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Truckhouse collaborates with AEV

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TruckHouse unveils a new state-of-the-art Carbon Fiber Expedition Vehicle in Collaboration with American Expedition Vehicles (AEV)

TruckHouse®, an emerging standout in the turn-key expedition vehicle industry, is proud to unveil their latest 4×4 camper, the BCR. The BCR is being developed in collaboration with Missoula-based, American Expedition Vehicles® (AEV®) – the gold standard in OEM-quality expedition parts and vehicles. This innovative vehicle redefines the boundaries of ingenuity, performance, and design in a perfectly integrated package.TruckHouse launched its first camper in 2021, the BCT, a revolutionary mid-sized expedition vehicle utilizing a carbon fiber house on a highly modified Toyota Tacoma. The BCT generated an extraordinary response, and the limited-production model sold out in short order. When looking for its next platform, TruckHouse was drawn to the Prospector® XL because of its impressive rough terrain aptitude and proven durability. Dropping a TruckHouse camper onto AEV’s PXL began as a mere thought experiment, but with the two companies equally passionate about quality and design, a natural synergy began to form. Those initial conversations evolved into a design collaboration, with AEV’s design team lending their styling expertise to the house exterior.

“I was initially impressed with TruckHouse’s extremely high build quality, strong work ethic, and logical approach. After talking through what they wanted to build next, we naturally saw an opportunity to collaborate, not only by supplying the AEV Prospector XL chassis, but working together we were able to design the BCR’s external surface to perfectly compliment the refined ruggedness of the PXL” says Dave Harriton, CEO and Founder of AEV.

By integrating the house with the PXL, the BCR provides an unparalleled level of luxury and livability while maintaining its renowned reputation of reliability and off-road prowess. The BCR boasts a fully redesigned vacuum infused monocoque house that is mated to the truck chassis via a first of its kind carbon fiber reinforced torsion free mounting system. The BCR blends striking aesthetic design with state-of-the-art composite manufacturing processes.

“It is about getting our customers further, further down the trail, further from others, and further from the monotony of daily life. The self-contained nature of the BCR allows our customer to travel with confidence even when there is no destination, timeframe, or itinerary,” says TruckHouse CEO and co-founder, Matt Linder.

“People are inspired by the vision that expedition vehicles can be built to the same quality and longevity standard as yachts and airplanes – we saw that with the tremendous success of the BCT,” says Linder. “The BCR is our continued demonstration of that vision, and we are honored to collaborate with AEV to incorporate cutting-edge automotive design.”

The BCR utilizes new HiPR FoilsTM to significantly improve the vehicle’s aerodynamics. The HiPR Foils (High Pressure Reduction, “Hyper”) reduce the naturally occurring high pressure in front of the cabover by redirecting and controlling drag induced vortices down the side of the camper. “The system is similar to air curtains used on most modern vehicles to control air around the front wheels, in this case, we can control the air spilling off the sides of the cabover” states Harriton. The patent pending feature increases drivability and fuel economy.

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“We’re proud of our team’s dedication to creating an even better vehicle that provides an unmatched experience for our customers and scalability for our business,” says TruckHouse COO and co-founder, Nico Monforte. “Allowing our unrivaled passion for design, manufacturing, and love for the outdoors lead the way, we are thrilled to continue to push the limits.”

TruckHouse’s BCR is the latest continuation of their line of off-grid, 4-season expedition vehicles. The company is well-known for their extraordinarily high-quality yet durable builds that can withstand whatever their owners put them through. TruckHouse’s commitment to pushing the envelope and delivering top-notch products is ever present in the BCR.

