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Custom 2020 RAM 3500 For Sale Truck Custom Built by Expedition Vehicle Outfitters, great tow rig to daily driver. We custom ordered this truck with the largest power and towing output that RAM Trucks offered. The truck features a 6.7L High Output Cummins Diesel making 1075ft pounds of torque straight from the factory. The power is sent into the heavy duty Aisin transmission. This truck is optioned out very nicely and a joy to drive with a 36,000lb factory tow rating. Specs. -46k miles -Oil Changed every 6k miles -Fuel Filter Serviced every 12k miles Upgrades -KC Hilites M-Rack with PRO 6 Light Bar and 4 12” LED Side Lights -Synergy Manufacturing 2.5” Suspension including Radius Correction Brackets Featuring Fox 2.0 Alum. Upgraded Shocks -Air Lift Pro Series Rear Air Helper Springs -Westin Step Bars -37” Milestar Patagonia X/T Tires -20” Gear Off Road Wheels -LED Upgrade Headlights -Ranch Color Matched Topper with interior carpet Over $15,000 in upgrades Shipping Available Nationwide $58,350 Call 989-593-2533 or email [email protected] View the full article

2020 Jeep Gladiator Custom Built for SEMA 2019 by Expedition Vehicle Outfitters 2020 Jeep Gladiator Max Tow 3.6L V6 26k miles Clean Title, No Accidents Jeep is located in Fowler, MI and can be shipped nationwide. This truck has been built with top tier industry leading components and Jeep upgrades. All Upgrades and Maintenance has been preformed by Professional Licensed Technicians. The truck has served as one of our shop display vehicles for the past few years being displayed at events around the US and attending overland events throughout the Midwest. The truck was built to adventure through out North America with no issues. The truck is VERY Capable from Rock Crawling, Desert Running, Overlanding and Camping throughout the back country this truck is a true swiss army knife for Adventure. Parts Pricing Only, No Labor, No Freight. Suspension & Steering Upgrades -TeraFlex 3.5 RT3 Extended Travel Suspension System, Fully Adjustable Arms, 16" of Rear Suspension Travel, Speed Bump Upgraded Bumpstops. $5289.99 -Falcon ST2 3.3 Shock Absorbers $1971.99 Falcon 3.3 Adjustable Steering Stabilizer $405.99 -SteerSmarts XD Steering System, Track Bar Brace & XD Track Bar $1651 Wheel & Tire Upgrades -Dirty Life 9302 Beadlock Wheels, Custom Painted x5 $2489 (custom painting not included) -Milestar Patagonia X/T 37x12.5R17 Tires x5 $1680.89 Body Armor and Bumper Upgrades -JCR Off Road Upgraded Fenders and Inner Fender Liners, Powdercoated then Color match painted over the powdercoating for long life. $2326 (custom painting not included) -JCR Off Road Front Mauler Bumper w/Front Skid Plate, Powdercoated $978.46 -WARN 8K Zeon Winch, Synthetic Rope, Factor 55 Fairlead $878.52 Rock Slide Engineering Electric Slider Steps w/Slider Skid Plate $3353.89 Hard Rock Off Road Rear Bumper System $1299.89 LED Lighting Upgrades Trigger 6 Gun Switch System $468.89 KC Hilites LED Gravity Pro Headlights $949.99 KC Hilites LED Pro 6 50" Light Bar and Mounting Brackets $2309.99 KC Hilites LED Pro 6 A-Pilar Lights $625.99 KC Hilites LED Pro 6 Bumper Lights $625.99 KC Hilites LED Chase Bar Rear Light System $514.99 Axle Upgrades Yukon 5.13 Gear Ratio, ARB Air Lockers Front & Rear, Heavy Duty Differential Covers, Air Compressor. $3789 Exhaust Upgrades Dynomax Quiet Crawler High Clearance Exhaust System $605.89 Interior Upgrades Armorlite Heavy Duty Floor System $684.99 Katzkin Custom Leather Seat Covers $1979.99 Bartact Custom Seat Covers to Protect Custom Seats $838.89 Midland USA GMRS Radio System $425.89 Bulletproof Dash Mount System $149.99 TerraAcoustics Front Sound Stage Upgraded Speaker System $274 Tazer JL Mini $329 Bed Upgrades Bed Slide 1000 System $1599.99 JCR Bed Molle Panel System,Both Sides and Front Panel $657 New Holland Custom Bed Cap System $3600 Jeep MSRP $49,500 Upgrade Parts List $42,755.99 Labor Associated $18,000 Total Build Out Cost $110,255.99 FOR SALE $65,000 obo Call 989-593-2533 or Email [email protected] for inquiries Some Modifications are not pictured. View the full article

Jeep Gladiator Vs. Toyota Tacoma, which is best? Introduction The Jeep Gladiator and the Toyota Tacoma are two of the most sought-after mid-size pickups on the market. Expedition Vehicle Outfitters a leading off road shop in Michigan will discuss the differences and what makes either a viable off road and overland build. Both offer a lot of capability, but they each have different strengths that make them stand out. But which one is right for you? Let's take a look at some of their differences so you can decide for yourself which one is best: Jeep Gladiator The Jeep Gladiator is a mid-size pickup truck. It's based on the same platform as the Jeep Wrangler JL, which means it comes with four doors and can sit up to five people comfortably. It has either a 3.6-liter V6 engine or 3.0 V6 diesel option, and both have an automatic or manual transmission available depending on what you choose. The payload capacity is 1,200 pounds and it can tow up to 7,700 pounds if you get all of its optional equipment installed. Toyota Tacoma The Toyota Tacoma is one of the best all-around trucks on the market. It’s better for driving around town and commuting to work, but if you want something with a little more power and better fuel economy, it's also great for off-road adventures. The Tacoma has a refined interior with lots of technology features, including a touch screen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility that lets you use your smartphone’s apps while you drive (like Waze or Spotify). The Jeep Gladiator doesn't come standard with this feature in any trim level. Also: The Tacoma has a higher resale value. CONTACT EXPEDITION VEHICLE OUTFITTERS TODAY! Braking and Safety To test the braking abilities of each vehicle, we performed a variety of tests. In our first test, we conducted a front-wheel brake test on both Jeeps and Toyotas. The results were very close with the Gladiator coming out slightly ahead. The Tacoma had better overall braking power but it wasn’t enough to overcome the advantage that Jeep had in stopping distance. In our next round of tests, we wanted to compare how well each vehicle could handle emergency stops while traveling at higher speeds (55mph). The results were quite surprising as both Jeeps and Toyotas did extremely well across all categories! We expected both vehicles to have similar handling due to their similar weight distribution; however, this was not what happened during these tests. Safety Features Safety features are as important in a truck as they are in other vehicles. It's not just about getting from Point A to Point B safely, it's also about making sure you arrive at your destination safely. For example, some safety features can be very expensive and may not even be available on your current vehicle or model year of that vehicle. So what makes one truck safer than another? Well, the answer is simple: visibility and maneuverability. Visibility is all about seeing what’s coming up ahead when you're driving down the road—or off-road! You need good visibility so that you know what’s around you so that you can avoid dangerous situations before they happen. And maneuverability means being able to steer clear of any potential hazards as well as handle corners and curves with ease--whether it's paved or not paved roads! Off-Roading Capabilities Ground clearance: Both trucks have a large amount of ground clearance, but the Jeep Gladiator has more. Approach angle and departure angle: The approach angle is the amount of degrees up or down you can hit a steep incline while still keeping your tires on the ground, while the departure angle is how much slant you can handle before lifting off in order to get going again. The Jeep Gladiator has a better approach and departure angle than the Toyota Tacoma when it comes to climbing hills and getting over obstacles in general. Breakover/clearance angle: This measures how far your truck’s front bumper can stick out over an obstacle without breaking anything or hitting anything sharp underneath. Both vehicles have good breakover angles that are suited for most types of off-roading adventures (though they will never be able to go through truly extreme terrain due to their size limitations), but yours will be somewhat better than theirs if you choose wisely! The Toledo-built Jeep Gladiator is better than the Tacoma for Hardcore Off Roading If you're looking to go off-roading, the Jeep Gladiator is your best bet. It's got a longer wheelbase, more ground clearance and higher tow rating than the Tacoma. The Gladiator has a payload capacity of 1,620 pounds and a towing capacity of 7,650 pounds. That's quite the difference compared to the Tacoma which can only tow 5,000 pounds and carry 1,560 pounds in payload (for comparison purposes). The Toyota Tacoma is better for daily driving duties The Tacoma is better for daily driving duties. It has a more refined ride, with a quieter cabin and better overall handling. You’ll also have more cargo space with the Tacoma, plus an engine that produces more power than its Jeep rival. The Tacoma also has an interior that feels like it was built to last, with materials that look nicer than those found in the Gladiator. It’s not all great news for Toyota though – the Tacoma isn’t quite as fuel efficient as its Jeep rival, but it does come with a longer warranty (5 years/60k miles vs 4 years/50k miles). CONTACT EXPEDITION VEHICLE OUTFITTERS TODAY! Conclusion With its more aggressive styling, and ability to go deeper into the wilderness, the Jeep Gladiator is a great pick for hardcore off-roaders. For those who want something that’s a little more practical, the Toyota Tacoma is still an excellent choice. Either way, if you’re looking for a small truck that can go further than most people think possible—and look good while doing it—these two are tough competitors to beat! Whichever platform you choose Expedition Vehicle Outfitters in Michigan has the know how and experience to turn the truck into an off road and overland dream rig. Call or Email us today! 989-593-2533 View the full article

