SEMA 2016– It’s like going into a candy store. There are rigs that are so far out cool it’s mind blowing and then you have the new gear; the toys that you are sure you cannot possibly live without. TAP cruised the show for a couple of days and tried to soak it all in. Here is a mix of information on a few new products and some very cool rigs. Read on and start making your Christmas/ Hanukkah list and TAP into Adventure!
Warn Medium and Heavy Duty Recovery Kit Bags
MEDIUM DUTY or HEAVY DUTY EPIC RECOVERY KIT:
For winch capacities of up to 12,000 or 18,000lbs.
• Two forged 3/4” Epic Shackles with E-coat/powder cost finish (for 18,000 lb. winches and under)
• Epic Tree Trunk Protector, including forged end loops with E-coat/powder cost finish (2” x 8’; rated to 14,400 lbs.)
• Epic Snatch Block with E-coat/powder coat finish (for winch capacities of up to 12,000 lbs.)
• Premium Recovery Strap 2” x 30’; rated to 14,400 lbs.or 30,000lbs. or 3″x30′; rated to 21,600lbs
• Winching Gloves with Kevlar reinforcement and synthetic leather
• Backpack carrying case is made from ballistic material with modular interior. Doubles as a line damper and has recovery technique illustrations.
WARN Ascent bumper- Ford F-150 Clean, tough, functional and angled for maximum clearance. They come ready to fit WARN mid-frame winches.
WARN updated winches- features include a new convertible control pack that allows for upright or low-profile mounting configurations; a sealed and totally waterproof Albright® contactor that lets you off-road with confidence in wet and muddy environments; a one-piece tie plate that replaces multiple tie bars for increased strength; and a best-in-class cone brake that holds the full-rated load. They are now available not only with steel rope, but with Spydura Pro synthetic rope. This rope’s heat-treated construction provides maximum tensile strength and the temperature resistant sleeve on the first layer provides maximum heat protection.
VR 8-S: 8,000 lbs. capacity, 90’ of 3/8” synthetic rope
VR 10-S: 10,000 lbs. capacity, 90’ of 3/8” synthetic rope
VR 12-S: 12,000 lbs. capacity 90’ of 3/8” synthetic rope
VR 8: 8,000 lbs. capacity, 94’ of 5/16” steel rope
VR 10: 10,000 lbs. capacity, 80’ of 3/8” steel rope
VR 12: 12,000 lbs. capacity, 80’ of 3/8” steel rope
Hi-Lift Roll Cage Mount for the Jeep Wrangler JK or other Wrangler models with top removed– Available in the Spring of 2017, this easy access jack mount allows you to mount your Hi-Lift horizontally on the inside rear roll cage, providing easy access and secure interior storage. No drilling is required for installation as it mounts directly on the the factory roll rage tubing. It is made of 6061-T6 structural and anodized aluminum for strength, durability and a clean look.
Rugged Ridge Fast Track Accessory Mount for 2007-2016 JK- This is adjustable modular LED bar mount is built with integrated channels which allow for any light configuration that you wish. They also provide you the ability to reconfigure trail mirrors, camera and accessory mounts based on your needs.
Bestop: Trektop NX Glide Soft Top for the 2007-2017 Jeep Wrangler. The Trektop consists of a new folding frame design that lets it function like a convertible top. The top folds behind the rear seat, providing an open air ride. The booth was filming volunteers to come up and take the NX Glide off. Their average time ranged from 20 seconds to a minute. A big selling point here is ease of conversion. The “topless” format has a protective screen for the roof if desired for sun protection.
ARB all-weather fridge freezer: Is constructed of stainless steel with anondized aluminum latches, heavy duty cast stainless steel hinges, tamper-proof bolts for permanent mounting, a security pin code protected electronic locking system, the provision for a padlock for added security, a weather protected control panel, Backlit LED display with dimming function, a recessed back for power cable storage, reversible cabinet basket with removable divider rubberized mounting feet, wireless display compatible, Secop BK35F compressor, Built in 3 stage battery protection, a drain plug, LED rear facing cabinet light with auto on/off and a full-length cooling zone with dual height compartments.
