OAD R F OF ACKS J 2021 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER ISSUE
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G U I D E
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A U T O M O T I V E
A D V E N T U R E
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O U T D O O R
L I F E S T Y L E
TECH GEAR GUIDES HOW TO
2007 Jeep Wrangler
TECHNIQUES REVIEWS
ROCKS TO TROPHIES
Earthcruiser Terranova SERIOUS 4X4 OVER-CAB CAMPER
Pan-American Adventure WITH OVERLAND THE AMERICAS
ADVENTUROUS DESCENT From The Editors Of Maximum Drive U.S. $8.99
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TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S
CONTENTS 33rd Issue September/October 2021
FEATURES 38 ROCKS TO TROPHIES
66 CROSSING HONDURAS
THE CAPABLE AND USED SHOW JEEP
A TRAVEL ‘FAILURE’ LEADS TO SAVING MONEY ... AND STAYING SAFE.
54 TERRANOVA EXPEDITION CAMPER A SERIOUS 4X4 OVER-CAB CONTENDER DELIVERING DREAMS, QUALITY AND YEARS OF TRAVEL SERVICE
60 ALL JACKED UP WHICH TIRE JACK IS RIGHT FOR YOUR RIG?
76 MAN VS. MAN A HOUSE ON WHEELS—YET SO MUCH MORE
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MORE THAN A DRIVE GETTING THE OPEN-AIR EXPERIENCE WITH ADDED COMFORT FROM A SOFT TOP
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102 PEAK DESIGN
130 BAD-ASS ‘BANDOOLA’
PHOTOGRAPHY GEAR FOR THE PLANET
A LIFELONG BOND BETWEEN A SON AND HIS DAD’S 1953 WILLYS M38A1 SURPLUS JEEP
110 FAMILY VALUES ‘OVERLAND DAD’ BUILDS A 2021 FORD F250 SUPER DUTY FOR OFF-ROAD CAMPING ADVENTURES.
p 2007 Jee
140 CAPTURING THE MOMENT CELEBRATING EARTH’S BEAUTIFUL PLACES WITH OVERLAND THE AMERICAS
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CAN. $10.99
122 THE TRAVELING BEAST A MAD MAX-INSPIRED PANAMERICAN TRIP WITH SOLO TRAVELER JOANIE PÉPIN
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DEPARTMENTS 8
EDITOR’S LETTER
14 OUTFITTED A ROUNDUP OF THE LATEST AUTOMOTIVE ACCESSORIES
16 GEARBOX SUPPLIES FOR LIFE OFF THE BEATEN PATH
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ROCK ’N’ ROLL PUT YOUR BEST FOOT FORWARD.
22 MADE THE CUT TREAD’S MIDYEAR REVIEW
28 WATERBORNE BOTE DEUS AERO 11-FOOT CLASSIC TEAK INFLATABLE KAYAK
30 VIEWFINDER LIGHT MOVES: CREATIVE PHOTOGRAPHY AND THE ELECTROMAGNETIC SPECTRUM
150 GRILL ON THE GO GO ANYWHERE AND GRILL WITH THE HITCHFIRE ULTIMATE GRILL STATION.
154 LAST PAGE
TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S
Mobile Communications Made Easy!
DXE-MBLALO-LGMNT
DXE-MBLICO-TRMNT
DXE-HTICO-ICV86
DXE-HTALO-VX50T
DXE-HTYSU-FT65R
Getting Started Mobile Radio Packages DX Engineering makes it incredibly simple to add a high-quality mobile radio setup to your ride. Packages include your choice of widely acclaimed 2 meter transceivers from Alinco, Icom, or Yaesu; one of three mounting options (magnet, trunk/hatch, or luggage rack); upgraded mobile antenna from Diamond; and the right coaxial cable (with installed connectors) to complete a hassle-free installation. Plus, get the technical support you need from real Hams to make it all come together. Enter “Started Mobile” at DXEngineering.com.
Lido Mounts
Getting Started Handheld Radio Packages For many newly licensed Hams, the quickest way to start enjoying the hobby is with a handheld transceiver. These all-in-one combos take the guesswork out of making your first contacts. Packages include a topquality radio from Alinco, Icom, Kenwood, or Yaesu; an upgraded Diamond HT Antenna; radio-specific programming software and cable from RT Systems; and speaker microphone or headset for convenient operating and clear audio. Enter “Started HT” at DXEngineering.com.
Lido Mounts offers a wide array of mobile mounting options for hands-free devices, receivers, microphones, and more. From cup holder mounts, grip vent mounts, and suction cup mounts to microphone hooks and display adapters, Lido makes the right product for your mobile needs. New offerings include adhesive mic hangers for Alinco, Kenwood, Yaesu, and other radios; heavy-duty seat bolt mount with mic mount; and HT/mic holders. Enter “Lido” at DXEngineering.com.
Coaxial Cable Assemblies
ARRL Repeater Directory
Ham Radio Licensing Manuals
The ARRL Repeater Directory® 2021 Edition is an essential companion when you’re operating your Ham radio on the road or working an emergency operation. As the world’s largest directory of repeater systems, the spiral-bound reference contains listings for U.S. and Canada organized by state/ province, city, and operating mode, including FUSION, D-STAR, DMR, NXDN, and P25 systems. Enter “ARRL Repeater” at DXEngineering.com.
Not a licensed Ham radio operator yet? Do you have your license but need to brush up on the basics? DX Engineering has easy-to-understand and up-to-date licensing study manuals from ARRL, W5YI, and others covering all three amateur radio classes. Enter “Licensing” at DXEngineering.com.
Available in ideal lengths for your mobile setup, these low-loss cable assemblies come with DX Engineering’s revolutionary patented PL-259 connectors already installed. To build assemblies made to your exact specs, you can use the online Custom Cable Builder at DXEngineering.com. Cable is also available by the foot or in bulk spools. Enter “DXE Cable” at DXEngineering.com.
Request Your Catalog Today at DXEngineering.com! Ordering (via phone) Country Code: +1 9 am to midnight ET, Monday-Friday 9 am to 5 pm ET, Weekends Phone or e-mail Tech Support: 330-572-3200 9 am to 7 pm ET, Monday-Friday 9 am to 5 pm ET, Saturday
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800-777-0703 I DXEngineering.com We’re All Elmers Here! Ask us at: Elmer@DXEngineering.com Email Support 24/7/365 at DXEngineering@DXEngineering.com
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EDITOR'S LETTER
Pumping Iron to Build the Creative Muscle ack in college, I took an art class called “Design & Color.” There were some legit artists who were getting art degrees in my class. However, I wasn’t an artist. I didn’t know about the color wheel or which medium I preferred. To me, “medium” was still a T-shirt size. I was challenged beyond belief and was frustrated several times, but I proved to myself that anyone can be an artist.
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with those who lack natural organizational skills.
I never really thought of myself as a creative person either. I tend to lean more on the left side of my brain; it’s more comfortable there. However, just like any muscle, when pulled and stretched, it will grow stronger and surprise you.
In this issue, we celebrate those who have mastered the art of creativity. We celebrate great photographers who might have gotten their start exploring and found that a new talent or photography is what challenged them to explore faraway lands.
Taking on the position of editor has challenged me to build my right-side brain muscle. On a regular basis, I must think creatively, whether through my words or what I envision. I also must relay that vision to others. Let’s just say my brain is getting a run for its money these days. The upside is that there’s no greater reward than working hard for something and being proud of the achievement that hard work brought about.
From the features to the adventure stories, Tread chooses to spotlight some of the best photographic talent. And, with the addition of our “Viewpoint” department, Chris Collard shares tips and tricks to help others step up their game. I know that it’s helped me.
Whether it’s because of my job and the people I meet or the overland community in general, I’m surrounded by so many talented and creative people. They inspire me to continue to push my creative side and explore the possibilities there. When I first got into publishing I loved my job. I was the logical thinker in a creative environment, which spoke to me and came to me easily. Nowadays, I constantly feel like the scatterbrained artist and empathize
I’ve always been a fan of photography and come from a family of artists, painters and photographers. My dad taught me about composition at a younger age—which is probably why I’m able to easily identify and appreciate talented photography, even if I can’t replicate it myself. However, that’s one aspect of that right brain I’ve been exploring.
Whether you’re a YouTube videographer, a novice photographer or an aspiring blogger, my advice is to challenge yourself to push beyond your comfort zone. You’ll be surprised by what you can do and create. During your next trip out, take some time to sit still and take in the beauty to perhaps share the experience with others through your medium-of-choice.
Happy trails, Kelly Nomura Editor & Brand Manager
REIMAGINE EVERYWHERE. REIMAGINE EVERYTHING.
WOLVERINE® RMAX™4 1000
WOLVERINE® RMAX™2 1000
The all-new Wolverine RMAX 1000 lineup sets a new benchmark in the off-road world. Class-leading standard features include: a new 999cc parallel twin engine; aggressive tires; and an automotive-style cabin with unmatched comfort points. Features on select models include: high-performance FOX® iQS in-cab adjustable suspension; all-new D-Mode to optimize power delivery; and a dashboard-integrated Yamaha Adventure Pro. With the Wolverine RMAX 1000 lineup, experience the real world-tested Capability, Comfort and Confidence of Yamaha’s Proven Off-Road promise.
Visit YamahaMotorsports.com Professional riders on closed area. Side-by-Side models shown are recommended for use only by operators 16 years and older with a valid driver’s license. Always wear your seat belt, helmet, eye protection and protective clothing. Yamaha recommends that all Side-by-Side riders take an approved training course. For Side-by-Side safety and training information, see your dealer or call the ROHVA at 1-866-267-2751. Read the Owner’s Manual and the product warning labels before operation. Avoid excessive speeds and never engage in stunt riding. Always avoid paved surfaces and never ride on public roads. And be particularly careful on difficult terrain. Never ride under the influence of alcohol or other drugs; it is illegal and dangerous. Model shown with optional accessories. Vehicle specifications subject to change. ©2020 Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. All rights reserved.
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TREAD TEAM
EDITORIAL Kelly Nomura/ EDITOR & BRAND MANAGER BRYON DORR/ FEATURES EDITOR Mercedes Lilienthal/ EDITOR-AT-LARGE Amy Maclean/ MANAGING EDITOR
DESIGN Nadia Sverdlova/ ART DIRECTOR
CONTRIBUTORS Chris Collard, ashley giordano, DAN GREC, JONATHAN HANSON, OVERLAND THE AMERICAS, John Pangilinan, MARK PORUDOMINSKY, Jerry Tsai, COREY WHITAKER, SPENCER WHITNEY
ADVERTISING Gabe Frimmel/ AD SALES DIRECTOR
(714) 200-1930 GFRIMMEL@ENGAGED.MEDIA Chris Crispell/ SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE (714) 200-1935 becky maas/ ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE (714) 200-1959 SEbastian Tirkey/ ADVERTISING TRAFFIC COORDINATOR
OPERATIONS Chandan pandey/ PRODUCTION, NEWSSTAND & CIRCULATION ANALYST
Manish kumar mishra/ OPERATIONS MANAGER surajpal singh bisht/ PREPRESS MANAGER
EDITORIAL, PRODUCTION & SALES OFFICE 2220 SEDWICK ROAD, DURHAM, NC 27713 (714) 200-1984 • FAX: (919) 516-0950 TREAD (ISSN 2475-3114) IS PUBLISHED BIMONTHLY, SIX TIMES A YEAR (JAN/FEB, MAR/APR, MAY/JUN, JUL/AUG, SEPT/OCT, NOV/DEC). POSTMASTER: SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO TREAD MAGAZINE C/O ENGAGED MEDIA, LLC, CENVEO, 101 WORKMAN CT., EUREKA, MO 63025. © 2021 BY ENGAGED MEDIA, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. REPRODUCTION OF ANY MATERIAL FROM THIS ISSUE IN WHOLE OR IN PART IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED. SUBSCRIPTION RATES: $34.95/1 YEAR, $62.95/2 YEARS. OUTSIDE THE U.S.: $60.95/1 YEAR, $114.95/2 YEAR. SINGLE COPY PRICE, $8.99. PLEASE ALLOW 6 TO 8 WEEKS FOR NEW SUBSCRIPTIONS TO BEGIN.
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www.treadmagazine.com @Tread_magazine
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OUTFITTED
OUTFITTED
A Roundup of the Latest Automotive Accessories E RRY T SAI SA I BY J ERRY
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03 01 O1. MAC’S TIE DOWNS/ JEEP GLADIATOR VERSATIE TRACK BED KIT Made for the Jeep Gladiator, these install easily into the factory-threaded inserts found on the JL. Thanks to the no-drill installation, this task requires nothing more than a #3 Phillips screwdriver. They provide adjustability via its 1-inch increments, and tie-down rings are cleaner and easier to adjust than the stock version. The kit includes three pieces of VersaTie, six Single-Stud Tie-Down Rings and stainless steel installation hardware.
MSRP: $276 macscustomtiedowns.com
O2. GREY MAN TACTICAL/ VEHICLE SEATBACK RMP KIT
O3. BILSTEIN/B8 UPPER CONTROL ARMS
O4. TIMBREN/ACTIVE OFFROAD BUMPSTOPS FOR JEEP JL
Keep your important gear close at hand by storing it securely on the back of your vehicle’s seats. Grey Man Tactical’s RMP is a MOLLE-style seatback rig that attaches to the rear side of your vehicle’s seat. It can be customized to hold everything from your pocket electronics, fire extinguisher, first aid kit, shovel or whatever else you might need. The kits are available in several combinations.
MSRP: Starts at $199
A perfect complement to any of Bilstein’s 5100 RHA, 6100 RHA, 6112 and 8112 suspension packages, the B8 UCAs feature 4130 chromoly tubular steel construction and are professionally MIG welded with formed steel bushing gussets for superior strength. Maintaining a full range of motion, these direct-fit upper control arms expand caster angles and improve ball joint pivot angles for more straight-line stability and greater wheel travel when the trail gets rough.
greymantactical.com
MSRP: Not listed
MSRP: $530
bilstein.com
timbren.com
Timbren’s Active Off-Road Bumpstops for 2018–2021 Jeep Gladiator JLs offer greater control over your vehicle’s suspension travel. They use progressive-rate rubber springs, which means that instead of a hard stop at the end of axle travel, the energy will be absorbed, thereby creating a smooth and predictable motion that protects your vehicle’s suspension and keeps you on the trail longer.
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O5. GO RHINO/CEROS LOW O6. MAXTRAX/KINETIC PROFILE ROOF RACK FOR 2016+ RECOVERY ROPES TOYOTA TACOMA DOUBLE CAB Maxtrax Kinetic Recovery Ropes are deGo Rhino’s CEROS Low Profile Roof Rack brings aerodynamic, cutting-edge style to the Toyota Tacoma. The aluminum frame features Go Rhino’s exclusive 4-CORE, an extruded track system that can accept any ¼-inch, 20-hex bolt or quick-release clamp. It is application-specific to the 2016+ Toyota Tacoma Double Cab and uses factory mounting holes for easy, nodrill installation.
signed to be the kinetic element during a vehicle recovery. They produce increased kinetic power, compared to flat snatch straps, with up to 30 percent elongation that provides a smoother, safer dynamic recovery. Available in 2-, 3-, 5- and 10-meter lengths.
MSRP: Starts at $100 maxtraxus.com
O7. ARMORDILLO/AR2 PRERUNNER STYLE MODULAR GRILLE GUARD This large, modular system is designed to provide robust protection for the entire front end of your vehicle while emphasizing the slightly aggressive lines of your rig. Made from A36 high-strength steel, it’ll safeguard against the impact of a collision. The Grille Guard comes with two AUX light-mounting options and features removable beams for easy maintenance. All the necessary hardware is included.
O8. WARN/ASCENT XP FRONT BUMPER FOR 2021+ FORD F-150 The WARN Ascent XP bumper provides buyers who don’t need a winch with the option for a one-piece welded bumper solution. The Ascent XP comes equipped with a welded-on Baja-style grille guard for extra frontal protection. It also allows users to install a 30-inch LED light bar, as well as dual ports for up to four 3-inch LED cube lights. It wears a state-of-the-art, powdercoated finish. This product is thoroughly tested and is made in the U.S.A.
MSRP: $625
MSRP: $800
MSRP: $1,900
gorhino.com
armordillousa.com
warn.com
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GEARBOX
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01. NAKIE/RECYCLED HAMMOCK 02. SOL/FLAT PACK BOWLS & WITH STRAPS STRAINER SET
03. BIOLITE /ALPENGLOW 500 LANTERN
04. GRAYL /GEOPRESS PURIFIER
What can be better than relaxing in a hammock by the lake on a lazy day? How about if the hammock you’re in is made from 100 percent recycled material? Nakie is doing its part for the environment by making each of its hammocks from 37 plastic bottles. What’s more, the company also plants four trees for every hammock that’s purchased. Aside from giving you peace of mind, the hammock is designed to be strong and durable and is easy to set up.
Be ready for any campsite meal prep with the Flat Pack Bowls & Strainer Set. Each set includes one 1.5-liter bowl, one 2.5-liter bowl and a strainer. The set’s total weight is just 21 ounces, and its heat-resistant TPR is suitable for food use up to 140 degrees (F). Sturdy sides and rim handles provide rigidity to prevent sloshing. All three easily collapse and nest inside each other for compact storage.
The color-changing AlpenGlow 500 rechargeable lantern delivers a dusk or daylight feel inspired by nature. Featuring high-efficiency ChromaReal LED technology, it accurately renders the colors in your environment with the glow of warm, natural light. Feeling more aurora borealis? Shake the lantern for an instant rotation of mesmerizing color. Offering both ambient and task-based light, the AlpenGlow 500 is ready for the backyard or the backcountry.
Grayl’s Geopress is made for speed, ease, simplicity and effectiveness. In only eight seconds, it makes 24 ounces of safe, clean drinking water anywhere on Earth. Tap into the world’s water sources and safely drink from sketchy spigots, hotel sinks, murky rivers, wells or lakes. The Geopress removes global waterborne pathogens (viruses, bacteria, protozoan cysts) and filters pesticides, chemicals, heavy metals and microplastics. In addition, it improves the taste, smell and clarity of the water.
MSRP: $109
surviveoutdoorslonger.com
MSRP: $20 MSRP: $80
MSRP: $90 bioliteenergy.com
nakie.us
grayl.com
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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2021
GEARBOX GEAR
Supplies for Life Off the Beaten Path BY J ERRY E RRY T SAI SA I
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08 06 05. VANQUEST/FATPACK-PRO LARGE MEDICAL BACKPACK
06. ONX OFFROAD/ELITE MEMBERSHIP
07. STEP22 /TENKILE TECH POUCH
08. BLACKFIRE/TWIST FLASHLIGHT
Be prepared for any medical emergencies on the trail with proper training and medical gear. The FATPack-Pro is the perfect bag for a trauma-based medical kit. However, it goes well beyond a trauma kit because of its intuitive and practical layout. FATPack-Pro is a compact, single-layer, convertible sling pack that bridges the gap between sling and backpack. Use of the interior and exterior compartments can be tailored to a wide range of skill sets and staging needs.
Looking for a place to go off-roading? onX Offroad has you covered. Its smart device app provides you with updated resources to research and choose your destination with confidence. onX Offroad recently released its new Elite membership option. Users can now view private landowner information via the onX Offroad app, as well as offline maps, custom waypoints, 500k recreation sites and more. New map layers show landowner names, property boundaries and lot sizes.
DSLR cameras, GoPros and drones are being utilized more and more out on the trail. The Tenkile Tech Pouch will help keep all that gear organized, safe and clean. The innovative, diagonally zippered opening creates a clean “deck” for swapping batteries or SD cards while also allowing easy access to all the internal pockets. It’s perfect for the dad who wants to document the adventure without the risk of losing gear at the same time.
The Twist flashlight allows you to have a powerful utility beam that can point anywhere you need it. Use the crenelated bezel for self-defense or stick the light’s integrated magnetic tail cap to a metal surface—such as your vehicle’s hood or undercarriage—twisting the head to aim the 250-lumen beam exactly where you need it. Switch to its green or red LEDs to preserve your night vision or reduce your profile. The Twist is powered by three AAA batteries.
MSRP: $150
MSRP: $99/year
MSRP: $65
MSRP: $25
vanquest.com
onxmaps.com
step22gear.com
blackfire.com
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ROCK ’N’ ROLL
ROCK ‘N’ ROLL Put your best foot forward. BY J E RRY T SAI
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ave you purchased a new vehicle recently? Are you looking to refresh your existing ride?
