER
2ND ANNUAL CAMP DOGTOWN
35° 12 ’30.9”N 112°07’39.8” W
Besides the trail adventures, campers were treated to tons of amenities thanks to various sponsors. Super73 supplied electric bikes to cruise around camp, while Rogue Spirits provided Bottomless beers, cocktails and whiskey. Campers enjoyed a breakfast burrito each morning from Will that he cooked up on the Camp Chef flat grills. KC Lights provided the Campsites, kayaks and catering. Deadman Offroad: helped pay for all the extra vehicle fees outside the group site. Ground Pounder Coffee was one of the absolute best parts of waking up every morning. Tembo Tusk cooked up all lunches on their Skottles. Turtleback Trailers kept the fire going every night for the camp. Eva Rupert went out of her way to ensure everyone had an amazing time with a very unique cocktail hour. Heatwave covered everyone’s sunglasses needs while The Chemical Guys made sure the rigs looked nice and pretty when everyone got back home and managed to hose them off. Summer Camp will now be an official RIGGED FOR DIRT event and we look forward to next year, which will include more great brands and new awesome locations!
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2ND ANNUAL CAMP DOGTOWN
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OWNER: TIM MCGRATH // @SACKWEAR // PHOTOS: TIM MCGRATH // @STUDIOSTEVEPHOTOS INTERIOR PHOTOS: STEFFEN SCHULTE-LIPPERN //
MALTEC 80/70 SERIES DOUBLE CAB CONVERSION 1983 TOYOTA LAND CRUISER LOVING ON LANDCRUISERS I’m from Albuquerque, New Mexico and I’m a Design Director and Partner at 3 Advertising, a full-service marketing firm. I’ve had a love affair with the Toyota Landcruiser ever since high school when my mom bought me my first car, which was a 1974 FJ40 Land Cruiser. My high school friends and I would go camping as often as possible, taking our Land Cruisers on many adventures. I have been building and modifying them ever since high school and the FJ40 was the first offroad vehicle I upfitted. It was stock when I first got it but over time I rebuilt it with a new motor and a bunch of mods. Just owning a Land Cruiser was my favorite part of it all. I loved driving it and exploring in it.
WHEELS/TIRES: 37x12.50R17 Cooper Discoverer STT Pro tires, 17x8 Braid Dakar Beadlock A system PERFORMANCE: 1HDT 4.2L Turbo Diesel Toyota 5 speed manual, Toyota disk brakes front and rear SUSPENSION: OME EXTERIOR/ARMOR: Maltec skid plates, Maltec custom bumper 70 series cab fitted to an 80 series chassis with carbon fiber camper
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MALTEC DREAMS I’ve known about Maltec for a while and know that they build some very special trucks. They are a German company that builds expedition trucks based on Mercedes, Land Rover and Toyota platforms. I got this NAS 70 Series Double cab about a year ago and I love it. It’s a 1993 80 series chassis with a 70 series double cab and pass through carbon fiber camper. The whole truck is custom and it’s just what I wanted. We are a family of four, and it has four Recaro seats and also sleeps all of us comfortably. It’s really well designed with great use of space. I wanted a truck that could take us to some remote camping locations and a truck that would keep us safe and comfortable. Land Cruisers are extremely reliable and capable machines and I have always owned one and I think I always will. I love the look of them and love where they can take me. Some people say they are tractors with a more comfortable seat. Unstoppable. I think this love for building stems from my love of exploring and camping. It’s safely taken my family and me to many locations, even if it’s at 13,000 feet. We usually end up at a campsite above the treeline.
