The MOORE Expo, or the Midwest Overlanding and Off-Road Expo, is the ultimate outdoor showcase for nature lovers and adventure seekers. It stands as a beacon in the Midwest, attracting thousands of outdoor enthusiasts with its dynamic blend of thrilling activities, educational seminars, and extensive range of exhibitors.
Location:
Held at the Ozark Empire Fairgroundsin Springfield, Missouri, the MOORE Expo is a vibrant hub of all things overland and off-road. From seasoned explorers to novice adventurers, the expo offers something for everyone. The event provides an extraordinary platform to connect with like-minded individuals, exchange ideas, learn new skills, and fuel your passion for the great outdoors.
At the heart of the MOORE Expo is the commitment to provide an immersive experience. With over 200 exhibitors from around the globe, attendees can explore the latest gear and accessories that the industry has to offer. These exhibitors represent the best in the business, showcasing cutting-edge products and services that cater to every aspect of overlanding and off-roading.
Experiences:
But the MOORE Expo isn’t just about gear; it’s about experiences. The event features action-packed entertainment that keeps the adrenaline pumping. Attendees can witness thrilling demonstrations, participate in hands-on workshops, and attend informative seminars led by industry experts. Each activity is designed to educate, inspire, and entertain, making the expo a truly enriching experience.
S2M Rally:
Bolstering its offerings, the MOORE Expo also hosts the S2M Rally. This rally sets the stage for a fierce competition where participants can test their mettle, challenge their limits, and emerge victoriously. It adds an extra layer of excitement to the expo, making it a must-attend event for anyone with a love for competition and adventure.
Community:
Beyond the thrills and spills, the MOORE Expo is also a community. It’s a place where friendships are formed, stories are shared, and memories are made. Attendees leave the expo not just with new gear and knowledge, but with a sense of belonging to a larger community that shares their love for exploration and adventure.
In 2024, MOORE Expo is set to return with even more excitement and adventure. We invite you to be a part of this extraordinary event and experience the thrill of overlanding and off-roading like never before. Mark your calendars for April 19-20, 2024, and join us at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds in Springfield, Missouri. Unleash your adventurous spirit and immerse yourself in the ultimate outdoor showcase at the MOORE Expo 2024.
Editors note: TAP will be attending this year and presenting daily “A beginners guide to shooting captivating video on the trail” at the Education area: Hope to see you there!
“The Overland Adventurer Series,” TAP’s monthly feature on individuals who genuinely embody the Overland Life. We start the new year with Scott Willeford, also known as @TexasXlander.
Let’s dive right in.
Thanks for sitting down with us Scott. Tell us a little about yourself and what’s behind the handle @TexasXlander
I am a professional photographer by trade with a background in product photography and branded story telling. TexasXLander was born out of my home base of Texas. The X in my Social Media has two meaning. First, it means I’m at home wherever my X on a map is. Secondly, the X represents traveling cross country by using the roads less traveled. My happy place is somewhere, anywhere off-grid with my wife and a story to tell.
What rig are you currently driving and why? Give us a quick run-down on what’s been the best and maybe worst, major upgrades?
This is a great question because there is no real perfect overland rig. The best rig is the one that takes you on an adventure and brings you home safely.
My rig has been purposely built to handle some of the most extreme conditions I could imagine. From the ground up, my 2018 Jeep Wrangler JLU has been built to take me deep into the back country. I love the offroad capability a Jeep Wrangler has as it comes off the lot. With a few modifications, a stock Wrangler can become an amazing platform to take you beyond the horizon. For me, my top upgrades would have to be the 37” Nitto Ridge Grapplers and Currie Enterprises HD60 and LP60 One Ton Axles. This tire and axle combination provides me with stability and confidence when the trail get difficult. To complete the functional side of my build, the Jeep is equipped with a 3.5” Rock Krawler X- Factor Mid Arm Lift. As far as my worst upgrade goes, getting my steering components dialed in after my axle upgrade was a bit painful. But Don at RPM Steering came through and got me sorted out nicely.
You’re a dedicated trailer guy and pull the Boreas XT. Why a rig+ trailer and not a single platform that does it all?
I am absolutely dedicated to overlanding with an adventure trailer in tow. For me, it doesn’t make sense to drive into the middle of nowhere to set up camp just to tear it down so you can explore further. Having a trailer, allows us to set a basecamp and extend our adventures deeper into the back country. The type of places we like to go, I dont believe there is is a single platform that does it all. Well, maybe a Earth Roamer with a pair of Dual Sport motorcycles. But my income doest quite support that yet.