Look no further than a capable set of wheels to upgrade your stock rollers with. Take pride in your off-road rig by installing a set of wheels that’ll make your vehicle look better and will also allow it to crawl and explore tougher terrain. We’ve collected some of the latest wheels to hit the market. Which one is calling out to you?
Dirty Life Race Wheels/Canyon Pro 9309
Black Rhino Wheels/Raid
The Raid is a concave, multi-spoke, off-road wheel featuring a motorsport ring with an off-road-inspired lip. Standard finishes are gold, matte black, matte bronze and matte red in 17-, 18- and 20-inch sizes for 5-lug and 6-lug trucks. blackrhinowheels.com
Mamba Wheels/M27 The Intel
The light and tough Canyon Pro from Dirty Life Race Wheels offers a twin-spoke design that features a simulated beadlock for a rugged look. Canyon Pro is available in satin graphite, satin gold and matte black in 17x9 sizing and 5- and 6-lug fitments.
The M27 is available in a stippled, matte-black and matte-bronze finish. Both have a matte-black lip edge. It was developed for 5- and 6-lug fitments. The M27 comes in 17x9, 18x9 and 20x9 sizes.
dirtylifewheels.com
mambawheels.com
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KMC/KM722 Technic
Fuel Off-Road/D121 Unit
This wheel features the Multi Spoke Mesh design with a notched lip detail and the KMC logo cast into the lip. The Pro Cap features a metal base and removable/customizable KMC logo. It’s available in satin black, matte bronze and Anthracite in 17and 20-inch sizes for 5-, 6- and 8-lug applications.
The D121 Unit features true beadlock construction, along with a concave mesh design, forged beadlock ring with debris-release slots and a low-profile, bolt-on cap. It’s available in matte black and Candy Red finishes in a 17-inch size for 5- and 6-lug applications.
kmcwheels.com
fueloffroad.com
Titan 7/T-AK2
Titan 7 infuses motorsport features into the T-AK2 that include a knurled tire beadseat for maximum traction and durable lightness to help prevent slowing down the vehicle due to the added weight of larger tires. Rim sections are strengthened to ensure wheels are rock solid on the pavement or off-road. It’s available in Satin Titanium, Machine Black, Techna Bronze and Tioga Green. titan-7.com
Mayhem Wheels/Delta 8304
The Mayhem Delta 8304 features performance-enhancing weight savings and trail-conquering durability. It can take the punishment of off-roading, yet it possesses a refined look for the streets. It’s available in 17x9 and 20x9 sizes in your choice of either matte gunmetal with a matte-black lip or matte-black finishes. mayhemwheels.com
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MADE THE CUT
MADE THE CUT Midyear Rev iew BY J ERRY T SA I
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ime really does fly, doesn’t it? We’re already halfway through the year, and that means we’re rounding up the latest blades to be released midway through 2021.
There are a few emerging knife trends we’ve been keeping our eyes on, and those trends are represented in the selection of knives we have on display here. Some of the popular models include knives designed for lightweight utility, while others are dedicated to compact toughness. Which type of knife suits you the best?
01.KERSHAW/BRACE
OVERALL LENGTH: 4.9” BLADE LENGTH: 2.0” BLADE MATERIAL: 8Cr13MoV HANDLE MATERIAL: Stainless steel WEIGHT: 0.9 oz. MSRP: $35 kershaw.kaiusaltd.com
04.SOG/PENTAGON XR
CLOSED LENGTH: 4.77” OPEN LENGTH: 8.38” BLADE LENGTH: 3.6” BLADE MATERIAL: Cryo CTS XHP HANDLE MATERIAL: G10 WEIGHT: 4.9 oz. MSRP: $140 sogknives.com
02.TOPS KNIVES/3 POINTER TAN CANVAS
OVERALL LENGTH: 6.63” BLADE LENGTH: 3.13” BLADE MATERIAL: 1095 RC 56-58 HANDLE MATERIAL: Tan canvas Micarta WEIGHT: 2.4 oz. MSRP: $125 topsknives.com
05.ZERO TOLERANCE KNIVES/0223 CLOSED LENGTH: 5.0” OPEN LENGTH: 8.6” BLADE LENGTH: 3.5” BLADE MATERIAL: CPM 20CV HANDLE MATERIAL: Titanium, G10 overlay WEIGHT: 4.7 oz. MSRP: $300 zt.kaiusaltd.com
03.CRKT/M16-03BK BRONZE W/BLACK BLADE
CLOSED LENGTH: 4.66” OPEN LENGTH: 8.25” BLADE LENGTH: 3.55” BLADE MATERIAL: 12C27 Sandvik HANDLE MATERIAL: 2Cr13SS WEIGHT: 3.8 oz. MSRP: $55 crkt.com
06.SPYDERCO/RESILIENCE LIGHTWEIGHT
CLOSED LENGTH: 5.2” OPEN LENGTH: 9.4” BLADE LENGTH: 4.2” BLADE MATERIAL: CPM S35VN HANDLE MATERIAL: FRN WEIGHT: 4.4 oz. MSRP: $153 spyderco.com
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4.9" 0.9 oz.
02 6.63" 2.4 oz.
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8.25" 3.8 oz.
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04 8.38" 4.9 oz.
05 8.6" 4.7 oz.
06 9.4" 4.4 oz.
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OFF ROAD RELIABILITY
1218 IN-LBS SIDE LOAD BEND STRENGTH
558 IN-LBS TIP BREAK STRENGTH
+ CPM-CRUWEAR® SUPER STRONG TOOL BLADE STEEL (63-65HRC)
+ SKELETONIZED HANDLE WITH 96” PARACORD
FIXED ADAMAS
®
A new era of Adamas® is here. Re-engineered to be stronger than ever before, this blade brings corrosion resistance and toughness front and center.
benchmade.com
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W AT E R B O R N E
WATERBORNE Bote Deus Aero 11’ Classic Teak Inflatable Kayak BY JERRY TSAI | IMAGE COURTESY OF BOTE
Dimensions: 11’ L x 33” W x 14” D
Capacity: 300 lbs.
Average weight: 41 lbs.
Optimal inflation: 10–15 psi
O1
Cockpit The Deus Aero's siton-top design and self-bailing cockpit keep you comfortable and dry during your time on the water.
O3
Construction This kayak is constructed with Bote’s AeroBOTE Technology to ensure peak rigidity and performance, as well as easy set up and breakdown back into its storage bag.
O2
Transformable The Deus Aero can be converted from a siton-top kayak to a stand-up paddleboard in seconds. Simply remove the top chamber, and it becomes a super-stable stand-up paddleboard.
t’s easy to forget that traveling by way of trails in our purpose-built vehicles isn’t the only way to enjoy the backcountry. Did you know that the United States reportedly has about 3,500,000 miles of rivers and 13,700 square miles of freshwater lakes? That’s not even counting the water along the coasts and other smaller waterways that crisscross the nation. That’s a lot of water “trails” that our rigs can’t navigate.
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Let’s not allow some water to stop us from our adventures. Having a portable, waterborne vessel accessible to you when you’re in the wild can provide the perfect way for you to explore where your vehicle can’t.
O4
Durability The Deus Aero’s military-grade PVC skin means the kayak can withstand being tossed around, banged, bumped and scraped with low risk of damage or permanent blemish.
O5
Portability AeroBOTE construction allows the Deus Aero to transform from folded-up travel bag into a fully functional kayak in minutes, allowing for superior ease of transportation and storage.
One such option is the Deus Aero 11’ Classic Teak Inflatable Kayak, made by personal watercraft expert, Bote. The portable Bote Deus Aero 11-foot recreational inflatable kayak is designed with the weekend adventurer in mind and is suitable for those just beginning to explore the world of kayaking. It can be packed into a bag that’s easily transported in your adventure rig. This versatile, recreational kayak is constructed with Bote’s inflatable AeroBOTE Technology and goes from travel bag to an 11-foot-long, sit-on-top kayak in only a matter of minutes. An efficient hand pump is included.
If you’re looking for leisure time at the lake or other calm waters, the kayak’s top chamber can be removed to transform it into a super-stable stand-up paddleboard in seconds. Deus Aero is constructed of military-grade PVC that makes it incredibly lightweight, as well as super-easy to store and transport. The experts at Bote created Deus for fun romps around waterways, which sounds mighty nice during the warm days of summer. Whether you’re looking to hit the water after work or take it along on an extended trip, the DEUS Aero is engineered to revolutionize the way you explore.
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“IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR LEISURE TIME AT THE LAKE OR OTHER CALM WATERS, THE KAYAK’S TOP CHAMBER CAN BE REMOVED TO TRANSFORM IT INTO A SUPER-STABLE STANDUP PADDLEBOARD IN SECONDS.”
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Creative photography and the electromagnetic spectrum STORY AND PHOTOS BY CHRIS COLLAR D
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ight. This thin slice of the electromagnetic radiation spectrum—wavelengths that are visible to the eye—has mystified philosophers and polymaths dating back to the first millennium B.C.
L
The light emitted by the sun, along with the energy it delivers to our blue planet, is responsible for photosynthesis. This, in turn, is responsible for much of our oxygen. Without light, Earth as we know it would not exist; it would be just another frozen marble spinning through the universe. As photographers, we don’t need to memorize that red wavelengths fall between 625 and 700 nanometers, but understanding light and how it affects an image is paramount. Before we dive into technique, we should look at the basic principles of why we see objects in different ways. Why do we see the reds, yellows and blues of a scarlet macaw? Why do sandstone canyons around Moab, Utah, appear more brilliant during the first or last light of the day, when the sun is low on the horizon? The short answer to the first question is that objects that appear red absorb all electromagnetic (EM) wavelengths—except red, which is reflected.
Playing off ambient light can create different effects, depending on the time of day.
The explanation for the second question is the term, “magic hour,” which is caused by the sun’s rays bouncing through a greater slice of dust particles in the atmosphere that
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The term, “magic hour,” is caused by the sun’s rays bouncing through a greater slice of dust particles in the atmosphere that scatter green, blue and violet but allow red, orange and yellow to pass.
scatter green, blue and violet but allow red, orange and yellow to pass. At higher elevations and in polar regions, there’s typically less dust; thus, blue, cyan and violet become the predominant colors. In previous “Viewfinders,” we’ve discussed conceptual elements of creative photography, but how did light play a role in each composition? Light. We can’t capture or store it,
environment—from bright, midday sun to a moonless night. The key is to recognize it, observe how it plays on a subject and how to use it to your advantage. The two examples here were captured from nearly the same footing and only seconds apart. While traveling with a Sahrawi friend through a remote region in Morocco’s High Atlas, we stopped in a small village to buy a traditional tagine dish for his mother. Children played in front of a mud-brick building that was surrounded by pottery of various shapes and sizes. Stepping inside, my eyes adjusted to the dim surroundings … until they revealed an elderly man in front of a potter’s wheel. Light streamed in through the doorless portal, ricocheting off the walls, filling the room with a wonderful, carroty bouquet. With his permission, I raised my camera and blissfully fired away.
but the observant photographer can learn to use it, manipulate it and even create it. TIP: Atmospheric conditions, elevation and latitude affect the color temperature of a setting.
Ambient Light “Ambient light” is light that’s not introduced by the photographer. It can be found in any Left: Light streamed in through the doorless portal, ricocheting off the walls and filled the room with a wonderful, carroty bouquet.
Turning around revealed an equally delightful scene: The children, giggling as children do, had gathered around the entry to observe this tall, white man in their village. As I raised my camera again, an older girl began scolding them for eavesdropping and they turned away. It was perfect timing, because my subjects were no longer acknowledging my presence. TIP: Practice working with natural (ambient) light rather than using a flash.
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Backlighting and Silhouettes There’s an old saying that “the sun should be to the photographer’s back.” While this is often true, doing a 180 to see what that big, fiery ball is doing behind you can offer a different picture. I’m a fan of using ambient light to silhouette subjects. Most automatic modes (green) are calibrated for front-lit settings, so switching to manual mode will give you greater control. Exposing for the darker areas will increase detail in the shadows and slightly overexpose highlights. The opposite is true when exposing for highlights, which can present dramatic silhouettes. The light will also change during dusk and dawn. When the sun dips below, or before it rises from the horizon, the sky can present a palette of violet, magenta and blue. As with the Morocco pottery examples, I took these two photos just minutes apart in Namibia’s Quiver Tree Forest. The first is direct-sun backlighting, which underexposed the trees—creating hard silhouettes—and captured brilliant hues of fiery orange. As the sun dipped below the horizon and the yellows, reds and oranges faded, my college buddy, Dr. Alan Andrews, climbed up on a knoll, and I switched to a wide-angle
lens to capture a much different scene. TIP: Backlighting a subject with the sun or other light source can create dramatic silhouettes.
Strobes and Modifiers Although our first thought for adding fill light to a setting might be to pop a strobe (flash) on the hot shoe, it can be accomplished in a variety of ways. I regularly have one handy when shooting with a wide-angle lens (even in the middle of the day), but the direct 5500 Kelvin light it produces can render an unnatural look.
Above, left: Namibia’s Quiver Tree Forest. The author used direct-sun backlighting, which underexposed the trees—creating hard silhouettes— and captured brilliant hues of fiery orange. Above, right: As the sun dipped below the horizon and the yellows, reds and oranges faded, the author’s college buddy, Dr. Alan Andrews, climbed up on a knoll, and the author switched to a wide-angle lens to capture a much different scene.
This is where diffusers and modifiers come into play. Various options include flash-mounted Left: Collapsible reflectors are available in pure white and a variety of warm tones and usually include a silk (semi-transparent fabric) to soften the light. Bottom, left: The author’s collection of diffusers, reflectors and strobes
Bottom, right: The author rotated his flash upward and placed the cupped palm of his hand above it. Voilà! The result was a warm, skin-toned light bouncing off my hand and splashing across his host’s sunbaked skin.
domes, gels and soft boxes, which modify light as it exits the flash. Most strobes have a swivel head, which allows you to redirect the beam to the side, upward or backward toward a reflective surface and bounce light on the subject. Collapsible reflectors are available in pure white and a variety of warm tones and usually include a silk (semi-transparent fabric) to soften the light. Another option is sourcing a wireless transmitter. This handy gizmo mounts to the hot shoe and allows for fingertip management of handheld or remotely positioned strobes. I’m a Canon guy and have a handful of this company’s 600EX strobes, a radio transmitter and various modifiers. But the minimalist can get away with a single hot shoe-mounted strobe. A chunk of Styrofoam, a paper plate or a painted wall can be used as a reflector, and a thin, white bedsheet can double as a silk to defuse harsh midday light. Years ago, I was trekking across the sand sea of western Morocco’s Erg Chigaga with camel traders. I was traveling light, so I didn’t have a diffuser. However, I wanted to capture the natural skin tones of my host, Mohamed, as he prepared the evening meal—a goat we’d slaughtered a few days prior. Remembering that objects absorb most EM wavelengths and reflect the colors we see, I rotated my flash upward and placed the cupped palm of my hand above it. Voilà! The result was a warm, skin-toned light bouncing off my hand and splashing across Mohamed’s sunbaked skin. As a result, my hand has since become a go-to tool when photographing people in the field. TIP: Use strobes, reflectors and diffusers to increase, redirect or soften light on a subject.
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The author placed strobes inside each tent and hid one in the granite to light up the backdrop. They were triggered simultaneously by a wireless controller.
“[LIGHT IS]THE PHOTOGRAPHER’S FRIEND, ALLOWING US TO CAPTURE UNIQUE MOMENTS IN TIME WHEN SPECIFIC WAVELENGTHS RICOCHET THROUGH THE ATMOSPHERE, BOUNCE OFF A WALL OR RADIATE FROM A CAMPFIRE.”
The aurora borealis—a light show of the grandest scale, sweeping across the sky like a phosphorous-green snowstorm
phosphorous-green snowstorm. With a Canon 5ds DSLR mounted on a Manfrotto tripod and Kirk head, I used a manual-release cable to open the shutter. Utilizing a Rigid LED flashlight, I gently “painted” the Rebel for a predetermined time—careful not to linger in one place. I also had my co-driver quickly cycle the parking lights to add texture and amber light to the surrounding ice. With “instant preview” mode on the LCD screen, it’s easy to take test frames, applying a little less or more paint to certain areas of the frame until you get it right. As for the results? Well, I liked them. I should also mention “split lighting”—a common practice in studio work. It’s done by placing a light source perpendicular to the subject, which will highlight one side while creating shadows on the other. TIP: Getting creative with multiple lighting sources can provide unique results.
The Final Frame At the end of the day, it’s light—that narrow band of electromagnetic wavelengths visible to the human eye—that keeps our blue planet blue (or red or green). It’s the photographer’s friend, allowing us to capture unique moments in time when specific wavelengths ricochet through the atmosphere, bounce off a wall or radiate from a campfire.
Multisource and Light Painting There are times that multiple light sources are needed. They can be natural light, from a campfire or via the use of strobes … sometimes, all three. The two images here are from one of my favorite camp spots in Baja, Mexico: a flat, sandy area with a firepit placed against a tall granite wall. While my traveling mates sipped coldies, I considered how to capture the entire scene—campfire, warm light on the rocks, our tents in the foreground. My first image was a test frame taken with ambient light, and the only detail is the area immediately around the fire. For the second image, I placed strobes inside each tent and hid one in the granite to light up the backdrop. They were triggered simultaneously by
a wireless controller, and I was pleased with the results. Another technique for illuminating a subject is known as “light painting,” which is accomplished with a flashlight or other source. The example here was taken on the Ice Road near Tuktoyaktuk, Yukon Territory, while I was testing a Ram Rebel 1500. The aurora borealis was appearing at about 1:00 a.m. each night, and I was hoping to position it over the Rebel. We headed out onto the ice, parked and waited in -30 (°F) air for it to appear. Right on schedule, solar wind disturbances in the magnetosphere released excited electrons toward Earth that collided with nitrogen and oxygen molecules. The result was a light show of the grandest scale, sweeping across the sky like a
The lighting at the end of the day is the photographer’s friend and a great time to create unique moments.
Learn to work with it, embrace it, love it. Next time your traveling mates trade their cameras for coldies, pull out your new bag of tricks and create something they’ll remember.
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The capable and used show Jeep BY B RYO N DOR R
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here are car guys, and there are motor heads.
Andrew Vun is a motorhead. He likes tinkering, building and enjoying anything with a motor—import tuner cars, off-road machines and even motorcycles. His passion for cars started with the import tuner scene when he was in high school. He went through a number of builds before getting super-deep into a 2004 Subaru WRX. He got so deep into the import tuner show scene that he was winning, but the car was no longer street legal, because of multiple mods … such as the headlight being replaced by a turbo inlet. With the Subaru off the street, Vun needed a daily driver and a vehicle that could tow. Because he lives in Washington (state), he started searching for something that could handle all kinds of weather. After some Craigslist sleuthing, Vun stumbled upon a 2001 Jeep WJ Grand Cherokee. He knew little about Jeeps, but he figured it would be a good vehicle for his purposes. Little did he know the path his Craigslist find would take him down.
Jeep Life Vun’s interest in his Subaru show car faded pretty quickly as he found adventure, friends and learned the ins and outs of building a capable 4x4 with his Grand Cherokee. He spent all his free time and a lot of money building up the WJ. However, in late 2014, it had a catastrophic engine failure. Vun
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“THE MODIFICATION ROUTES HE COULD GO DOWN ON A JKU ARE NEARLY ENDLESS, AND THAT APPEALED TO VUN’S DESIRE FOR CAPABILITY AND CAR SHOW ATTENTION-TO-DETAIL SENSIBILITIES.” thought long and hard about whether to put a new engine in or embark on a new off-road build. Even though he knew he’d never get back the money he had put into the WJ, he sold off the valuable bits and then sold the build in its nonrunning state. It was time to start from scratch and put the lessons he’d learned to work. All the options were considered: a Toyota, an American pickup, an old Land Rover or another Jeep. With the truly massive aftermarket support behind the Jeep JK Wrangler, it was the avenue Vun chose. The modification routes he could go down on a JKU are nearly endless, and that appealed to Vun’s desire for capability and car show attention-to-detail sensibilities.
Early Wrangler Life In the rocks or in the mud, this Jeep is ready for action, and Vun isn’t afraid to test its capabiliites.
In early 2015, Vun purchased a Red 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sport, and he quickly got to work on the modifications.