At this time of year, thoughts often turn to escaping to sunny, sandy beaches. Some folks, however, enjoy romping in the snow. They brave the elements, and camp out in the wild. One benefit is that you can have the park or wildlife area practically to yourself.
Just as you need to account for the extreme heat of summer, so should you plan for the challenges of camping in snow and cold.
Here are a few tips on how to prepare for camping in the snow and cold.
Start by checking the forecast and if a bad storm is predicted, stay home. As in any type of weather, never camp alone, and always tell someone where you’re going and when you’ll be back.
In terms of gear and clothing, prepare for the worst so you’re not taken by surprise. The most important factor is to stay warm and dry. Frostbite and hypothermia aren’t just annoyances. They can be killers.
Clothing that incorporates Gore-Tex (or similar fabric) is very useful. You need to wick out as much sweat as possible. Damp clothing can chill you quickly, and bring on hypothermia.
Outer coats should have a nylon shell to break the wind. Thinsulate is a great insulating material for coats and gloves.
Layer your clothing during the day. Make sure there’s some give, though. If you feel constricted, the fabric will be packed so tightly that it’ll lose some insulating ability.
Having extra clothing also ensures that you can change into dry stuff at the end of the day. Look for sturdy boots. Sorel is a good brand, but there are others. You’ll want rubber soles with good traction. Leather uppers are nice, but treat with a sealant.
Never sleep in clothes you’ve been working or playing in. They will be damp with perspiration, which means you’ll be uncomfortable all night. Set aside dry clothing for sleeping. That includes socks, heavy pajamas (or sweat shirt and sweat pants) and a warm hat.
I recommend a 4-season tent. The walls on these are solid material to block wind and shed snow. I prefer those with a full fly over the tent as well. They make for a better desert tent too. The fly creates shade and the combination of 2 walls keeps blowing sand out. Look for a model that has a vestibule. That’s where you’ll store your outerwear and boots. A vestibule, provides a transition area to reduce the snow you track into the main tent. It provides more room for sleeping, and your bedding and dry clothing won’t get wet. Prior to setting up, pack down the snow for a firm base. Create a berm around the sides for wind break, and remember to face the front door away from the wind.
A good sleeping bag is a must. If you can’t find one rated to the proper temperature, take along two. You can stuff one inside the other. Understand that manufacturers take liberty with the temperature ratings on their products. Assume your boots, sleeping bag, and clothing won’t really keep you comfortable at the manufactures rated temperature. That’s why you pack heavy clothing, and even feet and hand warmers.
Use a foam mattress or blankets as insulation under your sleeping bag.Thermarest mattresses work but the $20 / $30 6 inch type air mattresses don’t provide much insulation, because the air inside circulates too much. Dead air space is a great insulator but it has to be dead (i.e. not circulate).
Tent heaters are nice, however be careful. Today’s models are small and easy to use. The Little Buddy by Mr Heater, for example, uses the standard 1 lb. propane cylinder. The manufacturer claims it can heat up to 100 square feet. Note: some heaters have altitude restrictions (do not function over a certain altitude). Also, don’t leave the heater running all night. Even though it has an oxygen sensor and a very sensitive tip-over switch, I wouldn’t want to take the risk of fire or carbon dioxide poisoning. Run the heater before you snuggle into your tent, then again when you wake up.
If you are on a hunting trip, store guns and outerwear outside but away from snow (in the vestibule or your vehicle). A gun warming up will generate condensation if brought inside. Any snow on your outer clothing won’t melt if left in the cold, so you’re not likely to get damp (at least from that).
Store all gear including shovels, axes etc. in your vehicle. They could get buried in the snow.
Cooking, as you can imagine, presents its own challenges.
To prevent (or minimize) freezing, keep fresh food in a cooler. You may want to stash the cooler in your vehicle overnight.
Use wooden or plastic utensils as much as possible. Metal objects get blasted cold in the winter.
Propane is fine for most winter applications, but it is sluggish in severe cold. If you anticipate those temps, pack a stove that runs on white gas.
Vehicle health and safety
This is a good time to recheck the vitals. Inspect your tires. Rotate and replace as needed. Test the battery and windshield wipers; replace if necessary.