Let’s give a shout out to Boreas trailers. With so many trailer brands to choose from, why them?
Why a Boreas XT? This is probably the most popular question I get.
After doing months of research, I found the Boreas XT built by Boreas Campers in Pueblo, Colorado checked all the boxes. American Made. Family Owned. A true Offroad Trailer. Light and Nimble. And a cabin to sleep in, not an Roof Top Tent. Matt and Maggie Reichel have taken their passion of backcountry adventures and built the best offroad camper in North America. Apart from the trailers they make, the #1 thing that puts them head and shoulders above the competition is their superior customer service. I am definitely a devoted customer to Boreas Campers.
How often do you hit the trails and what’s been your most eventful or exciting trip to date? (Editor’s Note: I think I may know which one it is?)
In a perfect world, we’d like to be on the trail about 3 months out of 12. We took a hard financial hit in 2023 and cut back on some of our adventures. But we still managed to knockout some epic trips. To narrow down the most eventful or exciting trips to one is challenging. The Badlands of South Dakota and central Wyoming were certainly one of my favorites. Taking 8 days to travel overland back to Texas from Overland West in Flagstaff, showing a new friend around southern Utah was phenomenal. Then there is Baja California with Marco OVRLNDXand very special group of people. This trip is by far the most memorable and exciting. You can check out a past issue of The Adventure Portal and “When Things Go South In Baja: Part 1” to see how Baja played out for us.
Overlanding has seen massive growth in the past few years. What trends are you seeing and where’s the future heading?
Overlanding and the outdoor industry is strong and continues to evolve. I’m seeing more people, more families ditching traditional vacations in search of the greater and more meaningful than a trip to an amusement park.
In 2024 and beyond, you’ll see us on more international vehicle supported adventures. We hope to find ourselves in a new rig, somewhere in Southern Africa by late 2024 or early 2025.
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?
Start small and see if you even like it. Get comfortable with not having a shower or bathroom for days on end. Overlanding looks glamorous and fun, but it takes commitment and flexibility to have successful trip. Most importantly, love who your with. People can make or break a trip.
Finally, any fun trail stories to share?
There is so many micro stories from your Baja Trip that I continue to tell. The pop up Tiki Bar by Rhino Adventure Gear and learning how to fish for scallops in Guerrero Negro standout. I’ll never eat another store bought or restaurant scallop because of this amazing experience.
TAP’s founders started their personal overland journey back in 2007 in a Four Wheel Campers Hawk/Tundra combo, so their’s a special affinity with the iconic brand. That said, it was great to receive the following information on all the new exciting updates coming in 2024.
Products evolve based on the availability of new technology, changing consumer preferences, and new ideas. Improvement ideas come from dealers, customers, prospective customers, and employees. These new products and features from partners like Dakota Lithium, Redarc, Victron, and Truma are the result of Four Wheel Campers crew listening and innovating.
Truma Furnace and Water Heater:
Truma furnaces and water heaters are known for industry-leading reliability and performance. The furnaces are quieter, offer more precise temperature management, and perform better at higher elevations. All campers with furnaces and, or water heaters will now be equipped with a Truma VarioHeat furnace and Truma AquaGo Comfort water heater.
Automatic Roof Lifting:
Two new optional roof lift assist products enable customers to automatically raise their roofs. A heavier roof makes it more challenging for some to manually lift. The new lift assists are a solution for users with a combination of roof racks, solar panels, roof vents, air conditioners, storage boxes, surf boards, sups, canoes, and kayaks. For customers with campers, one of the new lift assist products comes with a kit that includes the required parts, how-to installation instructions, and a how-to install video link. Installation can be done by a FWC dealer or by the camper owner.
Rooftop Air Conditioning:
In some US regions, there is a need for AC to make summer camping more enjoyable. Now, the combination of lithium batteries and a new light and efficient Nomadic Cooling X2 AC product, make optional rooftop AC a reality. AC is now available on 90% of camper models.
Underbed Storage:
A popular feature of Flat-bed camper models, optional underbed storage, is now available for Slide-in camper models. The underbed storage adds welcomed space of 72” wide X 58” long X 4” deep. In addition to the enhanced space, the underbed storage delivers an aesthetic improvement to the camper extension over the truck cab. Also, the extended cabover length translates to a reduction in the slide-out portion of the bed. This means the slide-out bed doesn’t consume as much camper living space. Lastly, on models with underbed storage, the interior height increases from 6’6”to 6’10”, adding to the already spacious feel inside the camper.
