Friday, April 19, 2024
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An Overland Adventure Photography Trip

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Generally speaking when I’m on an adventure photography Trip, I’m also looking for some solitude, far away from the madding crowd. Because of this, gear and rig preparation is really important and my upcoming overlanding week in the SW backcountry demanded extra care. TAP1, one of our 2014 JKU’s, had recently turned the corner on 100k, so I decided to change all the fluids, flush the engine, replace the spark plugs and generally give it a solid look over from bumper to bumper. Everything checked out just fine and I confidently left on the offroad adventure.

So, what do you do when you’re 170 miles into a 1400 mile trip and the check engine light comes on? Well, you curse profusely, spend the next hour worrying about it and then settle into a state of blind hope, ignorance and the zen like thought of, “It’ll be just fine as my wingman can always tow me out”.

Day 1:

The plan was to drive from San Diego, CA to Hurricane, UT and camp at Gooseberry Mesa. The scenery and terrain is dramatic and world renowned due to the Red Bull Rampage held there each year. It was early Sunday night when myself and my wingman for this trip, David Griffith from Explore California Pics , finally arrived. Most people had left after the weekend and we found a quiet and hidden away little dispersed camp site. Despite the engine light hiccup, this adventure photography trip was starting off well.

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View from our campsite

Even though we had driven 7 hrs and 450 miles, we were eager to start some Astro Photography, as the Milky Way was back in the Northern Hemisphere after its long winter absence. Adventure Photography and especially Astro can be tiring and we awoke at 2.30am. Unfortunately to be greeted by significant cloud cover and no visible stars, so back to bed as the local coyote crew yipped and howled for our entertainment.

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Golden Hour sunset over camp

Day 2 – 3:

Leaving Gooseberry Mesa, we headed out on our 3 hr and 140 mile journey to Big Water, where we were to leave the pavement and head into the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. Our ultimate overland destination for the next 2 days was Alstom Point, which has a renowned view of Lake Powell, UT. The road to the point is an easy, bumpy and dusty trail, and only on the last 3 miles after the first viewpoint did we to need to engage 4Hi. This last section will however, cause pause for inexperienced drivers and should not be attempted without 4WD and high clearance. This is a very remote area to get stuck in, so think it through before attempting, especially if the weather is inclement.

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Don’t camp next to the boulders!

Frankly, there’s a total WOW factor as you come upon Lake Powell. A sense of absolute beauty and remoteness and a perfect place for Adventure Photography. Dispersed camping is limited so, I was fairly impressed with the lack of human impact. I implore you all to “Pack In and Pack out” everything (Yes, that means Poop too!) and please Treadlightly.

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Lake Powell Sunrise

We spent 2 days camped on the bluff, with the first day being alone, then being joined by 3 other rigs on the second day. The weather conditions varied from warm during the day to chilly at night and most of the time, the wind howled in classic desert fashion. As I said, this was a photography trip, so everyday we caught the sunset before hitting the sack early. Up at 2.30am to shoot the stars for an hour and again at 6.30am to capture the sunrise. As you can imagine in between our product testing, we took long naps throughout the day.

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Nearly getting blown off the cliff.
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We’ve had worse campsite views!
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Galactic Core over Lake Powell.

Day 4:

With sadness it was time to leave and continue our vehicle supported Adventure journey back west to Northern Arizona. Our destination was White Pocket an acclaimed remote photographic location in the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument region.

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Sunrise over the White pocket

Again, once you leave the pavement, the off-road trail is easy until the last 9.5 miles. At this point you will need high clearance and 4WD to deal with the various deep sand areas you will encounter. This is a remote region, so take it seriously by being prepared (Recovery gear, extra food, gas and water) and we recommend you don’t travel alone.

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Easy section of the trail to White Pocket

The weather was windy and as we sheltered in our camped vehicles, there were gusts that felt they could relocate the Roof Top Tent. Luckily by nightfall the wind had abated and by our 2:30 am alarm call, it was fairly quiet. Although we had scouted the area during the day, locating a perfect location in the dark to shoot the stars was, shall I say, “challenging”. This being said, the temps were perfect at a crisp 37F and the skies were clear in the early hours and at sunrise. Success!

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The Galactic Core over the famous Brain Rock

Day 5 and 6:

Our time was coming to an end at White Pocket and it was time to hit the road again. We didn’t want to drive 12 hours straight home to San Diego, so our plan was to camp half way home on BLM land outside Valley of Fire State Park, 60 or so miles north of Vegas. Finally, the wind had ceased and for the first time in 6 days we put our cameras away, lit a fire and just relaxed, ready to sleep through the night!

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Now back home, the memories of this amazing overland trip make me anxious to hit the road soon. Of course the check engine light has now disappeared.

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For more Overland and Off-Road Vehicle Supported Adventures, CHECK HERE

For more on Adventure and Astro Photography, CHECK HERE

Off-Road Recovery – Part Two

LRT 00002
LRT 00002

TAP Editor’s Note: The following is part two of a three-part series on off-road recovery. The author, Bob Wohlers, teaches government, corporate, and recreational off-roading as a full time profession. He is one of only a handful of fulltime 4WD trainers in the USA. Some of the content in this multi-part series comes from Bob’s book The Total Approach to Getting Unstuck Off Road – 4WD Self-Recovery & Vehicle-Assisted Recovery. While other authors of 4WD books try to cover the topic of recovery in a single chapter, Bob has the only complete book on the topic – 352 pages of step-by-step information.

This book can be easily purchased on Amazon by clicking HERE. Bob also has two other 4WD specific books available on Amazon, each designed to help protect people, vehicles, and the environment: (1) Raising Your 4WD vehicle Off Road & In-Field Tire Repair (2) Live Long to Wander – Basic Survival for Vehicle-Supported Adventures To learn more about Bob Wohler, visit his website www.DiscoverOffRoading.com.

There’s No Embarrassment in Getting Stuck Off-Road

If You…

As I tell my all of my students, “Off-Road long enough and you will get stuck in the remote backcountry.” Prepare for that day, then prepare some more – with knowledge, skills, and off-road recovery equipment that you should carry along on your journeys.” What can happen? Here’s some possibilities:

  • You get bogged down in deep, greasy, gumbo-like mud; one wheel from each axle begins to spin. 
Photo courtesy of Tour-De-World.com
  • Hisssssss. You hear another tire leaking; you just had your second flat. 
  • Your off-road trailer bounces off a large rock during a sharp turn and lands on its side.
  • Your 4WD truck is high-centered on a ridge perpendicular to the trail; wheels on both axles are off the ground with no traction.
  • While driving an icy route, your vehicle slips sideways, down into a deep rut on the side of the trail and almost tips over. Your wheels have no traction.
  • Snow from the middle of the trail has piled up under your vehicle and your forward motion is completely halted.
  • You’ve accidentally tipped your vehicle over on its side on a very narrow trail.
  • Your vehicle catches on fire in the remote backcountry.
Photo courtesy of Coyote Works

You get the point. Someday, you will get stuck. It happens to everyone. Hopefully when it happens, no one gets hurt. There are thousands of ways off-roaders have their progress terminated or hampered when driving off road.

