A MIDWEST OUTDOOR OVERLAND ADVENTURE PUBLICATION
NORTHOLOGY ADVENTURES JANUARY 2022
OVERLAND VEHICLE CHOICES MIDWEST WINTER WHEELING FULL-TIME SUBURBAN LIFE OVERLAND TRAILER BUILD
PHOTO: SHAWN HAMACHEK
NEW YEAR'S OUTLOOK // WISCONSIN OVERLAND // 2022 CALENDAR
06 HAPPY NEW YEAR!
THE GEAR BUNKER CABINS & CAMPING
Thoughts & wishes for 2022
CALENDAR
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THE RIGHT RIG FOR YOU
SUBURBAN LIFE
All Things Overlanding tips
Full time SUV living
32
38
WISCONSIN OVERLAND
OVERLAND TRAILER BUILD
Overland Xmas Tree Hunt
HG Wells inspired attitude
44
INTERACTIVE CONTENT Or, how to read this magazine! Clicking on the video play icons allow you to watch the embedded videos directly on the page. There are also live links that will briefly highlight when you turn the page to indicate the linked content and you can click on underscored text and the ads too- thanks for reading and sharing! -Cindy Northology Adventures Magazine has made all efforts to make sure that content is accurate on the date of publication. The views expressed reflect the author(s) opinions and are not necessarily the views of the publisher or editor. All content is published in a good faith. Northology Adventures does not guarantee or accept liability for any loss or damage
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Happy New Year
2022 New Year's resolutions. Love 'em? Hate 'em? We just want to know two things as we head into 2022- what do you want to do more of, what do you want to do less of? Here are the results. Thanks to all who participated!
Grant Wilbanks @grizzy.gram In 2022 I plan to spend more time in the woods enjoying my adventures and company and less time worrying about capturing video and photos.
Jim Roy
OFFROAD GARAGE PODCAST In 2022 I intend to return to my love for landscape photography. And to continue to bring my wife on more adventures.
I’m going to try to waste less time on the couch. Not all adventures have to be distant. So I plan on more day trips when I’m off
Rob Miller
REVERE OVERLAND Do more exercise and eat less cookies? Just kidding, that's not going to happen. I'm not really one for new year resolutions, but my ongoing goal is to create weekly videos with a good mix of trips, guides, and reviews!
Hans Isaacson HANSISAACSON.COM In 2022 I plan to explore more of this beautiful country. In 2021 I have been able to wander to all corners of Upper Michigan. I want to explore more of the Midwest and beyond! I plan on expanding my stomping grounds to all over the midwest. I was born and raised here, but have not been able to explore much more than the Upper Peninsula. I want to see more of the midwest and do less of sticking to Michigan. There are too many beautiful spots in this part of the country to only stick to Upper Michigan.
Nick Pappas @npappas0013 I plan to do more camping. Whether for a week or a weekend, I just want get out and try to be more spontaneous with my travels/adventures.
Chris Bacarella ChrisBacarella.com “In 2022 I plan to spend more time exploring locally and less time out West. And to join more local meetups and events!”
“In 2022 I plan to do less driving and more camping”
Chris & Jill Carr @1941Adventures “We plan to do more exploring and making memories. Riding the couch just isn't doing it! We plan to do less making excuses not to go. It's not work, it's play!"
Patrick McKenney @Orbis.Overland "I plan to do more instruction for beginers, and more trail conservency awareness."
Matthew Frey @Freys.on.the.side More of: Be curious, explore, and live for experiences with my family.
Less of: eating vegetables.
@Shelbydiamondstar Continue to push my own boundaries and limits. I hope to complete a truly off grid adventure - like a backpacking trip in Canada's Yukon Territory. But I may start in Michigan's porcupine mountains! #babysteps.
AC Overland Exploration @ac_overland_exploration In 2022, we hope to make going out and adventuring a priority. We are looking forward to leading more trail rides in places we haven’t yet seen. With our strong drive for adventure and making YouTube content, our goal is to hold ourselves accountable and spend more time in the woods!
In 2022, we would like to do less “saying” and more “doing.” It’s simple to say you want to accomplish something but following through is the tough part. We constantly are discussing what we want to do, however, not everything we say, we follow through with. This includes building a new winter camping setup, additions to the truck that would make our travels better, creating more content and much more.
Ryan Thomasson @expedition_avalanche More fresh tracks in 2022. We have so many new places to explore in the northwest.
Lisa Adams Cool Tears Magazine What I plan to do more of in 2022 - Explore more! Spend more time outside. Look at things from a different perspective or lens. Meet more like minded people. Another what I plan to do more of.....pick up trash where ever I'm camping, hiking, etc.
What I plan to do less of in 2022 - think, "I wish I would have done......"