The House:

Each BCR delivers an exceptional array of features that leave a lasting impression. At its core, a single-piece carbon fiber shell crafted using the vacuum infusion process, accompanied by the innovative HiPR foils, sets the foundation for excellence. Step inside, and you’ll be greeted by an open floor plan that creates an inviting sense of spaciousness, enhanced by 270 degrees of windows enveloping the U-shaped dinette at the rear and an impressive interior standing height of 6’6″. The sleek flush-mounted dual-pane safari windows not only improve the aesthetics with their frameless design but also provide practical advantages by eliminating cold bridging and preventing water intrusion. To power the house systems, a robust lithium battery bank takes the stage, seamlessly managed through a user-friendly solid-state digital switching platform. The BCR embraces the newest technology and is Starlink Mobility compatible. Whether spending the night in a remote camp spot or cruising down the interstate, users can stay connected to the Starlink network, enabling them to work remotely and enjoy the comforts of a fully equipped office on the go. The galley is thoughtfully equipped with modern conveniences, including an induction cooktop, a versatile convection oven/microwave, a spacious sink, and a marine 2-drawer fridge/freezer. With ample space to comfortably accommodate four adults, the BCR also offers additional options such as a pass-through to the truck’s cab and a choice of three toilet systems: cassette, dry flush, or composting. The BCR model ensures that every aspect of your journey is met with opulence, ease, and functionality.

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The Truck:

The AEV Prospector XL, respected as the heavyweight of the overland industry, has earned its reputation for good reason. Starting as a 60” cab to axle RAM 3500 with high payload and towing capacity, this truck undergoes a remarkable metamorphosis at the skilled hands of the AEV team. Enhanced with formidable features like 40″ tires, a robust stamped steel front bumper equipped with up to a 20,000 lbs. winch, a capable 3″ dual sport RT suspension system, and rugged Highmark® fender flares, the PXL achieves unrivaled off-road capability while retaining the hardworking lineage of the RAM. To further tailor the experience, customers can choose between the Cummins or Hemi power plants, all while benefiting from a remarkable fuel capacity of up to 74 gallons. Whether opting for the regular or crew cab configuration, the Prospector XL ensures an unrivaled overlanding experience without compromising the RAM’s renowned capability.

Reserve Yours:

The BCR is now available for pre-order with a $10,000 refundable deposit; the first customer units are slated to hit the road in spring of 2024. Prospective customers can secure their production spot for their BCR now to ensure they are one of the first to experience this groundbreaking product in a booming market segment.

  • The TruckHouse® BCR is here, showcasing a new ground-up design with more capacity and an even higher level of refinement
  • Designed in collaboration with esteemed vehicle builder, American Expedition Vehicles® (AEV®)
  • Aerospace-grade carbon fiber monocoque shell
  • Patent pending HiPR FoilTM aerodynamic system
  • Based on an AEV Prospector® XL RAM 3500 cab-chassis
  • Production begins winter 2024

For questions and inquiries, please visit www.TruckHouse.co.

Expedition Superstore Franchise Opportunity

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Expedition superstore

Expedition Superstore is a vehicle-based, outdoor exploration specialist. It is obsessed with helping adventurers get all the essential gear they need to travel unfamiliar territories, including building custom overlanding vehicles to support their self-sufficient, remote, and off-road explorations …. the adventure is the journey, and the journey is the purpose.

Expedition Superstore evolved from a deep love of the outdoors, a passion for exploring new places and an enthusiasm for customizing vehicles to be durable and capable of reaching the end of the trail and beyond. It was established as the archetype in the creation of a network of stores to display and stock the best brands that come with pedigree and reputation in the overland market. They want to provide the customer with expert information and advice and help them make the best choice based on their individual needs. Each store has a diverse mix of products able to outfit and build an overland rig from end to end, top to bottom.

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Justin Dowey is the founder and owner of Expedition Superstore, and his Australian roots heavily influence the business. He sees that although the internet and social media are the primary sources of product information these days, it seems customers struggle to find accurate, professional and objective advice based on individual needs. This results in people making decisions based solely on flashy advertising and often ending up with a product that may not be the best fit. The feedback is that people still like and want to touch and feel merchandise, and they benefit from talking to trained professionals, especially when considering making a substantial and valuable product purchase.  

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Each Expedition Superstore will keep and display all manner of overland gear and equipment such as recovery gear, roof top tents, awnings, and roof racks. There is a vast range of storage solutions, camp kitchen gear, shower, cleaning options and bathroom essentials. 12V electrical is important with charging systems, fridges, wiring, off-road lighting, brake controllers and GPS units. Then there’s build components like bumpers, sliders, fenders, underbody protection, brake upgrades and suspension options and it also stocks a variety of camper choices. All of which the Expedition Superstore technicians can advise, supply, and install for you. 