Check your antifreeze: Is it still at full strength? Are you low on windshield washer fluid?
Make sure you have a survival kit and tire chains (if applicable).
Pack a snow shovel and ice pick.
Orange spray paint comes in handy for marking the snow in the event of an emergency.
Remember to include a fire-starter kit. Fill a baggie with matches and cotton balls coated with Vaseline.
Communication
Keep your cell phone charged up.
Before you leave, identify the frequencies of the ham radio repeaters in the area you are visiting.
Make a habit of listing to the NOAA weather broadcasts each day.
If you’ll be in a really remote area, consider a Sat phone, a DeLorme inReach or other “off the grid” communication device.
Mother Nature puts on a grand performance during the winter season. For those hardy enough, camping can be very enjoyable and rewarding. As with any other four wheeling experience, preparation is the key to safe enjoyment.
We’re always on the lookout for off-road trailers to add to the TAP Buyers Guide. It’s important to keep it up to date and as comprehensive as possible. Recently we added Blue Ridge Expedition Trailers and got on the phone with the owners Mike Mulligan and Bryan Howell to ask them to tell us about their company, located in Lewisville NC. Here’s what we learned. We are a company that helps you make memories….not excuses.
Blue Ridge Expedition Trailers builds expedition style teardrop camping trailers. Our belief is that while you may not always take the road less traveled, you should have a camper that can make the journey when you decide to do so.
We started Blue Ridge Expedition Trailers in the spring of 2016, recognizing that while there were many companies building teardrop campers, there were very few true expedition teardrop manufacturers on the east coast. We saw that there was a need, so we opened our business in a strategically central part of the east coast, Lewisville NC.
This BRX1 with a Tepui RTT and front storage box provides enough room for mom, dad, the kids and your dog.
We exclusively build the BRX1. The BRX1 features the Timbren axel-less suspension, the max-coupler hitch connector, a welded steel frame, 18” wheels, oversize tires and up to a whopping 20” of ground clearance. We offer a wide variety of options. All of our trailers are custom made to fit your needs and your budget.
The galley can hold a refrigerator or cooler and stove. It’s got full storage cabinetry, a food prep counter, LED lighting and a sink.A closer look at the cabin.Warm shower anyone?
For all of you adventurers, overlanders, 4×4 owners, hunters, fishermen, families and anyone that wants to be able to get away on their own terms, our expedition grade features coupled with a queen-size memory foam mattress, all LED lighting and options for AC & heat, water and a hot shower, solar power and refrigeration, will make being there as much fun as getting there. Oh, and our expedition camping teardrop trailers are actually affordable!!
Contact Information-
• Info@brxtrailers.com
• www.brxtrailers.com
• www.facebook.com/brxtrailers
• Instagram: brx_trailers
• (336)383-1001
You can find more info in our Off Road Trailer Buyers Guide.
» 4×4 trailer, Blue ridge expedition trailers, off road trailer, adventure trailer,expedition trailer,teardrop trailers, timbren, trailer
» Featured Business, Home Page, North Carolina, Off-Road Trailers, Uncategorized » Blue Ridge Expedition Trailers
The search for a Nevada Ghost Town: Something that fuels my need to get lost out on offroad trails in my Jeep is curiosity. As I have gotten older, I find that my curiosity in visiting the past, adds context to and makes me more fully appreciate the present. I got a dose of this recently when I went on an overlanding excursion with a great group of friends from Badlands Off-Road Adventure, in search of ghost towns in Nevada.
Now when I say a ghost town, I don’t mean “Boo” Halloween ghosts. I mean places in American History that have stood the test of time and are still standing today. Our overland adventure starts in Bishop, CA where our group of 13 rigs and 18 friends meets up for our usual driver’s meeting to discuss map routes, trip plans, safety precautions, etc.
Driver’s meeting Bishop, CA
Our trip guide, Tom Severin, is always very thorough with the plans, this is something I have learned to appreciate and model in my vehicle supported adventure trip preparation. We discuss the route, driving by the principles of “Tread Lightly!”, emergency “what ifs”, and more. Then we hit the road.
