2023 Sierra 1500 AT4X AEV Edition

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2023 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X AEV Edition, overlanding, over land, overland, off-road, off-roading, vehicle supported adventure,

We’re not going to lie, we’re a little biased when it comes to AEV (We’ve owned two AEV built JKU’s and have gone on a couple of AEV led BDR’s). So, when today (7/8/22) at Overland Expo Pacific Northwest, GMC revealed the new 2023 Sierra 1500 AT4X AEV Edition , we were pretty stoked. The AEV Edition pushes the already highly capable, premium off-road Sierra 1500 AT4X trim to new heights, and provides unique styling cues and extreme off-road capability.

“GMC has been a pioneer in the premium off-road space and this Sierra 1500 AT4X AEV Edition raises the bar yet again,” said GMC Global Vice President Duncan Aldred. “Our customers want an uncompromising combination of on-road technology and off- road capability. Leveraging GMC’s unwavering dedication to providing premium trucks and AEV’s expertise in engineering and integrating performance-driven parts and accessories, this truck provides extreme capability, technology and comfort.”

The new 2023 Sierra 1500 AT4X AEV Edition is the most off-road and Over land capable factory Sierra 1500 ever.

Updates include:

AEV stamped steel front and rear bumpers with heavy duty recovery points and winch capability (front bumper)
Five hot-stamped boron steel skid plates (front approach, steering gear, transfer case, fuel tank and differential)
Unique, race-inspired, laser-engraved 18-inch AEV Salta Wheels in gloss back finish with AEV’s signature recessed valve system for added protection from rocks on the trail.
33-inch Goodyear Wrangler Territory MT tires
Updated front grille and fascia to accommodate the new bumper and larger tires,gloss black door handles and a black contrast inner tailgate.
Exclusive AEV branding throughout the vehicle, including on bumpers,embroidered head rests and all-weather floor liners.
Available off-road rocker panel protectors to help shield the sills and frame railsand an optional bolt-on step assist when not off-roading.

“The Sierra 1500 AT4X is an incredibly formidable platform when it comes to on- and off-road performance and capability,” said AEV CEO & founder Dave Harriton. “We took our signature approach to help elevate this truck’s inherent off-road capability to the next level. We are confident customers will love the result.”

The AEV-stamped steel front and rear bumpers are constructed of 3 millimeter heavy- duty steel and are powder and e-coated for durability as well as UV and corrosion resistance. Additionally, these factory-installed front bumper is winch-capable, something that no other competitor in its class can match.

Five ultra-high-strength, hot-stamped boron steel skid plates help protect the underbody of the Sierra 1500 AT4X AEV Edition. This press-hardened steel is not only three-and- a-half times stronger than an equivalent cold-stamped high-strength steel part, but it also provides incredible resistance to gouging and bending.

When it comes time to head off-road, the Sierra 1500 AT4X AEV Edition’s bumpers and underbody protection deliver capability never before available in a factory Sierra 1500. When compared to the 2022 Sierra 1500 AT4X, the AEV Edition features improved off- road stats. The front approach angle increases by more than 27% to 32.5 degrees. The departure angle improves to 23.4 degrees (compared to 23 degrees) and the breakover angle improves to 23.0 degrees (compared to 22.7 degrees). The truck’s ground clearance also improves to 11.2 inches (compared to 10.8 inches).

The AEV edition is built on the Sierra 1500 AT4X trim that offers an exclusive premium interior and advanced off-road capability. Headline features include Multimatic DSSV dampers, front and rear e-locking differentials and two-speed transfer case with selectable modes for different off-road conditions such as Terrain mode for one pedal driving and Off-Road mode. All the while, the Sierra 1500 AT4X delivers excellent on- road comfort and trailering capability with a standard 6.2L V-8 engine. The AEV edition also features the luxury-focused and tech-infused AT4X Obsidian Rush interior. The cabin boasts full grain leather-wrapped power-massaging front seats, authentic Vanta ash wood trim, a 12-speaker Bose® Premium Series audio system and more than 40- inches (diag.) of combined driver-focused digital displays — the most in its class1.

Later in the 2023 model year, a new Sierra 1500 AT4X will be available with AEV- inspired enhancements, including a stamped steel winch-capable front bumper, boron steel front approach skid plate and 33-inch Goodyear Wrangler Territory MT tires. These enhancements will increase the already formidable off-road capability of the AT4X through improved approach, departure and breakover angles, as well as improved ground clearance.