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LIGHTING: Baja Designs LP9 with S1 flush mount wide corning lights, Frontrunner light bar and sidelights, KC Cyclone underbody lighting RECOVERY GEAR Warn Zeon 10-S Platinum with Factor 55 fairlead and FlatLink E with rope guard, Maltec sand ladders, DMOS delta pro shovel GEAR STORAGE, ORGANIZATION, ROOF RACK, BED RACK: Alu-Box mounted to Front Runner Roof Rack, Custom interior and exterior integrated storage boxes, FrontRunner awning, Step 22 Stingray flat boxes, Alu-Cab shower cube
THE PARTS METHODOLOGY I pick the parts and accessories carefully. I want all the accessories to be just as reliable as the truck itself. I have my work done at Overland Motor Sports in Albuquerque. Some of the small stuff I do myself. I think the camper with Webasto heater is my favorite. In bad weather, it’s just a game-changer. I can stay dry, comfortable and warm in the worst of weather. There were really no challenges putting this build together. Maltec makes the process easy and seamless. It took about a year and that’s pretty fast in my book. A lot of emails with progress reports and photos. I loved the experience, I really felt involved and part of the build. Next is onboard air, center console and comms/navigation.
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THE BEST MEMORIES Our best trip had to be in the San Juans which is part of the Rocky Mountains in southwestern Colorado and northwestern New Mexico. We arrived at the trailhead at about 10 at night while it was raining and very dark. We headed up the trail and arrived at our campsite at around 11,000 feet. Crawled to the back, pushed up the tent, turned on the heater and had a cold beer. It rained all night and we slept really well. When we woke up, we were greeted with the most beautiful and breathtaking views and my family loved every minute of it. It was memorable for all of us.
Our favorite places we’ve been I would say is southwest Colorado. All that area is incredible to adventure and explore in. When it comes to battle scars on the Land Cruiser, so far it’s been the trails around the Silverton and Ouray area, which are steep with tight switchbacks. This rig eats it all up, and I love how this truck wheels.
The experience of being out with your family, friends and adventure rig is priceless. I definitely recommend everyone that has the opportunity to go out and just have fun in their own equipped off-road vehicles.
CAMPING GEAR: (4) Helinox chairs and table, Exped sleeping bags with Exped sleeping pads, Step 22 Stingray Flat boxes, Step 22 Hedgehog Toiletry rolls, Step 22 Tenkile Tech Pouch, CGear sand-free mat, Halite dry bags, Alu-cab shower cube CAMP KITCHEN GEAR: Jetboil, Primus cookware, Nespresso Pixie compact espresso machine, FrontRunner folding table, (2) Dometic fridges, Partner steel stove
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PREP, PLAN AND PRICELESSNESS I try to keep everything in the truck, which makes it really easy to head out. All I need is some food, water, fuel and I’m on my way. I try to plan ahead and always let someone know where I will be for every trip. I also bring a Garmin “inReach”, which is essential and gives me peace of mind that I’ll have comms in remote areas. I carry spare parts, tools and all the recovery gear I think I may need to make trail repairs. I have a very good medical kit and plenty of water. I also try to go with someone, it’s nice to have two trucks just in case. The experience of being out with your family, friends and adventure rig is priceless. I definitely recommend everyone that has the opportunity to go out and just have fun in their own equipped off-road vehicles. For us, this truck has taken us to some unbelievable places. Get ready for lots of great memories and adventures if you want to do the same.
MISCELLANEOUS GEAR: ARB onboard air, Step 22 Pangolin tool roll
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ELECTRONICS, COMMUNICATION, IN-CABIN ACCESSORY MOUNTS: • (2) Dometic fridges - one front load and one drawer • Webasto heater • Warm water boiler/heat exchange • Outside shower. Hot and cold water • Fresh filtered water 15 gallons • Sink with hot and cold water • 3-burner stovetop • LED camper lighting with charge posts • Sleeps four - one bed above and a bed below • Pass through cab 54
• • • • • • •
Teak floors Simarine PICO onboard information panel touch screen (4) Recaro Sportster CS leather seats (2) SunWare 100wp solar panels Victron Energy 2000w power inverter Shore power plug in (2) AMG house batteries and one starter battery
AUDIO, MULTIMEDIA, ENTERTAINMENT ELECTRONICS • Alpine Halo 11 with Alpine backup camera • Focal speakers • Rocky Talkies • Gamin InReach
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OVERLAND EXPO MOUNTAIN WEST WORDS/PHOTOS: JOHN PANGILINAN
A
fter more than a year of waiting, Overland Expo returned with its live event series and, for the first time arrived, arrived in Colorado. The first of three scheduled Overland Expo events kicked off in Loveland, Colorado, at The Ranch. The overlanding community came out in droves, with more than 17,000 attendees from around the world, checking out the show over the three-day weekend held from August 27th through 29th. The popularity of overlanding has exploded in the past couple of years, with more and more heading out to explore and travel by vehicle. The recent surge in car camping and modifying one’s vehicle in search of escape has helped the industry to thrive, so it’s no surprise that more than 270 brands and vendors flocked to Overland Expo to showcase the latest and greatest in gear, apparel and automotive aftermarket products.