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO INSTALL A LIFT KIT IN A FORD BRONCO? Why is it when you look online for Ford Bronco Lift Kits and installation in Michigan you will find 1’, 2” and 3” lift kits from as low as $50 to as much as $10,000? Which is “best”? That can be a difficult question and a loaded question.. Expedition Vehicle Outfitters in Michigan is here to help you make the decision of which modification for your Ford Bronco is best for your use and needs. Expedition Vehicle Outfitter’s goal with any client is always to help educate first before your upgrade purchase to help you make a confident and well thought out decision. This blog will help lay out some options and general ideas of suspension modification. So let’s dive into some options! REQUEST A QUOTE NOW! FORD BRONCO SPACER LIFT KIT A spacer Ford Bronco lift kit is a suspension modification in which a spacer made of plastic, aluminum or steel is installed above the coilover shock to raise the Ford Broncos ride height. This is a great option to add 1”, 2” or 2.5” of additional suspension lift. This height adjustment is based on your Ford Bronco’s trim package and thickness of spacer installed. This will result in near factory ride quality, increased ground clearance, and increased tire size fitment. This is one of the most low cost lift options but can have limited off road performance upgrades. This style lift will keep factory suspension travel, no added suspension travel. Upgraded front upper control arms may be necessary depending on added lift height added to correct alignment issues and proper ball joint angles. One major thing to remember is that Sasquatch Package equipped Ford Broncos are critically effected by adding a spacer lift kit in most cases causing improper ball joint, CV axle shaft and tie rod end angles causing premature failures. Consult Expedition Vehicle Outfitters in Michigan for safe options to lift your Ford Bronco Sasquatch Package. Lift Kit Price $50-100. PRO- Increased Size Tire Fitment, Increased Ground Clearance CON- Not available for Sasquatch Package in most cases, No increased Suspension Travel, Factory Ride quality, Factory Shock Performance A great example of a high quality Ford Bronco Spacer Lift Kit is the MetalCloak Kit shown below. These are available for installation at Expedition Vehicle Outfitters in Michigan. LINK TO METALCLOAK LIFT KIT SPACERS FORD BRONCO SPRING LIFT KIT A spring Ford Bronco lift kit is a suspension modification in which the factory coil springs are removed and replaced with a stronger spring rate or longer coil spring. Either of these options, stronger spring to carry more weight or longer coil spring will result in a higher ride height. This will result in factory suspension travel, this will lift kit will not increase suspension travel. This suspension modifications requires the disassembly and reassembly of the factory coilover shocks. This modification requires special tools and experience that is available at Expedition Vehicle Outfitters in Michigan. Suspension travel is limited by the factory shock absorber. This is a great option if you have added extra weight to your Ford Bronco ie: bumper, winch etc. and want to add a little raise to your Ford Bronco. Lift Kit Price $250-600 PRO- Increased Size Tire Fitment, Increased Ground Clearance, Increased Weight Capacity, Increased Ride Quality CON- No Increased Suspension Travel, Factory Shock Performance Pictured Below are Bronco lift springs available for installation at Expedition Vehicle Outfitters. FORD BRONCO PRELOAD COLLAR LIFT KIT A Preload Collar Ford Bronco lift kit is a suspension modification in which a preload collar is added underneath the spring of a coilover shock to raise the ride height of the Ford Bronco. This suspension modification requires the disassembly and reassembly of the factory coilover shocks. This modification requires special tools and experience that is available at Expedition Vehicle Outfitters in Michigan. This modification will not increase suspension travel of a Ford Bronco, suspension travel will remain same as factory. Lift Kit Price $100-200 PRO- Increased Size Tire Fitment, Increased Ground Clearance Con- No Increased Suspension Travel, Factory Shock Performance Pictured Below is the Bronc Buster Preload Collars available for installation at Expedition Vehicle Outfitters. BRONC BUSTER LIFT PERCH COLLARS REQUEST A QUOTE TODAY FORD BRONCO UPGRADE COILOVER LIFT KIT An Upgraded Coilover Lift Kit is a suspension modification in which the factory coilover shock is removed and replaced with an aftermarket performance coilover shock. This performance shock can increase suspension travel, ride height and ride quality depending on brand and configuration. These upgraded coilover shocks will be adjustable in ride height from 0” of added lift to 3.5” of added lift in most cases. In most cases the coilover coil springs are serviceable to add extra weight carrying capacity if needed. These upgraded coilovers will have increased oil capacity and adjustable shock valving for control over compression and rebound. Depending on brand and configuration a bypass shock can be added piggy backed to help control damping for high speed use. Expedition Vehicle Outfitters in Michigan has experience and tooling to properly install, adjust and service these upgraded coilover Ford Bronco lift kit options. Lift Kit Price $2,000-8,000 PRO- Increased Size Tire Fitment, Increased Ground Clearance, Increased Suspension Travel, Ride Height Adjustability, High Speed Adjustability, Tuneable and Adjustable CON- Requires Specialized Service and Adjustment when installed (available at Expedition Vehicle Outfitters), In some cases there is a wait time associated with order. Pictured Below are a set of fully adjustable Ford Bronco coilover shocks being installed and adjusted at Expedition Vehicle Outfitters. FORD BRONCO LIFT KIT INSTALLATION As you have probably determined there are many options for Ford Bronco Lift Kits and no one lift kit is perfect for everyone. Because of that Expedition Vehicle Outfitters offers a free consultation before any Bronco Lift Kit Installation to discuss options and budgets. We would rather answer 100 questions to make positive you are happy and confident with your modifications than make a modification you will regret. Expedition Vehicle Outfitters performs off road wheel alignment services on every vehicle lifted. Our alignment techs are experienced in servicing modified, lifted and oversized vehicles. As a general rule of thumb entry level lift kits can be installed in the few hundred dollar ranges and more complex systems with critical adjustments and setting coming in at a much higher range depending on services associated. To receive a free consultation and specialized quote contact Expedition Vehicle Outfitters in Michigan TODAY! Call 989-593-2533 REQUEST A QUOTE View the full article

SHOULD YOU HAVE THE DEALER MOD YOUR FORD BRONCO? Let’s get ready to ruffle some feathers.. We receive this question daily. “Why make the trip to Expedition Vehicle Outfitters over having the Dealership do my mods?” This is one that we can dissect in order for you to see what makes the most sense for your needs. Our first response to that important question is always going to be, we feel it is best to choose our services because of our experience. Whenever our clients are considering Ford Bronco upgrades, what to modify first, what routes to choose etc. We always stress asking questions and LOTS of them. Knowledge is power and the fastest way to gather knowledge from people with experience. Our entire Team, office staff who greets you to the technicians in the back of the shop creating incredible off road vehicles has experience off roading Broncos and all kinds of other vehicle platforms throughout the US. From crawling the red rocks of Utah, climbing the mountains of Colorado, exploring the coasts of Drummond Island to mobbing through the sand dunes and everywhere in between. For over 27 years our passion has been adventure. We are not sharing this information to boast, this information is for you to leverage. Rely on our off road and overland experience to create a much better experience for you and your Bronco. Can the dealership say that or do they just want to sell you something out of their narrow parts catalog?  BEHIND THE SCENES EXPERIENCE The Team at Expedition Vehicle Outfitters has been relied on heavily by leaders in the aftermarket and off road industry to consult and test new Bronco upgrades. From building up Ford donated Broncos for heavy off road use to conquering trails nationwide to validate Bronco upgrades, our Team does the leg work so you don’t have to. We all find it incredibly fun and exciting by bringing all of our past experiences from many other off road platforms to the Ford Bronco. We can agree that it isn’t perfect, but with the right upgrades that we have tested and proven the Ford Bronco can become a real trail contender and much more reliable off road. Can your dealership say that? KNOWLEDGE OF UPGRADES AND AVAILABILITY We’ll share a couple quick stories. After working behind the scenes on Bronco upgrades for client vehicles our production Bronco was finally ready. We went down to the dealer to pick up our shops Brand New Bronco, the salesman who seemed like a genuinely good guy tried upselling us some mods a lift kit etc. Now I’m not trying to belittle anyone like mentioned the guy was genuinely nice. Jokingly I said, “yeah lets toss a set of adjustable coilovers on and a Dana 60 in the back.” Knowing that those upgrades would be performed once we got back to the shop that week. The salesman looked at me with a blank stare, “what does that mean?” Now even a very novice in off road space should know what an adjustable coilover shock is.. even if they don’t that isn’t a huge deal. But for a dealer trying to sell a client “upgrades and modifications” for their Bronco that is very disheartening. That results in unmet vehicle goals and our shop redoing modifications, which is fine but not always in the clients best interest. If you search social media and forums you will find it littered with comments the same as above, from not knowing how to install the Ford Factory Beadlocks to the dealer not knowing how to perform a Bronco ring and pinion upgrade. Dealers are great at some services but many specialty modifications and off road buildups they will fall short due to lack of experience. NO LIMITATIONS There are some great and innovaFord Bronco Upgrades, Modifications, Lift Kits, Armor, Bumpers etc. Many not made or sold by Ford. Expedition Vehicle Outfitters works with many leading aftermarket manufacturers while most dealerships only offer Ford parts. Our array is very large allowing us to curate the exact upgrades that will meet your needs best, not just what the Ford parts department can get. FINAL THOUGHTS Expedition Vehicle Outfitters is a family owned and operated off road and overland specialty shop in Michigan. Our passion is helping our clients create incredible memories and awesome experience both on and off road. We assist clients from all over the United States to meet their goals off road. If you are not 100% confident in the proposed modifications your dealer is offering or feel that you are being talked down to give our Team a shot. View the full article