The new 2023 Sierra 1500 AT4X will continue to be a balanced execution that delivers extreme off-road capability when called upon without compromising the on-road comfort, technology and capability that customers have come to expect from a GMC pickup. The new Sierra 1500 AT4X will have a max payload of 1,290 lbs and max trailering of 8,700 lbs.

The Sierra 1500 AT4X AEV Edition and the new AT4X will be available later in the 2023 model year.

Salomon – X ULTRA 3 WIDE MID GORE-TEX Boot

By

Andy Palmer

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salmon, hiking boots, x ultra boots, overlanding, over land, overland, off-road , off-roading, vehicle supported adventure, camp boots,

When you’re in the backcountry as much as we are you need good gear, so I was eager to try out one of our favorite hiking shoe/boot brands – Salomon. I received them in November 2021 and have worn them almost everyday since, so have really put them through their paces in some heavy conditions. Below is a summary of my thoughts on the X Ultra 3 Wide Mid Gore-Te x hiking boot (Now updated to version 4)

In -Field Conditions:

Average 15 miles of off-road hiking per week across 8 months.
Some rock scrambling and also general camping use in the desert and mountains.
Weather: Sunny and generally dry with temps ranging from 18 – 85 F degrees.
1000’s of miles working the peddles of the TAP rig both on and off road.
Used with Superfeet Trailblazer in-soles (I always replace the OEM insoles of every shoe I use).

Pros:

Sizing is true (10.5 mens) and they never gave me any hot spots despite long hikes on rough terrain.
Relatively lightweight and definitely warm.
Gore-Tex worked as described (dry from inside and out).
Excellent traction on loose and uneven surfaces.
Good ankle support when rock scrambling in the desert. A confidence inspiring shoe.
After 8 solid months, both shoes are still in good condition.

Cons:

I personally love the Salomon Quicklace lacing system (Getting out of the RTT and being able to quickly lace up is a real bonus), but unfortunately these came with standard laces. IMHO I think all their shoes should come with the Quicklace system.
These shoes were not comfortable straight out of the box. They gave me slight pain across the top of my foot, however this disappeared completely, once the shoes were worn in (about a month).
Tread lugs have worn down, especially on the heel. I believe my 8 months of really hard use probably pertain to 12+ for the average consumer, so realistically this should be expected.

Conclusion:

I’m giving these boots a 4 out of 5 star rating and definitely recommend them. As described, they could have been more comfortable straight out of the box and also the standard lacing system, hence the drop of a star. Overall a solid, well designed and constructed hiking boot, that has stood up well to heavy use and is worth the premium cost.

Salomon description:

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ARB Roof Top Tents

By

Andy Palmer

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ARB, ARB overlanding, RTT's, Esperance, Flinders, rooftop tent, overland, overlanding, off-road, off-roading,

Two ARB Roof Top Tents join the ARB overlanding lineup this summer; a hard shell option called the Esperance, and an airy counterpart called the Flinders.

ARB released its first rooftop tent two decades ago, and a myriad of innovations and thoughtful touches have since followed. Development of the new tents aimed to balance comfort and vehicle performance. Smart upgrades add thought-out features while avoiding dead weight. ARB recognizes that the needs of overlanders are more diverse than ever before, and created these purposeful ARB Roof Top Tents accordingly.

The Esperance finds the balance between practicality and comfort while retaining an incredibly efficient setup. Its clamshell design is easy to deploy and packs down to only 13 inches tall when closed. It weighs in at 123 pounds and its hard shell outer surface is aerodynamic to prevent drag. The Esperance includes a telescopic ladder that is internally stored when the tent is stowed. Packed dimensions are 60 x 48 x 13 inches and open dimensions are 60 x 79 x 47 inches.

Once deployed, overlanders will find more features designed with their needs in mind. Gas struts lift the tent open and campers are rewarded on clear nights with a sky-facing star gazing window. Two large additional windows and a removable rain fly maximize airflow for added comfort on warm summer nights. The 1.5” included mattress sleeps two adults and the interior also includes storage pockets and a dimmable LED strip light with concealed wiring.

The new Flinders tent offers the biggest footprint of any ARB rooftop tent, yet a smaller pack-down size compared to the long-standing Simpson series. Its externally stored ladder allows the soft-sided bag exterior to pack down to less than eight inches tall, greatly reducing drag.