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“AS MANY OF US DO WHEN PARTS BREAK, VUN LOOKED AT IT AS AN OPPORTUNITY TO TAKE THE BUILD TO THE NEXT LEVEL.” The first iteration of this Jeep would be a fun and capable “weekend warrior” build. This was the setup you see on most modified Wranglers: 4-inch lift, 35-inch tires, metal bumpers and a winch. Vun enjoyed this setup for some time, progressively tackling more-challenging OHV park trails. That, of course, meant he was breaking more and more parts and upgrading Jeep components along the way. Just one weekend after Vun had sleeved his axles, he managed to snap his Dana 30 clean in half. Luckily, the sleeve allowed for a trail fix that allowed him to drive the Jeep home. As many of us do when parts break, Vun
looked at it as an opportunity to take the build to the next level. First up of course, was ditching the stock Dana 30 and 44 axles and upgrading to Rubicon Dana 44s with upgraded gussets and sleeves. Bigger tires are always useful in rough terrain, so 38-inch tires were installed on beadlock wheels. With all that rolling mass, it was time for proper gearing and more power. The axles were fitted with 4.88 gears, and an RIPP supercharger system was installed. The supercharger, along with a custom tune, bumped horsepower from 230 to about 300 ponies.
The Car Show Scene Because of this second round of modifications Vun’s friends started prodding him to take the Jeep to car shows. He was hesitant at first because he’d never heard of, or seen, Jeeps at the shows he attended. Mini trucks, lowrider trucks and insanely lifted, street-focused builds were common, but off-road Jeeps weren’t—especially ones that were actually used. In the end, Vun decided it was worth a try and applied his past car show knowledge and experience to his Jeep. The first shows with the Jeep were just small, local events, but Vun’s build quickly got plenty of attention, because attendees seemed to like seeing something they weren’t used to. The
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“VUN DECIDED IT WAS TIME TO GO HUGE AND REALLY BUILD SOMETHING HE COULD USE TO TACKLE ANY TERRAIN HE WANTED AND THEN POLISH UP TO WIN SHOWS.” car show judges were also a bit lost on how to judge the vehicle because they’d rarely encountered off-road builds at the import shows. This attention turned into top awards at most of the local shows: Best Truck/SUV, Best Off-Road and even a Best of Show. After that first Best of Show award, Vun was approached by his friend, Rob, to join the highly competitive show team, the “R-Rydes,” all of whose members were looking for a local truck/SUV class competitor. Vun resisted at first: He didn’t want to “baby” his Jeep just to show it off at shows at a super-high level. Rather, he loved wheeling it hard on the weekends. Nearly every part on this JKU has been modified in some way. Details matter— both on the trail and on the show circuit.
Even so, Vun eventually joined the team and found his niche—having an off-road vehicle that’s excessively used as an off-road build and a show build at the same time.
Stepping Up to Show Car Standards After showing with the R-Rydes team for a year, Vun had learned a lot about the professional show scene. Many people appreciated his build; however, just as many didn’t believe it actually got used to its full capabilities offroad (haters are going to hate). Because Vun’s Jeep gets used hard off the pavement, he doesn’t mind breaking a few parts if it means he can have fun with his friends in the
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Not to be missed is the quick-disconnect steering wheel—in a Jeep.
Vun loves strapping into the harness and hitting the trail.
rocks, mud and steep, technical trails at the local OHV parks. Clearly, this Jeep was built for capability, but Vun also realized that paying attention to every little detail on the build would be the only way to stay competitive at the shows—color-matching, custom parts and so on. As Vun was preparing for the next evolution of this
build to stay competitive at the shows and to tackle harder terrain on the weekends, the COVID pandemic shut down everything. Vun was lucky enough to keep his career on track, but he went an entire year without a single car show and with a lot fewer off-road adventures. This allowed him the time to do
a deep dive and really plan out the direction for the Jeep.
Go Big or Go Home Vun decided it was time to go huge and really build something he could use to tackle any terrain he wanted and then polish up to win shows. Of course, this meant big-built Dana 60 axles, 40-plus-inch tires and coilover suspension. The issue with that plan, however, was … the big money required to pull it off. After much research and some sleuthing through the classifieds, Vun picked up a Dana 60 out of a 2004 Ford SuperDuty for only $500. After a bunch of time and labor doing fabrication work on that front axle, it was ready to go into the Jeep, along with a hydraulic steering-assist system. With the money he saved on the front axle, Vun was able to put together enough to buy a fully built Ultimate Dana 60 complete rear. He then bought a full Fox coilover suspension setup. Over one weekend, and with the help of some good friends, Vun had it all installed into the Jeep.
Post-Quarantine Winning The build was finally “done,” as you see it
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here, in July 2020.
A Dana Ultimate 60 with all the goodies ensures Vun is unlikely to break another axle.
Vun’s first plan for the Jeep after the upgrades was to tackle the hardest trails at the local OHV park, Tahuya (which is also where the photos for this article were taken). It was close to home, so Vun figured that in the worst case, he’d have to get the Jeep towed home. That didn’t need to happen, though, because the Jeep’s capabilities were second to none; it easily ate up the hardest trail sections Vun could throw at it. Vun says this one trip changed his style of off-roading forever. As he pushed the jeep to tackle harder and harder terrain, the adrenaline rush was addictive. Whether he was bouncing the Jeep up a rock section or jumping it in mud pits, he just couldn’t get enough. This is how a built rig such as this is supposed to be used, and Vun wasn’t going to baby it just to do well at shows.
This show vehicle also plays in the local mud pit.
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“[VUN HAS] FOUND HIS NICHE WITH THIS JEEP,COMBINING HIS PASSION FOR SHOWS WITH THAT OF BUILDING A CAPABLE VEHICLE TO BE USED AS INTENDED: A SINGLE VEHICLE HE CAN ENJOY IN THE MUD AND ROCKS, AS WELL AS AMONG THE SHINY, POLISHED VEHICLES IN A CAR SHOW.” However, this doesn’t mean he wasn’t going to try hard to do well at shows. The first show since the upgrades and pandemic restrictions were loosened earned Vun both Best Truck/SUV and Best Display.
The Next Evolution As we all know, builds such as this are never “done.” Vun realizes that while he streetdrives this beast now, any more over-the-top mods will relegate the Jeep to a life on a trailer to get to and from both OHV parks and car shows. Vun says this will eventually happen, but for now, he’s enjoying being able to drive the Jeep to and from the local trails and shows. The next evolution of this Jeep will involve more suspension, more power and even more unifying details. Rear long arm suspension, an LS swap and matching rear Braum seats are on Vun’s short list for what’s next.
He Found His Niche Looking back at his automotive adventures so far, Vun says he would have never expected to be “into” 4x4s. He thought import cars would always be his “thing.” Instead, he’s found his niche with this Jeep, combining his passion for shows with that of building a capable vehicle to be used as intended: a single vehicle he can enjoy in the mud and rocks, as well as among the shiny, polished vehicles in a car show.
Many Thanks Vun would like to send a special thanks to his fiancée, McKenna, for all her love and support over the years. He also wants to thank his sponsors and those who continually chip in so he can take his build to the next level. At the top of his list are Baileys Complete Automotive, show team R-RYDES and friends Rob K., Ariel S., Brandon H., Brandon M. and Camrin B.
Vun proudly holds trophies for both Best Truck/SUV and Best Display at a 2021 Import Face Off show.
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A serious 4x4 over-cab contender delivering dreams, ams, quality and y years ars of travel service tr STO R RY BY ME RC EDE S L IL IENTHAL PH O OTO GRAP H Y BY E A RTHCR U ISER AND M E R C E D ES L IL IE NTH AL
arthCruiser Overland Vehicles, otherwise known as EC, is globally recognized as a top-tier expedition camper and vehicle manufacturer. It’s headquartered in Bend, Oregon, where it’s been building off-road-ready 4x4s with carefully constructed off-grid campers for 13 years. With extensive worldwide travels under the company’s belt, its EarthCruisers are engineered for adventure. They’re hand-built, agile and hold their value for years to come. EC created a camper ready for global travels.
E
EC’s latest release, the Terranova Expedition Camper, is a pop-top camper built atop a 2021 Ford F-350 crew cab chassis. As a result of Mitsubishi Fuso exiting the United States market, EarthCruiser listened to customer demand: The Terranova will use only domestic vehicles. The Terranova is currently only offered on a Ford chassis, but comparative RAM and Chevy applications are anticipated in the coming months.
Why Terranova? “EarthCruiser employees have lived out of their own vehicles,” explained Lance Gillies, the company’s founder and CEO. “We’ve got people [working at EC] who know what it’s like to work, travel and live in a vehicle. They‘ve climbed El
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AFTER OUR SOCIALLY DISTANCED IN-PERSON TOUR, IT’S EVIDENT EARTHCRUISER PAID CLOSE ATTENTION TO ITS TERRANOVA: ITS EXTERIOR IS CLEAN, SIMPLE AND INTENDED.” Top right: With a starting price of $289,000, the Terranova might be above the budget for some, but it could be the perfect overlanding expedition 4x4 for others.
Bottom right: A batwing-styled awning offers shade on a hot desert day.
Capitan and bicycled across Switzerland.” With 31 workers currently employed at EC, they’ve also done much more. Gillies further exclaimed that EarthCruiser’s employees are drawn to a place where they can use their experiences and make people happy. “It’s not what necessarily sets us apart; it just makes us who we are. Terranova is a combination of all of these things—put on four wheels,” said Gillies. EC’s Terranova is smaller and lighter in weight than its Mitsubishi Fuso-based siblings, the EarthCruiser FX or EXP. With a beefed-up suspension and four-wheel-drive system, the Terranova adventure rig has an option to tow up to 10,000 pounds while tackling a variety of off-tarmac terrain, no matter which domestic moniker customers choose.
A Ford That Functions As previously mentioned, as of now, the poptop EC Terranova camper is only available atop the Ford chassis, which boasts an 8-foot bed. Showcasing a house length of 184.5 inches, a width of 81 inches and 63 inches of height, the 2021 Ford F-350 Crew Cab is a roomy and solid base for the EC expedition camper. Below: The Terranova uses a steel rear bumper with recessed tail lamps, along with a mounting surface for various accessories (such as a MAXTRAX holder) and a 2-inch hitch receiver.
EarthCruiser increases the base vehicle’s trail protection and off-roading capabilities with upgrades such as a beefy bull bar with steel reinforcements (which adds front recovery points), a steel rear bumper that showcases recessed tail lamps, a mounting surface for various accessories and a
2-inch hitch receiver.
mind,” Gillies explained.
Other noteworthy mentions include upgraded Toyo tires (future owners can choose between all-terrain or mud-terrain rubber) and Method wheels, factory-styled front fender flares, a spare tire with tire cover and trash bag and a rear-facing backup camera with monitor.
Clearly, the company’s not into building “nice, shiny things” just so people can say they have a “nice, shiny thing.” EarthCruiser, as a whole, has a very different outlook.
In addition to the optional Class IV-rated tow package, the Terranova Ford F-350 can be outfitted with a front-mounted, 16,500-pound-capacity WARN 16.5ti-s winch with synthetic rope.
Capable, Quality Camper “In a nutshell, we start with the end in
Gillies is keen to talk about what makes EarthCruiser vehicles what they are: “If our actions can’t speak for themselves, then we’ve got a problem. Our perspective is that we’re essentially a travel business that happens to make vehicles.” Gillies added that EC helps deliver time to their customers. “It’s promises made and promises kept, built by people who know how to build
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stuff and deliver.” After our visit to the company’s Oregon headquarters, it was evident EarthCruiser is particular when building each expedition vehicle.
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Right: Currently offered with a Ford F-350 chassis, the Terranova’s cockpit is spacious and luxurious.
Terranova’s Exterior Terranova’s camper is made from molded and structurally insulated fiberglass elements— walls, floor, entry door and locker box doors. Electrically operated roof actuators raise and lower its top in a simple fashion. As with other EC models, the Terranova roof works via a latchless operation; no roof locks or latches are found here. Triple-layer, laminated, flexible, pop-top walls include eight windows with insect/privacy screens. Clear vinyl protective layers adorn the top of Terranova. This offers occupants a 360-degree view from inside the camper— inviting the outside world in and blurring the division of space. Along with fiberglass body side skirts, rear wheel flares and toolboxes, Terranova’s exterior boasts a streamlined design that incorporates flush/recessed locks and latches. An optional hot/cold shower and external drinking water faucet can also be purchased as upgrades. After our socially distanced in-person tour, it
Below: The Terranova boasts several exterior storage areas, allowing for a variety of gear to be stowed safely.
was evident EarthCruiser paid close attention to its Terranova: Its exterior is clean, simple and intended. The Terranova will deliver a unique aerodynamic design, as compared to its boxy competition.
Interior Adornments
“You’re only as free as you allow yourself to be,” Gillies pointed out. “The vehicle doesn’t make you free. We, as travelers, know our time is finite. COVID has given people more time, which also accelerated the Terranova for EarthCruiser.”
“When it comes to these sorts of purchases, these are people’s dreams you’re dealing with,” Gillies exclaimed. “Their whole life, dreams that they have; we take that very seriously.”
EarthCruiser strives to morph and adapt as time goes on—just as travel does. By listening to its customers, the company’s learned to be agile and adjust its designs to suit them.
EarthCruiser customers expect the company to “keep it real.” One of the reasons EC says it’s different from the competition is that it builds on the experience the company has while also listening to its customers. Along with offering a heavy-duty fiberglass shell and interior surfaces, EC prides itself on precision manufacturing. Tolerances among cabinetry are even and aligned, with each square foot thought out with multiple uses in mind. Easy-to-clean, marine-grade materials coupled with solid-surface countertops, stainless steel sinks and bamboo accents round out the kitchen area. Stark-white walls and light-colored accent colors give airiness to Terranova’s interior— something all EC “siblings” share. Smart storage cubbies are showcased throughout the Terranova’s interior. A false floor gives way to two storage areas, as well as a service hatch for plumbing. There’s no need for a ladder, because the kitchenette’s bottom two drawers double up as a step stool to reach the loft.
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TREAD 01. Terranova offers occupants a 360-degree view from inside the camper, thus inviting the outside world in and blurring the division of space. (Photo: Mercedes Lilienthal)
T E R RA N OVA E X P E D I T I O N CA M P E R
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“HAND-BUILT AND FIELD-PROVEN, THE NEW EARTHCRUISER TERRANOVA EXPEDITION CAMPER IS DESIGNED TO MAKE TRAVEL DREAMS COME TRUE.”
02. “Attention to detail” is the name of EarthCruiser’s game: Thoughtfully placed drawers, a fridge and cooking area, as well as easy-to-clean materials, make this kitchen a wonder to work in.
A Shurflo freshwater pump and water system with freshwater tank are also on hand, so purified drinking water is always available. An induction cooktop and an Isotherm stainless steel fridge/freezer, as well as a composting toilet and full-height shower, complete the interior.
03. The Terranova’s loft provides the perfect roof height for sitting up in bed. A wall-to-wall, queensized RV mattress can sleep two lengthwise, eliminating the need to crawl over a bunkmate.
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04. There’s no need for a ladder, because the Terranova’s kitchenette boasts two bottom drawers that double up as a step stool when needed. 05. Terranova’s CZONE Systems Control unit monitors various onboard systems and acts as the camper’s main technology hub. (Photo: Mercedes Lilienthal)
In addition to its base power abilities, the EarthCruiser Terranova can be upgraded with an extensive solar panel and monitoring system. It includes 108 watts of Sunflare solar, a 12-volt, 400Ah lithium house battery and a coordinating solar controller and monitoring system, so users will run out of food before power while traveling remotely. Lastly, an 18-gallon gray-water tank and monitoring system ensure used water can be correctly captured. Terranova’s CZONE Systems Control unit monitors all systems and acts as the camper’s main technology hub.
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The Terranova starts at $289,000. While it’s out of the budget for some, it might be the perfect overlanding adventure vehicle for others. Hand-built and field-proven, the EarthCruiser Terranova expedition camper is designed to make travel dreams come true. See more from EarthCruiser on Instagram: @earthcruiser.
Terranova’s oversized over-cab loft features a taller roof—perfect for sitting up in bed. A wall-to-wall, queen-sized RV mattress allows people to sleep lengthwise in it, eliminating the need to crawl over your bunkmate to grab midnight munchies. The lounge area includes a multifunctional seating area that functions as a work area, eating zone or an additional bed. In addition, integrated wall and under-bench-seat storage compartments beg for gear to be stowed in them.
Critical Systems Right: The lounge area doubles as a work area, eating zone or an additional bed. Secret storage cubbies are located under the bench seat.
Along with a gas or diesel air heater and optional air conditioning, the Terranova incorporates scads of LED lights (both inside and outside the camper) and power outlets to keep laptops and cell phones topped off.
A SHADE E A SIER
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With 270 degrees of shade and 11sqm coverage, the Batwing is the per fect addition to any adventure. Add on a set of Tapered Extensions, with or without doors, to make your setup the ultimate camping retreat. Check them out at rhinorack.com
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As we pulled up, the driver had already chocked the wheels, retrieved the factory scissors jack and had placed it under the rear axle. But he was failing completely in his efforts to raise the axle and tire, straining mightily, but futilely, on the crank handle. Why? Because mounted on the back of the Tacoma was a four-wheeled camper— which, in turn, was loaded with water, food
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If you want something that can handle a tire change on a loaded vehicle, as well as take care of recovery duties—for example, to lift the vehicle off a high-centered situation or shovel substrate under a bogged tire or insert MaxTrax—you need to step up the game with something rated to at least half the GVWR of your rig.
and supplies for a two-week trip. We stopped, I got out my 4-ton hydraulic bottle jack, and we effortlessly lifted the truck and swapped the tire. With very few exceptions, such as the superb, Italian-made hydraulic bottle jack that’s supplied with solid-axle Land Rovers, factory-supplied jacks are designed to minimal specs to lift the vehicle—on pavement—just high enough to change a tire. Load that vehicle up with bumpers, winches, roof racks, camping gear or a camper, and you might find that jack whimpering under the load. (Actually, you’d be the one whimpering.)
Then, you have a major decision to make: Do you want to lift from up top, via a bumper or slider, or from below, via an axle or chassis? Below, left to right: Pro Eagle, Hi-Lift, Safe Jack, ARB X-Jack, Surplus M998 Scissors Jack and Agile Off Road Chassis Adapter, ARB jack
Consider a Bumper Jack The advantage of a bumper jack is that you don’t have to crawl under the vehicle to lift it. That’s nice for staying clean, but it’s also
ALL JACKED J UP Which tire jack is right for your rig? STO RY BY J O N AT H A N H A N S O N
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“WITH VERY FEW EXCEPTIONS...FACTORY-SUPPLIED JACKS ARE DESIGNED TO MINIMAL SPECS TO LIFT THE VEHICLE — ON PAVEMENT — JUST HIGH ENOUGH TO CHANGE A TIRE.” Left: The ARB jack
Right: The venerable Hi-Lift still has its strengths, including a 4,660-pound capacity.
of almost any lubricant, including Keystone Light (according to my nephew). But the big, red flag in the Hi-Lift’s manual of arms, as anyone who’s used one knows, is the “zone of disfigurement” circumscribed by the arc the handle makes. Let your head stray inside this arc, whether you’re raising or lowering your vehicle, and you’re asking for a broken nose or jaw if you lose your grip. MSRP: $100 (48-inch; all cast) URL: hi-lift.com
ARB Jack Think of the ARB Jack as a Hi-Lift that went to a very expensive finishing school: The coarse, mechanical mechanism is gone, replaced with smooth and powerful hydraulics (in fact, my 110-pound wife can lift the entire loaded rear end of our 70-Series Troop carrier on her own).
possibly critical if your 4x4 is buried right to the axles in sand, mud or water. Disadvantages? First: Your vehicle must be equipped with sturdy, recovery-capable bumpers in front and rear—and preferably with rock sliders as well—that will accept the jack’s tongue. Second: To lift a tire off the ground with a bumper jack, you first have to cycle through the vehicle’s full suspension travel, which can mean a foot or more of wasted elevation and could leave the vehicle precariously tippy. Finally: Bumper jacks tend to be heavy and bulky.
