Team Pony Express – Rebelle Rally Ready

Team Pony Express, Rebelle Rally, FWC, Four Wheel campers, truck camper, overland, overlanding, off-road, off-roading, vehicle supported adventure, flatbed camper,

The Rebelle Rally is an annual off-road navigational competition that traverses roughly 1500 miles across some of the most stunning scenery the western United States has to offer. One hundred percent of the competitors also just happen to be women.

The 2023 event will be taking place in October of this year, with team #101, calling themselves “Team Pony Express”, among the field of other talented rally competitors. Team #101 is comprised of Kristen Harbert and Avis Cook. This will be Avis’s second year competing in the rally as a navigator while Kristen is coming in as a first year rookie driver looking forward to showing she has the skills to be a serious contender for a podium spot.

A core rule and primary focus of the Rebelle Rally is that all navigation is done using map and compass skills without the aid of any electronic GPS devices to help the teams find their way throughout the 8 days of competition. Before teams are allowed to compete, GPS is disabled in their rally vehicle as well as any personal GPS enabled devices such as phones are taken away.

It is no small effort for a team to prepare for the rally. There are hefty entry fees and other related – expenses to be paid, driving and navigation skills to be honed, and vehicle preparations to complete. During the rally competition this October what you will observe from the outside is a team consisting of a driver, a navigator and their rally vehicle. The reality is there is a team behind the team consisting of many to get the driver, the navigator and their vehicle to the all-important point of toeing the starting line on day one of the competition.

During the rally teams typically navigate a wide variety of terrain that ranges from fast desert or forest roads to slower rocky, sandy, or muddy trails and washes, and even the huge sand dunes of Glamis, CA. To carry them through all the challenges they may encounter during competition, team #101 has chosen to compete in a 2022 Ford Bronco Badlands Sasquatch for the 2023 rally.

In preparing for the rally Avis and Kristen try to get together and practice their skills as often as possible, which usually ends up being at least monthly with increasing frequency at the event draws ever closer. In order to make the practice sessions as meaningful and realistic as possible, that means traveling to the same types of remote and lesser traveled routes that the rally itself passes through far from creature comforts.

Thankfully, the team can bring some creature comforts with them into remote areas in which they practice. Avis is married to Rob of @overland_V1.0 on Instagram and YouTube which gives her and her teammate access to his 2021 RAM 3500 flatbed build hauling a 2021 Four Wheel Camper Hawk on its back that was purpose built to reach destinations considered remote and serves well as a supporting member of the team behind the team.

In its support role the camper typically follows the team as deep into a practice area as it can in order to be used as a temporary and easily movable basecamp. With its top popped it affords the members of Team Pony Express a place to take a break from the sun and wind, put some sustenance in their bellies, and plot their next moves on the map.

The Hawk popup camper is well equipped for rest with not only sizeable comfortable sleeping and dining areas, but also fans to help keep air moving when it is warm, a propane heater if it happens to be chilly, a small kitchen with a sizeable refrigerator to keep plenty of fresh food and drinks on hand, and even the ability to heat hot water from its water storage tank to wash dishes or even take a quick shower. Powering all those features is a 300ah lithium battery system that charges itself while parked in the sun using the 320 watts of solar on the roof, or the truck alternator while on the move. In a recent addition to the build, a Starlink satellite dish was flat mounted to roof allowing for highspeed connectivity to stay in touch just about anywhere, even when cell service is a distant dream as it often is in the areas in which rally practice takes place.

If you would like to learn more about the Rebelle Rally check out their website (https://www.rebellerally.com/) and if you happen to see the members of team #101 out preparing this summer be sure to say hello and wish them the all best as they aim for a top spot among a field of other tough competitors.

You can follow the women of Team #101 on Instagram at @mrs.optoffroad for Kristen, or at @overland_wife for Avis.

CB Adventure Supply becomes FWC Dealer

Andy Palmer

CB ADVENTURE SUPPLY, fwy, fOUR wheel Campers, truck campers, overland truck campers, overland, overlanding, off-road, off-roading, vehicle supported adventure,

If you’re a Texas resident, you’ll be stoked to now have the ability to see Four Wheel Campers up close and personal with the addition of a new truck camper dealership in Fort Worth, Texas! Since 2016, CB Adventure Supply has been the best Southwest source for outdoor & overland gear. CB Adventure Supply owners Ryan and Libby, and their team, are now serving the Southwestern states. They will be managing new camper sales, installations, parts, and service work.

Not everything in Texas needs to be bigger. Having a smaller, nimble, rugged, lightweight camper enables Four Wheel Campers customers to explore challenging back-country terrain, mountains, and the gulf beaches. Four Wheel Campers and CB Adventure Supply invite you to the new camper showroom.

CB Adventure Supply, fwy, four wheel campers, overlanding, overland, off-road, off-roading, vehicle supported adventure,

More About Four Wheel Campers:

Four Wheel Campers, founded in 1972, is the world’s leading producer of pop-up campers for trucks. The lightweight, low-profile, aluminum-based design, delivers the go-to camper to navigate challenging terrain.

