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What were your goals when building out your vehicle?
Keep it clean. Keep it simple. Don't stand out. Impress up close.
Is the vehicle used for work, play, or both?
All of the above! Daily driver. Boat puller. Decoy trailer hauler. Etc.
Was the build done over time, or all at once?
Almost immediately. Truck was delivered with aftermarket tires. Lift was installed within two weeks of receiving truck. DECKED Drawers and CargoGlide were installed Day 2 of owning it. Shell took a few months due to build time. Rearview camera was installed within a week after shell was put on. New DECKED drawers were installed just before Thanksgiving.
What were some things you wanted to change?
Height adjustment, DECKED Drawers, and topper were the three biggest changes I wanted to see happen.
What was the first modification, and why?
If we don’t count the tires or the DECKED system, it was the lift. A leveled truck looks and feels so much better than stock. Adds capability and comfort if done right.
What's your approach to cargo management? How do you use your Drawer System?
If it fits it ships! I treat each drawer like a game of Tetris. If there’s a gap anywhere, I try to figure out what could fit. Drawerganizer holds and Eno, loose ammo, game totes, flashlights, etc. The Halfracks hold gun cleaning kits, tire patch kits, tools, extra gun slings, loose change, snacks, duck calls. Literally anything. As for the drawers, they handle my waders, wading vests, cases and boxes of shells, rolled up rain coats, and I go nowhere without the Uncharted x DECKED survival kit.
Do you have a favorite mod?
I really don’t. I’ve never been one to add just to add so everything I’ve put or will put on and in my truck will serve a purpose. The stuff I add is sort like having a 4 wheel drive option. I may only have to use it every now and then, but in those moments it's the most important thing I’ve got!
What's next, are there any other upgrades on the horizon?
Looking ahead, there may be some changes to the bumpers but there will most definitely be some engine performance enhancements when I get close to that 100k mark and the warranty runs out. 😏
Have there been any mods you regretted afterwards?
For a split second I regretted adding 37" tires. But I took care of that QUICK with a knife and some zip ties. Rubbing was BAD, but not for long.
BUILD LIST
GMC 2024 Sierra 2500 HD Denali Ultimate
Toyo Tires Open Country M/T, 37"
GFC Platform Topper
Camera Source rearview camera
Skyjacker Suspension - C20350KX 3-3.5" Front Torsion Key, Upper Control Arm Lift Kit
Skyjacker Suspension - ADX 2.0 Remote Reservoir Monotube Shocks
]]>First of all, do you use the vehicle for work, for play, or both?
I definitely use the vehicle for both. I’m an electrician, and on-the-fly jobs come up where you have to go help a buddy out or wire a vehicle or wire someone’s new shop/garage/house. I daily drive it for my full-time job, but mainly it was built for play. Weekend warrior.
What were your goals when building out your vehicle?
Long distance travel. I wanted to be able to take the truck anywhere, anytime, and drive across Canada, up and down the East Coast and then also I want to do up and down the West Coast. The idea was to try to reach all the oceans that touch North America. The kind of vehicle I could live out of without staying in hotels, and also travel to mountain peaks...That’s how we got to where we are today!
Was the build done over time, or all at once?
I’ve actually built the truck…three times now. Build it up a certain way, find something that I don’t love, tear it back down, rebuild it. Slowly I’ve worked out the kinks I don’t like. Right now it’s got a bedrack and tent on it, kind of the temporary winter camping setup. It definitely takes time, you can’t do it all at once unless money’s not an object or you know exactly what you’re looking for. I think anybody that goes into building a vehicle for the first time builds it more than once.
What were some of the things that weren’t working out?
When I first built the truck, I had a lower-end suspension on it. I stepped up to a 2.5” coilover, but with the amount of driving and the amount of abuse it was taking, we decided to pull those off and put on a full adjustable reservoir kit. I found out I kinda needed some gears to pull around the extra weight, so the stock gearing wasn’t doing it for me. I want to be inside the bed of the truck in my camper when it’s cold or hot or rainy. I travel with two dogs and a fiancee so it’s nice to have a little more privacy that’s not just "outside" all the time. Being able to climb through and go with a full-on camper like AluCab or GoFast or Super Pacific is the end goal of the build.
What was the first mod?
Lights? Lights before lockers they say, it’s definitely a running joke. I wanted the fancy lights, I thought it was cool. I put ditch lights on the truck. Someone stole them off the vehicle and did more damage than the lights were worth. Kinda learned my lesson there! From there I started building it the right way, doing a front bumper, rock sliders, full skids, rear bumper, full suspension, wheels, lockers, and all that stuff.
What’s your approach to cargo management and how do you use the DECKED Drawer System?
I found that when you throw everything in the bed of the truck, it’s hard to get at. Especially when you add things like toppers and campers. You can’t reach all the way in the back. So it’s nice to just pull a drawer out and get all that access to the bed. My fiancee’s also 5’1”, so she can’t reach into the bed of the truck. [With drawers,] she can still access everything from our recovery gear to the camping gear to the dry food. Having the dry, warm storage that's not gonna be full of snow or water makes a big difference. You can put valuables in there that you need all the time.
Are there are any mods done specifically for its job?
The two most important mods that I’ve done:
1. Onboard air. I have an ARB compressor underneath the hood through a custom bracket built by Krave Automotive, it’s sweet. That’s a must-have because you blow a tire, get a flat, I have the ability to change that, blow out air filters.
2. My custom battery setup. Run lights at night, be able to winch heavier, run a fridge full-time. Boy, I can leave my vehicle for a week at a time, fridge running, and it never dies. Those are the must-haves, for me.
Do you have a favorite mod?
I’d say one of my favorite “mods,” which actually came factory from Toyota, is a manual transmission. I think it’s really cool to still drive something in 2023 with a manual trans, they’re kind of a dying breed. Nothing is more fun than sending it down a backroad, getting sideways, and being able to actually control your shift points. Drive the vehicle instead of having the vehicle drive you!
Are there any goal upgrades on the horizon?
The goal for 2024 is gonna be doing some sort of camper, whether it’s a GoFast Camper out of Montana, Super Pacific, or an AluCab. After that I am gonna find a way to build out the interior. Utilize the DECKED system as a flat platform, it raises us a little higher so we can get out of the bed easier, but build it into some type of living space that’s usable full-time. I’d like to be able to drive down to Baja Mexico, do a two-month trip and live strictly out of the vehicle. I’ve got some friends who are actually leaving today to do that. That’s my goal, and keep everything super simple at the same time.
Is there a story from when the vehicle saved the day?
The vehicle has a purpose and always does its job. It gets us out of sticky situations when you have vehicles with trailers sliding off hillsides—and you’ve gotta use a winch to help straighten them—to just being able to get back home safely every trip. When you push it to some of the places we go in Alberta, without the vehicle you wouldn’t be able to get there and home safely. You kinda need every little piece. From the wheels to the tires to the suspension, everything has a purpose.
One time my friend found himself in the woods, one of the trucks broke down. He was probably 2km back down a quad trail, and we actually took 5 of us to go get the other vehicle back. It took 3 trucks, 3 winches, and a bunch of extensions to winch this truck up the icy hill it got caught at the bottom of. Without us it probably wouldn’t have been capable of getting up on its own…or waiting until spring, I guess.
Have there been any mods you regretted afterwards? How did you resolve it?
Sometimes if you cheap out in the wrong areas, you can end up regretting that. Things that save your life, things that hold the vehicle together, you don’t really want to cheap out on. It’s OK to cheap out on lighting, interior mods. You don’t want to cheap out on suspension when wheeling hard, you don’t want a wheel to fall off, you don’t want to cheap out on the maintenance side of things. There’s places to cheap out and other aspects of the build that are more important.
BUILD LIST
Elka 2.5 DC resi's
Dobinsons 112R leaf springs
Timbren bump stops with U-bolt flip kit
Accutune adjustable upper control arms
Custom fender liners & cab mount chop by Krave Automotive
Yukon 5.29 gears with ARB air locker
ARB twin compressor with custom Krave Automotive under hood mount
ARB safari snorkel
Switch Pros official & PowerTrays mount
3D printed dash mount for controller
C4 Fabrication Hybrid bumper & rock sliders
Smittybilt 10k winch
Factor 55 shackle rope guard & fairlead
Outgear Solutions HC rear bumper
OK eXpedition Full aluminum skids
RCI diff skid
C4 Fabrication Bed Rack
Treeline Outdoors rooftop tent
DECKED Drawer System
Yokohama G003s 295/70/17 tires
SCS Gen5 -38 Wheels
Custom dual battery system behind rear seats
Baja Designs lighting: white LP6 Pros, Amber 30" S8, Amber Squadron Pros, Amber S2 Sports
Dometic 45L fridge
Custom seat delete
Upgraded sound system
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Overland Expo Mtn West in Loveland, CO reminds us that summer is tipping towards fall, but stoke was high and vibes were positive all weekend. Heavy rain on Friday made tents and awnings more popular than ever. Once the storm cleared, we were able to hunt down a ton of Drawer Systems in other exhibitor's booths. DECKED: the choice of the pros!
One of our company rigs was on the scene, DECKED out with free beer coozies and a CargoGlide mounted on top of the Drawer System for ultimate ease of access.
Wherever we go, people ask the same thing: "Can I have one of those?" You sure can! Swag for days at our booth.
The big dogs at GMC decided to outfit their new Sierra HD AT4X AEV with a DECKED Drawer System. This truck was fully loaded with all the bells and whistles we could think of, and a few more on top of that.
DECKED amiga and Tacomaniac Redhead Jess was present once again at the Leitner Designs booth.
RedArc brought a juiced F-150. Their systems provide reliable power whether you're still on the grid or hundreds of clicks off it.
Another big name in the overlanding world, Go Fast Campers, rocked a well-used Drawer System in one of their display trucks. That dirt lets you know the truck gets used, no pavement princesses here! Scope the camper color swatches on the forward bulkhead.
The fish whisperers at Orvis are making good use of our organizers. They've got a standard Drawerganizer and Double Drawerganizer to organize odds and ends at the head of the drawers. They trust the D-Box with Custom Foam to keep expensive reels safe over rough terrain.
Another DECKED family member and fellow Idahoan, Tim Muniz, shows off his Toyota Tundra at the CBI Offroad booth. Idaho represent!
We've been giving away Drawer Systems if you can complete our Tough Guy Challenge...Ryan here didn't take the top prize, but he walked away with a brand new D-Bag for being the top challenger!
We gave away several more D-Bags and a complete Uncharted Supply Co. Emergency D-Bag to our lucky raffle winner, Mikaela R.!
Catch us in our backyard for the Panhandle Overland Rally in Sandpoint, Idaho from Sept 29-Oct 1. We'll close out this year's Overland Expo series in Virginia at OvEx East, October 6-8. Come say hi, crack a can, and grab a sticker! We'll see you on the road.
]]>My name's Matt Mendes, I am a fly fishing guide on the Deschutes River. We specialize in two handed casting instruction and swing flies for trout and steelhead. This year marks my 16th season on the river as a CTWS fly fishing guide. Our family has been in business since 1996 as enrolled Warm Springs tribal members and fly fishing guides.
What is it like growing up on the reservation and how did you end up becoming a guide?
I was very blessed to be able to grow up on the Warm Springs Indian Reservation, fly fishing at a young age & hunting elk and deer (big game), etc.
I started hunting upland birds in my late 20s as well, and man, I really enjoy it when I’m not on the water.
What is so special about fishing on the reservation?
Fly fishing on the reservation is one of the best fly fishing experiences in the world. From the solitude, the runs, the tail outs and riffles. Not to mention, the inch per inch power of the wild trout we have to offer. Summer steelhead season and casting spey rods keeps me engaged year after year.