Let’s be honest. Getting stuck off road is often due to driver error. We all make errors, from the most experienced to the least. Errors can be due to a lack of off-road driving skills. You may misjudge the amount of momentum you need to climb a sandy dune or pick a poor line while traversing a rocky trail. Errors can be due to a lack of knowledge. It’s easier to get stuck when you don’t have a basic knowledge or understanding of your 4WD vehicle or the terrain you are traversing. Errors can also be due to a poor attitude, such as “showing off” in front of peers or performing vehicle maneuvers that defy common sense. I call this a “hold my beer, watch this” mentality. In my opinion, this type of attitude lacks maturity.

Regardless of the reason for getting stuck, it is a part of off-roading. So, if you aren’t thoughtless, cavalier, or alcohol-fueled, there is no real dishonor in getting stuck off road. You will make errors when off-roading or overlanding. Sometimes you get stuck even when you do everything right. There’s no embarrassment in getting stuck if you do all you can to mitigate potential difficulties. Here’s how to lessen backcountry difficulties:

  • Take Training from an Expert. Taking formal training from a professional off-road educator can reduce your chances of getting stuck in the remote backcountry. You don’t know what you don’t know. A knowledgeable off-road recovery trainer can teach you all the ways you can avoid getting stuck and what to do when you do. 
  • Venture Within Your Personal Limitations and Abilities. Especially in remote and international settings, you need the proper knowledge, attitude, and skills to problem-solve and get unstuck. Avoid driving a remote trail or section of a trail solo that is beyond the capabilities of both you and your vehicle. If you are solo and reach an extremely challenging section of trail, think about your capabilities. If you decide to attempt the challenging section of trail, plan how you would recover should you get stuck, or the situation worsens.
  • Venture Within Your Vehicle’s Capabilities. Not all 4WD vehicles are created equal. Even 4WD vehicles designed from the factory to venture off road have limitations. You will probably get stuck if you push your vehicle beyond its capabilities.
  • Know Your Vehicle Intimately. Today’s off-road-specific 4WD vehicles are more complex than in the past. Many have traction-aiding features that should be mastered to get the most from a vehicle. Whether you purchase or build your 4WD, learn how your vehicle functions to avoid getting stuck. To keep from getting stuck, you also need to know intimately your vehicle’s, including lift clearance, articulation capability, and angles (approach, breakover, and departure).
  • Travel With Other Vehicles. Recovery efforts are almost always easier and more relaxed mentally when traveling with other vehicles into the remote backcountry. This is especially true when you also are traveling beyond your country of origin and within Third World countries. Having other vehicles along on a journey also widens your recovery options. Now you can use vehicle-assisted off-road recovery methods.
  • Have With You and Know How to Use Traction-Aiding Devices. Traction-aiding devices can be built into your vehicle (e.g., lockers, airing down tires, electronic traction control) or taken along with you when you are off-road (e.g., traction boards, shovel). Use as many traction-aiding devices as you have available to completely avoid getting stuck. When you do get stuck, use the same devices to methodically assist you in your recovery efforts.
  • Have the Correct Kit, Accessories, or Tools to Get Unstuck. It’s hard to carry every piece of recovery gear with you on every trip. If you’ve researched the trail prior to departure, you should have an idea as to the type of terrain you may need to traverse, helping you bring the right equipment. When with a group of vehicles, you can divide essential equipment between all the vehicles (e.g., not every vehicle may need a heavy Hi-Lift Jack).
  • Practice Recovery and Problem-Solving Skills at Home. Practice your skills at home prior to stressful situations in the remote backcountry. Recovery and problem-solving proficiencies are all perishable skills that should be practiced periodically when not under duress.
  • Research the Trail You Intend to Drive. Regarding knowledge of a particular trail, get as much accurate information from a qualified source as possible. Keep in mind that trails can change for the worse after one day of intense rainfall or earth movement. In reality, you can never have enough information about a trail. Have several maps that show the trail, as each may tell you something different about the surrounding area and the possible side routes. Before heading out to a trail, try to get current, up-to-date information from other off-roaders and local land-management officials. What’s the water level in streams you need to cross, are there wildfires in the area, what’s the trail’s difficulty rating, what is the typical temperature in the area at the time of use? Answering questions such as these and mining important information can help keep you from getting stuck on a really difficult trail, beyond your capabilities.
  • Solve Problems in a Methodical and Effective Manner. When stuck off road, follow an intelligent problem-solving checklist that results in a complete stuck assessment and an effective recovery plan. We will cover this topic in part three of this series in The Adventure Portal.
  • Try Low-Energy Methods of Recovery First. As often as possible, first try low-energy and/or saferrecovery techniques (e.g., shovel use, lowering tire pressures, use of traction boards) before trying other, more aggressive and higher energy methods (e.g., kinetic energy, winching) of getting unstuck. 
Photo courtesy of MaxTrax
  • Refuse to Get Frustrated During Off-Road Recovery Events. When you do get stuck, calm yourself. Stop, Think, Observe, Plan, and then Act.
  • Avoid Hurried Recovery Efforts Due to Peer Pressure. Don’t let others on a trail hurry your recovery efforts to get unstuck.
  • Safeguard the Environment During Off-Road Recovery Operations. Sometimes getting unstuck in the remote backcountry means disturbing the environment just a bit to get out and going again. A good driver minimizes this disruption as much as possible. In the end, however, you’ll need to do what is necessary to get home alive.
  • Use Common Sense. Most of the above points have to do with common sense. Same for the use of drugs or alcohol that may be contrary to safe driving. Use your common sense each and every time you get stuck off road.
  • Be Prepared with Survival Knowledge, Skills, and Kit. Should you not be able to recover and get unstuck if you are remote and solo in the backcountry, you need to have the knowledge, skills, and kit to remain comfortable for several hours, a couple of days, or even a week or two should an adventure or work-related incident go bad. The companion Off-Road & Overland Adventure Info Book Live Long to Wander – Basic Survival for Vehicle-Supported Adventures is a must-read for all vehicle-supported adventurers.
Fun fact: Lori and Andy from TAP are the “injured” couple on the cover.
  • Live Long to Wander: Basic Survival for Vehicle-Supported Adventures – $25.95 BUY HERE
  • Raising Your 4WD Vehicle Off-Road & In-Field Tire Repair – $44.95 BUY HERE
  • The Total Approach of Getting Unstuck Off Road – $59.95 BUY HERE

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The Deadman Earth Anchor

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Featured Product: Sponsored Content

The Deadman Story:

We created the Deadman Earth Anchor™(patent pending) because we wanted to explore with confidence. We often found ourselves venturing solo, and with very little room to spare in our vehicle we needed recovery gear that was at once lightweight, small, and adaptable to different terrain. The Deadman was our solution to this need. With this single device, we can create a winch anchor point out of almost anything Mother Earth throws our way — without breaking the bank or taking up precious cargo space. For us, this opened new avenues to adventure and the freedom to explore. We believe in having many different recovery tools in our recovery kit; the addition of something as versatile as the Deadman gives us options — and since every recovery is unique, and conditions are never ideal, having options might just be what’s needed to get us home. 