Pigeon Springs Stamp Mill, NV
We made our way via paved road out of CA and about 60 miles into Nevada, pulled off pavement, and hit the dirt to air down in Palmetto. Thankfully the weather was nice, not the typical scorching, hot weather I would expect in the middle of September. As I was packing up my tire deflators, I took a look around and off in the distance, I saw a piece of history looking right back at me.
Palmetto, NV
Just past the state of Nevada Palmetto marker was a quiet little rock structure just resting in the middle of nowhere. This was the entrance into the past that me and my fellow overlanders were looking for. We started down the dirt trail, and came upon the Pigeon Spring Stamp Mill. This Mill was in operation from 1890-1907.
Pigeon Springs Stamp Mill, NV
As we explored, taking in the past, I wondered how people lived their day to day lives back in the 1900’s in this desolate, dusty and dirty place. What was mining life like in Pigeon Springs?
We continued on our quest, trailing deep back into the low lying mountains of the Nevada desert. The trails were very passable, making it easy for our group, but we didn’t press on quickly. We took our time, taking in the most amazing views.
Palmetto Wash, NV
We made our way through old, dry, river beds, where I could see that the elements have carved out a story spanning centuries. The only view for miles was desert, mountains, cactus, and ……..wait, what’s that?
In the distance, I could see we were nearing another abandoned cluster of structures. Another piece of mining history left standing.
State Line Mine, NVState Line Mine, NVGoing Down! State Line Mine, NV
But this one was special because yes, it’s old, but not exactly abandoned. There was one shimmy shack on site that was still used and even had an outhouse.
Shimmy shack at the State Line Mine, NV
We hung around for a while inspecting it all. The front door was unlocked allowing us a peek inside. There were letters left from past visitors, and even a guest book that I happily signed, marking my visit.
Letters left by visitorsGuest book
We had more miles to cover, so we continued on, tucking ourselves deeper into the landscape.
And the farther you go, the more interesting it gets.
Gold Point, NV
Our next stop was to an active Ghost Town. Yep active, meaning people still live there. Gold Point Nevada, population 27. We were way out in the sticks, but thankfully this buzzing population had wifi. The first 3G network we had had since we left Bishop CA. As we parked and got out of our rigs, I had to laugh because everyone’s phones were pinging and buzzing with emails and texts that had finally made it through. The strangeness of this juxtaposition did not escape me.
The town of Gold Point NV.Old gas station in Gold PointTown Saloon Gold Point, NV
We really took our time on this stop. So much to see in this tiny town with no one but us in site. Apparently, word of our arrival spread through town quickly, as locals started showing up to greet and welcome us. They let us walk around and investigate all the original ghost town mining homes and cabins. They opened the local museum just for us and even offered to open the town saloon so we could enjoy a cold one. Unfortunately, we still had more miles to cover before dark, and were running out of time, so no beers for us this trip.
The Long Road out-Gold Point NV
So, I have friends in Texas that always tell me that Texas is so flat, you can watch your dog run away from home for days…..well they have roads like that in Nevada as well. We said good bye to our new friends in Gold Point and continued on down the long road.
One of the 27 residents of Gold Point, NVThe longer road out, Gold Point, NV
The only thing moving faster than we were on this trip was the weather. One hour clear blue skies, then a few clouds, then total cloud coverage. That’s one thing you always have to take into consideration out here. Rapidly changing weather can mess up your trip if you’re not prepared.
Esmeralda County, NV
It was getting considerably cold very fast as the sun began to set and looked like a storm was brewing. Thankfully camp was not too much farther…… We had had an epic day of Ghost Town exploration.
TAP Field Writer: Lisa Van Rijnsoever
Photos: Lisa Van Rijnsoever
Looking for more overland and Off-Road Adventures? Then CHECK HERE
The Rebelle Rally is the first all women, overland, navigational rally to be held in the United States. This 1,200 mile, mainly off-road rally spanned from South Lake Tahoe to the Glamis Recreational Sand Dunes in Imperial Valley, CA. The rally entailed 7 days of driving and navigating and 2 days of travel to and from the technical inspection and final awards. Thirty-six teams entered this inaugural event and each team consisted of a driver and a navigator. The teams drove cars that ranged from stock as well as modified 4×4’s, to the Crossover Class, defined as having a unibody construction and two-wheel or all-wheel drive (no low range). No tires bigger than 35” were accepted. All participants were required to wear helmets when the vehicle is in motion.