What are the best times of year to book a trip with you?
Best times to book with us are:
May/June/July for Redsides and September/October/November for summer steelhead.
What should a client expect on a day during peak season?
You can expect many fish per day dryfly situations, casting spey rigs on absolutely mental pieces of water and ample nymphing opportunities.
Outside of fishing what do you do in your spare time?
When I am not on the river I bow hunt elk in September and rifle hunt deer in October. We also have several other opportunities to hunt big game off reservation on ceded land in the surrounding areas in November. Most of the winter I chase chukars and huns on and off reservation in eastern Oregon.
What DECKED products do you use?
I have the DECKED Drawer System installed on my Ram 2500 6.7l Turbo Diesel and the Tool Box/ladder system installed as well. The rig has storage boxes installed and the Piecekeeper inserts for rifles and shotguns, which is my favorite insert in the system.
How do they make life as a fly fishing guide easier?
The Drawer System and cargo boxes make guiding more simplified as I know where everything is and am much more organized. I can grab what I’m looking for quickly and equipment is stowed away neatly.
What's your favorite accessory and why?
Piecekeepers are my fav as I’m always ready for a hunt or my next outdoor adventure.
If someone's new to fly fishing, what's a good tip to help them get started?
If you’re new to fly fishing the best mindset you can have is enjoy being in it! Waving a stick and don’t focus so much on the numbers. Enjoy getting your boots wet.
]]>
First of all, does Brutus get used for work, play, or both?
Everything. From chasing the wildest storms on the planet, to getting the kids to basketball practice.
Spring/summer: chasing tornadoes, off-roading, overlanding, camping, towing ATVs, roadtripping Canada & the United States.
Fall/winter: towing snowmobiles to backcountry spots in the mountains, snowboarding, touring the Canadian Rockies, tackling blizzards with 2-3 feet of snow on the roads.
How does it do in terms of highway travel?
It's awesome. There's a bit of road noise from the tires, but you only hear that if the windows are open. Otherwise it rides pretty much like when it was stock, it's great for highway travel.
Do you travel with a co-pilot?
Yeah, absolutely. We always work as a team, sometimes with two people, ideally 3 or 4 in the truck. We need a dedicated driver. When shit hits the fan, roads can be washed out, we have to deal with flash flooding, or the road that we were meant to take got blocked off because of downed power lines or other types of debris. The driver has to be hyper focused on that. There's other traffic out there, whether it's other storm chasers, or locals that need to get to safety, so that driver needs to be absolutely focused on what they're doing.
What do the other team members do?
We also need somebody who is handling the weather. Keeping an eye on the sky and seeing what's happening, and also reading the radar. We can see where the storm has come from, where it's projected to go. We can read how big the hail might be inside the storm, which can speak to storm strength. We can see the kind of lightning that's happening inside the storm from the radar. That gives an indication of where a safe route might be.
The whole reason why we're there: of course it's to report to the public, but also to capture photos and videos. If we don't get that, well, we won't be storm chasing very long. It takes a minimum of two people to make that happen. Even with two people, that's a lot to accomplish, so ideally we're working with three or four.
How do you make that happen in the truck?
It's straight from what you might see in a police vehicle, a RAM computer mount. We throw a laptop into it, hook up additional screens as well. We're on our phones for the weather and also to run our livestream, that's part of our model. We get these live warnings out to the public through livestreaming. Weather, roadmaps, livestreaming.
We look at multiple weather models to lay out certain indicators of where the severe storms might show up. As the day approaches, it gets down to just 2 or 3 forecasting models that we'll use. One is actual radar of what's happening, we'll look at cloud cover and a few other things that give indications of what's happening with the storm.
It's typically one vehicle at a time, not a caravan?
The most you ever see is 2 or maybe 3 vehicles. You want to run with one vehicle because sometimes inside these storms we can't quite see what's around us. If we have to back up or make a split-second decision, that can be a dangerous moment having a second vehicle, we've learned.
We're making a choice to get beside these tornados, and as much as we can predict it, there's still a lot that's unpredictable. There is danger, we do our best to mitigate it, but there is risk.
There's lots of of rain, lots of hail. Once we get into high winds, if you open your door -- I've had it happen -- it gets ripped right off. So once those winds start to pick up, you can't get out and talk to that other vehicle. Lots of times, cell phone towers get knocked down. If cell phones aren't working, we will have radios. The truth is, once the adrenaline starts going, messages can get missed or miscommunicated.
A lot of times, if you do see a second vehicle, that's another set of storm chasers who know what they're doing. Many times we'll split up because we have different goals, different objectives.
Have you had major equipment failures?
Just with our software itself. The software will stop communicating. Sometimes the radar systems we use will go offline, but that will be really scary, particularly if it's dark.
We've had past trucks that had external roll cages, but they added so much wind noise...We used to have satellite feeds for weather radar, but we don't need it anymore because all that technology is integrated into phone apps now.
What specific modifications have been made for storm chasing?
The protective coating. Our truck is completely covered in Line-X. The reason we have that is we'll get hit by really big hail. We'll get hit by debris from the tornado. Pretty quickly, your car can get dented or ripped up. Before we ran Line-X, we had steel stuck into the side of our truck. We run a clear 3M exoshield on our windows, it's not foolproof but it's a bit stronger than just the window.
We could run this on a half-ton like an F150, but have it on a three-quarter ton F250. In a half-ton, in these really high winds, we'd get tossed around. In the three-quarter ton, it feels like a train, you barely feel it. Especially when we get onto washed out roads, which does happen often. Oftentimes in the south, the mud and clay get slick. In the past, a half-ton would lose control pretty quickly, in this heavier truck we stick to one line and it keeps us safe and moving forward.
When you're on the ground, how intense are the winds?
Typically we're experiencing 60-80mph winds, anything more than that and you're getting too close and it's pretty dangerous.
What do you keep in your Drawer System?
Our camera equipment, that's the nuts and bolts of what we do. GoPros, GoPro 360s, Sony DSLRs, and all the mounting systems and grip gear. We have the DECKED x Uncharted D-Bag Emergency Kit. Beyond that, it's holding our clothing. I know that sounds silly but that's what our gear consists of: camera gear, first aid equipment, computer gear. We trust those compartments the most for keeping it waterproof and keeping it safe.
Do you have any wishlist mods in mind for Brutus or a different vehicle you'd like to try out?
That's a good question! I see those trophy trucks that can take anything, but I don't think it'd be quite practical for carrying a team and gear and everything else. The inner child in me would love that for 15 minutes of storm chasing. The truth is, as much as we need a truck that is geared up to perform when shit hits the fan, 95% of the miles on this truck are highway miles.
(Fellow storm chaser) Reed Timmer runs this tank called the Dominator, they've driven it into two tornadoes. It's steel-plated, they can lower it to the ground, they've got spikes that can come out of it. Really cool looking vehicle, but as soon as it gets off pavement and gets onto washed out dirt roads and mud, if they hit the ditch, they're stuck. That's where our truck performs, not only can we hit any ditch but if anybody else gets stuck, we can pull them out too.
Back home in Canada, some mornings there's 2 or 3 feet of fresh snow on the roads. I know my truck will get me wherever I need to go. There's many reasons why our truck is built the way it is, I've been doing this for 11 years. I know what I want to accomplish, and that's what this truck is built for.
Brutus
2022 Ford F250 Super Duty Lariat, from Valley Ford
Leitner Designs ACS Cargo System
Front Runner roof rack
Line-X protective coating across entire vehicle
Fabtech bumpers and fenders
Anthem Rogue 20" wheels
General Tire 37" Grabber X3s
Rough Country 1.5" leveling lift kit
Warn Evo 12 winch
KC HiLites lighting
Rig'D UltraSwing spare tire mount
RAM Mounts laptop mount
WeBoost overland cell signal booster
]]>We made sure the display trucks in our booth were fully stocked with everything show attendees want to get their hands on. Major thanks to Ricky Forbes and Tim Muniz for loaning us their trucks and spreading the good vibes with us.
Our guy @wandertaco was highlighted at the CBI Offroad booth all weekend. Let's take a look at his Drawer System...
The new security system! Meet Camper, a road dog in training.
Our coworker and in-house photo guy Matt drives a Power Wagon, so he's always on the lookout for hot Rams in the crowd. This AEV flatbed conversion is lookin' pretty capable on 37" tires and without too many bells and whistles.
This Ram 5500 conversion from Global Expedition Vehicles is on the opposite side of the spectrum. More IS more, it turns out.
Another heavy duty Ram conversion, this time from the heavy payload specialists at Elevation Off Grid.
Even more Ram action. Our chief complaint: when you eliminate the factory pickup bed, where are you supposed to install the Drawer System?
We've always had a soft spot for older trucks. This Gen-1 Tacoma looked every bit as capable as the $100k+ builds.
Diesel? Check. Right-hand drive? Check. Matte paint and custom bits all over? Check. This Hilux sponsored by Kenda Tires is ready to get to work.
These old Sunrader campers are sweet, but require a lot of work to deliver true 4x4 performance. This example from Elevated Overland in New Mexico is at the top of our wishlist.
A restomod Jeep Wagoneer was a show favorite, right around the corner at the Global Offroad.us booth.
This race-prepped G Wagen was the main attraction at the Scheel-Mann booth. "Gute Fahrt" means "good ride," but you can share your favorite gas-related jokes with us on social media.
It wasn't all vintage rigs. Here's a glimpse at the next Land Cruiser to become available in the States.
We love seeing DECKED equipment in the wild. Our new bud Jason is a professional mechanic and had one of the cleanest Gen 3 Tacomas we've seen. He gave us a peek at his Drawer System to show off how he stays organized in the backcountry.
It ain't Overland Expo without going over the top. This 6x6 monstrosity is based on the Jeep Gladiator and was drawing crowds throughout the weekend.
This Toyota Tacoma from Stellar Built has some unusual footwear. Is this the "toe shoes" of the truck world?
We gave away product all weekend long, handing out accessories and stickers to the masses and even awarding one lucky winner with a complete Drawer System of his own. Be sure to join us next month at Overland Expo Mtn West in Loveland, Colorado from Aug 25-27.
]]>True passion draws you out of your comfort zone, and connects you with new people in unfamiliar places. Tres Amigos Outfitters is a world-class fly fish guide service operating in the southern part of Argentina. This might be a bucket list dream for many of us, but for the three amigos, it's business as usual.
Tell us a bit about yourselves and where you're from.
My name is Juan Manuel and I’m a partner in Tres Amigos, an outfitter located in south Patagonia, based in Río Gallegos city. We are three good friends that share the same passion for fly fishing and decided to take it to the next level. Now we scout, develop and operate different lodges for ourselves and partner companies.
We feel very lucky not only with the way we understand each other but the process of getting the best of each part of the work, we’re very much like-minded and complement very well--egos aside--focused on our goals.
How and why did you get into fly fishing?
It was easy to become a fisherman in this part of the world when we were kids, getting it from family and friends in our case. There is so much water--and big fish--not far from where we live. It's still nowadays one of the favorite outdoor activities for locals.
We began when we were kids like most, first with a spinning rod, then with a fly rod.
What is it about fly fishing specifically that you enjoy?
Fly fishing is the perfect excuse to get in touch with nature, to have quality time with your kids, friends, clients. No technology (only for photos). We are lucky to still not have cellphone signal in most of our fisheries, so no messages or phones ringing. Something harder and harder to find these days. I’d say fly fishing is our favorite way of meditation.
What makes Patagonia such an amazing fishing destination?