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4 0°26’33.7”N 10 4°59’17.2 ” W
WAYPOINT
Classes, workshops, and the film festival provided 365-plus hours of programming for attendees. Many chose to spend their entire weekend at the venue and camp through the weekend, meeting both old and new friends. For those who wanted to get behind the wheel, there were a couple of opportunities to get hands-on experience, including a RAM Ride and Drive, Kenda Tires Ride and Drive, and for those that enjoy an adventure on two-wheels, Harley, Yamaha, Triumph and Ural hosted demo rides. Additionally, fans were able to see a few new vehicles in-person, including the GMC debut of the new Canyon AT4 OvrlandX concept, Hummer EV, and the Ultimate Overland Builds; the Honda Africa Twin; and Toyota 4Runner TRD Off-Road.
@OVERLANDEXPO
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OVERLAND EXPO MOUNTAIN WEST
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OWNER: KATE FIELD @WEROLLWITHIT // WORDS/PHOTOS: KATE FIELD @SWEATEQUITYCREATIVE
BRUCE BANNER
2016 MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER VAN 5500 (SPECIAL CLASSIFICATION) 60
THE BADDEST VAN ON THE PLANET
ADVENTURES BY BLOOD I’m Kate, and I’m from Sydney, Australia. Growing up, our family was pretty adventurous. We raced dirt bikes and would travel the country to attend race meets or weekend rides with friends. When I was young, we had a 1975 Ford Escort Mk2 panel van, which we would take camping. We’d sleep in the back and then have all day to ride our bikes along trails and tracks in the bush. Although that model Ford came out with a 1600cc engine, ours was 2L with a twin-throat Weber carburetor, courtesy of a weekend of work by my dad and uncle. Tinkering on machines was a pretty regular activity in our family; we always had a big garage and there was certain to be a project or two happening within. My parents were very DIY people and inspired a “you can do anything” attitude in me, for which I am forever grateful. The weather and environment in Australia are
ideal for outdoor activities. I grew up with plenty of time at the beach, hiking, fishing, camping, caravanning, generally just enjoying the outdoors. I’ve always loved dirt bikes. The first one I had as a kid was an old XR75 with a metal tank. I was allowed to paint it any color I wanted, and as such, that bike experienced many looks. My favorite, I recall, was when it had pastel pink hot rod style bubble flames. Moving to my life now, I still love giving vehicles a unique look; only they are a lot larger than that first little bike. The first van build was on a 2018 4x4 Sprinter. I learned a lot on that build and on the builds to follow. That van had double slider doors, which was a unique feature and it made for a very open plan living van.
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THE INCREDIBLE BRUCE BANNER This van is named Bruce Banner. It started its life as a humble white 2WD cargo van, and as you can see, it is now a big green monster. So Bruce Banner (the Hulk) made a lot of sense. His friends just call him Bruce, though - he’s a big guy but still humble. I like using the Mercedes Sprinter as a platform because the diesel allows for running heat, hot water and cooktop - all from the van’s single fuel source. It’s a reliable vehicle and the height allows you to stand up comfortably inside. If you’re planning to live in a van full-time, the Mercedes is a great option. Honestly, I have always been a UTE (pick-up truck) girl and looking back now, I can’t believe I didn’t buy a van sooner. It’s no turning back now though, I’d never be without a van these days... that’s for sure. I always choose high-quality products that can withstand the extremes I push the vehicle to. I work with many brands doing R&D, so taking parts out and pushing their limits is something I love to do. Then it’s back to the workshop to dial it all in to make sure that once they get to you everything is perfectly ready for adventure.
