Adventure Rigs, Issue 9 by DUB Publishing Inc.

ADVENTURERIGSMAG.COM

BLACK RHINO

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TRAILHEAD

32 46 60 72

ADVENTURE RIGS 2018 MERCEDES-BENZ 3500XD 4X4 SPRINTER 2006 NISSAN XTERRA 2018 TOYOTA 4RUNNER 2016 JEEP WRANGLER UNLIMITED 75TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION

12 15 22 26 28 78

EQUIPPED WHEELS TIRES PERFORMANCE & ACCESSORIES SUSPENSION AUDIO GEAR: EVERYDAY CARRY ESSENTIALS

40 54

WAYPOINT THE MINT 400 RODEO X RIGS V.3

WHEELIN’ 2022 POLARIS RZR PRO R & RZR TURBO R

ADVENTURERIGSMAG.COM 6

35°50’25.7”N 115°18’58.0” W

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EDITOR'S NOTES

he historical adventurist, naturalist, explorer and geographer Alexander von Humboldt once said, “Nature can be soothing to the tormented mind.” And as one who was always out exploring nature and the great outdoors, he’d know exactly how refreshing a bit of fresh air could be when things start to get hectic (even back in the late-1700s). Fast forward to modern times and life is even more chaotic than ever. With so many distractions and worries, the mind can definitely be tormented due to the daily hustle and bustle. But that’s where nature comes in to soothe the soul and the real adventure begins. All of our features in AR9 know the importance of soothing the tormented mind by going off the grid and being one with nature. For Jonathan Alonso, the off-road lifestyle runs deep. He practically grew up outdoors and is making sure he continues the tradition for his own family as he takes them trailblazing in his outfitted fifth-gen and first-gen 4Runners. With a passion for camping, hitting nature is

non-negotiable for this entrepreneur and he hopes to instill this value in his kids with each family adventure they take on four wheels. Blake Morrell is from the beautiful state of Washington, so he’s used to Mother Nature just a hop, skip and a jump away from anywhere he’s at given all the awesome trails in the PNW. He has a passion for outdoor activities and being one with nature, so modding his Nissan Xterra has allowed him the freedom to really dive deeper into his outdoor journeys as it made everything so much easier. Know on IG as @sarges_toys, Wang AKA U.P. has been in the Army for more than 13 years now, and his dream of creating a military-themed rig has finally come true. His 2016 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 75th Anniversary Edition was the perfect base for his creation, which more than lives up to his rugged lifestyle. Enjoying being somewhere off-grid, he and his family really get to clear their minds with each and every road trip they take all over the country.

Brian Lau grew up involved with the Boy Scouts, so the outdoors was not foreign to him. As he got older, he fell in love with customizing cars but life and work had other plans. As his family grew so did his desire to get back to nature and share his experiences with his young family. Overlanding was the perfect hobby that meshed both of his passions and helped turn his 2018 Mercedes-Benz 3500XD 4x4 Sprinter, which he was about to sell, into his family’s adventure rig. He loved it so much that he also created a meetup group on IG, @sprinter.overland.trip, where he takes newcomers and experienced offroaders on weekend excursions exploring the Southwest and beyond. We also had a chance to check out the Mint 400, Trail Wolves’ Rodeo X Rigs v.3 and test drive the all-new Polaris RZR Pro R and Turbo R. So kick back, turn these pages and get out there in nature to ease your tormented mind… Enjoy Issue 9!

Explore New Heights.

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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

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

Rich Calbay Rich@adventurerigsmag.com [ ONE THING

DESIGN Jonathan Rodrigues Jonrod@unrivaledgoods.com

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SOCIAL MEDIA David Tobiassen David@adventurerigsmag.com

SPENSION

AD RECON COMPL ETE 2020+ GLADI E 2 KIT ATOR 4.5”

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

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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.

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

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

[ STARTING ON

] TWO WHEELS

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

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OPERATIONS Kiani Tran-Boutros Lisette Carrales PHOTOS Jonathan Alonso, Matt Girgis, Nile Dev, Brian McGee, Kevin Sugiyama, Edmyr “Erok” Barayang, Mark Ocampo, Brenan Greene WORDS Jonathan Alonso, Brian Lau, Blake Morrell, Wang AKA U.P, Brenan Greene

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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ALL BAJA BOSS® TIRES FEATURE:

BAJA BOSS® A/T 50,000 MILE WARRANTY

BAJA BOSS® M/T

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

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

SEE OUR QUALITY & CONSTRUCTION AT MICKEYTHOMPSONTIRES.COM | #MICKEYTHOMPSONTIRES ADVENTURERIG SM AG .COM

WHEELS BLACK RHINO RAID 800.479.9723 | BLACKRHINOWHEELS.COM @BLACKRHINOWHEELS SIZE: 17X8.5, 18X9.5, 20X9.5 FINISH: MATTE BRONZE, MATTE BLACK, GOLD, GLOSS RED Whether you’re punishing the trails or adventuring out on an overlanding excursion, the Black Rhino Raid is built with your off-road attack plan in mind. Featuring a modern, multispoke design with vented windows, the Raid offers exceptional brake ventilation and debris pass-through for every terrain.

BLAQUE DIAMOND BD-O102 818.362.2300 | BLAQUEDIAMOND.COM /BLAQUEDIAMONDWHEELS @BDWHEELS SIZE: 17X9, 18X9, 20X10 FINISH: GLOSS BLACK W/ TINTED FACE, MATTE BRONZE, TEXTURED BLACK Upgrade your rig’s exterior look with a set of BD-0102 wheels from Blaque Diamond. The wheels feature an aggressive design that’ll look great on any rig - on the trail or on the pavement.

DIRTY LIFE RACE WHEELS 9306 MESA 866.894.3351 | DIRTYLIFEWHEELS.COM @DIRTYLIFEWHEELS SIZE: 17X9 FINISH: MATTE BLACK, DARK BRONZE The Dirty Life 9306 Mesa is a Street Series version of the 9312 Mesa Race Beadlock. The Mesa is ready for your off-road journey in the desert or mountains, with a simple mesh design and detailed lip. Live that life in the dirt!

FULL THROTTLE WHEELS FT8 562.944.8883 | FULLTHROTTLEWHEELS.COM @FULLTHROTTLEWHEELS SIZE: 20X9 FINISH: MATTE BRONZE, MATTE BLACK These wheels provide maximum visual impact, with their aggressive elegance and class. Along with improving your rig’s look, they will allow for performance gains thanks to their lightweight construction. Full Throttle wheels are super strong and highly resistant to corrosion, so they will handle the rigors of off-roading and look perfect great on the streets.

GEAR OFF ROAD SECTOR-C 877.283.9433 | GEAROFFROAD.COM @GEAROFFROAD SIZE: 17X8, 18X8 FINISH: SATIN BLACK Available in both 17x8 and 18x8, with fitment for Subarus and CUVs. Rugged design ready for adventure and built to give your ride that perfect overloading aesthetic.

GRID OFF-ROAD GD14 866.591.0723 | GRID-OFFROAD.COM @GRIDOFFROAD SIZE: 17X9, 20X9, 20X10, 22X12, 24X14 FINISH: GLOSS BLACK W/ MILLED ACCENTS, GLOSS BLACK W/ RED ACCENTS, GLOSS BRONZE W/ MATTE BLACK LIP, MATTE ANTHRACITE W/ MATTE BLACK LIP The GD14 cast wheels from GRID Off-Road feature an aggressive design and directional inserts in either a chrome, black, carbon fiber or color-matched finish. These offroad wheels are TPMS compatble, come in a vehicle-specific bolt pattern and center bore and feature custom backspacing/offset.

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WHEELS

MAYHEM WHEELS 8303 VOYAGER 866.894.3351 | MAYHEMWHEELS.COM @MAYHEMWHEELS SIZE: 15X7, 17X8, 17X8.5, 18X9 FINISH: MATTE BLACK, DARK BRONZE The Mayhem 8303 Voyager, with its simple design, will get your SUV, CUV, truck and utility van to your destination in style. Voyage Into The Wild!

MOTIV WHEELS 428B BALAST 714.990.2233 | MOTIVWHEELS.COM @MOTIVWHEELS SIZE: 17”, 18”, 20” FINISH: GLOSS BLACK, MACHINED BLACK The Motiv Offroad 428 BALAST features aggressive 8-spoke sharp design, dual-drilled lug pattern feature with integrated c overed center cap (5/6 lug applications) and is made using cast aluminum construction. With its extensive background in the industry, Motiv Offroad is making it even easier for all levels of truck/Jeep enthusiasts to enhance their vehicle.

ULTRA MOTORSPORTS 125 WARMONGER 5 800.321.4456 | ULTRAWHEEL.COM /ULTRA.WHEEL @ULTRAWHEELCOMPANY SIZE: 17X9” FINISH: GLOSS BLACK, GLOSS ANTHRACITE GREY WITH GLOSS BLACK LIP, BRIGHT BRONZE WITH GLOSS BLACK LIP The Warmonger 5 is Ultra’s latest addition to their lineup. With a split spoke, mesh design and major detailing the Warmonger looks good on any truck, SUV or CUV. Also available in a 6-lug/6-spoke design.

TIRES

AMP TIRES ATTACK A/T A

866.894.3351 | AMP-TIRES.COM

@AMPTIRES

Inspired by the off-road performance of their Terrain Attack M/T and the stable control of their Terrain Pro A/T, the Terrain Attack A/T A tire incorporates new, advanced compounds and improved manufacturing technology. The result is a tire that is surefooted and smooth, yet aggressive enough to take you from the road to the trails while delivering a long-lasting tire with unmistakable reliability. The wheel features an off-road attitude and smooth on-road characteristics, making this the ultimate adventure tire. The performance tread design features a multi-block pattern that delivers stable control in a wide variety of environments and terrain. The sidewall is designed with dual variation lug technology for more improved traction in all environments and weather conditions. The staggered tread block design was made to improve traction in loose dirt, debris and sand. Deep, stepped tread blocks channel dirt, mud, snow, slush and water away from the tire in all weather conditions, too. With a large selection of sizing and a 40,000-mile warranty, the Terrain Attack A will take you on every journey. And, it’s now available in 12LT sizes for 12” to 22” wheels.

NITTO TIRES NOMAD GRAPPLER 888.529.8200 | NITTOTIRE.COM

@NITTOTIRE

Nitto’s new Nomad Grappler is an all-terrain crossover and compact SUV tire, featuring an aggressive tread pattern that’s been purposefully engineered to provide unmatched performance - both on and off-road. The Nomad Grappler is designed to meet the specific needs of the emerging CUV and small SUV overlanding market. With a set of these tires, CUV and small SUV owners will be able to elevate their off-road adventure with confidence and added safety. The Nomad Grappler is Three Peak Mountain Snowflake rated, so it meets the required performance criteria needed to be a severe snow-service rated tire. This tire adds traction and an aggressive look to any CUV or small SUV while maintaining stable performance in dry, wet, or snowy conditions. It’ll be available in 25 sizes, ranging from 17” to 20” wheel diameters, covering a wide range of applications. It’ll meet all the needs of the modern outdoor enthusiast and off-roader or CUV owner looking to distinguish themselves from the crowd.

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TIRES

WORDS/PHOTOS: BRENAN GREENE | TRAIL4R.COM

@TRAIL4R

THE BAJA BOSS A/T

MICKEY THOMPSON’S LATEST HYBRID ALL-TERRAIN TIRE 5,000-MILE FIRST LOOK

he Mickey Thompson Baja Boss A/T Hybrid Tires have been great so far. From the Rocky Mountains of South West Colorado to the extreme heat in Moab and back to the granite rocks in Northern California, we’ve put about 5,000K miles on these tires in the first couple of months – and we’re beyond impressed. If you’ve been following @trail4r for some time, you know how much I love tires. Tires are arguably the most important mod you will add to an off-road rig. I’ve run well over ten different tires ranging, from highway tires and all-terrains to hybrids and mud-terrains. I’m super stoked to show you why the Mickey Thompson Baja Boss A/T hybrid is arguably one of the most versatile tires on the market. We’ve traveled through a ton of terrain types, and there wasn’t a single time I was disappointed.

STANDOUT FEATURES ALL-TERRAIN & MUD-TERRAIN CHARACTERISTICS: Great on-road manners and next-level strength off-road ROAD NOISE: Very little road noise for how aggressive the tire looks ASYMMETRICAL TREAD PATTERN: Reduced road-noise, increased off-road traction, and increased on-road handling EXTREME SIDEBITERS: 150% deeper than Mickey Thompson’s Baja ATZP3 POWERPLY XD: Better puncture resistance, quicker steering response, and greater stability SILICA-REINFORCED COMPOUND: Longer life expectancy, cut and chip tolerant, improved wet handling, improved braking 50K-MILE TREAD-WEAR WARRANTY: The Baja Boss A/Ts are built to last 3PMS SYMBOL: Severe Snow Service Rated

AT FIRST GLANCE They’re very quiet despite their incredibly aggressive tread pattern. On top of being whisper quiet on-road, they’re beyond impressive in wet conditions, including snow/ ice. If you’re looking to crawl, lucky for you, they feature a massive contact patch that grips like a

mother on rocks. In straight mud, they did okay. Don’t buy these if you’re planning on wheeling through mud bogs in Louisiana. This is an impressive hybrid tire offering from Mickey Thompson that excels in wet or dry offroad conditions and will be a great daily driver – let’s jump in!