Participants skill level varied from novice, to off-road driving, racing and training professionals and previous rally participants (Gazelles Navigational Rally-Morroco). The teams relied upon compasses, paper maps, and the ability to identify topographical focal points in order to navigate their way to checkpoints and to each night’s basecamp. This proved especially difficult once they hit the last leg of the rally in the dunes. This is not a race. The object is for the teams to hit as many checkpoints as possible to score points. There are three types of checkpoints, green-easy to find and it’s required that everyone hit all of them in order to stay on course. Then the blue and black checkpoints, which were increasingly difficult to find.
Team 118-Bailey Campbell and Kendra Miller plotting their course Photo: Paolo Baraldi courtesy of Rebelle Rally Media
Rebelles navigating their way across the dunes from a blue checkpoint. Photo Paolo Barldi- Courtesy of Rebelle Rally Media
The teams woke every morning between 4:30 and 5:00 a.m. The navigators would get the latitude and logitude for the day’s points and plot those on the map while the drivers got them breakfast. The race staggered start times from between 7:00 and 8:15 each morning and for the next 10-12 hours they were on a hunt for checkpoints to rack up score points.
The Rebelle’s rose early every day. Photo:TAP
The Navigators plotted the days points on their map. Photo: TAP
Rebelles were sponsored by a variety of companies ranging from automotive (ARB, Rebel Off-Road), recovery gear (MaxTrax), professional overlanders (Expedition Overland), off-road trailer rentals (Off The Grid Rentals) to Marie Claire fashion magazine and Macy’s department stores. Some teams sponsored themselves with Go Fund Me pages, friends and family. Hoehn Motors was the main sponsor of the event itself.
Amy Cronin and Naomi Grebe of team Quilomene raised part of their rally fees through a “Go Fund Me” page. Donors are listed on the back of their rig. Photo:TAP
A Hoehn Motors sponsored vehicle. Hoehn Motors was the main sponsor of the Rally. Photo: Paolo Baraldi- Courtesy of Rebelle Rally Media
REBELLE= Rebel– Someone who defies convention Belle-Beautiful woman
Rebelles– Holly Freeman and Coralee Lack of Team Wild and Free. Photo: Paolo Baraldi- Courtesy of Rebelle Rally Media
Tortoise Alert-When the Desert Becomes California Interstate 5…
Somewhere between Joshua Tree National Park and Glamis, the Rebelle vehicles began to slow, formed a conga line then morphed into a desert version of CA I-5 going through L.A. at rush hour (read: any time). The line of rigs eventually came to a halt and stayed that way for two hours as a couple of Tortoises crossed the road. No joke. No one, according to BLM regulations, is allowed to touch, cajole or wave pieces of lettuce in front of Desert Tortoise in order to get them to move out of the %$# way. Emily Miller, Rebelle Founder, worked with the BLM for months getting use permits in place and all the Rebelles were well versed in what was and was not allowed while on the course. As the drivers came into basecamp that evening, I got the desert Tortoise story and even found that one team (Squirrel Girls) named them Mike and Jimmy. Mike and Jimmy later became euphemisms for words I cannot print, when it became apparent that the pair weren’t going anywhere fast and nobody could do nothin’ about it.
Minor Casualties:
Sugar High’s rig getting fixed at Basecamp. Photo: TAP
A couple of teams met up with some unforseen dirt a little faster and harder than they had anticipated. When I first arrived at the Glamis basecamp, I was greeted by a smiling team that called themselves Sugar High, Michelle Davis and Andrea Shaffer. Why were they there in the early afternoon? Two days before, they had crested a dune at full speed, not anticipating the drop on the other side, caught air, landed hard and bent the axle and broke it’s seal. The mechanics did their magic; straightened the axle, but were unable to replace the axle seal securely enough to survive the whoops that the women were to drive on the following day. So the women came back to basecamp early and their Jeep went back to the Rebelle mechanics. The women were able to rejoin the rally the following day, and despite their whiplash, they were up and raring to go.
