Not all overland trailers are made equally and Schutt Industriesand their Xventure XV-2 and XV-3 models are certainly standouts. If you’re looking for a lightweight and rugged off-road trailer, that’s expedition proven and military tested, then take a look at what they have to offer below.
Whether you choose the Xventure XV-2 or the XV-3, you’re getting the same construction methods and materials used on the Light Tactical trailers built for our Military. Huck-bolt fasteners, aluminum extrusion frame material and an aluminum cargo box, so you can forget the problems with rusting steel which gives you a trailer built to last for a very, very long time and our 10-year chassis warranty backs that up. We use an independent suspension rubber torsion axle that has been proven in the field for more than 30 years.
Trailers can be ordered as a base cargo trailer, which includes: Electric brakes, independent manual parking brakes, 360 degree articulating hitch, all LED lighting, adjustable rear stabilizers, Power Control – 6 fused, switched circuits, allowing up to 6 (12V) accessories like water pump, additional lights, ARB compressor, etc., Solar ready with charge controller and SAE plug input, Cargo bed mounted 12V receptacles on either side of bed near the tailgate, Poly Urea (Line-X) coating – Cargo bed interior, steps, fenders and front storage cabinet. 3-piece step style fenders -designed to support full sized adult weight, Rhino Rack Pioneer tray for mounting tents, awnings or other accessories.
You can also customize your Xventure trailer with numerous options that include: Truxedo Sentry hard rolling tonneau cover (lockable), 25-gallon water system, on-demand water heater, propane system, slide-out galley with Partner Steel stove, galley table, rock, bed and rack lighting kits, up to 37” tires on the XV-2 (35” on the XV-3), Rear mounted 2” receiver with 300 lbs. capacity for the XV-2 (100 lbs. For the XV-3).
With over 20 years of experience building trailers for the Military and more than 10 years building the Xventure brand of Overlanding trailer, this is a trailer that has expedition pedigree and is certainly a brand you can trust.
In our opinion, a good comms system on the trail is an essential piece of overland gear and in full disclosure, TAP has been using Midland Radios for several years. Initially we solely used their hand held X-Talker walkie talkie units, however, for the last couple of years, have combined these with built in 15 watt MXT275 MicroMobile GMRS units. Last year Midland released their MXT500 and MXT575maximum wattage GMRS radios and we jumped at the chance of testing them. The MXT500 has a traditional radio format/body with handheld mic, while the MXT575 has a remote radio unit with all the controls built into the handheld mic. As always, cab space is critical, so we chose the smaller bodied remote brain location, MXT575.
General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS):
The GMRS system is a licensed radio service on FM UHF frequencies. It uses a higher maximum output up to 50 watts, has a total of 30 numbered channels as below:
1-7 ERP of 5 watts
8-14 1/2 watt ERP
15-22 Max of 50 watts
23-30 (repeater channels) Max of 50 watts.
Note, it requires a no-test license which costs $35 and is valid for 10 years. TAP’s call sign is WRPY684 and all GMRS users should follow the following conditions:
(a) The GMRS station call sign must be transmitted: (1) Following a single transmission or a series of transmissions; and, (2) After 15 minutes and at least once every 15 minutes thereafter during a series of transmissions lasting more than 15 minutes.
As mentioned, we had already installed a MXT275 unit in our 4runner, so had previously gone through the installation process. That said, it’s an easy process and is basically “plug and play”. It would have been nice to have been able to use the existing 275 bracket and wiring, but the additional brain unit size (about 40% larger – 1.5″Hx5.5″Wx7.3D”) and wiring requirements for 50 watts of power made this impossible. We located the brain mounting bracket on the driver side of the center consul and the unit simply slides into it. The antenna wire and wiring harness were fed behind the steering column and through the wire rubber grommet into the engine compartment. At this point the wires were hooked up to our Spod unit and the antenna wire connected to the antenna. Finally the mic is plugged into the unit and that’s it….”plug and play” and a 45 minute job at most!
Regarding the antenna, we have been using the low profile Midland Ghost Antenna but switched it out for the higher performance Midland Whip antenna. Personally, I prefer the aesthetic and low profile format of the Ghost, but performance is essential, hence the change.