ALL-TERRAIN HYBRID The new Baja Boss A/T clearly delivers undisputed on-road handling, performance, and minimal signs of tread wear after our first 5,000 miles. Adding to its impressive lineup of features, this asymmetrical tread pattern was poised to dominate when playing in the street and the mud. However, when tested in the mud, portions of the lugs stayed caked, and other portions were truly self-cleaning. Don’t let this get you down, though; these tires played in the mud all day with a few friends and kept up with some gnarly M/Ts. Whatever the actual M/Ts were up to, I was right behind them. As I mentioned earlier, this tire is pretty aggressive looking for an A/T, has an incredibly gnarly sidewall, great manners on-road, VERY low road noise, TONS of siping, it 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMS) severe-weather rated, and with its all-new asymmetrical tread pattern – it’s an animal on wet, slick rocks. ASYMMETRICAL TREAD PATTERN QUICK OVERVIEW

COMPARED TO WHAT?

OFF-ROADING: Impressive

To date, my favorite “all-around” tire has been the Cooper EVO M/T, but that might change. These might just be better than the Cooper Evolution M/T (performance-wise) as an “allaround” tire. That said, looks come into play when buying tires, and the EVO M/T has a more aggressive pattern than these A/Ts; rightfully, they are M/Ts. While we’re on the topic of tread pattern, I am a huge fan of the STT Pros, Toyo Open Country M/Ts, and the new Yokohama Geolandar M/T.

On the muddy/rocky/wet trail sections through Wheeler Lake in Colorado, I thought maybe the lugs weren’t spaced out enough to dig and grip, but the asymmetrical tread tore through loose rocks and climbed up wet granite faces with ease. When aired down, the shoulder lugs spanned out to provide an even larger contact patch, and they got to work crawling through just about everything. The ample siping really helped keep us STUCK to the wet and slick rocks. ON-ROAD MANNERS: A True All-Terrain Tire Yes, it’s a hybrid, but this tire feels just like an A/T on-road - It’s quiet. On the long stretches of road in between trailheads from Central Colorado to Southwest Colorado, it was nice having an A/T for a change. I’ve been running M/Ts for the last three tires, so it could have been me coming from the Toyo M/Ts to these Baja Boss A/Ts, but these Mickey Thompson A/Ts are so incredibly mellow onroad, you can barely hear them. Seriously, they’re whisper-quiet. They track incredibly well; however, they did take a bit of weight to get balanced. The dry traction was quick and responsive through gnarly switchbacks on the Million Dollar Highway in Ouray, Colorado. I was consistently impressed by the sound and responsiveness while on-road heading up the Black Bear Pass 4×4 road. I put my head out of the window several times to listen to them, and each time was stunned at the lack of noise.

The asymmetrical tread pattern is optimized for reduced noise, all-weather performance, off-road traction, and on-road handling. I was initially skeptical as I’ve never run an asymmetrical tread pattern, but I’m impressed. They do provide an unbelievable low level of noise on the road. I can hear everything else on my truck – not the tires.

The Baja Boss A/Ts feature shoulder lug characteristics of an M/T, with an asymmetrical tread pattern that makes the contact patch look very A/T. You get A/T vibes from the straight-on view, and from the sidewall and corner view, you get M/T vibes. INITIAL THOUGHTS The tires look great after 5,000 miles. No cupping, feathering, gashes, or deep cuts in the sidewall (how could there be, this sidewall is insane). When it comes to rubber compounds, these feel softer than the Toyo Open Country A/Ts but much firmer than the Toyo M/Ts, Cooper EVO M/Ts, and Cooper STT Pros (to give you some perspective). These Baja Boss A/Ts feel incredibly firm compared to most compounds but aren’t noisy like the Toyo A/Ts. I have a lot of confidence that the Baja Boss A/T will push well past 40K and won’t scream at you during daily driving. If you’re looking for true A/T manners on the road with tons of siping (great for ice/snow as they’re a 3PMS rated tire), all with a gnarly sidewall, aggressive shoulder scoops, and slight M/T characteristics off-road, this is shaping up to be a really nice tire.

EXTREME SIDEBITERS Extreme Sidebiters are 150% deeper than the Baja ATZP3 (Mickey Thompson’s previous A/T). This new sidewall offers potent off-road traction and protection. If you’re looking for a deep sidewall, this new Extreme Sidebiter is the deepest sidewall I have ever seen on a tire, much less an A/T. Usually, A/T tires have a minimal sidewall design, not the Baja Boss A/T, which is a huge standout feature on this tire.

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MICKEY THOMPSON BAJA BOSS A/T POWERPLY XD The new Powerply XD adds 50% heavier denier cord to the angled third ply providing better puncture resistance, quicker steering response, and greater stability. Mickey Thompson offers the Baja Boss A/T in a load range D (35X12.5R17) and load range E (315/70R17). For those that aren’t familiar, load range D has a weight capacity of 1,220 lbs at 65 psi, whereas load range E has a capacity of 1,520 lbs at 80 psi. Load range E is more for towing and features a higher ply rating. The downsides of going with higher load ranges may include loss in MPGs, a more rigid ride, and sometimes less flotation off-road depending on the brand. I typically stay with load range D tires as they offer the best of both worlds between C (fairly soft) and E (fairly firm). Load range D offers comfort on-road without sacrificing MPGs while providing nice floatation off-road.

BLACK BEAR PASS, CO

The Powerply XD on the load range D (the tire we are running) makes it feel like an E. I first noticed how stiff these tires were off-road. When aired down to 18psi, the tires didn’t look aired down at all. Because of this, I dropped them down to 15psi for our first run, and although you don’t see much tire bulge, you can feel the flotation over the rocks. The flotation was nothing like a Cooper STT Pro or Cooper EVO M/T (which is weird because those are both load range E tires). The Baja Boss A/Ts felt like they still had more pressure to give. These tires did great off-road. I have no complaints yet, but I am still feeling them out. If the load range D felt like an E, I can’t imagine how firm those E-rated tires are. Those must be VERY FIRM.

SEVERE SNOW RATED

SILICA-REINFORCED COMPOUND The Baja Boss A/T features a silica-reinforced compound for on-road tread wear, cut and chip resistance, and improved wet handling and braking performance. This also might have something to do with how firm these tires felt. They remind me of a Toyo A/T II, but without the road noise. After 5,000+ miles, these tires look amazing. It makes sense with how firm and reinforced these load range D tires are.

Everything in the Baja Boss A/T lineup at 12.5” (315) and lower is stamped 3PMS (3-Peak Mountain Snowflake). If you’re in a climate where ice, snow, and wet roads are common, you want the 3PMS stamp. Not many tires feature this stamp of approval, so know it’s a huge selling point when you see it. These tires are animals in the snow!! Wow, man, impressive stuff. We headed up to the snow for the day, aired down to 18psi, and started on a couple of feet of fresh powder in the High Sierras. The tires didn’t break loose once from sheets of ice on the road coming into a few feet of packed snow we were driving on. I was pushing them, too. They didn’t budge. Once we hit pockets of

slushy snow on top of the snowpack, the tires started to break loose when I hit the gas and started going in on them. They aren’t bulletproof, but they sure do hold their own in the snow and on the ice. I was able to hook a U-turn on a tight, narrow trail in the snow and didn’t get stuck. Eventually, I hit the send button a little too hard and landed in a snowdrift of fresh powder, leaving me stuck and high-centered. Here is a shot of Jade high-centered just before we winched out. These tires are amazing in the snow, and I was pretty confident in them – almost too confident. If you’re looking for an excellent snow tire, this is a real candidate. I had a blast ripping around in the snow and through the ice with these.

50K-MILE TREADWEAR WARRANTY 50,000-mile treadwear warranty instills confidence that the Baja Boss A/Ts are built to last. But what does this really mean? Car tire warranties work in the delta. Let’s say you run this tire for 40K miles, and for some reason, the tire tread is just destroyed. In that case, Mickey Thompson would credit you a 10K-mile difference or credit towards a new tire. It’s nice when tire companies back their offerings with a warranty. And as you can see here, Mickey Thompson says that this tire will last you 50K miles. What do I think? After 5,000K miles of some rough abuse, they look great. I’ll let you decide.

MOAB, UT

WEIGHT (35X12.5R17) For an A/T Tire, they’re on the heavy side. But then again, they aren’t all-terrains – they’re hybrid-terrains. So with that said, when compared to some other hybrid tires, it’s not all that different. MICKEY THOMPSON BAJA BOSS A/T (HYBRID): 73lbs NITTO RIDGE GRAPPLER (HYBRID): 73lbs TOYO R/T (HYBRID): 74lbs FINAL THOUGHTS They are almost shockingly quiet, considering it’s such an aggressive pattern. I still keep coming back to the fact that they are as quiet as they are on the road. These will be great for someone with a daily driver in the mountains who occasionally wheels and who doesn’t see very much mud. They are a solid option if you are a weekend warrior who also commutes up through the mountains and you need a reliable tire through ice and snow. This is a tire that belongs in Northern California, the Pacific Northwest, and throughout the mountains of Utah and Colorado.

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PERFORMANCE/ACCESSORIES

BODY ARMOR 4X4 2005-2022 TOYOTA TACOMA DOUBLE CAB SHORT BED REVO ROCK SLIDERS 866.894.3351 | BODYARMOR4X4.COM

@BODYARMOR4X4

The Revo Rock Sliders feature a 25-degree angle, 1.75” tubing and .120” wall. The slight kickout adds rear protection while still being less susceptible to getting hung up on obstacles. It’s easy to install, with no drilling required. It’s 100% frame mounted, utilizing factory hole locations. Strong anchor points allw rock sliders to be lifted with a hi-lift jack at any point. These also protect rocker panels against door dings. It fits 5-ft. beds, features durable 2-stage light textured black powder coat finish and has a 3-year finish/limited lifetime warranty. $759.99

DV8 OFFROAD FS-15 SERIES FRONT BUMPER 951.680.9595 | DV8OFFROAD.COM

@DV8OFFROAD

The Bronco FS-15 Series is a 2021-2022 Ford Bronco Winch-Ready Mid-Width Front Bumper, with the option to include modular wings to make it a fullwidth bumper. The light mount tabs on the bull bar can be oriented to mount a 13” light bar above or below the bull bar. Up to a 12,000 lb. winch can be mounted on top of the bumper. At the center of the bumper, either a 20” dual row light bar or 6-pod lights can be mounted. $1,299.99

DV8 OFFROAD MTO SERIES FRONT BUMPER

951.680.9595 | DV8OFFROAD.COM

@DV8OFFROAD

The DV8 Offroad MTO (Made to Overland) Series Bumper is a winch-ready front bumper for the 2021+ Ford Bronco, and is compatible with all trim levels. Manufactured from high-grade steel, the MTO Series Bronco bumper retains the factory sensors, has a 3” pod light mount towards each side, and mesh inserts that can be painted. There is an optional bolt-on bull bar that can mount a 13” LED light bar to supplement your lighting. $1,299.99 22

DV8 OFFROAD OE PLUS SERIES FRONT BUMEPR 951.680.9595 | DV8OFFROAD.COM

@DV8OFFROAD

The OE Plus Series is a low-profile front bumper for the 2021-2022 Ford Bronco. This was designed to fit the form of the Bronco as tight as the OEM bumper. The front panel was designed to match the grille of the higher-tier trim levels, although it looks excellent with the lower-tier trim levels as well. Behind this cutaway pattern, a Dual Row 20” LED light bar can mounted. It features pod light mounts on each side of the bumper that fit two pods each. $899.99

HOLLEY AMP’D 2.0 THROTTLE BOOSTER W/ BLUETOOTH SWITCH 866.464.6553 | HOLLEY.COM |

@HOLLEYPERFORMANCE

Take your throttle sensitivity adjustment wireless! The Ampd 2.0 throttle sensitivity booster is the most advanced throttle modification device on the market today. Ampd 2.0 removes throttle response delays, instantly putting you in total control of your vehicles throttle response. The wireless Bluetooth switch is an industry-exclusive feature and the Ampd 2.0 app provides unparalleled control over your throttle experience. Ampd 2.0 is pre-loaded with 5 preset throttle curves and thousands of custom curve possibilities. You paid for a powerful vehicle and you should have full control over how it drives. Easy installation and covers GM/Ford/Dodge/Ram/ Toyota/Jeep and more. $267.95

LUMILEDS PHILIPS ULTINON DRIVE 5000 SERIES LED LIGHTBARS

866.254.6989 | LUMILEDS.COM

@PHILIPSAUTOMOTIVEUSA

The Philips Ultinon Drive 5000 series LED lightbars are engineered to provide off-roaders with superior beam performance, exceptional durability, and trouble-free service life. They produce illumination patterns from 400 to 500 yards, with a cool light color of up to 6500 K. Built with single-piece assemblies to withstand the toughest weather and environmental conditions. Tested to ensure they will hold up to aggressive off-roading, dust, high temperatures, and high-pressure water. ADVENTURERIG SM AG .COM

PERFORMANCE/ACCESSORIES

ORACLE LIGHTING UNIVERSAL ILLUMINATED LED LETTER BADGES 800.407.5776 | ORACLELIGHTS.COM @ORACLELIGHTS These vibrant letters are available in a matte white or matte black surface finish with either white or amber LED. When turned on, the letters emit a soft edge-lit glow to make your custom badge stand out. Even when off, the sleek design of the letter housings give a customized high-end appearance. The LED lighting has a low draw. Simply wire the letters to a 12V source like parking lights, ignition fuse, or a separate toggle switch. Installation is easy with the VHB double-stick adhesive. $38.75