Patagonia still has very remote and low pressure fisheries. Big fish, pristine nature and solitude. You also have a number of different species in a very close distance range. Chinook salmon, steelhead, sea-run brown trout, brooks, browns, rainbows and more…
Also, the beauty of the Patagonian steppe, the “estancias” (ranches) and their traditions. I should definitely mention the amazing sunsets, asados and Malbec, and a lot more...Patagonia has that magic, that wilderness that makes it special.
What kinds of fish can clients expect to catch if they take a trip with you?
We own three programs: Los Plateados, where we target Steelhead in the Santa Cruz River; Glacier King, where we fish for big chinook salmon located at the heart of Glaciers National Park; and finally big brook and brown trout mainly on dry flies in Estancia Río Pelke.
The demands on a truck have to be brutal in Patagonia, how do you prepare for the inevitable?
First of all, for us the truck can’t be other than a Toyota Hilux. In our 20 years experience there hasn’t been anything else that survived such harsh terrain, driving on volcanic terrain, lots of dust, wading, plus the strong winds Patagonia is famous for...Simply trucks that make you feel secure when you get into the wild and far from civilization.
Our trucks usually need some improvements as stronger iron bumpers that increase the attack angle, good tires for mud and asphalt, and of course religiously followed maintenance. As safety equipment, all vehicles must have VHF radio and sat phones. We try not to leave anything to chance...we even designed and built our own rod holders for these conditions.
Now we’ve upgraded our trucks by installing the DECKED Drawer System and couldn’t be any happier with the results after a season of use and abuse.
How has the DECKED Drawer System changed how you organize your fishing trips?
The DECKED Drawer System has provided us a way to keep our everyday fishing items (rod tubes, waders and boots, backpacks, etc) in order and safe. Now carrying all that is not an issue any more, and clients have really appreciated it.
What’s the best advice you can give someone looking to get into fly fishing?
I’d encourage everyone who’s willing to try it into doing it, and even if it looks complex and difficult at the beginning, after the first step it all simplifies. Ask your local fly shop for advice on what you need and where to go. Before you realize, you’ll have some new friends to share your adventures with. After all, it’s not only about the fish you catch, it's about everything around it.
If someone wants to come fish with you, when is the best time?
From early November till the end of April we offer a wide range of programs, species and lodges that will adapt to any angler skill levels and needs in order to show them the best and most unique of south Patagonia.
Custom Land Cruisers were everywhere, including this fine example from the folks at Step 22 Gear.
Don't believe us about the Land Cruiser thing? See exhibit 2, from the emergency experts at Fieldcraft Survival.
We've got young dogs playing with the old ones. This new Ram TRX is begging to rip across the open desert at high speed.
What's better than a custom wrap on your sport truck? Matching livery on the dirtbikes in the bed.
As always, DECKED Drawer Systems were spotted all weekend long in every corner of the show. Here it's paired with a GoFast Camper for a practical, easy-to-use setup.
Super Overland custom-mounted a fridge slide onto their Drawer System. This places the fridge straight onto the tailgate for easy access to your ice-cold beverages.
This vintage Chevrolet looked so cherry, we'd be nervous to take it down the trail. This restomod dream showcases Trail Cap Camper Shells.
This classic Ford is older than about half of the event's attendees. It's aged like a fine wine and gained a lot of admirers.
There's no Overland Expo without sighting a few EarthRoamers, Unimogs and other massive expedition vehicles. This mobile monstrosity from Global Expedition Vehicles is perfect for your next multi-month stay in the Australian outback. The deck area works equally well for wildlife photography or rooftop raves -- you choose.
]]>So, does your rig have a nickname?
Bougie Burgundy
Do you use your vehicle for work, play, or both? Who drives this van?
Commuting, work, play, product development...it’s the village bicycle. Most of the senior staff gets some seat time in it to get opinions on ride quality and handling. It is one of our main marketing vans currently, so it’s designated as the "trade show" van, as well as all the R&D duties it also does.
What kinds of fun stuff do you get up to with your vehicle?
Camping and trade shows, family hauling, exploring. We’ve tested our full catalog on it.
How do you handle research & development and product testing?
As vehicles change periodically with mid-cycle updates, we have to keep new vans coming through to confirm changes and fitment. We also use product from some of our partners like Decked, Owl Vans, Milestar, Overland Van Project etc. Vans are a great blank canvas to start from, so we focus on our product line and work with our partners for the other solutions we need but don’t make.
What’s your approach to cargo management?
STOWED AND SECURED
Has DECKED changed the way you use your vehicle?
Absolutely. We can stow most of a trade show booth inside it, as well as lots of tools and travel/camp essentials easily. Keeping it organized, secured and out of sight is the best. I didn’t even un-pack most of the trade show booth materials last summer and just kept it in the van ready to go.
How has DECKED improved your adventures?
DECKED has added a ton of storage and versatility to the cargo hold of the van with a minimal amount of work. It probably took me longer to unpack everything than it did to assemble it. The quality and function is top-notch, the marketing literature is on-point. The nut bar really helped get me through the project too. We’ve absolutely hammered on this van over the last year and the DECKED hasn’t budged, and everything inside it ends up exactly how you left it.
2022 Mercedes Benz Sprinter 2500 4x4 Crew
Van Compass 6.3 2” suspension system
35x12.50 Milestar Patagucci tires
Custom mini-galley with upright fridge
Alpine Van Works overhead storage bags and rear door bags
Cascadia 4x4 vehicle solar system
Renogy 100ah lithium battery and DC-DC charge controller
PedalControl 2.0 throttle remap
Van Compass ditch light mounts
Van Compass on-board air system
Adventure Hammock Systems deployable hammock mount on the roof top veranda
Folding interior bed, queen size memory foam mattress
Baja Designs LP9 Pros, and Squadron Pros
and some fancy VanCompass prototype parts, if you know where to look...
]]>BENJI HILL : le chasseur traditionnel et minimaliste
Guide de meute professionnel, guide de chasse et instructeur de survie, Benji Hill n'est pas un chasseur ordinaire. C'est un vrai minimaliste et un retour à une autre époque. Son approche de la vie en est une dont nous pouvons tous retirer quelque chose. Son système DECKED est même fait à sa manière. Nous avons construit son système de stockage de camions à partir de pièces de rechange et de pièces que nous avions dans notre magasin car il n'était pas intéressé par un nouveau, juste quelque chose qui fonctionnerait et remplirait son objectif.
Pour Benji, la chasse n'est pas seulement un passe-temps, c'est un mode de vie. Sa famille vit de la viande toute l'année et il est fier de ne pas acheter de viande commerciale. Il trouve le plus de plaisir à limiter sa technologie, à construire son propre équipement et à chasser avec moins d'équipement pour plus de récompense.
Benji est une instruction de survie et un guide d'aventure de chèvre de meute sauvage. Mais ce qu'il est vraiment, c'est un chasseur. Benji a arrêté de travailler pour l'argent, car l'argent ne le rend pas vraiment heureux. Le principe directeur de Benji est qu'il vit aussi simplement que possible - être à l'extérieur, couper du bois, cueillir des aliments sauvages, récolter sa propre viande le rend heureux. L'argent ne signifie presque rien pour Benji.
Benji vit dans une petite ferme du sud de l'Idaho avec sa famille et il a entendu parler de chèvres de bât. Lors d'une journée typique lorsqu'il n'est pas sur le terrain, vous trouverez Benji et sa famille promenant leur troupeau pour garder les bêtes de somme en forme, vérifier comment ils se déplacent et faire tourner les têtes dans le quartier.
"Travailler avec des chèvres de meute est à la fois stimulant et gratifiant... les chèvres sont super amicales, elles coopèrent lorsque vous les dirigez correctement et vous connaissez leurs traits et elles sont comme des chiens géants, elles adorent être autour de vous et s'il vous plaît."
En tant que chasseur semi-expert, il lui faut environ 30 jours pour récolter un gros gibier à l'arc. Une journée complète est du soleil au coucher du soleil - 10 heures par jour, 30 jours, 300 heures de temps réel sur le terrain pour obtenir de la viande récoltable.
"Cela valait vraiment la peine pour moi d'abandonner ma sécurité financière pour mon style de vie. La liberté impliquée et le fait de passer plus de temps à faire ce que j'aime sont bien plus significatifs et importants pour moi que l'argent."
___________
La SYSTÈME DECKED vous donne une utilisation maximale de votre lit de camion ou de votre fourgonnette.
Le défi d'être composé commence avec votre véhicule. La longueur totale du lit DECKED tiroirs de rangement vous donne le dessus, car au coup de sifflet, tout votre équipement est organisé dans votre lit de camion prêt à partir.
Nous concevons nos tiroirs pour s'asseoir juste au-dessus des passages de roue, augmentant la surface de votre lit, laissant de l'espace pour empiler de gros objets sur le dessus ou comme plate-forme de couchage.
Découvrez DECKED pour les applications ici : LA CHASSE
Sélectionnez votre véhicule]]>You've got a special rig, was this always your goal? Or did you just come across it? What's the story?
So the story is, I used to own a 2008 Chevy Silverado Duramax. I had a topper on the back with a fly rod carrier on the top, I'm a fishing outfitter and a real estate broker. I went to pick up a client, and I went to put his fly rods in my rod box, and it was missing from my truck. In broad daylight, somebody had taken a metal grinder and cut my rod box off. You can imagine the look on my face, probably pale as a ghost! Literally thought I was gonna puke.
I decided at that point that I wanted to have my fly rods stored inside the vehicle, harder to see for would-be robbers and harder to get to, all that kind of stuff. So I started my search for a Suburban.
Pre-COVID, when used vehicles were a dime a dozen, Suburbans just didn't hold their value. I was just like, "Man, I just don't want to buy something that's going to depreciate that fast." I've always had a soft spot for old vehicles, I've owned a '68 RS Camaro, a 1970 SS Chevelle. I've had some pretty cool cars over the years, right? I love the '67 to '72 Suburbans, I just think they're so cool. They made 'em with only three doors on them. Two on the passenger side and only one on the driver's side.
I searched for probably nine to ten months and found this one in Arizona. The guy that I bought it from, his nickname was One-Legged Lance, because he had one leg. He and his sons bought the Suburban from the original owner, who used it to haul equipment. They started the restoration and I finished it.
I flew down to Arizona and drove back to Montana. And one thing I found out along the way is that Arizona people don't care about heaters. The air conditioning worked very well, but the the heater did not. We got caught in a huge snowstorm in Idaho and Montana. My wife was in a sleeping bag and had to use the window scraper on the inside of the windows to be able to see. Pretty entertaining.
Do you have a name for it?
You know, my license plate says FUN HOG because I hog all the fun, but most people just call it the 'Burb.
What were your goals when you were building it out?
It had a 350 in it on a three speed transmission with an overdrive, but it's a pretty heavy vehicle. My goal originally was reliability, and hopefully a little bit more fuel efficient. The 350 only got nine miles to the gallon. And you know, when you fill up a 30 gallon tank at 9 mpg, it gets painful. Now I've got a 40 gallon tank and I get 14 miles to the gallon, so it's improved considerably. The power difference, I think that 350 was about 190 horse and the motor that I have in there is just over 400 now.
What did you put in? Is it an LS or is did you go a different direction?
It's got an LS, an L96 6.0 liter. My mechanic, Chris Cruz, and his team did an amazing job. There are some kits out there, but we had to modify to fit. They said the motor mounts were "plug-and-play," and they weren't. Lots of little things like that. The transfer case adapter had to be custom machined in Canada, and then it was sent to another shop in California. Of course, COVID hit, so everything took twice as long. They felt so bad about taking so long, because literally just that transfer case adapter held up the project, I would say at least four to five months.
