We are AntiShanty. We build ultra-lightweight, insulated, four-season, modular adventure dwellings. Built for off-road. Aircraft-grade aluminum construction means lifetime durability and no wood to rot or mold. Our dwellings can adapt to your needs, whether you want to sleep six people or haul motorcycles and mountain bikes. We are proud to do all of our manufacturing right here in Logan, UT, USA. We are a team of outdoor enthusiasts with different passions of mountain biking, skiing, snowmobiling, dirt biking, hiking, hunting, and fishing.
The AS-1 is the A-Frame pop-up camper that has 9+ feet of headroom, with two queen bunks when in Camp Mode. The queen beds are completely modular for hauling mountain bikes, motorcycles, and quads. Perfect for a basecamp with the space and refuge you need.
The RR-1 is a Rigid Roof trailer that is camp-ready the moment you park it. Over 6 feet of headroom gives you space to stand and haul toys underneath the adjustable queen bed. Zero setup time enables folks to get the most out of their trip.
The AS and the RR models are available in 4 trims that deliver complete packages from the bare-bones shells to super high-tech off-grid ready. Designed for folks who love the outdoors and want to experience the most from their time outside. Think about having an adventure van, but without having to give up your daily driver and without having to clean up camp if you want to hit the trailhead or head into town for some essentials.
The trim levels don’t change the size of the trailer, just the bells and whistles that come with it:
BASE: This trim level is ideal for the do-it-yourselfers and the minimalists. It’s got all of the functionality and modularity without all the electrical. We have seen many customers start with the BASE and add their own power systems, heaters, water systems, etc. Weight: 1900 lbs.
PLUS: The PLUS is perfect for those minimalists wanting a little bit of power, lights, heat, electrical, but not too much. Everything you need, nothing you don’t. Still a lot of flexibility for adding additional power, accessories, and features.
Weight: 2,200 lbs.
PRO: Our Flagship model, the PRO. It’s got all of the solar, battery, heat, A/C, water, fridge/freezer that you would need, with all of the same modularity and versatility that makes ANTISHANTY stand apart. Has everything you need, plus some.
Weight: 2,500lbs.
LIMITED: The LIMITED is quickly becoming the most popular choice. It is the top of the top. Has double the amount of solar, battery, and electrical capacity than the PRO. Comes with dual side Kitchen Boxes, MOLLE Panel Kit, and the On Demand Hot Water System. This unit is ready for months of off-grid exploration!
“The Overland Adventurer Series,” TAP’s monthly feature on individuals who genuinely embody the Overland Life. Today we’re talking with Cody and Christina, also known as The Desert Cruisers
Let’s dive right in.
Thanks for sitting down with us Guys. Tell us a about yourself and what was the inspiration behind starting the trail down “The Desert Life”?
Thanks for having us! Christina and I met in college 8 years ago and have been inseparable since. About 5 months into our relationship, we started traveling, and the idea of living full-time on the road crept into our minds. Sprinter Vans became a fascination during our travels, and meeting someone living full time in a van 7 years ago solidified our interest! The desert holds a special place in our hearts as we both grew up near Joshua Tree, California, and there’s nothing quite like the peaceful desert mornings with expansive views and stunning sunrises and sunsets!
“Overlanding” is the catch all description these days, so that said, do you consider yourself Vanlifers, Overlanders or is there simply a better description that makes more sense to you? Maybe just Adventurers?
I would say we are simply adventurers; the mode of transportation does not matter and as long as we are out in the wild doing our thing, we are happy!
You started your journey in a Sprinter Van? We all know that IG is rainbows and unicorns, so give us the real skinny of life on the road in a van.
Actually, we didn’t start our van life journey in a Sprinter van. I (Cody) had a Chevy City Express van long before ‘van life’ was a trend! Equipped with a cot and surrounded by bikes, I traveled the West Coast for races. When Christina and I met in 2016, we began traveling in that van, covering 30,000+ miles across California, Arizona, Utah, and more.
The Sprinter van joined our adventures two years later, and luckily, we faced no major issues. Over 4 years, we built and lived in the Sprinter, loving every second. Spending 24/7 together is easy for us, but the only downside was not having an indoor shower for post-mountain biking or hiking adventures. Life on the road in our van was incredible!
Following on from this, you’ve made a significant platform change. Tell us about the new project and why you chose this direction?