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WHAT’S AN EARTH ANCHOR?

Ok, anything you bury in the ground as a winching anchor point is defined as a deadman anchor. So yes, we named our product The Deadman in honor of this, however its versatility both above and below ground has led us to refer to it as an Earth Anchor. You see, the Deadman is not simply a ground anchor: it can anchor to a tree, a rock, or the ground unlike anything else. Most anchors only work in one scenario, meaning you must carry multiple anchors to ensure preparedness. The Deadman’s unique design allows it to be extremely capable in all three scenarios, making it the most versatile off-road anchor ever.

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THE DEADMAN EARTH ANCHOR:

Our primary design objective was to create something small and lightweight that could be easily buried – and be retrieved without more digging – for self-recovery in areas where there is nothing else to attach a winch to. What we came up with surprised us! It weighs less than 5lb, fits underneath a seat, and works to anchor to so much more than just the dirt. Because it’s a soft product, it can also be used around trees and rocks with increased safety relative to traditional anchors… and we keep finding new uses for the Deadman all the time. For instance, because it’s made from industrial grade, non-stretch polyester webbing (same as a tree strap), it can also be used as a 15′ winch extension. We’ve also found it useful as a ground mat, a fluid catch, a shade, and more – we’re looking forward to what ideas our customer community comes up with as well!

THE DEADMAN MATERIALS & CONSTRUCTION:

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The Deadman is constructed in USA from the finest USA-made, industrial grade materials. The tarp in the center is industrial 18oz vinyl with a rip-stop polyester skrim that’s both tough and malleable, allowing it to conform to misshaped objects like rocks without ripping. The webbing is 2″ Class VII industrial sling webbing, manufactured by Murdock Webbing (est. 1936) in Rhode Island, which is the same stuff used in industrial rigging and hoisting applications. Each line has a breaking strength of 19,600lb in a straight pull configuration and 39,200lb in a basket configuration. Because the Deadman uses two of these, when both lines are in use its breaking strength doubles, giving the Deadman a minimum breaking strength (MBS) of nearly 80,000lb in a basket configuration (still over 66,000lb after assembly). Additionally, because more than one strap is in use, the Deadman offers something no other anchor can: redundancy.

The Deadman is manufactured in the U.S.A. BUY HERE

Use Promo Code TAP10% and FREE SHIPPING in the Lower 48

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Featured Product: Sponsored Content

Titus Adventure Company – Behind The Wheel

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Everywhere you look these days, you see articles about Vehicle Supported Adventure, “Looks pretty cool” you say to yourself, but where do I start? Alternatively, maybe you simply want to experience a different states adventure opportunity without wasting days driving 1000’s of miles to simply get there? Titus Adventure Company (TAC) answers these questions for you and a couple weeks ago we sat down with them and asked them about their rapidly growing business.

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What is TAC and how and why did you start it?

Titus Adventure Company (TAC) is an overland adventure vehicle rental outfitter based in Denver Colorado and we see ourselves at the “Uber of Overlanding.”  Our mission is to help provide access to the outdoors while being good stewards for the environment and community. I started TAC mainly out of a personal need: how to live the outdoor Colorado lifestyle while reducing my family’s carbon footprint. As a young family of 4 (with a dog) we need a big SUV for weekend adventures in the mountains, but we don’t need it to run to the grocery store. Why not rent the times we need an adventure rig and have a much more fuel efficient car for the other 90% of our driving? We have since purchased an EV for our daily driver and offer 20% off to all other EV owners. The other major motivation for starting the company was that I believe life is better outdoors and as a Colorado native I have spent a lifetime getting outside, but not everyone is so lucky. How can we help get people outside? We do that by removing barriers. Don’t have the right vehicle? We bring ours to you. Don’t have time to pack/ unpack and then clean? We provide the gear and clean it for you. Don’t know where to go? We help plan your experience. Don’t have $60k to put into an overland rig? Rent only when you want to go out. To solve these problems I quit my mechanical engineering day job and jumped all-in on this business with no idea really how to start a business, how to market it, how to get insurance, or how to make financial projections. What I did know was that this was something I was incredibly passionate about and I felt confident the timing was right for this type of business.

Titus Adventure Company (TAC) Rigs and their builds

The Titus Adventure Company fleet is Toyota 4x4s that are perfect for the Colorado market. We have a 2019 4Runner TRD Off-Road Premium, a 2019 Tacoma TRD Off-Road Premium, and 2019 Sequoia TRD Sport. These were selected to offer a range of vehicle types to suit different needs but all under the same family. We also wanted to start with a variety and test out assumptions about which vehicles would be most popular. One of the most important factors in the vehicle selection process was reliability. We can’t have rigs breaking down on guests in the backcountry. Another factor was we felt it was important to have the vehicles the locals drive. This makes our rentals appealing to the folks who just moved to Colorado and want to get into the lifestyle and also critical to our mission of changing the type of cars locals drive. If we are asking people to give up their 4Runner as their daily driver, they darn sure want to be able to rent one on the weekends. Lastly, we wanted vehicles that are very capable but also very easy to drive and don’t feel overwhelming. It is one thing to trick out a vehicle you drive everyday and know well, it is another to have a stranger drive it.As such, we have left the vehicle fairly stock but have done the following mods

4Runner:

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  • RCI skid plates and rock sliders
  • BF Goodrich AT KO2  tires (stock size)
  • K9 roof rails and load bars
  • Toytec 2.5” lift with Boss 2.0 Aluma series shocks and coils 
  • Alu-Cab RTT
  • Alu-Cab Shadow Awning

Tacoma:

Titus adventure company, overland, over land, off-road, off-roading, vehicle supported adventure,
  • RCI skid plates and rock sliders
  • BF Goodrich AT KO2  tires (stock size)
  • Toytec 2.5” lift with Boss 2.0 Aluma series shocks and coils 
  • Toytec HD rear leaf springs
  • ARE HD Topper (aluminum frame inside to handle the roof weight)
  • Front Runner Platform

Sequoia:

Titus adventure company, overland, over land, off-road, off-roading, vehicle supported adventure,
  • RCI skid plates
  • BF Goodrich AT KO2  tires (stock size)
  • K9 roof rails and load bars
  • iKamper SkyCamp RTT
  • RLD 360 degree awning

What extra gear is provided when renting?

Titus Adventure Company offers a ton of gear in addition to the vehicles to help outfit your adventure. Included with the vehicle rental, guests get a standard camping package which includes things like stove, fuel, chairs/tables, cook kit, Yeti cooler, water jug, and camp lighting. We also offer a deluxe camping package that has the items above plus things like Yeti coolers, Maven binoculars, portable toilet seat, supplies for S’mores, and firewood. We have gear for watersports (inflatable SUPs and packrafts), bike racks, ski racks, a PakMule hitch carrier, rod vault, portable shower, kid sleeping bags, and Goal Zero power banks. The list goes on!

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TAC Tacoma on a ski mission

Are your audience local or from all over the US and International? 