How About an Axle/Chassis Jack? The axle/chassis jack is compact (with the exception of the Pro Eagle); it doesn’t waste lifting height to raise a punctured tire; and, with a few accessories, it can perform a variety of recovery tasks. However, access to the underside of the vehicle is mandatory, and bottle jacks, in particular, tend to have limited lifting range—often only 6 or 7 inches, unless
you buy a double-extension model, which will increase that by another 4 or 5 inches. Even so, this is still paltry when compared to the 30 inches or more of a bumper jack. My suggestion: If you mostly need a sturdy jack for tire-changing and occasional recovery work, look at the chassis jacks here. If you like to challenge yourself and your vehicle, and you frequently find yourself a bit buried, consider making room for one of the bumper jacks or the ARB X-Jack.
Hi-Lift Jack How many products survive a century virtually unchanged? The antediluvian Hi-Lift still scores points in this group because of its low price, rugged simplicity, ease of refurbishment and versatility. It’s the only product here that will also function as a clamp or a (very slow) winch. The Hi-Lift’s 4,660-pound rating has become the de facto standard for competitors, and in this group, its range of lift is second only to the ARB Jack. Downsides include the Hi-Lift’s 29-pound mass and jam-prone lifting mechanism (the latter issue is usually rectified with a dousing
CHOCKS A jack isn’t the only item you need for safe tire changes and recovery work. You also need a way to ensure the vehicle remains stationary and doesn’t roll off the jack. Additionally, you need a way to ensure the base of the jack doesn’t sink in sand or mud. The best vehicle chocks I’ve used are the nesting units from Safe Jack, which are substantial enough to anchor the vehicle for winching, as well as jacking. In addition, the best base plate I’ve used is the ARB unit. It’s configured to accept ARB’s jack and a Hi-Lift. Very smart. Below: The ARB jack base accepts either an ARB jack or a Hi-Lift foot.
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There’s zero possibility of face-altering kickback, and lowering is literally a one-finger operation. To adjust the lifting tongue to bumper height, you only have to lift the tongue, itself, to the appropriate slot on the aluminum body, leaving the full lifting range of the jack intact—up to 48 inches. It’s 15 percent lighter than a Hi-Lift and only 36 inches long in its carrying case. The sealed mechanism won’t jam in dusty conditions, and the base even has a clever cutout to facilitate breaking the bead on a tire. What’s not to like? (I just hope you’re sitting down when you see its price.) MSRP: $833 URL: arbusa.com 01-02. Powerful hydraulics make lifting with the ARB JACK easy …
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... and lowering is a one-finger operation.
Safe Jack Bottle Jack Kit There might be more-versatile jack systems around, but none that also fits into a .50-caliber ammo can. The 27-pound Safe Jack “Sergeant” kit comprises a 6-ton hydraulic bottle jack, flat and curved lifting attachments, and three extension posts, one of which is adjustable. Other Safe Jack kits, from “Private” to “General,” include fewer or more extras (all of these are available separately). The range of extensions allows you to lift from an axle, the chassis or a bumper, as needed.
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03. Surplus M998 Scissors Jack and Agile Off Road Axle/ Chassis Adapter 04. The reversible Agile Off Road Adapter provides secure support for either an axle or a chassis.
Its compact size limits the included jack to 6 inches of extension. However, as long as the post is compatible, you could pair the Safe Jack attachments to any bottle jack you like, such as the double-extension model I own. In fact, my Safe Jack kit hasn’t yet met a vehicle it couldn’t lift. MSRP: $269 URL: safejacks.com
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Surplus M998 Scissors Jack and Agile Off Road Chassis Adapter 05. A Safe Jack 6-ton bottle jack and cradle for solid-axle vehicles 06. THE ARB Jack Base has a cutout to assist breaking the bead on a tire.
Gotta love military surplus. The heavy-duty (3.5-ton) scissors jack configured to lift the front or rear A-arms of a high-mobility, multipurpose, wheeled vehicle—“Humvee” to most of us—is available by the score on eBay with a case, ratchet handle and extension rods for around $75. Add Agile Off Road’s reversible, billet-aluminum
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The Pro Eagle rolled over my gravel driveway effortlessly and lifted the entire front end of my FJ40 in a sandy wash without digging in more than a couple of inches. Given the fat tires, along with a full-length underbody “skid plate,” it shouldn’t sink in any substrate that doesn’t have a current. Pop on the adjustable extension post for a full 26 inches of lift height. I certainly wouldn’t carry this bulky, 52-pound jack for field duty in my FJ40, but if you’ve got a full-sized truck or Sprinter (there’s also a 3-ton version) or are traveling with a group, it’ll make any recovery a breeze. And, of course, at home, it’s an excellent shop jack. One operational note: As with all such jacks, the lifting pad moves through an arc as it rises. If you employ the extension, and both the jack and vehicle are stationary, the extension can wind up significantly tilted. So, plan ahead. MSRP: $440 URL: proeagle.com
ARB X-Jack Exhaust Jack 01. The Pro Eagle provides plenty of support in sand.. 02. The 2-ton Pro Eagle Off Road Jack 03. Safe Jack nesting wheel chocks are essential for safe lifting. 04. Safe Jack “Sergeant” kit
adapter, and it’ll securely support your noncombat vehicle at either the axle or chassis. A reversible ratcheting handle means you don’t have to crank in a complete circle in a confined space (a brilliant idea), and as long as your truck weighs less than an up-armored HMMWV, this jack will lift it easily to a height of 20.5 inches with the adapter in place. A generous, 7x12-inch base plate ensures support in Middle Eastern-theater sand (or any other kind). The lifting post on the jack has a bit of wobble built in, so Agile Off Road
recommends tack-welding it to increase stability. I used it as is and had zero problems. MSRP: $75 (scissors jack); $90 (chassis adapter) URL: agileoffroad.com
Situate the deflated ARB X-Jack under the chassis of your 4x4. Hold the inflation cone over the exhaust pipe or connect an air compressor to the Schrader valve. The expanding bag will lift up to 4,400 pounds up to 30 inches in the air.
Pro Eagle Off Road Jack A floor jack with off-road tires; why didn’t someone think of this before? Take a 2-ton, hydraulic floor jack—the easiest way ever to lift a vehicle on a concrete driveway—add solid axles and burly, composite wheels, and you’ve got an all-terrain floor jack.
“IF YOU WANT SOMETHING THAT CAN HANDLE A TIRE CHANGE ON A LOADED VEHICLE, AS WELL AS TAKE CARE OF RECOVERY DUTIES ... YOU NEED TO STEP UP THE GAME WITH SOMETHING RATED TO AT LEAST HALF THE GVWR OF YOUR RIG.” 05
05. The ARB X Jack offers unequalled flotation in soft sand. 06. Let your engine do the lifting work with the X Jack.
Some of the jacks discussed here are easy to operate. Some are difficult to operate. Only one is effortless to operate.
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Is your truck buried to the bumpers, with no way to get a bottle jack or Hi-Lift underneath? All you need is 4 inches of scooped clearance for this jack to slide underneath. Stuck in rocks, with no secure base for a bumper jack? The X-Jack molds itself around virtually any substrate, and the hard rubber “teeth” on the bottom help prevent slippage. Included is a thick square of guard material to protect the already-stout envelope, but it’s best to remember that this thing is still a heavy-duty balloon. Consequently, make sure to keep it away from bolt ends and hot exhaust pipes. Also remember that at full height, your vehicle is supported on air inside a flexible casing, so expect a bit of squidginess. But then, you wouldn’t get under a vehicle that’s supported only by any of these jacks, right? MSRP: $270 URL: arbusa.com
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STO RY AN D P HOTOS BY DAN GREC
rossing two borders and driving 300 miles in a single day was not my plan at the start. Driving across a country in a single day is a bit of a failure, I think. I wouldn’t be able to try new foods, see beautiful places or meet locals. In short, I wouldn’t be experiencing the country. To be honest, I’m not sure I’d be able to say I went there at all.
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The more I’ve heard about Honduras, however, the more I’m certain driving straight across in one shot is the right thing to do. Over the last few months, I’ve heard many horror stories about bribery and corruption in Honduras. It seems the police and military often do whatever they want to foreigners in order to extract cash. Everyone has a different experience and, therefore, a different story. My friend, Rupert, wound up in handcuffs on the side of the road—narrowly avoiding a night in jail by paying hundreds of dollars. I’m certain jail in Honduras is no fun, and I have no desire to find out for sure. By minimizing my time in that country, I hoped to lessen the chances of serious problems with the corrupt officials—meaning I’d attempt to cross Honduras in a single, huge day.
Leaving El Salvador I break camp before sunrise, then pace up and down for 30 minutes, impatiently waiting for my tent fly to dry. I have it draped over the side of the Jeep to catch the morning sun. It’s a slow, but effective, drying method. After two hours driving in the early-dawn light, I stop for gas a few miles before the Honduran border. The station attendants love the map on the hood depicting my route, and we strike up a conversation, again making me appreciate how
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The enormous and active volcano Concepción dominates the skyline.
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Jeep as I drive over an old, crumbling bridge. They are money changers and desperately want my business. After agreeing to a rate, I change some small bills before shaking off these men and inching forward. Immediately over the bridge, I find myself in a dry and dusty shanty town, which is apparently the border post. Hundreds of grubby and exhausted people with blank expressions on their faces mill about. Almost none appears to have any purpose; they simply lie still in the shade. The thermometer swinging from my rearview mirror is maxed at 100 degrees (F), and it’s only 10 a.m. The paperwork chase begins, and I almost fall over when the immigration guy asks for the $3 receipt I paid earlier. It seems that it was legit, and I really was supposed to pay. I’m glad I didn’t argue with that guy for too long.
far my Spanish has come. When I tell them I’m going to Honduras, both men immediately look serious before explaining the most common scams. The corrupt officials will demand to see my license and then refuse to give it back unless I pay up. Knowing I won’t leave without it, the officers will have me cornered, and I’ll have little choice but to pay. It’s also a certainty they’ll ask to see my fire extinguisher and safety triangle—the kind used on the road to warn other vehicles of a breakdown. If I fail to produce either, the corrupt police and military will demand a bribe, with the threat of arrest or vehicle impound. I have to smile when it turns out this very gas station sells fire extinguishers and triangles; how convenient! I start to wonder where the scams actually begin. For $16, I splash out and purchase both, hoping to avoid at least some conflict throughout the day. I play with my new triangle for about three seconds before I lose interest, tossing it in the back. Even here, at the gas station, a few miles before the border, fixers spot me and come running over. As usual, they insist the crossing will take hours without them and only 20 minutes with. They repeatedly say the border is extremely difficult and dangerous, and I must use their help. However, I’m
determined to stick to my guns, so I wave them away with thanks. I pass a line of trucks that stretches over two miles before I stop at a crumbling shack to cancel my El Salvadorian Jeep paperwork. I must photocopy a form, and I’m not surprised to see that an enterprising person has a photocopier exactly where I need it. The guy is obviously proud to charge 5 cents per copy—an amount he clearly thinks is exorbitant. Fifty yards more, and I arrive at El Salvadorian immigration, where nearly 100 people are milling around. I park as conspicuously as possible before forging ahead in an attempt to get myself officially stamped. A guy wearing a uniform with ID says I must pay $3 (USD) to enter Honduras and that he’ll give me a (somewhat official-looking) receipt. I’m skeptical, believing the CA-4 stamp in my passport allows free travel among multiple countries in this region of Central America. I realize I’ll spend the rest of the day arguing with people about money, so I decide to let this one slide. After only a short discussion, I pay the $3 so I can move forward quickly. I feel certain this is only the first of many battles I’ll fight today. Men rush and literally grab onto the moving
Before all is said and done, the following papers are shuffled—requiring multiple trips to the photocopier, bank … and then back to the bank again for good measure: • Three copies of my passport photo page • Three copies of the registration for the Jeep • Three copies of my driver’s license • Three copies of receipt #1: 135 lempiras ($7), paid at the bank • Three copies of receipt #2: 500.72 lempiras ($26), paid at the bank • Three more copies of my passport with a new Honduran entrance stamp and the $3 receipt from earlier After all the back and forth, I’m finally issued a permit for the Jeep that allows me to drive into Honduras.
No Entiendo Eager to get underway, I tear away from the border, but fewer than 100 yards into Honduras, three military guys eagerly wave me down. I intentionally stop in the driving lane, leaving the engine running, and I don’t get out. All three men are barely in their 20s and don’t yet fill out their uniforms. They’re trying hard to look tough, although they all carry their assault rifles awkwardly, thus ruining the attempt. The oldest man, clearly the leader, approaches my window. He demands my driver’s license, which he snatches away before demanding to see my fire extinguisher. I smugly produce it (it’s still in the
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box and with the price sticker clearly visible). Not to be deterred, he immediately demands to see a safety triangle. I produce the new triangle, which is also still in the box, with its price sticker front and center. After a quick glance, he’s pleased to announce that I must have two triangles; one won’t do. I decide to play another angle and start replying to everything with “No entiendo” (“I don’t understand”) in my worst possible gringo accent. He dives into a long and rambling tale about how I must have two triangles for safety. I interject every sentence or two with more “No entiendo” while painting my face with a blank, trying-hard-to-understand look. When he finally finishes, I stare blankly, with no comprehension at all. He’s visibly frustrated and storms off with my license to consult his cohorts. They all frown and scowl at me while discussing the situation, clearly unsure of how to proceed. They take turns carefully inspecting my license, turning it over and holding it close to their faces. After seeing the blank back side and how easily the card bends, the leader marches over and announces that I’ve given
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him a copy. He demands the original. Again, I reply many times with “no entiendo”— all the while smiling and pretending to try my absolute best to understand. He clearly knows I’ve given him a copy. He also knows he has nothing on me without the original. Try as he might, he’s unable to make me understand that he must have the original. Ten minutes have passed since I blocked the driving lane, and a transport truck is now blocking the other lane. Together, we’re creating a huge traffic jam, and the many honks from the impatient line of vehicles comprise too many witnesses for the inexperienced young officer. Clearly disgusted, he throws the copy of my license at me and hurries to the next customer in line. One down, many to go. Only 100 yards farther, I’m stopped again, this time by a friendly guy in uniform who needs to see my shiny, new Honduran paperwork for the Jeep. He insists on keeping a copy for his records, which I don’t have. I have three copies of the receipts and many more of all my other documents, but no copy of the one he needs. I
“THE MORE I’VE HEARD ABOUT HONDURAS, HOWEVER, THE MORE I’M CERTAIN DRIVING STRAIGHT ACROSS IN ONE SHOT IS THE RIGHT THING TO DO.”
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obvious stupidity. Now he knows for sure that he’s dealing with an imbecile. He realizes there’s no way to explain what he wants. Clearly, I’m simply too stupid to understand. Finally, as a last resort, he asks me—begs me—for money. For a split second, I feel like giving it to him, simply because he’s so young. Even so, I continue with my “not understanding” bit. After the best puppy dog eyes he can manage, the young officer eventually gives up and waves me away. In the mirror, I see his buddies give him a hard time about returning empty-handed. This military bribery routine is repeated twice more in more or less similar circumstances and always with the same outcome: After wasting enough of their time and energy, I’m waved through—still holding all my money. Variations include a bribe, because the Jeep doesn’t have a front license plate and another officer asking if I have a jack before he hilariously pantomimes jacking up the Jeep in an attempt to make me understand. My trusty “No entiendo” response sees me through both of these—and more—without incident. One stop, however, is noticeably different. The officers aren’t lounging in the shade. There are large barriers on the road, and the entire roadblock has an official air about it.
try hard to escape the inevitable, although he’ll have none of it. With no other available choice, I turn around and get stuck in the traffic leaving Honduras before getting copies and returning. While driving past my three young military friends, I intentionally look away and have no idea if they try to stop me again. After handing over the new copy of my Jeep paperwork, I can finally enter Honduras. Fewer than three miles farther, a group of men in military uniform stand under the shade of a tree and eagerly wave me down. It’s abundantly clear they’ve been waiting for a tourist (naturally, I wonder if someone called ahead). At first, I stop in the middle of the road. However, they insist I park on the shoulder, so I comply. This is a game of knowing when to push my luck
and when to obey. The youngest of the three, who can’t be more than 17, approaches my window and starts the familiar routine. First, he demands my license, followed by the fire extinguisher and triangle. I immediately produce the fire extinguisher—before really making him work to make me understand the word for triangle (“triangular”). I say “No entiendo” so many times that even I get sick of hearing it. The young officer dives into a winding tale about how a triangle is used in the event of a flat tire. I continually make it clear I have no idea what he’s talking about. So, to emphasize his point, he kicks the nearest tire on the Jeep. My face lights up with a huge grin as I point to the spare on the back. In the worst Spanish accent I can muster, I say, “Sí; tengo cinco llantas” (“yes; I have five tires”). His shoulders slump with disappointment at my
The immaculately dressed officer politely asks to see all my documentation (including my passport), asks a few quick questions about my origin and destination, and then waves me through in fewer than 30 seconds. He even smiles and wishes me a safe journey. I gather this is an “authorized” checkpoint, while all the others are military guys doing whatever they want to earn extra cash—probably on their day off. The main highway is choked with painfully slow trucks and more corrupt officials, so I make a snap decision and turn east, aiming for the small border crossing at El Espino. I’m immediately happy about this decision. The chosen road winds up through small mountains … without a single military roadblock in sight. I pass through numerous small towns and villages that are clean, and the locals seem friendly. I thoroughly enjoy this part of Honduras and briefly consider spending the night here. I keep
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TO CROSS HONDURAS
“DURING THIS LENGTHY NEGOTIATION, THE SUN HAS INCHED BELOW THE HORIZON. MY ONE AND ONLY ‘GOLDEN RULE’ IS TO AVOID DRIVING IN THE DARK AT ALL COSTS DUE TO THE SERIOUS DANGERS PRESENT ON THE ROADS AT NIGHT.”
Four hours after entering Honduras, I arrive at the Nicaraguan border. The only stops have been the many military roadblocks (official and otherwise). I’m so surprised by what I see, I ask someone if this is the actual border. The whole area is spotless and quiet; not a single person hassles me. In fact, the few people I do see completely ignore me, which comes as a huge shock. This is unlike any border I’ve seen so far in Central America. At this point, I’m still thinking it’s a failure to drive across the country in one go: I want to mingle with Hondurans. With that in mind, I sit in a small roadside café for lunch that’s just 100 yards before the border gates. I order tacos and am delighted when they are hard-shelled and stuffed with cheese, onions and tomato. They’re so delicious that I immediately order another round—much to the delight of the lady running the busy, one-person operation. Striking up a conversation with locals is fun, and I’m again shocked at how far my Spanish has progressed. It’s great to actually reply and have a conversation rather than repeat the same three lines like a broken record. In fact, throughout the entire day, including the border issues and bribery attempts, I’ve understood 95 percent of everything said to me. The week of intensive Spanish lessons I took in El Salvador is paying off tenfold by making life easier and a lot more fun. A problem arises inside the deserted immigration office while getting stamped out of Honduras. Years ago, I was granted a visitor visa for the
United States; and because of a mistake with the simply pay $10 and then, I can go. I politely ask for dates, it was canceled, and a replacement visa was a receipt, which causes him to instantly bow his issued immediately. head, lower the rope and wave me through (I can’t blame the guy for trying to bribe me). Both are full pages in my passport, and the incorrect visa has a huge stamp in red that Entering Nicaragua reads, “Cancelled Without Prejudice” in English. I have to exchange the remaining Honduran cash However, The immigration officer thinks this I have. It’s the second time doing so today. I have means I was kicked out or banned. He’s certain absolutely no idea what the exchange rate is, anyone banned from the United States shouldn’t having never looked it up. be allowed into Honduras. It’s no surprise when a money changer appears It makes no difference how many times I explain just when I need him. He offers a rate I barely listen the situation and show him my valid U.S. visa. to before immediately asking for a better one. He He’s determined to hold me up. Even when I raises it a little, and I apply a little more pressure. point out that I’m already legally in Honduras and He raises the rate twice more before turning to simply want to leave, he won’t listen. After 30 walk away, saying that it’s the best he can do. minutes, he calls his superior to discuss what to do. I get the feeling he wants a bribe to hurry the “OK,” I say. “I’ll take that.” process along. Realizing he expects me to be in a hurry, I sit and wait patiently, making it clear After a clean, quiet—and easy—border crossing, I have all the time in the world. After another I drive into the streets of Nicaragua in the late af30 minutes, he loses interest, gives me an exit ternoon. This is country number three for the day. stamp, and I’m free to go. I’ll be the first to admit I’ve picked up horrendous The attendant holding a rope across the road asks driving habits since crossing into Mexico many to see my passport and papers for one last check months ago. Road rules simply don’t apply here. before I can drive out of Honduras. He assures me More often than not, it’s safer to ignore them multiple times this is absolutely the last check in anyway. I honestly haven’t looked at a speed limHonduras and that I won’t have anything else to deal it in months. I couldn’t care less for give-way or with. This really is it; I really can leave now. I must stop signs, and I completely ignore double lines
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“I’VE DRIVEN 320 MILES ACROSS THREE COUNTRIES IN 14½ HOURS. WE DID IT! GOOD JEEP. AFTER A COLD SHOWER AND ONE BEER, I FALL INTO A DREAMLESS SLEEP.” on the road. Nevertheless, I do mostly obey red lights, except when it’s easier to flow with the moving traffic and just go through.