Spaciously sleeping two adults, the Flinders is built to enhance the camping experience with a skylight, easy setup, and five zippered windows (with dual midge-proof screens) to maximize airflow. The Flinders includes a two-inch high-density foam mattress, storage pockets, and a dimmable, built-in light with USB charging port. Packed dimensions are 55 x 47 x 8 inches (packed height with ladder is 12”) and open dimensions are 55 x 94 x 55 inches.

Both the Esperance and Flinders, ARB Roof Top Tents are now available from authorized ARB retailers throughout North

For more information click HERE

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Off Grid Trailers Evolution Suspension

By

Andy Palmer

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off road trailer suspension, trailer suspension, off grid trailers, Off Grid Trailer's Evolution Series Suspension, expedition 2.0, Pando 2.0, off-roading, off-road, overlanding, overland

We spend a lot of time towing trailers but Off Grid Trailer’s product caught our eye at Overland Expo, Flagstaff last month. Hopefully we’ll get to test drive it later in the year and report back with our in-field thoughts.

Off Grid Trailers has really upped-the-ante in the off road and overland trailer segment! With recent updates to the Expedition 2.0 and Pando 2.0, the popular models now have a lower curb weight and a higher build quality. In addition to these updates, Off Grid Trailers has added the all-new Switchback R&S to their capable trailer line up of off-road trailers. Taking their light weight, all metal trailer, Off Grid Trailers is now stepping up the capability factor big time. They have worked with an industry leader, Fabtech Motorsports, to design and develop an all-new independent tailing arm suspension that is sure to stand out.

The new Off Grid Trailers Evolution Series Suspension by Fabtech Motorsports is all weather tested to -40 degrees Celsius and allows for a full 9-inches of wheel travel. Spring rates have been optimized to enhance load capability and ride height. Off Grid Trailers has used custom valving which allows the damper to control the motion of the suspension, adjusting the rebound depending on how heavily you loaded up your trailer. The suspension is made from thick wall HSS tubing as well as heavy duty bushings and materials. Every Evolution Series Suspension is precision crafted in the USA. Whether you tow your trailer down the highway, or break new trail, this new OGT Evolution Series Suspension allows for a smooth tow with increased ground clearance and will allow your trailer to truly follow you anywhere your 4×4 can go.

To learn more CLICK HERE

Four Wheel Campers – Making a difference on Earth Day

By

Andy Palmer

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On Earth Day 2022, Four Wheel Campers partnered with Friends of Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge on a two-day cleanup event, which marks the first of several volunteer events the company is sponsoring this year. Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge, which is an hour south of Tucson, Arizona, provides critical habitat for the endangered masked bobwhite quail, and it is a popular destination for camping, hiking, birding and hunting. Friends of Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge is a nonprofit 501c3 that supports the 118,000-acre Refuge, and they work closely with local communities and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Over a dozen volunteers attended, and most opted to camp in the Refuge’s group campsite, which boasts spectacular views of the Baboquivari Mountains. On day one, some volunteers dismantled old rock campfire rings and relocated the rocks to erosion control zones, while others installed 20 metal fire pits in some of the Refuge’s most popular campsites. After a lunch break, volunteers split into several smaller groups to pick up trash along two miles of Arivaca-Sasabe Road, which runs right through the Refuge, and near many of the prime campsites. After the last bag of litter was hauled away, volunteers enjoyed a leisurely afternoon at camp, followed by dinner and drinks around the campfire. On the second morning, the group removed two miles of old, barbed wire fencing along Arivaca-Sasabe Road, which will soon be replaced with wildlife-friendly boundary fencing. Trash pickup resumed after lunch, and with the help of several new volunteers, the group removed litter along three miles of Arivaca-Sasabe Road. After collecting countless beer cans along the road, we opened up a few cold ones at camp, and enjoyed another night of campfire stories as coyotes serenaded us from a distance.

With the success of Four Wheel Campers’ community events, plus a customer base and online following that is passionate about giving back to our public lands, incorporating volunteer work into an event was a logical next step for the brand. “In our 50^th year, we want to help heal and preserve nature for another 50 years and beyond,” says Dan Welty, Vice President of Four Wheel Campers. “Partnering with organizations focused on cleaning and protecting natural spaces, and with the help of our customer volunteers, we view this as the beginning of our long-term involvement in these efforts.”