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Justin Dowey – “We want to find store owners who have a love of overlanding, who want to deliver a first-class customer experience and provide them with a systematic solution to do that. Based on a comparable market size in Australia there is no reason why there couldn’t be at least one or more stores per state population dependent. Obviously, there are some financial qualifications, but more so, it’s the desire to provide an industry leading service level and store presentation that’s second only to another Expedition Superstore. We are here to help build that and together, set the standard for what an overlanding store should be”. 

To find out more, reach out to franchise@expeditionsuperstore.com

Light Weight Gear For Overlanding

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The spirit of overlanding is all about vehicle-based travel.  For many of us, this entails equipping our rigs for maximum enjoyment at camp.  This often includes many of the creature comforts of home but packed into smart mobile solutions.  Up until recently, this has largely been my experience and personal preference.

However, I’ve recently “unlocked” an entirely new set of experiences that have come from venturing away from my vehicle.  I will share some examples along with a few gear recommendations for how I have made this transition a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

My first example comes from an overlanding trip I took through Death Valley, CA.  On this trip, I was fortunate enough to come across one of the many historical cabins located in this region.  These cabins are free to camp in and are available to travelers on a first come, first serve basis. That’s right.  If you find an unoccupied cabin, post-up and spend the night in a little bit of history!  With the right light weight gear, you can seamlessly take advantage of lodging situations like these or other unique opportunities to spend the night in structures that you may find in your travels.  Note: In the spirit of the old west, always leave it better than you found it!

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My next example is the all too common “road’s end” scenario.  On another recent trip, I found myself at a point where the vehicle could go no further.  I was underwhelmed with the setting but did not feel like turning around, so I grabbed my pack with a few pieces of my light weight gear and hit the trail on foot.  In a very short distance, I found a beautiful creek with a sandy beach.  Within a few minutes, I was able to set-up a campsite and spent the night under the stars listening to a beautiful creek.

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Both of these experiences were made possible by keeping a few pieces of light weight gear in my rig along with a reasonably sized backpack for carrying my gear.  While I may add other miscellaneous items, the following are in my core “mobile kit.” 

  • Chair
  • Small table
  • Sleeping pad or cot
  • Tent/tarp (optional)
  • Sleeping bag/quilt

For the first three items, I use Helinox gear.  Helinox has been in business for almost 15 years and produces attractive, easy assembly, compact and ultra-lightweight gear.  I find these features to be an excellent fit within my overland rig.  I easily store these items in my cargo bins or in nooks and crannies.  These same benefits translate to the trail and my Helinox gear easily fits inside a daypack with plenty of room for other stuff.

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Details: 

Chair Zero – This is one of the lightest and smallest backpacking chairs on the market.  It weighs only 17 oz and packed, is smaller than an average person’s forearm at 13.5 inches in length.  This chair is one of the easiest chairs on the market to assemble and takes me less than a minute to take a seat.  If you are looking for a slightly larger chair and level-up on comfort, I’d recommend the high back version.  

Table One – Again, super small and lightweight at only 1 lb 8 oz and packed, only 16 inches in length.  I especially appreciate the engineering that went into this design and is one of my favorite pieces.  It is easy to assemble, has cup holders and enough space to eat off while sitting in Chair Zero.  Keep in mind that this table is small and low.  If you’re looking for a larger/taller dinner table, this might not be the product for you.  But otherwise, say goodbye to putting your stuff on the ground!  

Lite Cot – Is a full size, ultra-light cot that only weighs 2lbs 12oz and packed, only 20.5 inches in length.  At first glance, the cot’s sleek design gives the perception that it would not be comfortable or durable.  In reality, my experience has been quite the opposite.  It “feels” large, and the fabric tension is fantastically comfortable. Shoot, even my dog prefers to lay on the cot vs. her normal travel mat. As for durability, I have been rough on mine, and it has withstood the tests without a glitch.  My concern with this cot is the assembly process.  It takes some strength to snap the pieces in place and if you are not careful, you can pinch the skin on your hand.

Regardless of the equipment you choose, I encourage you to branch out and modify your overlanding experiences.   