Shifty Driving Gets a Ticket Extremely slow vehicles and horse-drawn carts are common occurrences in Central America; and, in my usual style, I zip around one on the outside of a blind corner. I cross double lines, doing about 50 mph … nothing unusual. Two policemen are waiting at the bottom of the hill and eagerly flag me down. I once again get the feeling they were waiting for me and must have been tipped off to my approach. After taking my license, it becomes clear they’ll write a ticket for my many infractions. They tell me the ticket will be about $20. The catch is that they’ll keep my license while I pay at a nearby bank. I was clearly breaking the law and was caught red-handed, so I’m happy to pay the legitimate fine. The problem comes when I must backtrack a long way to a specific bank. They only have a copy of my license—which I could easily abandon—but with no other way around this
situation, I can’t drive away from the bank. By making me backtrack, the officers have ensured I must pass by them after visiting the bank. During this lengthy negotiation, the sun has inched below the horizon. My one and only “golden rule” is to avoid driving in the dark at all costs due to the serious dangers present on the roads at night. After talking around the problem, it becomes clear they need money for gas, so I give them 100 córdobas ($5)—literally everything I have in my wallet. Immediately, the two policemen are my best friends. The ticket is forgotten, my license is returned, and they helpfully give directions to my destination before wishing me well. This is
only the second speeding ticket I’ve ever gotten … and I bribed my way out of it. As I pull away from the waving officers, it dawns on me: Maybe Nicaragua is stricter with road rules. Maybe I should toe the line more than I have been lately if I want to avoid more tickets. These good intentions last all of five minutes before I fall back to my old ways of driving as I please.
One Long Day, Three Countries I drive through an endless dusk before the light fades entirely and I find myself in pitch black. Having never once driven in the dark since entering Mexico, I find it difficult and intimidating. Horses, bicycles, children, abandoned vehicles, potholes and farm equipment materialize out of the darkness, and I work overtime on concentration. Now I remember why I don’t drive at night. Hours later, I pull into a large gas station and feel an overwhelming sense of déjà vu. The entire place is spotless, inside and out. Shelves are stacked with the requisite junk food, and there’s a line of people waiting at the attached fast food joint. The music that’s playing—in English— helps complete the picture. Finally, at 9:30 p.m., I climb stiffly out of the Jeep, safely parked in front of the Big Foot hostel in downtown León, the second-largest city in the country. I’ve driven 320 miles across three countries in 14½ hours. We did it! Good Jeep. After a cold shower and one beer, I fall into a dreamless sleep. (For more tales of faraway travels, follow adventurer Dan Grec on YouTube and Instagram: @theroadchoseme.)
Stepping Up A Look at the BDS Tacoma 6” Performance Coilover System
Year after year the Toyota Tacoma tops the list as the best selling mid-size truck and for good reason. With all the comfort, capability and technology packed into this truck it’s a blast to drive and get off the beaten path. One area it could use some help is some extra altitude to fit larger tires. With the goal of fitting a 35” tire we brought our quicksand 2020 Tacoma TRD into the shop to gain some extra clearance in the form of a BDS 6” performance coilover system
1 BDS does an excellent job supplying a complete system for the new Tacoma. Included are heavy duty drop crossmembers, full belly skidplate, diff relocation brackets, ductile iron steering knuckles, rear block kit, front FOX 2.5 coilovers, rear FOX 2.0 shocks, hardware packs and step-by-step instructions. The kit does require some cutting and welding, but the steps are clearly outlined in the installation instructions.
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3 WIth the kit installed you can see how all the pieces come together to maintain OE-like suspension geometry for smooth/predictable handling on road while improving offroad performance, capability and protection. These new systems are offered in 4’’ and 6’’ sizes allowing up to 35’’ tires to be installed.
Catering to those looking for a smooth ride and impressive offroad performance, BDS offers the 6’’ system with optional FOX 2.5 remote reservoir coilovers. These coilovers are built to perform and work with the BDS system to soak up bumps when you’re blazing a trail through the open desert. The FOX coilovers work with BDS’s beefy steering knuckles, drop crossmembers and diff relocation to correct suspension & steering geometry.
SOURCES:
The kit itself is built solid with BDS taking the time to design, test, and bring to market a quality suspension package. Whether your plans include regular trips through Baja or weekend trail rides with your buddies, the 6’’ performance coilover system is ready, willing and up to the challenge. All BDS lift kits are backed by the No Fine Print Warranty and include a 5-year, 60,000 mile drivetrain warranty so you can confidently use and abuse your new Toyota Tacoma.
BDS Suspension (517) 279-2135 bds-suspension.com D550
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A house on wheels … yet so much more STO RY BY MERC EDE S L ILIENTHAL P H OTOGRA P H Y BY SP ENCER WHITNEY
anadian resident A.J. Leveille was always into cars. He and his father built a hot rod as his first vehicle. In fact, he still owns it. Leveille was also in the Boy Scouts from ages 5 to 17. That laid the foundation for his love of the outdoors.
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“In university and beyond, I became very involved in hiking, mountaineering and trekking abroad,” said Leveille. Backcountry trips led him to build his Land Cruiser FJ40 camper “many years ago before ‘overlanding’ in North America was a ‘thing.’”
Family Overlanding Leveille’s love for adventuring through Canada’s vastness and beyond was a major reason he purchased and customized a used 2011 TGM 18.340 four-wheel-drive MAN truck that housed a TC59 Unicat camper. He wanted to travel the world for extended periods of time with his family of four. From extensive travels lasting three months in South America to trekking remote areas of Canada, Leveille loves his home-on-wheels. “To wake up somewhere remote in my own comfortable bed and then make breakfast and tea, all while gazing out the window from my warm, comfortable truck, is the greatest,” he explained. His goal was to spend as much time as possible with his
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“FROM HALIFAX TO VANCOUVER, NORTHERN BRITISH COLUMBIA TO THE ARCTIC CIRCLE AND EVEN CHILE TO TIERRA DEL FUEGO (THE TIP OF SOUTH AMERICA), THIS TRUSTY TRUCK HAS GIVEN LEVEILLE AND HIS FAMILY SHELTER, MILES OF SMILES AND CONSTANT ADVENTURE.”
The new Bronco Sport might be dwarfed by the sheer size of the Unicat. Even so, both vehicles can offer similar travels in different ways and provide an outlet for adventure.
beloved, mint-green machine. Leveille’s family comprises his wife, Carol, and their two sons, Nathan (12) and Nick (14). Their love for all types of vehicles binds them together … so much so that Nick is following in Leveille’s footsteps by building his own Land Cruiser FJ45.
The Mint-Green MAN Truck
A Unicat TC59 is an expedition truck designed for taking the whole family on extended international trips.
Armed with a 5,100mm wheelbase (about 2,009 inches), eight-speed manual transmission and a 158-gallon diesel tank, Leveille’s mint-green crew cab MAN truck has been all over the world. This 4x4 boasts a 6.9L engine with 340 hp and 920 lb-ft of torque and includes stock front and rear differential lockers, central differential lock and a two-speed transfer case with off-road reduction. Off-road capability was important to Leveille and his family. In addition to the previously
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Right: Leveille’s idea behind a move to a truck of this size? Spending time exploring international locales with his children and wife.
Below: The camper box was built by Unicat. It’s constructed of highly insulated fiberglass composite panels.
“‘CANADA IS VAST! IT HAS A DIVERSE LANDSCAPE AND, IF YOU’RE WILLING TO EXPLORE, YOU’RE LIKELY TO BE REWARDED WITH GREAT SCENERY, WILDLIFE AND, IF YOU GO FAR ENOUGH OUT, THERE’S OFTEN NO ONE ELSE AROUND.’” —A.J. LEVEILLE mentioned features, this MAN truck boasts Hutchinson aluminum wheels with internal beadlocks that allow ultra-low operating pressure. The wheels are shod with 14.00 R20 Samson GLO73A tires that offer strong tread blocks and reinforced ribs for durability, as well as a rounded-shoulder design to enhance off-road capabilities. Also included is a rear motorbike rack storage area that currently houses one fullsized spare that’s accessible via an electric ComeUp winch.
Wonderful Winches Affixed to the front and rear of Leveille’s MAN truck are two beefy, hydraulic Superwinch winches that provide recovery opportunities when the going gets … stuck. Roof- and rear-mounted Waeco cameras check clearances when the family’s navigating tight trails. Showcasing a curb weight of 28,990 pounds—which includes fresh water and fuel—Leveille’s MAN truck boasts parabolic leaf springs and custom-built front
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01. While air brakes slow the truck, locking differentials in front and rear keep it moving forward when the going gets tough.
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Although the Leveilles have pounded thousands of miles of pavement, they’ve had their fair share of off-road adventures too. They’ve tackled a variety of terrain in numerous countries. Leveille recalls rolling into a town in Argentina and commenting to his wife on how bad the road was ... “only to have a brand-new Ferrari drive by at that exact moment.” Armed with recovery gear, Leveille’s MAN truck carries two pairs of MAXTRAX traction boards, a 130,000-pound tow strap, two large Pull-Pal land anchors and several oversized D-ring shackles. This gear makes quick work if the massive, lean, mean, mint-green machine gets stuck.
02. Should the need arise, the truck is equipped with a 20,000-pound hydraulic Superwinch—front and rear—with wireless remote control and in-dash switching available as well.
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Oh, Canada (and Beyond) Leveille resides just outside of Vancouver, British Columbia, and has a deep-seated love for his country: “Canada is vast! It has a diverse landscape and, if you’re willing to explore, you’re likely to be rewarded with great scenery, wildlife and, if you go far enough out, there’s often no one else around.” Canada offers world-class wilderness, as other countries do, “but Canada’s edge is
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03. With a threepoint sub-frame, the truck frame can flex a dramatic amount, thus providing great tire contact on the twisty bits.
04. Powered by a MAN inline six-turbo diesel engine rated at 340 hp—which is pre DEF (diesel exhaust fluid)—traveling is a bit easier, while adhering to varying world fuel standards.
05. Tools and a solid assortment of recovery gear options are on hand to help when things don’t go as planned.
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06. The MAN truck showcases an integrated rear winch and retractable rear under-ride crash guard.
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“LEVEILLE’S LOVE FOR ADVENTURING THROUGH CANADA’S VASTNESS AND BEYOND WAS A MAJOR REASON HE PURCHASED AND CUSTOMIZED A USED 2011 TGM 18.340 FOUR-WHEEL-DRIVE MAN TRUCK THAT HOUSED A TC59 UNICAT CAMPER.”
A built-in outdoor kitchen, Webber BBQ and propane fire pit together make setting up camp easy and quick.
that it often allows great public access,” Leveille added. “Much of Canada is ‘crown land’—not private land—and can be used for recreation year-round.” With two years of ownership under his belt, Leveille has put approximately 25,000 miles on his mint-green MAN truck. From Halifax to Vancouver, northern British Columbia to the Arctic Circle and even Chile to Tierra del Fuego (the tip of South America), this trusty truck has given Leveille and his family shelter, miles of smiles and constant adventure.
Custom-built, pressurized storage boxes provide dust-free gear storage.
An Infinite Interior Because of its infinite list of features and amenities, Leveille’s MAN truck provided his
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03 01. A bright, airy design and all the comforts of home make this an easy place to unwind after a long day on the road.
02. Heat, AC, solar and a generator keep this unit comfortable in all weather conditions—perfect for world travels.
03. A fully functional kitchen with a Force 10 oven/cooktop and locking drawers with built-in dishes, pots and pans
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family with flexibility, respite and time away from the everyday grind. A lockable passthrough from the cab to the Unicat camper, along with scratch-resistant, burglar-proof, hinged Unicat windows, adds security and protects their rolling home from prying eyes. The Unicat unit features a seating area for up to six people and an adjustable swivel table on a pedestal in the front of the cabin. A double-sized bed includes suspension similar to a traditional box spring mattress and a heating element to help keep Leveille and his wife comfortable. The two boys enjoy the bunk beds that easily convert to a couch. A comfortable sleeping area, a combination shower and toilet room, and an impressive kitchen all make for a solid, self-contained setup. The kitchen features an LPG 3-Force 10 three-flame stove with integrated oven, a 38-gallon fridge and 4-gallon freezer, as well as several drawers for dishes and cooking supplies with rattle-proof dividers. The MAN truck offers six AGM batteries, a Victron 1000W solar system, shore power, a portable Honda generator and a heavy-duty alternator. They keep power flowing to the vehicle and Unicat cabin. LED lights keep the interior lit, and multiple on-board tanks keep the family hydrated, clean and self-sufficient.
04. The rear garage offers storage of outdoor camp gear and a folding electric mountain bike. It also houses an outdoor shower.
Leveille adds that with a MAN truck, there’s no camp to set up, and it’s 100 percent self-reliant. “You’re no longer bound by
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“IT’S MY SINCERE HOPE THAT THROUGH COVID AND YOUR OWN STRUGGLES, YOU CAN FIND A SLICE OF YOUR OWN ADVENTURE DAILY— WHATEVER THAT LOOKS LIKE FOR YOU.” —A.J. LEVEILLE needing to reach a certain campsite.” The family has slept in fantastic spots, as well as challenging places, “but once the blinds are closed, it doesn’t really matter where you are when you have your house on the back.” To Leveille, seeing his children continually expand their world view and find their own love of adventure and travel is highly gratifying. He says it’s the dreams of future travels that their MAN truck can bring that help them fuel their adventures.
A spacious, bright cab offers all occupants great views of passing scenery.
MAN Truck Woes However, adventuring with a MAN truck isn’t like traveling with a Tacoma. It takes a lot of awareness to drive a truck this big. In addition, you aren’t immune to other mechanical problems.
Passing on a passion for world travels and adventures to the next generation
2011 MAN
ENGINE: 5.9L, 340 TRANSMISSION: ZF
HP DIESEL
(MODEL) 8-SPEED WITH HIGH/LOW,
ALLOWING 16 SPEEDS
SUSPENSION: (FRONT AND REAR) MAN PARABOLIC LEAF SPRINGS; CUSTOM-BUILT KING ADJUSTABLE SHOCKS WHEELS AND TIRES: HUTCHINSON ALUMINUM INTERNAL BEADLOCK 10X20 WHEELS; SAMSON GLO73A 14.00 R20 EXTERIOR ACCESSORIES: CUSTOM-LENGTHENED FRAME BY MAN/UNICAT; HELLA/BOSCH DRIVING LIGHTS; HYDRAULIC SUPERWINCH 20,000-LB. FRONT AND REAR WITH WIRELESS HEINRICKS CONTROLLER; UNICAT CUSTOM STAINLESS BOXES INTERIOR ACCESSORIES: ISRI AIR-RIDE BUCKET SEATS WITH CUSTOM ALCANTARA UPHOLSTERY; IPAD WITH NAVIGATION APPS; UNICAT CUSTOM UPHOLSTERY AND SOUND-DEADENING; GARMIN INREACH; MAN CB RADIO; 12V, 24V AND 120-240V POWER IS AVAILABLE FOR CHARGING USING A VICTRON INVERTER.
The family has suffered mechanical issues throughout its travels. “In Canada, a secondary serpentine belt broke, causing a sensor wire to sever and damage the cooling fan,” Leveille pointed out. “Luckily, the truck still ran, and we were able to order parts from Germany and repair it at home.” In Chile, his fan shroud loosened and was destroyed; it was likely linked to the first issue in Canada. “Due to the remoteness and limited availability of parts, I needed to rely on my own mechanical abilities and ‘bush-fix’ it to get it going,” Leveille said. “That repair lasted until we got the truck back to Canada.” Other misfortunes—such as blowing an
intercooler or diving deep into various repairs to solve other issues—sometimes plagued the family while they were on the road. “With no one around here who works on these trucks, I was often left to sort out my own mechanical issues.” Nevertheless, he added that Unicat was great, and its staff helped get parts sent from Germany at a moment’s notice. Ultimately, the problems Leveille’s MAN truck suffered through paled in comparison to the experiences he and his family have had together. “One of the most important lessons is not taking life for granted and choosing to live each day to the fullest,” he said. “It’s my sincere hope that through COVID and your own struggles, you can find a slice of your own adventure daily— whatever that looks like for you.”
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MORE THAN A DRIVE Getting the open-air experience with added comfort from a soft top STORY BY T R EAD STAFF | P HOTOS COUR T ESY OF B ESTOP
ome of us are like dogs: We love the fresh air on our faces. We want to hang an arm out of the open window, regardless of the temperature or the time of day. We crave the way the wind feels at speed and can’t help but be disappointed at every stop sign or red light. We love the way the air feels and smells, and we embrace small stings from sand falling off the truck ahead. We even tolerate the rain because it’s real—visceral—and it’s part of feeling alive.
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It was on a drive to work roughly 18 months after having moved to a location with 300 days of sunshine per year that a thought suddenly occurred to me: I was wasting my commute time trapped in a truck when I could be accomplishing the same task and
Open-air driving is a much richer experience with a soft top. This model provides extra sun protection overhead.
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“THE SIMPLE THRILL OF GOING DOWN THE ROAD WITH THE TOP OPEN HAS A WAY OF BRINGING A JOVIAL THRILL TO EVEN THE STERNEST FACE. IT BRINGS AN ELEMENTARY FEELING OF FREEDOM AND RULE-BREAKING, EVEN THOUGH IT’S WHAT THESE VEHICLES WERE DESIGNED FOR."
The Trektop soft top provides several use options—from some overhead coverage to none at all.
simple thrill of going down the road with the top open has a way of bringing a jovial thrill to even the sternest face. It brings an elementary feeling of freedom and rule-breaking, even though it’s what these vehicles were designed for.
enjoy the sunshine and wind in my hair.
Hard top to Soft Top via a Kit
I wanted a convertible, but I needed fourwheel drive. That’s when it struck me: I needed a Jeep. Needless to say, I’ve been obsessed with Wranglers and open-air driving ever since. And, with the launch of the JL Wrangler and the new Ford Bronco, open-air driving is available to many others with the higher need for creature comforts from a newer vehicle.
This is easier to accomplish than you would think. Simply removing the hard top and going for a joyride is a great start. However, the ultimate level of adaptability, ease and comfort will come from installing a soft top. The addition of a soft top such as the Trektop allows the flexibility of changing the driving experience in the moment.
Going ‘Full Monty’—Finally A year of ownership went into this new 4WD convertible before the hard top was finally pulled off. Up until that point, I‘d only dabbled in open-air driving by removing doors or hard top panels. I hadn’t yet gone “full Monty.” A year—12 whole months—and roughly 300 days of sunshine came and went before I embraced the fact that my vehicle was made to be enjoyed and not preserved like some precious dessert. Why wait until it becomes a stale iteration of its former self before removing the hard top? Sure, some dust and rain found its way inside, but still, my only regret is that I hadn’t taken it off sooner. The popularity of these ultra-capable SUVs with removable tops has skyrocketed; yet, even the casual observer would note that most stay buttoned up while on the road.
Gazing at the stars gets better when you can roll back the convertible top to get full access to the sky above.