Future Events
On Saturday, June 4, Four Wheel Campers is teaming up with the Tahoe Rim Trail Association to assist with trail crew and litter removal in the Adventure Mountain area of South Lake Tahoe. Four Wheel Campers is providing camping for all volunteers on June 3 and 4 at Wilder Hope Valley, which sits on the stunning West Fork of the Carson River. On Sunday, June 12, Four Wheel Campers will be working with another Tahoe-based nonprofit, Clean Up the Lake,

Images provided by:

Elisabeth Brentano elisabethbrentano@mac.com

https://elisabethbrentanophotography.pixieset.com/fourwheelcampersearthdayevent/

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Truma Portable Cooler C69DZ Dual Zone

By

Andy Palmer

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Truma cooler, portable fridge, portable freezer, Dual zone portable fridge, energy efficient portable fridge, off-road, off-roading, overland, overlanding

The Truma Cooler C69DZ Dual Zone Portable Fridge/Freezer is tough enough for any adventure and ready to go wherever your travels may take you.

Robust, reinforced corners and stainless steel hinges allow the Truma Cooler to withstand the bumps on even the roughest terrain. A reversible lid, 12VDC connections on both ends, and durable handles that fold flush to the sides add to this cooler’s versatility.

Inside, this 69-liter (18-gallon) cooler has two separate temperature control zones, making it twice as functional as other mobile fridges on the market. The Truma Cooler features a reliable and durable proprietary compressor, which can cool both zones to temperatures from -8°F to 50°F (-22°C to 10°C) no matter how hot it is outside. Whether you choose to set both zones to the same temperature or use one section as a refrigerator or the other as a freezer, you will be able to keep all of your food safe for the entire length of your journey. Then this dual-zone fridge/freezer is perfect for your longer adventures in an off-road vehicle or as an additional fridge or freezer in your camper. At 29″ L x 18″ W x 22″ H, the C69DZ gives you ample storage for drinks, food, ice, and anything else you want to keep cool or cold.

The Truma Cooler is rated Class A++ for energy efficiency. The average hourly amp draw of just 0.8 allows you to stay in the wilderness longer without draining precious battery power. This fridge/freezer is even efficient enough for rigs with solar power. The cooler also has a multi-voltage system — allowing for 110 volt AC power or 12 volt DC power — and three-stage discharge protection for the vehicle battery.

In addition to giving you two cold storage zones, the Truma Cooler C69DZ also gives you two ways to control your cooler. The intuitive digital display on the cooler itself allows you to set and see at a glance the set-point and the actual temperature of the interior and also features a “Turbo” button for even faster cooling. The Truma Cooler app, available as a free download on the App Store and Google Play, can also control the unit via Bluetooth. The Truma Cooler App allows campers to check their cooler’s temperature and control functions remotely within Bluetooth range. On long road trips, a passenger can check the temperature on their phone and make adjustments while on the road. This eliminates extra pit stops to check the cooler and ensures you never arrive at your destination with spoiled food.

Available functions of the Truma Cooler App include:

Switch appliances on and off
Adjust and check the temperature
Switch turbo on and off
Change battery discharge protection
Check battery voltage
Display error messages

Other notable features of the Truma Cooler C69DZ Dual Zone Portable Fridge/Freezer include:

LED interior light
Headroom for upright standing bottles
Flat carry and tie-down handles
Bottle openers on both sides
3A USB port and charger
Weight: 69 lbs (31.2 Kg)

Check out the Truma Cooler Range HERE

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The Adventure Portal

2023 Sierra 1500 AT4X AEV Edition

The new 2023 Sierra 1500 AT4X AEV Edition is the most off-road and Over land capable factory Sierra 1500 ever.

Updates include:

The Sierra 1500 AT4X AEV Edition and the new AT4X will be available later in the 2023 model year.

Salomon – X ULTRA 3 WIDE MID GORE-TEX Boot

In -Field Conditions:

Pros:

Cons:

Conclusion:

Salomon description:

ARB Roof Top Tents

For more information click HERE

Off Grid Trailers Evolution Suspension

To learn more CLICK HERE

Four Wheel Campers – Making a difference on Earth Day

Truma Portable Cooler C69DZ Dual Zone

Available functions of the Truma Cooler App include:

Other notable features of the Truma Cooler C69DZ Dual Zone Portable Fridge/Freezer include:

Check out the Truma Cooler Range HERE

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