An Overland Adventure Photography Trip

OVERLANDING, oVERLAND, OVER LAND, OFFROAD, OFFROADING, OFF-ROADING, OVERLAND ADVENTURE, EXPEDITIONS, adventure, alstrom point, lake powell, jeep, astrophotography, adventure photography,

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

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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White Pocket BLM InformationDownload

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Off-Road Recovery – Part Two

Bob Wohlers

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.

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.

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.

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

Andy Palmer

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.

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.

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:

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

Andy Palmer

Titus adventure company, overland, over land, off-road, off-roading, vehicle supported adventure,

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.

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:

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:

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:

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!

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.

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.

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!

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

Tom Severin

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.

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

Exploring the Winnebago EKKO and EKKO Sprinter

Andy Palmer

EKKO, WINNEBAGO, RV, OVERLANDING, OVERLAND, VANLIFE,

Winnebago has long been synonymous with innovation, and with the EKKO and the all-new EKKO Sprinter, they’ve raised the bar for versatile, off-grid exploration. These two models combine rugged capability with refined comfort, offering backcountry explorers a choice between the familiar power of the Ford Transit chassis and the premium, global engineering of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. Together, they redefine what it means to travel freely, wherever the road—or the trail—leads.

Twin Titans of Adventure

The EKKO, built on the Ford Transit AWD chassis, is powered by a 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine, renowned for its reliability and performance across varied terrains, while the EKKO Sprinter rides on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis with a powerful 2.0L high-output, turbo-diesel 4-cylinder engine and 9-speed automatic transmission with overdrive, delivering exceptional handling and efficiency. Both models boast all-wheel drive systems, making them equally at home on scenic highways or remote backroads.

Adventure-Ready Design

While the EKKO and EKKO Sprinter share a commitment to rugged exploration, they each balance functionality and comfort. Both feature a private sleeping area, an innovative dry/wet bath, and a fully loaded galley for easy meal prep. With all the tanks and water lines inside the coach and above the floor, dual-pane acrylic windows, enhanced insulation, both EKKOs are great for year round adventures. While both models offer an optional pop-top for extra sleeping, the new flexible dinette in the EKKO Sprinter is a real standout feature that transitions into an extra bed or space for entertaining.

Energy That Sustains You

Both models are built with sustainability and independence in mind. The EKKO features a 455-watt solar power system, lithium-ion batteries, and a second alternator, supporting you with clean, quiet unplugged power for days. Both models are also equipped with substantial 50 gallon freshwater tanks, ensuring you can stay off-grid as long as your spirit craves adventure.

Versatility in Motion

Storage and functionality shine in both the EKKO and EKKO Sprinter. With an exterior gear garage that easily accommodates bikes, kayaks, or other bulky equipment, and clever interior storage solutions, you’ll have room for everything you need to explore. The EKKO’s all-in-one dry/wet bath optimizes space, while providing everything you need to live comfortably on the road.

Choose Your Limitless

With the EKKO and EKKO Sprinter, Winnebago offers two incredible ways to embrace life without limits. The EKKO is the rugged adventurer’s dream: bold, practical, and ready for any challenge. The EKKO Sprinter is a versatile companion for those who seek both off-freedom and finesse in their travels. Whichever model you choose, the open road is yours to conquer.

To Learn More CLICK HERE

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This is a sponsored post. TAP does not receive any commission resulting from sales.

Inside the Highland 60: A must-see Walkthrough

Andy Palmer

Exciting things are happening over at SasquatchXC. Known for their rugged, high-quality 4×4 off-road camper trailers, this Colorado-based company has recently made the move to New Mexico, in search of more space and better growth opportunities. And it’s already paying off. With production ramping up and lead times shortening. Even with the high demand, now is a great time to lock in your build slot for one of these amazing off-road trailers. Every camper crafted by Sasquatch Expedition Campers is made in the USA with meticulous attention to detail and personalized care.