For More Information on Four Wheel Campers, CLICK HERE
The 100% Australian-built AOR Odyssey Series 3 is the ultimate hybrid camping experience. Built to be the perfect escape for couples, small families, and solo travelers, the Odyssey is an 11′ pop top hybrid camper that is small enough to tackle the toughest trails and off-grid excursions, while still offering interior living space and the comfort of luxurious Australian caravans.
This interior of this hybrid camper offers a queen size bed, internal kitchen and stovetop, 130L fridge/freezer, and sink. The bed sits atop hydraulic struts revealing a 4-person dinette with a swing out table. The amenities don’t stop there; you have plenty of storage space both internally and externally with a slide out 3-burner cooktop and expansive stainless steel prep space suitable for the outdoor chef in the family.
The AOR Odyssey Series 3 is powered by the RedArc Redvision featuring up to 525W Solar, 300Ah lithium batteries, and 2000W inverter. A Webasto diesel furnace and hot water heater with up to 74 gal of fresh water and an optional grey water tank is available. For your outdoor living, the SupaPeg 180 Freestanding Awning extends to 22 feet, covering the entire kitchen and living area and allows for coverage to the rear mounted enclosed ensuite and privacy tent.
The Odyssey can even be converted to be a ‘toy hauler’ with drawbar extension, dirt bike mount, and GVWR upgrade to make it the ultimate, go-anywhere trailer. The Odyssey has a genuine 30-degree departure angle and weighs in at 3100lbs dry which makes it perfect for a medium size 4WD vehicle.
AOR models are exclusively imported from Australia to the United States by XGRiD Campers.
XGRiD Campers is dedicated to helping customers experience the off-grid lifestyle. Through partnerships with the world’s leading overland camper manufacturers and an in-house team of dedicated outdoor enthusiasts, they help the wanderlust adventurer find and configure the right rig for their journey. XGRiD Campers serve customers across the United States, with locations in Las Vegas, NV and Knoxville, TN.
The Australian-based Tvan Camper Trailer, launched in 2000, has become well-known. Specifically for its distinct rugged design, strength, and industry-leading off-road capabilities. Widely acclaimed by owners and the media, the Track Trailer Tvan has earned accolades for their continual design improvements and option development. Constantly evolving to meet and exceed expectations!
Key features of the Tvan Camper Trailer include a proprietary, military grade, MC2 Asymmetric Link suspension. The toughest conditions of the outback have tested this proprietary suspension. Designed for self-steer geometry, the Tvan incorporates this feature as well. Allowing the camper to track directly behind the tow vehicle at both high speeds and on rugged terrain.
The living space on the Tvan Camper Trailer stands out from anything on the market. It features a rear annex room that sits on an elevated deck, offering substantial interior space for sleeping and protection from inclement weather. Furthermore, the Tvan also features an enclosed ensuite that can function as a private changing room, restroom, or be outfitted as a separate kid’s room.
The custom Quick Cover awning fully engulfs the premium kitchen which provides a large prep area for the outdoor chef.
Built for the adventure, The Track Tvan Camper Trailer includes a fully integrated power system with the RedArc Redvision including a 30 Amp charging system for shore power, solar and DC-DC, all monitored by the mounted display or via Bluetooth on the mobile app. Standard components also include a diesel furnace, lithium batteries, and roof-mounted solar that enables you to get off the grid and stay out longer. Available in 2024 is Track Trailers newest model, the Tvan Lightning which boasts 360W solar, 500Ah Lithium, and induction cooking.
Track Trailer is exclusively imported from Australia to the United States by XGRiD Campers.
XGRiD Campers dedicates itself to helping customers experience the off-grid lifestyle. Through partnerships with the world’s leading overland camper manufacturers and an in-house team of dedicated outdoor enthusiasts. They help the wanderlust adventurer find and configure the right rig for their journey. XGRiD Campers serve customers across the United States, with locations in Las Vegas, NV and Knoxville, TN. www.xgridcampers.com
‘Tis the season once more, and TAP has curated a collection of 12 fantastic overland gear suggestions to inspire your gift-giving for the overland adventurer in your life. Dive in with confidence – we’ve got your back!