WELDING, AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR SANDBLASTING, PAINTING
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Ventue2Roam
@venture2roam More: We’re going to attend more events to get out there and meet the community.
Less: we’re going to spend less time on social media…adventure first, posting pics second!
@UPJeeping More adventure Less work
Sam Justice @justice_explores For 2022 I plan on getting out to more areas to explore and spend less time on the pavement.
Custom off road trailers, accessories & gear g3fabrication.com
Cody & Alex Eschen @Northwoods_Overland_Adventures Well how do we pick just one thing we want to do more of, we want to do everything… soak up every experience possible. But we think maybe the forefront of our goals is to meet up with more of the over-landing community we interact with online in person.
What we’d wanna do less of…. Probably less worrying about the things that could go wrong and thinking about what could go right. The only bad adventures are ones not taken!
Rogue Overland @rogueoverland More: impromptu adventures
Less: Filling up every day in our calendar thus preventing time for impromptu adventures
James Winski @adventurensuch Focusing more on improving content And LESS procrastination. Implementing the "1 touch rule"
Jon Garland @soobwisconsibly I hope 2022 brings more evenings by the campfire. More night swims in the lake. More coffee brewed outdoors on chilly mornings. More time falling asleep to the sound of crickets. More fried cheese and ice cream and country roads. And more people using their hobbies to do good in the world.
Chris Frizzell
@snakeeater_battalion Spend more time where I have to be on the Iridium Satellite network if I wanna talk to anyone….
Making excuses to not be in situation above
Matt McClellan @OzarkOverlandAdventures More of - travel Less of - stay home
Josh Rotan
@expedition_life_ More - adventuring Less - making excuses to not be adventuring.
Cindy Pope
@northology.45 I want to be more deliberate in spending quality time with my friends & family. Hopefully in the woods.
“It is not down in any map; true places never are.” – Herman Melville
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features
What kind of vehicle do you need to go overlanding? A few years ago, when I first heard of Overlanding, I watched YouTube video after YouTube video from channels like Expedition Overland and 4WD Action (Now 4WD 24-7) and others. On all those channels, they have multiple rigs with 10’s of thousands of dollars of modifications and professional camera crews following them around while they have fun exploring. BY JASON FLETCHER
IN THE REAL WORLD many of us have jobs and families. As
Your vehicle selection can be one of
would find a way to work remotely
much as we’d all love to quit our jobs
the largest and most important
with little to no responsibility so that I
and travel full time, it’s just not a
decisions you make when getting into
could do more of it.
realistic or feasible option for most of
Overlanding, so I wanted to dispel
us. So, that often necessitates that
some myths and give you some info
However, like most of you, I have a
we purchase a vehicle that may be
and tips when choosing an
family, a job, a house, and other
Overlanding-worthy, but not a
Overlanding capable rig.
financial responsibilities that make it
dedicated trail rig.
However, on YouTube, you’ll likely see many fully built rigs doing the craziest
THINK ABOUT THE FREQUENCY OF YOUR TRIPS
trails and water crossings you’ve ever
nearly impossible to go on more than a handful of trips a year. So, sit down and put some real thought into how realistic Overlanding travel is for you and how often you’ll go.
seen. So much so that it makes it
One consideration, and likely the
seem like that’s the norm, rather than
most important, is to take a look at
When you really look at holidays, kids
the exception.
how many trips you want to go on
sporting practices and games, work
each year. Keep in mind that this may
days and extracurricular activities,
When I bought my first Overlanding
change as you develop a love for this
you may be surprised how busy you
rig, I know those videos were in my
crazy, car-camping, Overlanding
really are. The longer I went on trips
mind and, as a result, I spent
thing. Vehicles are a bit transient, so
and the more passionate I became
thousands on modifications, bigger
you can always switch out for
about Overlanding, the more I
tires, a suspension lift, and tons of
something different if your needs
intentionally made time to take more
gear. A lot of that changed the more
change drastically in the future, but
trips. For the first couple of years
trips I took and, as I learned, I
you still want to make a smart
though, I really only went maybe 5 or
realized that I had made a lot of bad
decision.
6 times a year and most of those
purchases.
were overnighters to my local It’s easy to get caught up in the hype
national forest.
My vehicle was a 2005 Nissan Xterra
and think that you’re going to go on
and it wasn’t one of the bad choices.
multi-day or multi-week trips to
Honestly, I could have probably done
Aside from some pretty below
exotic locations every weekend. I
most of those trips in a stock Honda
average gas mileage, it was a tank,
know when I first got into
Civic, gotten better gas mileage, and
very capable, and extremely reliable.
Overlanding, I was convinced that I
had a more enjoyable daily driver.
That takes us to the next consideration when choosing an Overlanding capable vehicle.