Planning Your Ford Bronco Upgrades 101 A New Ford Bronco is a big investment and modifications shouldn’t be taken lightly. This is why Expedition Vehicle Outfitters in Michigan prides ourself in pushing our shop Bronco to the limits and working with industry leading manufacturers to test and help develop Bronco upgrades for enthusiasts. So you received your new Ford Bronco, it might have been after months of waiting but you finally have that key…fob in your hand. You hit the start button and see that stallion run across the screen and can’t wait to get out and explore. We get it, the Team at Expedition Vehicle Outfitters an off road and specialty shop in Michigan has been in this exact spot hundreds times over the years building up all kinds of off road vehicles. We were fortunate to work side by side with many of the OE suppliers and designers of components for the 6gen Ford Bronco. This has given us a leg up on expected potential failures and pre-released upgrades for the Ford Bronco platform. That inside knowledge definitely helps when planning a Bronco Build. SCHEDULE YOUR FORD BRONCO UPGRADES NOW! Call us nerds…. But nothing is more fun and exciting than planning our a full build up. From deciding on which upgrades are the most critical to planning the logistics of upgrade services, parts availability and critical adjustments. No portion should be overlooked and all should be carefully considered. Now lets dive into some options to consider. Expedition Vehicle Outfitters in Michigan likes to take a holistic approach to building off road vehicles especially Ford Broncos. What does that mean? Our focus is making certain that each modification service that we perform will coincide with future upgrades and scale throughout the vehicle. A great example is electrical upgrades, we make certain that the Bronco switch options will carry the loads needed and neatly route all wiring to avoid future problems. Nothing is worse than paying to do something twice. One of the easiest ways to avoid a bad experience is planning with an experienced professional, this isn’t time for rookie stuff. SUSPENSION MODIFICATION SERVICE Ford Bronco Suspension Lift Kits, Bronco Leveling Kits and full coilover suspension kits. Which is right for you? Why is one “lift kit” $50 on amazon and another is $5,000? What’s the difference… Well that is a large one to digest but lets take a quick look at it. Off Road Industry standard is considered that a leveling kit will lift the front of the Bronco to level with the rear height, a spacer lift kit will raise the vehicle by adding a steel or plastic spacer above the coilover shock and a upgraded coilover shock will raise the Bronco and provide added suspension travel. Why do I need more suspension travel? Off roading is all based on traction, an easy way to add more traction on the trail is always staying in contact with the trail. How do we stay in contact with rough and rutted trails? More suspension travel. Now during a build consultation each and every one of these sectors can be critically dissected further to ensure proper suspension geometry and which modification will fit your individual needs best. Reach out to Expedition Vehicle Outfitters for a free phone consultation today. SCHEDULE YOUR FORD BRONCO UPGRADES NOW! UNDERBODY ARMOR AND BUMPERS The Team at Expedition Vehicle Outfitters has off roaded Ford Broncos across the country and we can attest to one thing, the Ford Bronco needs protection. If you plan on pushing your Bronco off road you need critical underbody protection to keep the engine, transmission, transfer case and fuel tank safe. These are critical components to the Bronco, trail damage may render you stranded. It is important that we upgrade factory protection options. Upgraded Bumpers will protect the front and rear of the body adding for great recovery points. The factory bumper options will handle one or two strikes but we have seen failures over time. We recommend USA made bumpers for strength and reliability. WHEELS AND TIRES All Terrains, Mud Terrains, Beadlock, Non-Beadlock, 35” tall, 37” tall, what is best for your build? That can be a loaded question, but we are happy to help answer it. These will be broad answers that should be further directed in each case.. When thinking about tires in Michigan we really need to consider winter use. Tires with extra siping (the little lines and Zs cut into the tread) will grip ice and snow better than large flat lugs. In many cases all terrain tires may perform better in ice and snow than a mud terrain. BUT… each tire needs to be looked at case by case. Mud terrains will work better in mud and very low traction conditions. Both all terrain tire and mud terrain tire technology has made huge leaps in the last 10 years creating all kinds of great hybrid tires that truly work well in all conditions. The Team at Expedition Vehicle Outfitters would love to discuss what new tire option may help increase your Bronco’s capability. Beadlock verse non-beadlock wheel. A beadlock wheel will clamp one side of the tires bead onto the wheel allowing you to confidently run your tires air pressure very low off road. Lower tire pressure off road equals greater tire footprint which equates to much more traction off road. How often are you off roading, how aggressive are you using your Bronco? These all become great questions during a build consultation. STEERING SYSTEM UPGRADES It won’t take much research to find that the Bronco’s steering system becomes a weak point when adding oversized tires and off roading. Expedition Vehicle Outfitters works with industry leading brands like Bronc Buster Off Road to provide both Bronco Tie Rod End Upgrades and steering rack upgrades. Don’t get stranded on the trail with a broken steering system. TIRE CARRIER UPGRADES When adding a larger tire to the Ford Bronco tire carrier we have seen tail gate failures, from bends to weld breaks and hinge issues. This usually comes from high speed bumps and jolts. From fast trail riding to driving through Michigan pot holes can cause large amounts of vibration and force into the Broncos stamped tail gate causing the gate to bend. Expedition Vehicle Outfitters has multiple options for high quality tire carrier reinforcements. SCHEDULE YOUR FORD BRONCO UPGRADES NOW! AXLE UPGRADES When upgrading to oversized tires or off roading your Bronco it is always necessary to upgrade your axle components in order to keep up with the high demands. Expedition Vehicle Outfittters has worked closely with DANA/Spicer Parts installing and testing their upgraded Bronco axle components. This strong relationship has provided us in-depth expert knowledge and experience of the Bronco drivetrain that is very hard to find in the Bronco industry. From adding selectable lockers and lower gear ratio axle ring and pinion setup to chromoly high strength front axle shafts, Expedition Vehicle Outfitters has you covered. From mobbing down the trail to driving on the highway you will feel a huge difference in your Bronco after an Expedition Vehicle Outfitters upgrade service. ELECTRICAL UPGRADES Most Broncos come with factory auxiliary switches which is a very nice feature, they do require special know how to determine which switches should run which components. Electrical draws matched to corresponding fused circuits is 100% necessary when creating a safe and reliable electrical upgrade. Always be sure to test added components like lights and air compressors in order to make positive your electrical upgrades air properly routed. In some cases when an excess of electrical demands are added to the Bronco it is necessary to add a secondary switch system and relay bank stacked along with the factory system. These can be complex but the Team at Expedition Vehicle Outfitters is very experienced in these upgrades and can always help. FENDER AND HOOD UPGRADES The factory Bronco looks great but maybe you want a more aggressive look, something that will really stand out from the herd. Expedition Vehicle Outfitters offers upgraded ram air hoods and fiberglass bulge fenders for the Ford Bronco. Ram air hood upgrades create more air flow and aid in engine cooling. Fiberglass fenders create an aggressive look with increased tire fitment. If you want to build a really unique and custom Ford Bronco these upgrades are a must. LIGHTING UPGRADES When traveling off road upgraded lighting becomes critical. Upgraded LED off road lights allow the driver to travel faster speeds in dark and dusty conditions while allowing others on the trail to easily see your Bronco increasing safety. From upgraded fog lights and light bars to reverse lights and flashing chase lights for dust, Expedition Vehicle Outfitters has you covered. Expedition Vehicle Outfitters works closely with industry leading light manufacturers like KC Hilites. These long term relationships and testing have given us a leg up on future technology that will be coming to market and understanding current offerings from manufacturers. LED Light technology can be overwhelming, we are happy to help you choose a quality light upgrade for your Bronco. CONTACT EXPEDITION VEHICLE OUTFITTERS TODAY! View the full article

