The “Behind the Wheel” series is an up close and personal look at authentic brands and their owners, in the exciting world of Overlanding and Vehicle Supported Adventure. Today we’re sitting down with KP, Founder of Zero Declination.
Let’s Dive in!
KP, great to chat with you today. Let’s start with your background and what led to the creation of Zero Declination.
Hello Andy, it’s nice to be here. I grew up on a farm and in a small town, so was always interested in trucks and off-roading, but in my early 20s I was bit by a travel bug. It didn’t take long for me to combine the two pastimes and that turned into a PanAm trip from 2016-2019.
When I got back from that trip, getting a “real job” sounded pretty terrible so I started Zero Declination with the goal of helping others outfit their rigs for true, long-term adventure travel. My background is mostly in full-size American trucks, and I find they make an excellent overland platform, so that’s our specialty.
So, Zero Declination is an interesting name, what’s its origin?
So, it can mean several things, but in this context it’s a point on the map where true North and magnetic North align with one another.
Give us some insight into what you and your team do at Zero Declination. What brands and products you currently distribute and why?
I gravitate toward very high quality, well built, but simple products. I like things that just simply work, right out of the box and our product mix reflects that. Our flagship line is definitely the truck camper, chassis mount expedition trucks, and aluminum trays made by Overland Explorer Vehicles. We also love Battleborn Batteries and Victron electrical componentry. I’d say we’re most well-known as a high-end electrical shop, focused on lithium batteries and solar installations. We also sell and install MITS Alloy products as well as Skinny Guy campers.
Are you planning on any additional products and if so, can you tell us about them?
Currently, in-house, we design and sell a few of our own products, including the very popular Reico Titan quick release jack kits. I’ve got a few more ideas I’m working on in the queue, but nothing ready for primetime. Yet!
In the last few years, the overlanding category has exploded. What current trends are you seeing for good or for bad?
Well, I’m certainly grateful that the industry expansion has allowed me to make a living helping others do something that I personally love. I’m not sure there would have been the demand for our products or services ten years ago. That being said, I’m typing this from Baja Sur right now and I’ve NEVER seen so many American rigs in places that were once pristine, and absolutely remote. It’s definitely a give and take.
Looking into your crystal ball, where do you see the category going as it evolves further?
Oh man, I wish I knew. I realize this sounds ridiculous coming from a guy who literally owns an overland shop and sells accessories, but I truly hope we see a focus shift away from accessories and aesthetics, and back to the roots of travel and exploration.
As a passionate overlander yourself, what’s been your favorite trip you’ve taken, and do you have somewhere special on your bucket list destinations yet to visit?
My favorite trip so far has to probably be a moto trip in South America. I bought a cheap KLR from a guy on Facebook Marketplace and rode it from LaPaz Bolivia, through the altiplano, the Atacama Desert, and Patagonia to Ushuaia. The motorcycle wasn’t very reliable, so my breakdowns and subsequent fixes resulted in a ton of great adventure stories and amazing interactions with locals and travelers alike. Motorcycle travel is wonderful because it really exposes you to the elements and environments you’re traveling though, but still allows you to cover miles when needed.
Finally, any funny trail stories you can share with us?
Oh man.. so many, but my favorite is probably the time I setup camp inside an abandoned warehouse near Porvenir Chile. I’d hung my hammock from the motorcycle to a beam inside the building, hung my helmet from the handlebars, and fell asleep facing the open door and a view of the Straight of Magellan. I woke up in the middle of the night. With the fork, bars, and suspended helmet, my motorcycle looked exactly like some sort of skeletal terminator nightmare bearing down on me. I literally screamed and fell out of my hammock before I woke up completely and realized what was happening. I slept great the rest of the night though, and it’s still one of my all-time favorite camp spots.
Thanks for spending time with us today, KP. Hope to join you one of these days, down south.