THINK ABOUT THE TYPE OF TRIPS YOU WANT TO TAKE Do you crave super deep mud pits? Do you enjoy the challenge of rocky and off-camber terrain? Want to be like the Action 24/7 guys from Australia, traversing super deep water crossings? Or would you rather hit some gravel fire roads and find a dispersed spot 40 feet off the main road? Then you’ll need to think about what kind of vehicle can get you through that reliably.
I’ve gotten pretty deep into Overlanding now and, even so, I find that the large majority of my trips in the Midwest could be accomplished with a pretty stock, low-capability vehicle. As much as we see these
large, fully built rigs on Instagram and
and slightly rutted two tracks. With
Once you know how frequently you
YouTube, the real world truth is that
something with a bit of ground
can go on trips and what type of trips
these vehicles also have to take us to
clearance, I can go almost anywhere.
you want to take, you need to think
work, haul kids and sporting
I’ve found some amazingly beautiful
about the room you’ll need for gear
equipment, and take trips to the
dispersed camping spots from
and passengers. Everything from the
grocery store.
Wisconsin to Kentucky to Indiana that
type of food you want to prepare to
could have been reached with most
the shelter you choose will determine
Don’t get me wrong, there are
trucks or SUVs available at
how much square footage you need
definitely some trails I’ve been on that
dealerships today.
inside your vehicle.
Outback could not have gotten
So, again, think hard about whether
Do you want to cook gourmet meals
through, but those are few and far
you want to seek out the most
for six? If so, you’ll need a large
between. My point is that you really
remote, hard to reach areas and
amount of gear from a fridge to store
have to think about whether you want
whether your job and family life will
the cold food, dry food storage,
to be a “wheeler” or have enough
even allow it. Or, do you need a
cooking utensils, pots and pans, a
tough terrain to necessitate some
different type of vehicle that is more
stove, and more. Are you a
sort of more hardy vehicle.
reasonable for all of those priorities
lightweight hammock camper
that you can also use for light
traveling alone? Or, do you want the
For a lot of us, if we can only get
Overlanding when you can get out?
whole family to sleep in a large
away on overnighters and we just
That brings us to the final thing that
Gazelle tent with cots, memory foam
want to hit the woods for a quick
needs to be considered when
mats, and full size pillows? Again, all
break from work, responsibility, or
choosing a vehicle.
of the gear and people you need to
a stock Honda Pilot or Subaru
reality, we could do that in a stock small or midsize truck or light SUV.
I really like to explore, but because of my location, it’s mostly just gravel fire roads, unmaintained service roads,
bring will determine the size of your
THINK ABOUT THE GEAR AND/OR PEOPLE YOU NEED TO CARRY
rig.
To give you a real world example, I’ll tell you about my setup. I typically travel alone and while I’m no gourmet
chef, I do like a good steak, mashed
selection standpoint. Do the normal
I hope those tips were helpful and
potatoes, and some beer on my trips.
things like checking out the vehicle
can keep you grounded, unlike me
As a result, my setup is mostly
mechanically or taking it to a
when I got into Overlanding. If you’re
monopolized by gear. I’ve left just
mechanic and then once you’ve made
looking for more tips like these or a
enough room in the back seat to
your selection, just take it out on a few
place to ask questions and learn,
squeeze my two kids in on a shorter
trips before you start buying tons of
check out All Things Overlanding on
trip to the local national forest, but
gear or modifications. Your wallet will
YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and
on a longer trip, they would probably
thank you.
all major podcast channels. I’ve also
hate me.
got a new Facebook group for Prior to writing this article, I have
Newbie Overlanders and a Patreon
I’ve got a 50qt fridge, folding tables,
actually become so infatuated with
page that may be helpful! Thanks for
a good size bag full of cooking gear
this idea of “softroading” that in
reading and get out there and live,
and utensils, fire starting gear, a 5 lb
addition to my fully built Nissan Frontier
learn, and discover!
propane tank, a dual burner stove,
on 35” tires, I’ve ordered a 2022 Ford
recovery gear, and lots more. So, for
Maverick, small truck to add to the
me a midsize SUV or truck with lots of
fleet. This will predominantly be my
storage options made the most
daily driver and decent gas mileage
sense. Think about your family and
vehicle that can haul my kids and some
gear requirements before making a
lumber when needed. I also plan to
decision on rig.
build it out somewhat for light trips though, so there will be a lot more
Once you’ve thought about these
content coming in 2022 about both
things, what you need for daily
more challenging Overlanding trips
driving, and your budget, you should
and some softroading trips so make
be good to go from a vehicle
sure to subscribe!