If you’ve been on the fence about pulling the trigger, now’s the time to get a closer look. Check out the flagship Highland 60 Off-Road Camper Trailer in their detailed walkthrough video (link above) to see why it’s generating so much buzz in the overlanding community.

Why the Highland 60 is a Must-See

SasquatchXC is all about creating off-road camper trailers that are built to last—and the Highland 60 is the perfect example. Engineered to conquer even the most rugged terrain, this camper trailer ensures you can reach your destination in comfort and style, no matter how far off the beaten path you go.

One of the most impressive features of the Highland 60 is its spacious sleeping area. With a 60-inch wide cabin and a full 6’8″ of length, there’s plenty of room for a queen-sized mattress—or, as SasquatchXC puts it, enough room to sleep “a sasquatch or two.” Whether you’re traveling solo or with a partner, you’ll have plenty of space to rest up after a long day of exploring.

Built for Year-Round Comfort

The Highland 60 is an off-road camper trailer ready for all seasons, making it perfect for any adventure. The cabin comes equipped with a propane heating system powered by two 11lb propane tanks, keeping you warm and cozy during chilly nights. Heading somewhere warmer? No problem. The SasquatchXC offers air conditioning options to escape from the heat.

The Kitchen That Makes Outdoor Cooking a Breeze

One of the most impressive features of the Highland 60 is the kitchen setup. In the walkthrough video, it takes just 13 seconds for a SasquatchXC team member to set it up—and it’s not just quick, it’s also highly functional. The kitchen comes complete with a sink, a three–burner stove, a fridge/freezer, ample prep stations, and plenty of storage. Outdoor cooking has never been easier—or more enjoyable. As anyone who’s cooked in the great outdoors will tell you, food just tastes better when you’re surrounded by nature.

Ready to Dive In?

We’ve only scratched the surface of what the Highland 60 has to offer. For the full rundown, check out the link above and watch the detailed walkthrough video to see this incredible camper trailer in action. Whether you’re a weekend adventurer or a full-time overlander, the Highland 60 is designed to help you tackle any terrain with ease while keeping you comfortable and organized along the way.

With production ramping up and the team at SasquatchXC working hard to meet the demand, now’s the time to book your build slot. Don’t wait too long—your next adventure awaits in the Highland 60.

Check out the video and head over to sasquatchxc.com and start building your dream camper today.

Off-Road Safety Academy – 2025 4X4 Courses and Adventure Tours

Andy Palmer

off-road safety academy, off-roading tours, off-road training, overland tours, Bob Wohlers,

Off-Road Safety Academy (ORSA) personally invites you to enhance your off-road knowledge, skills, and familiarity with iconic backcountry regions while driving your 4X4 vehicle. In the entire USA, ORSA’s owner Bob Wohlers is the only full-time off-road trainer and permitted tour guide that has published three “how-to” books on off-road driving. Bob is a passionate vehicle-supported adventurer with a desire to help you learn how to safely drive your 4WD vehicle over varied terrain.

Off-Road Safety Academy Early 2025 4×4 Training Courses

Off-road industry experts all agree, completing a professional 4X4 training course designed to enhance your knowledge and skills is the best way to elevate your comfort and confidence when exploring the remote backcountry.

Introduction to 4WD Off-Roading – Discovery Course

Dates: January 25-26, 2025
Location: Prairie City State Vehicular Recreation Area, 13300 White Rock Rd, Rancho Cordova, CA
Cost: $799 per person

This is ORSA’s two-day 4WD course. This course will safely teach you in one weekend what it takes most people years to learn on their own. The goal of this course is to put you on a path to safely and ecologically off-road on a variety of different terrains.

Recovery Course – Total Approach to Getting Unstuck Off-Road

Dates: February 1-2, 2025
Location: Prairie City State Vehicular Recreation Area, 13300 White Rock Rd, Rancho Cordova, CA
Cost: $799 per person

This very popular course teaches you the primary skills from the book “The Total Approach to Getting Unstuck Off Road – 4WD Self Recovery & Vehicle-Assisted Recovery.”