Storyteller Overland, a pioneering adventure lifestyle brand and best in class manufacturer of Class B RV Adventure Vans and off-grid expedition vehicles, today announced its acquisition of TAXA Outdoors (“TAXA”), an innovative manufacturer of lightweight, highly versatile camping habitats and overlanding utility trailers. This strategic acquisition marks a significant milestone for both companies and reinforces their shared commitment to providing full range of solutions for their growing community of lifelong adventurers.
Inspired by its founders’ roots in NASA habitat design and space architecture, TAXA has gained acclaim for its distinctive, “Otherworldly” approach to form and function. TAXA offers adventurers a range of versatile, lightweight towable solutions that are capable of traversing rugged terrain while also providing a comfortable, stylish mobile base camp experience.
By fusing TAXA’s expertise with Storyteller Overland’s innovative approach to motorized adventure vehicle design, exceptional dealer sales & service network, and deep commitment to fostering community engagement, the combined entity will empower new generations of underserved and underrepresented customers to elevate their experiences and pursue their passions in the outdoors.
The alliance of Storyteller Overland and TAXA positions Storyteller as the most comprehensive and forward thinking, independent outdoor lifestyle and recreational vehicle company in the industry. As a fully integrated and aligned portfolio of active interest and adventure lifestyle oriented brands, this combination results in a unique customer journey and value added ecosystem offering solutions ranging from: a curated peer-to-peer rental technology platform (GoCamp), to market leading lifestyle gear and vehicle accessories for DIY and OEM customers (Flarespace), to best-in-class, turnkey adventure vehicles and expedition rigs on a variety of OEM chassis (Storyteller Overland / Global Expedition Vehicles / GXV), and now innovative, lightweight towables and mobile human habitats (TAXA).
“We are stoked to welcome Neil Grimmer and the TAXA team along with their loyal owner community into the Storyteller Overland galaxy,” said Jeffrey Hunter, CEO of Storyteller Overland. “Both of our companies share a passion for inspiring and equipping individuals to boldly explore and expand their horizons and connect more deeply with our growing community of adventurers around the globe. This acquisition represents a natural alignment of the vision, values, and vibes that support those passions. For us, all of this is yet another giant leap forward to help more people live free, explore endlessly, and tell better stories.”
The LAND Moto District Scrambler emerges as a beacon of innovation in the electric motorcycle industry, embodying the perfect blend of off-road capability and urban versatility. Designed for the adventure seeker who refuses to be confined by the boundaries of the concrete jungle, the District Scrambler stands out as a testament to LAND Moto’s commitment to eco-friendly, efficient, and thrilling transportation solutions.
Crafted in Cleveland, Ohio, the District Scrambler is a masterpiece of engineering, combining hand-made production techniques with cutting-edge electric vehicle technology. This motorcycle is not just a mode of transportation; it’s an extension of the rider’s desire for freedom and exploration, offering an unparalleled riding experience that’s as sustainable as it is exhilarating.
Performance and Power:
At the heart of the District Scrambler is a robust electric powertrain that delivers instant torque and silent operation. Capable of speeds over 70 MPH, it caters to the adrenaline rush of speeding down open roads and the precision required for navigating through urban obstacles. The bike’s range of up to 120 miles on a single charge ensures that your adventures are not limited by distance, making it an ideal companion for both daily commutes and weekend getaways.
Design and Durability:
The Land Moto District Scrambler’s design ethos is rooted in functionality, durability, and beauty. Its rugged frame is built to withstand the rigors of off-road trails while maintaining a sleek silhouette that turns heads in the city. The motorcycle features high-quality suspension components that provide a smooth ride over rough terrains and absorb the shocks of urban potholes. Its all-terrain tires offer superior grip, allowing riders to confidently tackle diverse landscapes.
Eco-Friendly Innovation:
In an era where sustainability is paramount, the District Scrambler leads the way as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional gasoline motorcycles. By harnessing electric power, it significantly reduces carbon emissions, contributing to a cleaner, greener planet. This commitment to environmental responsibility does not compromise on performance, making the District Scrambler a pioneer in the electric revolution.