ALLTHINGSOVERLANDING.COM
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A DIFFERENT KIND OF
HUNTER LIVES IN HIS CHEVY SUBURBAN. FULL-TIME LIFE IN A VEHICLE HAS IT'S LIMITS BUT OH, THE FREEDOM... A lot of folks who live in their vehicle are retired, sponsored or doing it on a temporary basis. Meet Hunter Kitto. Hunter is a 27 year old union HVAC tech. Snowmobiling is his main hobby. Says Hunter, "I’ve been riding since I was born and love it! Boating and hiking in the warmer months! Hiking and overlanding in the fall is definitely my favorite though. But I have a pretty large friend group so there is always something to do." So why is he living in his Suburban? "Honestly it started as just an idea to hopefully move out west and never come back. When I made the decision to come back I didn’t really want any part of “normal” life and I was already really used to living this lifestyle. So I basically just haven’t stopped. It allows me to have more freedom and do more of the things I like at a young age when most people don’t have those opportunities until they’re retired. I don’t have to worry about budgeting and I can pay cash for anything I want! That’s a huge deal at such a young age! Plus it’s cheap and I save a lot of money!"
So, how do people react when they learn that Hunter lives in his Suburban full time? "Most people honestly don’t know how to react," he says. "They’re generally very confused and ask why, like I’m stupid at first. But if someone slightly open minded listens and I start to explain it- in less than two minutes they start to understand why. Most folks start to think it’s pretty cool then even if they know themselves that they could ever do it. So it’s a little bit of both," he explains. What does Hunter's family say? "They were all about me going out west and living my life 100%! Once I got back they were a little concerned but overall they’ve been generally very accepting of it! They see how it makes me happy when they see the things I do and the life I live. Although they would like me to get a house soon, lol." Hunter adds, "I’m a huge gun and knife freak but that’s a little hard to do when you live in such a small space," it's "hard to be too much of a gear junky when you live in a truck, lol." "My favorite place I’ve ever been was Alaska and would like to go back or even live there, I love snow! But more locally I really like the western UP as thats were I snowmobile, explore in the summertime, and my buddy has a cabin very close to that area."
ABOUT THE RIG 2005 Chevy Suburban 2500 4x4 Mechanical/performance modscomplete MOOG front end, k&n air filter 1000lbs add-a leaf springs Cognito upper control arms Cognito leveling keys backed all the way out Fox 2.0 shocks all around. "The more (mechanically) stock something stays the more reliable it stays," Overland specific modsRemoved center console and installed an ARB 35qt fridge Goal Zero 100 watt solar panel on the roof to a Goal Zero lithium 1400 solar generator. 33x12.5r18 Toyo MT on XD wheels. Interior shelves in both rear windows for clothes and a 50x72 bed made from a foam mattress pad. 12” tall platform that the bed sits on makes two LARGE storage areas underneath. A simple 4’ folding table and a tailgater tire table with a Camp Chef Everest grill to cook outside, "no fancy swing out or slide out kitchen for me as I honestly don’t cook very often." Says Hunter, "I’m no master chef, lol."
When asked what makes it good for fulltime living Hunter replies: "SLEEPING INSIDE!! There is absolutely zero set up time because all I do is put the truck in park. I can camp anywhere and most people wouldn’t even know I’m sleeping so it makes it perfect for stealth camping, which happens more than you would think when you’re traveling." Hunter says "another main advantage is that it can be completely climate controlled. When I was in Moab and it was 100° overnight, I just let the truck idle right up until I went to bed and even at seven in the morning it was still relatively cool. Same goes for winter. Added security and protection from the elements. Also because I’m inside there is no damp/ wet feeling in the morning that is commonly associated with tent camping. "
"FOR ME “HOME” IS A PLACE TO KEEP MY GEAR, A COMFY BED, AND A FRIDGE AND THAT’S ABOUT ALL I NEED TO FEEL COMFORTABLE."