If this describes you, then please heed this advice: Open up. You’ll thank me later. The fact of the matter is this: If you paid for a convertible, you should enjoy your vehicle as a convertible, even if it’s just on occasion. The
Several aftermarket companies sell complete soft tops as a kit. This removes the guesswork and, if your vehicle only came with a hard top, it leaves you with one, simple solution to equip your vehicle with a soft top. With
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“ ... YOU CAN TAKE FULL ADVANTAGE OF THE SWITCH TO A SOFT TOP BY USING IT TO CUSTOMIZE THE LOOK OF YOUR VEHICLE." While some prefer the traditional, squared-off look in the back to match the vehicle’s heritage, others prefer the sleek, modified look of a fastback-style soft top, such as the Trektop by Bestop. Use caution though, because adding this amount of personal "pizzazz" could change you into the sort of person who glances back at their vehicle and smiles when walking away from it when it’s parked. Or, worse yet, you could be the person who pulls off the highway to take photos of it in front of “Now Entering … ” signs at state borders. The Trektop by Bestop offers a sleek, fastback-style soft top for added personality.
several options on the market, finding one that fits your individual needs should be easy. Companies that manufacture soft tops—such as Bestop, which has been the supplier of soft tops to Jeep since the early 1980s—have options from a minimalist approach to a full replacement. If a full soft top isn’t for you, one recent development is a “Sunrider”-style top, which replaces the smaller, removable panels of a hard top (usually above the front row of seats) with a quick flip-back soft top. Pioneered by Bestop in 2016, this style has been so popular that these products are now available right at the dealership for Wranglers and Broncos alike. While these options won’t let you go fully convertible, they will allow access to open air in seconds without having to remove your vehicle’s hard top. Also, they’re suitable for all seasons and climates. For those ready to take the full plunge, a complete soft top can be installed at many vehicle accessory shops—right in your driveway with simple hand tools or through home installation options that offer professional help at your convenience. Additionally, new designs and technologies, such as zipperless windows and assist mechanisms, have eased the headache of yesteryear’s soft top designs. It’s safe to say that soft tops today have been optimized
so that anyone can operate them.
Ultimately, whichever way you decide to go, you’re nearly guaranteed a big smile to share with friends and family while on short ice cream trips or exploring never-ending dirt roads.
Consider This … How about cargo accessibility? Imagine your cargo area packed to the gills for a back-road adventure. Outfitted with a hard top, items are only accessible through the tailgate at the rear or through the rear doors around the rear seats. This isn’t always ideal. Now imagine being able to reach right through the side rear window. Equipping your vehicle with a soft top means you can remove panels for access to your gear as you never could before. Worried about extra noise? No need. Over the years, vehicles have become quieter, faster and more comfortable. Naturally, we all like this aspect. If soft tops didn’t follow the same trend, they’d be amiss. Thankfully, options exist for higher-end materials such as twill, which insulates, looks great and lasts a long time. In fact, these are the same materials used in very high-end convertibles. Lastly, you can take full advantage of the switch to a soft top by using it to customize the look of your vehicle.
The Sunrider-style soft top allows easy access to sunshine without you having to remove the hard top panels.
Go beyond rolling the windows down and putting an arm out. Accomplish all the things you need to do with your vehicle, such as commuting and grocery runs, but do it … better. Enjoy a little taste of ... a dog’s life.
On-/Off-Road All-Terrain Designed to provide confident traction in demanding conditions combined with an aggressive appearance, the Scorpion All Terrain Plus also delivers civilized on-road manners. The independent tread blocks of the all-terrain pattern combine with sipes to provide the biting edges needed for grip in variable terrain and deep snow. Conical stone ejectors help prevent stone damage, and the New Generation tread compound is cut- and chip-resistant.
Crossover/SUV Touring All-Season Utilizing functionalized polymers and full-depth features, the Scorpion AS Plus 3 is engineered to deliver confident traction throughout the tire’s life while also providing even tread wear and enhanced mileage. The evenly distributed grooves and channels work in unison to elevate hydroplaning resistance while providing maximum contact with the road surface.
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Built to be surprisingly quiet on the highway but fully capable off-road, the Discoverer Rugged Trek maintains traditional aggressive all-terrain features while performing comfortably on streets and highways. Earth Diggers provide traction in loose surfaces and Stone Blockades protect against sharp rocks. When back on pavement, Stable Trac Tripods enhance slippery condition grip and Whisper Grooves help shield airborne noise from the more aggressive inboard tread elements.
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Photography gear for the planet STO RY BY JOH N PANGIL INAN | PHOTOS COU RTESY OF MANU FAC T UR ER
PEAK DESIGN
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“PEAK DESIGN, MAKERS OF PHOTOGRAPHY GEAR, HAVE SUPPLIED SOLUTIONS TO ELEVATE THE PHOTOGRAPHY EXPERIENCE FOR ADVENTURERS AND HOBBYISTS ALIKE."
The gear is tested by experts and put through real-world scenarios, including the camera strap, which provides photographers with the ability to keep their camera close.
raveling and photography often go hand in hand. Many are inspired by the images of exotic locations seen online, on social media or in books and magazines full of breathtaking imagery.
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This often creates a desire to travel. With your rig packed and an epic trip ahead of you, it’s time to capture and document new memories. To do so successfully might require a bit of skill and luck, but it also necessitates the proper camera equipment to ensure you’re ready when the time comes to click the shutter button. Whether you’re crossing borders on an overlanding trip, hanging out on a camping trip with the family or simply exploring a new location, having access to your trusted gear is key. Peak Design, makers of photography gear, have supplied solutions to elevate the photography experience for adventurers and hobbyists alike.
An Established Brand In slightly more than 10 years, Peak Design has changed the landscape of photography accessories by providing photographers with innovative products to help them organize and protect their valuable gear. From humble beginnings, the company has quickly become an established brand on which amateur and professional photographers rely. The company accomplished this by embracing new avenues for marketing and sales via “crowdfunding,”
which was still in its infancy, and spread the word with the rise of social media. What was a novel approach back then has now become the norm. Today, the company has several designs in various categories that range from photography to travel, along with two flagship stores—one in San Francisco and another in Japan. As with many brands, the founding of Peak Design was rooted in the need to improve a personal experience by its founder, Peter Dering. While on a four-month trip around the world, Dering realized there wasn’t a great solution for carrying a larger DSLR camera. Sure, traditional camera straps can provide support and make the camera accessible but would often move around uncomfortably while on the neck, shoulder or worn across the body. In addition, if you’re on a hike, the large camera can often leave its mark with bruises to the body. If the camera is put away in a backpack or another style of bag, you might risk missing the shot.
Peak Design’s Beginnings As with many entrepreneurs and inventors before him, Dering decided to take a leap of faith and quit his job to dedicate his time to his new idea. This, in turn, would improve the photography experience—and change his life. Working from his San Francisco apartment, Dering spent 10 months meticulously designing
The team at Peak Design has grown since its humble beginnings a decade ago.
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“PEAK DESIGN HAS CHANGED THE LANDSCAPE OF PHOTOGRAPHY ACCESSORIES BY PROVIDING PHOTOGRAPHERS WITH INNOVATIVE PRODUCTS TO HELP THEM ORGANIZE AND PROTECT THEIR VALUABLE GEAR." a solution to carry a camera without the need for a strap while simultaneously having it ready to shoot at a moment’s notice. The new invention, dubbed the “Capture,” was born. Capture conveniently keeps a camera stable and secure while the user is hiking, biking or involved in other activities by attaching it to a backpack strap or belt loop; and, with a click of a button, the camera can be quickly accessed. Dering designed the Capture as two components with one clip that clamps to a backpack strap, belt or bag, along with an Arca tripod-compatible plate that screws onto the base of a camera. The camera locks into place, and a quick-release button makes it easy to remove. The Capture can hold more
PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT
Peak Design
TRAVEL DUFFELPACK The Peak Design Travel Duffelpack provides versatile options for travel. It offers the ability to transform from a backpack with traditional shoulder straps to a duffel. Built tough to withstand heavy loads, as well as provide protection from the elements, the bag can expand to hold more contents when needed as a result of a clever, integrated expansion feature. The Duffelpack is a great solution for those who enjoy one-bag travel. It fits easily into the back of a vehicle and transitions seamlessly if it's needed for a hike. With multiple storage compartments to keep everything organized, the Duffelpack helps maximize the carry capacity and makes access quick and easy. The Travel Duffelpack is available in two colors and is compatible with Peak Design’s other products, including the Capture and Packing Cubes.
MSRP: $219.95 URL: peakdesign.com
than 200 pounds of any camera body and lens combination. With this invention, Peak Design came to life.
Successful Crowdfunding Approach Rather than taking the traditional route to find investors to help fund his project, Dering turned to the fairly new and fledgling website, Kickstarter. This crowdfunding site gave him the opportunity to showcase his idea and product to other photographers and give them the opportunity to support, and eventually purchase, the product. This helped him gauge the market and interact directly with the target consumers every step of the way. By going this route, Dering eliminated the need to dive
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deep into his own pockets, while providing the ability to make subtle changes based on feedback. The campaign was an instant success: More than 5,000 people backed the project to help make the idea a reality—more than $360,000 was raised in the process. Since 2010, no other photography accessory company has been as successful through crowdfunding as Peak Design. After the incredible launch of Capture, Peak Design has released a slew of products that include camera straps, packs and travel bags. The company now has 10 crowdfunding product launch campaigns under its belt—having raised more than $34 million, including one of the most funded campaigns ever on Kickstarter: Peak Design’s Travel Tripod, which, alone, raised more than $12 million. The company has won an impressive number of awards, including the Best of Show award at the Outdoor Retailer trade show from notable media outlets (Carryology, Gear Patrol and Gear Junkie).
“SINCE 2010, NO OTHER PHOTOGRAPHY ACCESSORY COMPANY HAS BEEN AS SUCCESSFUL THROUGH CROWDFUNDING AS PEAK DESIGN."
A Winning Company Culture Yet, despite all the accolades during the past decade, the accomplishment that Dering is most proud of is the company, itself, and the culture within. The company thrives on helping provide its employees with a sense of pride, happiness and overall satisfaction with their personal lives. “The purpose of this company is for the employees … to be able to lead fulfilling lives,” Dering pointed out. “So, what I'm most proud of is the fact that the purpose is being achieved. Not only do I know it in my bones … but it's evidenced by the fact that we've had a near-zero turnover in the 10 years since I Company outings are at the core of the brand, creating a culture that places emphasis on its people.
started this company.” He added, “The result is an organization that behaves much more like a family than the traditional notion of a 'place of work.' I'm immensely proud of this.” As the company has grown, its mission statement of six principles has been used as a guiding light and foundation for the overall decision-making:
The Peak Design office provides the comforts of home for its team.
• Make the best things. • Succeed at the expense of nobody.
• Treat our customers as peers. • Offset our environmental impact. • Use our voice to inspire positive change. • Prioritize happiness over growth. Peak Design has put the planet before profits via an industry-leading Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative. The business has taken into account its overall impact economically, socially and environmentally to ensure it's leaving a positive impact on the world. Peak Designs has adapted practices that align with the organization’s overall mission to help support these goals. As a founding member of
OPEN-AIR ADVENTURE Feel the wind in your hair and the sun’s warmth on your face. Just flip back the Sunrider® for Hardtop and you instantly have open-air fun. It’s an all-weather, all-year answer to those bulky factory Freedom Panels.
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“THE ACCOMPLISHMENT THAT DERING IS MOST PROUD OF IS THE COMPANY, ITSELF, AND THE CULTURE WITHIN. THE COMPANY THRIVES ON HELPING PROVIDE ITS EMPLOYEES WITH A SENSE OF PRIDE, HAPPINESS AND OVERALL SATISFACTION WITH THEIR PERSONAL LIVES."
Certified Climate Neutral, the company helps brands efficiently measure, reduce and offset their carbon output. As of January 2020, Peak Design became a certified B Corporation; this classification holds the company accountable for its impact on workers, customers, suppliers, community and the environment.
Peak Design gear offers versatile solutions that organize and protect items, such as clothing and gadgets.
Dering shared, “Road adventures are what gave me the idea for Capture and our tripod. Give me a motorcycle or a rutty dirt track, and
With all of its success, the company has made a conscious effort to give back. As part of 1% For the Planet, its giving is focused primarily on climate change, conservation efforts and environmental advocacy. To date, the company has donated more than $650,000. In addition, Peak Design has donated more than $2 million over the past five years to various organizations that focus on environmental, health and social justice issues. With a foundation built on outdoor adventure, it’s only fitting that the brand has been dedicated to providing essential gear and accessories for those who travel and enjoy their time out in the elements. Peak Design has supplied photographers with the peace of mind and confidence to explore more, whether they're traveling by automobile, plane or even
motorcycle. In fact, Peak Design’s newest collection focuses on mobile devices with mobile cases and mounts to protect and enhance the journey.
Peak Design founder Peter Dering and professional rock climber Alex Honnold at Outdoor Retailer speak about Climate Neutral, an organization he co-founded.
I will find the sense of freedom that inspires the creativity required to solve the problems you inevitably encounter while adventuring. It's this interplay between constantly running into inconveniences and simultaneously having lots of time on the road to think that ends up being the generator of the ideas that become our products.”
Get a tire that goes your way, all the way. 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
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FAMILY VALUES ‘Overland Dad’ builds a 2021 Ford F250 Super Duty for off-road camping adventures. STORY BY M AR K P UR ODOM I NS KY | P HOTOS BY CO RE Y W H I TA KE R
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“THIS THIS ISN’T A TYPICAL OVERLANDER BUILD, BECAUSE COREY ISN’T A TYPICAL OVERLANDER; HE’S AN EXPERIENCED OFF-ROAD DRIVER, AND THIS BUILD WOULD DEFINITELY PUT HIS SKILLS TO THE TEST.” The 180W solar panels, an option for the Camper-X, are mounted up top to extend off-grid adventures.
ometimes, we get to meet really special people who have their priorities in order and their lives in good perspective. This is most definitely the case with Corey Whitaker. Before anything else, he’s a dad and a husband. His role in the family defines everything in his life, even when it comes to building bad-ass off-road vehicles—all of them.
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Family Man
The Whitaker family stops to play on a tree stump while deciding if this area is the best camp spot.
Corey became interested in nature and camping at a very young age. He explored with his own family since before he can remember, and his wife grew up loving camping too. When he got his first real job, he bought a Scion TC, thinking he could easily take it to the mountains. After a winter of having to use chains to get up to the
mountains, he quickly realized that he had made a very bad mistake. He also realized that this vehicle was a huge limiting factor in his outdoor fun. So, he bought a 2008 Toyota Tacoma 4x4 double cab short-bed—the rig that sparked his love for off-roading. After six or seven years of learning the ropes while off-roading in countless locations, Corey started to take more interest in more-vehicle-based camping using BLM and state land to cover more ground and explore more trails. While wheeling was an activity he did mostly with friends, his wife would come along for the camping. “As long as I can remember, I’ve been into the outdoors,” Corey says. “I was brought up camping, and so was my wife, Anna.”
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of course, truck pictures. While most of his friends didn’t understand the whole truck “thing” or off-roading in general, Corey had found his creative outlet. It became an amazing way to document his beautiful family and their adventurous experiences together. “It’s a creative outlet for me that has become a big part of my identity,” Corey shares. “I’ve met so many of my friends as a result of starting the account and have also met some really awesome and inspiring people along the way.”
Around this same time, Corey and Anna’s lives would forever change: Their twins, Emma and Gavin, were born, giving Corey his true namesake as the “@OverlandDad.” He started a new Instagram account dedicated to documenting the family’s adventures and,
The Axial remote truck provides plenty of entertainment for the kids when camping.
The off-road community, coupled with social media, inspired him to start both his Instagram and YouTube accounts, which really fueled his interest in photography and videography. What started as a way to document his family outings turned into a creative process that continues to inspire people all over the world.
Out With the Old, in With the Bad-Ass While Corey has had a couple of cool rigs, the first one that really stood out was his incredible 2016 Toyota Land Cruiser 200 series. It was decked out with all the goodies necessary to take his whole family off-grid for days. It was also one of the only long-travel LC 200s in the world—and a massive inspiration to the entire JDM offroad community. Unfortunately, it was also a prototype suspension kit that brought a lot of its own issues. On a trial run at the Gorman suspension test track, Corey’s CV took its final turn before it exploded. Now imagine: Your vehicle is inoperable, and you’re waiting for a tow truck in the pitchblack night with two small children. Most normal parents would freak out, but Corey
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“EVEN THOUGH HE HAS THE ABILITY TO HOUSE AN ARMY, COREY STILL WANTED TO BE ABLE TO GET TO HIS FAVORITE, SUPER-REMOTE CAMPING SPOTS SPOTS. WITH THIS MONSTER OF A BUILD, HE STILL CAN.” was prepared with hot cocoa, fruit snacks and mac-and-cheese. His kids barely even noticed anything was wrong. The tow truck came, and off went the Land Cruiser. That whole suspension debacle gave Corey an excuse to start letting his eyes wander into the distance for a potential next build. At this point, their third child, Sierra, was well on her way.
Corey says, “It was around that time that we realized we needed a bigger vehicle if we wanted to be comfortable on our adventures.” So, Corey decided to “shift gears” and move into the next build: He shot for the moon and purchased a 2021 Ford Super Duty F-250 Tremor 6.7L Turbo Diesel. This monster of a truck puts down 475 hp and 1,050 lb/ft. of torque (yes, you read that correctly: 1,050 lb/ft. of torque),
Top: “Teddy” proudl proudly guards the rig in front of ICON Alloy Rebound wr wrapped in BFG KO2s.
Above: The stairs to the X-Camper discreetly fit in the headache rack behind the cab. Left: The 1up bike rack easily attaches to the trailer hitch, allowing Corey to bring his bik bike on camping a adventures.
and he needs every bit of that power to take this beast of a truck to the most remote of mountaintops.
Prioritizing Needs This isn’t a typical overlander build, because Corey isn’t a typical overlander; he’s an experienced off-road driver, and this build would definitely put his skills to the test. And, his rig isn’t just a cabin on wheels, it’s also an extremely capable off-road rig.
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“COREY AND ANNA NOW HAVE THREE KIDS … AND THEY GET FILTHY. KEEPING THEM CLEAN BEFORE BEDTIME WAS INCREDIBLY IMPORTANT.” The build also comes with a list of priorities to keep his wife and kids content. After a few well-planned, thought-out rig builds under his belt, Corey felt super-confident about his experience and started this insane F250 build. He and his wife made a plan and started with their list of absolute priorities. Running hot water. When there are five people, dishes tend to stack up fast. Nobody wants to wash dishes in the freezing cold—with freezing cold water—in the dead of winter. Also, after a long day of hiking or snowboarding there’s nothing better than a hot shower. In addition, Corey and Anna now have three kids … and they get filthy. Keeping them clean before bedtime was incredibly important. A place to unwind. When the weather gets bad, it’s always nice to have a place to retreat to. Rooftop tents don’t always cut it, especially when you have an “army” of kids. Too many bodies in a rooftop tent is not a place to relax and unwind, let alone sleep well. The camper gives them a decent-sized
The queen-sized bed can an also be easily converted into a king.
The kitchen area is complete with a sink, cooktop top and plenty of storage below.
Bottom: The OEV Camper-X allows plenty of space for the twins to hang out inside while Anna prepares s a delicious meal.
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“THIS MONSTER OF A TRUCK PUTS DOWN 450 HP AND 1,050 LB.-FT. OF TORQUE … AND HE NEEDS EVERY BIT OF THAT POWER TO TAKE THIS BEAST OF A TRUCK TO THE MOST REMOTE OF MOUNTAINTOPS.”
Off-road capability and agility. While Anna couldn’t care less about the vehicle’s power, performance or articulation, they were all important to Corey. He wanted to be able to cover some of the more gnarly and technical terrains. Even though he has the ability to house an army, Corey still wanted to be able to get to his favorite, super-remote camping spots. With this monster of a build, he still can.
The Build—Start to Finish Corey purchased this vehicle in February 2021, and in just three or four short months, he pretty much got himself one of the coolest off-road rigs in the country. The guys from OEV made an amazing poptop camper. It, along with the Aluma Tray, was installed by Pop-Top Overland. Ben from Dissent Off-Road built and installed the front bumper and a WARN Zeon 12-s
Bottom left: The Overland Explorer Vehicles Aluma Tray provides extra storage on the outside of the vehicle—perfect for Corey to store re recovery gear and more.
Bottom right: In the cockpit of the F250 F250, comms are e easily within reach.