We are seeing a mix of local and out of state. In the winter most of our guests are from out of state coming to ski and want a guaranteed vehicle with snow tires and 4WD. The summer season is more of a mix. One of our goals is to be a resource for locals who want to explore the mountains on the weekends in a rigged vehicle and use a smaller efficient city driver the rest of the time. We are marketing heavily to urban dwellers and suburban families who are in Colorado because they want to explore the outdoors, but for them having a lifted vehicle with RTT and tons of outdoor gear just isn’t practical.

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Chillin around the fire

Does TAC curate areas, trails, POI’s for the renter? 

Yes, Titus Adventure Company hears from a lot of guests that they are excited to try an overlanding trip but don’t know where to go. It is awesome to be able to camp for free in the national forests but can be overwhelming too. We are developing some recommended routes in various parts of the state and then also offer more personalized trips. We also ask about their off-road driving experience, other activities they want to do and recommend routes accordingly.

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Tacoma in the backcountry

Define the process of renting with you? 

Bookings can be made online or by giving us a call. The website shows the vehicle availability and also allows the guest to add on any extra gear for their trip. Once they book we reach out with confirmation email and pre-trip survey to help us learn about their needs/wants. If the guests are looking for a more pre-planned trip we will put together a Google Earth presentation that shows them potential campsites and then create a trip route guide. A few days before the trip we will reach back out to confirm the pickup details and answer any last minute questions. After the trip we do a quick vehicle walk around, guests get their personal items out of the vehicle and they are all done!

Titus adventure company, overland, over land, off-road, off-roading, vehicle supported adventure,
A room with a view

What have been the challenges (apart from Covid of course)?

Getting commercial insurance for a small, new business that lets renters go off paved roads has not been easy to say the least. It took over a year to find a policy we were comfortable with. The other main challenge has been brand awareness. While overlanding is a rapidly growing trend, it is far from mainstream and even less known is that you can rent one of these vehicles. Most people know you can rent a Jeep for a day and most people know you can rent an RV and we are trying to bring awareness to the big gap in the middle. It is far from common knowledge that you can rent an adventure-ready mountain vehicle loaded with gear.

Any funny rental stories?

A guest came back from the Sand Dunes (Medano Creek) missing the front license plate and the bumper valance. He really had no idea how it came off or when and it seemed hard to believe something would rip it off driving forward and not damage the car anywhere else. Was he backing up and caught something? Later I learned that during water crossing at just the right depth and vehicle speed, the water can swirl up at  the front bumper and that is what peeled the licence plate off. I also learned that replacing a specialty plate is not cheap…While cleaning a vehicle after being returned, we found some very nice Italian cheese in the car, vacuumed-sealed and uneaten. We got a hold of the guest and it turned out they had bought it in Europe on a trip just before their rental with us and were saving it to bring to their mother-in-law. The guest lived in Vermont and we happened to have family in town from Vermont who were more than happy to fly the cheese home with them and reunite it with the guest. We also have a guy planning to propose to his girlfriend on a trip in a few weeks!

Check out Titus Adventure Company (TAC) today!

The Top 10 Fears of the first time Overlander

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Driving off road presents a host of challenges and fears for any driver. Four wheeling can be especially intimidating for new drivers. Those initial concerns are understandable. It takes off-road experience to build skill set and confidence.

If you’ve considered going off road but are reluctant to do so, relax. The following information may convince you to take up the hobby. While you are reading this remember: in town, you get into a pile-up as the result of other driver’s errors and actions. Off-road, in almost every instance, the driver makes the decision and judgment that lead to his own  predicament.

After years of talking with new 4-wheel drive owners, here is my perception of the Top 10 Fears of newer drivers, and what to do about them.

1. Damage to a new vehicle:

This fear is mostly with regard to cosmetic damage; minor pin-striping and scraped bumpers. On occasion an air dam gets torn off or a license plate is bent out of shape.  If you intend to explore more challenging terrain, I recommend you add rock sliders on the sides of the vehicle and skid plates to protect the undercarriage in case you bottom out. The first little dents will probably hurt you more than the vehicle. But on the bright side, you can now justify an aftermarket bumper.

2. Rolling over:

This is normally a rare issue. What makes good YouTube fodder is the extreme stuff with above average risk. When it does occur, the driver is often in an extreme situation or driving recklessly. Take your time going through rough terrain and around obstacles. Avoid high risk situations whenever possible. This may not be a comfort to you, but if you do make a mistake that causes your vehicle to roll,  most times, the vehicle will only tip over onto a side (what we call a flop). A flop tends to occur while driving slowly, so damage to the vehicle and the driver is limited.

3. Stuck forever:

This rarely happens. Sure you are going to get stuck sometimes. Your buddies will help you out of a jam. Most stuck situations are what we call shallowly stuck – lightly hung up on a rock or mud just up to the side walls. A quick pull by another vehicle will usually remedy this situation. If you go by yourself, a winch will get you out of most situations. Of course you should avoid dangerous situations; areas where you think, “Yeah, I might be able to do that.” Bottom line? It’s always preferable to go out with at least one other vehicle.

4. Breakdowns:

The most common issues are resolved with proper training and tools. Remember, you’re likely to be with other drivers, who can lend experience and a hand. Read up on and poke around your vehicle to prepare you to be able to deal effectively with breakdowns.  In my opinion, tires are the number one cause of problems. Focus on learning the skills on how to fix tires (they are not hard) and acquire the necessary tools. Bottom line: a breakdown need not end your four wheeling trip.

5. Not knowing where to go and not knowing other drivers:

The Federal Bureau of Land Management (BLM) produces maps that show open trails in the western states. Since 2011, they have provided “Off-Highway Vehicle Route Supplement” maps by Field Office sub regions. All open trails (with trail numbers) are identified. These maps do not have contour lines or other details and should be used with other maps like the BLM Surface Management Status maps. All national forests are required to publish a “Motor Vehicle Use Map” (MVUM). The maps are little more than line drawings of the trails with trail numbers. They show the major paved road to help orient you. In California, the California Trail Users Coalition publishes maps with the MVUM over laid on more fully featured maps for $3.00. Obtain several maps so you know where to find legal trails.Another good resource are trail guides. You can find a list of publishers on my web site www.4x4training.com/w/trails.html. A critical point here is that even if you feel well equipped with your trail loaded on a GPS, always bring a paper map!  Electronics can fail.

Map meeting outside Soldier Summit.

In terms of finding other likeminded off roaders, look for events that are open to the public.  Stop by and introduce yourself. You are likely to meet lots of other folks willing to hit the trails with you.

6. Breaking a bead:

Also called losing a bead, this is common. This concern is warranted but easily mitigated. Four wheelers air down nearly every time they go off road. If you turn too sharp, too fast in soft stuff or against a rock, the deflated tire is likely to lose its bead. The issue sounds worse than it is, though. As you’ll learn in this article, Tire Problems Shouldn’t Deflate Your Day, the problem is easily corrected with an air compressor and jack.