Yes, Mr. Roamer, the platform change boiled down to three major reasons: a more capable vehicle that can be serviced anywhere, space for future children, and the luxury of an indoor heated shower. With popular spots overrun, we opted for a rig that could navigate any trail, granting us the solitude of the backcountry! And our dream of traveling with kids meant we needed more living space, multiple seats to sit in while driving and a dedicated sleeping location for them! The addition of a shower with 94 gallons of water onboard transformed our active lifestyle, offering unlimited hot water. And, of course, the truck just looks way cooler than a van!
What stage are you in the build and what’s been the craziest thing you’ve encountered in the process?
We’ve actually wrapped up the build—well, as ‘done’ as one can be on a project of this scale. We are expecting ongoing tweaks and additions over the years though LOL. Throughout the process we definitely acquired new skills, leveraging our van build knowledge, but the most frustrating aspect was the unreliability of people nowadays— not the craziest, but certainly a challenge! Speaking of crazy, the persistently wet Southern California weather during construction was a constant hurdle we had to navigate!
The build you chose has obviously been a lot of work, so if you had to do it all over again, would you and if so, is there anything you’d do differently?
It’s been a massive undertaking, and we wouldn’t change a thing—we’re proud of the planning, effort, and dedication poured into it! However, with total financial freedom, we might have opted for a higher quality box. While our current box is great, achieving the desired quality required extra effort. In an ideal scenario, we’d choose a cab-over design with a king-size bed over the cab and a raised u-shaped seating area in the back— transforming into another king-size bed. In my opinion, it’s the absolute best layout for a rig of this size!
So, what does 2024 look like? Any major trips planned?
2024 is off to a start much like 2023, with our hands full working on the truck! However, our focus has shifted from building to showcasing all the content documented throughout the process. Our website, thedesertcruisers.com, will have all the details about the build, informational blogs, and a roughly 12-part video series on The Desert Cruisers YouTube documenting every aspect of the build. While we’re thrilled to see the content come to life, the real excitement is taking the truck on the road and using it to the fullest potential! Upcoming plans include Baja, followed by Spring adventures in Arizona and Utah, with the ultimate goal of reaching Canada for peak summer mountain biking!
There’s so many rig platforms and gear to choose from, so any sage advice for folks who are looking at taking up the lifestyle?
That is a tough one with so many variables, BUT I would say to get a rig you can afford, that will take you all the places you want to go, with enough storage to haul all of your gear and to simply take the leap! There is no better time to take the leap of faith than now…
Finally, any fun trail stories to share?
There isn’t ONE memory that stands out… there are honestly too many good ones to share! We actually hand write a journal of all of our travels, the good stuff is hidden in there!
Thanks for your time today, Cody and Christina. Stay healthy and safe and see you in the backcountry!
The journey that led to our current Winnebago EKKO began with an Airstream Argosy, a hidden gem we found nestled in Northern Washington, seemingly plucked from the pages of a treasure hunter’s tale. This vintage beauty, twin beds, a bathroom, and the unmistakable charm of an Airstream, soon shaped our love for travel on the road. Who would have known!
As our Airstream began to shape our idea of camping, we started to see how much more we could discover in our travels with a “home on wheels” so to speak. We found ourselves exploring state parks and KOA campsites in a whole different way. Conveniences, warmth and shelter.
As our three sons grew older, our travel demands expanded accordingly. Recognizing the necessity for a more practical means to explore unfamiliar areas as a family of five, especially with the merging of travel and sports activities, we felt compelled to pursue a van—an all-inclusive experience for our adventures on the road. Influenced by the ideas emerging from the internet “Van Life” was the thing, YouTube showing every build possible and endless possibilities.
After countless months of searching, we found our 2006 Mercedes Sprinter Van in, of all places, Colliersville, TN. What once was employed as a luxury transport vehicle driving executives and golfers place to place had found itself in the state of retirement. It was adorned with leather seats, a rear bench bed conversion, burl wood interior, seating for 10, sort of a limo style build. It felt like our ticket to the pinnacle of adventure. I promptly flew from Portland, Oregon to Tennessee and took the old gal out of retirement and we were off and at it again.