Technology and Connectivity:
The District Scrambler is equipped with the latest in motorcycle technology and connectivity features. Its intuitive digital dashboard displays essential information at a glance, including speed, range, and battery status. The motorcycle’s connected features allow riders to customize their riding experience, monitor their bike’s health, and navigate with ease, all through a dedicated mobile app. This integration of technology enhances the ride by making it safer, more enjoyable, and seamlessly integrated with the rider’s lifestyle.
Customization and Community:
Understanding that riders value individuality, LAND Moto offers extensive customization options for the District Scrambler. From unique color schemes to performance upgrades, each motorcycle can be tailored to reflect the rider’s personality and riding preferences. Additionally, LAND Moto fosters a community of electric motorcycle enthusiasts, providing a platform for riders to share experiences, routes, and tips, further enriching the ownership experience.
In conclusion, the LAND Moto District Scrambler is more than just an electric motorcycle; it’s a gateway to adventure, freedom, and sustainability. It represents a bold step forward in the evolution of transportation, offering riders the chance to explore new horizons without leaving a carbon footprint. Whether carving through city streets or conquering rugged trails, the District Scrambler stands ready to challenge the status quo and lead the charge into the future of mobility.
To learn more about the Land Moto District Scrambler CLICK HERE
This is a sponsored article. TAP does not receive any commission from sales resulting from this feature.
Leitner Designs reveals the INEOS Grenadier Collection, a comprehensive collection of aftermarket accessories designed for the most discerning off-road enthusiast, utilizing innovative design and engineering and the highest quality materials and components.
Composed of a platform rack, rooftop crossbars, front bumper auxiliary-light bracket, chase-light bracket, auxiliary air compressor bracket kit, dual cargo-area shelves, and spare-tire relocation bracket, Leitner Designs’ INEOS Grenadier Collection offers easy-to-install accessories for the industry’s most talked-about off-road SUV.
“The INEOS Grenadier is nearly a turnkey solution for any adventure seeker. When I purchased my Grenadier, however, I immediately identified several gaps in the factory accessory line,” said Leitner Designs Founder and Chief Designer Bernhard Leitner. “I designed products I wanted for my Grenadier that mirror INEOS’ engineering. Like everything I design, every piece of this collection is engineered to be as robust, aesthetically pleasing, and easy to install.”
Unlike every other rooftop platform rack for the INEOS Grenadier, which clamp onto the drip rails, Leitner Designs’ platform rack, the Active Cargo System (ACS) ROOF, mounts using the Grenadier’s factory grab handles. Leitner’s billet aluminum 6061 mounts attach to the roof using the sixteen 6mm bolts that secure the factory grab handles threaded into the 1.5mm-thick sheet metal. This mounting design is not only stronger than clamping to the roof gutters, it’s also rattle-free.
ACS ROOF for INEOS Grenadier is offered in two sizes: three-quarter and full-length. Both roof rack options allow for full functionality of the Safari windows, something that roof racks with fixed load bars can not claim. Customers who don’t need a full platform rack, like those who will opt for a rooftop tent, may prefer a set of Leitner’s crossbars, which use the same robust billet aluminum mounts. Paired with Leitner Designs’ smart and secure rooftop tent brackets, a rooftop tent can be installed in a fraction of the time.
Any INEOS Grenadier owner who is going to use their rig on dirt for any amount of time will want to air down their tires and then reinflate them before hitting the highway. For those owners, Leitner Designs developed an ingenious mount for ARB’s Single Motor Air Compressor that utilizes two factory studs located beneath the rear seat. Owners assemble the bracket and compressor, including air chuck and power switch, together outside the vehicle. Installation is as simple as dropping the unit under the seat, tightening two nuts, and connecting the leads. Fitting the unit takes just a matter of minutes and can be accomplished by even the most novice enthusiast with basic hand tools.
For increased trail illumination, Leitner created brackets for fitting forward- and rear-facing auxiliary lights. The front bumper light bracket is designed to accommodate Baja Designs’ LP4 and LP6 Pro LED Auxiliary Light Pod, giving the Grenadier much-needed illumination for nighttime excursions. The rear chase light is designed for Baja Designs S2.