7. Embarrassing yourself in front of others:

Understand that everyone has to start sometime. Heck, I can recall some of my boneheaded newbie mistakes. The hope is that your fellow drivers are patient and understanding. To build your confidence, take some introductory classes. Everyone in these classes are in the same position as you, and you’ll learn together. (I offer a number of beginners’ classes.) Bear in mind that making mistakes is a part of your training. Don’t get worked up if, for example, you pick the wrong line. You’ll quickly recover, and you’ll be a smarter four wheeler as a result.

florence_AEV_training_staging area_the adventure portal

8. Lack of skill & knowledge: 

There is no need to jump into driving on high risk, difficult trails. One trail book I have for Southern California lists over 150 trails (representing about 1500 miles). Only 19 of them rate above a difficulty Level of 4 (out of 10), although you do need 4-wheel drive and good clearance. Most of the trails take you to scenic overlooks, old ghost towns, old mines, and great camp sites. There are so many things to see and places to go on moderate to easy trails. An off-road training clinic will quickly eliminate any doubts about your ability to drive this level of trails safely. There are so many trails, and such a wide variety of terrain, that you’ll easily find a path that is enjoyable and surmountable.

9. Going off camber: 

This is the official term for driving when tipped at an angle. As a newbie, being tilted over can be an unnerving experience. Even veteran drivers are uncomfortable driving off camber. Off camber isn’t a real issue until you get up to around a 30-degree pitch. In most cases though, you’re not likely to tip over, unless you’re traveling fast. Go slow and control the bounce.  In my Getting Started Off-Road Driving & Safety Clinic I put students through a 30-degree pitch exercise. They learn what it feels like and how to respond. That way they are less likely to freeze up while off road.  You can also buy a couple of tools that will help you determine your angle. One is an angle finder carpenter’s use, available in any hardware store. Another one, you can find at 4WD stores can be glued to the dash, it shows pitch and yaw.

10. Lack of immediate emergency services:.

 Some 4WD areas as so remote, you’re outside the 2-hour window that normally defines urgent care response. Worse, you may be outside of cell range, as well.  Here are a few things you can do to help keep you safe when dealing with an emergency in a remote location: 

-Get basic first aid training. Learn how to stabilize an injured person. Take a basic survival course, too. You may need to camp out one or more nights while waiting for help.
-Pack alternate forms of communication. These can include ham radio (requires a license), a satellite phone and a personal locator beacon or SPOT device.
-Always ride with at least one other vehicle. I can’t stress that enough. Especially while still inexperienced, don’t consider driving alone on anything but the easiest trails.

I hope you have a better understanding of how to address four wheeling issues. The trails await you. Get the training you need, pack your vehicle, and then get out and enjoy the ride.

Author: Tom Severin

Tom Severin is an International 4-Wheel Drive Trainers Association© certified professional 4WD Trainer and a Wilderness First Responder (WFR). He is an instructor for the United Four Wheel Drive Associations (UFWDA) and the California Association of 4WD Clubs.
For information and dates of his trainings and runs go to https://www.4x4training.com/w/top-10-fears-of-new-4wd-owners/

For extra peace of mind in the backcountry, check out this Sat Nav Buyers Guide HERE

1UP USA Launches The Super Duty Hitch Rack

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Building upon the success of its predecessor, the new Super Duty promises to be more rugged, capable, and versatile than ever before, with significant updates to meet the evolving needs of cyclists. Designed to carry bikes up to 100 pounds per bike tray, the SD is engineered for durability and reliability, allowing cyclists to go harder and farther into the backcountry with peace of mind.

“Since the original Super Duty launched in 2016, it has been hailed as one of the best racks on the planet,” said Kurt Barclay, Marketing Director for 1UP USA. “We’ve listened to feedback, observed how cyclists are pushing the boundaries of bike transportation, and sought ways to enhance the already impressive capabilities of the SD rack. The result is what we consider the ultimate evolution of the 1UP USA Super Duty Rack.”

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Key Features of the Super Duty Hitch Rack:

  • More Capable: With thicker side plates and pivot beams than before, tray capacity now allows up to 100 pounds for the first two trays. Spacing has been extended between bike trays to provide additional clearance between bike spots.
  • Off-road Ready: Like its predecessor, the new Super Duty is rated for extreme off-road use, but it’s now compatible with the Wheel Chock, an accessory can be used to cradle the front tire and reduce the steer tube rotation, stabilizing heavy e-bikes and offering more stoutness off-road.
  • Clean and Tidy: The new Super Duty folds up to 90o when not in use, protruding as little as eight inches from the hitch. The single bike option allows for most rear hatches to open without lowering the rack.
  • One-handed Operation: Redesigned glide bars and levers offer a stronger connection to the arms that hold the tires, enabling a press-and-lift feature that allows users to disengage the ratchet, and open and close the arms with one hand to make loading and unloading bikes easier than ever. Additionally, the new Super Duty is compatible with the optional loading ramp, allowing uncomplicated mounting to roll heavy bikes onto the rack.
  • Adjustable Wheelbase: The new Super Duty introduces adjustable-width trays, providing the option for four different width configurations: standard at 54”, long at 58”, and offset to either driver or passenger side at 56”. This provides more versatility when mounting multiple bikes, and gives riders more room to fit long rigs.
  • Fat-tire Capable: The new Super Duty is fat bike ready for up to 5” tires straight out of the box.
  • Built to Accessorize: The new Super Duty utilizes the same Add-On mounting system as 1UP’s Quik Rack system, making it reverse compatible with current Add-Ons and most accessories.
  • Up To Four Bikes: Available as a single or double base rack with the option to add two Add-Ons, the Super Duty is just as modular as the original. 1UP also introduced a new Super Duty Roof Rack featuring the same one-hand operation, Wheel Chock integration, and up to 100-pound capacity.
1 UP racks, Super Duty Hitch Rack, overlanding, bike rack,

All 1UP USA racks are American-made and backed by a lifetime warranty. Should any accidents occur, every component is available for purchase on the 1UP USA website, and can be replaced easily with standard tools.

To Learn More CLICK HERE

For more Overland ready Gear Articles CLICK HERE

The Boreas Campers XT – Overland Trailer

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Boreas Campers,

In the realm of outdoor adventure having the right gear makes all the difference. Boreas Campers understands this, and the XT trailer stands as a testament to their commitment to excellence in the offroad camping world. Boasting a fusion of durability, versatility, and comfort, the Boreas Campers XT is a beacon for adventurers seeking to venture off the beaten path with confidence.

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Perhaps the most important aspect of the XT is its rugged construction. With a heavy-duty powder coated steel frame designed for and around the Cruisemaster CRS2 suspension, this camper trailer is built to withstand the rigors of off-road expeditions. The aluminum exoskeleton and composite panels allow for a small amount of flex when navigating intense topography, as opposed to a rigid shell that can crack under the stress and have the bonus of drastically reducing thermal transfer compared to aluminum and wood competitors. 

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One of the hallmarks of the Boreas Campers XT is its unparalleled off-grid capability, allowing adventurers to roam freely without compromising on comfort. The camper comes equipped with a suite of high-end components to stay powered up such as the 100AH lithium Battle Born battery, 100w Zamp solar panel (with the ability to go up to 500w), and a full Victron system including the GX50 battery monitoring system, Cerbo GX 5” touch screen display, 30amp MPPT controller, Phoenix Smart Charger (shore power) and Orion Smart Charger (7pin). 