Platinum winch. 1T4 Fabrication’s Brandon designed and built the rear bumper and made a custom hitch to raise it 6 inches for the ultimate departure angle. Tucker from Frontrunner Outfitters provided and installed the roof rack. Corey, himself, did all the wiring for the
Lightforce lights all over the truck, including four HTX2 lights on the front bumper, a 50inch, single-row lightbar, two Venoms on the A-pillar, two Venom amber spot covers and nine ROK9 lights (under-truck lights). This bad boy sits on a set of 17x9 Icon Rebound HDs wrapped in a set of 37-inch BFGoodrich TA KO2 tires. Soon, it will articulate beautifully, thanks to a full Carli Suspension setup specifically tuned for the extra weight of the camper, which includes a torsion sway bar, a track bar, high- and low-mount steering stabilizer, adjustable radius arms and a full progressive leaf spring. Lastly, there are also some awesome overland accessories in the form of an Eezi Awn K9 shower cube, an Eezi Awn Manta awning and a 1up bike rack. To handle all the communications and make sure Corey stays the course and in touch, he installed a Garmin inReach Explorer+ in conjunction with a Yaesu FTM 400XD. Dealing with the power management, Corey called upon RedArc Australia to bring in the big guns
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“NOTHING BEATS SEEING YOUR WIFE AND KIDS HAVING THE TIME OF THEIR LIVES IN THE COUNTRY’S MOST REMOTE LOCATIONS, BUILDING PRICELESS MEMORIES FOR THE REST OF THEIR LIVES.” ENGINE:
2021 Ford F250 Lariat Tremor
6.7L TURBO DIESEL
SUSPENSION: CARLI SUSPENSION 3.5” PIN TOP, CUSTOM TUNED WITH TORSION SWAY BAR, TRACK BAR, HIGH- AND LOW-MOUNT STEERING STABILIZER, ADJUSTABLE RADIUS ARMS, FULL PROGRESSIVE LEAF SPRING (INSTALLED SOON) WHEELS & TIRES: ICON ALLOYS REBOUND HD TITANIUM 17X8.5 6MM/5” BACKSPACING; BFGOODRICH TA KO2 37X12.5X17 INTERIOR ACCESSORIES: SATELLITE COMMUNICATOR; GARMIN INREACH EXPLORER+; YAESU FTM 400XD HAM RADIO; REDARC MANAGER 30; BUILTRIGHT INDUSTRIES DASH MOUNT; RAM MOUNTS; BUILTRIGHT INDUSTRIES UNDER-SEAT STORAGE PANELS; SDHQ A-PILLAR MOUNTS; CHILD CARE SEATS EXTERIOR ACCESSORIES: DISSENT OFFROAD FRONT BUMPER; WARN ZEON 12-S PLATINUM WINCH; 1T4 FAB REAR BUMPER; LIGHTFORCE (4) HTX2, 50” SINGLE-ROW LIGHTBAR, (2) VENOM A-PILLAR, (2) VENOM AMBER SPOT COVER; (9) ROK9 LIGHTS FOR ROCKLIGHTS; EEZI AWN K9 SHOWER CUBE; EEZI AWN MANTA AWNING; FRONT RUNNER OUTFITTERS CAB-OVER ROOF RACK WITH THE COMPANY’S INTEGRATED PRO TABLE CAMPER: OVERLAND EXPLORER VEHICLES CAMP-X; OVERLAND EXPLORER VEHICLES ALUMA TRAY
While we, the public, will never truly know, Corey knows it’s all money that’s well spent. He’s kept track of everything to the penny because as an accountant, keeping track of every, last penny isn’t just his job, it’s also his obsession.
in the form of a Manager 30 power management kit. Inside the cabin, holding up all the important stuff—including phones, screens and radios—are Ram mounts attached to a Built Right Industries dash mount. Lastly, the most prominent interior mod on this behemoth is car seats—lots and lots of car seats.
The smiles upon smiles seen on the faces of the Whitaker family are a sign that the F250 X X-Camper is a hit.
Childhood Memories This is a brand-new rig for Corey and his family. In fact, the photo shoot for the images you see here spawned the family’s first trip. The Whitaker kids will have myriad stories to tell about their childhood adventures. Those memories won’t only be fun to reminisce about, they’ll also be able to relive them for many years to come.
The Price of Happiness One of the questions people ask is, “How much did it cost?”
The Eezi-Awn Manta awning wning provides 270 degrees of shade around the truck.
Who could ever put a price tag on happiness? Corey can, but he’ll never complain because, for him, this is what life is all about. Nothing beats seeing your wife and kids having the time of their lives in the country’s most
remote locations, building priceless memories for the rest of their lives. The future is bright with this build. Corey has plans to take it all the way to Alaska for one of his many planned long trips, along with as many day and weekend trips as time allows. Follow along on Corey Whitaker and his family’s adventures @OverlandDad.
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THE TRAVELING BEAST
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A Mad Max inspired Pan-American American trip with solo traveler eler Joanie Pépin STORY BY A S HLE Y G I O RDA N O P HOTOS BY J OA N I E P É P I N
“Where must we go, we who wander this wasteland, in search of our better selves.” —The First History Man, Mad Max: Fury Road unlight filters through the dusty remnants of broken windowpanes, streaming into an abandoned power station in northern Chile. Graffiti marks dust-covered turbines that were retired from operation long ago.
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Footsteps interrupt the eerie quiet as a violet-haired Canadian walks beneath a loop of chains dangling from a rusty overhead beam. Behind her, a timer counts down. Click. The camera shutter opens, its sensor capturing the image. She circles back, grabbing the camera and tripod before exiting the building and returning to a black Jeep parked outside. It’s time to go. The rest of the Pan-American Highway awaits. On May 4, 2018, solo female overlander Joanie Pépin left Montréal with “Beauty,” her 2010 Jeep Wrangler Sahara, bound for Ushuaia, Argentina. From the International Car Forest in Nevada to the train graveyard in Uyuni, Bolivia, Pépin sought out the sand-swept and desolate, visiting ghost towns and post-apocalyptic scenes, which helped create a unique and
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“WHEN SHE FIRST STARTED ROAD-TRIPPING, PÉPIN BROUGHT A SMALL POINT-AND-SHOOT CAMERA TO CAPTURE LANDSCAPES ALONG THE WAY. LOOKING TO IMPROVE HER SKILLS, SHE WATCHED ONLINE TUTORIALS ABOUT PHOTO COMPOSITION AND EDITING.” purple hair recognizable from the photographs I’ve seen on Instagram—reminiscing about past trips and what inspired them. It’s a welcome relief for both of us.
“After 28 years, I’d finally discovered that I could actually do things on my own,” she shared. “So, the next weekend, I decided to go on another ‘date’ with myself; then, again and again.”
No Destination Required Pépin’s lust for travel began with a weekend-long road trip in the neighboring province of Ontario. “A friend was supposed to tag along, but she had to cancel at the last second. The ‘old’ me probably would have canceled the whole thing and stayed home, watching Netflix. But, for some reason, I decided to go alone,” she explained.
By the fall of 2013, Pépin had driven to both coasts of Canada and to parts of the United States, including New York, Rhode Island, the Florida Keys and Louisiana. “By that point, I didn’t really think I could go farther until one day, in a glorious act of procrastination, I wondered if it were possible to drive to South America,” Pépin said.
To the End of the World Although she’d never traveled on her own before, Pépin set off nonetheless—with no set destination, minimal camping gear and an “IDGAF” attitude. It turned out to be one of the best weekends of her life.
Top: The fog that rolled in from the ocean in northern Chile created an eerie atmosphere in this abandoned village. Middle: Northern Chile offers some of the best urban exploring in South America, with many ghost towns that are free to explore. Bottom: An abandoned dam in northern Chile
Pépin spent a week studying the lighting at the train graveyard in Uyuni, Bolivia.
cinematic feel to her photographs. After nearly two years of travel, Pépin arrived in Punta Del Diablo, Uruguay, just as the COVID-19 pandemic broke out, forcing her to abandon shipping Beauty to Europe. She returned home to Montréal, resumed her full-time career as a programmer in the gaming industry and waited for her Jeep to arrive in Florida. With a classic French-Canadian accent, Pépin tells me that the transition from fulltime overlanding in South America to strict lockdown in the city has been challenging. We’re chatting over Zoom—her signature
The first blog she stumbled upon was Dan Grec’s “The Road Chose Me.” “The fact that he did it with a Jeep, which I already had, pretty much convinced me that
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this was within my reach,” she pointed out. With that, she implemented a strict budget and modified her Jeep … with the intention of driving to the end of the world.
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This is Joanie Pépin’s first photoshoot of her journey—the International Car Forest in Nevada.
Pépin has been drawn to the uneasy feel of deserted buildings since her teenage years. “There was a school in my town that was abandoned, and I loved going there. I like when nature takes over an old building and there’s vegetation all over the walls. It’s kind of pretty—in a weird sense.” When she first started road-tripping, Pépin brought a small point-and-shoot camera to capture landscapes along the way. Looking to improve her skills, she watched online tutorials about photo composition and editing. Eventually, as she gained experience, she purchased a Nikon 5200 DSLR camera body and later, a 50mm lens. Combining her passion for urban exploration with photography seemed like a natural fit. Because she traveled alone, Pépin added a tripod and a remote to capture herself in photographs. She made props and costumes to fit
the apocalyptic style she was drawn to. The Pan-American Highway abounds with accessible abandoned structures, which inspired much of Pépin’s trip. Pépin poses with the picturesque red dirt of southern Utah.
“Overland journeys are very vehicle-centric,
and Ushuaia loves to claim that it’s ‘the End of the World,’ so I figured I could merge this trip with my great interest for the Mad Max movies (which are also very vehicle-centric and take place after the end of the world) and my passion for costumes to make my own crazy adventure,” she explained.
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“I’VE ALWAYS ENCOURAGED OTHER PEOPLE TO TRY TRAVELING ALONE, BECAUSE SO MANY OF THOSE OCCASIONS ARE JUST MAGICAL.” Pépin took the long way around Perú, enjoying the majestic views of the Andes along the way.
Below, left: Packing “Beauty” in a container to ship across the Darien Gap in Panama Below, right: Pépin had a blast with other travelers at the paint wars carnival in Cajamarca, Perú.
Preparing for the Adventure
platform for storage and a bed on top.
Pépin spent two years planning her trip to the “end of the world,” during which time she learned about basic vehicle maintenance from her father, removed the back seats from Beauty and, after a lot of Googling, built a wooden
“Most people think you need a big setup to go overlanding. Many people travel in high-end rigs filled with gadgets; and while that’s all good if you can afford it, it can sometimes
send the message to those who can’t afford it that they need to invest a lot [of money] before they can get on the road.” Pépin says she added about $400 (Canadian) worth of modifications—mostly DIY. “It’s all about spending money on what really matters for you.”
Reaching Out A self-proclaimed introvert, Pépin acknowledges that solo travel has helped boost her confidence and overcome her shyness. “For me, it’s very hard, but when you’re traveling alone, there’s a point when you have nothing to lose [by speaking with a stranger]. There’s also a point when you need social contact, and it forces you to reach out—even if you don’t speak the language.” For instance, while in Guatemala, the alarm on Pépin’s Jeep went off and couldn’t be disabled. But the local people helped her and reached out to those they knew for a solution. In La Serena, Chile, she helped two Argentinians construct a bar. She made fast friends in Whitehorse during her drive through
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“‘OVERLAND JOURNEYS ARE VERY VEHICLE-CENTRIC, AND USHUAIA LOVES TO CLAIM IT’S THE END OF THE WORLD, SO I FIGURED I COULD MERGE THIS TRIP WITH MY GREAT INTEREST FOR THE MAD MAX MOVIES … AND MY PASSION FOR COSTUMES TO MAKE MY OWN CRAZY ADVENTURE.’” the Yukon, spent the summer solstice with a group of overlanders in Tuktoyaktuk, and was invited by locals in Dawson City to events and get-togethers.
Pépin recommends stealth camping.
“No one can hurt you if no one knows you’re there. Always park your vehicle facing the exit, and keep the keys close at hand.” In “I’ve always encouraged other people to try trav- busy areas, she suggests places populated by eling alone, because so many of those occasions families or older adults. The main takeaway: “I always say to trust your gut. Avoid walking are just magical,” she commented. around alone at night. And, despite what your parents taught you, it’s okay to lie. Tell them Staying Safe “Although solo female travelers outnumber their that your husband is off fishing, or you’re just male counterparts, traveling does come with its doing some errands.” own challenges [for women],” Pépin pointed out. Until restrictions ease and borders open in North America, Pépin dreams of the open For those worried about safety, she recomroad; of Mad Max-inspired photo shoots in mends starting with small trips and building confidence from there: “I didn’t start with South the dunes; of watching fog rolling in from the America. I started by traveling to national parks ocean while an abandoned village disappears and nearby cities. When you’re a kid, you don’t into the haze. start running right away. You take baby steps. Here’s to hoping that, like The “First History It’s the same thing.” Man” in Mad Max: Fury Road, we’ll all find our better selves when we’re back to wandering. When it comes to safely parking for the night, Top: A view of the river from an abandoned house. Bottom: After many months in a hot climate, Canadian Pépin returned to cooler temperatures in El Chaltén, Argentina.
A photoshoot among the dunes around Huacachina, Perú
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Denny Ghiringhelli spent most of his life as a commercial airline pilot and mechanic. Used to piloting planes and wrenching on them, he recently traded in wings for wheels. Little did he know that a military Jeep his father bought in the early 1970s would play a pivotal role in his life decades later. The bone-stock 1953 Willys M38A1 became a true part of his family.
The Willys M38A1’s History Ghiringhelli’s father paid about $500 for the 24-volt Korean War surplus Jeep that donned its military paint scheme.
A lifelong bond between a son and his dad’s 1953 Willys M38A1 surplus Jeep BY M ER C EDES L I L I ENT HAL
BAD-ASS BANDOOLA: A1953 WILLYS M38A1 BEAST
“An interesting coincidence is that the date of delivery stamped into the data plate and stenciled under the hood was the same day, month and year as my birthday,” Ghiringhelli said. In high school, Ghiringhelli’s first foray into off-roading was “to load up a couple of friends and head down to the local river to test out the ‘fording’ features.” (His father wasn’t amused when the teenagers had to be extracted from the river with the family’s tractor.) The Willys was occasionally driven to school and through vineyards (the family lived in California’s wine country). Eventually, the 24-volt system was discarded in favor of 12 volts. Although Ghiringhelli didn’t pilot the Willys for another 40 years, his dad drove it. “He and my mom would drive around the Napa Valley, go mushroom hunting, etcetera.” Eventually, his father quit piloting it, and it “slept” in storage until 2013.
The Grand Reawakening “I was retired from the airlines. One day, my dad said, ‘Why don’t you get that old Jeep running?’” (For those who aren’t Italian, what Ghiringhelli’s father actually meant was, “Get that damned thing out of here!”) So, he did. “We towed it to my shop, where I pulled the fuel tank and the carb. We flushed out the tank, threw the carb in the trash and put in a new one.”
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“ONE THING WAS FOR SURE, IF I WAS GOING TO TRY [THE RUBICON] AGAIN, I NEEDED BETTER EQUIPMENT.” —G. DENNY GHIRINGHELLI
Armed with a fresh set of plugs, new oil, new coolant and a few gallons of fuel, the 1953 Willys “spit, sputtered and smoked its way back to life.” The family had resurrected the old M38A1 4x4 once again.
The bad-ass Bandoola is at home leading other Jeeps during the 2021 Easter Jeep Safari.
Bandoola’s Beginnings Ghiringhelli fondly shares memories of an early outing he took in the Jeep with his wife. With the intention to show off the Jeep’s capability, he drove her—on steep terrain—to the vineyard that belonged to his brother-in-law. “On one of the steepest descents,” Ghiringhelli said, “the transmission popped out of gear, and the Jeep accelerated down the hill.” His wife was frightened, but Ghiringhelli slowed down the 1953 Willys with its brakes and re-engaged the transmission. Without knowing she controlled the fate of the Jeep, she exclaimed, “This is dangerous! If you’re going to drive it, you need to fix it!” He simply said, “Yes, dear.”
To some, this 1953 Willys M38A1 looks like a Mad Max vehicle, while others see Bandoola as a quintessentially awesome 4x4 build.
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When she asked what it would take to fix the Jeep, he answered truthfully. “Oh, not much. Maybe a transmission swap.” His wife seemed satisfied with the answer, and years of work on the Jeep soon began. This was the beginning of “Bandoola, the 1953 Willys Beast.” “For the record—I swear—that was my plan!” Ghiringhelli exclaimed.
Bountiful Upgrades Familiarizing himself with local Jeepers, Ghiringhelli met Shawn Carmichael of Carmichael’s Customs. “If you’re going to put in a V-6,” Carmichael mentioned, “why don’t you just put in a V-8?” Because Ghiringhelli had flown some of the most powerful jet aircraft, thanks to his profession, as well as piloting fighter jets and World War II bombers as a hobby, he wasn’t going to turn down horsepower. So, the V-6 was set aside in favor of a V-8. “I voiced my concern about cleaning and boxing the frame,” Ghiringhelli explained. “I could see Shawn shaking his head. ‘No need. I’ll build you a new frame out of square tube. We could even stretch it.’” Under his wife’s instructions to repair the 1953 Willys, Ghiringhelli said, “Well, that would fix it, and I am under direct orders to fix it. It works for me.” With the help of a donor M38A1, the frame was stretched and the suspension was changed to a spring-over type. Multiple upgrades were completed: 37-inch tires, Dana 60s, a Chevy 350 V-8 engine and a SM420 transmission (he remembered his wife’s all-important request to swap the transmission). An Atlas transfer case, roll cage, a rebuilt Warn 8274 winch, Luna fridge/freezer and an espresso maker (yes, that’s correct) rounded out Bandoola’s first major upgrade.
Status Update About a year into the project, Ghiringhelli’s wife asked him what happened to his dad’s old Jeep. “It’s over at Shawn’s. Want to see it?” The
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Bandoola at Carmichael’s Customs during the initial build, showing the stretched body/frame on tires with pop-up camper shell mounted to the roll cage. (Photo: G. Denny Ghiringhelli)
laughed and said, ‘Just how do you plan to get into it?’” Ghiringhelli had no clue.
Ready for the Rubicon After successfully piloting easier trails in Moab, Ghiringhelli’s buddies coerced him to tackle the Rubicon Trail. It was a completely different experience for him. “I had no idea the obstacles these Jeeps could conquer and no clue as to how to accomplish it.” If he hadn’t witnessed it in person, Ghiringhelli wouldn’t have believed their capability.
words came out of his mouth before he could contemplate the consequences. “For an instant, I was a ventriloquist’s dummy—my lips were moving, but the words weren’t mine.” “Sure. When can we go?” she responded. She was eager to see his father’s fixed-up Jeep. The 1953 Willys M38A1’s massive, 40-inch Maxxis tires and lift kit make easy work of Moab’s rocky trails.
“I could try to describe the feeling overwhelming me at that moment, but every guy who reads this has experienced it for himself. If he
hasn’t, he will,” Ghiringhelli joked. They arrived at Carmichael’s Customs. The transformation was such that she didn’t recognize it. “Which one is it?” his wife asked. For a brief moment, Ghiringhelli considered pointing to one of the other Jeeps. He shared that “one of the guys pointed to it, she stared for a moment, turned to me,
After successfully navigating the Rubicon Trail (with the help of spotters), Ghiringhelli said he wasn’t quite hooked but found it intriguing. “One thing was for sure, if I was going to try [the Rubicon] again, I needed better equipment.”
Enviable Upgrades Ghiringhelli upgraded the 1953 Willys to be even more capable for his next trip to Moab. The military surplus Jeep went back to the shop for a coilover front suspension, coupled with Radflo shocks. Moab proved a challenge. It was an invitation to learn more. At one point, Ghiringhelli felt like the guy in Jaws when the actor says, “We’re gonna need a bigger boat.” After a consultation with Phil at Liberty Mountain Fabrication, a coilover on the rear was added. Additional off-road trips equaled more upgrades. Long trailing arms and upgraded Radflo quad bypass shocks for the rear, and a new fuel tank featuring a through-tube allowance for the torsion bar were incorporated. Wheels were upgraded to 17-inch Battle Born beadlocks shod with massive, 40-inch Maxxis Trepador tires.
More Trips, More Upgrades Yet another outing to Moab and California’s Fordyce off-road trail (located about 25 miles outside of Truckee) taught Ghiringhelli that he needed more experience and horsepower to turn those 40-inch tires. Another round of upgrades was in order … and they were extensive. A linked leading arm suspension with Radflo quad bypass shocks was added on the front. RCV axles were also added, and a new, late-1990s Chevy 350 (bored and stroked to 383) replaced the existing
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01. Alligator seats are integrated into Bandoola, making it one unique and adventure-ready rig.
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Further mods included electrical upgrades with Provost Motorsports. They installed sPOD control units, a MoTec engine management system and electric fans. A new custom roof rack, Baja Designs lights and a Raymarine forward-looking infrared unit were also installed. Alligator seats were also integrated (yes, you read that right). Additionally, a Wilwood cutting brake, electric parking brake and an improved feed system for the aux fuel tank were implemented— really making Bandoola one bad-ass beast.