RIGID INDUSTRIES 2021 BRONCO A-PILLAR LIGHT KIT W/ 360 SPOT & 360 DRIVE LIGHTS 855.760.5337 | RIGIDINDUSTRIES.COM

@RIGIDINDUSTRIES

This RIGID A-Pillar light kit is designed specifically for the 2021+ Ford Bronco and allows for a clean install of RIGID’s high-output LED lighting. This A-Pillar light kit includes two A-Pillar mounting brackets, a pair of 4” 360-Series Drive Lights with Amber Backlighting, a pair of 4” 360-Series Spot Lights with Amber Backlighting, two solid black light covers, two transparent amber light covers and a wiring harness. $959.99

ROAM RAMBLER HARDSHELL ROOFTOP TENT

512.380.1960 | ROAMADVENTURECO.COM/

@ROAMADVENTURECO

Inspired by the aesthetic of their Rugged Cases, the Rambler features a custom fiberglass hardshell mold that looks different from any other rooftop tent. It features 360-degree panoramic windows that allows you to see all directions. Its 2.75” high-density mattress makes for the most comfortable night’s sleep. With four gas struts, it sets up and takes down in less than 30 seconds. 24

SUPERWINCH AUXILIARY BATTERY MOUNT 800.323.2031 | SUPERWINCH.COM /SUPERWINCH @SUPERWINCHOFFICIAL Do you need extra juice to power your winch, welder, compressor, sound system, or LED auxiliary lighting? Then you need the all new Auxiliary Battery Mount from Superwinch! This innovative new mount is engineered to give the extra capacity you need to augment your Jeep’s existing 12v system by adding a second Group 34/35 AGM battery. Designed exclusively for the Jeep JL and Gladiator models (excluding Diesel and 4XE), the Auxiliary Battery Mount is positioned safely and securely under the body for a lower center of gravity. The mount comes with all hardware and cables needed to complete the installation, and is protected by an integrated skid plate, so you can wheel with confidence! Constructed from E-coated steel and protected by a durable long lasting black powder coat finish with a 3-year warranty, adding extra 12v capacity to your Jeep Wrangler JL or Gladiator is easy!

WARN ELITE REAR BUMPER FOR THE FORD BRONCO 800.5439276 | WARN.COM @WARNINDUSTRIES

/WARNFANS

Hot on the heels of the WARN Elite Front Bumper for the new Ford Bronco, is the Elite Rear Bumper for the SUV. This American-made unit, (and a great match for the Elite Front Bumper) is made from thick steel for exceptional durability. The bumper retains the durable factory recovery points. The design allows for increased departure angles, helping to improve the Bronco’s already impressive off-road capability and provide maximum trail performance. The entire bumper wears Warn’s stateof-the-art powder-coated finish that stands up to 408-hour salt spray testing and has excellent UV resistance. It provides exceptional corrosion resistance and great looks that’ll last for years. This bumper fits both two-and four-door Broncos, will accommodate tires up to 37” on the factory tailgate, and maintains the factory receiver. It also accommodates the Ford Co-Pilot360 Suite (blind-spot monitoring and lane keeping assist) and parking sensors.

ADVENTURERIG SM AG .COM

SUSPENSION

BDS SUSPENSION 2” COILOVER SYSTEMS FOR THE 20052015 TACOMA.

BDS SUSPENSION 2” COILOVER SYSTEMS FOR 2007-2021 TOYOTA TUNDRA

517.279.2135 | BDS-SUSPENSION.COM

@BDSSUSPENSIONS

BDS Suspension introduces the latest addition to its ever-expanding product lineup for the 2005-2015 Toyota Tacoma with 2" coilover systems. At the heart of these 2" coilover systems is a pair of specially tuned FOX 2.0 performance series IFP coilover struts. These nonreservoir coilover struts utilize snap ring collars to allow for up to 2" of lift when used with the factory coil springs and top plate. They are a direct bolt-in replacement for the factory strut assemblies and improve damper performance, featuring a 2.0" extruded and machined 6061 T6 aluminum body for better heat dispersion, along with an internal floating piston (IFP) to eliminate oil aeration, FOX’s proprietary internals, and a 5/8" hard chrome plated heat treated alloy shaft. Also supplied as part of these complete 2" lift system are a pair of BDS performance series upper control arms (UCA). These UCAs improve suspension travel all while providing superior strength and styling to the factory arms. As with all BDS lift kits these new 2" systems include Factory Protection Plus for the ultimate extended warranty. Factory Protection Plus includes BDS’s No Fine Print Warranty and a 5-year 60,000-mile drivetrain warranty to match the dealer.

BDS Suspension adds to its Toyota lineup with 2" coilover systems for the 2007-2020 Tundra. These join BDS’s existing 3" - 4.5" - 7" kit offerings and utilize FOX 2.0 performance series coilovers and shocks with BDS upper control arms (UCAs) for improved performance over the stock while leveling out the stance. At the heart of these 2" coilover systems include a pair of specially tuned FOX 2.0 performance series IFP coilovers. These non-reservoir coilovers are preset for the correct lift height right out of the box and use a threaded body to allow preload adjustment. They are a direct bolt-in replacement for the factory strut assemblies and improve damper performance featuring a 2.0" extruded and machined 6061 T6 aluminum body for better heat dispersion, along with an internal floating piston (IFP) to eliminate oil aeration, FOX’s proprietary internals, 5/8" hard chrome plated heat treated alloy shaft all preloaded with coil springs ready for easy installation. As with all BDS lift kits these new 2" systems include Factory Protection Plus for the ultimate extended warranty. Factory Protection Plus includes BDS’s No Fine Print Warranty and a 5-year, 60,000-mile drivetrain warranty to match the dealer.

RANCHO RS7MT MONOTUBE SHOCKS FOR 18’-21’ JEEP JL 800.325.8886 | GORANCHO.COM

@RANCHOSUSPENSION

Application-tuned for precision on-road and off-road handling, Rancho RS7MT monotube shocks are highly effective in the dissipation of heat, making them ideal for extreme off-road use and larger wheel and tire packages. Large 2" monotube body filled with all-weather fluid that allows for cooler operation, increased vehicle control and ability to withstand internal temps of -40 degrees to 248 degrees F. Internal rebound bumper and shouldered rubber bushing help reduce noise, vibration and ride harshness while the PTFE-banded piston enhances responsiveness to changing road conditions for an overall smoother ride. 26

@BDSSUSPENSIONS

ICON VEHICLE DYNAMICS 21-UP FORD BRONCO BILLET UCA WITH DELTA JOINT PRO 951.689.4266 | ICONVEHICLEDYNAMICS.COM

/ICONIMPACTARMOR

@ICONIMPACTOFFROAD

Improve your Bronco’s suspension performance with ICON’s Billet Upper Control Arms. Ford designed the new Bronco with great off-road capability right out of the box, but just couldn’t help squeezing even more performance out of it. These billet UCA’s free up movement to allow maximum travel for performance shocks and coilovers. The all new Delta Joint PRO provides a host of durability and performance improvements compared to our standard ball joints and uni-balls, including up to 90 degrees of free articulation to maximize suspension travel without bind. It’s also beefier and fully rebuildable. ICON Billet Upper Control Arms are CNC machined from 6061 billet aluminum with a satin anodized finish. The hybrid H-beam cross-section is light-weight resists bending forces better than tubular arms.

ICON VEHICLE DYNAMICS 21-UP FORD BRONCO TUBULAR FRONT UPPER CONTROL ARMS, REAR SUSPENSION LINKS AND REAR TRACK BAR 951.689.4266 | ICONVEHICLEDYNAMICS.COM

/ICONIMPACTARMOR

@ICONIMPACTOFFROAD

Ford designed the new Bronco with great off-road capability right out of the box, but ICON wanted to make performance even better. These tubular UCA’s, rear links and track bar free up movement to allow maximum travel for performance shocks and coilovers, at an easier price point compared to our range-topping billet components.They free up your Bronco’s front suspension movement to allow maximum travel for performance shocks and coilovers. Additional caster is built in to allow for better front end alignment on lifted Broncos. The all-new Delta Joint PRO provides a host

of durability and performance improvements compared to their standard Delta Joints, including up to 90 degrees of free articulation to maximize suspension travel without bind. It’s also larger and fully rebuildable. The ICON Tubular Rear Link System helps free up rear axle movement on the 2021-UP Ford Bronco to allow for increased suspension travel and articulation. Upgrading the links is essential to realizing the full benefits of ICON’s performance coilover suspension systems for the Bronco (coming soon). A massive FK Rod End at one end, along with a dual-durometer, high angle greaseless bushing at the other end yields the best combination of maximum travel and articulation while isolating and damping road noise and vibrations. The ICON Tubular Rear Track Bar helps center the axle of your lifted 2021 and newer Ford Bronco to allow for increased suspension travel and articulation. ICON’s exclusive Rod End Adjuster Sleeve allows for fast, easy “on-vehicle” adjustment of track bar length without requiring removal or disassembly of the track bar. This allows for easy correction of axle location and dialing in precise tracking whenever adjustments are made to ride height. The track bar is made of CNC bent 1¼ X .250 wall 1026 DOM tubing with CNC machined threaded end and bushing housing. It has a multi-stage black powder coat finish. ADVENTURERIG SM AG .COM

AUDIO ALPINE 9” HALO FLOATING TOUCHSCREEN RECEIVERS FOR JEEPS 800.257.4631 | ALPINE-USA.COM

@ALPINEUSA

Both of the new Alpine High-Resolution Jeep Receivers are 9” models and come with the upgraded wireless CarPlay and support for hires Lossless audio. The new i509-WRA-JK works with the 2011-2018 Jeep Wrangler, and the i509WRA-JL is for the new 2018-Up Jeep Wrangler and 2020-Up Jeep Gladiator. For hi-res audio support, the new Halo receivers work with FLAC and APE codecs in addition to the traditional MP3/WMA/AAC formats. They also support H.264/MPEG-4 AVC/MP4/MOV/FLV/MKV video via USB. The new Halo Floating Touchscreen Receivers use a standard 1-DIN chassis and include an adjustable height, depth, and angle mounting bracket to offer compatibility with a wide variety of vehicles for aftermarket installation. Starting at $1,199.95

KENWOOD STZ-RF200WD INTEGRATED DUAL CAMERA RECORDING SYSTEM 800.536.9663 | KENWOOD.COM/USA

/KENWOODUSA

@KENWOODUSA_OFFICIAL

Motorcycle and motorsports enthusiasts now have a stealth solution to simultaneously record in both the front and rear of their vehicle in full HD 1920 x 1080 resolution. The STZ-RF200WD consists of two externally-mounted cameras, a control switch, and a GPS antenna – all carrying an IP66/67 rating, meaning that they can resist high-pressure, heavy sprays of water and are fully sealed against dust entry. The “brain” of the system is an IP55-rated hide-a-way control box, meaning that it is protected against dust ingress and low-pressure water jets. The control box would typically mount underneath a seat or in another covered location in most motorcycles, side-by-sides/UTVs, ATVs and more. When additional length beyond each camera’s 6.6 ft. cable is needed, optional camera extension cables in lengths of 3.3 ft. are available. $154.99

KICKER L7TDF DOWN-FIRING ENCLOSED SUBWOOFERS 405.624.8510 | KICKER.COM

@KICKERAUDIO

The enclosures are designed to fit under a seat or in the vehicle’s cargo area, and their downfiring design allows cargo and objects to be placed on the top of them. They use Kicker L7T subwoofers in 8”, 10” and 12” sizes. All use a single 2-Ohm terminal. The L7T has a “Forced-Air Cooling” system that uses the woofer’s own cone movement to route more air through its motor, forcing unwanted heat out of vents built into the backplate and allowing the sub to run cooler than previous versions, said Kicker. The subwoofer’s topplate has a “bumped” design, allowing extra excursion and longer throw for deeper overall bass in a thin mount. $279.99 - $379.99.

NEW SUBARU FORESTER

HILINE FRONT WINCH BUMPER

PN: TC-4124

NOW AVAILABLE FOR 2019-2022 SUBARU FORESTER

@BodyArmor4x4

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MORE VAN EVER 3500XD 4X4 SPRINTER OWNER: BRIAN LAU PHOTOS: MATT GIRGIS

@MORE.VAN.EVER @RAD_Z71

I CHOSE THE HANDLE @MORE.VAN.EVER BECAUSE IT WAS A POINT IN TIME THAT I DECIDED TO LIVE A LITTLE. I DID NOT WANT TO REGRET NOT TAKING MY KIDS OUT ON ADVENTUROUS TRIPS AND CAMPING. SO WE NEEDED THIS, “MORE THAN EVER.””

NEEDING THIS I grew up highly involved with the Boy Scouts, so the outdoors was not foreign to me. I loved it and wouldn’t change a thing. However, as I grew older, I gravitated towards the car scene, especially the customizing aspects of it. As my priorities changed, so did my lifestyle. I started buying and fixing up BMWs in college and that hobby stuck with me up until I got married. I did purchase a 2006 Chevy Tahoe Z-71 in my mid20s and my extent of off-roading was basically local fire roads and snow trips to Mammoth. I only had a 3” lift and wheels on 33” tires. I think I even put on HID headlights and fog lights (lol). Eventually, when my kids were born, so was the hybrid and van life. It was also time to get back out in the wild and share those experiences with my family. It all started with an Instagram group called @weekendoffroad that I started following. I joined them on one of their excursions, and I was hooked after my first trip. I have a great career in finance. It’s not exciting, and I have formed great relationships with my clients, but I needed more in my life. I chose the handle @more.van.ever because it was a point in time that I decided to live a little. I did not want to regret not taking my kids out on adventurous trips and camping. So we needed this, “more than ever.”