ARMOR, BUMPERS, SLIDERS: Full body coated exterior and interior jambs by Line-X of Clatsop County, Backwoods Nomad Front Winch Bumper with Bull Bar, Rear Backwoods Bumper with Tire Carrier and Storage EXTERIOR MODS: Backwoods Adventure Mods prototype roof rack and side ladder, Backwoods Adventure Mods prototype side steps, Terrawagen Snorkel with pre-filter, Thule awning LIGHTING: Pathfinder lighting everywhere, from the roof rack to rock lights
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WHEELS/TIRES: 37X13.50R20 Falken Wildpeak MT tires, 20” Black Rhino Armory wheels PERFORMANCE: 3L turbo diesel with a Renntech sport tune Ford F350 super duty brakes DRIVETRAIN: Daimler stock engine and transmission, Atlas 3 transfer case, Custom Driveshafts, Dana 60 front and Dana 70 rear SUSPENSION: Front shocks Dirt Logic 6-inch coil overs’, Rear Agile Off-Road 5600 leaf springs, 5-inch block lift Custom forward body lift, Custom 5,000 lb air ride upgrade by Sprinter Pit Stop
The design and concept of this vehicle are my own, and I was very lucky on this one to be able to collaborate with TouRig out of Colorado on the interior build. I gave the team there a lot of wild ideas and they managed to pull them all off to create their most extensive and adventurous build to date. The most notable modification on Bruce is his solid axle swap. He has a Dana 60 front and 70 rear running 37x13.50 Falken MTs and 20” Black Rhino Armory wheels. This swap gave the van a total of 8.5” lift above stock and it also has an additional 4.5” track on each side. The concept was to build a rig to bridge the gap between the overland adventure van market and the large overland trucks. Pairing this SAS with my signature look of a full-body, two-tone LineX spray created a very military-style vehicle. Keeping with the aggressive theme, I chose Backwoods Adventure Mods for all the external bumpers, and I was very excited to work with them to develop their first roof rack and slider steps for the Sprinter. Time is always a challenge in any build. Being a show rig, there is always a tight deadline to get a build ready for the upcoming season. This keeps me and any brands I’m working with on our toes, but at the end of the day, sometimes some very loooong days, we somehow make it to the show!
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I do a lot of sports, so the van is perfect for hauling all the adventure gear and toys. During the summer, I take inflatable paddle boards from Atoll Boards. Winter finds snowboards and the in-between seasons will have bikes, skateboards, climbing gear, archery and MotoX. The hardest one is Jiu-Jitsu, but I have roll-up mats for that and have found some fellow 4x4 enthusiasts who are always up for an off-road camp roll.
ELECTRONICS, COMMUNICATION, IN-CABIN ACCESSORY MOUNTS: Rugged Radios RM60 VHF, Rugged Radios RM45 UHF, Garmin Overlander, sPod 4x4, Scosche magnetic mounts
Even when I say a build is finished, it is true that I’m always tinkering on it. I also swap out my builds fairly frequently in order to be able to keep doing R&D on new gear. Currently, I am finishing up a build on a 144 4x4 2020 Sprinter in Australia, which I have named Dingo. You can check out my progress on Instagram.
AUDIO, MULTIMEDIA, ENTERTAINMENT ELECTRONICS: MB Quart speakers internal surround sound with flat-mount subwoofer, Secondary external MB Quart stereo system undermounted beneath the van
LIVING THAT VAN LIFE I spent three years traveling full-time in different vans across America. It was incredible to see such hidden parts of the country and meet locals along the way. It made me realize that I haven’t actually seen all that much of my home country Australia, so I am really looking forward to getting the next build out and into the Aussie bush. When I am looking for places to stop, I always lean towards anything with water. It’s extra special when you find something by a river or a beach, and you get to sleep to the sounds of water and wake up to a sunrise dip.