They ended up putting in an extra set of planetary gears in that transfer case adapter. So now I've got an extra set of gears for low range. You can crawl up a tree if you want to! Because of that, they had to beef everything up with the frame, because there was so much twist from the torque. They designed this fantastic skid plate that protects the transmission and the transfer case. Made it out of really heavy steel and made it go all the way across, so that it really beefed up the frame. They welded in more metal in spots where it would be prone to twist. It's stout for sure!
Is there any component that people usually compliment first?
Just the look of the truck itself is what gets everybody's attention. It's rust free, it's in great shape. The second thing is when they when they hear it fire up. It's got a really nice kind of deep purr to it that says, "I'm not a Chevy 350." When you get on it, you can leave modern day vehicles in the dust. That never ceases to put a smile on your face.
What's your approach to cargo management?
I love my DECKED system. My wife and I do a ton of river camping with our dogs. My back seats fold down perfectly level with the fridge, I can slide 3/4" plywood over the top and it gives this huge raised platform for sleeping. We have two wiener dogs and a 100 lb Labrador. We can all sleep in there super comfortably. The ability to keep stuff safe and sound in the Drawer System is really nice.
It sounds like you use the vehicle for work and play then?
Yeah. Honestly, it's probably one of the best marketing tools that I've ever purchased in my life. People do not forget you when you when you pick them up in the 'Burb.
I have used it to skid logs. We had a huge wind event about two years ago, that blew down 140 trees. My twin brother and I used the Suburban to skid logs into big piles. Then we had a log truck driver come and get the logs and take them to the mill, that was pretty fun. I like to take it on roads that aren't quite so tight. I don't like when tree branches scrape down the side of my vehicle, I'm a little particular there. I do love crawling over stuff, I've got air lockers in the front so I can lock the front differential and then I got Posi in the rear end. So it pretty much will go anywhere.
I've got a big roof rack too, I've had inflatable rubber rafts up on top of the roof. I've got an awning system to gives you lots of good shade, protection from the rain.
One thing that One-Legged Lance and his kids did, it's got an onboard air compressor with a quick attach in the front bumper and the rear bumper, so I can just attach an air hose. More times than you'd think, people had a low tire or something at a boat ramp, it's pretty cool to be able to pull up to him and say "You need some air?" You definitely walk away with some hero status.
Everything has been pretty well thought out. Drink holders, USB ports for charging things, LED lights on the outside, air compressor, all the other miscellaneous things. I have a solar panel on the roof that keeps an additional battery charged at all times. You get off the river and you have ice cold beer, or if your old guys like a Manhattan or something, you've got all the makings for it in a refrigerator. You pull that out after a long day, make them a mixed drink. Again, hero status--that's pretty cool.
1970 Chevrolet Suburban
L96 6.0L LS motor
New transmission
New springs and 4" lift
New wheels, tires
New shocks
New dual exhaust
New transfer case adaptor with planetary gears for additional low-range power
Reinforced frame supports to handle extra torque
New WARN hubs
New brakes
New drivelines
New shifter - automatic and manual
Posi rear end
New 40 gallon fuel tank
New instrument cluster
]]>Faites défiler ci-dessous pour un festin visuel de Mountain West .. et pour ressentir la vive envie de "l'aventure mobile".
ASTUCE: Le Mountain West Show n'est qu'un avant-goût de ce qui se passera plus tard ce mois-ci à Overland Expo West à Flagstaff, Arizona, du 24 au 26 septembre. Nous serons garés au stand #P53
GMC a profité de l'occasion pour dévoiler son nouveau camion concept, le GMC Canyon AT4 OVERLANDX. Conçu pour rehausser la crédibilité hors route du Canyon, l'AT4 OVERLANDX montre comment un passionné peut parfaitement construire son Canyon pour répondre à ses besoins. Liens vers les GM Communiqué de presse ici.
Photo ci-dessus copyright GMC | GMC.COM
Le nouveau GMC HUMMERev a été clôturé pour une protection évidente contre les doigts collants.
Nos voisins du stand Leitner ont présenté leur tout nouveau ACS Tonneau, leurs sacs d'équipement et leur HydroPOD dans leur nouveau Ford Tremor.
Les panneaux de hayon de remplacement comme ceux de Mountain Hatch vous offrent une surface de travail plate et pratique.
@cbioffroadfab | @cvttents | @hazzardfabworx | @cwwraps
Évier sur mesure et poêle fonctionnel par High Country Performance 4X4 | @smartcap | @arb | @cargoglid2e | @rhino-rach | @avertir | @ikamper
Les braves gens de Backwoods Adventure Mods ont fait une pause dans le laboratoire de produits pour embrasser des mains et secouer des bébés. C'est leur nouveau pare-chocs Tacoma à dégagement élevé et à double pivotement, et ça a l'air bien.
Venez nous voir à Flagstaff, AZ pour Overland Expo Mountain West du 24 au 26 septembre. Ce gars 👆 sera certainement là.
Lorsque vous êtes sur le point de ramper dans le grenier et qu'il fait 110 à l'extérieur avec 95% d'humidité, vous avez parfaitement raison de vouloir être totalement organisé et avoir tout ce dont vous avez besoin pour faire le travail.
En affaires depuis plus de 50 ans et toujours en activité, Trouth Air Conditioning de Sulphur, en Louisiane sont souvent les héros dans la chaleur du sud étouffant. Leurs camions sont remplis d'accessoires, d'outils, de réservoirs d'acétylène et autres - vous pouvez dire qu'ils sont très demandés pour une variété de travaux.
Trouth a douze camions équipés de DECKED, et en tant que propriétaire, Rusty Trouth déclare : "Je n'étais pas trop sûr au début, mais c'est ce que les gars voulaient. Il s'avère que c'est devenu un élément indispensable de notre programme de véhicules, nous les mettons dans chaque camion que nous achetons. Nous les aimons."
Vérifier trouthairconditioning.com
PARÉ stockage de lit de camion systèmes pour les applications professionnelles : DECKED.com/construction
]]>
So, does your rig have a nickname?
I've never been one to name my trucks, but according to my son Oliver I have "Daddy's Brown Truck" and "Daddy's White Truck." The Frontier is the brown truck.
Do you use your vehicle for work, play, or both?
The Frontier is my daily driver/commuter as well as the family adventure rig.
What kinds of fun stuff do you get up to with your vehicle?
We do a good amount of exploring in the Black Hills and camping as a family. I also use the truck to do some mild offroading, the Land Cruiser handles the hard stuff. I plan to do more hunting with the truck and DECKED setup this fall. I'll be using my Teardrops NW trailer as a basecamp for a few hunts and taking the truck out each morning.
What’s your approach to cargo management?
I've been through just about every approach under the sun when it comes to gear storage/cargo management. I've finally landed on what I think is the perfect setup. A full DECKED Drawer System allows me to have secure, dry storage of items I want to keep in my truck on a daily basis. The organization is awesome. Up top, a Fas-Top Solo soft topper.
This allows me to be able to still toss in random gear above the DECKED and not have to worry about strapping stuff down all the time. The soft topper keeps items that are loose from blowing away/out of the bed at highway speed and keeps everything not in the drawers dry. When I need to load something large, I'll just move the soft topper to the bulkhead of the truck and strap it down.
Has DECKED changed the way you use your vehicle?
DECKED has allowed me to organize items I keep with me at all times. Tools, ratchet straps, recovery gear, additional clothing items. All of these are now stored in my drawers and out of the way, but easily accessible if/when I need them.
How has DECKED improved your adventures?
The convenience factor of DECKED has been a game changer for me. Now that I'm not always taking an inventory of my gear and moving stuff around, I can just jump in the truck and go. I know everything I'll need is right behind me in my Drawer System.
Dobinsons IMS 3” suspension
Timbren active off-road bump stops front and rear
sPOD switch system and touch screen
Baja Designs 30” light bar
Baja Designs Squadron Pro ditch lights
CBI Offroad low profile front bumper
CBI Offroad full steel skids
CBI Offroad steel step sides
Smittybilt X20 Gen3 winch
RAM Tough-Track™ accessory system
Fas-Top Solo soft topper
Radar Renegade RT tires 295/70R17
DX4 Bronco wheels
Midland Radio - MXT400
So, does your rig have a nickname?
I call it "The Warhorse"- I've taken it from the coast of Long Island, NY, to the high desert of Utah, the mountains of Colorado, all the way to Johnson Valley, California and everywhere in between. Always gets me there, always loaded to the max, no matter the terrain.
Do you use your vehicle for work, play, or both?
It was my daily vehicle for a while, but now it's mostly play, camp, explore. I work as a personal trainer so I also use the Jeep to haul around fitness equipment for when I train clients at their homes. I usually have a kettlebell or two stashed in the drawers for on-the-go training sessions. It's my way of staying fit on longer trips that keep me away from my gym.
What kinds of fun stuff do you get up to with your vehicle?
Road trips, camping, offroading. I love cross-country roadtrips in this Jeep and exploring backcountry routes. I have built it into a bit of a "Rocklander"...I want to be able to camp and travel in comfort but also hit some harder trails.
What’s your approach to cargo management?
My motto is: "It's better to have it and not need it, than need it and NOT have it"...therefore, cargo management is an important step in trip-prep. The DECKED system gets split into a recovery/tool side & a camp kitchen/comfort-stuff side. The interior of the Jeep gets clothing & bedding packed under the bench seat. Pack every size socket, charge every accessory, don't forget the hot sauce.
Has DECKED changed the way you use your vehicle?
Yes, DECKED has completely changed how I use the bed of my vehicle.
The Drawer System is the most-used addition to the Jeep. Before it, I would have at least 3-4 large camping totes in the bed filled with everything from my tools/recovery gear to my camp kitchen. It was a game of extreme Tetris trying to get things in and out of the boxes.
After install, I did not miss the depth or height of the bed, because it had never been used--I always had a bedrack & RTT. It actually made my bed more spacious because everything is in its place and locked away.
How has DECKED improved your adventures?
Because of the Drawer System, my gear stays dry, clean and ready to go at any time. It's like being packed and ready for a trip at all times. After every camping trip, I'll replenish the drawers, go over the tools and reorganize.
Superlift - 4" Suspension
Yukon Gear & Axle - 5.13 Gearing, Chromoly Axle Shafts, Diff Covers
ARB - Air Compressor & Locker
BFGoodrich - KM3 MT 37x12.5x17
DECKED - Drawer System
Black Rhino Wheels - 17" Abrams
Road Armor - Front & Rear Bumpers
Road Armor - Fender Flares
Road Armor - Bed Rack
Road Armor - 12k LB Winch
4x4Colorado - 'Nimbus' RTT
Dometic - CFX45
Baja Designs - Squadron Sport
Oracle - Taillights
Quake LED - Halo Headlights
D&C Designs - Cowl ditch lights w/ integrated blinker
Quadratec - Stealth Interior Light Bar
DIY Rack Mounted Storage Box - RIDGID Toolbox from Home Depot
Jackery - PowerStation / Solar Generator + 100W Solar Panel
Tell us a bit about yourself.
My name is Travis Warren and I live in Reno, NV with my wife and two girls. When I'm not spending time at work or with the family, I'm out in the desert chasing chukar with my two dogs. In the off season I train my dogs and work on my podcast - The Upchukar Podcast.
How and why did you get into chukar hunting?
I ventured into chukar hunting through both a friend and my father-in-law. Both had similar influences on my beginnings, but it wasn’t until I was introduced to bird dogs through my friend Jay that I became fully involved. I spend a lot of my hunting time solo, just me and my dogs. Funny, I never feel alone when it’s just me and the dogs, and I find these times a centering part of my life.
Do you do any other types of hunting?