ADVENTURERIG SM AG .COM

NOT ACCORDING TO PLAN Off-roading my Sprinter was never my intention, and I didn’t even want it. I was going to sell it based on the market demand. Luckily, things didn’t go as planned, and I grew to love everything about the Sprinter as an adventure rig. It was capable, different, convenient, spacious and just a badass beast of a ride with a lot of potential. I quickly became a fan of its capabilities and pushed it to its limits. The offroad/overland community had a big influence on how the Sprinter was built, and what purpose it served. Early on, I was definitely doing what a majority of Sprinter vans weren’t doing yet. Coming from another car scene, I carried the philosophy that if there isn’t something out there you like, you make it. A lot of the exterior parts such as the roof rack, sliders, front and rear bumpers are custom from Rugged Design 34

Concepts and CAtuned Off-road. When it comes to suspension, I went to the best, which is Agile Offroad. I relied heavily on their expertise and recommendations when it came to functionality and accessories for the van. I used to work on my cars, but now it really depends on how complicated and how much time is required when it comes to doing the mods myself. I would say for the most part the van goes to a shop. Since it’s still under warranty, the dealer takes care of the service and maintenance. Suspension and other goodies go to Agile Offroad. Installation of custom parts goes to Rugged Design Concepts and everything for the interior goes to Losthiway Customs. The front bumper is a limited run from CAtuned Off-road, which I think is the best-looking front bumper in the market, hands down. I believe only five bumpers exist, and it’s highly sought after. The rock sliders are made from DOM steel tubing and are the only set that exists

for its purpose. The rear bumper is custom and modified again to fit a RIGd Supply Ultra Swing tire carrier. The roof rack is also a one-off Bajastyle design from Rugged Design Concepts. Everything they fabricated on the Sprinter is of the best design and craftsmanship. As I mentioned, the suspension is the Agile Offroad RIP (Ride Improvement Package) Kit Max. It’s version 2 of their custom suspension, which consists of front Bilstein struts with Fox 2.0 coilover shocks and the rear has Fox 2.0 shocks combined with a custom leaf pack. This suspension setup is a game-changer when off-road. On the inside, I needed organization and gear management, and I turned to Lost Hiway Customs to customize the cabin. They built aluminum interior components for the bed and storage system, which is a very clean aesthetic, durable, and most importantly, lightweight.

Powering up this massive home away from home is always key, so the 300ah setup by Renogy Solar is more than enough. It includes (3) 100ah Smart Lithium batteries, 2000w Inverter, solar controller, Bluetooth monitoring, and (3) 100W solar panels on the roof. I also run 100K Lumens of Baja Designs Lights all over the Sprinter. You can never have too many lights! Upfitting never ends until there is nothing more the market can offer. The big brake kit and diff lockers by Agile Offroad are the latest industry mod for Sprinters. I’m waiting to get those dirty soon and put them to the test! When putting together this build, or any build, I would have to say time was the biggest challenge. The van market is exploding and with the backlog of parts, it takes a long time to get a project started and to finish it. Oh, and money, too. Sprinter builds are not cheap.

KEEPING UP AND THEN SOME This rig was built to keep up with my off-road buddies that drive 4Runners, Land Rovers, Tundras, and the like. It had one purpose and that was to be able to take my kids out on adventures where my other friends went. Staying true to its purpose has opened up a lot of doors for this build by proving the capability of the Sprinter van platform. Camping is our No. 1 activity. With the amount of real estate that comes with a Sprinter, you can imagine how much more room there is to pack alternative goodies for outdoor activities. I think we gravitated toward mountain biking, which has helped my kids become more active outside of traditional sports. It’s a lot of fun for my whole family to

get out there on the trails, explore and come back to our basecamp to relax. There are so many great experiences to be had in a Sprinter van. It’s the perfect platform to travel with a family, park anywhere, enjoy the outdoors, or just hang out inside like a mini RV. Deserts are always a fun place to go because of the vast openness, wide trails, and silt beds. The weather is usually unpredictable, but there’s so much to explore with wide-open views of the night sky. We’ve been to Utah to see breathtaking landscapes, in Nevada driving on dirt roads alongside wild horses and gazelles and forged water crossings 30” deep. All these moments are memorable, even the times getting stuck in mud, sand and snow.

ADVENTURERIG SM AG .COM

KNOW YOUR RIG, AND YOUR LIMITS Luckily the Sprinter has armor. I have full skid plate protection on the front, transmission, gas tank, rear diff, and rock sliders. There has only been one trail I have not been able to complete. It consisted of loose rocks, steep inclines along cliffs, and high camber in various parts of the trail. The gatekeeper mid-way through was a giant embedded boulder that I couldn’t clear with my long wheelbase. I tried for almost an

hour before accepting defeat. Know your rig, and your limits. Nobody wants to be stranded on a trail, especially alone. Recovery gear is a must. The very basic items include a tow strap and/or kinetic rope, steel and soft shackles, extra tow hitch for a recovery vehicle, shovel, and traction boards. I have all these items stored in their dedicated Roam Adventure Co cases, so I can just pack them up and go. I also have mechanical fluids, tools, and gloves to fix practically anything outside of something that needs to

be welded. We look at the weather forecast so we know what clothes to bring. Pack emergency food, meds, and plenty of water. For comms, we use Midland USA radios and Garmin inReach to help with communication when cell reception cuts out. We just acquired a SAT phone for our Sprinter Overland Trips thanks to Agile Offroad. Being stranded is not an option, which is why we carry virtually everything possible to get us out of a bind. We also try to travel in groups so we have recovery vehicles and as the saying goes there is safety in numbers.

TECH SPECS_ 2018 MERCEDES-BENZ 3500XD 4X4 SPRINTER (SUPER SINGLE) WHEELS/TIRES • 16x8 Custom OEM Mercedes-Benz steel wheels • 295/75R16 Toyo Open Country AT3 tires • Agile Offroad 16mm wheel spacers PERFORMANCE • Renntech tune • Kerma Diesel intake filter • K&N cabin filter SUSPENSION • Agile Offroad Rear 4.18 Locker differentials • Agile Offroad RIP Kit Max suspension • Bilstein struts • Fox 2.0 Aux shocks EXTERIOR • All bodywork by Rugged Design Concepts • Trackspec Motorsports universal heat extraction vents hood • Agile Offroad engine skid plate • Van Compass transmission skid plate • Van Compass fuel tank skid plate • Rugged Design Concepts rear diff skid plate • Rugged Design Concepts rock sliders • CAtuned Off-road Vader steer bumper • Baja Style roof rack • Terrawagen wide fender flares • Terrawagen front window vents LIGHTING • Baja Designs LP4 Pro front roof rack light bar • Baja Designs LP6 Pro front grille light bar • Baja Designs Squadron front bumper fog light • Baja Designs Squadron Pro hood line ditch light • Baja Designs S1 roof rack sides and rear bumper work light • Baja Designs S2 Pro front roof rack work light • Baja Designs RTL-S rear roof rack light bar RECOVERY • Warn Zeon S12 w/ Deadman Offroad winch line • Factor55 Flatlink MISC. GEAR • Agile Offroad 28-gallon gas tank for spare tire wall • Roam Adventure Co. 83L, 85L, & 105L cases • Lost Hiway Customs storage case inside the rear, custom accessories mounts, side storage mount and case on drivers side rear • Rear door ladder • CR Laurance vented passenger windows • Flarespace flat flare rear vented windows • Scrubblade Platinum windshield wipers • XPLR Outfitters insulated window covers • DUB IR Ceramic Tint on all windows • RIGd Supply Mega Fit tire carrier • Morrflate Tire inflation/deflation system

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TECH SPECS_ 2018 MERCEDES-BENZ 3500XD 4X4 SPRINTER (SUPER SINGLE) MISC. GEAR • ARB Twin compressor + PowerTank super couplers • Powertank 10lb tank • Joolca HOTTAP hot water system • Diff and transmission breather tubes • Seaview Cable Seals for lights and solar wiring • AluCab 270 Shadow awning • Factor55 Hitchlink 2.0 INTERIOR • Freedman Seating Company 3-point ES-GO foldaway bench seat • Mercedes-Benz VS30 Sprinter front seat upgrade • TravoisParts.com front seat swivel kit • Lost Hiway Customs sed/storage/rear slide tray • Flatline Van Co 3-inch mattress • Noico sound deadening & insulation • Havelock wool insulation • ICECO Fridge VL60 Pro • Interior mods were done by Richard Dang – Wiring, Lost Hiway Customs, Rugged Design Concepts

AUDIO/INFOTAINMENT/COMMS • Kenwood DDX9906XR w/ Kenwood DRV-N520 Dashcam • Midland USA MXT400 GMRS Radio w/ 6db antenna and Deluxe External Speaker 21-406 • Weboost Driver Reach Cell Booster w/ OTR antenna • eRiggers Marine Auto antenna mount COMMUNICATIONS • Midland USA MXT400 GMRS Radio w/ 6db antenna, & Deluxe External Speaker 21-406 • Weboost Driver Reach Cell Booster w/ OTR antenna • eRiggers Marine Auto antenna mount POWER SOURCES • Renogy Solar 200w solar + aux lithium 100ah battery + 2000W inverter • SwitchPros RCR-Force 12 Programmable switch panel power system

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PHOTOS: COURTESY OF MAD MEDIA

N 35°36’ 55” W 115°22 42 ”

he Mint 400 is the oldest off-road race in the United States and is also referred to as “The Great American Off-Road Race.” The grueling 400-mile desert race takes place every March in the foothills of Las Vegas, NV, attracting more than 550 race teams, and fielded more than 80 different race classes. Pre-race festivities included the desert cleanup, and the traditional cruise down the Vegas Strip toward the Mint 400 Off-Road Festival on Fremont Street in downtown Las Vegas. Thousands of spectators were also able to go to the racer meet and greet, autograph signings, talk to manufacturers about new products, and more! Race week culminated on Friday and Saturday, with a brutal desert race that racers loop around four times in Primm Valley near the Nevada-California border. Everything from vintage and stock bug classes to popular UTVs and everything in between participated in the race. As in previous years, the main race attraction is the Unlimited Truck Class, and this year’s race crowned Kyle Jergenssen as champion. The Mint 400 was created by Norm Johnson in 1967, which was at first, a publicity event to promote The Mint Hotel in Las Vegas. The race, which The Martelli Brothers have owned since 2011, continues to bring together competitors from across the nation to test their skills and vehicles against rough terrain and some of the biggest names in off-road racing. The Mint was featured in Hunter S. Thompson’s novel “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas,” and later in the cult classic film by the same name.

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MO T O R A CE

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UNL IMI T E D R A CE

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LIMITED RACE CHAMPS DUSTIN JONES AND DUSTIN HENDERSON

UNLIMITED WINNERS KYLE JERGENSEN AND SHAWN SHANKS 44

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ADVENTURES WITH THE BBX 2006 NISSAN XTERRA OWNER: BLAKE MORRELL PHOTOS: BLAKE MORRELL

@BBX_ADVENTURES

A TASTE OF AUTOMOTIVE When I was four, my dad put me on my first dirt bike. I raced in poker runs, ironmans, motocross and more. We were always riding growing up. Together we would mess with my bikes, tinkering on them to make them faster and whatnot. That was where motors started for me. He taught me all the general maintenance he could about taking care of vehicles growing up. He was more of a “keep it tip-top” guy and not a vehicle modification guy. He modified and worked on bikes. That was our passion together. Going through high school, my friends and I would always work on our cars and trucks together. That was around when I got my first vehicle. High school was sort of that time when cars and trucks started to interest me. Hanging out at each other’s houses wrenching was something we often did after school. My first truck was a 2006 Ford Ranger Edge edition. After wheeling my friends’ trucks with them, I was sure I wanted a manual. I liked that connection between man and machine, you know? Only one small problem with the whole thing. After seeing what my buddies and I were doing to their trucks on the trails, dad didn’t want me to get a 4x4. He wanted me to get something I didn’t have to work on all the time because I had an hour’s drive to school every day. Man, did I fight that logic. Given the circumstances, that little Ranger became a parts runner for all of us, and I got as rowdy as I could in that little thing. My favorite thing about that truck was all of the memories we packed into it. I never even modified that little truck, but we still managed to have a great time with it. It served my friends and me well.

FOR THE LOVE OF THE PNW

as so many of the people I hung around and so many of my friends and family often went out to the trails, especially on Friday nights.

I am from the beautiful state of Washington. I was born and raised here and have lived in Washington my whole life, though I’ve moved around a good bit. After bouncing around Washington, living and working in different places, I eventually moved back home to Snohomish county for family reasons. I wandered into the role of an aerospace mechanic, which I have been doing for about four years now.

As far as overlanding goes, I honestly had no idea what it was until about four, maybe five years ago. I guess it just became this loose term for car-camping. Someone I was working with was talking about overlanding, and I asked what it was. It sounded like what I was already doing, just on less of a hood rat level. I used to pop around forest service roads and sleep in the back of my Xterra just to get to the mountain early to shred my snowboard, hike, or stay in some places for a while, being outdoors. As I got into the overlanding thing, it made traveling more manageable, with all the storage stuff and the rooftop tent.