In-Field Contributor: Chris Lenkeit – 2021 JLU Rubicon

Every overlander/car camper has a philosophy. Mine was to build my vehicle with a minimalist mindset. While my rig is designed for cabin sleeping with all the necessities, I never travel in excess of GVWR. This enables safe travel for me, my vehicle, those around me and finally the places I visit.

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For more TAP Trail Tested Reviews CLICK HERE

Winnebago Revel + Raptor Adventure Van

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Looking for an Adventure Van to support your Overland Adventure? Well start your search here with the class leading Winnebago Revel Raptor Edition.

The Winnebago® Revel® broke new ground when it launched in 2018. Built on the highly capable 4WD Sprinter chassis, the Revel brought a new level of factory- built innovation and comfort to off-road adventure vans.

Now the Revel has upped its game with RAPTOR® tintable protective coating — familiar as the crowning touch for many off-road builds, but now applied at the factory.

Scratch- and stain-resistant, the tough 2-part urethane coating guards against stone chips and other hazards, is easy to clean and offers unsurpassed UV resistance.

Available on all Revel colorways, this new option comes on top of the features that have helped the Revel stand out since its launch.

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Mercedes-Benz® Sprinter Chassis: Beefed up with 4-wheel-drive, the legendary camper van chassis provides a comfortable, capable and efficient foundation for backroad and overland travel.

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Power Lift Bed: The Revel’s signature Power Lift bed can be raised or lowered with the push of a button, providing easy access to the gear garage below.

Gear Garage: Massive below-bed storage includes removable tie-down anchors, molded pockets, zippered storage and a cargo cubby with RAM® Tough-TrackTM mounts.

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Off-Grid Power: The 320-amp-hour lithium-ion battery can be charged via two standard solar panels or by the Revel’s second, dedicated alternator while driving.

Flexible Galley: A removable counter extension, adjustable exterior table, portable induction cooktop and easy access to the fridge from inside or outside the van make it easy to dine in or out.

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Performance Wheel / Tire Option: Optional performance wheels from Method Race Wheels feature Bead Grip Technology and include BFGoodrich® Radial T/A® KO2 all-terrain tires to augment off-road capability.

The Winnebago Revel has always been in a class of its own. Now the RAPTOR coating takes the Revel to the next level.

To learn more about the REVEL – CLICK HERE

The above article is a Sponsored Post. TAP does NOT receive any commissions from sales originating from this article.

23 Zero Kabari Lite Americana RTT

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23 Zero Kabari Lite Americana Hard-Shell Roof-Top-Tent

The Kabari Lite is a new compact, lightweight, and low-profile addition to our Kabari roof top tent family – it measures just 6 inches in height improving aerodynamics and wind resistance. The Americana limited edition comes with a patriotic US flag printed across the hard-shell – July 4th here we come!

This 4-season, clamshell style rooftop tent can be quickly deployed due to the sleek design of the self-deploying front awning making it so easy to open. Pack down is just as easy allowing for convenient camping experiences. 

A smart and convenient awning bracket option is also available separately which allows you to mount a compatible awning on the tent’s frame.

How big is the bed? It comfortably accommodates two adults with the bed footprint measuring 46″ x 80″ slotting itself in-between a twin-sized bed and a double bed. 

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The Kabari Lite includes their new sustainable ECO13B fabric which is 100% certified recycled 900D Polyester Oxford. It looks and feels the same as our preceding fabric, but ECO13B is produced using recycled PET bottles – to be more precise, 13 PET bottles are used in one square meter of fabric. This results in huge energy savings as well as significantly less petroleum and chemical use during fiber production to bring sustainability to our industry – it’s good for the environment while getting you out in the environment! 

It also includes our revolutionary LST™ (light suppression technology) feature which reduces light penetration to almost zero light until any windows are opened which means you control the light. Also, your RTT will maintain up to 15% cooler temperatures inside the tent. You can sleep better than ever before in our rooftop tents. 

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The new Kabari Lite shaves 34 lbs. off the original Kabari.  It’s more compact than its more cumbersome sibling. Due to the compact nature of the Kabari Lite, the ladder is not stored inside the tent and comes with its own carry case to store in your vehicle during transit. 

The Kabari Lite comes with lots of storage options with two boot bags providing convenient storage space for shoes or other gear and is equipped with a six-pocket gear ceiling gear loft and two internal side gear pockets.