Out on the trail:
We found the MXT575 easy to read and the controls intuitive. A pet peeve I have with technology, is the need to spend hours on YouTube or God forbid, actually reading the manual (Midland – Could you make the font any smaller..lol). I also like the fact that Midland have not crammed in useless features, with the device actually feeling like it’s designed by someone with real world experience. Well done Midland!
So far, we’ve tested in desert locations (hilly and large rock strewn geography) with the second rig using a 15 watt Midland MXT275 unit, and the clarity of transmission has been exceptional up to a distance of around 2.5 miles. Past this point static appears, although transmission can still be understood up to around 4 miles. We have not tested the claimed 20 miles of range using a repeater signal, with a recipient also using a 50 watt unit. This article will be updated once that is tested.
A few features I particularly like while on a trip:
Compatibility with FRS/GMRS hand held’s is a welcome feature, as we’re constantly jumping out of the rig for spotting and photography needs.
NOAA Weather Radio Station.
USB -C fast charging port.
Privacy codes to limit communication to the group.
Conclusion:
We’ve been happy with our 15 watt MXT275 unit for the past two years, but the 50 watt MXT575 is a fantastic upgrade. Clarity of communication was exceptional within the 2-3 mile range. Ease of installation is welcomed, as is how user friendly this device is. I also appreciate the fact that Midland offer two variations in their 50 watt offering. For us the 575 was the obvious choice, but users with more cab space, may well prefer the slightly larger 500, where the digital read out can be potentially mounted directly in front of you, as opposed to being on the hand held mic.
Overall, Midland nailed it and TAP highly recommends this trail ready communication system.
The “Behind the Wheel” series is an up close and personal look at authentic brands in the exciting world of Overlanding and Vehicle Supported Adventure. Today we’re sitting down with Fritz O’Connor, Vice President, Marketing at Ironman 4×4 America.
Fritz, great to chat with you today. Let’s start with an introduction to Ironman4x4USA, where it originates from and how long it’s been in the US market?
Hi, and thanks to all your Readers for sharing time to get to know Ironman 4×4. Our mission is to equip and inspire the outdoor enthusiast. We were founded in 1958 in Australia, and have been developing, and testing suspension systems, bumpers, armor, and camping gear in The Outback’s harshest conditions ever since. We’re now in over 140 countries and been in the US since 2019. Our US operations are based just outside of Portland, OR, with additional distribution facilities across the country.
As a passionate overlander yourself, what’s been your favorite trip you’ve taken? Also, what’s your current rig?
My favorite trip every year is my trek from Kentucky to Vermont for what’s now known as The Pilgrimage. A close group of us from KY, VT and ME meet up and explore the Class 4 roads throughout Vermont. There’s nothing like traveling these ancient roads and coming upon a Civil War cemetery or popping out onto a rural byway only to find a maple creamy stand! We go in early October, so the leaves are putting on a spectacular show.
I drive a fully built 2014 Jeep JKU and tow a modified 1967 Stevens M416 trailer. Both continue to be fun projects that I tinker with constantly. I’ve just started to build a dedicated battery system for the trailer, which has been energizing.
We’ve seen a few well-known Australian brands successfully enter the US Market. How are you positioning Ironman4x4 and what are you doing to stand out in a world of marketing noise?
Our differential value is our breadth of value-based products all under the trusted Ironman 4×4 brand. You can come to Ironman 4×4 with a stock vehicle, and we’ll help you build a rig and accessory package so you can confidently conquer any overland, camping or weekend outdoor adventure. So, whether you’re tackling the Trans America Trail, Moab or getting to your favorite trail head, Ironman 4×4 enables you to get there and back with confidence all without breaking the bank. We live our mission of “Your Adventure Elevated”.
What’s been the greatest challenge to date for Ironman 4×4 in the USA?
Our greatest challenge is also our most exciting opportunity. Awareness. Every time I’m privileged to introduce Ironman 4×4 to someone they’re amazed at our breadth of high quality, fairly priced products. The more the outdoor enthusiast learns about Ironman 4×4, the more they’re motivated to become part of our growing community of boastful customers.