Introduction If you're the type of person who enjoys a good off-road adventure, you may have considered purchasing a lift kit for your Toyota Tundra. A lift kit will make it easier to tackle any terrain and usually doesn't take long to install once you order it online. You'll be able to see what's under your truck before you even leave home! Let's explore some of the different types of lifts that are available and how they work with your vehicle: Why Buy a Suspension Lift Kit? There are many benefits to purchasing a suspension lift kit. Many people choose to install a lift because they want to increase the height of their vehicle so that it can clear obstacles more easily, such as road debris and rocks. Not only will this make your ride safer when you're off-roading, but it will also increase your visibility on the road. Other reasons why people install lifts include performance enhancements (like better handling and larger tires), style improvements (like increased ground clearance), comfort improvements (by adding extra suspension travel), and even fuel economy gains by increasing tire size while maintaining your stock gear ratios. Know the Options Before you begin your vehicle lift kit installation, it's important to understand the different types of kits on the market and what each one does. If you're looking for a more off-road-friendly kit, you'll want to invest in one that provides higher ground clearance and better suspension. This can include any combination of springs, shocks and/or struts. If your goal is to have a truck that is capable of hauling heavy loads while still maneuvering well on city streets, then it would be wise to opt for a lift kit with plenty of articulation. This means having good suspension travel so that when the truck bounces over bumps or rocks (or even just going around corners), it doesn't bottom out by hitting its underside against these obstacles. Other factors that might influence which type of lift kit suits your needs include whether or not you will be doing any hardcore offroading—in which case there are some factors like durability and ease-of-use take precedence over others—or if this is simply something you want as an upgrade from stock because there's no other way around needing it due to having hitched up too many trailers at once! The Best Way to Install a Lift Kit in Michigan The best way to install a lift kit in Michigan is a shop like Expedition Vehicles Outfitters that takes all of your unique needs into account. There are many different options for doing this, but we recommend you start by making sure that the lift kit you’re considering is designed specifically for your vehicle. It should also be designed specifically for the type of driving you do, and whether it’s on-road or off-road. You should also choose a lift kit based on your budget—if money is no object, then go ahead and get whatever you want! You can increase the height of your Toyota Tundra to tackle any terrain. You can increase the height of your Toyota Tundra to tackle any terrain. With a lift kit, you can increase the suspension, clearance, ground clearance and off-road capabilities of your truck. You may also want to increase the on-road capabilities or load capacity by increasing tire size. Conclusion With our extensive experience in the industry and expert knowledge of lift kits, we are confident that we can help you make the right decision. We have a wide selection of high-quality lift kits available at competitive prices, so please stop by our shop today! View the full article

Building the Expedition Vehicle Outfitters Bronco (Part 1) The Team at Expedition Vehicle Outfitters in Michigan are no strangers to the New Ford Bronco Platform having built up some really great ones in the past. But as luck would have it we were able to get our hands on our very own shop Ford Bronco to use as a test vehicle and showcase to our clients the capabilities of a Ford Bronco after the Expedition Vehicle Outfitters treatment. From Bronco lift kit installation and Bronco suspension upgrades to Bronco skid plate installation, Bronco bumpers and even Bronco axle upgrades Expedition is your one stop shop. Let’s jump into some of the specs and long term plans for this New Ford Bronco. This is a 2022 Bronco Big Bend Model non-Sasquatch package. Now fortunately this is the truck we could get our hands on but it is very close to the package that makes for the best truck for us to convert to our Stage 5 Package. Sasquatch package trucks are great and have some really nice features, but in our Stage 5 Package we are removing most factory suspension and axle parts so it becomes a non-decider for what model is needed to start with. But first things first this little Bronco needs to grow up quickly, it needs a little more ground clearance and a little more off road capability. That is where the Expedition Vehicle Outfitters Stage 1 Package is a great fit. This Bronco will spend the first part of it’s life with a Stage 1 Package before it is disassembled for a full fitment of the Stage 5 Package. Being a non-Sasquatch model the Bronco has small tires and minimal off road ground clearance. The Expedition Vehicle Outfitters Stage 1 package will provide a 2” of suspension lift and 35” tires, you can choose all terrains or mud terrains. For this little build up we chose the New Milestar Patagonia X/T extreme all terrain tire, this is a blend between mud terrain and all terrain. Providing us great on road drivability and minimal noise, matched with ample traction off road and grip in the winter ice and snow this provides a great solution for daily duties. The Team at Expedition Vehicle Outfitters then wrapped the Milestar Patagonia X/T Tires around a set of the New TeraFlex Nomad Deluxe Wheels. Expedition Vehicle Outfitters is a TeraFlex Dealer and Installer with a great relationship with the company, we are very excited to be one of the first ones running these wheels on a Bronco. The huge draw to the TeraFlex Nomad wheels is the deflation valves integrated into the wheel allowing for quick air down at the trail head. The deflation valves allow for preset air down pressures all the way down to 10psi. Now if you had another wheel in mind for your Ford Bronco Expedition Vehicle Outfitters can always customize your Stage 1- Stage 5 Package to fit your needs and style. START YOUR VEHICLE BUILD TODAY Once the 2” suspension lift kit was installed onto the Bronco by the Team at Expedition Vehicle Outfitters the wheels and tires are fitted. Finally added to the Bronco were TeraFlex Rash Rings to protect the bead of the wheel from rocks and debris on the trail. The Stage 1 Package makes for a great Bronco with increased off road capabilities and refined on road driving characteristics, that being said the Team at Expedition Vehicle Outfitters will always curate the perfect package for your vehicle to match your needs. Let’s discuss your long term goals and match them with the Expedition Vehicle Outfitters Package that meets and exceeds them. Now be sure to follow along because this Bronco is no where near done. The Fall of 2022 brings on something very special for this Bronco, but before then it will experience a full disassembly and installation of the Expedition Vehicle Outfitters Stage 5 Package. After all you wouldn’t want to go racing a stock truck would you? View the full article

Frequently Asked Questions You’re probably curious what Expedition Vehicle Outfitters all does, neat name but what does it entail? We wanted to spend some time to go over some common questions we are approached with weekly. Do you only work on Toyotas? The simple answer is no. Let’s dive in a little further, our shop specializes in Toyotas and Jeeps but our licensed and certified technicians are experienced in all makes and models. Where we work hard to stand out is our effort to listen to your exact needs then transform your vehicle into exactly what you need for your adventures whatever that looks like. Our experience also comes from our passion for the outdoors, we participate in many of the same activities of our clients. Our parent shop has been in business for over 25 years which has afforded us a large amount of experience repairing and building up many different vehicle platforms. We have received national and worldwide recognition from some of our projects which we take great pride in. Your project will be treated with the same amount of care and meticulous methods which would be applied to any internationally featured build. At the end of the day our passion is adventure and exploration, we will create a vehicle that you will make memories in for years to come. Do you Perform Gear Swaps & Axle Upgrades Yes! Expedition Vehicle Outfitters has multiple Certified Technicians on staff with years of experience performing gear ratio swaps and axle upgrades in Jeep, Ford Bronco, and Toyota Drivetrains. Gear and Axle Work can be complex, Expedition Vehicle Outfitters has experience choosing the proper gear ratio for your vehicle needs and performance goals. Larger off road tires on your rig means it is time to strengthen the vehicles axles and install the proper gear ratio for optimum performance and fuel mileage. Expedition Vehicle Outfitters has years of experience installing limited slip posi traction’s, lockers and selectable lockers into axle housings. Do you need more traction off road? We have solutions and will provide a consultation to discuss what will meet your needs and expectations the best. Do you Install Lift Kits in Michigan Yes! We have been installing lift kits in Toyota Tacomas, Toyota 4Runners, Jeep Wranglers, Jeep Gladiators, and all other makes and models in Michigan and surrounding states for years. We take a different approach to suspension modification though. We want to install a quality aftermarket suspension that will make your vehicle perform better not just aesthetically look better. When we install a quality aftermarket suspension we expect the vehicle to gain useable suspension travel, carry more weight, perform better on and off road. Looking more aggressive and rugged is just a byproduct but it is not our 100% focus as we have seen many of trucks put together that look good but do not perform well. We have never put together a truck that performed great that didn’t look great as well. In most cases if you have a previously installed suspension on your vehicle that you feel could be lacking, Expedition Vehicle Outfitters can revamp the system to create better results. Expedition Vehicle Outfitters will finalize all lift kit system installations with a proper alignment. We have experience with performing wheel alignments on off road suspensions and understand the special needs and equipment associated. Do you install LED Lights and Electrical Systems? Yes! Expedition Vehicle Outfitters prides ourselves in being Michigan’s Overland vehicle builder specialists, which includes installing LED off road lights and building complex electrical systems. It is one thing to install a LED light but Expedition Vehicle Outfitters dives further in to design a system that works perfectly for your needs. Whether you need better visibility when driving down the trail or more light around the campsite. We work directly with quality LED off road lighting companies like KC Hilites, Baja Design, and Rigid Industries to find you the perfect light for your rig. We use these quality LED lights to create a scaleable electrical system that will work throughout the life of the rig. From the start we want to build a system that can be added to down the road. Expedition Vehicle Outfitters also has experience building off the grid electrical solutions for overland vehicles. We build dual battery systems and vehicle solar systems to provide stand alone electrical power in even the most remote areas. Do you sell and install Roof Top Tents, Racks, and Overland Accessories? Absolutely! We sell and install Roof Top Tents, Roof Racks, Bumpers, Overland Storage Solutions and much more at our shop in Michigan. We have demo roof top tents in stock to test out before your purchase and once you’ve made your decision every roof top tent bought through us receives a free installation service. During installation we adjust and secure your tent. A quality Roof Rack is very beneficial when it comes time to carry or store your adventure gear. We sell and install Made in the USA Roof Racks for many vehicles including 4Runner, Tacoma, Lexus GX460, Lexus GX470, Subaru Outback, Subaru Forester, Jeep Wrangler, Jeep Gladiator, and many more just ask. Whether you need a couple Overland Gear items to finish off your build or you are just getting started Expedition is here to equip your vehicle so you can adventure confidently. View the full article