What’s the one mod that Hunter can’t live without? "My fridge!" Hunter feels like "for me “home” is a place to keep my gear, a comfy bed, and a fridge and that’s about all I need to feel comfortable. Having a real fridge and not having to deal with constant cooler ice issues is a complete necessity." Anything you did that was unnecessary in hindsight? "When I first built the truck I originally had A full size bed, shelves on only one side of the truck, and three compartments under the bed for storage. When I went through my remodel I put a shelf on the other side, narrowed the bed by 5 inches, and made two large compartments as opposed to three smaller compartments. Plus I changed the “pantry” and battery locations. I don’t think any of it was necessarily unnecessary but just things I learned from living out of it," Hunter says. We asked Hunter about things like cooking, laundry and the potty situation. "I honestly don’t cook a whole lot. Hence why my kitchen is much more rudimentary, simple, and takes time to set up and take down. It is 100% the biggest drawback of the set up. But because it’s just me I snack a lot or I’ll
make a Mountain House because they’re fast and simple and have no clean up! As for laundry, when I’m local I just go to my grandmas house and she usually makes me dinner :) When I’m out traveling I have enough clothes to get through roughly 3 weeks before I need a laundromat stop. As far as showers are concerned, I have a gym membership to Anytime Fitness so I still get a shower every day when I’m local. Traveling, not so much, but luckily there are a lot of Anytime Fitness locations! Expect in the northeast as I found out the hard way!" Hunter continues his opinions about the pros & cons of living in a vehicle. "The biggest pro is obviously the freedom and lack of bills, allowing me to live a life most could only dream of. Vacations, gear, new destinations to check out, etc. I don’t have a driveway to snow blow or yard to mow or rent or mortgage. I’ve never bought a TV, furniture, decorations, any of that stuff. It’s just so simple and simple to me makes me happy! The cons are obviously twofold, not having a real house you have what feels like no “homebase”. If the truck breaks, I’m in deep trouble. Although I do have a second vehicle I use for work." He adds, that "not being able to stand up gets old, plus dating is very challenging when you don’t have a real house." We asked Hunter what his short term and long term plans in regards to living in a vehicle. "Short term plans are definitely going to involve getting a better mattress. The one I have is OK but it’s getting pretty old. Long term is ultimately buy house somewhere south west of Madison WI. Love the driftless area and it’s closer to work." Hunter has advice for those contemplating living in their vehicle full time. "Stop contemplating and do it!!!" Hunter says "at some point you just have to take the leap of faith and roll with the punches. You can only think, prepare, and research so much before you just have to do it!"
"I DON’T HAVE A DRIVEWAY TO SNOW BLOW OR YARD TO MOW OR RENT OR MORTGAGE. I’VE NEVER BOUGHT A TV, FURNITURE, DECORATIONS, ANY OF THAT STUFF. IT’S JUST SO SIMPLE AND SIMPLE TO ME MAKES ME HAPPY!"
Hunter adds, "keep your build simple and don’t over complicate things as that’s where stuff breaks at the most inconvenient time. Also," he says, "remember your gear is heavy, so buy a vehicle that’s meant to carry that weight from the factory! Hence why mine is a 2500 and weighs 8000lbs+. Overlanding/ vanlifers carry a lot of gear and It all adds up!" Asked if there was anything else he wanted to add about full time vehicle living, Hunter said "if at all possible travel with a partner or dog! It makes it so much more rewarding when you have somebody to share these experiences with! Save that money and go LIVE your life the way YOU want to! "
REMINDER
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Wisconsin Oveland X mas Tree Hunt
the perfect excuse For the third year, Wisconsin Overland group members got together for their annual Overland Xmas Tree Hunt in the Nicolet National Forest. Most of the participants camped and woke up to 10" of snow on Saturday morning, on top of what had previously fallen (you know when it's up to the knees on the tall guy, we are talking deeeeep snow!) Only one tree was taken, and it was a beaut. What everyone really wanted was some deep snow to plow through, and they got their wish!
"Many people enjoy the experience of hiking in the woods to find the perfect Christmas tree. While the trees in the forest are not professionally trimmed or groomed, many enjoy them for their natural appearance. The most popular tree species is balsam fir, which is plentiful and retains needles very well." -Recreation.gov
Time flies when you're having fun. And you know, when you're out in the woods, getting stuck and unstuck for what seems like hours, then your stomach growls, you check your watch and it's time to go get pizza but you realize you traveled less than five miles off pavement? Yeah, it be like that. But we got to use our shovels, traction boards and mats, tow straps and winches. A fun time was had by all and there was just as much pizza as there was snow. Don't miss this next year!
Camp
January 14-16 Mountain, WI
riding trails rustic camping door prizes bonfires & more.
CUSTOM MADE SPECIALLY FOR US TO SHARE
OUR LOVE OF THE WOODS WITH YOU NORTHOLOGYADVENTURES.COM
NORTH WOODS GOODS
Winter Adventure Weekend FEBRUARY 18-20 COPPER HARBOR, MI
RUSTIC CABINS - BONFIRES SNOWSHOEING - HOK SKIING LUNCH AT THE HISTORIC KEWEENAW MOUNTAIN LODGE FULL MOON WILDLIFE HIKE
Wishing our team, community, attendees, sponsors and vendors a Happy New Year! Important dates for 2022 January 1- 30, returning vendor & sponsor registration February 1, 2022 -new vendor & sponsor registration opens March 1, tickets go on sale to the public May- TBA- gathering for KORC Cleanup September 15-18 Keweenaw Overland Adventure Retreat 2022 KeweenawOverlandAdventureRetreat.com
David Zemla A TIME MACHINE OF MY OWN CONSTRUCTION Admit it or not, most of us enjoy building overland rigs as much as we like using them. I said it and I’m owning that truth! Maybe it’s the challenging research, maybe the
THERE!