Modifications swiftly followed: a custom designed roof rack (got to hold some gear), shore plug power and a primitive attempt at solar power. As rookies in this realm, we navigated years of camping, shuttling our boys to and from sporting events across Nevada, California and Oregon. It was perfect for our family, all the while exploring natural marvels along our journeys, turning what typically would be a plane ride of sights at 30,000 feet to ground level unforgettable memories and camping trips.
Our newly chartered adventures included the Coastal line of HWY 101, Idaho, Utah, Nevada, Colorado, and New Mexico. The open roads created a treasure trove of memories: stories shared, debates over rest stops and food choices, and the thrill of setting camp by rivers or oceans. We even moved two of our oldest boys to college in the old gal.
But soon another new chapter awaited us. As our eldest two sons embraced adulthood and our youngest embarked on his college journey, we found ourselves facing another decision, build the Sprinter or look for something already road ready meeting our new demands. After about 1 month of the self-build idea, we called it and decided to look for something already built out.
The transition brought excitement and our zest for adventure remained undeterred, but our aspirations now leaned towards creature comforts: a shower, a stationary toilet, off grid capabilities and managed climate control within a manageable-sized vehicle. When I say manageable size vehicles, we were spoiled by pulling in out of city parking lots, maneuvering through towns with ease and exploring remote areas, the bill to fit this seemed a little tough.
The quest commenced, Michelle, the tireless researcher, led us to the unveiling of a new chapter – the 2022 Winnebago EKKO, affectionately known as “Bad Betty.” AWD-equipped, Bad Betty signaled the start of a fresh wave of adventures and discoveries.
So, what does travel in an Winnebago EKKO or van truly entail? For us, we found it to be a subjective tapestry woven with lifestyle choices, the march of time (yes, that word again—aging) and the interplay of goals, resources, and objectives.
Planning the Trip/Adventure:
Typically, our travel adventures are still somewhat primitive in thought, but fueled with the modern conveniences of the internet and mobile apps. Where did the days go of the trusty old AAA road map, highlighters and scratch pad, maybe even a Thomas Guide. Now we find ourselves with the GasBuddy app searching the closest and best priced fuel the territory can offer along with a Google Earth and maps, Overlanding apps, and then of course the almighty Youtube channel. Planning becomes an art: the canvas, our cell phones and the road.
Starting the day for travel in our Winnebago EKKO:
The ritualistic pre-road checks. — Pop the old bonnet, (Hood) to check a few vital fluids, oil, coolant, brake fluid and of course the one so often missed until there’s an insect hazard on the window, the trusty old windshield fluid. (I find it best to use the Winter Version, seems to clean better anyway). All systems Check!
Now it’s time to move on to check the rubber that meets the road, yes, the tire pressure. Thank goodness it’s all digitally fed now, no more need for the old pocket gauge, although I do keep one on board for airing down at times. With tires inspected I quickly move on to checking all the lights. Starting with the headlights, turn signals, running lights, the works.
Shifting my attention to inspecting the LP tanks, water levels, gray tank, and our onboard solar charging system, diligently jotting down notes as I go. A comprehensive checklist proves invaluable, offering a chance to savor the adventure rather than worrying about overlooked pre-departure tasks.
It’s now time to check all the onboard storage and garage of Bad Betty our Winnebago EKKO. I meticulously recheck my tool bags and cargo bags, ensuring essentials like the electrical tester, tow rope, screwdrivers, Torx wrench for unconventional screws, LP leak detector, recovery boards (just in case we encounter deep snow or sand), first aid kit, tire repair kit, portable tire inflator, and an array of items for quick repairs. And, of course, the indispensable DUCT TAPE! Our go-to cooking companion, the Trail Fire Grill, is a must-pack. Also, don’t overlook loading up the floaties, snowshoes, skis, bikes—or whatever gear aligns with your adventure plans. Always double-check your outdoor and adventure gear before hitting the road.
With the initial inspections complete, it’s time to start inventorying and packing up some food and clothing, of course toiletries as well. We inventory what we have on hand in Bad Betty, at the house and quickly make note of what we need for a quick stop at the market.
This brings us right into meal planning, breakfast, lunch, snacks, dinner, and of course dessert. Here’s a few tips on meal planning. Let’s go with Breakfast and Dinner. Now how can we create a little culinary experience? The breakfast burrito love affair.