Building the Ultimate DANA New Ford Bronco With the New Ford Bronco has made a huge splash in the off road market in 2021, Expedition Vehicle Outfitters an off road and overland specialty shop located in Michigan is excited to collaborate with Dana Incorporated to modify and upgrade the New Ford Bronco to create a great off road vehicle. Expedition Vehicle Outfitters knows Ford is no stranger to the off road scene, but we with Dana wanted to welcome Ford back to the dirt, sand and mud by pulling inspiration from Ford’s legendary racing past. What better example of legendary off road racing than the Ford backed Rough Riders Off Road Team. Through the early ‘90s they dominated off road racing, you couldn’t open up a racing magazine without seeing a photo of the red, white and blue livery blasting through the desert dust. With that incredible inspiration and storied past we all knew that the truck needed to be built for any challenge while pushing the boundaries. The goal set form was to build a great off road capable vehicle with great road manners, que up the New Ford Bronco and some great aftermarket partners. The Bronco was ripped down to the bones and built back up from the bottom, providing a very strong platform for off road and adventure. This truck sports the Brand New Ultimate Dana 60 rear Semi-Float Rear Axle upgrade and High Angle Heavy Duty Front CV shafts to handle those massive 40” Milestar Patagonia mud terrain tires. These upgraded huge axles are filled with 5.38 gear ratios and locking differentials to push the New Bronco down the trail and maintain plenty of traction. To provide clearance for those big 40” tires and keep great ride quality we matched the new EVO Manufacturing Bronco Suspension with a set of high clearance Advanced Fiberglass Concepts New high line fender flares. This allows the trucks center of gravity to stay low and drive great. Our friends at Complete Color Auto Collision did a great job mounting and adjusting the upgraded fenders. Next we needed to armor the truck and have a location to mount the WARN winch. The truck is protected by AFN 4x4’s new front and rear bumpers providing clean body lines with plenty of off road confidence. The sides of the Bronco are protected by a set of ARB rock sliders that double as steps. The Ultimate Dana 60 Bronco rear axle is a direct bolt in upgrade that is designed to work with the factory Bronco wheels and tires. SIGN UP FOR THE ADVENTURE NEWSLETTER The Spicer Extreme Front CV shafts feature extreme high angle joints allowing for much more suspension travel off road while still keeping great road manners. Soaking up the bumps and helping clear those big 40” tires is the New EVO Manufacturing Ford Bronco Suspension. This system features front upper control arms, rear control arms, King 2.5 Adjustable Coilovers and everything it takes to take your new Bronco to the next level. This New Ford Bronco needs to be up for abuse so we chose a set fo Trail-Gear Creeper Lock Beadlock Wheels. These wheels are machined from forged aluminum and ready for everything from overlanding to professional off road racing. Wrapped around them are a set of 40” Milestar Patagonia Mud Terrain Tires. You can’t go off road without being prepared. Pro Eagle 1.5 ton off road jack keeps us ready at all times. With a Spicer cooler full of refreshments. Finally this beautiful truck was loaded up with our other Spicer Parts Build and shipped off to be displayed in the Ford Performance Booth at the SEMA Show 2021. We are very thankful to collaborate with the Team at Spicer Parts along with so many great industry partners to showcase what can be built using the New Ford Bronco Platform! View the full article

7 Essential Mods for the New Ford Bronco The New Ford Bronco is a great vehicle platform for off road and overland adventures throughout Michigan and the US. Expedition Vehicle Outfitters of Michigan is experienced in modifying the New Ford Bronco for increased off road capabilities, ride quality and comfort when adventuring through the back country. Off Roading and Exploring in a New Ford Bronco can be very relaxing and rewarding with the modifications from Expedition Vehicle Outfitters. 1. Suspension Modification From the top of the line off road packages to the completely base model, we have found that the new Ford Bronco can benefit from suspension modifications at Expedition Vehicle Outfitters. We specialize in coilover suspension systems, lift kits, full suspension systems and suspension geometry, all a huge benefit to the new Ford Bronco. So whether you need a 2-3” lift kit to clear some larger tires or a coilover system for smoother ride on the forest roads and sand dunes Expedition Vehicle Outfitters has the know how and experience to make your goals achievable. 2. Off Road Lighting When you are ready to take your new Ford Bronco off road your truck will definitely benefit from some quality off road lighting. The factory upgraded LED headlights do a great job on the roadway but fall short when cruising down the trail. Expedition Vehicle Outfitters can install multiple options of off road lighting to your Ford Bronco. 3. Off Road Bumpers and Armor When taking your Ford Bronco on the trail it is important to have confidence that your truck is protected. Expedition Vehicle Outfitters carries a full line of front and rear upgraded bumpers, underbody skid plates, rock sliders and more. Expedition Vehicle Outfitters can even install electric rock slider steps to help you climb into your modified Ford Bronco. 4. Axle Gear and Driveline Upgrade Expedition Vehicle Outfitters knows that larger sized tires and extended travel suspension can take its toll on the stock driveline of the New Ford Bronco. Expedition Vehicle Outfitters is experienced in axle upgrades, gear upgrades, driveshaft upgrades and installing lockers in the New Ford Bronco. Upgraded gears and axles will strengthen the Ford Bronco’s driveline and give you the peace of mind to explore further. 5. Wheel and Tire Upgrade The New Ford Bronco Sasquatch package comes standard with a 35” tire, which sounded huge 10 years ago has now become the norm. But what if you don’t want the norm? Expedition Vehicle Outfitters has experience and the special tools required to properly mount and balance 37” tires and above. A great set of all terrain or mud terrain tires matched with a quality set of upgraded wheels will really set your Bronco apart from the herd. 6. Off Road Winch Explore with confidence knowing that you can get your Ford Bronco out of any sticky situation with a recovery winch. Expedition Vehicle Outfitters has experience properly installing and wiring recovery winches to all kinds of vehicles including the Ford Bronco. Having a recovery winch also allows you to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. 7. Upgraded Fenders When you are really ready to set your Ford Bronco apart upgrading your fenders is a must. Expedition Vehicle Outfitters sells and installs quality fiberglass upgrade fender flares allowing your Ford Bronco to clear larger tires, articulate your suspension further and look incredible. View the full article

Building the Ultimate DANA Jeep Gladiator Have you ever felt the need to get away? Not like just a little away, like to the top of a mountain where no one could ever get to away? When this awesome collaboration started with Spicer Parts and Expedition Vehicle Outfitters an off road and overland shop in Michigan started that was our mission. We set out to build a Jeep Gladiator using an Ultimate Dana Axle and drive shaft package that would meet any challenge head on, including 8ft of snow! Packed full of all new technology that would allow you to do everything from camp in the roof top tent with a diesel heater to a full water filtration system capable of pulling water straight out of a stream. Our friends at Spicer Parts had a trick up their sleeve. Hell Traxx!!! These MASSIVE 4ft. Wide tracks are designed for very deep snow and will allow the Jeep Gladiator to blast through powder where only snow cats and snow mobiles were once able to venture. To hold up to all the abuse of off roading in crazy deep snow Spicer Part’s Senior Engineer Zack Heisey threw down a bulletproof driveline featuring a MASSIVE Ultimate Dana 80 rear axle for the rear of the Jeep Gladiator along with a Ultimate Dana 60 front axle. This proven driveline is up to the task and can handle the abuse the New Diesel Jeep Gladiator can sling out. With this insane setup we all knew it wouldn’t be time to pull any punches. This Jeep Gladiator features some great industry partners as well as incredible craftsmanship that was brought on board to collaborate. But first we needed to tear down this New Diesel Jeep Gladiator Rubicon. This is when things get serious, the Team at Expedition Vehicle Outfitters stripped the New Gladiator down to the frame to get ready for an extensive build out of this new Gladiator. Now it is time to pull out some craziness. Insert long time friend, master bridge builder, master black smith and Michigan artist Derek Pung. Along with his coworkers and business partners Derek travels the country restoring antique bridges from the late 1800’s. Breathing life into wrought iron with skills and techniques once thought long gone. Along with Derek and the Team at Bach Steel we all have a huge appreciation for craftsman of years past and feel honored to be able to showcase some of their processes. But why does this all relevant? Well DANA Incorporated is located in Maumee, Ohio providing many skilled craftsman and hard working people jobs to the State of Ohio. We wanted to help DANA showcase some incredible craftsmanship from years past alongside with their state of the art craftsmanship you see in their new axles and components. Enter in the Zenas King Bridge from Sidney, Ohio. This is a Zenas King Bridge built in 1879, spanning over the Loramie Creek north west of Sidney, Ohio. This bridge was placed in what is today State Route 66. This bridge was ready for a new life as to not forget craftsmanship of the past. Though a month and a half of long hours, hard work and progress the Team performed an incredible transformation. The Gladiator bed and rack structure is held together with hand made brass rivets built from hand made dies at Bach Steel. The bed structure is made from wrought iron reclaimed from the Zenas King Bridge showing the intense weathering from over 140 years of use. From there the complete bed structure was attached to the Jeep Gladiator after 8” was bobbed from the back of the Jeeps frame to provide maximum departure angles. The bed structure holds a slew of overland and camping supplies allowing the truck to stay off grid for extended periods. From there it was time to put that Ultimate DANA Drivetrain under the Jeep Gladiator. Serving as suspension we matched an EVO Manufacturing Double throw down long arm suspension with Bilstein Shocks Coilovers. Providing traction when the tracks are off are a set of 40” Milestar Patagonia Mud Terrain Tires wrapped around Trail-Gear Creeper Lock Beadlock wheels. To provide a warm place to sleep during camp trips the Jeep Gladiator was fit with a FreeSpirit Recreation Tri-Layer insulated Roof Top Tent and a Webasto Diesel Heater to pump warm heat. Off to the Big Show to be displayed with the New Ford Bronco we built as well. We are all thankful for our industry partners, the Team at DANA-Spicer Parts, Team at Bach Steel and Complete Color Auto Collision for helping bring these incredible vehicles to life. View the full article