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Off-Road Safety Academy Upcoming 4WD Backcountry Adventure Tours

ORSA’s Adventure Tours are iconic and build community among like-minded explorers. The primary objective of ORSA’s Adventure Tours is to orient you to a remote region at a level that assures your comfort and safety when returning to that area again and again. See sights you’ve only dreamed of and experience magical locations while learning how to be a self-reliant overlander and to safely navigate differing terrain in your vehicle.Want to see what a typical ORSA Adventure Tour experience is like?

Baja’s Hidden Heart Adventure Tour

Dates: February 20-28, 2025
Location: Baja California & Baja California Sur, Mexico
Cost: $1800 per vehicle

This exciting eight-night, nine-day adventure tour features a new and exciting southern route through Baja. You will be off-roading along the Sea of Cortez, the Pacific Coast, and through the middle of the Baja Peninsula. You will encounter wondrous landscapes, stunning ocean campsites, and relaxed evening campfires. On the tour, we will reach the Bay of Conception as our southern-most point. The tour includes a Grey Whale encounter in the famous Scammon’s Lagoon using a certified boat operator near the wonderful town of Guerrero Negro. During our inland wanderings, we will visit a famous Baja cave paintings area. New radiocarbon techniques dates these paintings back 11,000 years, roughly the same time as the end of the first ice age. The paintings are called the oldest on the continent.

Death Valley Overland Adventure Tour

Dates: March 20-23, 2025
Location: Death Valley National Park
Cost: $799 per vehicle

Death Valley is iconic, fabulously scenic, and portions can be very remote. Three days and three nights of overlanding, exploring the largest National Park in the lower 48 States. Over 80-percent of this beautiful park can’t be seen from the pavement – you have to venture off-road. ORSA takes you to the best sights. Sand dunes, canyons, hot springs, playas, craters, mines, and high-altitude trails are all part of this adventure tour. This tour visits Saline Valley, Hunter Mountain, Hidden Valley, Tea Kettle Junction, Racetrack, Ubehebe Crater, and the classic ghost town of Ballarat.

Camp on Baja Beaches Adventure Tour

Dates: May 23-30, 2025
Location: Baja California, Mexico
Cost: $1500 per vehicle

This eight-day, seven-night Overlanding-Style Tour begins in Calexico, California and ends in Tecate, Mexico. The tour will follow a fairly easy route with some off-roading through exceptionally scenic desert landscapes. You will visit San Felipe, Bahia San Luis Gonzaga, and Bahia de Los Angeles on the Sea of Cortez side. The tour then travels off-road to the remote Mission San Borja in the middle of the Baja peninsula. From the Mission, the tour crosses the peninsula to Hwy 1 and travels through Catavina, Punta Banda, and Ensenada. Camping during this tour is mostly on remote beaches.

For detailed information about Off-Road Safety Academy and to pay for training courses and Adventure Tours, call Bob at 909.844.2583 or click HERE

How A Veteran Found Healing Through Van Life Travel

Contributor

Angie Peacock, Winnebago Revel, van life , adventure van, overlanding, overland,

When Angie Peacock started Van Life five years ago, it was to solve a problem: she needed to travel across the United States for a press tour and didn’t want to fly. However, she didn’t realize how healing the experience would be: “Something I didn’t expect was that being in an RV, being in nature, and being on the road rehabbed me from post-traumatic stress.”

Now Angie travels in her Winnebago Revel to attend a variety of events as a motivational speaker, including sharing her healing journey with other Military Veterans as a speaker on the national campaign team for the Wounded Warrior Project. She is also a mental health consultant who loves to help others heal and find their life’s purpose.

Why Did You Initially Get into Van Life?