Backcountry travel has been an integral part of Aussie culture for years, and we’ve seen the US Overland market really take off in the past few years. What’s the biggest differences in the two markets?
Australian backcountry travel has set the benchmark for overland travel the world over. The US is redefining overlanding and has unmatched beauty to experience from Moab to The Ozarks to the rural beauty of New England. Ironman 4×4’s Australian tested products enable outdoor enthusiasts in the US to experience every corner of our great outdoors with confidence.
Let’s talk products. Give us some ideas about the range of products Ironman 4×4 has to offer and what’s been the most successful introduction?
We offer the most comprehensive range of products for outdoor enthusiasts, whether you’re traveling to a remote trailhead for an epic mountain bike ride or tackling one of the majestic backcountry discovery routes. From suspension and protection, to bumpers, winches and lighting, to rooftop tents, awnings and a full range of camping gear, Ironman 4×4 equips and inspires. Our flagship product is our Foam Cell Pro suspension– the strongest, most reliable twin-tube 4×4 shock in the world. Its unique design eliminates shock fade without complex systems that require expensive, constant maintenance and carry a high up-front cost. Foam Cell Pro is an attainable suspension system that is installed and trusted around the world and is ready to get you to your favorite destinations for years to come.
What’s new for 2023 and what are you most excited about?
Ironman 4×4 is known for bringing exciting and much anticipated products to market each year. 2023 is no different. We just launched our ATS suspension, bumper guard and roof rails built for the most popular vehicle in the world – the Toyota RAV4, building on the huge success of our range of Subaru suspension systems. We’ve gotten an awesome response from the passionate RAV4 community. Our ATS suspension is not a spacer lift, but a full shock and coil replacement system the gives you 2” of lift, an improved ride, and the ability to fit larger tires on your RAV4.
Where can the consumer find your products? Are you on-line only or do you distribute to brick and mortar stores?
You can find us at ironman4x4america.com or at our large network of dealers and installers nationwide. Check out everything we have to offer on our website or use our Store Near You locator to find your local Ironman 4×4 dealer.
Finally, any funny Overland stories you can share with us?
Funny, maybe not, cool – definitely. Late one afternoon on a recent overlanding adventure in Tennessee, we had a large family of wild boar run across the trail right in front of us. They charged up the opposite bank into the tree line and turned to stare us down as we slowly passed by. A first for me, and an experience I won’t forget.
Thanks for spending the time with us today Fritz. As you know we currently have Ironman4x4 suspension on both our media rigs and have had great success with them on and off the trail.
The Sprocket makes the great outdoors even more accessible. As an off-road trailer that is modular in its design, you can start small and work your way up by adding more creature comforts & accessories to your rig.
The all-new Sprocket by Off Grid Trailers is a lighter-weight, more affordable overland camping trailer built on their popular Expedition chassis. This all-metal off-road capable camping trailer is built to last with the same quality craftsmanship and engineering you would find in their other models. With fewer standard features than their other models, they have designed the trailer with modularity in mind, to make way for the after-market and passionate D.I.Y enthusiasts at an affordable entry price.
This lightweight sleep-in camping trailer is R10 insulated and has a queen-size polycarbonate honeycomb sleeping area and pass-through rear storage. The base model will come standard with no kitchen or onboard water, but they offer options for outfitting the trailer to your needs. The 2 optional roof racks have a static load rating of 1000 pounds. The standard Timbren 3500 HD Axle-less suspension is quite capable, but you can also upgrade to the OGT Evolution Series Suspension for 8 inches of wheel travel and an additional 4 inches of ground clearance.
As the adventures change and develop, you can purchase new accessories for the trailer at your own pace. When the kids require their own sleeping space, you can add a full-length roof rack to support a rooftop tent. When you decide to opt for more storage, you can install additional side boxes. If you choose to tackle tougher terrain, you can upgrade to the OGT Evolution Series Suspension.
When most people think of Overlanding, they think of RTT’s. That said, not everyone wants to sleep on their rig’s roof and a Ground Tent makes perfect sense. There’s plenty of great styles, brands and price points out there and here’s a selection that are waiting for that next Overland adventure. The tents we’ve personally tested are marked as such and are linked to our TAP Trail Tested review.