Most notably I spend a large portion of the month of September hunting Himalayan Snowcock in the mountains of Nevada. I also recently discovered turkey hunting, which is pretty damn addicting.
What is it about chukar hunting specifically that you enjoy?
I enjoy how physically tough it is. It forces me to focus on what I’m doing and to stay engaged with my dogs and my surroundings. It’s simplistic in that sense and there are no distractions.
The demands on a truck have to be brutal, how do you prepare for the inevitable?
I’m no stranger to breaking down in the middle of the Nevada desert. Thankfully, I keep my truck well-stocked with recovery gear, food/water and survival gear to last for a few days. I also leave a hunt plan with my wife and use a satellite communicator so I can contact home if I'm in trouble.
How has the DECKED Drawer System changed how you hunt?
I used to store all my tools, recovery gear and survival stuff in those black & yellow Costco totes. They worked well, but made it difficult to pull from the front of the bed, especially the one housing tire chains for all 4 tires, jack and tools. With the DECKED system I maintain an organized truck bed, where everything is easily accessible and I can secure it safely.
What’s your go-to DECKED accessory?
I use the D-Bag a lot. Both for the Drawer System to pack clothes on trips, but also as a carry-on for flights. Perfect size for someone who packs light, or needs a bag for a weekend trip.
What’s the best advice you can give someone looking to get into chukar hunting?
It's most enjoyable if you can maintain a base level of fitness, especially cardio. It also makes it a whole lot safer to be out there. Apart from that, listen to the Upchukar podcast: it’s a great place to develop knowledge for both new and seasoned hunters alike.
How can people follow along with your adventures?
Check out the Upchukar podcast on your favorite podcast app, visit Upchukar.com on the web and follow along on Instagram.
More from Travis: 5 Ways to Die in Chukar Country
What were your goals when building the vehicle?
The theme, so to speak, is "Made in America." I tried to use as many products that were made in the US as I could. After COVID we all realized that the vast majority of overlanding products came from China, many companies were out of stock for a year, some even two. It made me really appreciate that DECKED was in stock, ready to go throughout COVID, all while paying their workers a living wage. This really made me appreciate products that are made in the US, so along with DECKED, I went with AEV Conversions and GFC USA as the main pieces of the puzzle. 'Merica baby!
Do you use your vehicle for work, play, or both?
It's my daily driver but it has been purpose-built to be my live-aboard hunting rig.
What kinds of fun stuff do you get up to with your vehicle?
I'm not an "overlander" but I regularly take the truck offroad into the backcountry on hunting trips for days at a time. This is why I went with the PowerWagon over a diesel, I really wanted the lockers and sway bar disconnect to help ensure that I'm never stranded in the middle of nowhere. Plus that Hemi sounds sooo nice, especially when coupled with the Magnaflow exhaust!
I have a week's worth of food, recovery gear, onboard power, a Dometic fridge with an icemaker, and an air compressor so it's ready for just about anything you throw at it. When it's not hunting season it becomes a work vehicle on the farm as well as a grocery getter.
What are some notable modifications?
One of my favorite mods is a simple one, it's an ARB compressor mounted under the hood. The days of looking for a gas station with a working air compressor are over, now I can air down and up without any worries. It also works great for blowing dust off of my camera gear.
I also recently added the GFC platform camper, another made-in-America piece of goodness. I keep my sleeping bag and pillow in there 24/7 and I can deploy the tent in seconds, which is especially helpful when I need to pull over for a quick nap on long drives.
What’s your approach to cargo management?
I like to have everything ready to go at a moment's notice but also the ability to have a modular system to be able to switch between activities without taking up precious time. Having my gear secure and protected from the elements is also top priority for me.
Another thing I have which is often overlooked is "dog storage." I use Gunner Kennels to contain my dogs while on hunting trips. They are crash tested and having them makes me feel better knowing that they will be safer in the event of a rollover.
Has DECKED changed the way you use your vehicle?
Absolutely, the truck is ready to go all the time! All my hunting gear is ready as well as a week's worth of food, camp kitchen equipment and recovery gear, so I never have to think about packing before a trip. I grab my clothes and I'm off. Having the Piecekeepers in there keeps my firearms safe and secure.
How has DECKED improved your adventures?
The DECKED Drawer System gives me more time in the field doing stuff I love. Without it that time would otherwise be spent organizing gear, cleaning off dust, drying off water. It also gives me the peace of mind knowing that everything is locked away in the drawers, behind a locked tailgate, always secure even at the sketchiest of roadside motels.
List of aftermarket parts/modifications
AEV Conversions - 3" Dualsport XP Suspension
AEV Conversions - 17" Katla Wheels
AEV Conversions - Front bumper
AEV Conversions - Rear bumper
AEV Conversions - Differential guards
AEV Conversions - Snorkel
AEV Conversions - Mud flaps
Lightforce - HTX2 hybrid driving light
NH Overland - Molle Panels
BajaDesigns - Squadron Pros
Magnaflow - Pro Series Catback exhaust
DECKED - Drawer System
General Tire - 37" Grabber
GoFast Campers - Platform Camper
Dometic - CFX 55IM
Factor 55 - Flatlink
ARB - Dual air compressor
Switchpros - SP9100 Switch panel
CJC Offroad - Switchpros mount
We can find something to appreciate on nearly any truck build, but it takes something special to get featured as a DECKED Build Of The Month. Here are some of our favorite recent truck and van builds from friends, family, and fellow employees.
FORD
Becker Family Adventures - Ford Raptor
Lucas O'Hara, ex-sniper and knifemaker - Ford F150
Wes Siler, 4x4 journalist - Ford Ranger
First Lite hunting apparel - Ford F150
Tornado Watch, tornado chase truck - Ford F250
CHEVROLET/GMC
Carlos Inciarte - Chevy Silverado
Fun Hog - restomod 1970 Suburban
TOYOTA
DECKED - Tundra Overland
Smitty- "Lunartik" Tundra
Jordan Lanning - Gen 1 Tacoma
Jake Ingolia - "WanderTaco" Tacoma
Jarred MacLachlan - "Dusty Gringo" Land Cruiser FJ70
Tim Muniz - 2022 SEMA Tacoma
RAM
Chivas Sotelho - "Pee Wee" Ram Power Wagon
Ed Shin - "Shadow 2.0" Ram Rebel
Matt H., hunter/fly fisherman/photographer - 2022 Power Wagon
Jeep
Offroad Fitness, overlanding and personal training - 2020 Jeep Gladiator
VANS
Sergei Boutenko - Sprinter
Cardiff Snowcraft - Ford Transit XLT
]]>Tim Muniz w/ the Rockstar Garage took his Tundra straight off the lot and turned it into a real Vegas off-road showstopper. Build details and a SEMA 2022 recap.
]]>Tim Muniz w/ The Rockstar Garage took his Tundra straight off the lot and turned it into a Vegas showstopper. His ridiculously awesome and capable off-road vehicle stuck out in a sea of impractical lift kits and 50" rims. And we had it all to ourselves (to share with 130,000 people) last week.
With help from CW Wraps, Icon Vehicle Dynamics, Leitner Designs, CBI, and many more, this Tundra is pissed! Keep scrolling for all mods, links, video walkthrough, and more...
Tim lent us his good looks and his daily driver for our DECKED Booth, SEMA 2022, so he gets our Build of the Month. 🔥
Hazzard Fab Worx - Build / Mods
ICON Vehicle Dynamics - Stage 10 Suspension
Leitner Designs - ACS Forged cargo rack
Mountain Hatch - Tailgate
Tuff Stuff Overland - Rooftop tent
RiG'd Supply - Tire Carrier
Mickey Thompson Tires - 37" Baja Boss
Mayhem Wheels - 8305 Compass wheels
Dmos - Stealth Shovel
CBI Offroad - Rock sliders, Skids
CBI Offroad - Covert Bumper
Prinsu - Cab Rack
Warn Industries - Winch
CW Wraps - Vinyl Wrap Matte PPF
Tim giving Jake Paul the rundown. PHOTO: @therockstargarage
DECKED products shown: Drawer System, Traction Mat, DECKED x Uncharted D-Bag Emergency Kit, DECKED x Pathfinder Survival Kit
Built to crawl, the ROKBUGY w/ The Rockstar Garage.
FORD's Black Ops OEM build. You can actually order one like this from your Ford dealer. Features a custom DECKED Traction Mat.
]]>First Lite entrusted the 4x4 pros at Stage 3 Motorsports with the build. They drew up a list of accessories and upgrades that would improve performance and got to work. See full build details here.
This F-150 XLT came off the line as a practical pickup truck but still had untapped potential. First Lite knew this truck had to be something of a Swiss army knife, as it's a company vehicle that gets used in a variety of scenarios. It had to be capable on frequent hunting trips, but also cover extended highway miles and handle towing duty, including a custom whitetail hunting trailer.
The first thing Stage 3 tackled was the suspension. For the front, they sourced Bilstein 8112 coilovers, which improve offroad performance while remaining civilized on the road.
For the rear, they installed Bilstein 1800 rear shocks and SumoSprings bumpstops for improved behavior while towing. The result is a mild lift (between 1.5" and 2") that retains proper rake and doesn't compromise handling.
Next up was front-end protection. Collisions with other vehicles, roadside hazards and even startled game animals is a real possibility when dedicating so much time to hunting. The Midnight bumper from Ranch Hand combines a steel bumper with a full grille guard in one integrated unit, and its rugged construction will protect the truck and passengers in the event of a front-end collision.
The bumper/grille guard is optimized for OEM light placements. It also offers slots for sensors, cameras, and additional lighting, so the First Lite team can customize as they see fit.
No hunting rig is complete without additional illumination. Stage 3 opted for a pair of Rigid Industries' 4" lights. These can be flicked on when cruising back roads and used to spotlight game or find an overgrown turnout.
While they were at it, Stage 3 replaced the standard F-150 XLT headlights with a slightly different version from the XLT Special Edition. "It just cleans up the look a little bit, adds that dark gray metallic bezel on the inside, and blends more cleanly with the grill."
First Lite made sure their truck got some new shoes. They downsized from the stock 18" wheels to a 17" set from KMC. These were wrapped in Falken Wildpeak A/T tires. The result is more sidewall for aggressive offroad driving, but no unnecessary noise or feedback issues on the highway.
First Lite opted for a Go Fast Camper, as it provides a lightning-fast but hassle-free shelter solution. The DECKED Drawer System provides secure, weatherproof storage and doesn't interfere with their ability to carry several tags' worth of harvested animals at a time.
The finishing touches are some Husky floormats to keep the interior clean, a custom wrap with First Lite branding, and "plenty of blood stains from wild game."
Full list of detailed modifications can be found on Stage 3 Motorsports site here
Front Suspension - Bilstein 8112 front coilovers
Rear Suspension - Bilstein 8100 rear shocks & 1000lb Sumo Bump Stops
Wheels - 17" KMC Chase wheels
Tires - 34” Falken Wildpeak A/T tires
Front Bumper - Ranch Hand Midnight bumper and grill guard combo
Headlights - XLT special edition headlights
Lighting - Rigid 360 series 4" round LED lights
DECKED Drawer System
Husky Liner floor mats
Go Fast Campers Platform Camper
Custom First Lite wrap
Plenty of blood stains from wild game
Take some inspiration from this purpose-driven build, and share your own hunting rigs with us on social media using #deckedusa and #unsuckyourtruck. Special thanks to the First Lite team for sharing their truck with us. Keep your eyes peeled and we'll see you on the road!