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While the allure of the great outdoors is undeniable, comfort remains a crucial aspect of any adventure experience. Recognizing this, Boreas Campers made the XT provides a cozy haven of comfort in the wilderness. With a Queen mattress, plenty of storage and a convenient overhead cubby the cabin is a great place to rest after a day of adventure. With the Propex furnace the space can be quickly warmed up, and the Maxxair fan can pull out heat to cool the space down. The optional 12V Nomadic AC can run off the upgraded battery setup for hotter climates. The dual doors feature Tern windows with black out shades, bug screens and vents. 

The galley kitchen includes a Truma 60-liter cooler, stainless steel sink, 16” Partner stove which puts out 20,000 BTUs, stainless steel counters and ample storage space. Stay hydrated with the 30-gallon water tank that feeds the sink and instant hot water shower. Stay cool under the 8’ awning and bring your choice of dirt bike or up to 3 pedal bikes on the front hitch receiver. 

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With its robust construction, versatile off-grid capability, and elevated comfort, this camper trailer is ready to take on any adventure you have in mind. Whether traversing rugged landscapes or seeking solace in nature’s embrace the XT inspires adventurers to embark on unforgettable journeys, forging lasting memories along the way.

Learn more about the XT and our other models at boreascampers.com. Visit our manufacturing facility in-person or virtually by scheduling a time here. And reach out with any questions to 720-515-3641 or [email protected]

For an Adventure south of the border in a Boreas Camper XT CHECK HERE

Grant Willbanks – ARK – Overland Adventurer Series

ARK, Backwoods adventure mods, tacoma, dirt box, overlanding, overland, ARK, Arkansas offroad,

 “The Overland Adventurer Series,” TAP’s monthly feature on individuals who genuinely embody the Overland Life. Today we’re sitting down with Grant Willbanks of ARK YouTube channel notoriety.

Let’s dive right in. 

ARKansas Offroad, ARK,

Thanks for sitting down with us Grant. Tell us a about yourself and what led you down the overlanding career and enthusiast path you’re on? 

I work full time as the Marketing Director of Backwoods Adventure Mods, and I have a YouTube channel, ARK Offroad that I do on the side for fun. I’ve been married for 7 years and have a 1.5-year-old son named Henry. I’ve been an Arkansas native my whole life and have always loved what the Natural State has to offer as far as the outdoors. Growing up, I’ve always been fascinated with anything that has wheels. I can remember being obsessed with construction equipment and amazed at the machinery in general. As far as my career into overlanding, it’s something that has been somewhat recent, over the last 5 or so years. I am a professional graphic designer and am obsessed with form, function, and detail. Up until overlanding, my main hobbies were playing drums, skateboarding, mountain biking, and camping. While working in the graphic and tech design industry, I was pursued by a local offroad accessory manufacturer called Backwoods Adventure Mods because of my YouTube channel. I was actually very reluctant to switch into this industry and take a job with Backwoods, but after much consideration it made so much sense. I realized I would be able to combine my graphic design/marketing skills with my passion for vehicles and the outdoors. I’m sure I’ll touch more on this later in the interview, but I always want people to know that I consider myself an enthusiast and not an influencer. I’m truly fascinated by this sort of stuff whether I’m successful on social media or not.

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You’ve created quite an exciting and authentic YouTube channel in Arkansas Off-Road. Congrats on just topping 100k subscribers! When did you start ARK and what’s been the driving force behind its success? 

Well, to start off, I’ll say that the whole YouTube thing and even having success on social media at all was a complete accident. It was never something I set out to achieve. Like I said earlier, I consider myself an enthusiast and not an influencer. My goal in making a YouTube channel was never to be successful or make money or be “famous”, and my goal is still the same today. My goal for my YouTube channel was just to capture the memories I made while camping and building offroad vehicles so I would have them one day to reflect on, kind of like a photo album or something, but with video. As far as the driving force behind its success, truthfully, I have no idea. I never researched any special tips or tried to figure out algorithms or anything like that. But I will say the number one thing that people continue to say to me is that they love how real and authentic I am, and I think that’s because I don’t have any pressure to look or act a certain way. I sort of do my own thing and I think people resonate with that because it seems casual, and they feel that they can relate.

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Was ARK an overnight success or did it take time to catch on? Any advice for people thinking about setting up a channel? 

I remember posting my very first video (see below). It was a little solo overnight camping trip with my dog. I remember somehow it got a thousand views or so in a day or two, then five thousand, and then ten thousand in about a month. I was insanely shocked. I wasn’t trying to impress anybody or anything. So that fueled me to make a couple more. I remember being qualified to be monetized by YouTube in about a month or so. At the time I was just filming random videos, but after looking back, I realized that the quick success was because overlanding wasn’t really a thing yet. Additionally, and probably the most important thing was that there was zero content about the vehicle I was driving at the time. When I started the channel, I had a 2000 Jeep TJ, and my first several videos were me doing DIY mods to it in my driveway. But I realized after about a year in, that I sort of had this niche all to myself. You could type in “Overland Jeep TJ” and nothing at all would pop up but my content. There were no other YouTubers doing content on that vehicle or like I was doing. As a designer and creative person in general, I used YouTube as a medium to share my ideas and solutions to making camping easier. I was obsessed, and still am, with gear and making it all efficient and work flawlessly together. I think the combination of all of those things contributed to my success as well as just being a regular dude.

As far as giving advice to people starting a channel, none of my advice is technical or a formula you can follow for success. I think if you’re genuine, do what you love, and have some sort of differentiator or niche you can make content about people will be attracted to that. Best thing to remember is people subscribe to you because of you, not your content. And if your goal in starting your own YouTube channel is to get free parts, you won’t get far at all. People can sniff that out a mile away. Do it because you love it.

Any future and or big plans for ARK we should know about? 

I’ve said this many times and still hold this thought. I have no plans on going full time with YouTube. I like working a full-time job and doing this on the side. I have seen it multiple times…when you turn your passion into a job or into something you solely rely on for income, it can change you and it can change how you feel about your passion. The last thing I want is to feel pressure or obligation to make content because I need to put food on the table for my family. I hate the feeling of forcing content. I feel extremely fortunate to work a full-time job in the industry and do what I love on the side, with full creative control. I never want to leave that position because I feel the most freedom here. Some people have great success going full time, or at least appear successful, but it’s just not for me personally. 

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So, let’s talk about your rig. I’ve watched it go through many iterations. Tell us about all the changes you’ve made over the years and are you finally finished? (Is a rig ever complete?) 

Oh man, well this could go on forever, haha. Like I said earlier, I had a Jeep TJ and really turned that into something special because nobody had really ever done it before, at least for overlanding. It was a small 2 door vehicle that people largely considered a strict offroad only type vehicle. After building that, I wanted to experience a new platform and push myself to do something totally foreign to me. Plus, I wanted to start a family and simply needed more room. That’s when I bought a Tacoma, and it has been the best vehicle I’ve ever owned. It still impresses me today.