02. A linked leading-arm suspension with Radflo quad bypass shocks was added on the front of Bandoola, making it even more capable. (Photo: Rick Wallen, Alchemy Werks)
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Payback Time Bandoola became the impetus for several off-road trips and many months of upgrades, money and time. Ghiringhelli’s wife continued to support her husband’s massive 1953 Willys 4x4 build. She never objected, and her only question was more like a statement: ‘So, you’re getting it how you really want it?’ Then, one fateful morning, Ghiringhelli was stopped by his wife. 03
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“BANDOOLA BECAME THE IMPETUS FOR SEVERAL OFF-ROAD TRIPS AND MANY MONTHS OF UPGRADES, MONEY AND TIME.”
03. Many months of work have gone into the Bandoola build, resulting in a superior off-roader. 04. Rear long trailing arms and upgraded Radflo quad bypass shocks were installed to increase Bandoola’s off-road capability.
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“Do I want to know how much you’ve spent on that Jeep?” she asked. (The theme from “Gilligan’s Island” played in his head: “The weather started getting rough … ”) He thought he was in trouble. “No,” Ghiringhelli said—and kept walking. There was no rebuttal. The next morning, he walked downstairs. Before him sat his laptop. “It was open, and there was a picture of a Mercedes SL550,” he remembers. “There was also a note affixed to the screen with a smiley face and a list of dealers who had them in stock.” Acceding to his wife’s request, he finished breakfast and drove her to the Mercedes dealership. Now, it was time to fulfill her dream of vehicular adventure. You can follow G. Denny Ghiringhelli’s adventures on Instagram @bandoolajeep. Ghiringhelli would like to recognize the following people for their support, participation and contributions to the design and construction of this vehicle: his wife, who came up with the idea, as well as her continued support for all the mods; Shawn Carmichael of Carmichael’s Customs for all the initial “build-and-stretch”; Phil Licciardi at Liberty Mountain Fabrication; Dennis Meyers and the crew at Provost Motorsports; Aaron Orlick at Battle Born Wheels; Baja Designs Lighting; Scott Weems at Napa Valley Ag Repair; and Doug McNeely at Snap-on.
Bandoola has massive ground clearance, making it a cinch for most trail obstacles.
Denny Ghiringhelli’s Bandoola Willys carefully descends Moab’s famous Hell’s Revenge trail. (Photo: Chris Crofts)
ENGINE: LATE-1990S CHEVY 350 (BORED AND STROKED TO 383) AND BALANCED; ROLLER CAM; ALUMINUM HEADS; EDELBROCK PRO-FLO 4 EFI (BUILT BY CHRIS DOUGLAS/DOUGLAS AUTO MACHINE) TRANSMISSION: GM SM420 CON-DIESEL (NOS) TRANSFER CASE: CUSTOM ATLAS (RACE CASE, RIGHT DROP, SHORT TAIL, 4:1); BUILT BY ADVANCE ADAPTERS) DIFFERENTIALS: (FRONT) CUSTOM DYNATRAC DANA 60; DETROIT LOCKER .500 DOM TUBES, TRUSSED; RCV AXLES—FULL FLOAT; REID RACING C’S & KNUCKLES; YUKON HUBS; WILWOOD DISC BRAKES; (REAR) CUSTOM DYNATRAC DANA 60; DETROIT LOCKER; .500 DOM TUBES, TRUSSED; SOLID AXLES—FULL FLOAT; YUKON HUBS; WILWOOD DISC BRAKES; WILWOOD ELECTRIC PARKING BRAKE SUSPENSION: (FRONT) LIBERTY MOUNTAIN FABRICATION CUSTOM COILOVER RADFLO QUAD BYPASS SHOCKS, LEADING ARMS; CURRIE ANTI ROCK SWAY BAR; LIMIT STRAPS; (REAR) LIBERTY MOUNTAIN FABRICATION CUSTOM COILOVER RADFLO QUAD BYPASS SHOCKS; 4 LINK TRAILING ARMS; CURRIE ANTI ROCK SWAY BAR; RADFLO BUMP STOPS WHEELS & TIRES: BATTLE BORN BOOTLEGGER 17X9 3.5” BACKSPACING; MAXXIS TREPADOR COMPETITION 40X13.50-17 EXTERIOR ACCESSORIES: VISION X HEADLIGHTS; BAJA DESIGNS S2 (MODIFIED) TURN SIGNAL; LP6 IN-GRILLE ROCK LIGHTS; LP6 PRO S2 PRO IN-LINE ROOF RACK; BUGGYWHIP; WARN 8274 WITH UPGRADE; BUBBA ROPE SYNTHETIC LINE; FACTOR 55 FLATLINK; CUSTOM MAIN GAS TANK BY LIBERTY MOUNTAIN FABRICATION; CUSTOM AUX GAS TANK BY PROVOST; CUSTOM STORAGE BY PROVOST; CUSTOM ENGINE/TRANSMISSION/TRANSFER CASE SKID PLATES BY LIBERTY MOUNTAIN FABRICATION; CUSTOM 3/16 ALUMINUM SIDE PANELS; ROCK SLIDE ENGINEERING SLIDERS; CUSTOM BODYWORK BY CARMICHAEL’S CUSTOMS (IN NAPA, CA); SAFARI WINDSHIELD; MONSTER HOOKS; EXTREME OUTBACK ONBOARD AIR SYSTEM; BORLA EXHAUST CUSTOM HEADERS INTERIOR ACCESSORIES: PRP HEATED SEATS; CUSTOM ALLIGATOR HIDE COVERING BY PROVOST NAVIGATION; LOWRANCE GPS; RAYMARINE FLIR/NIGHT VISION; MOTEC ENGINE MANAGEMENT AND DISPLAY; SPOD SYSTEMS CONTROL; SOBEK IGNITION KILL SWITCH; KENWOOD 110-WATT RADIO; PCI INTERCOM/HEADSETS/ BLUETOOTH; SAT PHONE; 2 ODYSSEY 12V BATTERIES; 200-AMP ALTERNATOR; 12V-TO-110 INVERTER; NATIONAL LUNA 60L FRIDGE/FREEZER; HANDPRESSO 12V ESPRESSO MAKER
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STO RY BY A SH LE Y GIO RDAN O PH OTO GRAP H Y BY OVE RLAN D T HE AMERICA S
T
here’s a photograph of Ernesto López Pérez and Taisa Welhasch of Overland the Americas I’ve always loved.
Standing at the 18,871-foot (5,752m) summit of Mount Pisco in Huascarán National Park, Perú, they’re framed by an azure sky, crampons strapped to their hiking boots and ice axes raised above their heads in victory. The thrill of the moment is infectious, transcending time and space. Revisiting the experience, Ernesto recalls carrying his 2-pound Nikon DSLR D810 camera and three lenses to the summit to capture the moment. “It was so heavy,” he laughs. “But these are unique moments that need to be documented. I didn’t know when, if ever, I would see something like that again.”
Celebrating Our Earth Ernesto and Taisa’s photographs are a
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celebration of Earth’s beautiful places. They spent four years touring through 23 countries, from Seattle to Ushuaia—including Brazil, Suriname, the Guianas and Venezuela—in their 2012 Toyota 4Runner named “Sooty.” Along the way, they shared images of jewel-toned waterfalls amidst lush greenery, photos of Sooty traversing rickety wooden bridges in the Amazon rainforest and expansive, white sand dunes in Brazil. “I think the core of it for me is that I literally want to share the beauty that I’m seeing,” Taisa explains. When Ernesto took to Google nearly a decade ago to search for information about vehicle-based travel, rooftop tents hadn’t made a splash in North America, and the term, “overlanding,” wasn’t yet mainstream. “At some point, I started thinking I would love to travel South America but didn’t want
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to backpack,” he says. While at his workplace in Seattle, where he was employed as a graphic designer, Ernesto discovered it was, indeed, possible to drive to South America. “While talking to my co-worker, Leti, who was from Chile, I casually mentioned that I’d like to tour the Americas, but I didn’t really have a plan for it yet. As a kid in the 1980s, Leti had traveled with her family along the Pan-Am Highway from Seattle to Chile in a Volkswagen Beetle. I realized that was exactly what I wanted to do.”
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The Travel Bug Hits
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Ernesto and Taisa’s passion for travel started early on. Ernesto spent childhood days traveling with his father, a photojournalist for the local newspaper in Mérida, Venezuela. Every vacation was an opportunity to travel cross-country, visiting thunderous Angel Falls or the Caribbean archipelago of Los Roques National Park, going camping and fishing, and attending summer camps. During his college years, Ernesto traveled internationally for conferences; and, upon graduation, he moved to the United States
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“WHEN ERNESTO TOOK TO GOOGLE NEARLY A DECADE AGO TO SEARCH FOR INFORMATION ABOUT VEHICLEBASED TRAVEL, ROOFTOP TENTS HADN’T MADE A SPLASH IN NORTH AMERICA, AND THE TERM, ‘OVERLANDING,’ WASN’T YET MAINSTREAM.”
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to complete a graphic design degree. He made a point of visiting western Europe and returning home to Venezuela to visit when he could. Taisa, an environmental planner and yoga instructor, says she always wanted to travel the world, so she studied geography in college. “I was always interested in the intersection of people and place and how we affect place and vice versa. That’s when I met Ernesto in Venezuela, while I was studying Spanish,
01. Gingerly descending from the ice cream-like summit of Mount Pisco, Perú 02. Yungay-Yanama Route 106, Huascarán National Park, Perú 03. Mount Pisco summit, Huascarán National Park, Perú, at 18,871 feet (5,752 meters)
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botany and geography.” After graduation, the couple worked corporate jobs in Seattle, visiting Mexico, Europe and Venezuela, while exploring the Pacific Northwest during their holiday time. At that point, they realized it was possible to overland the Americas. “It took us a long time to get there,” Ernesto explains. “I needed to get my citizenship, and we needed to pay down debts and student loans. We needed to buy a car, pay it off and save money for the trip.”
Decisions, Decisions Choosing a vehicle was an adventure in and of itself. 02
“The first option for me was looking at Volkswagen
“ FOR THOSE FOLKS LOOKING TO BREAK INTO PHOTOGRAPHY, ERNESTO STRESSES THE IMPORTANCE OF FIGURING OUT WHAT BRINGS THEM JOY WHILE SHOOTING.”
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“ … THEY SHARED IMAGES OF JEWEL-TONED WATERFALLS AMIDST LUSH GREENERY, PHOTOS OF SOOTY TRAVERSING RICKETY WOODEN BRIDGES IN THE AMAZON RAINFOREST AND EXPANSIVE, WHITE SAND DUNES IN BRAZIL.” Vanagons. There’s a bed, kitchen—all that stuff. But back then, I couldn’t justify paying $30,000 for a 30-year-old vehicle that would break down all the time,” Ernesto pointed out. So, he and Taisa started looking at Land Rovers. Ernesto says, “I went to a used car dealership here, in Aurora, and told the guy what we were planning to do. He said, ‘You don’t want to buy this car. It’s expensive to maintain; there are a lot of things wrong with it.’ He pretty much talked me out of it.” Not sure what to do next, Ernesto visited a few mechanics and casually inquired about which vehicles they worked on the least. “Mechanics have a really broad knowledge of vehicles and brands, and what I heard was that they worked on Toyotas the least. I never thought of myself as being a Toyota fan, but because all we had at home [in Venezuela] were Land Cruisers, there was a bit of nostalgia there.” Sooty, their 2012 4Runner, arrived in January 2012. The couple named the vehicle after the sooty shearwater bird, which is known to migrate up to 40,000 miles per year between
Chile and the north Pacific.
Micro vs. Macro Photography It seems fitting that Ernesto and Taisa would name their vehicle after a migratory bird, given the impact that natural landscapes and the environment have had—on them, as well as on their photographic style. They both admit that they gravitate toward mountainous areas such as the Andes (specifically Perú), Ecuador, Bolivia, Chile and Argentina. Their photography styles complement each other: Taisa is drawn to the micro details, while Ernesto focuses on macro landscapes. “Taisa has the ability to capture the beauty of a flower or a pattern in the sand—things like that,” Ernesto says. “But I do appreciate the landscape piece too,” Taisa adds. “It’s nice to be able to look back and truly remember a place that way.” Taisa admits that she really enjoys photog-
raphy, but she doesn’t necessarily enjoy understanding the camera. “I like the artistic part of it,” she notes. (Her advice: “Don’t underestimate the power of an iPhone.”) While Ernesto will stay up late to get those killer night shots, editing photos in Lightroom is something that truly relaxes him. “To me, it’s like my own chill, little ‘bubble,’ where I like to sort through pictures, choose a couple and play with them a bit.”
Advice for Photography Newbies For those folks looking to break into photography, Ernesto stresses the importance of figuring out what brings them joy while shooting. From there, he says, learn the basics of composition, shutter speed, ISO (for digital photography, “ISO” refers to the sensitivity—that is, the signal gain—of the camera’s sensor) and exposure. “If you grasp that, you can do a lot. And don’t upgrade your camera until you get to know
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“THEIR PHOTOGRAPHY STYLES COMPLEMENT EACH OTHER: TAISA IS DRAWN TO THE MICRO DETAILS, WHILE ERNESTO FOCUSES ON MACRO LANDSCAPES.” it really, really well. If you don’t know it, you’ll never be able to get the most out of it. If you upgrade, [the photos] are going to be a bit better, but you’re not necessarily becoming any better.” Rather than shooting at a lower resolution (compressed JPEG) to fit additional photos on a memory card, Ernesto recommends shooting at full resolution (RAW) and dedicating more
Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia:
WHAT’S IN OVERLAND THE AMERICAS’ CAMERA KIT • Nikon DSLR D810 camera body • 16mm–24mm Nikkor wide-angle zoom lens • 24mm–70mm 2.8 Nikkor midrange zoom lens • 70mm–200mm 2.8 Nikkor telephoto zoom lens • 50mm 1.4 Nikkor prime lens • 10mm 1.4 Nikkor fish-eye lens • UV, polarized and ND filters • Befree Advanced Aluminum Travel Tripod and remote switch • A ton of memory cards
budget to data storage, such as memory cards and hard drives. “Hardware memory storage is significantly cheaper than cloud storage, and you always have access to it in the event you don’t have an Internet connection. Plus, shooting in RAW gives you a much wider range to edit your photos and compensate for less-than-ideal shooting conditions. After that,” he explains, “it’s good practice to create two copies and store one on an external hard drive. There’s nothing worse than losing your favorite photos due to something as simple as theft or data corruption.” Taisa and Ernesto have called Seattle home for the past two years, but they’re itching to hit the road.
While Sooty has “flown free”—enjoying life with its new owners—Ernesto and Taisa’s latest project is a sandy-taupe 2019 Toyota Land Cruiser 78 called “Tanchô.” The Troop Carrier is named after the red-crowned crane, a powerful Japanese icon symbolizing happiness, good luck and longevity. As for what’s next for Overlanding the Americas, perhaps we’ll revel in photos from the snow-capped Atlas Mountains of North Africa, soaring hot air balloons above an overland camp in Turkey or the vast steppes of Mongolia. Wherever it might be, I can’t wait to follow along as they celebrate more beautiful places around the globe.
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GRILL ON THE GO
Go anywhere and grill with the HitchFire Ultimate Grill Station. BY J ER RY T SAI
here probably aren’t any grills faster to get up and running than the models offered by HitchFire, makers of fullsized barbeque grills that mount to the rear of your vehicle. As their name implies, these grills are similar to the types you’d find at a backyard cookout, but they’re mounted to your rig’s tow hitch.
T
also includes a large, 15x30-inch combination wood side table and cutting board that mounts to the grill’s tubular swing arm base. What with the grill, side burner and table, this is an instant field kitchen.
Installation
I recently had the chance to try out the company’s most feature-rich package, the Ultimate Grill Station. At the heart of the Ultimate Grill Station is the Forge 15 Grill. Unlike most compact camping cooktops, which have limited cooking space, the Forge 15 has a generously sized, 18x22inch cooking surface that’s rated to serve up to 10 people all at once. The dual-burner grill is powered by propane and can take two 1-pound propane canisters or use a larger, refillable propane tank with the use of an adapter hose. The Ultimate Grill Station comes with HitchFire’s own 20-pound propane tank that’s perfect for this use.
The grill attaches to a standard, 2-inch hitch via an included swing arm mount that articulates widely and is lockable at 90 and 180 degrees. The swing arm allows the grill to be positioned where you need it while still providing access to your vehicle’s trunk or bed. For those with a rear-mounted spare tire or other equipment, a hitch extender is available that brings the swing arm mount away from your rear bumper an additional 12 inches. I found the extender to be perfect for my truck, which allowed it to easily clear its rear-mounted spare. Once mounted, the grill can be manipulated just about however you see fit. The grill can rotate 360 degrees on its pedestal mount; the arm can swing out as much as 180 degrees.
Also, unlike the base Forge 15 Grill, which is available as a separate unit, the version of the grill that’s included with the Ultimate Grill Station is also fitted with a side burner, which is powered by its own 1-pound propane tank. This additional burner gives you an added means to cook food while grilling. The station
Installation was easy enough, although my unit didn’t come with an instruction sheet. Curiously, I wasn’t able to find one on HitchFire’s website either. I ultimately located it elsewhere online. The grill assembly is secured by way of a series of pins that allow it to be transported while mounted to the vehicle’s hitch.
Instant Field Kitchen
P SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2021
GRILL ON THE GO
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GRILL ON THE GO
HITCHFIRE ULTIMATE GRILL STATION
The hitch extender allows for an additional 2.5 inches to clear the spare tire mounted on the rear hatch door.
INCLUDED: FORGE 15 GRILL FORGE 15 SIDE BURNER FORGE 15 GRILL COVER SIDE CUTTING TABLE REFILLABLE IGNIK GAS GROWLER KIT MSRP: $899 hitchfire.com *Hitch Extender available MSRP: $56.
The Hitchfire grill sets up in mere seconds and is ready to use. Smaller, 1-pound propane tanks attach easily. Alternatively, a larger tank can be used.
At the Cook Site After the grill was set up, I took it out for some outdoor cooking. I made sure everything was locked down and then drove to a cooking spot we often use to see what it could do. I noticed that the hitch and extender’s mounting points have lax tolerances, which made it wobble around while I was driving. Nevertheless, because HitchFire did a good job of making sure nothing was actually loose on the assembly, nothing was in real danger of coming off; it just jostled around a bit while on the road. As a result, I don’t believe this grill is meant for any kind of off-roading. However, it’s well-suited for car camping or serious tailgating sessions. The grill with the hitch extender hung off the rear of my truck about 2½ feet, so it does add an appreciable amount of length to the vehicle. For smaller vehicles or ones without a rear-mounted spare tire, the hitch extender might not be required and would shorten the overall length by a foot. The extra weight hanging well past the rear of the truck did make the rear suspension droop about ½ inch. Once I arrived at the cooking spot, it only took a few minutes to set up the grill and attach its side table and fuel canisters. Setup was completely hassle-free; I was cooking in
just minutes after arriving. Thanks to separate 1-pound propane tanks powering each of the heat sources, the grill got to temperature expeditiously and economically. My family and I stayed out for lunch and dinner, eventually cooking for a party of five by the end of the day. Even so, we still had plenty of fuel left. It’s notable to mention that the grill detaches from the swing arm for tabletop use when desired. After allowing it to cool down, I covered the grill with a cover that comes with the Ultimate Grill Station package. The cover keeps it free of dust and morning condensation when the grill isn’t in use. Each of the items that come with the Ultimate Grill Station is available separately from HitchFire. All things considered, I was pleased with the HitchFire Ultimate Grill Station. It gives us the ability to cook for a large number of hungry travelers wherever the road takes us. Without having to pack it up in the vehicle, it also frees up valuable cargo space for more gear. Additionally, it keeps the post-grilling and cooking smell and mess out of the vehicle’s cabin for easy hose-down to degrease and clean after returning home. However, that won’t be for a while, because we’re already headed out to the beach for another outdoor cookout.
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LAST
HIGH TECH MEETS HIGH STRENGTH
USE YOUR PHONE TO CONTROL YOUR WINCH This state-of-the-art wireless control system allows you to operate your winch using the Bluetooth connection on your smart device. The IP68 waterproof HUB Wireless Receiver connects to the winch, and then our free customdeveloped app for either iOS or Android communicates with the receiver via Bluetooth signal. The smart device will be able to operate the winch from up to 100’ away and monitor the vehicle’s battery voltage.
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