You will love how easy it is to transport your Gazelle Portable Gazebo or Camping Hub Ground Tent. We offer a variety of sizes to ensure that you can transport your shelter with your vehicle whether in your trunk, back seat, or roof rack. Each Gazelle product comes in an oversized, durable, and convenient duffle bag making pack up a breeze. Our Portable Gazebos and Camping Hub Tents come pre-assembled. They feature a durable and lightweight fiberglass pole and all-metal hub framework that easily pops into place and folds back down. Simply pop out each side and roof hub and you’re all set. Gone are the days of looking at diagrams, managing several loose parts, and trying to figure out which pole goes where.
The multi-award winning, Australian-designed OZTENT RV-5 can be easily setup by one person in less than 30-seconds. Made from high quality, waterproof, 8oz Ripstop polycotton canvas and a heavy-duty, heat-sealed PVC floor. Every OZTENT ground tent is made with guaranteed waterproof material and are covered by a full 2 yrs warranty. It comes with side and rear windows and zippered power inlet. All necessary awning poles, pegs and ropes are included. Comes complete in a heavy-duty carry bag.
The SHIFTPOD is not like any other ground tent. It is the ultimate shelter solution for fire fighters, emergency responders, outdoor enthusiasts, festival-goers, and preppers alike. The SHIFTPOD’s unique design is not only visually stunning, but it also boasts an impressive set of features that make it the “best tent on “this” planet”.
First and foremost, the SHIFTPOD’s setup is incredibly easy and fast, taking only 15 seconds to stand up. The tent’s patented frame system eliminates the need for cumbersome tent poles, allowing for a hassle-free (fast) setup experience. Additionally, the SHIFTPOD’s streamlined design ensures it remains quiet inside, without any buffeting or flapping in the wind. But that’s not all – the SHIFTPOD’s reflective properties set it apart from the competition. Its silver-coated fabric reflects UVA and UVB light, effectively shedding heat and preventing the tent from becoming a hotbox during the day. Meanwhile, the same reflective material also works to reflect your body heat at night, keeping you warmer in even the coldest conditions. The SHIFTPOD is made from high-quality, durable materials that are built to withstand even the harshest outdoor conditions. Its weather resistant 12-layer composite, fire-resistant fabric ensures that you and your gear stay dry and safe in any weather, while its sturdy construction ensures the shelter will remain standing even in high winds. In short, the SHIFTPOD is the best shelter on this planet because it combines ease of use, durability, and unique reflective properties to create the ultimate outdoor shelter. Whether you’re camping, attending a festival, or prepping for an emergency, the SHIFTPOD is the perfect choice for anyone who wants the best of the best.
Founded in 2011, HEIMPLANET is committed to creating innovative, sustainable, and user-friendly products that make outdoor adventures more comfortable and accessible for everyone. In 2003, when the idea for a new design for tents was formed during a surfing trip in Portugal, the basis of Heimplanet was created. In 2011 THE CAVE, the first inflatable ground tent by HEIMPLANET, was launched. Since then HEIMPLANET has designed and manufactured a wide range of new hiking and outdoor products using highly advanced technology. HEIMPLANET offers bags for every type of trip along with camping gear for various environments. HEIMPLANET’s goal is to offer the best possible travel equipment for any destination. Using inflatable technology and geodesic design, tents by HEIMPLANET are set up easily using a pump and have special wind stability, so can be set up in any type of weather. HEIMPLANET aims for functionality of outdoor products with innovative design for outdoor living.
The Habiscape 4: For adventurous families and groups looking for a perfect ground tent basecamp, the Habiscape 4 offers everything you need and want. Made for three-season adventures that don’t stray far from the car or boat, it’s the ideal mix of comfortable performance and thoughtful features. Designed to make tent life comfortable and organized, the Habiscape offers plenty of space, standing height and pockets for everyone. Light up the interior with ceiling loops, perfect for lanterns or string lights. And a balance of mesh and solid fabric provides both privacy and airflow.