New Ford Bronco Lift Kit Installation  Expedition Vehicle Outfitters in Michigan offers Bronco Lift Kit Installation Service on all New Ford Bronco Models. Our suspension installation and adjustment procedures provide a much improved off road and on road performance for your New Ford Bronco. Expedition Vehicle Outfitters has a history of working with OEM Manufacturers and OEM Suppliers to raise the bar for off road capabilities of their vehicles, including the New Ford Bronco. Expedition Vehicle Outfitters relies on industry leading parts and components to take maximize the off road and on road driving experience of your New Ford Bronco. Expedition Vehicle Outfitters New Ford Bronco lift kit installation service will allow for larger tire size, increased suspension travel, and smoother ride quality both on and off road. Expedition Vehicle Outfitters offers coilover suspension service. Upgraded coilover suspension for your New Ford Bronco will allow you to experience off road and overland adventures with a whole new level of comfort. Expedition Vehicle Outfitters will work with you to help decide what type of suspension system will most benefit your long term needs and budget. So if you are looking for a lift kit installation near you on your New Ford Bronco, look no further. Expedition Vehicle Outfitters services New Ford Bronco from across the US at our shop in Michigan. View the full article

Expedition Vehicle Outfitters Chosen to Modify New Ford Bronco Expedition Vehicle Outfitters has become a well known leader throughout the country in the building and consulting of off road projects and adventure vehicles. That experience and reputation lead to being called on by Dana Incorporated to be one of the first in the country to heavily modify a New 2021 Ford Bronco for off road and adventure use. The New 2021 Ford Bronco has been designed to be a great off road platform with modularity to customize into the perfect off road vehicle. Expedition Vehicle Outfitters is honored to announce our partnership with Dana Incorporated on this high profile off road build. SIGN UP FOR THE ADVENTURE NEWSLETTER Dana Incorporated is an American supplier of axles, driveshafts, transmissions and many more of the leading parts for the automotive industry. Founded in 1904 and based in Maumee, Ohio we are honored to work hand in hand with the great people at Dana Incorporated to take the New 2021 Ford Bronco to a whole new level. Now lets jump into some modifications for the New 2021 Ford Bronco! CHECK OUT WHAT DANA AFTERMARKET HAS TO OFFER View the full article

Expedition Vehicle Outfitters is an experienced and licensed full service overland and off road shop located in Michigan. Expedition specializes in building the best performing vehicles for our clients, Expedition has received National and International attention for many of our vehicle builds. We create the adventure vehicle, you create the memories. THE GUIDE TO OVERLANDING COMMUNICATION & RADIOS Using your truck for overlanding and trail riding is always an incredible experience but most of the best secluded areas have one thing in.... poor cell phone reception. This is why it very important to have a form of overland radio setup in your vehicle. There are many benefits, easy communication with others on the trail, communicate back to base camp or even call in emergency help in the event something goes wrong. SIGN UP FOR THE ADVENTURE NEWSLETTER The process of choosing and installing the correct radio system for your needs can be a little daunting, full of acronyms and industry jargon, so we will explain the offerings and help you choose what will fit your needs best. Choosing between FRS or GMRS FRS (Family Radio Service) or GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service. FRS radios are very common in most stores. FRS radios are your common handheld walkie-talkies, they have preprogrammed channels that are easy to access and are great for use around the camp site and short distance trail rides. No need for any licenses, no worry of accidentally communicating on an emergency line you shouldn’t be on, ready to go out of the box. The only downside to these radios will be limited distance in some terrains. GMRS Radios work on the other hand work on a larger frequency range, this range does overlap the frequency of the FRS though. That means you can if you have a GMRS and your friend has a FRS you can communicate back and forth, in many cases your GMRS will travel much further so they may hear you but not be able to respond if your distance is too large or terrain is to restricted. WHERE TO GET A GMRS LICENSE GMRS Radios require a license to operate, don’t get worried it is not very expensive, it is easy to obtain and one license can cover a household in many cases. The reason a GMRS Radio requires a license is because these radios overlap frequencies that are used by government agencies, search and rescue, coast guard etc. We don’t want to be accidentally communicating on their designated frequencies. GMRS Radios come in both hand held and vehicle mounted configurations, we usually opt for vehicle mounted because we find they work smoother and generally the larger watt output radios come in vehicle mounted options. Depending on your preferences will be the main determining factor of where you mount the radio head unit. The head unit can be hidden under your vehicle seats, in a glove box, out in the open on the dash etc. Head unit location and mounting isn’t as critical as antenna wire routing and installation. GMRS ANTENNA MOUNTING AND WIRE ROUTING It is always advised to route your GMRS Antenna wire away from other power wires (light bar wiring etc.). Keeping this wiring routed by itself as far away from other power wires as possible will result in the best performance of the radio with a much clearer signal with minimal interference. The radio antenna does not need to be grounded but there is a principle called GROUND PLANE which we will explain as simply as possible. The antenna gets its ground through the coax cable so there will be no need to ground it to anything metal on the truck. But we should consider the GROUND PLANE for optimum performance of a GMRS Radio on an overland vehicle. Think of the ground plane as an imaginary level plane under the antennas location, this plane can act similar to the disc on a satellite TV antenna. Our goal is to have the antenna be on top or as close to un-obstructed area of the vehicle. Mounting above the hood, roof, or a pilar all work well. Mounting low on a bumper can lead to interference. LINK TO VICTORY 4X4 TACOMA ANTENNA MOUNT WHAT YOU WILL ALL NEED TO INSTALL A GMRS RADIO IN YOUR OVERLAND VEHICLE To install a GMRS Radio on your Overland Vehicle you will need a GMRS Head-Unit, Microphone, antenna cable(opt for a cable with a 90° end for low profile installation), antenna and an antenna mount. This makes for a great overland radio setup. Next you will need to decide on a location to mount your Head-Unit inside the cab of the Overland Vehicle. We suggest mounting the radio in an inconspicuous location that is easy to access. Remember you will need to run a power wire, a ground wire, and antenna cable to the radio so pick somewhere you can access easily. During the installation take your time and properly connect all wires, remember to route them away from moving parts and zip tie loose wires. When installing the GMRS Radio in your overland vehicle you will need to decide whether you want the radio powered all the time with the option to turn the radio off or if you want the radio only powered up when the vehicles key is on. This is done by choosing where we pull power from on the vehicle. SIGN UP FOR THE ADVENTURE NEWSLETTER CB RADIO FOR YOUR OVERLAND VEHICLE Another option for Overland vehicle communication would be a CB (Citizen Band) Radio. CB Radios were once the most common form of communication off road there was but the last 5-10 years has seen those numbers drastically change. CB Radios work well for person to person short distance communication similarly to FRS Radios. These radios will come with 40 pre-programmed channels and many have options for NOAA weather channels as well. For best performance your CB Radio should be “tuned” which can be done at many large truck stops or CB Shops, admittedly these are becoming harder to find. WHAT YOU WILL NEED TO INSTALL A CB RADIO IN YOUR OVERLAND VEHICLE To install a CB Radio in your overland vehicle you will need a CB Radio Head-Unit, Microphone, Antenna, Antenna Cable, and Antenna Mount. Just like a GMRS Radio you can wire your Head-Unit to be powered always on or only available to turn on when the vehicle’s key is on. The same principles apply to installing and wiring a CB Radio as do a GMRS. Keep the Antenna wires as far from other power wires as available and install your antenna as high as you can. Keep in mind a VERY tall antenna may broadcast the furthest it way also become an issue in the branches of trees on most trails. Moderation is key. CB RADIO DOES NOT REQUIRE ANY LICENSE A CB Radio will use the same antenna bracket to a GMRS Radio in most cases. When installing the CB Radio antenna it is important not to ground the antenna to the bracket or your performance will suffer, your antenna and cable will have insulation on the exterior to make sure this does not happen. STAY TUNED FOR VOLUME 2 OF THE GUIDE TO OVERLANDING COMMUNICATION & RADIOS SIGN UP FOR THE ADVENTURE NEWSLETTER Expedition Vehicle Outfitters is a full service upgrade and overland vehicle repair facility. For over 20 years we have been helping our clients safely and confidently adventure further in their vehicles. Expedition specializes in custom tailoring your vehicle to your needs. CHECK OUT MORE GREAT BLOG ARTICLES THIS IS HOW TO GET STARTED VEHICLE ADVENTURING IN MICHIGAN WHERE TO GET A LIFT KIT INSTALLED IN MICHIGAN View the full article