]]>DECKED Ambassador Lucas O'Hara ( @Grizzly_Forge) has built quite a following through creating one-of-a kind survival and bushcraft knives. His completely custom blades sell out in minutes and have ended up in the hands of Nate Diaz, Cristian Craighead, and Joe Rogan. We sat with Lucas to learn more about how he got his start in his craft, how he balances his work life with his family life, and how he uses his truck Kodiak to be the best dad possible.
He grew up in Atlanta, homeschooled and sheltered with his five other siblings. His height earned him a lot of unwanted attention: “I was messed with a lot as a kid. People always want to mess with the tall guy,” he recalls. “I think that’s why I wanted to join the Army... because messing with people is all the Army does.”
He knew all he wanted to do in the Army was become a sniper. He had a rough start...it turns out the Army doesn't take kindly to 6'7" recruits arriving to Basic Training 20 lbs under the minimum weight requirement. But he was determined, and the Army was, too.
At Basic, the Army gave him a new diet: “I was instructed to eat as much as I could in thirty minutes,” Luke remembers. “For the first half-hour of PT, I was eating while the rest of the platoon was getting their asses kicked.” Lucas explained. He ate had to eat as much cheeseburgers and ice cream as possible to gain 20 pounds in six days while still training alongside fellow recruits. He vomited a lot, but he eventually gained enough weight to satisfy the requirements and graduated alongside his platoon. He pushed through the Sniper Course at Fort Benning, and deployed multiple times to Iraq and Africa.
He retired from the Army in 2013, but still gravitated towards the regimented nature of the military, so he spent two more years working as a contractor: "I liked being told where to go and what to do. Meals are taken care of, housing is taken care of. Everything just makes sense."
While contracting paid the bills and kept him grounded in the military world he needed, he eventually got out and wondered what to do next. He attended a blacksmithing class, was given a railroad spike, and told to get to work on making a knife. As always, he followed his orders, and fell in love with it.
For Lucas, making knives focuses his energy in a similar way as combat did. He works with extremely high temperatures, sharp blades, and heavy hammers, so staying disciplined and concentrating proves vital to avoid danger.
He specializes in bushcraft knives; large, tough blades that can be used for almost anything. From skinning an animal to splitting kindling, it's no exaggeration that a well-made knife could save lives in the outdoors. Lucas crafts them to survive a lifetime of abuse using high carbon steel, heat treating, and robust thicknesses to handle whatever heads their way.
Lucas likes to experiment with his creations. He's made dozens of knife shapes, tomahawks, cleavers, and bottle openers. His handles come from all types of hardwoods, resins, and antlers, and he learns something from every knife that takes shape on his anvil: “Even a master of his trade still has something to learn. The willingness to learn is what makes him a master.” He carries this mentality into every aspect of his life. Whether it's his knife making, being a father, a bowhunter, or just a man trying to find his way through a crazy world.
Since he works long hours away from his family, he takes every available opportunity to spend time with them outdoors and away from cell phones, tablets, or tv screens. His truck, Kodiak, is completely built out to facilitate getting away and unplugging from people and cell service, which is why we're highlighting it as our September Build of the Month.
Can you tell us about Kodiak? What's its purpose?
My rig gets me and my family as far away from people-- and cell service-- as possible. I work ridiculous hours during the week, so when I get to spend time with my wife and kids, I want to be 100% involved. No cell phones, no screens, Kodiak gives me the opportunity to get away and focus on what's important in your life.
What aftermarket additions have you added to Kodiak that you can't live without?
It sounds obvious, but my DECKED Drawer System. It was the first thing I purchased for my truck when I got it four years ago. When I'm camping with the family, organization is key, and it helps keep everything stored and safe.
Speaking of organization, how do you keep your gear organized in your rig?
A lot of this probably carries over from my military days, but organization is a big part of my life when it comes to overlanding... Especially medical and recovery gear. I keep all those things separate from the other standard camping equipment in my drawer system. Traveling with small children, especially over long distances and without cell service, means you need to know exactly where everything is in your rig so you can get to it fast in an emergency.
What else is in your drawers?
That changes daily. Camping gear. Rifles and ammo. Archery and hunting equipment. If I’m headed to work, I store my blacksmithing tools. It depends what I’m up to.
What mods or details are you most proud of?
I did a modification on my DECKED system and installed my ARB directly in one of the ammo cans. I can plug directly into the deck for on-board air.
How has DECKED changed the way you use your rig?
There’s huge value in being able to just grab gear, neatly arrange it in the Drawer System, and hit the road. I honestly have about 20 D-Boxes in my garage already packed and ready to go.
If you won the lottery, what would you add to your rig next?
I’ve already won the lottery in life, and I’m living exactly how I want to. I saved for a really long time to build my truck and it’s exactly how I want it. Maybe check back with me in a few years.
]]>
Every Overland Expo raises the ante with the custom builds, modifications, and products that continue to make getting outdoors easier and more comfortable. Here are some of our favorites from Loveland that stood out as the most functional, tricked out, or just plain cool.
This Ford F150 is driven by Davis James, Danver Marketing Community Lead for Orvis. Not only does he have potentially the coolest job ever of getting paid to fish all over the West, he gets to ride around in this thing.
The DECKED Drawer System carries a full fly shop of rods, reels, and gear bags on his trips to the river. The Orvis Carry-It-All rod quiver lays flat in the drawers and locks to keep everything out of sight.
He also has a rack from our friends over at Leitner Designs to keep his waders, boots, and extra gear secure, but accessible at a moment's notice. The other side of the rack has their HydroPOD kit, perfect for backcountry showers and rinsing mud off gear.
The Classic Minimalist: massively modified vehicles typically dominate Overland Expo, so this Jeep Wagoneer immediately grabbed our attention. A winch, tires, and wheel upgrades are all it needed. Smells like leaded gasoline and trips to the lake back in the '80s.
Sometimes the vehicles at the show are just plain cool. This Porsche Cayenne project build belongs to Berg Performance, a Denver shop specializing in tuning German roadsters.
33" Goodyear MTRs, a PRG lift kit, cargo rack, and custom bumpers and skid plates made this one capable Cayenne that we'd love to rally up Pike's Peak.
Kuhl's custom built "Kuhl Mule" is a 1996 Stewart and Stevenson M1078 Rally truck. The massive side panels open for incredible views from the interior, plus it even comes with a mountain goat decal. Bonus points for the sunglasses and massive adjustable rooftop solar panel.
While this Taco doesn't have a crazy custom wrap, it takes first in class for functionality. The Super Pacific camper is one of the most sought after in the biz for their durability and usability in any weather conditions.
Panels that open for bed access with additional customizable storage elevate it another degree. A DECKED Drawer System is the icing on the cake for secure and weatherproof packability.
Plus, whoever owns it has a sense of humor and a knack for little details that can easily be overlooked.
Bilstein's Unimog 416 turned a lot of heads. It boasts 114" of wheelbase, epic ground clearance, a roof rack, and a bed to carry tons of cargo over whatever is in front of it. We especially liked the crew cab to bring plenty of friends to the camping spot, but you might need your climbing gear to get in it.
Signatures from Alaska, Florida, New Mexico, and South Africa illustrate the draw that Overland Expo's events have for the community.
As always, our stickers and patches were a massive success. While they aren't for sale, stop by our booth October 7-9th at the last Expo event of the year in Arrington, Virginia to get your own!
Il existe également de nombreuses pièces pour équiper votre camion et vous aider à tirer le meilleur parti de votre nouvelle Dodge classique ou Ram rebelle.
Liste des meilleurs accessoires de camion Dodge Ram
Tiroirs DECKED sont conçus pour s'asseoir juste au-dessus de vos puits de roue, vous offrant un stockage sécurisé dans votre lit de camion tout en vous permettant de transporter jusqu'à 2000 lb de cargaison sur le dessus. Augmentent considérablement la surface disponible de votre lit de camion, les tiroirs pleine longueur se déploient facilement pour révéler vos outils et votre équipement organisés et sûrs, ce qui signifie que vous n'aurez plus jamais à ramper, atteindre ou sauter dans votre lit de camion.
La Système de tiroirs DECKED est fabriqué à partir d'un cadre en acier galvanisé moulé sur une peau en polyéthylène haute densité. Ce PEHD de qualité industrielle est résistant aux intempéries et peut supporter des températures extrêmes et des produits chimiques. Notre système de transport de fret est résistant aux intempéries et à la poussière. DECKED a un rapport résistance/poids standard inégalé de 10:1 et a été conçu avec l'aventure à l'esprit.
L'une des meilleures parties du système DECKED est qu'il se fixe simplement aux attaches de lit de votre camion, ce qui signifie que pour la plupart des véhicules, aucun perçage n'est nécessaire. Le retrait et la réinstallation ne prennent que quelques minutes et les systèmes de tiroirs sont expédiés gratuitement directement à votre porte.
Nous pouvons adapter toutes sortes de modèles de camions Dodge Ram. Que vous conduisiez un populaire Dodge Ram 1500 ou un 2500 Grande Corne, nous avons un système adapté à vos besoins.
Nous faisons également un gamme d'accessoires pour poids lourds et boîtes à outils conçu pour s'adapter parfaitement à toutes les tailles du système de tiroirs, maximisant l'efficacité et l'organisation du stockage des tiroirs. Boîte D DECKED est disponible en deux tailles et deux couleurs, ce qui signifie que vous pouvez choisir celui qui vous convient le mieux.
UN couvre-tonneau est un excellent ajout à votre camion. Il est essentiel de protéger vos articles de la pluie, de la neige, de la grêle et des débris. De nombreux couvre-caisses disposent de systèmes de verrouillage pour aider à protéger contre les conditions difficiles ainsi que contre les voleurs. Que vous choisissiez un style enroulé, à trois volets ou peint, un bon couvre-tonneau peut vraiment ajouter au look de votre camionnette - en lui donnant un côté élégant et agressif, en l'aidant à se démarquer de la foule.
En tant qu'accessoires de lit, les doublures de lit sont l'un de vos meilleurs investissements pour garder votre camion en excellent état. Protégez la caisse de votre camion Ram contre les dommages mineurs et les éraflures avec une doublure de lit/tapis de lit. Pour une protection complète, choisissez une housse de lit conçue pour votre lit de camion, résultant en une protection totale de la surface contre les déversements, la saleté et les charges lourdes.
Avantages d'une doublure de lit :
Si vous n'avez pas de couvre-caisse, étendre un filet de chargement sur le lit peut garder vos affaires là où elles devraient être - à l'intérieur de votre camion. C'est plus facile et plus sûr que d'essayer de tout attacher. Nous avons tous vu CE camion sur l'autoroute, se déplaçant d'une voie à l'autre avec une pile de boîtes ou une charge de tuyaux en mouvement.
Avantages d'un filet de chargement :
Les rails de lit sont un moyen fantastique d'ajouter un style extra audacieux ainsi qu'une protection supplémentaire au dessus de votre lit Dodge Ram. Non seulement ils ont fière allure, mais ils sont aussi fonctionnels ! Ils peuvent également parfaitement servir de points d'arrimage supplémentaires pour sécuriser les cargaisons volumineuses dans la caisse de votre camion.
Avantages d'un rail de lit :
Il existe une gamme de stockage de lit de camion séparateurs disponibles pour aider à maximiser l'efficacité et l'organisation de votre Ram. Pour passer au niveau supérieur, DECKED a conçu des séparateurs qui s'intègrent parfaitement à l'intérieur du système de tiroirs, améliorant encore plus votre efficacité et votre organisation.
Gardez vos sols en parfait état avec un tapis de sol pour éviter que la saleté et les déversements n'endommagent les sols de votre Ram. Les tapis de sol sont disponibles dans une gamme de matériaux qui peuvent augmenter la protection et aider à garder votre camion en bon état. Pour une protection supplémentaire, pensez aux tapis de sol avec des lèvres anti-éclaboussures, qui aident à confiner la saleté et les déversements à une seule zone, minimisant les dégâts au sol et rendant le nettoyage plus facile et plus rapide.