The tent features a unique bugproof pocket that’s accessible from both inside and outside – perfect for essentials and items you need quickly, like car keys, sunscreen and headlamps. It also features two doors making choosing a setup spot easier and streamlines in-and-out for the whole group. The symmetrical design makes pole placement and setup intuitive and easy, even for one person and the 62.5 square feet of floor space and 73 inches of headroom, is spacious enough that even taller adults have room to stand.
You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to set up this large tent, even by yourself. Get large mattresses or cots inside easily through the two large doors. And the large front rainfly door can be set up three different ways depending on how you want to use the vestibule space. For home-away-from-home comfort and space, the Habiscape 4 is the perfect basecamp tent basecamp for any adventure.
MSRP: $499.95 BUY HERE (Coming Soon! – Sign up for notification of when in stock)
We’ve all been there: it’s 28 degrees at 3:15 a.m. Your boots are by the fire pit…your pants are…somewhere…and your toastiest extra layer is in the car. That’s exactly why we cooked-up the Caboose: the brilliant hybrid shelter that invites your vehicle (and all of its tempting contents) to the party. Just attach the extended awning to your open hatch, and you’ve got a free-standing tent with an extra rumpus room on wheels! Kelty Quick-Corners make setup a breeze, and a Shark-Mouth duffle lets you hit the road in record time. And did we mention, the extended awning turns into a massive vestibule when not connected to your car. Not too shabby.
Features include:
Quick Corners for lightning-fast and easy setup
Semi-universal vehicle attachment
More wind, sun and rain protection than traditional automotive awnings
Heavy duty stakes and guy lines included
Shark Mouth duffel for easy pack-up and cross-body transport
Ikos TR Tent: Building on the design advances made in the award-winning ultralight Telos Tension Ridge ground tent range, Sea to Summit introduces the Ikos TR 2 and TR 3 Tent, which offers the same great livability and versatile setup options for everyday backpacking and vehicle-supported camping. The Ikos features typical Sea to Summit material quality and attention to detail. Tension Ridge places a wide vent at the highest point of the tent, helping minimize condensation build-up. Unlike most vent designs, the Apex Vent doesn’t require a mesh panel to maintain tension across the fly—allowing up to 70% better airflow, unrestricted by mesh. Four inner pockets and two gear lofts provide plenty of storage space, while machined-aluminum pole feet/rainfly C-clips make pitching easy. A DAC MX poleset supports a 68D polyester ripstop rainfly that is flame retardant-free and treated with a C0 non-PFC DWR. This tent comes in two sizes: a two person and a three person – both with a rectangular floor (large enough for – 2 or 3 – regular rectangular sleeping mats). The floor is a 68D polyester with a 4,000mm hydrostatic head; a footprint which extends to the tips of the vestibules is available. Multiple configuration options mean the tent adapts to the weather or your activity. Campers can enjoy Fly Only Mode, Inner Only Mode, Dry Set-Up, Partial Fly Mode, and Classic Mode. Spread out in this amazingly spacious home away from home.
The Kamaboko: DOD Outdoors’ multi-functional super ground tent, the Kamaboko, is the center piece of the perfect base camp. Comfort in camp requires more than just a place to sleep. You also need a place to get out of the sun, out of the rain, away from the bugs, or just get some privacy. The Kamaboko offers all that.
A base camp tent needs space and the Kamaboko has it. The Kamaboko medium has a covered area of 200+sqft before you extend the awnings and an inner height of six and a half feet.
The structure serves as a general shelter during the day. All walls zip open giving you the option of a closed shelter, a mesh shelter, or a completely open shelter. There’s no floor so you can move in and out without removing boots and you you can use any camp furniture under cover of the tent. When it’s time to really relax, throwdown the waterproof floor, pile up some blankets and pillows to longue. When it’s time for bed, clip in the sleeping chambers, or pitch small dome tents inside the Kamaboko, or just setup cots on the ground.
The Kamaboko packs up small, the medium is just 2.6 cubic feet. One person can set up the tent in about 15 minutes; two people can get it up in 10 minutes. A range of accessories sold separately let you customize the tent to exactly meet your needs.