The above video talks about all the different variations of the truck that I’ve built. I’ve learned a ton from switching up gear and running different brands, camping styles, suspensions, etc. And no, a rig is never complete no matter how many times you tell that to your wife. I started off basic with a camper shell and roof top tent, then switched out tires, wheels, suspension, bumpers, etc. Learned what I liked and didn’t like about that setup and then moved on to more of a live in camper style. I installed a GFC camper and swapped out suspension, wheels, tires, bumpers, etc. yet again. I did this process 4 times until reaching my current setup, a Dirtbox Overland Flatbed Tray and Canopy. It’s given me ultimate versatility and functionality. It’s my dream to own one of these and I still can’t believe it’s real. And no…definitely not finished yet.

Your rig has obviously been a lot of work, so if you had to do it all over again, would you still choose the Tacoma platform?  

Great question. I actually went back and forth between a Tacoma and 4Runner. The main reason I went with a Tacoma was because of the truck bed, all of the aftermarket support, and the reliability. I realized that you can really only outfit SUVs one way for overlanding…a tent on the roof, bumpers, and some drawers/internal storage. A truck bed allows tons of different style setups, which like I mentioned earlier, have experienced in my build. A truck bed also keeps gear completely separate from the cab, which I love. So, as far as my vehicle choice is concerned, a truck fit the bill, and I specifically chose the Tacoma because it was midsized. In the Ozarks, where I wheel most often, it’s very dense and I had to keep size in mind. When you choose an overland vehicle, it’s super important to consider where you’re going or where you’ll be most often. If you’re out West, it makes sense to get a full-sized rig. The one thing the Tacoma lacks is power, that’s my only complaint. You can do things like re-gear, which I’ve done, but it still is a bit sluggish with everything loaded. Still wouldn’t trade it for anything else currently.

Dirt Box, backwoods adventure mods, overlanding, youtube, ARK, Arkansas overland,

So, what does 2024 look like? Any major trips planned? 

I can’t really ever plan my year out besides shows I do with Backwoods for work, but I’ll be going to Colorado and some other places here and there. I usually find myself doing a couple big trips a year, but always look forward to wheeling in my backyard in the Ozarks. There’s just something special about it. That’s why I named my channel Arkansas Offroad because I love Arkansas so much.

What’s been your most exciting trip to date and why? 

It’s really tough to pick one single favorite trip, but I’ll sort of pick 2 that really stood out to me. One of my favorite trips was actually to Colorado for our 2nd Backwoods company camp ride. It was so awesome because we went when some of the major passes were closed, at least closed officially to the public. I remember us camping at the base of one of the passes when we ran into the Forest Service crew. They told us that they just officially opened and cleared Engineer Pass and we would be the very first ones up it that season if we’d like to go for it. I remember that feeling being the first tire tracks up there passing all of these bull dozers thinking I was the first one on the moon. It was so cool to me because at camp I was in a t-shirt and it was around 70 degrees, but after driving up the pass for an hour or two, it was a full-on blizzard, and I was in a coat freezing my butt off. That was an insane experience. One other trip was the one I took with my Wife right before we were about to be parents for the first time. I think she was around 5 or 6 or so months pregnant and we wanted to do one last big trip together. We spent a week on the road from Arkansas to Flagstaff, AZ where she flew home out of AZ, and I stayed and did a show with Backwoods. We got to see so many cool things and it was sort of our last time together without a kid. I have videos documenting both of these trips by the way if you’re interested. I might go back and watch them after this now, ha.

Finally, any fun trail stories to share? 

So many trail stories! The most recent trip we had was a Backwoods content trip in the Ozarks. We called it Toyotality because we all went to the woods in our Toyotas to see the total eclipse. Long story short, we accidently flooded our company Tacoma in a very unsuspecting mud hole. The truck ended up dying and we had to do an alternator change in the middle of the woods. It’s crazy when tensions are that high and you have to be totally self-reliant and get an entire vehicle out of the deep woods. And it was even more nerve racking because it was our company truck. Anyway, we were able to source an alternator and swapped it late one night at camp. It was an absolute mission, but we made it out and the only thing wrong with the truck is a muddy interior, which is literally getting fixed as we speak. I think when things like this go wrong, it builds so much character and gives you these challenges that you have to overcome. Yes, its nerve racking, but the reward of conquering a difficult or scary thing is next level.

Dirt Box, backwoods adventure mods, overlanding, youtube, ARK, Arkansas overland,

Thanks for your time today, Grant. Stay healthy and safe and see you at the shows and hopefully in the backcountry! 

For more in the Adventurer Series CLICK HERE

Zero Declination – Behind The Wheel

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The “Behind the Wheel” series is an up close and personal look at authentic brands and their owners, in the exciting world of Overlanding and Vehicle Supported Adventure. Today we’re sitting down with KP, Founder of Zero Declination

Let’s Dive in! 

Zero Declination

KP, great to chat with you today. Let’s start with your background and what led to the creation of Zero Declination. 

Hello Andy, it’s nice to be here. I grew up on a farm and in a small town, so was always interested in trucks and off-roading, but in my early 20s I was bit by a travel bug. It didn’t take long for me to combine the two pastimes and that turned into a PanAm trip from 2016-2019. 

When I got back from that trip, getting a “real job” sounded pretty terrible so I started Zero Declination with the goal of helping others outfit their rigs for true, long-term adventure travel. My background is mostly in full-size American trucks, and I find they make an excellent overland platform, so that’s our specialty. 

zero declination, OEV, Overlanding, overland,

So, Zero Declination is an interesting name, what’s its origin? 

So, it can mean several things, but in this context it’s a point on the map where true North and magnetic North align with one another. 

Give us some insight into what you and your team do at Zero Declination. What brands and products you currently distribute and why? 

I gravitate toward very high quality, well built, but simple products. I like things that just simply work, right out of the box and our product mix reflects that. Our flagship line is definitely the truck camper, chassis mount expedition trucks, and aluminum trays made by Overland Explorer Vehicles. We also love Battleborn Batteries and Victron electrical componentry. I’d say we’re most well-known as a high-end electrical shop, focused on lithium batteries and solar installations. We also sell and install MITS Alloy products as well as Skinny Guy campers

Are you planning on any additional products and if so, can you tell us about them? 

Currently, in-house, we design and sell a few of our own products, including the very popular Reico Titan quick release jack kits. I’ve got a few more ideas I’m working on in the queue, but nothing ready for primetime. Yet!  

Well, I’m certainly grateful that the industry expansion has allowed me to make a living helping others do something that I personally love. I’m not sure there would have been the demand for our products or services ten years ago. That being said, I’m typing this from Baja Sur right now and I’ve NEVER seen so many American rigs in places that were once pristine, and absolutely remote. It’s definitely a give and take. 

zero declination, OEV, Overlanding, overland,

Looking into your crystal ball, where do you see the category going as it evolves further? 

Oh man, I wish I knew. I realize this sounds ridiculous coming from a guy who literally owns an overland shop and sells accessories, but I truly hope we see a focus shift away from accessories and aesthetics, and back to the roots of travel and exploration. 