The Importance of First Aid and Medical Training on the Trail. Author Justin Sturgill is an active outdoors enthusiast and experienced first responder. Follow him and his families adventures at @misplaced_overland. Let’s dive into how important overland first aid is on the trail. LINK TO @misplaced_overland As a medical first responder for years I have taken all kinds of classes on medical scenerios that could or could not happen in the field. Some have proven to be useful and others, thankfully have been filed away in the back of my mind hopfully never to be heard from again. As I found myself preparing for another adventure in the northern part of lower Michigan I decided I should spend a few miniutes going through and restocking my first aid kit, I keep in the Tundra. I’m not going to bore you with a list of all the things I keep in my bag but if you’re interested a quick Google search would reveal lots of information on the subject. What I am going to tell you is that it is in your best interest to spend some time on the subject even if you don’t think its that important because I’m about to tell you how just having the basics helps in a BIG way. My wife and I arrived at camp with the New Holland Overland Group seeming to be the last to arrive for the evining which lately is our anthem. We grabbed a spot among the trees and began the quick task of setting up camp. The moon was bright and the temperature was very mild for February making the job very easy. As I knelt down to pound in the last stake for the tent I felt a trickle down my nose. Before I could react I noticed a dark spot in the snow below me and then another and another and then Niagara! I have fought nose bleeds before but nothing like this. I used every known method from my arsenal, all the gauze, trauma pads and even an ice pack had been used to try and slow it down still nothing. The stream of blood had went from one side to both sides to gaging me on its way down my throat. (Gross I know.) After some discussion and borrowing a jeep from a friend and fellow overlander who just happens to also be an EMT we set out for the nearest hospital which was about 45 minutes away. SIGN UP FOR THE ADVENTURE NEWSLETTER Upon ariving at the, emergency room we were quickly checked in and placed into our own little room awaiting the doctors grand enterence. After some time and our normal hospital interview I was seen and asked to try and expel all of the hard earned clotting I had achieved into the waist basket. After this little task the docter was able to clean me up with a bit of nasal sanitizer that tasted like swamp water and burned like no other, this coupled with a nasal plug brought the whole thing to a screeching hault. Start to finish I had been bleeding for about 2 hours. As we left the emergency room, and began our journey back towards camp I couldn’t help but be thankful for so many things. For starters friendships that had only just started a few months ago, without them the task of making it out of the woods to the hospital would have proved to be difficult. My wife who has the patience and skills to drive and navigate the trail back to civilization with little to no help from her partner in crime, and that little first aid kit so carfully packed just days before the trip. Man I’m glad I had that thing, although not necessarily life threating it did help me realize just how fast our situation can change and having the right tools when we need them can get us healthy and back doing what we love. Make sure to learn from Justin’s advice, have a plan, have some training and be prepared in an overland first aid event. SIGN UP FOR THE ADVENTURE NEWSLETTER CHECK OUT @misplaced_overland ON YOUTUBE Photo courtesy of @luke_brasseaux Expedition Vehicle Outfitters specializes in equipping vehicles for off road and overland use. Email or call Expedition Vehicle Outfitters today to make sure your vehicle is up for the challenge of off road and overland travel. Expedition specializes in Toyota and Jeep platforms. CHECK OUT SOME MORE GREAT ARTICLES THE BEGINNERS GUIDE TO THE ALPINE LOOP HOW TO GET STARTED VEHICLE ADVENTURING IN MICHIGAN View the full article

The Full Scoop of the Alpine Loop Written by: Heather Rose Blakeman, Featured Explorer from Colorado and Outdoor Athlete. Be sure to find more great information at her website below. CHECK OUT HEATHER’S WEBSITE Technically speaking and geographically located, the Alpine Loop in Western Colorado is a 65 mile trek connecting the towns of Ouray, Silverton, and Lake City. However, I am a Telluride girl through and through, so I am about to talk to you all about wrapping Telluride and Ophir right into the equation. I actually enjoy the ambiance of Telluride and Ophir even more than that of the exact towns along the Alpine Loop, thus, we are speaking about the FULL SCOOP of the Alpine Loop & Beyond. While the internet explains how you can capture the entire Alpine Loop in 7 hours, I still highly suggest a full weekend and camping throughout. A great weekend and seeing all points of interest would ideally take 2 nights and 3 days. Your ideal weekend would start off by departing Telluride, rolling through the one-mile long mountain town of Ophir and taking Ophir Pass into Silverton. Ophir, being a “town” with a one-room-cabin post office and only dirt streets is your first point of interest. Photo: Ophir Pass looking out towards the Silverton Side - where you’re headed next! SIGN UP FOR THE ADVENTURE NEWSLETTER With Silverton being a rather small town, you can grab a quick bite and head right over Cinnamon Pass, making your way to Lake City. With Cinnamon Pass topping out over 12,000 feet elevation, you will have glorious views of several 14’ers (14,000 ft elevation peaks) in the area: Handies, Sunshine, Redcloud. In traveling from Silverton to Lake City, you will pass through some wet, marshy areas that are actually home to families of moose. If you watch closely and pack binoculars, you may catch a few in the distance. 3 Photos: Moose family in Maggie’s Gulch Area Much like Silverton, Lake City is a small mile-long town with options to grab a quick bite to eat, visit a coffee shop, brewery, or pizza pit stop. Leaving Lake City, you’ll head towards Ouray and experience my favorite pass of them all: Engineer Pass. Like Cinnamon Pass, it will top out over 12,000 feet and you’ll experience tremendous views of two different 14ers: Uncompahgre and Wetterhorn Peaks. For your next point of interest, Engineer Pass will drop you out right onto the Million Dollar Highway and take you directly into Ouray. Ouray is a beautiful Box Canyon, one mile long town. However, being the “Switzerland of America” it is a tad bit more populated than that of Lake City and Silverton. It is home to the natural Ouray Hot Springs Public Pool, several coffee shops, and Mouse’s Chocolate Shop - just a few things you won’t want to miss in this beautiful town. Two adorable little Michiganders. Again, since we are looping Telluride right back into this full scoop of the Alpine Loop & Beyond, a full tour would take you Imogene Pass from Ouray back to Telluride. This 17 mile trek is probably the most populated and most trafficked pass of them all. Being straight out of the towns of Telluride and Ouray, this is the pass that becomes home to the majority of the rental jeeps and tour companies for a quick half day and/or full day tours. From Ouray, you’ll make this 17 mile trek to Telluride and top out at 13,150 feet elevation, providing views all the way into Telluride town. On the Telluride side of the pass, you will experience the ghost town of Tomboy, which was once home to the miners and their families, higher than 11,000 feet elevation. This pass was once the easiest route to Telluride. Heather Rose Blakeman’s Nissan Xterra on Imogene Pass After Tomboy town, you are just 5 miles from Telluride where you began your trek through the Alpine Loop & Beyond. While these are the most popular passes you’ll hear about, if you have a longer/different trip, or a more flexible itinerary to fit in more adventure, you can explore passes such as Last Dollar Road, Corkscrew Gulch Pass, California Gulch/Pass, Hurricane Pass, Picayune & Placer Gulch and more - which can all connect you Telluride/Ridgway/Ouray/Silverton in various ways depending on your route. SIGN UP FOR THE ADVENTURE NEWSLETTER Stay tuned for an info blog post about how to pack your vehicle for a day in the high altitude, alpine tundra environment. FOLLOW HEATHER ON INSTAGRAM FOLLOW HEATHER ON FACEBOOK CHECK OUT HEATHER’S WEBSITE Make sure your vehicle is up for the challenge of any adventure, contact Expedition Vehicle Outfitters today for your consultation. 989-593-2533 We are a full service overland and off road shop. CHECK OUT SOME OTHER GREAT ARTICLES WHERE TO GET A LIFT KIT INSTALLED NEAR ME HOW TO GET STARTED VEHICLE ADVENTURING IN MICHIGAN WHERE TO FIND OVERLAND TRAILS IN MICHIGAN View the full article

Featured Explorer! Kris Kinsey We were able to sit down with one of our Featured Explorers Kris Kinsey, Kris is a great photographer with a passion for adventure on both 2 & 4 wheels. It is always inspiring to see Kris’s take on many areas of Michigan through the lens of his camera. Let’s find out what inspires Kris to adventure and travel throughout Michigan. SIGN UP FOR THE ADVENTURE NEWSLETTER Expedition: Kris what are your social accounts so people can follow along on your adventures and photography? Kris: My socials are ExposureTrianglePhotography and NomadikOutdoors on both Facebook and Instagram. @exposuretrianglephotography on Instagram Exposure Triangle Photography on Facebook @nomadikoutdoors on Instagram Nomadik Outdoors on Facebook Expedition: So what is your favorite places you’ve traveled to so far? Kris: Favorite place We’ve travelled to so far: In a 4 wheeled vehicle - My wife and I LOVE the UP. We go there several times a year and try to do something different each time. Last year we visited kitch – iti – kipi for the first time and it was absolutely amazing. The water is crystal clear to the level where it doesn’t seem real. The rest of that trip was spent exploring the shoreline through Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. On a two wheeled vehicle – 2 years ago my father and I spent 3 days (650 miles) riding our motorcycles through the mountains of West Virginia and Virginia. We rode the Back of the Dragon and Claw of the Dragon. The last day we took the highway as it was 200 miles in the rain to get home. That was a hell of a ride! Expedition: What is your current Adventure Vehicles? Kris: Current Vehicle(s): Our Overland rig is a new to us 2007 “Big Tree” Toyota Sequoia Limited – My main love is a 2012 KTM 990 Adventure which I bought last year after selling my sport bike. Expedition: What is your favorite fireside meal? Kris: I’m a simple man. Just give me a hobo pizza pie. Of course we cook much more than that using a Coleman stove but you have to love the hobo pie tradition. Expedition: What is your next adventure you have planned? Kris: Next trip is a road trip to visit my wife’s family in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. It will be our first trip/shakedown in the Sequoia. We plan to sleep in the rig and camp on the way there and back. I also have another ride planned with my father for this spring but our route isn’t quite finalized. The top of our list is called “the Crooked Road” which is a Heritage Music Trail in Virginia. SIGN UP FOR THE ADVENTURE NEWSLETTER Make sure to follow along on Kris’s adventures and check out his awesome photography through his social channels. We can’t wait to see where he and his adventure vehicles are headed to next. We handle the adventure vehicle so you can concentrate on the adventure. Be sure to Email or Call 989-593-2533 Check out some more articles below WHERE TO FIND OVERLAND TRAILS IN MICHIGAN 7 THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING A USED TACOMA View the full article