design work or personalization, for me it’s definitely the construction that continues to draw me to Overlanding. HG Wells may have said it best with “I came here in a time machine of my own construction..”. And in spite
Oddly, it was in that rig and at the Keweenaw
of marginal fabrication skills I planned to do
Overland Adventure Retreat that build
exactly that.
number three was conceived. Midday on Friday of KOAR,I watched a fair number of the
Let’s take a quick back before we look forward.
attendees head out for a trail ride. They made
Around 2016 I set up a mild Jeep JKU, the basic
it look so easy as they left well appointed bug-
lift, a Smittybilt RTT and a few other
out trailers behind and trundled into the
accouterments did the job quite nicely. It was a
woods unencumbered by tents, gear and in
good time, but after a few years I needed a
my case a cumbersome 8’ tall machine.
legit truck (for another equally expensive hobby) so the trusty Wrangler was swapped for
That night, by a roaring fire I started
an F250. I built a 1.75” steel tube rack that had
sketching. That sketch evolved over the next
mounting points for the obligatory tread
year. The truck also evolved and I was now
boards, shovels and bobus lighting. It was
rolling a fresh Gladiator Willys edition (I did
crowned with the existing RTT and seemed to
mention I liked to build them, right?). You
check all my camping boxes. Substantial cargo
may have read a piece a few months back on
capacity, seemingly unstoppable in the dirt
the Gladiator’s first run to OX West. That trip
and it looked the part as well. I was golden and
was as much research as anything else and it
had created what I believed was the ideal
absolutely cemented my desire to build a
Overland rig for my needs.
trailer like the cool kids at KOAR.
With any new build you have to ask yourself what you want and do not want. I definitely wanted to be able to disconnect the Jeep from the primary overland setup. I also still enjoyed RTT life, so the trailer would not need to be enclosed. I wanted to be able to carry a small motorcycle or two and water, I really needed a better way to carry water. Maybe batteries and a solar setup, too. My significant other not so subtly suggested a kitchen upgrade that did not involve a tailgate. The sketch soon became a rendering and then a blueprint. This month it begins the path to reality.
With any new build you have to ask yourself what you want and do not want.
What’s the plan? Well, from the ground up it’ll roll on 35” tires and wheels matched to the Jeep, spinning on a 4” drop axle to keep the CG low and perhaps actual shocks (a rarity on trailers). The frame will be a combination of 3” and 4” by 2” boxed steel beams with a .120 wall thickness to ensure it is indestructible. The rack section will rise from the corners of the frame constructed of 2” round DOM steel, maybe three feet up before being penetrated by 1.75” tubing with the intent of raising and lowering the main rack several feet. The purpose of which may not be what you think.
Thanks to the introduction of a yellow Labrador to the overland equation, I’ll need to drop the tent height in camp so I can lift my seventy plus pound camping compadre into the tent. The front will house a slide out kitchen tied to a 10lb propane tank and the aforementioned water transportation challenge will be solved with a 21 gallon water tank nestled below the front of the trailer. Christmas break should have the basic frame constructed and the rig on wheels. If things go really well, maybe the rack will be laid out too. Over the next few months I’ll document the progress, share the details of each component and do it all here in Northology. My time machine should wrap in April of 2022 for a quick dry run and then off to Overland Expo West in Flagstaff in May. Will it work? Could this be the perfect adventure rig? Will I need more fire extinguishers? Stay tuned for the next episode.
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EVERYTHING YOU WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT MINNESOTA, WISCONSIN & MICHIGAN
W I N T E R W H E E L I N G Hitting the frozen forest roads A Northology Guide
IT SNOWS
LIKE,
A LOT.
I think the thing people forget is that "up north," most of the time you are dealing with snow of epic proportions. And the farther north you go, the deeper it gets. Think snowbelt, lake-effect, white-outs, blizzards and snowfall events totalling feet, not inches. In parts of the northern lower, and upper peninsula of Michigan, extreme northern Wisconsin and northeastern Minnesota, snow removal is a daily activity.
Photo from the Midwestern Regional Climate Center The transition from mild snow depths to serious footage is sharp from northern lower Michigan thru the upper peninsula and to extreme northeast Minnesota. Here the Great Lakes contribute to early and late season lake-effect snow, and to extending the period of time that snow stays on the ground.
The illustration at the right shows that major metropolitan areas like Minneapolis, Chicago & Detroit average 30-60" of snowfall per year. Seems like a lot? Not compared to the 150" plus average in the U.P.