The new day took us further away from any towns or villages and deeper into the unknown of the Baja Divide Trail. That evening after nearly 120 miles of dirt and endless Cardon Cactus forest, we were airing up our tires and saying goodbye to Natalie’s parents as they turned north towards Guerrero Negro on the Pacific Coast. For the rest of us, we continued south to the inland city of San Ignacio. The long distance of the Baja Divide Trailput us behind schedule, causing us to break our rule of no night driving. Due to the narrow roads and loose livestock, driving at night here can be risky. Fortunately, we only had about 60 miles and one desperately needed fuel stop before we were settled for the night.
Located on Highway 1 in Baja California Sur, San Ignacio is a landlocked city and a true oasis in the middle of the desert. Tucked into a forest of dates palms that were planted by Jesuit missionaries in 1728, San Ignacio is a popular stop, and a cultural reward should you choose to experience this amazing city. Our time there was short and filled with wrenching on the Jeeps. Chris was experiencing an alignment issue that was resolved after adjusting his rear axle nearly an inch. For me, I dove deeper into my misfire issue and trying to source the reason I was suddenly burning coolant. This was becoming a mystery in the making. Before leaving San Ignacio, we explored the old town square and Spanish mission before pushing further south down the Baja peninsula.
Our destination for the night was about 45 minutes south of Mulegé. The drive took us through a variety of features that included some mountain passes, The Tres Virgenes Volcanic complex and the eastern Baja coastline. As we came into the industrial town of Santa Rosalia, my motor gave me a gentle reminder it was thirsty for coolant as we were stopping for fresh drinking water. Once again, I was depressurizing my coolant tank and adding coolant while the group resupplied our drinking water.
Flexibility is the key to keeping your sanity when traveling. This especially applies to beach hopping in Baja. As we arrived at our destination of El Requeson, we found the beach to be packed with countless motorhomes, transit vans and an abundance of generators. It was quickly decided we would backtrack a bit to scout a secluded beach in a quiet cove surrounded by mangroves on one side and a little sliver of sand that connected us to a tiny island on the other. Our five jeeps made quick work of the rocky trail that descended down to our home for the night. It was still early afternoon and with camp set up quickly, it was time to break out the kayaks so we could explore our quiet little Baja cove. With hopes for fresh fish for dinner, I cast a line or two, sadly with no luck.
With everyone back at camp, preparations were started for the night’s dinner. The Tembo Tusk Skottles were heating up. A South African Boerwors was cooking as an appetizer on my skottle while Marco was hard at work preparing the fish, we bought from the fishermen for fish tacos. It was at this Baja beach Joost’ Gladiator became known as the Rhino Tiki Bar. On a remote Mexican beach with a group of like-minded people, we were in our element.
Although we could have stayed at this beach for several days, Marco’s promises of better beaches further south continued. It was time to pack up and move further off-grid. As perfect as the setting was at El Requeson, the promise of the magical beach of Agua Verde lured us beyond the horizon.
Along the way, we stopped in the Mexican resort town of Loreto for groceries, water, fuel and to top off my coolant. Dotted with luxury resorts and golf courses, many American and European expats call Loreto Home. But the pampered lifestyle of resort living was not for us as we continued down Highway 1 in search of a dirt road that would eventually lead us to aqua green waters and white sandy beaches. For the last time on this trip, we left the comfort of the blacktop, aired down our tires and headed down a dirt road with the thought of a beautiful beach waiting for us at the end. Not for the faint of heart, the road descended over 1,200 feet with exposed switchbacks and catastrophic consequences for those with a short attention span. With views that seemed to go on forever, it would be easy for the Sea of Cortez to hypnotize a driver over the cliff’s edge. But for the cautious driver, the rewards that awaited at the end was worth the heart stopping efforts.
As we made the final descent into Agua Verde, our eyes were wide, and jaws dropped as we gazed out over the beach below. With the Sea of Cortez on one side and a calm bay with a dozen anchored yachts on the other, they were separated from each other by a beach no more than 100 meters wide. This was the beach Marco had been promising for the last thousand miles. With our little silver of sand staked out for the next 2 nights, we turned our attention to a late lunch and a bit of exploration. To say Agua Verde was spectacular or amazing would be doing an injustice to this magical beach deep within the Baja Peninsula. The green and blue water that filled the bay was postcard perfect. The rocky outcrop at the end of our little peninsula played host to an abundance of wildlife from seagulls and pelicans to mammals of all shapes and sizes. This beach was truly special and worth the effort and the challenge to get here.