Team Squirrel’s rig smacked head first into the dirt. No vehicle injury except for the front bumper dent. Photo: Paolo Baraldi- Courtesy of Rebelle Rally Media
Team 129, The Squirrel Girls, Nena Barlow and Kande Jacobsen came rolling in with a smacked front bumper. Around midday, the terrain looked flat, no shadows. The women were bombing out toward the road, making good time, when they found themselves careening into the windshield. There was a 6 foot drop that they had not seen and the Ram went nose first into the dirt. Again, the women were all smiles, they checked the rig, which was in good working order and got their mild whiplash and bruises tended to at basecamp.
This Rally is Gruelling…
Rebelle Rally founder and former Gazelle Rally driver, Emily Miller chose the path of the course to vary in difficulty, making sure that even the most veteran drivers were challenged. All teams were equipped with a satellite phone to use for emergency medical purposes or if they could not repair/recover their vehicle on their own or with the help of another team.
Photo: Nicole Dreon- Courtesy of Rebelle Media
Photo: Paolo Baraldi- Courtesy of Rebelle Media
photo: Paolo Baraldi-Courtesy of Rebelle Rally media
Michael Shirley Course Official Photo: TAP
And The Winners…
First Place: Team 125,Charlene Bower of Bower Motorsports Media, a PR and marketing firm in the off-road industry, her talkshow, the Bower Power Hourthe Race Team Store, anon-line marketplace, I’m Not Just A Girlclothing and jewelry line and Ladies Off-Road Network Kaleigh Hotchkiss, Co-driver for Dirt Riot, an off-road endurance racing series and member of the Wildcat off-road Club. She became the navigator by winning Charlene’s “Ladies Co-Driver Challenge”. They drove a Rubicon 2016.
First Place Rebelle Rally winners Charlene Bower and Kaleigh Hotchkiss Photo: TAP
Team 125 Bower and Hotchkiss: Navigational strategy time. Photo Paolo Baraldi- Courtesy of Rebelle Rally Media
Second Place: Team 119,Micaela Windham and Taylor Pawley both rally and racing novices called their team “Why Not?” drove a 1997 Jeep Wrangler.
Feeling good at the end of a day. Photo: TAP
“Why Not?” They were novices who couldn’t think of one reason why they shouldn’t kick it….and they did! Photo: Paolo Baraldi- Courtesy of Rebelle Rally Media
Third Place: Team 129, Nena Barlow of Barlow Adventures and the only female I4WDTA trainer in the United States and Kande Jacobsen of Adventure Driven. Team Squirrel Girls drove a 2016 stock Ram Rebel.
Third Place Rebelle Rally Winners: Nena Barlow and Kande Shrum Jacobsen of team “Squirrel Girls” Photo: TAP
The Fabulous Squirrel Girls in action. Photo: Nicole Dreon- Courtesy of Rebelle Rally media
The Spirit award went to: Cora Jokinen and Melissa Fischer, team 104: While on the track they picked up trash and helped at least 5 other teams in sand recovery at Glamis. The amount awarded is $5,000.00 and goes to the charity of their choice. They are donating to Best Friends Animal Society. They drove a 2005 Wrangler TJ unlimited and came in 5th overall.
The Bone Stock Award went to: Team 129, Nena Barlow and Kande Jacobsen-Team Squirrel Girls drove a completely stock 2016 Ram Rebel.
4×4 Crossover Placings:
First Place: Team 204, Meli Barrett and Sabrina Howell driving a 2017 Honda Ridgeline. Photo: Tim Calver- Courtesy of Rebelle Rally Media
Second place: Team 202, Lisa Wolford and Sandy Connor driving a Porsche Cayenne Turbo. Photo: Nicole Dreon- Courtesy of Rebelle Rally Media
Third place: Team 203, Josan Badillo and Jaimy Grigsby driving a Jaguar F-Pace. Photo: Paolo Baraldi- Courtesy of Rebelle Rally Media
Overall….