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RECOVERY GEAR: MaxTrax, HiLift Jack, Deadman Off-Road, Warn 12s Winch, Factor 55 recovery Kit GEAR STORAGE, ORGANIZATION, RACKS: (3) Roam Adventure Co storage boxes
I think the worst road done in Bruce was one trip trying to get out of Colorado - for some reason, Colorado always seems to magically turn up the blizzard factor whenever you need to get in or out of it. The highways were shut down, but there was a logging road that connected up. Bruce gathered up a couple of Jeeps and made his way across a winter wonderland like a giant snowplow. It was slow, but eventually, we made it out. Being full-time in a van it’s more of a life preparation than just a trip. You have to downsize and become quite the minimalist to live like this. It can be a real mental adjustment to live life on the road, so it’s good to find ways of creating a routine to your day for a sense of normalcy. This might be something as simple as your morning coffee routine. There is also a lot of prep that goes into being able to work from the road, not only your job itself, but how to get mail, Wi-Fi, cell signal - you really have to be ready to fully submerge yourself and embrace this way of living if you want it to work. I tend to make sure that if I’m solo, I do the easier trails and save the more challenging ones when I have a group of buddies along for the adventure. I carry a satellite phone and there is always gear on board. In the worst-case scenario, I could bike or hike out to get assistance.
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THE FOREVER TRAVEL JOURNEY Living in the van full-time makes preparing a little easier. Everything I own is on board, so I can’t forget anything. I do, however, still have a checklist for regular maintenance to keep the rig running well. After a heavy off-road route, I will check the tightness of all bolts. I also check to make sure the vehicle’s fluids are topped off, and I keep it clean inside and out. If I know I am heading off-grid for an extended stay, I will stock up on supplies at the last big town on the route. I have a 65L freezer and 85L fridge on board, which allows me to store a lot of fresh food, and I have plenty of pantry space. I will also be sure to fill up the 40gal water tank and 28gal aux fuel tank too. I do carry a First Aid kit on board, and I restock anything that gets used from it right away. If I got truly stranded and the van was immobilized, I have a few options to seek help. I could make use of our Rugged Radios to see if there was anyone nearby. I could use my CAB Motorworks eBikes to ride out as they have a 120mile range. Worst case, I can pack our bags and start hiking or just hang out and start hunting and fishing! It can be a difficult, but rewarding lifestyle. I would recommend to anyone wanting to try this lifestyle to start by exploring your local area and getting used to your rig.
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CAMPING/ COMFORT GEAR: TouRig interior build, Full shower and toilet, IsoTherm 85L fridge and 65L freezer, Webasto diesel cooktop, Ruvati sink, Over and under cabinet lighting, Lumicoin dimmable zoned lighting, TouRig exclusive aluminum airliner cabinetry, Cell signal booster, 600AH lithium battery bank, Rixen Hydronic Heat and Hot Water, Marine comfort fans CAMP KITCHEN GEAR: Nomadica Outfitters one action table, Nomadica Outfitters Fire Camp MISCELLANEOUS GEAR/EQUIPMENT: Onboard Air Compressor with 2.5g tank, 28 gal reserve diesel fuel tank, Air horn, CAB Motorworks Recon EMX bike, CAB Motorworks Eagle EMX bike, Hoyt compound bows and archery target, Fishing rods and spear poles
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35°08’30.2 ”N 111°41’23.1” W
WAYPOINT
WORDS/PHOTOS: MATT GIRGIS
I
f you were a first-time Overland Expo West attendee, you would have been blown away with this year’s event that was held from September 24th to the 26th in Flagstaff, Arizona. Any enthusiast knows that this is one of the industry’s biggest shows for the year and it does not disappoint. It’s like walking into a candy store as a kid as you dive deep into everything overlanding. As the world’s premier event series for do-it-yourself adventure travel enthusiasts, there were tons of things to do throughout the three-day weekend. Since it was such a highly anticipated event, attendance was massive and if you’re not an early bird, you risk not being able to see everything you want or participate in various events. There were so many showgoers that the lines were long (about 28k attendees from all over the world). The event is so big that you’ll be walking for days! Companies from all across the nation showed up to showcase the best they had for overlanding enthusiasts. There were 405 registered exhibitors, 95 presenters, instructors, VIPs and 90 media outlets from across the globe in attendance.