The record snowfall in the Keweenaw was 390.4" in the winter of 1978- 1979. That's 32 feet of snow. This is not meant to discourage you but knowing what to expect can be helpful when planning a snow wheeling and camping adventure. Setting your sights on a realistic plan and reasonable location will go a long way in making the trip safe and fun for everyone. Also, check current snow depth maps and keep your eye on the weather before heading out.
IT'S NOT ALWAYS
OUR TRAIL Another consideration to take in to account when planning an adventure in the snow is that quite a few of the national and state forest roads and multiuser trails become snowmobileonly trails in the winter. The best way to make sure you are on a legal forest road is to consult the National Forest MVUM (Motor Vehicle Use Map) or DNR trail maps- and even better, use an app on your phone with the MVUM & DNR layer to keep track of where you are in real time. It can also be helpful to get snowmobile trail maps from the local clubs or Gazetteer maps to familiarize yourself with the area.
There are snowmobile routes that travel alongside or on paved county or state roads but a (very) few multi-use forest roads where sleds and street vehicles share the trail. These tend to be very short, with the snowmobile trail joining and branching off. It is wise to use extra caution while on these shared trails. The Iron Snowshoe club in Marinette and Oconto counties in Wisconsin advises on one such very popular shared trail that you go slow and make sure you have your lights on. In a perfect world, trails would be dedicated to each activity and not shared, but you are allowed and legal to be there if the MVUM says so. Helpful hint- check your MVUM or state website to look for forest roads that are open to regular vehicle traffic in late November or early December prior to closing for snowmobile season. These roads, especially in the southern snowbelt can offer a lot of fresh snowfall fun if you get your timing just right, before the trail closes and grooming begins. You can get in on early season snowfall way up north in November, but the closer you get to Lake Superior, the less likely you are to encounter snow since the lake tempers the climate and keeps the coast warmer longer.
THE PROBLEM WITH
GAIA ROUTES GAIA GPS routes created & shared publicly or privately may not take into account the seasonal nature of some of the roads recorded. Roads open in the summer may be closed December to March for snowmobiles and it is not legal (or safe) to drive on. There is also the possibility of emergency closures or bypasses and it's a good bet that the person sharing the original route is not updating the file. Ultimately, it is up to you to know the legality of the path you are on. Play it safe and always double check. Always.
THE BEAUTY OF WINTER
CAMPING Many state campgrounds in the Midwest have camping available in the winter. A quick Google search will get you a list of parks and campgrounds. If dispersed camping in national or state forests is more your style, keep in mind the epic snowfalls mentioned earlier. The farther north you go, the harder it will be to get very far into the woods. It is much easier to find campsites in areas that average 60-90" of snow vs. an area that sees 200" or more in a season.
OVERLAND PIONEERS + REDARC The best destinations are those that require a testing journey... Episode 21 of REDARC's NO LIMITS series is about scenic landscapes, muddy tracks, and coming together to enjoy a piece of history, through the eyes of Overland Pioneers. How far can REDARC take you?
LET'S BE
REASONABLE To sum it up, do some research and balance your expectations with reality. It is very tempting to see places in the winter that you love in the summer, but that is not always doable. One good tip for those going on their first adventure is to go with a friend or two (for recovery help if needed) and have a place to bail to if you don't find a good campsite or have trouble staying warm and dry.
An emergency kit with food, water and a first aid kit is a must in every rig. Also be very careful about vehicle exhaust- always keep your tailpipe clear of obstruction and crack your windows if you are stuck or idling for more than a few minutes. Carbon monoxide poisoning can happen very fastl See resources and a list of useful items to have in your rig on the next page- and happy wheeling!
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TOOLS OF THE TRADE TIRES- wide tread allterrain or mud tires will work best. Airing down helps contact with the trail. . SHOVEL- a must, and the most economical piece of recovery gear unless you buy a fancy murderspork. TRACTION BOARDSdefinitely worth the investment, can get you out of a situation with ease. RECOVERY STRAP- make sure they are not frayed, worn, or faded, and never use chain. WINCH- Use gloves and a line dampener, the proper hardware and tow points. Don't forget the controller. HIGH LIFT JACK- can be used for lifting a highcentered vehicle or as a winch with proper training. CHAINSAW- Winter storms can leave trees & debris in your way. A saw can keep you moving forward
RADIOS- GMRS & Ham radios are replacing CB as the go-to for convoy communications.
EXTRA FUEL- Running out of gas is preventable if someone in your party is thinking ahead.
TOOLS- A basic toolset and any specific to your vehicle will come in handy for trail fixes and other mishaps.
TRAIL BUDDY- A day in the woods is better with friends, and they probably have snacks.