One Grill, three fuel sources, unlimited potential. Cook right over a campfire, with propane, or with charcoal as a grill or smoker. The ultra-portable G1 gets further off the beaten path to enjoy your best BBQ ever cooked up out in the middle of nowhere. Choose which of four configurations best suits the circumstances and set up is complete in under a minute. After grilling, the G1 quickly breaks down and packs up to fit within the lid, saving valuable space in your rig while delivering unmatched options to grill and smoke.
It’s undeniable that food cooked over a campfire tastes better. The G1 introduces a lid to open fire cooking. Lock in that smokey flavor and better regulate the temperature to cook, grill, and smoke, rather than simply searing food over an open flame. Not sure where the adventure will lead and what the fire restrictions will be at the location? Assemble the flatpack firebox to grill and smoke with charcoal when campfires aren’t allowed. Even stricter burn bans? Stay compliant: configure the G1 for propane grilling.
Proudly assembled in the USA and backed by a limited lifetime warranty. The G1 has an all steel construction weighing 17 lbs with 218 sq inches of grilling space and 17,500 BTU’s in the propane configuration. When packed up, it measures just 19” x 13.5” x 6.75”.
Unmatched versatility and portability, the G1 is the ultimate outdoor grilling multi-tool.
Constructed from lightweight yet durable aluminum, it boasts a ballistic black powder coat made for all the nature you can throw at it. Now available for the Jeep Gladiator and equipped with telescoping crossbars, numerous T-channels, and versatile full and mid-height configurations. Engineered for adventure.
The 23 Zero Springbak chair offers the trilogy of sturdiness, compactness, and comfort of a take-anywhere camp chair.
As derived by its name, the Springbak features the latest design bands of shock cord along either side of the chair acting as springs and the double layered padded back and seat provides comfort you won’t find in many camp chairs.
It weighs 14lbs and has a heavy-duty, coated steel frame construction. It is rated to 330lbs static weight and has large swivel feet avoid ground sinking. An integrated swing-out drink holder accommodates coffee mugs with handles and wine glasses making this a family favorite. A zippered carry bag is also included.
With the fit and function of their best-selling Renegade GTX Mid, Lowa added waterproof GORE-TEX® Panda® fleece insulation, a wool cuff trim and VIBRAM®’s super-grippy Evo Icetrek® outsole that is also safe for indoor floors. The result is an incredibly versatile cold weather boot that can go from chilly fall hikes and snowy trails to slick winter sidewalks.
The Midland’s SPK200 Amplified Speaker with AI Noise Cancellation. This high-performance external speaker is perfect for adventurers looking to take on trails in areas like the Alpine Loop, Death Valley National Park, Engineer Pass, and the Palo Duro Canyon.
This external speaker is unlike any other with its AI chip. Midland’s new AI chip works to learn the users’ voice in order to cancel out unwanted background noise. This means the clearest, top-notch audio that performs in loud environments, perfect for open-air vehicles. The technologically advanced chip brings in a sound quality that is truly impressive.
Give loved ones the gift of remarkable communication this holiday season.
The Kakadu swift pitch bivy tent is the ultimate touring style bivy tent which delivers on performance, spec and value. Featuring a high quality and unique swift pitch hub system, this tent takes the fuss out of set up and pack down. It features a durable 150D polyoxford 5000mm PU floor with a removable 150D Ripstop® polyoxford 3000mm flysheet to keep you warm and dry. The ultra fine No-See-Um Mesh interior will keep the insects out and provide maximum ventilation. This tent has a compact pack down size and sits inside a durable carry bag with compression straps to further improve pack size and a roll top style to keep contents dry.
Carbon Fiber Universal Sticky Base – The Perfect Gift for the Tech-Savvy!
Are you searching for the ideal present for the gadget enthusiast in your life? Look no further than the Carbon Fiber Universal Sticky Base, a revolutionary accessory that’s a must-have this holiday season.
**Compact Design, Limitless Possibilities**
With its sleek, minimalist footprint of just 55mm (2.16 inches), the Sticky Base is an example of modern minimalist design. It fits effortlessly into even the most compact workspaces, eliminating the need for mounting arms between a base and holder. This base is perfect for anyone who loves a clean, organized, and efficient setup.