Sadly, all good things must come to an end. We all wanted to extend our time in Baja, but after six nights of beach hopping around the Baja Peninsula, it was time to head back north. Our route back to the United States would take us across many of the same roads we took to south. The plan was to make it to Guerrero Negro where we would stop for the night. With a brief stop in Loreto for fuel and to top off my coolant, we continued north on Highway 1. As we pulled into San Ignacio, the temperature gage on my Jeep once again spiked, forcing a stop. By this time, the process of depressurizing the coolant reservoir had become muscle memory for me. With the coolant topped off and one last fuel stop, we pushed for Guerrero Negro.
We continued north into the town of Guerrero Negro without any further incident…. until the Jeep overheated once again. However, this time, things went from bad to catastrophic with one turn of the ignition. After refilling the coolant, I attempted to start the motor only for it to do nothing. I was dead in the water. My jeep wouldn’t turn over. Our entire crew stepped up from trying to diagnose the problem to sourcing a local mechanic. A short time later, Nestor, the owner of Built Rots Automotive in Guerrero Negro was on scene and running diagnostics via the OBD2 port and checking my electrical. With it being late in the day, we agreed it would be best to pull my Jeep into his shop a few blocks away where he could dive deeper into what the issue was with my motor. My emotions were all over the spectrum, with frustration leading the charge. As my Boreas XT trailer was disconnected from my Jeep and hooked to the Rhino Adventure Gear Gladiator, the feeling of defeat started to settle in.
At Built Rots Automotive, I turned my key fob over to Nestor, hopped into the Gladiator and headed off into the darkness in search of a patch of sand to call home for the night. Several miles outside of town, we found a little island inhabited by a local fishing family who allowed us to camp there for the night. The next morning started out like all the others in Baja. Coffee and tea were made. Breakfast duties were divided and plans for the day’s activities were figured out while we awaited word on the Jeep. Natalie and her mom somehow managed to secure last-minute seats on a whale watching boat for later that morning. With the exception of me, Marco and Chris, the entire group went off for yet another adventure. Meanwhile back at camp, we patiently waited for a phone call from Nestor.
Just before noon, Nestor called and gave us the bad news. I had a blown a head gasket which was causing the excessive burning of coolant. In addition to that, over the last week, small amounts of coolant managed to pool in cylinders 3 and 5, causing the motor to eventually hydro lock. If there was any “good news”, it was that the motor was in good shape and Nestor believed he could temporarily fix it to get me across the border. I was instantly relieved and filled with optimism. This would be just a band-aid and the Jeep really needed extensive work. But in the meantime, Nestor and his team worked through the day tearing down the motor, draining all the fluids and putting everything back together. Instead of coolant, he added water with a sealant solution designed to close the gap in the head gasket. This was going to be a temporary fix so I could drive 7 hours north California. Just after 4pm I got the call my Jeep was ready. Marco, Joost and I went into town to find my Jeep idling and sounding like a new motor. I was ecstatic and anxious to get on the road. But first, I needed to test drive the Jeep.
When I returned from my test drive of a few miles, I was pleased with how my Jeep ran. But things weren’t as good as they seemed. There was a severe leak coming from my water pump. By now, it was late Saturday afternoon and there was no way to source the part until Monday. It was time to make some major decisions. Would I go back to San Diego with the group and wait for the Jeep, or would I stay in Mexico?
On Sunday morning, I checked into a hotel in Guerrero Negro. For the next few days, I would be solo and on foot in this sleepy Mexican fishing village while Marco and the rest of the group returned to the United States. Marco and I believed he could be more help if he were back in San Diego, helping to source the parts I needed to get me back on the road. Come Monday morning, this turned out to be the case as no parts were available anywhere close to me. With help from Shift Autoworx in Escondido, a water pump was located in San Diego. Marco quickly picked up the water pump and drove it to Tijuana where it was placed on a bus heading towards Guerrero Negro. Best case scenario, the part would be in Nestor’s hands the next day and I would be driving Wednesday. I spent my time Tuesday walking the streets of Guerrero Negro and visiting with some new friends. Late in the day, Marco updated me on the tracking of the water pump, telling me it would not arrive until late Tuesday night. I was starting to get a bit concerned.