After a steak or hamburger dinner, envision saving a portion for the morning. But wait, dinner often introduces potatoes and veggies too—why not include those in the leftovers for a breakfast burrito? Voila! Two meals in one harmonious blend, where dinner and breakfast shake hands in a delicious pact.
Let’s zoom ahead to lunchtime: Lunch isn’t just about satisfying hunger, fueling the day’s caloric intake is important for those hikes and trails ahead. We typically love grilling brats, sauteed onions and chips on the side.
I almost forgot about snacks and dessert. Campfire Banana Boats: Cut a banana lengthwise (without peeling it completely) and stuff it with chocolate chips, marshmallows, nuts, or any other desired fillings. Wrap it in foil and place it over the campfire or on your Trail Fire Grill until the fillings are melted and the banana is soft.
Safety checks complete, meals planned, gear loaded, fueled up and ready to hit the road!
Destinations:
If it’s winter camping, we typically check out some State Parks that may be open, or head up to the mountains and find forestry roads that beckon exploration or simply dig in near or at a ski resort. Doing whatever it takes to embrace the present season is the key. I must confess, winter camping holds its own charm—the stunning beauty of snow veiling the forest, the roads turning into a mesmerizing winter wonderland.
One of our other favorite places is the beach. If you’re in Oregon, and want to find yourself driving on the beach, check out Tierra Del Mar just a few miles North of Pacific City.
I should probably mention, Pacific City is quite the spot to chill as well, great State Park campground as well as a privately owned option. Besides its a slice of heaven with sand between our toes, waves serenading you and possibly a cold-water plunge followed by a little beach side campfire.
For High Desert enthusiasts, consider exploring Central Eastern Oregon. Here’s a few suggestions: The Cascade Lakes National Scenic Byway discovering 14 Alpine Lakes. The Ochoco National Forest, and the Crooked River, for fishing, swimming, and boating, along with ample hiking spots ideal for rock climbing and winter skiing.
Remember, flexibility is key to adventure. So feel free to mix and match ingredients of travels and discover what awaits you.
EKKOnesters – Jason and Michelle Rodarte
Check out more Winnebago EKKO adventures by following!
Professional Photographer, Nick Page takes us on a frigid but beautiful winter camp/photography trip in the Blue Mountains, WA. Sit back and turn that heater up now!
The Arkto Campers G12 is a well-rounded overland travel trailer, combining rugged durability, innovative features, and exceptional comfort and quality. With an all-composite construction, hot dip galvanized chassis for extensive rust resistance, and independent suspension with 21 inches of ground clearance, this trailer is built to conquer rough terrains with ease. Equipped with 17” alloy wheels, 33″ all-terrain tires and a 360-degree articulating off-road coupler, it ensures a secure and smooth towing experience in most terrains, allowing you to reach your favorite camp spots effortlessly.
Interior:
Inside, the G12 offers a deceivingly spacious interior with a hybrid-style pop-up roof design, aluminum cabinetry with plenty of storage space, and an adjustable dinette table and seating area. The sleeping arrangements consists of a 6” thick residential queen mattress (80” x 60”), and a 64” long bench which can then be extended to the single seat, to accommodate two children. Which means this compact trailer can help build awesome camping memories for a family of 4!
Exterior:
Outside, the trailer features one of the most functional outdoor kitchens on the market. There is no need to haul tote bins to store all the dry goods and pots/pans, as the kitchen features a massive outdoor-accessible pantry. The slide-out kitchen features a folding countertop extension, sink with hot/cold water, dual burner stove, and spice and cutlery drawers. On the other side of the u-shaped kitchen, past the fold down prep deck, is a slide out 75 Liter chest fridge/freezer. The entirety of the kitchen is covered by a large 270-degree awning, with the optional walls to be zipped in, providing excellent coverage from the elements, enhancing your outdoor living experience.
With a hybrid-style design, pop-up roof, an optional insulated canvas, and an interior standing room of 6’8″, the G12 offers flexibility and comfort during your camping trips. Additionally, it includes an indoor and outdoor-accessible portable toilet, an outdoor shower enclosure, and the largest storage capacity in its class, ensuring maximum convenience throughout your adventures.
Upgrade your camping experience with the Arkto Campers G12—a rugged travel trailer equipped with top-notch running gear, class-leading storage, a super functional outdoor kitchen, and unmatched comfort for unforgettable journeys into the wild.