How to have a RV Experience on a Truck Budget You don’t have an extra $100k laying around to drop on a huge RV? Don’t feel left out, most of us don’t. Even if we could it would be hard to justify. RVs take up lots of space, require special maintenance and don’t always have the best resale value. But most of us can afford a reliable truck and Expedition Vehicle Outfitters can transform that truck into a very capable adventure vehicle. A well built adventure vehicle can be used to create amazing memories and experience life changing events. SIGN UP FOR THE ADVENTURE NEWSLETTER Why Invest in a RV when you can Drive your Adventure Vehicle Daily? It is a known fact that travel can be expensive, next factor in storage and Michigan insurance costs of a RV and you can quickly be deterred from taking that leap. This is why we help so many clients transform their truck into an adventure vehicle for trips, adventures and vacations. We understand the hardships of traveling, camping and even off roading in a stock vehicle. Some vehicles just aren’t up to the challenge, and even if they are capable they will definitely benefit from some fine tuning. From storage to upgraded suspension, Expedition upgrades your vehicle around you and your needs. WHERE TO FIND OVERLAND TRAILS IN MICHIGAN What does it takes to turn a ordinary vehicle into an Adventure Vehicle? For a comfortable adventure experience you need the right equipment, Expedition spends time understanding your specific needs, goals and expectations. Next we get to work curating a package to make your vehicle perfect for your adventures. From storage and sleeping area to proper suspensions to carry the load, we handle the work so you can concentrate on your adventures. Planning and Budgeting Your Specific Project The most critical part of any Adventure Vehicle build up is the planning stage. Just like any project, proper planning and organization greatly reduces the stress during the process. We work together to create the perfect recipe for your needs and budget. Clear communication during this stage means you will have clear expectations of project timeframe, budgets and performances. Often times we can take on projects in stages to ease into budget constraints. At the end of the day we always want to have budget left over for adventures. In no time you will be out on an overland trip with your truck. What if I don’t have a truck yet? If you are in the market for a truck for us to build we can always recommend a good platform that will meet your long term goals. No one truck is right for everyone so we take our time and listen to your needs. Often a SUV or even Wagon can make the most sense, we will work together and find the right fit. CONTACT EXPEDITION VEHICLE OUTFITTERS Can you cook in your truck? Absolutely! Expedition Vehicle Outfitters can help install and organize a kitchen system into the back of your rig so you can comfortably create delicious meals on the move. There are some great options for food preparation, storage and easy access of all your kitchen needs. Just because you are on the move doesn’t mean you need to rough it. If you can imagine it, we can build it. For over 20 years Expedition has helped hundreds of people confidently explore Michigan and America in their vehicle. We can’t wait to help you see this beautiful country. Not local to Michigan? No problem! We can arrange transportation of your vehicle to and from our shop. We routinely help clients all over the United States, we know good specialty shops can be very hard to find. Feel free to email or call 989-593-2533 to get your adventures started. CHECK OUT SOME MORE GREAT ARTICLES BELOW HOW TO WORK FROM THE NATIONAL PARKS HOW TO START TRAVELING AS A FAMILY View the full article

Michigan Overland Winter Trip with New Holland Overland This article was written by Justin & Michelle from @misplaced_overland. They drive a well equipped for overlanding Toyota Tundra. Be sure to check them out on Instagram and YouTube. We began following Jeremy over at New Holland Overland about a year ago after discovering some of his great products online. As it turns out he also plans weekend overland trips in the Michigan forests testing and developing the products he sells and builds as well as creating relationships with fellow overlanders. The latest trip was a winter trip at the end of January where the group would meet at a designated location on Friday and spend the weekend in the woods adventuring. Winter camping was defiantly something we were unsure of, I mean I havent done that since I was a kid in scouts. But with summer seeming to always be too short extending our camping season into fall and then winter seemed like a logical solution. We started our journey from our home in northern Indiana to Lake County Michigan in search of the pre-designated meeting spot in the Huron-Manistee National Forest. We were the last to arrive at camp, after setting up our roof top tent we grabbed a beverage and our camp chairs and greated everyone around a nice warm fire. SIGN UP FOR THE ADVENTURE NEWSLETTER HERE Saturday morning brought an incredible sunrise, a view we enjoyed while I prepared coffee and breakfast. By 10:00 am the group lined up for a group photo ready for the what the day would bring. The weather was great with temps in the high 20’s with some sun peaking through on occasion as we hit the trail traveling north towards Mesick,MI. The route was a combination of snow covered forest roads, gravel roads and a bit of pavement that included an afternoon gas stop. The route was scenic offering only mild difficulty in a few areas. After about six hours and 70 miles we arrived at our second camping location, a beautiful spot along the Manistee River. As everyone nestled into their spot for the evening the sight of the river cutting thru the snow covered forest was beyond breathtaking and exceeded my expectations for night two. As the sun began to set you could see the steam rise into the air from each rig as dinner was being prepared and a bit of laughter could be heard as everyone discussed the day’s adventure. Later the campfire created a sense of community and warmth as we gathered for fellowship once again telling stories about past experiences and future plans late into the evening. Sunday morning brought a light snow fall that just covered the windshields of each rig. I prepared breakfast all the while enjoying the view of the river flowing past camp. SIGN UP FOR THE ADVENTURE NEWSLETTER As we begain to pack up, we made our way around to each rig exchanging contact information and a few last miniute photos before making our way out of the woods for our journey home. During the drive home we couldn’t help but talk about how we enjoyed this trip and how the cold and snow brought challanges that were overshadowed by the joy we found in just being out in nature. Stepping out and experiencing new things is all part of the adventure and this is one adventure we won’t soon forget. If you would like to attend a weekend trip with New Holland Overland be sure to check out their website and social media outlets. Until next time choose adventure. Written By: Justin Sturgill NEW HOLLAND OVERLAND WEBSITE @misplaced_overland Instagram When you are ready to get your vehicle adventure ready Expedition Vehicle Outfitters is here to make sure your vehicle is up to the challenge. We handle your vehicle build so you can concentrate on the adventures. To start your adventure email us or give us a call at 989-593-2533 View the full article

Where to find an Overland Shop Near Me If you are located in Michigan or the Mid-West you are in luck Expedition Vehicle Outfitters is a full service overland specialty shop located in Michigan. We specialize in Toyota & Jeep Off Road and Overland Upgrades. What if you are too far away from Expedition Vehicle Outfitters We have plenty of clients from every part of Michigan and even out of state but we understand not everyone can travel multiple states to get to us. We can arrange transport of vehicles from other parts of the country to and from our shop. If this isn’t an option for you we put together some pointers when choosing a shop to work on your vehicle. -Ask a lot of questions Communication is key in any relationship, trusting a business to build you a vehicle to travel the country in takes communication. Feel them out, ask about past jobs and make sure that you feel comfortable with the work you are expecting done. At Expedition we always treat this as a two way street, during a consultation we make sure we are right for you and your build is right for us. Look for honesty and communication, there are a lot of great people out there it just takes some time to find them. -Look at past work Do some research, check out their social channels and website to see some past work they performed. Look for use of quality components and thorough completions of past builds. You will quickly get a feel for their style of work. -Ask How Many Years the Shop has Been in Business? This can be very important when choosing to spend a lot of money upgrading your vehicle. You want to use an established and experienced company. If for some reason there is a warranty issue down the road you want to make sure that company will still be in business to handle your issues. Remember in most cases you will be putting money down with the shop to order parts for your build, you are trusting that the shop is using those funds to order your parts. Look for long term established businesses that you can trust to be there tomorrow. Expedition’s Parent Company is a family business which has been established and open for over 20 years. We have proven that we are here for the long haul and will be here for you today and tomorrow. -Ask about Certifications & Credentials Expedition’s Parent Company is a fully Licensed, Certified, and Insured Auto Repair Facility. If you are paying for services make sure that the business providing the services is Certified and Licensed to provide those services. Ask about warranties before the service is provided. -Communication is Key Never assume anything, ask ask ask. Always make sure to communicate your needs and expectations. Be sure to communicate all of this before your services are provided. This allows both you and the shop you choose to have expectations for the work you need completed. Just like daily life, most problems that occur are based on bad communication. Thank You for reading and we hope that these pointers help you choose the best Overland Shop for your needs. View the full article