On Wednesday morning, I walked the mile and half to Built Rots Automotive after breakfast. Nestor’s team was hard at work installing the pump and estimated I would be driving by noon. With everything that had happened thus far, I was cautiously optimistic. I patiently watched the team piece my motor back together. Before I knew it, Nestor was in the driver’s seat ready to start the motor. It was 10:45am. With prayers said and fingers crossed, I was beyond excited to hear my Jeep come back to life. After 30 minutes of watching my Jeep idle and a short test drive, it was time to head north.
I quickly collected my belongings from the hotel, topped off with fuel and pointed my Jeep north on Mexican Highway 1. I cautiously monitored how my motor was running, paying close attention to the coolant and oil temperatures. The two times I had to stop for fuel, I left the motor running and checked the coolant reservoir. Even with the coolant levels coding, I was still very concerned about the temporary repairs Nestor’s team had made. Would the fluids hold? Would the motor continue to run? These questions stayed with me every second of the drive north. With every passing mile, I became more and more confident that I would make it at least to the outskirts of Mexicali. After nearly 7 hours of driving, I was within a mile of the International Crossing with Calexico. After several attempts, I was finally inside No Man’s Land, waiting in the queue to enter the United States.
When the Custom Border Protection Agent took my passport and asked his standard questions regarding my comings and goings, I knew I was good. I was back in the United States. I was within range of AAA and all the goodness that comes with it.
On Thursday morning, I drove from Marco’s house in east San Diego County to Shift Autowerx in Escondido to start the process of a more permanent fix. Over the next several days, Edgar removed the old heads and installed a complete new set with valves, oil pump, both head gaskets, thermostat and a fuse array. He determined the lifters and rockers, and the block were all in great shape. Sometime after lunch on Saturday, Edgar handed me my key fob and wished me safe travels. Unfortunately, my saga did not end there!
After collecting my Boreas XT at Marco’s house, I was back on the road and finally heading home to Texas. The Jeep was running great, like new. And then suddenly, it was not! About 30 miles east of El Centro on Interstate 8, I started to experience a rough misfire. I pulled off the highway and connected my OBD2, and pulled and cleared codes P0303, P0305 and P0365. I was experiencing misfires in cylinders 3 and 5 with a Camshaft Position Sensor code. After attempting to clear these codes several times, I decided to use AAA to pull me back to San Diego.
My first call to AAA was at approximately 8pm on Saturday night. AAA’s only attempt to tow me somewhere safe failed when they sent a tow truck that was not capable of towing my jeep and trailer. 19 hours later, Marco arrived with a truck, a trailer and his Jeep 392. We made quick work of loading my jeep on the trailer and attaching the Boreas Xt to the 392. I was once again headed back to San Diego.
Edgar met us at Shift Autowerx on Sunday night to start the process of diagnosing my Jeep all over again. Needing to catch an international flight, I flew back to Texas leaving my Jeep in the trusted hands of Edgar, Jerry and the entire team at Shift Autowerx. Over the next week, they opened up the motor and found a broken intake camshaft. By some small miracle, there was no other damage to the motor. During the original repair, there was no way Edgar could have predicted the camshaft was going to fail. This was just the worst case of Murphy’s Law.
As I write these words from an entirely different coastline in the southern hemisphere, I can’t help but reflect on how blessed I was to be surrounded by the group of amazing people who were with me from when things started going south in Baja California right up to the end with Marco and the team at Shirt Autowerx going above and beyond. Every one of them brought a unique gift to the table to make my ordeal a bit more bearable. What was even more impressive was the global outreach from the overlanding and off-road community offering to help. People in California, Florida, the Middle East and even as far as the African continent reached out and were willing to do what they could to help get me out of Mexico and back to the United States.
In the end, many lessons were learned. But what really shines brightest for me throughout this ordeal is that the reach of the Overlanding community is strong and without borders or limits.
If you missed Part 1 of “When things go south in Baja” CHECK HERE