“I was in a film called Medicating Normal where I shared my story about being overmedicated for post-traumatic stress after I was discharged from the U.S. Military, and how I spent a long time readjusting and healing after coming off of the medications that caused me to have adverse side effects. The filmmakers let me set up a tour (because I didn’t want to fly) and I would just travel in a Winnebago View. I didn’t want to go back [after the tour] since I actually liked this way of life.”

How Did Van Life Help Your Mental Health Healing Journey?

“My sleep regulated because of seeing the sunrise and sunset every day. Being in nature helped regulate my nervous system. Being in the world helped me realize that the world is actually a safe place—it is not scary and dangerous the way that my body was telling me it was. People that I met on the road taught me that humanity is actually very kind and caring and loving, and people do want to support you. It was the perfect mental health treatment plan for me, honestly.

AND I built self-sufficiency, and I realized I could do really hard things … if a tire went flat, I could figure it out. It also taught me to just be in the present moment—you don’t have to worry about where you are sleeping tonight, you will figure it out. You don’t have to worry about where you are going to go next. It just has become a better way for me to live and be healthy.

When you are living in your purpose … magical things will happen to you. If magical things are not happening in your life, it might mean that you are not in tune with yourself or what your life’s purpose should be. Just being authentic to yourself, being open to new experiences, and listening to your intuition are all the best things – and you can use that for mental health, for physical health, for relationships, for friendships, for whatever.

What do you want to do? What is really inside that has been calling you, but you’ve been ignoring? You should follow that.”

Why Do You Think Van Life is a Good Fit for Military Veterans?

“There’s a lot of Military Veterans on the road. There’s just something about being on the road and having full control and choice and autonomy. You’re not stuck in one place, you have new experiences, you can try new things, and you meet this community of people that are all doing the same thing. There’s just something very healing about that.

For me, the van just became my safe spot. I know it so well and I know what its capabilities are. I know I have everything I need all the time. It has really helped me more than I expected.”

Note: If you are a Military Veteran wanting to get into RVing, there are multiple Facebook groups that offer a sense of community and a forum where you can ask questions. There are also non-profits that offer support to Veterans, such as The Wounded Warrior Project, as well as organizations like Mind Over Land and Warrior Expeditions which have a focus on healing through spending time outdoors.

How Did You Decide on Your Current RV, the Winnebago Revel?

“I am very loyal to the Winnebago brand because I went from a 2015 Winnebago View to a 2019 Winnebago Travato before I went to the 2023 Winnebago Revel. The Revel was my dream van, but I was so intimidated when I first came into this lifestyle that I didn’t think I would know how to work all that. I thought it was too fancy and had too many bells and whistles, so I felt that I had to grow into it with experience.

But when I purchased it, I was surprised that it was way simpler than all of the other ones. I didn’t realize that until I was living in it. When they handed me the keys, I remember thinking: ‘Is this real, do I really get to be a Revel owner?’ I was so excited!

When I first got on the road [in the Winnebago View], I was more of an RV park kind of person because I was really nervous, and I didn’t know how people camp out in the middle of nowhere. Then within the first six months, I started to try to park in the middle of nowhere to see what it was like and if I was afraid—I actually preferred it over the RV parks. At that point, I sold the View because it was just a little too big for me, but when I went to the Travato it was too small, and it didn’t have that off-road capability, so I got stuck a few times … and that’s how I got into the Revel. I tip-toed into it and then I fell in love with it.

The draw of the Revel was that it’s very simplified with a very minimalistic design. It had all the necessities and was easy to use, but customizable. The bed was a huge selling point for me! I really liked the use of space back there because I could have two living areas in the same area, one for day use and one for night use.”

How Did You Get Involved in the Van Life & Winnebago Revel Communities?

“I really liked getting connected to the Revel community because it is a really good group of people who will always help each other. I’ve made friends all over this country. Remember, if you are out there on the road, there are other people just like you that are out there, too.