Grenadier drivers keen for additional storage will also want to opt for Leitner Designs’ GearPOD ROOF, the world’s first side-opening rooftop storage box. The ACS ROOF and GearPOD ROOF together represent the first-ever integrated rooftop storage system composed of a platform rack and dedicated rooftop cargo box from a single brand.
In March 2024, Four Wheel Campers returned to the Sonoran Desert for our third annual volunteer event with Friends of Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge (Friends of BANWR). Located in Southern Arizona along the U.S.-Mexico border, the 118,000-acre Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge was established in the 1980s by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to provide critical habitat for the endangered masked bobwhite quail. In addition to a wealth of desert fauna, including pronghorn, deer, javelina, coyotes and bobcats, the refuge has over 80 dispersed campsites, making it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.
Four Wheel Campers worked with Friends of BANWR in 2022 and 2023 on several habitat restoration initiatives, and this year we completed an erosion control project on the trails at the Visitor Center. Between winter precipitation and monsoon season, these paths are prone to washouts, so our mission was to create channels on and around the trails to prevent further erosion. After a brief introduction from Refuge Manager Richard Albers and Friends of BANWR, our group of 25 volunteers grabbed shovels and wheelbarrows and dove in. The first two hours were spent digging large sections across the trail, and it took us the rest of the day to fill the channels with rocks of varying sizes.
We stayed in the Refuge’s expansive group campsite, which is structured like a large campground with two dozen numbered sites tucked among mesquite trees. The group site has a massive shade ramada, a fire pit and incredible views of the Baboquivari Mountains, so it’s easy to see why this is one of the most cherished locations for our volunteer events. A delicious dinner from BK Barbecue was delivered right to camp, and the grand finale was a cotton candy sunset, turning the entire sky a soft shade of pink.
We set up a breakfast station with fruit and granola bars around 8 a.m. the following morning, and we departed half an hour later to resume our erosion control project. Though we had blocked off two full days for the job, our group finished with several hours to spare. Some volunteers ventured into the charming town of Arivaca, while others explored popular sites in the Refuge, including the quail flight pen and Pronghorn Drive. When volunteers reconvened at camp in the evening, we devoured a spread of Mexican food provided by Rancho de la Osa, a historic guest ranch located in nearby Sasabe, Arizona. Everyone raved about their homemade tres leches cake with fresh berries, and not surprisingly, it was gone within a matter of minutes.
On the final morning, a dozen volunteers went on a bird walk with Friends of BANWR at the Arivaca Cienega Trail, which runs along riparian habitat a few miles east of camp. The most valuable feedback we received last year was to include educational activities and additional time to explore the areas around our work sites, and moving forward, we will be offering more of these opportunities at all of our volunteer events. The events are free to attend and open to the public, and some meals are provided, along with beverages, including beer and wine. For the latest details on volunteer events, please be sure to check the Events page, or sign up for the Four Wheel Campers newsletter.
Thank you to everyone who attended, and we hope to see you again next year!
“No (wo)man ever steps in the same river twice, for it’s not the same river, and (s)he’s not the same (wo)man.” – Heraclitus.
I’ve been driving for the last week straight on my first solo international road trip in my Winnebago + Adventure Wagon. I started in Denver, Colorado, and I’m less than an hour from my destination— Beachburg, Ontario. I’ll be living in Beachburg for the next month to train on the world-class kayaking features of the Ottawa River. While this might be my first time traveling solo to Beachburg, I am no stranger to the Ottawa River. And as I approach the last hour of my drive, I can’t help but reflect on all of the lessons I’ve learned while living on the road. I find that everywhere I have traveled, I’ve taken little pieces from each location, river, community, etc., and they have shaped me into the person and athlete I am today. Because I’ve been traveling to the Ottawa River for so many years, I have learned many lessons on the river and the land that surrounds it.