Oui, vous pouvez obtenir une belle housse de volant. Mais si vous voulez vraiment sentir la route et faire en sorte que votre trajet se démarque, envisagez un volant en bois ou style course.
Disponibles dans une gamme de couleurs et de designs, les housses de siège sont un excellent moyen de garder votre camion propre et bien rangé tout en lui donnant un nouveau look. De nombreuses options sont livrées avec des poches de rangement qui sont idéales pour réduire l'encombrement et garder votre camion propre et organisé.
Garder votre camion organisé et sans encombrement est important pour aider votre camion à atteindre son plein potentiel. Dans cet esprit, les boîtes de rangement sous le siège sont idéales pour garder hors de vue ces éléments aléatoires qui s'entassent dans votre cabine multiplace.
Améliorez votre console centrale avec plus de rangement et de fonctionnalités pour augmenter le confort, le style et l'efficacité. Envisagez une console avec des porte-gobelets supplémentaires pour les longs trajets et utilisez-la comme un endroit pour ranger des objets plus petits comme des clés ou votre téléphone portable.
Rendez votre Dodge Ram encore plus accessible et attrayant avec un bon ensemble de marchepieds. Un bon ensemble de barres nerf latérales permettra une entrée et une sortie faciles de votre camion, tout en offrant une protection contre les entailles ou les bosses en cours de route.
Pour une solution vraiment impressionnante, considérez les marchepieds motorisés comme le PowerStep de Amp Research. Ils s'étendent automatiquement lorsque la porte est ouverte et se replient contre le panneau à bascule lorsque vous fermez la porte. Ils sont un peu chers, mais très cool.
Si vous cherchez à faire tourner les têtes avec votre camion Ram et à vous démarquer de la foule, envisagez d'investir dans un insert de protection de calandre. Disponible dans une vaste gamme de styles, il y en a pour tous les goûts. En plus d'ajouter à l'apparence de votre camion, un insert de calandre constitue une excellente protection pour votre camion contre les débris, ce qui le rend idéal pour les véhicules tout-terrain.
Protégez votre capot avec un déflecteur d'air avant conçu pour être élégant et garder les débris de la route, la saleté et les insectes hors de votre capot et de votre pare-brise. Mopar propose des options chrome et noir mat. Nous sommes un peu partisans de chrome.
Les élargisseurs d'ailes protègent vos panneaux latéraux de toute la saleté et la boue croustillantes que vos roues rejettent, et ils sont disponibles dans une variété de looks élégants. Faites-les peindre pour correspondre à votre camion ou une couleur de contraste pour un look plus sportif.
Une galerie de toit est la solution idéale pour ceux qui cherchent à étendre l'espace de stockage de leur camion. Une galerie de toit peut créer une sécurité supplémentaire pour transporter votre cargaison hors route essentielle sans sacrifier l'espace intérieur. Un rack ancré dans votre le lit de camion peut sécuriser les canoës, les planches de surf, ou d'autres trucs trop longs pour votre lit de camion.
L'éclairage LED donne à votre camion une lueur distinctive. Utilisez des lumières sous-luminescentes pour faire savoir à tout le monde que vous arrivez, ou optez pour une barre lumineuse à DEL haute tension pour éclairer les nuits sombres dans les bois au-delà de la fin du trottoir ou installez un troisième kit de feux stop pour améliorer la sécurité.
Les bavettes garde-boue sont un ajout fantastique pour tout véhicule, en particulier votre camion Ram qui travaille dur. Les pare-éclaboussures sont peu coûteux mais très efficaces, vous permettant d'économiser du temps et de l'argent à l'avenir. Ils contribuent à maintenir votre véhicule en bon état. C'est un moyen sans tracas de garder votre camion propre et beau, peu importe le temps, qu'il neige, qu'il pleuve ou qu'il sèche.
Si vous devez transporter des VTT, des tondeuses à gazon, des motos hors route ou d'autres petits véhicules ou équipements, vous aurez besoin d'une rampe en aluminium léger avec une protection de hayon antidérapante en caoutchouc pour charger.
Écoute, tu as beaucoup de camion, et tu vas vouloir l'atteler à quelque chose tôt ou tard. Que vous soyez plus intéressé par le remorquage d'un bateau, d'un camping-car ou d'une remorque pleine d'équipement, vous aurez besoin d'un crochet de remorquage solide.
Les kits de levage de suspension sont des pièces de performance pour donner à votre camion Ram une position plus dynamique, le soulevant pour une conduite optimisée. Il permet également des pneus plus gros pour vraiment donner un avantage à votre camion Ram.
Parfois, il suffit de sortir un copain de la boue ou d'abattre un arbre. C'est une réalité pour les propriétaires de camions. Un treuil est un outil inestimable pour les personnes qui travaillent dur.
Un booster d'accélérateur est un excellent ajout à votre véhicule, permettant une meilleure réponse de l'accélérateur et augmentant votre capacité à augmenter l'accélération à un rythme beaucoup plus rapide. Cela peut vraiment améliorer la qualité de conduite et augmenter les performances de votre camion.
L'installation d'un tuner pour améliorer encore les performances de votre camion Ram est un moyen fantastique d'améliorer considérablement votre véhicule. Un bon tuner peut vraiment libérer tout le potentiel de puissance de votre véhicule.
]]>Il y a trois choses qui survivront à une retombée nucléaire, une apocalypse zombie, une impulsion électromagnétique ou une invasion extraterrestre. Twinkies, cafards et camions Toyota.
]]>Les Toyota, conçues au Japon et construites dans le monde entier, sont connues pour avoir la capacité de vous écraser avant de l'écraser. La personne derrière l'écran, écrivant cet article, avait une Toyota Land Cruiser 2000 pour sa première voiture et l'a conduite plus fort que ses parents ne devraient jamais le savoir et l'a malheureusement vendue l'été dernier pour 5 000 $ avec 285 000 milles. C'est 95 fois à travers les États-Unis, environ 4000 heures ou 166 jours de temps de conduite. Dans le grand schéma des vraies Toyota, désolé Prius, 285 000 miles, ce n'est même pas si sauvage. Vérifiez le marché des voitures d'occasion, il y a des Land Cruisers et d'autres camions Toyota avec des tonnes de miles qui se vendent pour de sérieux $$$.
Bon, assez de blabla, allons-y. Camions Toyota sont à l'épreuve des balles. Malheureusement, je n'ai pas pu trouver un Hilux pour figurer dans cette pièce, mais consultez Youtuber Diesel sifflant et sa série de 4 épisodes sur la façon dont "indestructible" le Hilux peut être dans une variété de scénarios. (SPOILER: très indestructible, mais cet homme a fini par le faire passer par une sonnerie qu'aucune chose mécanique ne pourrait jamais survivre.)
Test de durabilité Whistlin' Diesel Hilux
Alors, PARÉ les clients sont des ventouses pour Tacomas, en particulier les propriétaires qui aiment sortir de la route. Et vous vous trompez carrément si vous n'avez pas un faible pour les siiiick Tacomas. Il existe quelques modifications assez douces d'une variété sauvage de fabricants de pièces de rechange pour vous aider à composer votre Tacoma jusqu'à 11.
Nous avons contacté Scott (@tacomamountain_ut), un client A1 DECKED avec une construction Toyota Tacoma légitime pour entendre parler de certaines de ses mises à niveau. Il nous a fait rire quand il a écrit qu'il avait trop de modifications à lister et a demandé s'il pouvait simplement choisir quelques-uns de ses favoris, qui ont fini par être la suspension, l'armure et les capacités de stockage.
Voici les modifications préférées de Scott :
"Le système DECKED a aidé une tonne à avoir les articles que j'utilise les plus proches et les plus faciles d'accès. J'ai toujours détesté les objets qui roulaient dans le lit et maintenant je les ai sécurisés. Les tirages verrouillables et résistants aux intempéries rendent ce système génial ! »
Le Tacoma est génial, il est petit et peut vous amener dans des endroits difficiles à installer, que vous soyez dans les bois de la Caroline du Sud, de Moab ou du nord de la Californie. Parce que le Tacoma est le plus petit des camions et n'a pas d'espace de stockage qu'un plus gros camion pourrait avoir, le système de tiroirs DECKED offre une solution très efficace.
Peu de choses sur ce Tacoma sont restées intactes, c'est dur à cuire si nous le disons nous-mêmes. La qualité de fabrication en usine des camions Toyota les prépare bien pour le tout-terrain et les modifications ajoutées par Scott équivalent à verser de l'essence sur un feu.
Plus grand que le Tacoma, emballant le i-Force V8 de 5,7 L, la Toyota Toundra peut faire du TRAVAIL. Le Tundra, en particulier dans les versions Off-Road et TRD Pro, est extrêmement capable de sortir de l'usine. Le Tundra a une option Réservoir de carburant de 38 gallons, un accessoire qui pourrait entrer en jeu si vous cherchez à sortir de la grille. Avec un disponible Capacité de remorquage de 10 200 lb et une charge utile de 1 730 lb, le Tundra a beaucoup d'espace pour vos jouets. (Fait amusant: Capacité de charge utile de DECKED est plus grand que la toundra).
Dans de nombreux scénarios, la plupart des gens n'auraient même pas besoin de modifier ces camions. Mais, si vous cherchez à vous démarquer dans la rue et à améliorer la convivialité de votre plate-forme sur la route la moins fréquentée, certaines modifications peuvent être apportées.
Si vous ne savez pas comment se déroulent ces rédactions, c'est la partie où nous présentons un client DECKED qui fait un excellent travail pour composer la construction de son camion. Cette fois-ci, nous avons contacté Brandon, un gars avec une toundra sérieusement légitime. Si vous voulez voir plus de contenu sur son camion en constante évolution, consultez son gramme (@moonlander_pro).
Nous nous sommes glissés dans ses DM et il nous a expliqué comment faire un bon Tundra :
"J'ai commencé ma construction avec le Rack Leitner ACS. La raison pour laquelle j'ai eu ça en premier, c'est parce que je conduisais un 4Runner et que j'avais déjà mon CVT tentes. Juste après, j'ai reçu le Système DECKED parce que je savais que ça allait être tellement utile! C'est de loin la conception la plus utile et la plus réfléchie que j'ai ajoutée à mon camion. Aimer! Ensuite, j'ai ajouté quelques curseurs de roche en CaliRaised parce que je me suis lancé dans des aventures difficiles avec mes garçons. Je suis également allé avec leurs lumières de fossé, donc je peux voir un peu mieux sur et hors des sentiers. J'avais besoin de lumières de chasse, j'en ai donc ajouté Cubes rigides de 3" à l'arrière."
Les gens, vous l'avez entendu ici, et vous l'entendrez encore, quand il s'agit de modifications de camions, plus n'est pas toujours mieux.
C'est DECKED en un mot : vous obtenez un équipement qui peut à peu près tout faire. Oui, ce ne sont que deux tiroirs qui vont à l'arrière de votre camion, mais OUI vous pouvez y ranger votre équipement de camping, OUI vous pouvez organiser vos outils de travail, OUI vous pouvez garer votre motoneige et votre VTT sur le dessus du système, et OUI vous pouvez glacer quelques bières dans les tiroirs de votre hayon. Simple mais puissant.
"Court et doux. J'ai choisi le Tundra par rapport à tous les autres camions sur le marché, car ils fabriquent tout simplement les meilleurs camions du Sequoia jusqu'au Taco ! Fait!"