The first couple of years I didn’t [attend events or participate in groups] because I was still rehabilitating myself and I could only handle a little bit of social interaction. It has only been in the last two years that I have really gotten connected, and it has enhanced the travel experience, I would say.

At my first event, I don’t think I even talked to anyone. I just went and looked at all the vendor booths and left. Then, at the next one, I camped overnight, and I would talk to my neighbor. Then the next one I was full-fledged, and I took an overland 4×4 course at one of the Revel rallies. I was really scared to do it and one of Winnebago’s Class B product planners rode next to me because I didn’t feel like I could do it by myself.

So, he rode with me and made me feel extra comfortable. It helped me learn the capabilities of my van and I learned that I actually am a good driver, and I can be confident that I know how to use the van that I’m driving. I think it is really important to take courses, if you can, or learn about recovery options. I’ve gotten myself out of some sand all by myself because I took courses like that!

Every year I make a whole list of every event I can think of or that I see pop up, and then I kind of play connect-the-dots across the country if I want to go to them. I’m part of a huge community of van life people, [which includes] overlanding Revel people who usually really get into the custom aspect. When I go to the shows every year, I can’t wait to see what they came up with. I never would have thought I would turn into a girl that gets excited about van parts, but I absolutely am.”

Check out angiepeacock.com

Instagram: @beinghuman

Photo Credit: Matt Cunningham @clamsjog clamsjog.com

The Pros and Cons of Overlanding with an Off-Road or Overland Trailer

Andy Palmer

Overland trailers, Off-road trailers, pros and cons, overlanding, overland,

Overland trailers have become increasingly popular among overland adventurers and there’s a multitude of brands on the market offering amazing products. These rugged trailers offer valuable storage, added comfort, and greater freedom to explore remote destinations. However, like any piece of gear, towing a trailer comes with its own set of benefits and challenges. Whether an off-road or overlanding trailer is the right choice for you depends on your travel goals, vehicle compatibility, and personal preferences. Here at TAP we’ve used many different styles over the years and yes, there’s certainly pros and cons.

In this article, we’ll explore these pros and cons and hopefully help you determine if it’s a worthwhile investment for your next off-road adventure.

overlanding trailer, off-road trailer, pros and cons of an overland trailer, overlanding, overland,

Pros of Overlanding with an Off-Road or Overland Trailer

Increased Storage Capacity
- Benefit: Overland trailers provide significant storage space for gear, food, water, and camping supplies. Whether you’re planning a weekend trip or an extended overlanding expedition, having extra space ensures that you can carry everything you need without overcrowding your vehicle.
Enhanced Comfort
- Benefit: Many off-road and overland trailers come with built-in sleeping arrangements like rooftop tents, fold-out beds, or awnings. This feature can make your camping experience much more comfortable, especially in harsh weather conditions. No need to set up camp every night—just pull over and enjoy your setup.
Freedom to stage camp and leave
- Benefit: Staging the trailer at camp allows you to leave for the day to tackle a rugged trial or perhaps fish, hike, and climb.
Better Organization
- Benefit: With dedicated compartments, storage racks, and tie-downs, overland trailers offer superior organization compared to simply cramming gear into your vehicle. This organization can save time and stress during your trip, making it easier to access essentials.
Weight Distribution
- Benefit: In the USA tow rates are often significantly greater than payload rates, allowing the owner to distribute a lot of weight away from the rig itself.