The Ottawa River has been a place of exponential growth for me. It’s pretty special to think back to where I was during my first two visits. The first trip was during our first year living full-time on the road. I started my first online school classes on the banks of the Ottawa River and spent most of my time, outside of school, fishing, swimming, and playing with the other kids. My parents were excited about kayaking on the Ottawa River, but I couldn’t care less about the paddling, I just wanted to spend all my time with other kids my age.
The following summer, I spectated my first Freestyle Kayak World Championships, also on the Ottawa River. I honestly didn’t have much interest in watching the competition, but that’s when I decided I wanted to be a World Champion one day. At this point, I’d started to build a community of people from all around the world thanks to our travels. I was also beginning to get the hang of completing my online school classes, and I’d fallen madly in love with our nomadic life of full-time travel. That same summer, I also started to really enjoy kayaking, thanks to World Champion Kayakers Claire O’Hara and Emily Jackson. They both showed me how rewarding it is to push yourself physically and mentally in a kayak, and even though it felt like torture at times, I secretly grew to love it, and I’ve shaped my life around it ever since.
Between those first two visits and now, I’ve struggled and thrived. I’ve been scared and brave. I’ve won and lost. I’ve been alone, and I’ve been surrounded by incredible people. I’ve even been surrounded by incredible people but still felt alone. I’ve been insecure, and I’ve been confident. I’ve thrown big and small tricks in my kayak. The list could go on and on. In short, some years were better than others, but my love for travel, kayaking, and the river always drew me back to the Ottawa River. Last year was probably the most difficult of all of my visits. After winning the Freestyle Kayak World Championships last summer, I felt incredibly lost as to what I wanted to do next. I felt alone. I felt so much pressure to be someone I wasn’t, and I started to dislike kayaking because of it. I didn’t think that I’d want to go back this summer, but so much can change in a year, and I knew I was ready to give it another go, and I’m so glad I did. This year is already a brave, confident, happy, and fun visit, complete with good friends and a reignited spark to continue to progress my paddling.
The opportunity to reflect on past versions of yourself and see emotional and athletic growth by revisiting places you’ve traveled to is why I continue living in a compact van down by the river. It’s addicting. Not only do I fall in love with places like the Ottawa River and want to return, but it also gives me a benchmark to recognize personal growth over the years; it’s special and is absolutely my favorite part about traveling, besides the kayaking, of course.
It is incredible to think that my first visit was more than nine years ago, during my first year traveling full-time with my parents, and that this is my first year traveling full-time in my own Winnebago. I’ve learned a lot, met many incredible people, and fallen head over heels with kayaking since my first visit in 2014.
I’ve grown so much as a person from all of my years of travel— these are my lessons from the road:
Simplicity:
My lesson in simplicity started in 2014 when we were packing up our brick-and-mortar house to move full-time on the road. I had to pair down my bedroom and playroom to fit into two small duffel bags that would stow away in the overcab bunk of our Winnebago 24J View, where I would be sleeping. I threw every toy, stuffed animal, and outfit that could fit in those two bags.
After a few weeks of precariously sleeping with, or more accurately on top of, my overfilled toy bag that I had barely touched, I realized that I didn’t need much in the Winnebago. I had the whole world of adventure, exploration, and entertainment right outside the RV door.
The longer we traveled, the greater my appreciation grew for all the little details of life on the road. I quickly realized that you don’t need much to thrive in your surroundings. A level parking spot, a body of water (for kayaking or swimming), and occasional access to the internet would be my version of a perfect destination, and I was quickly amazed by the endless places that fit my criteria.
The contrast between my perfect destination and long days driving to the next place deepened my appreciation for the little things. For example, there is so much beauty in traveling all day long, and feeling sore, tired, and ready to crawl into bed for a good night’s sleep and stumbling upon a breathtaking campsite that is perfectly level and quiet just as you feel like you can’t drive any further.
Or getting caught up in work, errands, or chores and not being able to start your drive until later in the day, but somehow the timing works out perfectly so that you pass the most scenic part of the drive during golden hour.