As a passionate overlander yourself, what’s been your favorite trip you’ve taken, and do you have somewhere special on your bucket list destinations yet to visit?

My favorite trip so far has to probably be a moto trip in South America. I bought a cheap KLR from a guy on Facebook Marketplace and rode it from LaPaz Bolivia, through the altiplano, the Atacama Desert, and Patagonia to Ushuaia. The motorcycle wasn’t very reliable, so my breakdowns and subsequent fixes resulted in a ton of great adventure stories and amazing interactions with locals and travelers alike. Motorcycle travel is wonderful because it really exposes you to the elements and environments you’re traveling though, but still allows you to cover miles when needed. 

zero declination, OEV, Overlanding, overland,

Finally, any funny trail stories you can share with us? 

Oh man.. so many, but my favorite is probably the time I setup camp inside an abandoned warehouse near Porvenir Chile. I’d hung my hammock from the motorcycle to a beam inside the building, hung my helmet from the handlebars, and fell asleep facing the open door and a view of the Straight of Magellan. I woke up in the middle of the night. With the fork, bars, and suspended helmet, my motorcycle looked exactly like some sort of skeletal terminator nightmare bearing down on me. I literally screamed and fell out of my hammock before I woke up completely and realized what was happening. I slept great the rest of the night though, and it’s still one of my all-time favorite camp spots. 

zero declination, OEV, Overlanding, overland,

Thanks for spending time with us today, KP. Hope to join you one of these days, down south. 

__________________________________________________________

For more Behind The Wheel interviews, CLICK HERE

Storyteller Overland Acquires Taxa Outdoors

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Storyteller Overland, a pioneering adventure lifestyle brand and best in class manufacturer of Class B RV Adventure Vans and off-grid expedition vehicles, today announced its acquisition of TAXA Outdoors (“TAXA”), an innovative manufacturer of lightweight, highly versatile camping habitats and overlanding utility trailers. This strategic acquisition marks a significant milestone for both companies and reinforces their shared commitment to providing full range of solutions for their growing community of lifelong adventurers. 

Inspired by its founders’ roots in NASA habitat design and space architecture, TAXA has gained acclaim for its distinctive, “Otherworldly” approach to form and function. TAXA offers adventurers a range of versatile, lightweight towable solutions that are capable of traversing rugged terrain while also providing a comfortable, stylish mobile base camp experience. 

TAXA Cricket, STORYTELLER OVERLAND,

By fusing TAXA’s expertise with Storyteller Overland’s innovative approach to motorized adventure vehicle design, exceptional dealer sales & service network, and deep commitment to fostering community engagement, the combined entity will empower new generations of underserved and underrepresented customers to elevate their experiences and pursue their passions in the outdoors.

The alliance of Storyteller Overland and TAXA positions Storyteller as the most comprehensive and forward thinking, independent outdoor lifestyle and recreational vehicle company in the industry. As a fully integrated and aligned portfolio of active interest and adventure lifestyle oriented brands, this combination results in a unique customer journey and value added ecosystem offering solutions ranging from: a curated peer-to-peer rental technology platform (GoCamp), to market leading lifestyle gear and vehicle accessories for DIY and OEM customers (Flarespace), to best-in-class, turnkey adventure vehicles and expedition rigs on a variety of OEM chassis (Storyteller Overland / Global Expedition Vehicles / GXV), and now innovative, lightweight towables and mobile human habitats (TAXA).  

“We are stoked to welcome Neil Grimmer and the TAXA team along with their loyal owner community into the Storyteller Overland galaxy,” said Jeffrey Hunter, CEO of Storyteller Overland. “Both of our companies share a passion for inspiring and equipping individuals to boldly explore and expand their horizons and connect more deeply with our growing community of adventurers around the globe. This acquisition represents a natural alignment of the vision, values, and vibes that support those passions. For us, all of this is yet another giant leap forward to help more people live free, explore endlessly, and tell better stories.”

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Check out TAP’s Ultimate Overland Gear Guide HERE

The LAND Moto District Scrambler

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LAND MOTO,

The LAND Moto District Scrambler emerges as a beacon of innovation in the electric motorcycle industry, embodying the perfect blend of off-road capability and urban versatility. Designed for the adventure seeker who refuses to be confined by the boundaries of the concrete jungle, the District Scrambler stands out as a testament to LAND Moto’s commitment to eco-friendly, efficient, and thrilling transportation solutions.

Crafted in Cleveland, Ohio, the District Scrambler is a masterpiece of engineering, combining hand-made production techniques with cutting-edge electric vehicle technology. This motorcycle is not just a mode of transportation; it’s an extension of the rider’s desire for freedom and exploration, offering an unparalleled riding experience that’s as sustainable as it is exhilarating.

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Performance and Power:

At the heart of the District Scrambler is a robust electric powertrain that delivers instant torque and silent operation. Capable of speeds over 70 MPH, it caters to the adrenaline rush of speeding down open roads and the precision required for navigating through urban obstacles. The bike’s range of up to 120 miles on a single charge ensures that your adventures are not limited by distance, making it an ideal companion for both daily commutes and weekend getaways.

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Design and Durability:

The Land Moto District Scrambler’s design ethos is rooted in functionality, durability, and beauty. Its rugged frame is built to withstand the rigors of off-road trails while maintaining a sleek silhouette that turns heads in the city. The motorcycle features high-quality suspension components that provide a smooth ride over rough terrains and absorb the shocks of urban potholes. Its all-terrain tires offer superior grip, allowing riders to confidently tackle diverse landscapes.

Eco-Friendly Innovation:

In an era where sustainability is paramount, the District Scrambler leads the way as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional gasoline motorcycles. By harnessing electric power, it significantly reduces carbon emissions, contributing to a cleaner, greener planet. This commitment to environmental responsibility does not compromise on performance, making the District Scrambler a pioneer in the electric revolution.

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Technology and Connectivity:

The District Scrambler is equipped with the latest in motorcycle technology and connectivity features. Its intuitive digital dashboard displays essential information at a glance, including speed, range, and battery status. The motorcycle’s connected features allow riders to customize their riding experience, monitor their bike’s health, and navigate with ease, all through a dedicated mobile app. This integration of technology enhances the ride by making it safer, more enjoyable, and seamlessly integrated with the rider’s lifestyle.

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Customization and Community:

Understanding that riders value individuality, LAND Moto offers extensive customization options for the District Scrambler. From unique color schemes to performance upgrades, each motorcycle can be tailored to reflect the rider’s personality and riding preferences. Additionally, LAND Moto fosters a community of electric motorcycle enthusiasts, providing a platform for riders to share experiences, routes, and tips, further enriching the ownership experience.

In conclusion, the LAND Moto District Scrambler is more than just an electric motorcycle; it’s a gateway to adventure, freedom, and sustainability. It represents a bold step forward in the evolution of transportation, offering riders the chance to explore new horizons without leaving a carbon footprint. Whether carving through city streets or conquering rugged trails, the District Scrambler stands ready to challenge the status quo and lead the charge into the future of mobility.

To learn more about the Land Moto District Scrambler CLICK HERE

This is a sponsored article. TAP does not receive any commission from sales resulting from this feature.

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