overland trailer, off-road trailer, overlanding, overland, pros and cons,

Cons of Overlanding with an Off-Road or Overland Trailer

Added Weight and Reduced Fuel Efficiency
- Drawback: Towing an off-road trailer adds extra weight to your set up, which can impact fuel efficiency and overall performance. This can be particularly noticeable when driving on steep inclines or long stretches of road. Overlanding with a trailer on a regular basis may also require more frequent vehicle maintenance.
Increased Setup Time
- Drawback: While many off-road trailers are designed for convenience, setting up and breaking down camp with a trailer can still take longer than simply setting up a tent. Additionally, parking and maneuvering with a trailer in tight spaces can definitely be more challenging and stressful.
Cost
- Drawback: Off-road and overland trailers can be expensive. Prices vary based on features, size, and durability, but in general, a quality off-road trailer will set you back thousands, if not tens of thousands of dollars. Additionally, you’ll need to factor in maintenance costs and potential repairs for the trailer over time.
Increased Maintenance
- Drawback: Like any off-road equipment, trailers require regular maintenance. Suspension systems, tires, brakes, and electrical components are all subject to wear and tear, especially after rugged use. If you’re new to trailer maintenance, it might take some time to learn how to properly care for your trailer.
Limited Maneuverability
- Drawback: One of the biggest challenges of towing an off-road trailer is maneuverability. While off-road trailers are designed to handle tough terrain, navigating tight turns, narrow trails, and steep climbs can become more difficult, especially in areas with limited space.
Not Ideal for All Terrains
- Drawback: While off-road trailers are rugged, they’re not invincible. Some extremely rough terrains, such as deep sand dunes, rock gardens, or deep mud, can still present a challenge for trailers, especially if they’re not specifically designed for those conditions.

Final Thoughts: Is Overlanding with an Off-Road Trailer Right for You?

Choosing to overland with an off-road or overland trailer ultimately depends on your personal preferences and the type of adventure you’re seeking. Bottom line, remember there’s no perfect rig and every set up will create compromises. If you value extra storage and comfort, a trailer could be a game-changer for your overland journeys. However, if you have a more minimalist approach, the added weight, cost and the increased difficulty of towing in rugged terrain, might not be ideal for you.

Check out the Ultimate Guide to Overland and Off-Road Trailers HERE

Overland trailers, off-road trailers, overlanding, overland,

Lifestyle Campers Fusionn

Andy Palmer

Now available in the US, the Lifestyle Campers Fusionn is the ultimate travel companion, crafted to meet the demands of adventurous travelers. With a premium exterior kitchen, a comprehensive ensuite, and superior storage, this Hypercamper comfortably sleeps up to four people, adapting to a variety of camping lifestyles. Equipped with top-of-the-line components, including Cruisemaster ATX Airbag suspension and Victron power management, along with 63-gal fresh water, 600Ah lithium batteries and 700W of solar, it guarantees a smooth journey for any type of adventure.

Backed by over two decades of innovation, Lifestyle Campers has solidified its reputation as one of Australia’s premier off-road camper trailer and caravan manufacturers.

Fusionn Interior

Inside, the Fusionn redefines camping comfort with its thoughtful and versatile design. A queen-size pillow-top innerspring mattress ensures restful nights, while the café-style dinette with a convertible table offers additional sleeping space, making it ideal for couples or small families. A convenient staircase provides easy access to the bed. The combined toilet and shower ensuite, complete with a fold-away sink, adds convenience and privacy.

Modern styling enhances the experience, with sleek cabinetry, smooth interior linings, and ample storage. The 175-liter Thetford fridge/freezer and class-leading kitchen make meal prep a breeze, while the Truma D6 hot water and space heating system and roof-mounted air conditioning keep you comfortable in any season. Whether using the 1-2 berth dinette layout or the optional 1-4 berth bunk configuration, the Fusionn ensures every journey is met with luxury and practicality.

Fusionn Kitchen

The Fusionn’s gourmet exterior kitchen blends functionality with smart design, making outdoor cooking effortless. It features a dual-zone induction cooktop, a black sink, and modern black tapware for a polished look. Storage is abundant, with a spice/cupboard accessible via roller doors, a cutlery drawer, a slide-out pantry, and a sealed aluminum drawer under the kitchen bench.