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The tent includes two USB lights that can be powered separately or together using the joining cable. These LED light strips offer both white and orange light options, and their versatile hook and loop design allows for customizable placement around the tent has two LED light strings in white and orange. 

There are two style options offered for the Kabari Lite – the 23 Zero logo print or the Americana US flag graphic – MSRP $3199

For more information on the full range of 23 Zero RTT’s Check Here

The above article is a Sponsored Post. TAP does NOT receive any commissions from sales originating from this article.

TOPO2 Off-Road Teardrop Trailer by Escapod

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escaped trailers,

The TOPO2 Off-Road Teardrop Trailer by Escapod provides unparalleled value. From its off-road capabilities to its award-winning design, the TOPO2 is in a league of its own. If you’re looking for a trailer optimized for outdoor living and requiring minimal set up while still providing the comforts of home, look no further.

Superior Construction:

Starting with its single-piece composite body, the TOPO2 teardrop camper prioritizes material & component quality, fit & finish, and innovation. The TOPO2 is the only teardrop on the market using vacuum infusion to create a wood-free structure of fiberglass with an infused PET core, thus eliminating thermal bridging and creating an unmatched strength-to-weight ratio. The core, made of recycled milk cartons, not only provides the structural integrity of the trailer but also its insulation, with an R-value of 10.

4-Season Functionality:

The TOPO2’s innovation doesn’t stop with the body construction. The Utility Closet design brings all the mechanical systems (including the water system) inside of the trailer protecting them from the elements and the hazards of the road. This is a temperature-controlled compartment supported by the Truma Combi Eco-Plus which makes the TOPO2 the only true 4-season teardrop camper on the market. You’re now free to use your water system in below-freezing temps, especially valuable during those shoulder-season months that see massive temperature fluctuation throughout the day. Happy customers have camped in -30 degree temps in the Arctic Circle without sacrificing any functionality of their trailer.

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Independent Suspension:

Let’s not forget about one of the most important qualities of an off-road trailer – its suspension. The TOPO2 includes its proprietary Freeride Suspension, offering an independent suspension system optimized for the size and weight of the trailer. With a coil-over, galvanized steel trailing arm design, Escapod’s Freeride Suspension boasts 5” of independent travel per wheel on 6500 pound spindles with 23” of ground clearance.

Comforts of Home:

The interior cabin space of the TOPO2 sets itself apart from the coffin-like interiors of many small trailers. The TOPO2 considered every aspect of interior design. The soft-touch headliner and giant stargazer window create an incredibly warm yet spacious interior surrounding a 6” queen size mattress; the perfect complement to any adventure. Innovative storage solutions like the coat closet and mud room keep soiled shoes and jackets away from the main sleeping area; while the ergonomically reclined headboard provides a comfortable backrest for pre-sleep reads and conceals an additional 8 cubic feet of storage space behind it.

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Off Grid Capabilities:

The TOPO2’s off-grid capabilities are designed to get you away from the crowds and to support your needs in the wild. The 12V electrical-system powered by class-leading Expion LiFePO4 batteries (4x the life cycle of standard lithium ion) runs the USB chargers, wireless chargers, dimmable overhead LED lighting, ground & porch lights, porch lights, MaxxFan and even the optional Dometic A/C and ARB fridge. Add a 2000 W inverter to the build for off-grid use of 110 power and let the standard 140W canadian-made solar panel by Lightleaf recharge the system swiftly. As for the water system, the interior-mounted water tank has a capacity of 21-gallons and can be gravity-filled. The system uses an exterior grey-water tank making water disposal simple and ethical.

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Backed by a 5-year manufacturer’s warranty and two international design awards (iF and RedDot), the TOPO2 holds up to the hype. Learn about all of the starting features and upgrade options at Escapod.us!

Escapod proudly manufactures class-leading trailers surrounded by the mountains in rural Utah and provides new employment opportunities to the area. Founded by husband & wife duo, Chris & Jen Hudak, Escapod is celebrating its 7th year of business this month.

Social Links:

Website: https://escapod.us/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapodtrailers/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@EscapodTrailers

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/escapodtrailers/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@escapodtrailers

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