Closing Night at Glamis. Founder Emily Miller presenting an inaugural plaque to be signed by all Rebelle’s Photo: TAP
This was an amazing event to attend as a journalist. I spoke with many of the teams and had an opportunity to witness the way they were processing this very challenging event. The interesting thing is that most of the women I spoke with had the same message. That this was one of, if not the hardest things they have ever done. They said that they were forced to find their “groove” quickly, both in terms of effective communicate under challenging circumstances, and in terms of sussing out a pattern of “energy conserving partner duties” (an example: one gassed up at the end of the evening, while the other set up camp).
Most of the competitors stepped completely out of their comfort zone and just went for it. They described coming to the end of the Rally as having had a transformative experience. What I heard many more times than once, was that if you set your mind on achieving something that you are not sure you are capable of, and you work hard, really persevere to attain that goal, you can do just about anything.”
Emily Miller surrounded by Rebelles. Photo: Nicole Dreon- Courtesy of Rebelle Rally Media
Click here for more information on the Rebelle Rally and how to get involved next year and ………….TAP into Adventure!
This article comes to you courtesy of truck enthusiast, overlander, adventurer and photographer, Martin Reginato. TAP saw his Tundra build and wanted to pass it on to you. So, enjoy, make your wish list, and TAP into Adventure!
I grew up in the middle of Patagonia in Argentina. It’s an untouched, almost virgin place with lots of lakes, valleys and the beautiful mountains of the Cordillera de los Andes. The Rocky Mountains are part of the same family. Utah, Colorado, and Montana are geographically very similar to my beloved Patagonia.
Hell’s Revenge, Hot Tub- Moab Utah
Going overlanding with my kids is the best way to teach them the love for outdoors and our planet. I began building my Tundra in 2008 after a trip to South Africa. While I was there, I fell in love with rooftop tents and began looking for one to buy in the states as well. My kids call our tent “the tree house”. I have 5 kids, and found a CVT tent big enough for my whole family. That’s all you get of me. The rest of this is pictures of my Dakar Tundra and a list of modifications. There’s a video to check out as well. By the way, I named it Dakar Tundra because one of my dreams is to run the Dakar Rally. It may be a long-shot, but hey, all dreams are possible! Enjoy!
Sand Hollow Utah
Captured by drone at the Bonneville Salt Flats- Utah
After market additions include:
-A supercharged TRD with Bully Dog chip
-A Viper alarm system
-16″ TRD power brakes
-An aftermarket, custom-made alternator with 5 batteries (4 6v)
-A Goal Zero solar panel with a 2500w inverter
-A Volant intake and snorkel
-A Corsa exhaust system
-An Alpine 9″ nav and amplifier with 2 10″ subs
-A 5 camera system with a 7″ monitor, one in each corner plus 2 in the back. One for the undercarriage will be installed next month. All fromCalifornia Audio
-A Uniden CB radio
-A Leer shell with a roll cage and 2 seats
-An ARB fridge
-A HornBlasters dual air system for power tools and train horns 🙂
-A 47 gallon Transfer Flow fuel tank, and 20 gallon water install (in process)
-A Rhino rack with lots of exterior leds lights!
-A Road Armor front bumper
-A custom rear bumper and tire rack is being built by Estate Automotive
-12,000 lb. Smittybilt winch with synthetic rope front and rear
-50,000 lb Big Bubba Ropes
-mud tracks
–ARB front and rear lockers
-4.77 Nitro Gear: front and rear
-Heavy duty Viair airlift rear airbags.
-37 x 13.5 x 20 Toyo tires
–AMP research power steps
–Pro Comp 6″ lift stage two with coil overs
Capturing the fading Milky Way over Salt Flats Utah.
La Sal Mt. Moab Utah
Moab Utah-Where the pavement ends, the fun begins!
I would like to extend a special thanks to:
Alan and Jin from California Audio, Dustin & Woody from State Automotive, Bobby Culpepper of CVT Tents, Jared from Competition 4×4, Ryan and Cole from 4WheelParts Performance Center and most importantly, to my beautiful wife Veronica and children, Julie, Isa, Nate, Ethan and Josh.
You can check out my Instagram account:dakartundra Facebook: DakarTundra
I made this video on a trip to the Salt Flats in Utah.