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The great thing about the Expo is how friendly and welcoming the people are - whether it be the business owners, employees or customers. Thousands attended Happy Hours hosted by MB Quart, Toyo Tires and Sea to Summit for networking and post-event libations. Fans also got a taste of the new Ford Bronco on an offroad ride-along course and demoed Harley’s all-new adventure bike, the Pan American, throughout the weekend. Overland Essential, Backcountry Skills and the classroom area were full of eager learners throughout the weekend, too. Being able to see Marco (@ovrlandx) put his cooking skills to the test was awesome to see and it’s always great to see the KC HiLites family, who put together an amazing “Adventure Further” experience of people to hang out and mingle. With the beautiful weather in Arizona, it made for a great first two days. But on the third and last day, a few showers came down to cleanse off the weekend. Overall, it was an incredible weekend for the overlanding community and as always a fun event to be at! OVERLANDEXPO.COM
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OVERLAND EXPO WEST
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OWNER: JOE GEORGES //
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@OFFROAD_CUSTOMZ // PHOTOS: ROMAN RACELA
AN OG JEEPER Since I can remember, Jeeps have always been my favorite type of vehicle. Since I was a kid, I’ve been a Jeep enthusiast, watching my older brother and father with their own Jeep CJs. My first off-road vehicle was a 1974 CJ5 that I built in my garage. I made many mistakes and really learned how to work on Jeeps with that CJ5. My favorite upgrade on it was when I did an engine swap to a small block Chevy 350, which really brought that old Jeep to life. Fast forward to many years later, and I now own an off-road shop called Offroad Customz. It started out as a small thing about five years ago and has now grown into an actual shop in Glendale, CA. I just liked to build trucks, Jeeps, and other off-road vehicles, which led to a fulltime job.
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THE RISE OF BIG RED As a shop owner, I’ve worked with different types of Jeeps and trucks and have come to realize which ones look and work best on Jeeps. No other vehicle can flex like a Jeep, and I loved how unique the Gladiator was when it first came out. I knew I needed one as soon as I heard the news about a Jeep pickup. Thus, the evolution of my Jeep Gladiator began, which I call Big Red. I have always loved the word “extreme,” and it’s now part of my personality and everyday lifestyle. Because of this, I decided to go big or go home with my 800-hp LS3 engine swap. When we started building the Gladiator, it was still so new to the Jeep world that no one really had made any parts for it yet. That left me little choice, so I had to build a lot of it from scratch even the longarm for the rear suspension. Plus, all of the custom brackets, too. The fabrication took a few weeks to get it all right, but it worked out amazingly. I love how it’s a one-off suspension. Another reason why I chose a Jeep Gladiator was that I had always had the vision to be able to own a crawler with massive power and, at the same time, be able to take the kids out camping with an overlanding vehicle.
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WHEELS/TIRES: 15/43-17LT Mickey Thompson Baja Pro XS, 17” Black Rhino Rift Beadlocks SUSPENSION: EVO Mfg longarm with Rock Jock aluminium control arms with KING 2.5 coilovers, KING bypasses upfront LIGHTING: Baja Designs S2 Pro on the bed rack, LP6 bumper and pillar lights are XL80, sPod 8 switch to control lighting RECOVERY: ARB recovery gear ACCESSORIES: Tepui roof top tent
THE DO-IT-ALL OVERLANDER I use my Jeep to do everything at an expert level—everything from rock crawling, overlanding trips, road trips, and lots of daily driving. I really wanted the ability to do it all with just one vehicle. There are tons of mods, but my favorites have to be the Whipple supercharger, my EVO Mfg ThrowDown long arm setup, Dynatrac 680 axles, the Bruiser conversions engine swap, and all my GenRight Off-Road body armor. The next mod I’m going to add is a PSC ram assist steering upgrade.