Growing up in the Pacific Northwest was pretty tight, with all of the trails available to us. I feel it was natural that I gravitated toward off-roading

A few vehicles later, and fresh out of school, I bought my first 4x4. I bought and built this one myself. I have had this ’06 Xterra for about seven years now and have been building it for about the last three or four years. I remember riding in my friend Dallas’ supercharged first-gen Xterra…I loved that thing. That was probably where the love for the Xterra blossomed for me. I loved everything about the first gen. I also knew that if I could find a manual six-speed second-gen Xterra with the M226 in the rear, I’d have a decent platform to start with because I knew that it shared the same platform as a Nissan Titan. That was important to me because I also knew that there wasn’t any aftermarket support for the Nissan community at the time, which would probably come in handy.

WHAT’S IN A NAME? I call it “BBX.” What does it stand for? Black Betty the Xterra. Also, Big Black Xterra, Blake’s Black Xterra, whatever. How did she get the name, Betty? Ram Jam, dude. I love that song. I remember playing “Need For Speed Hot Pursuit,’’ and that song would constantly be blasting, and I just enjoyed that tune. I started calling this thing “Black Betty’’ because of the color, and I love playing that song while busting down a trail. It’s kind of the truck’s theme song, I guess you could say. It’s also such a good old lady name, and I think it fits because it’s fun.

put in some turns. I did the same with hiking, as I’ll park at a trailhead and camp for the night to get an excellent early start before all the foot traffic shows up. This truck has been built with love for the outdoors in the forefront of our minds the entire time. We love camping and love traveling. My fiancée Kai, pup Loki and I travel all around in this thing sometimes for days on end. We like to say it goes by smiles per gallon, not miles, and try not to worry about the numbers as much as having a good time chasing adventure and creating incredible memories together outdoors. Our shared love for the great outdoors snowballed and kept demanding more of the truck, which is how it’s turned into what it’s turned into.

The original reason for picking up this Xterra was driven by the love to shred. I’ve been snowboarding all my life. That’s always been my winter sport. I picked up the Xterra to have something I could sleep in the back of at the mountain or on nearby forest service roads to make shredding that much easier. I would find a decent spot to make dinner and crash for the night, then wake up and head to the summit to

I also wanted an Xterra because I thought that Nissan had all the coolest cars growing up, and I still do. Nissan is known for building some truly incredible and beautiful sports cars. I have never been hard-up on one vehicle brand or another. I have my preferences, though. Growing up, all my friends had Toyotas for their 4x4s. I wanted to venture into the Nissan off-road crowd and see what was there.

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CHEAP, FAST AND RELIABLE…PICK TWO. Ideally, I would start with armor, then move to drivetrain upgrades, then suspension, then engine. As you move along with the build, logically, it should handle what you throw at it for the next upgrade. This is not really how things played out for BBX, though. We exhausted the suspension first, so that was the first to be replaced and upgraded. After the suspension was the drivetrain, and more armor to follow, such as the sliders and the rear bumper. I have a saying that I keep in the back of my mind when selecting what parts to throw on the truck, “You can’t have cheap, fast, and reliable all in the same sentence when describing a vehicle. You can only have two of them at a time.” I would rather buy once and fuss about price than repeatedly replace the same part. I do everything myself, minus fabrication and gearing. I’m primarily interested in learning how to do both of these. I find that by doing things myself and with the help of others comes a gratifying feeling along with the completion of that task. The most important thing about doing work yourself is the knowledge gained. I think that it’s essential to be able to work on your vehicle as problems can and will arise, and the unpredictable happens when you’re deep out into the wilderness. For this, you need to be prepared to help yourself. If you can at least troubleshoot, your chances of getting back up and running are much higher. The rear bumper is a custom design that a local shop fabricated for me. I designed the bumper myself and worked with them to make it a reality. It turned out awesome, and it’s incredibly stout. I believe a wrap-around bumper is a smart way to go for obvious reasons, such as multiple recovery points, and added protection is a no-brainer. The rear bumper options with corner protection are difficult to come by for the Xterra, first-and second-gens. I believe there’s one wrap-around option for the second-gen, which it’s a DIY bumper offered by Coastal Off-Road, but I wanted a different swing design than what they provided. The swing-out uses a solid hinge design that’s very strong and re-greasable via a zerk fitting. The corners of this bumper are tied into the frame, where the body had to be chopped and plated higher up along with the evap canister having to be relocated. I did borrow the ladder idea from Josh Cooper, so I have to give him a shout for that (thanks, Josh). There is also a hidden winch mount welded to the frame underneath the truck’s rear, just behind the ViAir air tank, where the spare used to go.

bag and pulling it out to hook it up every time I need to air up. Having the ability to blow off the dust from the back of the truck to use the rear area is nice as well. If I later choose to add a locker to the front drivetrain, it’ll be effortless as I’ll just have to plumb it to the air system. Lastly, US Bag & Raingler Nets are two very incredible supporters of ours that I am truly thankful for. They are both local companies that have super sweet, super durable products that have made storage simple and easy for us. We have the Full Ceiling Attic Net from Raingler Nets. This thing is great because we can shove pillows and hats and whatnot up there and it stays strapped against the headliner. The webbing is nice for clipping items, too. Our favorite products from LUSB are the LUSB220 Oscars Mobile Hideout and the LUSB302 Full Caddy. The full caddy is excellent for storing Loki’s stuff and my camera gear. The Oscar is growing fast in popularity as it should because it’s the last spare tire bag that I think we will ever have to buy. It’s durable, feature-rich and even comes with a giant cutting board. We use it for firewood, trash, boots, wet clothes, all sorts of things.

OVERCOMING CHALLENGES One of the challenges that I, and every other Nissan off-roader, struggle with is the lack of aftermarket support. This community has just a fraction of the aftermarket support that the Jeep or Toyota communities. This also runs up the price for parts as the market is not very saturated with companies that have to compete for pricing. Bumpers or sliders, for example, tend to be a bit more expensive and slim on options. However, there is a silver lining to something like this. I’ve found that this problem opens up a couple of different avenues, such as working with more companies to bring more aftermarket support to the Nissan OR community. The Titan swap was one of the best things we did to this truck. We exhausted the old suspension until Betty was doing the “Carolina Squat’’ before the Titan swap. We had beat the legs out of the Xterra, and we simply needed more out of it. Riding on the bump stop in a fully loaded down rig is not comfortable. So, at that point, I got an extensive parts list together, and we pulled the trigger. After the Titan swap for the Xterra, we got everywhere so much quicker and so much smoother. And, we can have a lot more fun with the truck as well. The added comfort and articulation from the combination of the 2.5” Radflo coilovers with 600-lb Eibach Springs, the Total Chaos UCAs and Titan LCAs up front, and the Alcan Custom Spring leafs with the Bilstein 6253s in the back, was the biggest game-changer for us no doubt. The second best thing we did, which we did not realize would be such a game-changer, was the rear storage. We used to carry a pop-up tent for a bunch of bins and a cooler, and we would toss them inside the tent, then set up a bed in the

back of the Xterra. Getting the rear cargo area all set up and organized with the drawers changed everything—no more lifting lids or crawling in a tent on your knees to open a cooler or bin. Everything has its spot now and is easily accessible. It makes cooking easier, getting to tools much more straightforward, and we never have to take them in or out of the truck as we did with the bins. We keep the rear storage area packed and ready to go so that if we want to go somewhere on a whim, all we have to grab is some clothes and pillows and hit the road. I removed the rear seats and built a nice platform for the Costway fridge and a safe space for our pup, Loki. The platform floor folds upward to access all the storage areas underneath.

I’ve worked with Taylor Freel from Freel Good Performance (FGP) to bring another slider option to market for the second-gen Nissan Xterra. This company is in SoCal and produces some incredible work. I’m excited to showcase these and help bring them to the Nissan OR community and give the community the option to support another company that’s trying to step in to support us. Another problem that I find remarkable is that it forces me to get creative. Rather than going with the only full wrap-around bumper for the second-gen Xterra, for example, I decided to go with a custom bumper build because I think it’s pretty rad to be different and unique. Everyone has their uniqueness, and this was an opportunity to express that.

The ViAir 20020 dual 444c OBA System is up there with one of my favorite additions to BBX. It also ties into the air locker, which is awesome. The onboard air system makes airing up the tires faster, easier, and more convenient. I definitely don’t miss carrying a small air compressor in a ADVENTURERIG SM AG .COM

APPRECIATING WHAT YOU HAVE Ahh, the never-ending mod process. There will always be “something next.” I always try to remain mindful every time I look at this truck or get in the driver’s seat, never to forget how badly I wanted what I currently have. I think it’s essential to appreciate what you have rather than constantly stressing about what the next thing is going to be. I am pleased with where the truck is right now. I would say that when this VQ40DE motor pops out, I’ll yank it and build and drop in a clean VK56 V8 from a Nissan Titan or Armada. The 400 hp and 413 lb.-ft. of torque would be nice to have, and we’re going for, after all, its smiles per gallon. I’m not sure if I want to put more money into IFS because I love bombing Forest Service roads, getting places fast, and leaving my Jeep buddies in the dust, but another part of me says, “build it stronger.” I probably won’t mess with suspension until I start breaking things again, but I think it would be wicked to get a Shadow Wolf MFG when I do. SAS Kit for the Xterra and source a Dana60 from a 05’-11’ Ford Superduty for the front end and a Sterling 10.5 for the rear and run 4:56 gears with 37s after doing an engine swap. If I did that, I’d have to run a Titan XD front driveshaft, and I’d probably do Fox 2.0 coilovers with the 7/8 shaft and remote reservoir, DSC, 10” travel with springs in the front. For the rear, I’m not entirely sure what I’d want to do at that point as there’s a good number of options. When I get to that point, who knows, the entire plan could change, it always does.

THE PATH LESS TRAVELED One of our most memorable trips was six nights and seven days on the Washington Backcountry Discovery Route (WABDR) a few years ago. We saw one truck and a dirt bike the entire time we were on the trail. We hopped off a couple of times to get gas, but other than that, it was no civilization, just the outdoors. This was a trip we did for my fiancée Kai’s birthday. The reason it’s one of my favorite trips is that it was our first extended trip where we navigated ourselves through the trails and fell in love with traveling via the path less traveled. The Xterra was squatted out and riding on the bump stops the entire time. We blew both the rear shocks and cracked a leaf. But, we had the absolute best time, and we wore giant grins the whole trip. It shows that you don’t need all the fancy shiny things to have a good time and create golden memories; you just need good company and good vibes. It’s hard to find a bad camp spot; the PNW is absolutely gorgeous. From Washington to western Montana to the southern border of Oregon, any open country or forested land that you drive through is typically very lush and green and often crawling with life. We have 50

some awesome go-to spots within an hour or so from the house, some right on the river and some up in the mountains. We are lucky that we have these spots within proximity to where we live so we can use them often. One go-to spot we have that we love is right on the river, down an overgrown trail, and very far off the main forest service road. The peace and serenity of this spot are worth the trail rash to get there. As far as sharing my favorite trails and spots, I try to remain secretive to keep them as untouched and respected as possible. I might take you there with me, but I won’t just give out a location. If I found it on my own, I believe you can too, and that’s primarily the fun. Navigating yourself to these amazingly rad spots is ultimately an enriching experience.

RESEARCH + PLANNING = FUN I find the research and planning process very fun. It’s cool researching a landmark or area of interest, scouting out crash spots along the way to get there, and just planning a route. You learn a ton about these landmarks you’re interested in seeing, which makes seeing them so much cooler. You also learn a lot about where you should and shouldn’t be, where you can camp and freely explore. It gives you peace of mind knowing that no one will wake you up telling you that you need to leave or that you “can’t be here.” I like to use Gaia myself; I always have it for everything. I know that OnX is another great

resource for navigation as well. If you don’t want to pay for a membership to a navigation guide/app like these, Google Maps is also a tremendous resource that I regularly use for cross-referencing. Generally, we show up to this area we have researched, and we either throw half our plan out the window and start exploring just to see where it takes us, or we stick to our plan and hunt down a nice spot for the night. When we get to camp, we send our coordinates off to our family members using a Garmin GPSMAP 66i satellite phone that we also use for navigation. I make sure it’s fully charged before leaving for every trip, even just a Sunday trail cruise. If you don’t have a way of communicating back to civilization, I recommend getting a satellite

phone. Last year, we used ours to get help for a couple that had flipped their truck coming around an icy corner on Mt.Loop Hwy, where they had no service and had been waiting for help for 15 minutes. In some cases, 15 minutes can be life or death. Thankfully they both were okay and had suffered only minor injuries. These preparation routines are vital to us as they make our trips much more worry-free and relaxed. It’s so nice having peace of mind knowing that people know where you are and know to call for help if they don’t hear back in a specific time frame. It also takes a lot off our backs getting the crash spots and routes planned out beforehand because it at least gives us a loose plan to run off of and play with if things change.

TECH SPECS_ 2006 NISSAN XTERRA WHEELS/TIRES • Milestar Patagonia 33x12.50R17 tires • KMC KM535 Grenade OR 17” wheels DRIVETRAIN • M205 Front Diff from Nissan Titan w/ Yukon 4.56 ring and pinion. Titan cv axles and inner/outer tie rods (freshly rebuilt) • M228 Rear Axle (Dana 44 equivalent) w/ Nitro 4.56 ring and pinion, ARB RD149 Air Locker and ring gear spacer from Nisstec • Offroad Gorilla / Ruffstuff Specialties differential cover SUSPENSION, BRAKES • 2.5” Radflo coil-overs with 600-lb Eibach springs • Alcan Custom Leaf pack +550-650lbs arched for 4” lift (w/ axle degree shims) • Totalchaos Fabrication Titan UCA w/ uniball • Nisstec adjustable shackles • U-bolt flip kit • Stock Titan LCA’s • Bilstein 6253 rear shocks • Extended front and rear stainless steel braided brake lines • Powerstop front brake kit (drilled/slotted) ARMOR, BUMPERS, SLIDERS • Freel Good Performance Sliders w/ Kickout - 3/16 2x3 body and .120 wall DOM round tube • Front bumper w/ hidden winch mount (1-4” Plate and 3/16”) and front skid plate (3/16”) • Rear bumper w/ swing Out, rear quarter guards and drop down table, hitch receiver, two recovery points and hidden rear winch mount. Holds a 5-gal Wavian jerry and a swinging toolbox on the ladder, used as a home for the Safejack USA bottle jack.