**Versatile and User-Friendly**
What sets the Carbon Fiber Universal Sticky Base apart is its unparalleled adaptability. Designed to work seamlessly with any holder in the Carbon Fiber Series® equipped with a pre-installed 20mm ball, it provides a stable and reliable connection for a variety of devices. Its US-sourced 3M® very high bond material ensures a strong attachment to numerous surfaces, including painted wood, steel, aluminum, plastic, fiberglass, and cleaned glass.
**Ease of Use**
Installation is straightforward and hassle-free. Simply select a flat surface, clean it, peel the liner from the adhesive, and install. After allowing approximately 24 hours for the adhesive to bond, the base is ready to use. It’s also versatile enough to accommodate a 25.4mm (1”) ball component from other brands with the addition of Dam Adapter clamps (sold separately).
This holiday season, give the gift of convenience and innovation with the Carbon Fiber Universal Sticky Base. It’s not just a tool; it’s an upgrade to any tech lover’s lifestyle!
Keystone Outdoor Gear is proud to introduce TakTable®. Whether weeks off-grid or a day at the beach, this portable table ensures outdoor comfort, making it feel like home!
TakTable® packs down to just 5” x 5” x 39” allowing it to be stowed anywhere, even the trunk of a Mini Cooper. In just seconds it deploys into a 30” tall, 18” x 39” sturdy table suitable for cooking, dining, work, outdoor sports, or games.
It weighs just 11 pounds and supports over 270 thanks to the patent pending construction including an aluminum top, coated steel legs, and reinforced nylon injection molded plastic parts. The moving parts of this portable table, pinned with brass and steel, ensure a lifetime of reliable use, unlike some tables held together with bungee cords or plastic pins.
Custom stainless steel spring clips hold the base and top tightly together. The base quickly and easily glides between positions. Specially designed basket feet are suitable for any surface like sand, rock, gravel, and pavement. You can use the incorporated foot holes with the included stakes to pin it to the ground for added security. Windy day? The unique leg geometry creates turbulence in the wind, resulting in downforce that keeps the table put. Weatherproof and virtually fireproof, it can take some extreme use and maintain its integrity.
Steadfast Systems offers world class custom vehicle tool kit solutions. If its got 4 wheels, and helps you get out to adventure these tool kits will be your trusted companion for the road ahead. Adventures often include, prepping, parts replacement, and bolt checks for that elusive rattle.
Steadfast takes care of the long and tiresome process of curating each tool kit down to every last fastener, selecting high quality, great value tools. Gone are the days of throwing a bunch of tools in a bag and hoping they are the right ones for the job.
Keep your adventure going, worrying less about what tools you have with you, and enjoy those experiences that overlanding and vehicle based adventure are all about.
These zero compromise solutions offer the very best tools on the market, housed in a bag that fits everything perfectly.
Every bag is sewn in-house by Steadfast Systems in Montana, featuring US made materials, down to the thread.
Steadfast Systems is here to save you time, money, and get you on the road faster, knowing you have the right tools for the job.
“Lifetime tools for adventures of a lifetime”
MSRP: $790 Standard Kit, $990 Heavy Duty Kit BUY HERE
100% made in America: Extreme conditions call for easy solutions. ActionTrax are made in the USA and built to work quickly and safely. Whatever you’re towing, finding a launch and recovery area just got easier.
Our multi-purpose Recovery Trax have a new, improved design with input from elite military units and winning Baja 1000 racers.
Metal teeth: Our ready-to-go extreme version of ActionTrax provides a greater “grab” on the tire – perfect for Heavy Duty use.
ActionTrax manufacture their products in the USA from high-performing DuPont material and unconditionally guarantee them against all defects except burnt teeth from excessive wheel spin.
Built for adventure, perfect for the truck, tent, van, camper or home. Designed and tested for the performance you need, with the convenience you want. Quick charging by USB, Li-ion power performance, lifetime warranty and you’ll save money and waste and trips back to town just to buy batteries! Welcome to the reusable revolution.
Our Approach solar chargers are Paleblue’s latest solution to powering lives in a more sustainable and convenient way. Ruggedized construction and super convenient bungees for positioning your panels mean you can go farther and approach your adventures fully powered.
Save more this holiday with the Paleblue’s Li-ion AA & AAA Solar Power Kit.
Our new, limited-edition Air Mattress XRD is the lightest, toughest sleep system we’ve ever made. Crafted from a cold-resistant, ultra-tough nylon ripstop, the XRD is ready for four-season adventures. For overlanding, off-roading, and backroad adventures, there’s no better mattress on the market.