MAKING MEMORIES One of my most memorable trips in my Gladiator was heading out to the Rubicon Trail, going through Old Sluice, arguably one of the hardest sections of the trail. The Gladiator did very well, actually. But the problem I did encounter was that it was actually wider than the trail itself. And because the Gladiator was wider, I ended up smashing the quarter panel. Old Sluice was really the most challenging trail for a rig of this size, and there were a few battle scars for sure. One positive out of it was that it helped me get used to driving in tight areas!
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My favorite local trail is John Bull in Big Bear, CA. I love going up there with my family to explore the San Bernardino mountains. I also love Johnson Valley, which is another local trail and famous for King of the Hammers. There are tons of big boulders for some awesome rock crawling, and it’s definitely for the more experienced driver. But there are trails for sure that newbie drivers can gain experience on quickly. My next big trip is Moab, Utah, which I am more than excited about.
PLAN TO FAIL When preparing for every trip that we do, I make sure to do a full inspection and torque down everything. I also carry on-board common parts that are usually needed after a full excursion to be safe and ready to throw them on at a moment’s notice. Things like U-joints, fluid axle shafts, drive shafts, and the like. Also, I suggest to everyone to never travel alone and always have a radio on hand. Some of these places are beautiful but very remote, and if you aren’t prepared, a nice day out on the trail could quickly turn into a disaster.
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PERFORMANCE: LS3 with a Whipple supercharger, JE Reel 1350 drive shafts, Dynatrac Pro Grip brakes, Dynatrac 60/80 axles, 72.5 width arb lockers and 513 gears EXTERIOR: GenRight bumpers and fender flares, Rockslide Engineer rock sliders with skid protectors, EVO Mfg bed rack
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GEAR GUIDE COLD WEATHER EDITION: The colder months will typically see fewer people out on the trails and camping in the wild. Those who like to brave the cooler weather when planning outdoor trips will typically enjoy their adventures with fewer crowds while taking in the views of snow-capped mountains. Plus, they won’t have to worry about annoying insect bites. There’s a host of gear to help those stay warm through the colder seasons (and even year round), and we’ve highlighted a few of our favorites.
COLUMBIA LABYRINTH LOOP HOODED JACKET FEATURING OMNI-HEAT INFINITY LINING COLUMBIA.COM Columbia Sportswear recently debuted its next-generation Omni-Heat Infinity. Made with award-winning NASA-inspired textile captures and reflects the body’s natural heat back into the jacket to deliver outstanding warmth regardless of the weather conditions without compromising breathability or adding bulk. The jacket is versatile, packable, and built to keep you outside longer.
DOMETIC TMBR32 STAINLESS STEEL INSULATED TUMBLER NEMOEQUIPMENT.COM
DANNER FREE SPIRIT BOOTS DANNER.COM These boots are a blast from the past and reimagined from Danner’s original Free Spirit from 1988. Updated to tackle the pavement as well as the trail, the boots are comfortable, stylish, and provide lasting protection from the elements. The midsole is firm around the edges for support, while a soft compound provides cushion and all-around comfort. The Vibram outsole with Megagrip ensures you have control even on slippery terrain, while the GORE-TEX liner keeps your feet dry while you’re outside and exploring. It’s made with durable suede and textile upper, available in men’s sizes 7-14. $200.00 78
This new tumbler from Dometic not only keeps drinks cold for 12 hours, but also hot for 6 hours thanks to its double wall insulation. The plastic lid has a splash resistant press-fit function to help keep your beverage inside rather than all over you or your vehicle while driving. The tumbler is dishwasher safe and BPA free. Available in multiple colorways and sizes. $19.99