Les amis, nous avons atteint la fin d'une grande époque aux États-Unis, l'ère du Land Cruiser. Toyota va ne vend plus le SUV que beaucoup vénéraient comme étant indestructible et l'ultime transporteur familial tout-terrain. Une triste journée, bien sûr, mais cela signifie que nous devons commencer à faire preuve de créativité. Se démarquer des mamans et des hommes de 75 ans en kaki au golf, c'est importer un Land Cruiser série 70 un camion. Ouah.
Alors que l'importation d'un véhicule n'est pas une promenade dans le parc, AirelleLe guide de peut vous orienter dans la bonne direction. Si, d'une manière ou d'une autre, vous ÊTES en mesure d'obtenir un camion Land Cruiser de la série 70 aux États-Unis d'Amérique, nous avons une liste de modifications pour que vous puissiez vraiment composer le camion le plus dur, le plus durable et le plus unique qui soit. Nous avons contacté le client DECKED, Jarred (@the_dusty_gringo , @junglecruiser) pour voir comment il a fait passer son Land Cruiser à 11.
« Je vis à Escamequita, au Nicaragua. Les routes sont principalement en terre/gravier et il y a aussi un certain nombre de plages cachées dans la jungle qui ne sont accessibles que par des pistes de la jungle ou à pied ou à cheval. Je passe aussi beaucoup de temps sur ces plages isolées à nettoyer les déchets déposés par l'océan et aussi à explorer le littoral. Le surf sur la côte pacifique du Nicaragua est de classe mondiale, c'est donc formidable de trouver des vagues cachées entourées uniquement de jungle.
Beaucoup de gens aux États-Unis par voie terrestre pour le plaisir et le week-end, mais d'après ce que cela ressemble, Jarred est par voie terrestre sur son trajet quotidien. Voici les modifications qu'il a apportées à son Land Cruiser 70 Series Truck pour lui faciliter la vie :
Suspension - Old Man Emu Nitrocharger Sport y compris élévateur de 2 pouces
Pneus : Kumho MT71 Boue Terrain 315/75R16
Porte-pneus : RIGd Ultraswing Multi Fit
Support de lit : Uptop Overland (Toyota Tacoma pleine hauteur)
Stockage de support de lit : 2x Valise robuste Roam 95L
Stockage d'eau : 2x Bidons d'eau militaires Sceptre de 5 gallons
Douche: Douche extérieure portative Innhom
Prise de récupération : Hi Lift PJ Harrah Signature Edition
Eclairage arrière : KC Hilites 2 pouces série C
Galerie de toit : Support de base ARB
Éclairage de galerie de toit : Barre lumineuse de support de base ARB
Pare-chocs avant : pare-chocs d'origine Toyota avec ajout Tube saharien ARB LX470
Treuil : FEO Toyota
Pleins feux : Feux de conduite OK4WD IPF900XS
Compresseur d'air: BRA
Store: Auvent Roam 5'
Stockage de lit : PARÉ (Toyota Tacoma 2013) avec Core Trax
"Le système DECKED m'a permis d'avoir un stockage verrouillé ainsi que d'avoir la capacité de transporter des objets lourds sur le dessus. Les tiroirs font un excellent travail pour empêcher la poussière soulevée par les chemins de terre ainsi que les fortes averses de pluie que nous recevons pendant la saison des pluies. j'ai un Boîte D et un Boîte croisée dans un tiroir et cela m'aide à organiser mes outils. En ce moment mon Organisateur de tiroir regorge de graines d'arbres Guanacaste que mes filles ont ramassées et qui seront plantées le long de la rivière sur ma propriété. Mon autre tiroir est utilisé pour un parasol, une machette et du matériel de récupération, mais il pourrait également être utilisé pour ranger du matériel pour une mission de wing foil sur la côte caraïbe !"
Il semble que le Nicaragua soit l'endroit où PARÉ devrait faire de futurs tests de produits. On dirait que Jarred est touché par tout sauf la neige. Cela nous rend fiers de savoir que notre système de tiroirs est capable de prendre une telle raclée mais fonctionne toujours parfaitement et continue de servir Jarred dans son style de vie aventureux.
Ce camion, vivant dans la jungle, surfant sur des vagues intactes, nous donne en quelque sorte envie de prendre des vacances prolongées.
Qu'est-ce qui rend nos artistes préférés si amoureux du camion Chevrolet qu'ils ont écrire une chanson à ce sujet? Peut-être que ce sont les lignes classiques ou la durabilité fiable, ou peut-être que c'est une combinaison de style et de confort. Quoi qu'il en soit, nous gardons la foi qu'après être tombé amoureux d'une Chevy, vous n'y reviendrez jamais.
Une fois que vous vous serez installé dans cette conduite douce, vous voudrez tromper votre camion, et il existe un million de façons de le rendre plus confortable, plus utile, plus organisé, plus sûr et probablement plus dur à cuire. Voici le récapitulatif des accessoires Chevy Silverado OEM et de rechange les plus utiles sur le marché. Nous le décomposons en :
Vous dépendez de votre lit de camion. Si vous n'aviez pas besoin de transporter des choses, vous auriez probablement acheté une fourgonnette ou quelque chose comme ça, n'est-ce pas ? Mais votre lit de camion ne doit pas nécessairement être simplement un lit de camion de base. Oh non. Vous pouvez faire bien mieux que de base.
Couvre tonneau s'adapte sur votre lit de camion comme un toit, couvrant tout à l'intérieur. Ils viennent dans une variété de styles, avec différents niveaux de fonctionnalité. Voici quelques types différents :
Lequel est bon pour toi? Voici notre guide pratique des meilleurs couvre-caisses pour vous aider à décider.
En camping? Besoin de dormir sur le parking après une dure nuit de "Cotton-eyed Joe" dans votre relais routier préféré ? Transformer votre lit de camion en un espace de vie est relativement facile. Il existe une large gamme de tentes qui se montent sur le dessus de votre camion et gardent vos pieds au sec et les serpents hors de votre sac de couchage (à moins que vous ne soyez dans ce genre de choses…).
Si vous vous précipitez pour un Chevrolet Silverado 1500 ou un nouveau Colorado, vous voulez protéger votre investissement. Vous pouvez obtenir un tapis de lit ou une doublure de lit complète pour couvrir le fond et les côtés. Il n'ajoutera pas de fonctionnalité, mais il gardera votre lit de camion exempt de rayures et de bosses (à moins, bien sûr, que vous n'aimiez lutter contre les grizzlis autant que nous).
La vaste gamme d'accessoires de camion disponibles comprend des kits pour éclairer chaque partie de votre camion, y compris les lampes de plate-forme de camion. Cela semble être une évidence, non ? Éclairez l'intérieur de la caisse du camion et vous pourrez voir ce que vous faites, même si vous êtes loin de la route. Assez pratique lorsque vous campez ou utilisez votre lit de camion comme poste de travail.
Bien sûr, si vous avez le Système de tiroirs DECKED, vous n'avez pas besoin de doublure de lit. Il peut supporter une charge utile de 2 000 lb (peut-être dont Grizzly parlait plus tôt) et est suffisamment robuste pour supporter beaucoup de punitions. Votre glorieux camion Chevy est protégé et vos outils et votre équipement sont en sécurité. Et notre garantie à vie limitée ajoute une couche supplémentaire de protection pour votre portefeuille.
Si vous envisagez d'utiliser votre camion comme plus qu'une princesse de la chaussée, nous vous recommandons de jeter un coup d'œil au Système de tiroirs DECKED. Il vous permet d'être organisé et de garder vos outils et votre équipement en sécurité, organisés et à l'épreuve des intempéries. L'obsession de DECKED pour le stockage modulaire signifie que vous pouvez utiliser des Crossbox, des D-Box, des tiroirs et des séparateurs pour trier vos affaires et les échanger rapidement. De plus, si vous utilisez votre camion à plus d'une fin, comme la construction pendant la semaine et chasse le week-end, vous pouvez remplacer un ensemble de boîtes par un autre et être prêt pour la prochaine chose en quelques minutes.
Alors, comment crée-t-il plus d'espace? Facile. Les tiroirs DECKED ont un dessus durable qui supporte jusqu'à 2 000 livres, et il couvre vos passages de roue pour vous donner une plus grande surface de chargement. Avec nos tiroirs installés, vous avez toujours la pleine utilisation de votre lit de camion avec toutes vos affaires enfermées en dessous. Ça ne va pas mieux que ça.
Besoin d'encore plus d'espace ? Découvrez notre nouvelle marque Boîte à outils conçu pour les hommes et les femmes qui travaillent. Comme tous nos produits, il est fabriqué ici aux États-Unis et fait pour durer. Son design révolutionnaire comprend une échelle intégrée, de sorte que vous pouvez accéder au contenu même si votre nom n'est pas LeBron James. Il n'est compatible qu'avec certains systèmes de tiroirs pour le moment, mais si vous avez besoin d'un système indestructible Boîte à outils DECKED si sûr qu'il fera pleurer un voleur adulte, celui-ci est pour vous. (Clin d'œil sournois à Budweiser !)
Une fois que vous êtes éclairé, protégé et organisé, regardons votre cabine. Ces manèges de luxe à la pointe de la technologie n'ont absolument rien à voir avec les rustbuckets galeux que nous conduisions il y a 30 ans. Vous souvenez-vous des banquettes en vinyle dur, des transmissions maladroites et de la climatisation aléatoire ? Ces jours sont révolus depuis longtemps. Aujourd'hui, vous pouvez regarder un système audio Bose et des sièges chauffants (et refroidis!) Qui s'ajustent de six façons au dimanche.
L'inconvénient d'une conduite aussi douce est que maintenant vous devez vraiment prendre soin de votre camion. Après tout, votre camion pourrait encore être sur la route 200 000 milles sur toute la ligne. Si vous conduisez toujours le même camion en 15 ans (jusqu'à 7,6 % d'entre nous le font !), vous voulez qu'il soit beau, n'est-ce pas ? Cela signifie que l'usure de tout est minime. Oui, cela inclut vos sièges, votre sol, votre volant… tout le tralala.
Voici quelques accessoires intérieurs à considérer :
Options de stockage d'équipement tactique : Si vous portez, vous devez rangez vos armes en toute sécurité. Recherchez des options de console centrale ou sous le siège pour garder vos armes de poing hors de vue. Sauf si vous avez des tiroirs DECKED, qui est la réponse parfaite à voyager avec des armes à feu.
L'intérieur de votre camion est tout pour vous, mais l'extérieur est ce qui fait tourner les têtes lorsque vous passez devant. Si vous voulez que votre camion fasse une déclaration, voici comment faire en sorte que votre véhicule se démarque.
Et bien sûr, il existe toutes sortes de décalcomanies et d'autocollants pour pare-chocs si vous voulez faire une déclaration plus personnelle sur qui vous êtes ou ce que vous pensez… des choses.
Enfin, vous pourriez être intéressé par la personnalisation des performances de votre camion. Voici quelques accessoires pour ajouter encore plus de fonctionnalités.
Si vous êtes un vrai camionneur, votre camion fait partie de votre charme (peut-être même TOUT de votre charme ?). C'est votre domaine et probablement là où vous passez beaucoup de temps. Les camions Chevy sont là pour le long terme, vous pourriez donc être ensemble pendant très, très longtemps. Vous voulez un trajet confortable, fonctionnel, organisé et personnel. Vous voulez les accessoires parfaits pour tous vos besoins automobiles.
Montrez à votre Chevy que vous tenez à elle en lui donnant ce qu'elle mérite. Oui, cela signifie certainement DECK-ing it out et en appuyant sur ce bouton de paiement. Tu sais que tu le veux.
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