RESOURCES MICHIGAN DNR MINNESOTA DNR WISCONSIN DNR CHEQUAMEGON-NICOLET NF HIAWATHA NF OTTAWA NF SUPERIOR NF AVENZA GAIA GPS ONX OFFROAD TREAD LIGHTLY
TL;DR DO YOUR RESEARCH CHECK SNOW DEPTH USE YOUR TRAIL MAPS DOUBLE CHECK ROUTES PLAY IT SAFE FIND A CAMPSITE HAVE FUN
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y d Sta ide an R & ark UTV P ATV,
The Field, Pembine, WI
A place to come Park and Ride the Trails, and setup your camper/tent and relax overnight after a fun day on the trails.
Protecting the Keweenaw's vast landscapes. For everyone. Forever.
WELCOME TO
THE CABIN
Make yourself at home!
ABOUT THIS FEATURE
Rustic Retreat Reviews We don't always camp and we definitely have standards when it comes to non-camp lodging. Chain hotels? No. Haunted houses? No. Never-remodeled-orupgraded-in-60-years? No. We do love the rustic, the quirky, the historic, the off-the-beaten-path stays. In this monthly feature we plan to review some of the places we have stayed and give you an honest opinion. We are compiling a listing of our favorite Hipcamps, Air bnbs, cabins, lodges, yurts, whatever- if its fun, fresh or funky, we will let you know. If you are an establishment owner, please reach out and let us know about your place, we want to find the unique and share it with other adventurous travelers! If you are a traveler who wishes to submit review, please email us immediately!
NORTHOLOGY ADVENTURES
Lodging Directory Cabins, lodges, cottages Looking for a unique stay in the upper midwest? Ditching the tent for a day or two? Need a respite to relax & unwind? We have your back- check out our list of one- of-a-kind lodging options, curated for the adventurous kind. ILLINOIS White Pines Lodge Mt. Morris, IL MICHIGAN Aqua Log Cabins Lac LaBelle Fresh Coast Cabins Eagle Harbor, MI Keweenaw Mountain Lodge Copper Harbor, MI Trails End Camper Cabins Copper Harbor, MI The Outpost Big Bay, MI
Elk Creek Cabin
"A rustic retreat where you can escape the city lights, but yet are only a 15 min drive from the sought after destination of Eau Claire. Travel back in time to days before we had the modern amenities we have come to rely on." rustic, solar lighting, pit toilets private & close to town Proprietor on site woodstove heat sleeps 2-4
EAU CLAIRE, WIsconsin
Fresh Coast Cabins Fresh Coast Cabins offers the ultimate rustic Keweenaw cabin experience with the small details you would expect from a boutique hotel. fully equipped kitchens and bathrooms with showers community bonfire area Charcoal grills sleep up to 6 depending on selection
Eagle Harbor, MIchigan MINNESOTA The ReTreet House Two Harbors, MN WISCONSIN Elk Creek Cabin Elk Mound, WI Camp Lake Resort Mountain, WI
Camping WISCONSIN The Field Pembine, WI
Keweenaw Mountain Lodge A historic wilderness resort at the top of the Keweenaw. Ideal for individuals, families and groups who value history and outdoor activities. 1, 2 & 3 bedroom cabins Queen sized beds Mini-fridges & microwaves wood & gas fireplaces pet-friendly accomodations
copper harbor, michigan MICHIGAN Trails End Campground Copper Harbor, MI As our list grows, we will be adding info to help you find the coolest, most rustic, out-of-the-way stays in the upper midwest! Let us know if you have a place we need to check out!
Trails End Cabins Camper cabins at the end of the world. Enjoy all that the Keweenaw has to offer from these rustic modern cabins. Open year-round and close to Copper Harbor, Eagle Harbor & Lac LaBelle. solar lighting & 12v & USB charging stations pit toilets near cabins woodstove heat sleeps 1-6
Copper Harbor, Michigan
TRAILS END CAMPGROUND RUSTIC CABINS & CAMPING 14203 M26 Copper Harbor, MI
25% OFF GAIA PREMIUM
From your friends at Northology Adventures
calendar JAN
WJOG Jeep Camp 1/14-16 Mountain, WI
Big Iron Overland Rally June 10-12 West Mineral, KS
Cheese Freeze 1/29 Wisconsin Dells, WI
JUL
Overland Expo PNW July 8-10 Bend, OR
MAR
Canoecopia 3/11-13 Madison, WI
AUG
Overland Expo Mountain West 8/26-28/2022 Loveland, CO
APR
MOORE Expo 4/8-10/2022 Springfield, MO
SEP
Keweenaw Overland Adventure Retreat 9/15-18/2022 Copper Harbor, MI
MAY
Overland Expo West 5/20-22/2022 Flagstaff, AZ
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