Outside of driving days, life on the road in my Winnebago, allows you to appreciate all the little things we take for granted daily, like visiting a friend’s house and taking a long, hot, and spacious shower with endless water, or dinner prepared in an oven.
My life on the road has been surrounded by so much beauty, and I’m so grateful that my life in a Winnebago has opened my eyes to all the spectacular things around me.
Flexibility:
It seems that those who live a traditional ‘white picket fence’ life also live a life of habit. When you live in the same town, visit the same grocery store, eat at the same restaurants, etc., you get comfortable and often even complacent. And even if you want to get out of your comfort zone and travel somewhere new, it is tremendously more difficult because you are comfortable in your routine life. And not that there is anything wrong with comfort and routine, but personally, I like how life in the Winnebago has taught me new extremes of flexibility and how to cope with each unexpected hurdle. Change is difficult and unnatural, but I’ve always loved how my adventurous life of full- time travel has forced me to be comfortable with change.
I barely remember my ‘brick and mortar’ life, so from what I can remember, I grew up with constant change and adaptation to my environment. Don’t get me wrong, it was sometimes challenging, especially as a kid and an athlete. But because I had the consistency of the Winnebago, I never felt uncomfortable or timid by change or new challenges. Growing up in a van was this perfect blend of unpredictability and
challenges, with the comfort of a home-cooked meal, sleeping in the same bed, and having all my toys, clothes, and kayak equipment everywhere we went.
Some days you get a flat tire, the weather doesn’t allow you to visit your destination at ideal conditions, or even worse, google maps takes you on the detour of doom and reroutes you on the longest and most complex route imaginable. Something always happens on a road trip, allowing me to handle other adversities, like a global pandemic or unexpected changes during a kayak competition, with much more ease.
Community:
The rustling of my tent awakened me. My parents were just a mere ten feet away in their beloved Revel, and we were camping on the banks of a river in France. I started to panic, “Who is trying to get into my tent?!” and “What do they want from me?!”. It seemed as though everything was moving in slow motion, and my heart started to race more and more with every inch that the person unzipped my tent. Before I know it, I see an elderly French man with kind eyes and a… basket of croissants?! He spoke very quickly to me in French, plopped the basket under my tent fly, and left me in the solitude of my tent quicker than I could thank him. I brought the basket into my parent’s van, and we devoured the best croissants we’d ever had while overflowing with gratitude for such kindness from a complete stranger. I left the basket under my tent fly while we went off adventuring for the day, and by the time we got back, the basket was gone, and we were left in awe of the kindness shown to us by a stranger.
I have had so many incredible experiences over the last nine years of travel, and my fondest memories are similar to my croissant story. The places I’ve been to and the rivers I’ve paddled have been amazing, but no destination will ever top the incredible people that I’ve met along the way. I will always be the most grateful for the extraordinary communities I’ve been welcomed into along the way.
I turned 18 last May and moved out of my parent’s van last July and into my Winnebago. The kindness I’ve received from friends, fellow travelers, and strangers who have become some of my closest friends is incomprehensible. As a kid, I knew the community I had was unique. But now that I don’t have my parents traveling alongside me, I truly recognized how incredible my communities are. I feel like the luckiest girl in the world to have such a strong support system and many kind people looking out for me. So many people have made my transition to solo travels much smoother and more comfortable.
I’m naturally introverted, but now that I’m spending most of my time alone, it’s encouraged me to seek out friends in each destination more than I would when traveling with my family. Every time I step outside of my social comfort zone, I am always amazed by the kindness I get from the locals, who eventually turn into some of my closest friends. I’ve learned so much from each community that’s adopted me, and I hope that as I get older, their kindness will wear off on me. I hope to show the next generation a fraction of the support I’ve received from each community I’ve been welcomed into. I’ve learned so much from the past nine years of travel, with many lessons coming from the last few months of traveling solo in my Winnebago. I cannot wait to see what I learn as I end my first year of solo travel and how the places, I’ve traveled to have shaped me in another nine years. Until then, it’s time to enjoy another summer on the Ottawa River.