Additional features like semi-concealed 120V and 12V outlets, a T-lock cover with strip lighting, and recessed overhead LED lighting ensure usability in any condition. Cupboards behind the cooktop and sink, accessed via roller doors, provide further organization. Thoughtfully designed with durable materials, the exterior kitchen makes outdoor dining enjoyable and efficient.

Fusionn Exterior

The Fusionn is engineered to handle rugged environments while maintaining comfort and durability. Its construction includes fully insulated aluminum composite side paneling, a fully insulated pop-top roof, and honeycomb composite flooring. The 150mm galvanized steel chassis, complemented by heavy-duty rock sliders and stone-guard coating, ensures long-lasting protection.

For convenience, it features an automatic roof lift system, gas bottle storage for two 11lb propane tanks, a rear utility box for jerry cans or firewood, and a BBQ slide in the front tunnel boot. Stability is assured with the DO35 off-road hitch, Ark Extreme XO jockey wheel, and stabilizer legs. With charcoal sides, black accents, and powder-coated alloy trims, the Fusionn is as stylish as it is robust.

Offered by XGRiD CampersBuilt in Australia, the Lifestyle Campers Fusionn is available in the U.S. through XGRiD Campers in Las Vegas, NV, and Knoxville, TN.

To schedule a viewing in person or virtually, visit XGRID Campers or Lifestyle Campers

This is a sponsored post. TAP does not receive any commission resulting from sales.

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There’s No Embarrassment in Getting Stuck Off-Road

WHAT’S AN EARTH ANCHOR?

THE DEADMAN EARTH ANCHOR:

THE DEADMAN MATERIALS & CONSTRUCTION:

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

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

Titus Adventure Company (TAC) Rigs and their builds

What extra gear is provided when renting?

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

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

Define the process of renting with you?

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

Any funny rental stories?

1. Damage to a new vehicle:

2. Rolling over:

3. Stuck forever:

4. Breakdowns:

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

6. Breaking a bead:

7. Embarrassing yourself in front of others:

8. Lack of skill & knowledge:

9. Going off camber:

10. Lack of immediate emergency services:.

Twin Titans of Adventure

Adventure-Ready Design

Energy That Sustains You

Versatility in Motion

Choose Your Limitless

To Learn More CLICK HERE

This is a sponsored post. TAP does not receive any commission resulting from sales.

Why the Highland 60 is a Must-See

Built for Year-Round Comfort

The Kitchen That Makes Outdoor Cooking a Breeze

Ready to Dive In?

Check out the video and head over to sasquatchxc.com and start building your dream camper today.

Off-Road Safety Academy Early 2025 4×4 Training Courses

Introduction to 4WD Off-Roading – Discovery Course

Recovery Course – Total Approach to Getting Unstuck Off-Road

Off-Road Safety Academy Upcoming 4WD Backcountry Adventure Tours

Baja’s Hidden Heart Adventure Tour

Death Valley Overland Adventure Tour

Camp on Baja Beaches Adventure Tour

For detailed information about Off-Road Safety Academy and to pay for training courses and Adventure Tours, call Bob at 909.844.2583 or click HERE

Why Did You Initially Get into Van Life?

How Did Van Life Help Your Mental Health Healing Journey?

Why Do You Think Van Life is a Good Fit for Military Veterans?

How Did You Decide on Your Current RV, the Winnebago Revel?

How Did You Get Involved in the Van Life & Winnebago Revel Communities?

Check out angiepeacock.com

Instagram: @beinghuman

Pros of Overlanding with an Off-Road or Overland Trailer

Cons of Overlanding with an Off-Road or Overland Trailer

Final Thoughts: Is Overlanding with an Off-Road Trailer Right for You?

Check out the Ultimate Guide to Overland and Off-Road Trailers HERE

Fusionn Interior

Fusionn Kitchen

Fusionn Exterior

To schedule a viewing in person or virtually, visit XGRID Campers or Lifestyle Campers

This is a sponsored post. TAP does not receive any commission resulting from sales.

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