ADVENTURERIG SM AG .COM

TECH SPECS_ 2006 NISSAN XTERRA

EXTERIOR MODS • ViAir 20020 dual 444c system (Black) underneath the truck, both air compressors installed in the rear cargo area underneath drawers. LIGHTING • Diode Dynamics XP80 LED bulbs in taillights • Spec-D Tuning Headlights w/ Morimoto 2stroke 2.0 LED H1 bulbs • Harbor Freight ditch light pods RECOVERY GEAR • Smittybilt XRC GEN3 9.5K Comp Series Winch with Synthetic Cable GEAR STORAGE, ORGANIZATION, ROOF RACK, BED RACK • UpTop Overland Bravo Nissan Xterra roof rack • Rear drawers made built from 3/8” birch covered in outdoor marine carpet with side compartments • Rear seats removed and built platform for fridge and dog with storage underneath • Raingler Nets Nissan Xterra Full Ceiling Attic Net with all the bells and whistles • LUSB302 Full Caddy • Lusb220 Oscar’s Mobile Hideout ELECTRONICS, COMMUNICATION, INCABIN ACCESSORY MOUNTS • ICS Universal dash mount with RAM Mount 6” arms and quad lock mount • Uniden CB Radio mounted to center console on passenger side • ViAir Psi Gauge flush mounted in center console next to stickshift • Garmin GPSMAP 66i CAMPING GEAR • Goal Zero Yeti 500x portable power station • Costway 58-quart fridge • Camp Chef Everest dual burner stove

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

For more information visit ATTURO.COM/MTS

MUD-TERRAIN SPORT ADVENTURERIG SM AG .COM

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TRAIL WOLVES PRESENTS ////

RODEO X RIGS V.3 PHOTOS: BRIAN MCGEE, EDMYR “EROK” BARAYANG, KEVIN SUGIYAMA, MARK OCAMPO

ow that life is getting back to normal after those crazy two years due to Covid, everyone wants to be out to make up for lost times, especially those who have an adventurous spirit. Off-road-centric events are becoming increasingly popular these days. The latest big event to hit SoCal is the Rodeo X Rigs presented by Trail Wolves (a growing off-road community collective centered around expanding the lifestyle through events, merchandise and more).

Their Rodeo X Rigs Vol.3 was their most recent event and took place on Mar 20, 2022, which was their most important meeting to date. According to Trail Wolves founder and event organizer Jason Flores, the third installment turned out to be an event way beyond their expectations. About 500 rigs showed up for the event, with just under 40 different vendors in attendance. An estimated 800+ people came out to enjoy the show throughout the day. They even had a small group convoy from Las Vegas, NV, come out to Rodeo X, with a few others making the trip from Northern California and San Diego. Held at the Rodeo X Public Market in Ontario, CA, the location has become a great backdrop for the off-roading community to gather for some fun, drinks and a good time, sharing what they love about the lifestyle. We caught up with Jason Flores to learn more about Trail Wolves and Rodeo X Rigs events! 54

HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INVOLVED IN THE OFFROAD COMMUNITY? Before the pandemic, I started getting involved with the off-road / overlanding community. I occasionally joined friends and family on the trails by off-roading, camping, hiking or biking on my off time and developed a new love for it. We all get caught up with busy lives and it was refreshing to get back out in the wild away from life stressors. WHAT IS TRAIL WOLVES AND HOW DID IT COME ABOUT? In 2018, I got injured on one of my deployments and required surgery. I was always an active person who was always outdoors or training, so sitting on the couch during rehab was driving me crazy, and I needed something to do. I always had this idea of one day starting something called “Trail Wolves,” but I didn’t know what that would entail. After throwing some ideas around with family, friends and neighbors, I decided to start a lifestyle brand. The first thing I wanted to do was get the name out there and the simplest way to accomplish that was to start with an IG account. From there, @Trailwolves was born, and I was surprised at how great of a response it received. I reached out to a cousin that happened to be in the clothing industry and got some great feedback with direction, designs and advice. My goal was to fill in the gaps between what was already out there, and focus on designing items that I wanted to wear or felt were missing from the scene.

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IS TRAIL WOLVES A CREW? The main focus was to build Trail Wolves as an off-road lifestyle brand vs. a crew. A perfect example is NFL jerseys. Some jerseys say Broncos, some say Raiders, 49ers or Rams, but at the end of the day, Nike works with them all and that’s where I wanted to be. I wanted to make sure we could collaborate with everyone and that anyone would feel at home with the pack. We have a trail team that will be starting soon called “The Pack.” Be on the lookout for that! SO WHY WOLVES? I love everything about the wolf. They’re naturally social, prefer to live in family packs, and possess keen traits for lone-wolf survival. They display attributes I would love to pass on to my kids.

TRAIL WOLVES PRODUCES RODEO X RIGS. HOW DID YOU START THE EVENT, AND WHAT WERE YOUR GOALS FOR IT? I was part of a group that put events together in Southern California for several years, and I kind of missed it. I also wanted to put together an event to help bring the off-road community together to contribute to various causes. I was just waiting for the right opportunity to make it happen. So one day, some friends and I were coming back from trailing and decided to stop at Rodeo X to eat. While eating, it was jokingly brought up when (I always use IG names) @TRD_Grey_ Mamba, @RigsandPaws and @Silverfoxt4r suggested that Rodeo X would be an excellent location for a meet. I thought to myself, “you know what… you’re right.” So we reached out to RodeoX/Brew Haven and all the local businesses. They all loved the idea and their support and the city of Ontario have been excellent. Currently, we host this event every quarter. With the success of our first three events, we plan to make them better and keep growing the community. 56

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DO YOU HAVE ANY OTHER EVENTS COMING UP, AND WHAT ELSE CAN WE EXPECT FROM THE TRAIL WOLVES TEAM? We have quite a few things in the works as far as events. For the summer event, we will be collaborating with Tacoma Beast for their California 10-year anniversary meet. We also have a big mountain bike event up north that we’re putting together to raise money for Autism research. You can find upcoming event information on www.trailwolves.store or by following our @trailwolves and @rodeoxrigs IG’s or the Trail Wolves Facebook page. As far as expectations, we have some extensive merch collaborations with some tremendous off-road companies coming out. I’ll save that info for the drops. We’ll also be releasing more for the MTB enthusiast. Most guys I trail with bring their mountain bikes with them. It’s a perfect marriage. I want to thank my wife, kids, family and friends for believing in this and helping me get this far. All the vendors that take part in this fantastic event. I couldn’t do it without all of you! And finally, all the supporters who believe in what we’re trying to do. We spend every ounce of energy trying to give you what you deserve. We spend a lot of time with every design, ensuring it’s packaged with meaning. It takes a village to raise a family, but it takes a family to build a brand. Join the Pack!

TRAILWOLVES.STORE 58

@TRAILWOLVES | @RODEOXRIGS | @TRAILWOLF460

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ADVENTURERIG SM AG .COM

4LOVE OF 4RUNNERS 2018 TOYOTA 4RUNNER TRD PRO OWNER / WORDS / PHOTOS: JONATHAN ALONSO

@THAT_CAVALRY_TRD

orn in Mexico, I grew up enjoying the outdoors, from going mountain biking every weekend to camping trips with my parents. So, I wanted my kids to have the same experiences as me, but in our own way. I own GoGoldDesigns, and we do custom designs, logos, stickers, and have now also started offering vinyl wraps in the Houston area. My plan is to have a full-running shop by the end of the year. I have been fortunate because my friends support me by recommending me to others and also letting me do wraps on their own vehicles. I love camping, so this came naturally for me to be able to share similar experiences with my kids, and hopefully their kids in the future. Being a part of this community and lifestyle has really opened business opportunities like our vehicle wrapping business, which has allowed

me to create great friendships with people throughout the US, and has allowed me to create amazing partnerships with other brands as well. In my opinion, kids will not remember what toy you bought them last month, but they will remember the trip that you took four years ago. Being able to unplug and go as a family is what is most important for me. My kids play competitive soccer, so they really don’t have time to be playing video games much, but I still prefer for them to go out and explore life outside of soccer and enjoy time as a family. As far as my automotive background, I have always found myself modifying my vehicles, no matter what they were. From my MK2 GTI to my Chevy Corrado, my Evo 8 to my first-gen 4Runner - all of them have been built to my liking. ADVENTURERIG SM AG .COM

4RUNNERS 4LIFE My fifth-gen Toyota 4Runner is the first real off-road build that I’ve done, and I love it. This was the intention when buying the fifth-gen; I knew I wanted to get into off-roading. But I never would have imagined it would have taken me this far in the game. My first Toyota was a third-gen 4Runner that came with a 3” lift and 285s that I loved. Then I got a fourth-gen model that I managed to leave stock somehow. Now, with the fifth-gen that I have, I’ve completely modified it. But I can’t forget about my first-gen that I love… It was one of my favorite cars ever. Now, I just have the first-gen and the fifth-gen versions. The previous ones have been sold since I was upgrading to the next one. If I could go back, I would love to have my third-gen back. It was the perfect mix between the comfort of a more “modern” vehicle with the raw feeling of a 5-speed manual transmission.

Ever since the first 4Runner TRD PRO came out in 2015 in that Inferno Orange color, I fell in love with them. And once I was able to finally afford one, I didn’t hesitate. I was originally trying to find a 2017 Cement Gray TRD PRO 4Runner, but they were selling for more used than new models! So, I ended up with the Cavalry Blue after lots of calling and searching for one available without markup from dealers ( even they were marking them up to $10-15k over MSRP). Even though the fifth-gen is the one I’ve put most of the modifications into, the first-gen is still my favorite edition; just like my license plate says “first-gen is the best gen.” Being able to remove the roof, the 5-speed manual, no electronics… it just gives a much different driving experience that’s so raw. But I do not want to start cutting it all up really, doing too many crazy things with it. I want to leave it as “stock” as possible for as long as possible. Let’s be honest, I know myself, so eventually I’ll go a little bit crazy on it also. But for now, let’s say that (lol).

A LEARNING CURVE

I’ve added so many things to the 4Runner that I love, but if I have to highlight a few of them, they would be:

I’ve never been one that just throws the checkbook at the vehicle to just build it without really knowing why I’m changing that part. I have always been the one that first learns the vehicle’s capabilities and once I’ve surpassed them, then I upgrade it. It’s better to learn and know why something is needed than to just get it because other people get it. I’ve been lucky to be involved in this community in a way that has allowed me to build relationships with amazing partners along the way like Ironman4x4, Alpharex, Toyo Tires, Dirt King Fabrication, Rigid Armor and a few others that I’ve showcased in my build.

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I do 99% of the work myself, but there are a few shops that I would trust like TEQ Auto Solutions, owned and operated by Jeboost (as everyone calls him). The only custom parts I have added aren’t really “custom parts,” but cuts to the body for high clearance. I was one of the first to do the high-clearance front bumper cut, or “viper cut” as they now call it. I also trimmed my fenders to be

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• able to fit the 37s without rubbing, and have also cut my rear fender in a way that maximized the departure angle. There weren’t any major challenges except having to buy a product twice sometimes. Even though I went through different setups, they have always been what I needed at the time. However, as my skill and demand on the 4Runner grew, I then had to upgrade that part again as a result.

The Ironman4x4 270-degree awning and its ability to open up in seconds since it’s free-standing and it’s a game-changer. The Velox Offroad gull wings because I love not only the way it changes the look, but also the versatility to have quick access to much-needed items. The Dirtking Fabrication Long Travel suspension is amazing. It’s like if you are riding on clouds, and it helps keep all four wheels on the ground while off-roading. Toyo Tires MTs in 37s. I think they should all come stock with 37” tires!

Next will be upgrading the gears to 4.88s, adding a front locker, and I’ll also do a 3-link rear suspension upgrade with 14” coilovers.

ADVENTURERIG SM AG .COM

RESOURCES & RESEARCH My most memorable trip would be our first big trip in the rig, which was two weeks of doing nothing but off-roading with friends in different states that we visited. We did SoCal trails with the amazing SoCal Crew, then headed over to Colorado and Utah with another set of friends; it was just amazing and it’s what got us hooked into this lifestyle. I live in Houston, TX, so everything is flat here. My favorite trail is anything with mountains. I love Utah and California; those are probably my favorite places to go off-roading. There are just so many different trails of all skill levels. My most challenging trail as of now is doing Hell’s Revenge at night and seeing nothing but pitch-black cliffs. That was scary, and I almost camped there that night (lol). This year, I will hopefully be doing the Rubicon Trail, Cliffhanger, and a few other “hard” trails that I’m excited about. When planning a trip, I usually look at the trails that we will be doing, and I first see if my rig is capable of handling that terrain with what I have. I get everything ready months ahead of schedule to make sure I test it here before I drive 2,000 miles away from home. It’s better to break it nearby where I can fix it than out on a trail.