IGNIK RADIANT HEAT SYSTEM SLEEPING BAG LINER IGNIK.COM When the temperatures drop at night, having the option to increase the heat can be vital. Ignik’s Heated Sleeping Bag Liner provides safe, controllable and sustainable heat to any setup. It can be added to any sleeping bag (or on its own), with 40W of power and a max temp of 140 degrees F, easily adding 20 degrees to your sleeping bag’s comfort range. Two options are available with heat modes: a 12V instant heat mode that can connect directly to a 12V power supply, which heats up within two minutes ; and a 5V-USB efficiency mode, using a 5V-USB adapter for power conservation and an extra layer of warmth. Comes with a stuff sack for easy travel. $99.99 / $114.98 (w/ 12 V adapter)
IGNIK 2-IN-1 HEATER STOVE
IGNIK.COM
The Ignik 2-in-1 heater stove combines portable cooking and heating when outdoors. The 2-in-1 design includes a heater function for staying warm with 4,000 BTU/hr to 10,000 BTU/hr and a chromed cast iron burner that is durable and made for quick cooking with all types of cookware. A steel coil handle helps with carrying from the car to campsite. For safety, an anti-tipping kill-switch and auto shut-off will turn off if the unit is tipped over. This is compatible with Ignik’s gas growler. $139.99
MSR REACTOR 1.7 STOVE MSRGEAR.COM A fast and fuel-efficient stove that performs in the cold and wind. Its lightweight and compact design make it easy to travel with. The components nest within themselves - fitting the stove and fuel inside the pot. The easy-to-use system can boil 0.5 liters of water in a minute and a half,so you’re able to eat, drink and ultimately warm up quicker. $249.95
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OUTDOOR GEAR GUIDE
OUTDOOR RESEARCH MEN’S FEEDBACK SHIRT JACKET OUTDOORRESEARCH.COM The Feedback Shirt Jacket is a versatile piece for any wardrobe. This is the ultimate combo of a shirt and jacket with the comfort and style of a shirt paired with the warmth and protection of a jacket. The plaid shirt is lined with ultra-warm and cozy sherpa fleece, which provides warmth and comfort throughout the day. This is a solid choice to help layer as the weather dips. Available in multiple colors and sizes. $149.00+
SOLO STOVE RANGER SOLOSTOVE.COM The Solo Stove Ranger is the perfect camp companion, whether on the open road, the beach or at the campsite because nothing beats a nice campfire. The problem with camping in the winter is the cold ground, wind and other elements that may make it difficult to light a fire. The Ranger solves this problem with its portable and efficient design that helps to control the amount of smoke, allowing you to have a cozy fire anytime and anyplace. $269.99
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POLER ZONKER NAPSACK
POLER.COM
The Zonker is the highest quality version of the Poler’s signature Napsack. It takes the popular features of the Napsack with the ability to zip open at the shoulders, so your arms can stick out and a cinch at the bottom so you can open it and provides the ability for your legs to stick out for ultimate move ability around the campsite, at the beach or around the house. It also has pockets on each side, providing functional use. This version kicks it up a notch with a 25-Fahrenheit degree rating, 650 down for more loft, which means more warmth. Includes a stuff sack. $270.00
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TRAIL'S END
AD INDEX 29 4WP Factory www.4wp.com/BroncoHQ 33 Atturo Tires www.atturo.com/mts 2-3 Black Rhino Hard Alloys www.blackrhinowheels.com 43 Body Armor 4x4 www.bodyarmor4x4.com 77 Camburg www.camburg.com 34-35 DUB IR Tint www.dubir.com 9 Eibach www.eibach.com 5 Gram Lights www.mackinindustries.com 71 KC HiLiTES www.kchilites.com 83 Kenwood www.kenwood.com/usa 47 Mickey Thompson www.mickeythompsontires.om 11 RIGID Industries www.rigidindustries.com 81 Road Armor www.roadarmor.com 59 ROAM Adventure Co. www.roamadventureco.com 23 Skyjacker www.skyjacker.com 16-17 TIS Off-Road www.tiswheels.com 84 Toyo Tires www.toyotires.com 4 Volk Racing www.mackinindustries.com 55 Yokohama Wheel www.mackinindustries.com 67 Zone Offroad www.zoneoffroad.com
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