The broad product line that includes varied camper options to fit most truck brands and models. Camper platforms include a Topper ($10,995+), Slide-in ($16,695+), and Flatbed ($36,695+) with the Norweld brand aluminum tray. Options include king size bed, solar, sink, stove, furnace, shower, refrigerator, and lithium batteries. View models at www.fourwheelcampers.com.

New features focus on delivering significant increases in solar power, power storage, and offering RedArc brand power management systems. Depending upon camper product, solar power now ranges from 160w to 500w, and lithium battery storage ranges from 135ah to 405ah.

For more details, please visit www.fourwheelcampers.com

TFWC, Four Wheel campers, truck camper, overland, overlanding, off-road, off-roading, vehicle supported adventure, flatbed camper,

23 Zero Armadillo A3 – Hard shell RTT

Andy Palmer

Armadillo RTT, 23ZERO, roof top tents, hard shell tents, overland tent, overland, overlanding, off-road, off-roading, vehicle supported adventure,

The 23 Zero Armadillo A3 is a rugged, 14 GA, fully welded, Aluminum, 4-season, hard-shell roof-top-tent. It’s uniquely and aerodynamic styled with semi-textured, high-gloss, black, trail-hardened finish ready to deflect low hanging branches or high-speed roadways in all conditions.

The shell includes T-slot mounting rails ready for you to mount solar panels, racks, gear boxes, etc, so you can travel with additional gear that might otherwise be left at home.

It also includes our new, sustainable, ECO13B fabric which is 100% certified recycled 900D Polyester Oxford. It looks and feels exactly the same, but it is produced using recycled PET bottles. This fabric 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!

There is no change to our revolutionary LST™ (light suppression technology) feature with the introduction of ECO13B fabric. In fact, we have found it to have improved LST™ to better adhere to the fabric and even further reduce light penetration so your RTT will maintain up to 15% cooler temperatures inside the tent. There is almost zero light penetration until any windows are opened. You can sleep better than ever before in our roof-top tents.

Additionally, the Armadillo A3 includes a portable USB LED clip-on-pole light, two internal power supply pouches, two external hanging boot bags and a 2” Rebound Foam™ mattress with a removable quilted topper.

The Armadillo A3 can be purchased with a right or left side deployment option which allows for optimized placement on your choice of overland. It comes in two sizes, the A2 which is a 2-person tent, and the A3 which is a 3-person tent – see our website for all the dimensions, tech specs, etc.

MSRP: $3995 – May special $230 off! BUY HERE

_________________________________________________________________

This is a sponsored product article.

Xventure Overland Trailers

Andy Palmer

schutt industries, xventure, xv-2, xv-3, overland trailers, overlanding, overland, off-road, off-roading, vehicle supported adventure,

Not all overland trailers are made equally and Schutt Industries and 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.

For more information: www.goxventure.com

_____________________________________________________________

Midland MXT575 Micromobile 2 Way Radio

Andy Palmer

midland radio, mxt575, two way radio, communications, overlanding, overland, off-road, off-roading,

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 MXT575 maximum 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.

Midland Radio MXT575 Specs:

mxt575, midland radio, two way radio, gmrs, overland, overlanding, off-road, off-roading,

50-Watts of Power
8 repeater channels
Split Tone Repeater Capable
15 high-powered GMRS channels
142 privacy codes
Fully-Integrated Control Microphone
NOAA Weather Scan + Alert
USB-C Charging
Speaker Mic Jack
Channel Scan
Programmable squelch
Compatible with all Midland FRS/GMRS radios

MSRP: $399.99 BUY HERE

Installation:

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!

Midland radio, GMRS, TWO Way radio, overland comms, overlanding, overland, off-roading, off-road

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.

whip antenna, midland antenna, two way radio, communications, overland comms, overlanding, off-road, off-roading

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.

Ironman 4×4 – Behind The Wheel

Contributor

IRONMAN4X4, Jeep, ironman4x4 suspension, overland, overlanding, off-road, off-roading, vehicle supported adventure,

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.

rav4, IRONMAN4X4, Jeep, ironman4x4 suspension, overland, overlanding, off-road, off-roading, vehicle supported adventure,

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.

TAP rig, IRONMAN4X4, Jeep, ironman4x4 suspension, overland, overlanding, off-road, off-roading, vehicle supported adventure,

________________________________________________________________

Ironman4x4America has many of their most popular products on sale right now. Your Adventure Elevated

1...272829...106 Page 28 of 106

The Adventure Portal

Team Pony Express – Rebelle Rally Ready

CB Adventure Supply becomes FWC Dealer

More About Four Wheel Campers:

For more details, please visit www.fourwheelcampers.com

23 Zero Armadillo A3 – Hard shell RTT

MSRP: $3995 – May special $230 off! BUY HERE

Xventure Overland Trailers

For more information: www.goxventure.com

Midland MXT575 Micromobile 2 Way Radio

General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS):

Midland Radio MXT575 Specs:

MSRP: $399.99 BUY HERE

Installation:

Out on the trail:

Conclusion:

Ironman 4×4 – Behind The Wheel

Ironman4x4America has many of their most popular products on sale right now. Your Adventure Elevated

EVEN MORE NEWS

The Escapod TOPO2 MTB Overland Trailer

Midland’s Mini External Speaker – SPKMINI

Finding The Heart Of Baja: A Journey In Layers

POPULAR CATEGORY