TECH SPECS_ 2018 TOYOTA 4RUNNER TRD PRO WHEELS/TIRES • 17x9, -25mm offset Summit Off-Road DAKAR wheels • 37x12.5x17 Toyo Tires Open Country MT • Performance • CSF radiator • K&N air filter • Pedal Commander • Remmen Brakes slotted rotors w/highperformance pads SUSPENSION • DirtKing +3.5 long-travel suspension • Custom Spec Long Travel King Shocks w/ adjusters • Eibach 14” 700lbs front springs • Dobinsons 701v rear springs • DRT Fabrication body mount relocation kit • TXTR Customs 1” body lift • Marlin Crawler HD LCA frame brace • Total Chaos spindle gussets ARMOR • Ironman4x4 full skids • RSG Angle Sliders with kick out • Lil BS fabrication bumper • SDQH Fabrication ABS protectors • Total Chaos rear link skids • Rigid Armor swing-out tire carrier • FJToyman rear shock guards • Custom GoGoldDesign high-clearance fender cut • Custom GoGoldDesign high-clearance rear bumper cut EXTERIOR MODS • Velox Offroad Gullwings • FTS snorkel • SnorkelUpgrade Pre-cleaner LIGHTING • Alpharex Nova Series Headlights Jet Black • Alpharex Luxx Series LED tail lights Alpha Black • Ironman4x4 5x7 Roof Rack Spotlights • Ironman4x4 5x7 Bumper Spotlights • Ironman4x4 3” Fog Lights • Ironman4x4 3” Ditch Lights • VicOffroad Scene Lights • VicOffroad Chase Lights • MESO Customs Dual Color LED Interior lights On harder trails, we always go in a group. That way, we can help each other out, which is what I would say is the most important thing. Always try to go with someone you trust. What I love about this community is that if you do break down and someone passes, they are always willing to help even if you have never met before. Always make sure you tell someone you trust where you are going and when you are expected to return, take extra food, water, gas in case something happens. Be safe but have fun, it’s all about creating memories in a way that is safe not only for you but the environment as well. I believe that anytime you go anywhere always leave it cleaner than how you found it. ADVENTURERIG SM AG .COM

TECH SPECS_ 2018 TOYOTA 4RUNNER TRD PRO RECOVERY GEAR • Ironman4x4 12k Winch w/ synthetic line • Ironman4x4 Heavy Duty off-road recovery kit GEAR STORAGE, ORGANIZATION, ROOF RACK, BED RACK • Ironman4x4 Locksafe Twin Drawers • FrontRunner Slimline II Roof Rack • Velox Offroad Molle Panels • Gobi ladder ELECTRONICS, COMMUNICATION, INCABIN ACCESSORY MOUNTS • Midland MXT400 MicroMobile Radio • Switch-Pro Control Module • CTH T9 Android Headunit CAMPING GEAR • Ironman4x4 XTR-143 270 Degree Freestanding Awning • Ironman4x4 XTR-143 3 Piece Wall Kit • Ironman4x4 Swift 1400 Hard Shell Rooftop Tent • Camp Kitchen Gear • Ironman4x4 Dual Zone Fridge • Ironman4x4 Fridge Slide • Waterport water tank MISCELLANEOUS GEAR • ARB Dual Air Compressor • SponsorByWifey Air System in all 4 corners • Guardian Safe and Vault Center console safe with electronic lock • Husky All-Weather Floor Mats • Canvasback Cargo liner protectors

ADVENTURERIG SM AG .COM

WHEELIN'

WILDIN’ OUT IN THE NEW

esolate and dangerous describe the desert terrain just on the outskirts of Las Vegas. But for adventure seekers, the vast, rugged and unforgiving landscape is a playground for all things off-road. Recently, as part of a small group of media outlets with varying degrees of SxS experience, we had a chance to play in it with the all-new 2022 Polaris RZR Pro R and Turbo R. The conditions on the day we drove were miserable - cold, windy, overcast, and a day removed from rain, but still dusty, which made visibility poor at certain points on the trails. After all, you can never escape the desert dust. Despite the harsh conditions, once we were buckled in, any reservations we had went away, and the adrenaline and fun vibes kicked in. Our small group of high-performance Wide-Open RZR Pro Rs, Pro R 4, and Turbo R all dressed in Polaris’ top-of-the-line Ultimate trim left the basecamp of Vegas Off-Road Tours and caravaned out into the wild. Once we were out in the open, we were able to let ’em rip and see what these new machines were all about. The initial thought of the new Pro R… pure power!

POWER The Pro R is powered by their new naturallyaspirated ProStar Fury 2.0L, four-cylinder motor that pushes out a whopping 225 hp and a top speed of 90 mph. With a dry weight of approximately 2,085 lbs., it moves (and we mean really moves) due to its high power-toweight ratio. Coupled with a larger clutch and belt, the result is insane power to the ground with instant response and fast acceleration. The Pro R has three selectable (and selfexplanatory) throttle modes - Sport (cruising), Rock (crawling), and Race (haul ass)- that all ensure that power is there when it’s needed most and how it’s needed.

The Turbo R is no slouch, either, with the proven performance of its 184-hp turbocharged 4-stroke DOHC twin-cylinder motor. Weighing in with an approximate dry weight of 1,943 lbs., the Turbo R is an absolute blast of a ride. It’s snappy and incredibly agile. It was particularly nimble in the twisties and responsive to the terrain, with no signs of turbo lag. Although selectable throttle modes weren’t available in the Turbo R, it didn’t skip a beat in any of the varying situations we were in.

STRENGTH For years, RZR has led the industry in side-byside performance, taking feedback from current owners, racers and their own R&D teams, which shows in these new machines. At first glance, you’ll notice the massive fully boxed steel A-arms and wider stance, similar to those you’d see on long travel or race trucks, which is a first for factory suspension on an SxS. The redesigned A-arms allowed for the use of longer shocks by being able to mount them to the lower A-arm, which lowers the center of gravity and also increases the driver’s sightline. They call it their MaxLink suspension and use strategically reinforced stamped steel construction for added strength for the arms, double-shear joints and M14 bolts throughout to take on the roughest terrain. The rear setup features an industry-first adjustable toe link that passes through the trailing arm and connects to the frame which helps minimize bumpsteer. The one-piece chassis stiffens the frame of the two Rs and optimizes all the other components to perform as they should while blasting through the rugged and varying terrains. They also feature unitized hubs that help keep the wheel bearings clear of dirt and debris while housing triple-bore front and dual-bore rear calipers with aluminum top hat rotors. Enhanced driveline shafts and knuckles were added, allowing drivers to push the limits. On the Pro R, this next-level one-piece chassis is coupled with a fully-welded roll cage. They are also now equipped with five-lug 15” wheels, which are better equipped to handle more pressure and high performance than the previously used four-lug wheels. Both are paired with 32” Maxxis Rampage Fury tires.

5° 18 ’0 0. 9” W 35 °4 8’4 8. 4” N 11

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POLARIS RZR PRO R & TURBO R

POLARIS RZR PRO R

CONTROL Power is useless without control and despite these new RZRs wielding the power they did, it didn’t take much seat time for everyone to get a feel for how much they could personally push the vehicles they were driving. It all starts with the stance on these vehicles, with a huge 74” width and 133.5” wheelbase for the ProR/ProR4 and 96” wheelbase for the Turbo R (125” for the Turbo R4) - all with 16” of clearance and 28” of usable travel in the Turbo Rs and 29” usable travel of the Pro Rs, making these machines ultra-stable. The new FOX 3.0 Live Valve X2 Internal Bypass shocks paired with their new-generation DYNAMIX DV (dual valve) active suspension

technology is the most advanced in the industry offering the first and only independent compression and rebound control system. It allows for more modes than previous generations and was designed specifically for these machines. On the fly, suspension mode is selectable via the Ride Command touchscreen, which also allows for monitoring all four corners. The four modes available are Baja, Track, Comfort and Rock, which all adjust shock damping and steering response for the terrain you are in. For most of our ride, we were either in Baja or Comfort mode. When we were on it and hitting the trails at speed (or at least we thought) as Baja mode lifted the ride height, stiffened compression and lowered rebound damping to optimize the shock performance in tackling

POLARIS RZR PRO R4

massive whoops and fast turns. It was very impressive and gave us the confidence to push a little faster. But pushing faster also leads to “oh sh*t!” moments on the trail when we came up fast on a g-out, dip or anything that would bottom out the suspension and possibly do damage. Luckily, there is a red oh “shi*t button” on the steering wheel for when those situations come at you. Simply press that red button and it instantly adjusts to full firm compression damping to soak up the hit and goes back to the mode you were in once released. This suspension system they have developed and tuned for these machines is simply incredible and will not leave you wanting more.

POLARIS RZR TURBO R

Adjustability and being comfortable in the cockpit is also key to control when you’re hard-charging the trails. From the tilting and telescoping steering wheel with customizable controls to the 7” Ride Command touchscreen, everything can be tuned to you. The bucket seats are bolstered and slide forward, back, and can be tilted to fit your perfect driving position and in the four-seaters, the rear seats fold down for more storage. Once in position, you can easily reach Ride Command which shows your Dynamix DV inputs, Bluetooth for texting, calling and most importantly streaming your music to the Rockford Fosgate speakers. The GPS system ups the connectivity factor and works without a cell connection. It has the usual route planning and sharing of routes, the ability to track friends, and a new follow-the-leader mode that allows your group to follow you on a digital trail you blaze. More shoulder and legroom accentuate the experience for driver and passengers as well. The Pro R and Turbo R also already have a full line of accessories available from the factory to customize them to your liking. The Pro R and Turbo R are game-changers that redefine the off-roading experience with their power, strength and control - ready to go, straight from the showroom floor. They push the limits of what the most demanding veteran off-roaders expect, all while allowing less experienced drivers to gain confidence and level up their off-road skills. ADVENTURERIG SM AG .COM

SWING ARM CITY, UT

JEEP STRONG 2016 WRANGLER UNLIMITED 75TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION OWNER: WANG AKA U.P @SARGES_TOYS PHOTOS: U.P & NILE DEV @DEV.PRODUCTIONS

SARGE’S TOY I’m an active-duty soldier that has been serving in the Army for 13+ years. I have been deployed to both Iraq (with the 82nd Airborne Division) and Afghanistan (with Special Forces) and that’s where I gained an interest in off-roading stuff. The place where I was deployed was pretty much only one paved road – the Afghan “ring road” (their national interstate, but with big holes caused by IED explosions). I personally set up our vehicles to meet the requirements (weapons, gears, radios, antenna, etc.) for our routine combat missions.

My Jeep doesn’t have a name yet. I went with “Sarges_toys” for my IG name since I’m an Army Staff Sergeant, so my rig is my toy… and I’ll just stick to that. Being in the military, I always wanted to build a unique military-themed Jeep; it’s always been my goal. I’ve always been a fan of Jeeps and I love the culture, the communities, the people. The whole “it’s a Jeep thing” is really something that only Jeep owners would understand. I also enjoy all the family travel/ camping trips I had with this rig. I like to take pictures of my rig no matter where I go. I really enjoy being somewhere off-grid, spending time with family, no cell phone service, just enjoying the time with family and Mother Nature… that’s real-life and when life is just good to me.

THE BUILD STRATEGY When it came down to picking out parts for the build, it had to be a name brand. For me, quality parts meant a good warranty and awesome customer service. The parts also needed to somewhat meet the needs of my overall military theme in terms of being rugged, matching the theme’s color, etc. Plus, it needed to be easy to install (with the exception of heavy stuff like suspension). Everything else that you see was done and installed by me. One of my favorite mods is the Vagabund Moto Plate. It was a collaboration between Sarge’s Toys and Vagabund Moto, which is a well-known Austria-based design studio for unique automotive vehicle/motorcycle design. My Jeep is the first American-brand vehicle that got accepted into the Vagabund Family. Being recognized by Vagabound for my build is one of my top achievements. I also love my DV8 and Fury Engraver Picatinny Rail System; the Picatinny system works like a champ. It has a GoPro mount, light bar mount, phone mount and more. Whatever you can put on an M4 AR weapon, you can use it on my Jeep now. It’s all about uniqueness and creativity. It’s truly some next-level stuff and not just to me because everyone who sees it loves this idea. I also like all my RIGID Industries lights, they are extremely functional out on the trail, yet unique. They have this special design that’s nothing like what’s out there on the market. Plus, they’re super bright! The EcoTechne hood rack is another favorite, you don’t see a lot of Jeeps running on this setup. I mount an ax and recovery boards there and plan to add cameras and antennas there later on. Once again, it’s functional and adds to the look and toughness of my Jeep. Money and time were the biggest challenges on this build, especially for being in the military (we are pretty much 24/7 on duty). It took me four years to get this far. I understand it’s not going to be easy and it will be a long process, but I have that vision, and I know for sure eventually I will get to where I want. Next, maybe I’ll have a new suspension system. My rig is getting heavier every day, so I need a beefier suspension system to increase the ride quality. Powertrain next, but it’s not going to be done anytime soon. But eventually, I’d like to do a V8 swap; who doesn’t want a V8 Jeep? I know it’s going to be expensive, and I’ll start saving some money for that.

HELL’S REVENGE | MOAB, UT ADVENTURERIG SM AG .COM

SOLO MISSION My [Jeep] worship trip to Moab last summer was my best trip. During those memorable three days when I was there, I did the Top of the World trail, Fins & Things, and the Hell’s Revenge trail. The most special part of that trip was that I did the Top of the World trail on my own with no spotter. It took me almost 10 hours to finish the trail. When I finally got back to the trailhead, it was almost 10 pm, and I was mentally exhausted. There were several times that I thought that I was going to die (no joke, especially on the way down, and it was pitch dark). If you have ever done that trail, you know what I’m talking about… that was the scariest, but most exciting, experience I’ve ever had (considering I was an Army paratrooper that jumped out of an airplane at least once every two months). I would constantly stop and check the obstacles and assess possible ways to pass them. It was the “ultimate way” to master your off-road experiences. Right now, I’m confident enough to run all other trails because of that experience. That’s one of the good things about that day as it proved the real potential of my rig. There were some “f*ck it” moments, where I had no idea if I did anything that could have jeopardized the rig. As a matter of fact, as a rookie off-roader, I might have done something wrong that day. However, what actually happened was that I put in 4-low and let my Jeep steer. It was a long process and a lot of things passed through my mind, but I just trusted my equipment and knew my rig could handle it. I had some serious, “Wow, I just did that” moments. Slowly and smoothly, I made it back. It was the most memorable experience that I have ever had. I’m actually willing to run that trail again - BUT with someone else. I’d never do it alone again. Another great thing about that day was when I reached the top of the trail. It was almost sunset and all the other groups had left for the day already. I had a good amount of time to do all the sightseeing and pictures just by myself and the results were amazing videos and pictures. I felt like I was literally on top of the world. It was truly a one-of-a-kind day, and I felt like I could just conquer the world. After some rest, I did Hell’s Revenge trail. The difference this time was that after I aired down at trailhead, I asked some other group if I could join them. With their help, I accomplished the trail with little to no problems. That day I did Hell’s Gate and Hot Tub - a few of the trail’s obstacles. This is something that I always like to brag about… For local sites here in PA, Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area (AOAA) and Raush Creek are close to me, and they both have a variety of trails. They have both easy and difficult trails, so it all depends on the setup of your rig. You will enjoy your time there for sure. For the safety concern, just make sure you have at least two vehicles with you because you don’t want to make the rookie mistake that I did at Moab.

DIGITAL RECONNAISSANCE & PACE YouTube is always a good resource, and Facebook groups are another awesome place to get all the answers. The most important thing for me to check on is all the recovery gear before a trip, fuel and water are other crucial items. Also, doing a full spectral inspection of your rig is a must. You need to have a solid PACE (primary, alternate, contingency, and emergency) plan, so preparing ahead of every trip for all the possible situations is always a good idea. When it comes to pre-trip, you want to always let your family or your friends know where you are going. With the new technologies nowadays, I don’t see any reason you can’t be found if you get lost. You also want to assess your rig to see if you can get out of the current situation by using your recovery gear. With most rigs I’ve seen out there, they are all equipped with some sort of recovery gear, so basically get yourself out and move on. If you can’t get out of a current situation, always reach out and get help. This normally means you have your communication PACE plan planned out prior to your trip, something like primary cell phone, alternate GMRS, contingency HAM Radio, and emergency Garmin inReach. Make sure that you conserve water/ food to increase your chances of survival. Lastly, if you get stranded, stay positive, calm and believe in yourself!

ADVENTURERIG SM AG .COM

TECH SPECS_ 2016 JEEP WRANGLER UNLIMITED 75TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION

WHEELS/TIRES • 17x8.5” Relations Race Wheels RR6-H hybrid beadlock wheels • 38.5x13.50R17 Interco Super Swamper IROK tires PERFORMANCE • 3.6L V6 Pentastar Engine • Accel Supercoil Ignition coil packs • Superchip 2 tuner • HIKEIT Throttle controller • Magnaflow Off-Road Pro Series cat-back exhaust • K&N air filter • Hauk Off-Road Expedition snorkel/air intake kit

DRIVETRAIN • G2 Double Caradan CV Style 1350 driveshaft • G2 Core 44 front differential assembly • G2 35 Spline 4340 chrome alloy axle shaft kit • G2 Dana 44 gear set front/rear 4.88 ratio • ARB air locker

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SUSPENSION • Skyjacker LeDuc Series FOX 12” coilover shocks kit - front • FOX rear racing dual-dual speed compression shocks adjustable 2.5” remote reservoir shocks 4.5”-6” - rear

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Rock Krawler Rear Triple-Rate4.5” coil springs PSC Steering Big Bore XD2 Cylinder Assist steering kit TMR Off-Road 2.5-ton steering kit JKS J-Flex adjustable control arms set JKS front/rear track bar Apex Design 2.0 AutoLYNX front sway bar disconnect Skyjacker rear sway bar extended end links FOX 2.0 Factory Race Series front bump stops MetalCloak JK Upper Rear DuroSpring Replacement bump stops

RECOVERY GEAR • Harbor Freight Badland APEX Synthetic 12k-lb wireless winch • Maximus-3 Jk Hard Rock 10A/X/75th Rubicon winch mount • DMOS Alpha Shovel system • PowerTank 10-lb. CO2 bottle • Agency-6 A6 Adventure mini shovel & A6 mega mount • Hi-Lift Jack 42” cast & steel jack • Agency-6 jack handles keeper for Hi-Lift jacks • Factor 55 flat link • QuickFlate 4 Air up/down inflator • TGL hitch step, tow hitch • Bunker Industry Recovery traction boards GEAR STORAGE, ORGANIZATION, ROOF RACK, BED RACK • Maximus-3 Roof Rack w/ Rhino-Rack Pioneer Short Platform system • Morryde Rotopax side mount • Dixie 4-Wheel Drive Door Hinge Rotopax mount • Plano 42” Lockable gun case • Lykus waterproof hard case - first aid kit • Rotopax mounting system • Expedition Essentials propane bottle quick mount • Rox Off-Road flag mount ELECTRONICS, COMMUNICATION, INCABIN ACCESSORY MOUNTS • Garmin Overlander GPS navigation system • Garmin Inreach mini satellite communicator • Midland MXT275 15W GMRS radio • Auto-Vox X1 mirror dash cam backup camera • Mopar OEM audio/stereo system • Hudway Drive heads-up display system

ARMOR • Mopar Rubicon Steer Bumper 75th Anniversary Edition • Maximum-3 JK Rubicon Hard Rock X/10A/75th trial guard • Maximum-3 stubby front bumper end caps • Maximum-3 Rubicon steel bumper filler plate • Ace Engineering JK narrow fenders set with turn signal • Hyline Off-Road JK inner fender liners • Smittybilt XRC Body Cladding armor • RedRock 4x4 HD Straight Rocker steps • G2 Dana 44 differential covers • Fully Engraver rear axle protective shell EXTERIOR MODS • ClearLidz Panoramic Freedom-Style top • Rock Monster USA JL conversion grille • DV8 A-pillar mounting rail system • DV8 roof light bar mounting rail system • DV8 hood mounting rail system

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Ecoteche Jeep JK hood rack Fury Engraver hood latches Fury Engraver hood side aluminum auxiliary mirror Rebel Off-Road Blackout window storage kit Ace Off-Road Gatekeeper TeraFlex HD adjustable spare tire mounting kit Dakron Performance aluminum tailgate hinges Steinjager Limb Riser kit

LIGHTING • Morimoto Super 7 bi-LED headlights • Rigid Industries Adapt 30” LED light bar • Rigid Industries Adapt 10” LED light bar • Rigid Industries 360-Series 4” spotlight • Rigid Industries 360-Series Rubicon steel bumper fog kit • Rigid Industries Chase taillight • Fiery red Wrangler taillights

CAMPING GEAR • FreeSpirit Recreation 49” Evolution hard top rooftop tent w/ cross bar • Thule HideAway 10” awning • Waterport 8-gallon Weekender water tank • Camp Chef Explorer 3-burner stove w/ fry griddle, grill box • Dometic CFX45 fridge • American Adventure Lab M.A.S.S. system • Flame King 5-pound propane tank • Expedition One GERI 4-gallon fuel/water flat container MISCELLANEOUS GEAR • Fury Engraver military-style central rail mounting system • Fab Fours front & rear grab handles • AJT Design vent ring • AJT Design climate knobs • TeraFlex Axis sun visor system • Innovative JK rear seat recline kit

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GEAR GUIDE EVERYDAY CARRY What are your everyday carry items? We’ve rounded up some that you should definitely look into buying to make everyday life a whole lot easier!

DANGO LIGHTER CAPSULE DANGOPRODUCTS.COM A lighter can be precious at a time of need, and we all know the struggles during a quest for fire. That is why Dango Products has created the Dango Lighter Capsule to make sure that fire is always within reach regardless of the weather conditions. CNC machined out of 6061 aerospace aluminum and anodized in either Jet Black or Satin Silver, this gadget perfectly encapsulates your standard BiC Mini Lighter, and makes it waterproof and built like a tank. In addition, with plenty of attachment points, the Dango Lighter Capsule makes it easy to tether or attach some super cool paracord weaves! $39.00

FENIX FENIX E09 RECHARGEABLE HIGHOUTPUT FLASHLIGHT FENIX-STORE.COM The Fenix E09R is a rechargeable high-output flashlight in a very compact size. It can emit up to 600 lumens from the built-in 800mAh Lipolymer battery with a beam distance reaching 124 meters! Fully rechargeable via a built-in USB Type-C charging port, the flashlight has a maximum runtime of 70 hours. Access four brightness levels with a simple press of the all-metal side switch, meeting various lighting demands. With the included key chain, this little flashlight is a perfect choice for everyday carry. The Fenix E09R features a spot beam angle of 13 degrees and spill beam angle of 81°. Other features include the built-in 800mAh Li-polymer battery and a color temperature of 6200K. The Fenix E09R is the perfect flashlight for traveling or to keep on your keychain. $39.95

FISHER SPACE PEN RUSTICO.COM Cited as an outstanding example of industrial art, the classic design of the Fisher Bullet Pen has been exhibited for years in the New York Museum of Modern Art. When closed, Bullet Space Pens are the perfect size to carry. When open, it’s a full-sized, evenly balanced writing instrument. It’s perfect for notes on the go, sketch books and more. $32.00

LEATHERMAN K4X MULTI-TOOL KNIFE LEATHERMAN.COM With a magnetic architecture that reduces friction, Leatherman’s K4X is built to last a lifetime. It features a 420HC combination blade that is complemented by spring-action scissors, a mini pry tool, a package opener, two sizes of flat screwdrivers, a Phillips screwdriver, an awl, and a bottle opener. All of the tools lock in place, with one-handed access to the blade and easy access to the rest. The pocket clip is removable for lowprofile carry. $90.00

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GEAR GUIDE

OUTLERY TRAVEL CUTLERY SET OUTLERY.COM Stop using plastic silverware and upgrade to Outlery’s Travel Cutlery Set that’s crafted from stainless steel with a durable brushed black finish and unscrews into nine pieces to allow a full-size spoon, fork, and knife to fit into a 3.2” x 2.5” recycled tin travel case. The set is easy to clean, either with water on-site or in the dishwasher at home, it arrives in recycled cardboard packaging. $45.00

RAINS KEYCHAIN

US.RAINS.COM

The Rains Key Chain is cut from their signature, durable and waterproof PU-coated material. The minimal design features a small, debossed logo and a large Rains’ signature carabiner buckle to hold keys or to attach to a bag. It’s made from 100% polyester with polyurethane coating and measures H12 x W2 x D0.3cm / H4.7 x W0.8 x D0.1 inch. It’s also available in blue, slate and taupe. $34.00 80

RODERER AWARD MINI CARD HOLDER RODERER.CO A minimalist marvel, the Award Mini Card Holder is expertly crafted from handmaid soft grained Italian leather. Ultra-elegant and ultrapractical, carry yours in your pocket without even noticing it. Enough room for up to six cards. The signature Roderer crown features polished steer, while the embossed Roderer logo is on the back. $60.00

TRUE TACTICAL KNIFE TRUEUTILITY.COM The Tactical Knife from True Knives is a wellrounded knife designed for a plethora of tasks, It’s the quintessential everyday carry tool that fills a multitude of various roles with ease. Tactical carry is not only about self-defense but just easy deployment. Being able to carry and deploy a knife quickly is efficient, no matter if you are defending yourself or trying to open a box. Luckily, True Knives has this covered. The True Tactical features a 3.25” drop point, partially serrated, 8Cr13MoV stainless steel blade finished in black oxide. The 8Cr13MoV stainless steel is remarkably similar to AUS-8, with a marginally higher carbon composition and a great steel option for a wallet-friendly knife. It is effortless to maintain, resists corrosion well, and is very easy to sharpen. $34.99

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TRAIL'S END

AD INDEX 53 Atturo Tires www.atturo.com/mts 2-3 Black Rhino Hard Alloys www.blackrhinowheels.com 29 Body Armor 4x4 www.bodyarmor4x4.com 30-31 DUB IR Tint www.dubir.com 9 Eibach www.eibach.com 67 Explorer Expo www.sprinteroverlandtrip.com/events 4 Gram Lights www.mackinindustries.com 83 Kenwood www.kenwood.com/usa 45 Mayhem Wheels www.mayhemwheels.com 11 Mickey Thompson www.mickeythompsontires.om 39 RIGID Industries www.rigidindustries.com 16-17 TIS Off-Road www.tiswheels.com 84 Toyo Tires www.toyotires.com 59 TrailCo www.trailco.org 5 Volk Racing www.mackinindustries.com

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Adventure Rigs, Issue 9

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Adventure Rigs, Issue 9