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Where to Wheel: North Texas
Our 5 Favorite Places to Offroad in North Texas Once you’ve got your truck together, and the trails start calling your name, where do you want to go? In this series, we’ve done the research for you. Today, we’re looking at the state of Texas. If you’re wheeling in Texas, make sure you know the permit requirements for wherever you’re headed. It’s a hefty fine if you get caught without one, and Texas doesn’t currently have reciprocity with any other states for permits. Palo Duro Just outside Amarillo, Texas lies the Palo Duro Canyon. Unbeknownst to most Americans, the Palo Duro is the second largest canyon in the United States. Sorry Texans, apparently not everything is bigger in Texas. For adventurers like you, it’s got one major advantage, you can wheel around and in the canyon itself. While you can take on all kinds of routes while you’re there, we recommend checking out the official loop. The Palo Duro OHV loop is a 15.8 mile loops that’s primarily two-track, and offers beautiful canyon view and challenging obstacles along the way. As an added bonus, check the schedule for the Figure 3 Ranch Cowboy Breakfast. You can grab sausage, eggs, and biscuits prepared en masse with other people checking out the sights. Barnwell Mountain The Barnwell Mountain recreation area is about two hours east of Dallas, and just outside of Gilmer, Texas. One of the coolest things about this large area for offroading is that there are trails for offroaders at all levels. If you’re just getting started, we’d recommend hitting the Omega trail first. It’s an easy intro trail that will help get your feet wet before you move onto the more difficult trails in the area. Once you’re a little more comfortable, check out Wile E. Coyote for a hill climb that can test your skills. If you’re headed out to Barnwell Mountain, make a weekend of it. Camping in the park is easy, and RV accessible, so you’ll be comfortable and surrounded by great trails all weekend long. Buffalo Springs Just outside of Lubbock, you can hop on the trails at Buffalo Springs Lake, which has amenities the whole family can love for the weekend. Whether you have an RV and trailer for your toys, or you’re in the lower budget, tent camping category, there’s comfortable camping that’s easily accessible for you. You’ll also find easy boat launches and great fishing for those that might be into the trails (or for you after you’ve gotten your fill). Buffalo Springs has over 13 miles of trails for wheelers of all levels, so load up your friends, camp for the weekend, and take in everything that the area has to offer. Northwest OHV Park Northwest OHV Park is just outside of Bridgeport, Texas, and offers over 25 miles of trails spread over 300 acres. It’s open on the weekends only, but it’s got something for offroaders of all skill levels. If you’re looking to camp, make sure to check the availability, and know that camping is only permitted on the second Saturday of each month. Make sure to pick up a Texas OHV permit if you don’t have one already before you get to the park. There’s no sales in the park, and the closest place to get one is about 5 miles away. Hidden Falls Adventure Park If you’re looking for fun for the whole family on the trails, look no further than Hidden Falls Adventure Park. It’s less than 60 miles northwest of Austin, making it accessible for people all over the state, but it makes a great destination for a long weekend, too. If you’ve got friends who are just thinking about getting into offroading, bring them -- Hidden Falls offers rentals! In a state where everything claims to be bigger, Hidden Falls is actually the largest offroad park in the state. Since it’s privately owned, you can ride in the park without an OHV permit, which can add to the convenience if you’ve decided to go wheeling on a whim. With over 240 miles of trails ranging in difficulty from easy intro rides to truly challenging, there’s something for everyone here. They have guides available when you check in that show you the best trails for your rig, so you’re never flying blind once you get there. As the name suggests, there are seasonal waterfalls and creeks, but they’re dependent on rainfall and weather conditions, so if you’re only in it for the Instagram photos, you might want to call ahead and see which falls are actually flowing before you get there. If you somehow get bored with the trails while you’re spending your days at Hidden Falls Adventure Park, you can plink off a few rounds at the on-site shooting range. This place truly has Texas in a nutshell, plus all the amenities you could want - bathrooms and showers, a campground with online reservations, even a row of air compressors to air back up when it’s time to head home. Before you go anywhere offroad, make sure you’ve got your truck loaded with the essentials, and don’t ever rely on strangers on the internet for navigation advice. Pick up a map on your way in, and know how to read it before you get there. No matter where your adventures take you, when you’re ready to hit the trails, we’ve got all the gear and expertise you need. Call or email our helpful team of off road experts, and we’ll get all your questions answered so you can have a great time on the trails without worrying about all the details. View the full article
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Where to Wheel: Tennessee
Our 4 Favorite Places to Offroad in Tennessee Once you’ve got your truck together, and the trails start calling your name, where do you want to go? In this series, we’ve done the research for you. Today, we’re looking at good old Rocky Top -- the state of Tennessee, where the terrain is so diverse there’s something for everyone to love. Wooly’s Off Road Club If you’re in the Nashville area, look no further than Wooly’s Off Road Club in Lynnville. It’s just about an hour south of the city, but it’s like being in a completely different world. Inside the private park, you’ll find trails for rigs of all sizes - from side by sides to full size trucks. Wooly’s has miles of trails covering about 500 acres of terrain, with everything from rock ledges guaranteed to get you off camber to wooded trails with enough scenery for your whole crew to love. If you’re looking for a place to camp for the weekend, it’s included with the next day’s trail pass. They’ve got showers for you and hoses for cleaning up your rig before you head home from the trails. Adventure Offroad Park Chattanooga is renowned for all of its outdoor beauty, but if you’re looking to go wheeling instead of hiking, you’re going to want to head outside of town a little bit. Adventure Offroad Park is about an hour west of Chattanooga, it’s got over 500 acres to wheel at your leisure. There are over 120 trails to choose from, and they’re set up for jeeps, buggies, bouncers, side by sides. Adventure Offroad Park, or AOP, as its regularly called, is open on the weekends, but they host lots of events, so if you’ve got a weekend in mind where you’re planning to head out, call ahead and make sure they can accommodate your group before you get ahead of yourself. If you’re able to get out there, make sure to make a weekend of it. AOP has acres of beautiful green camping land, RV hookups, bathrooms, showers, and more. Windrock Park Windrock Park is located about an hour and a half outside of Pigeon Forge in Oliver Springs. The park is open daily, 365 days a year, so you can go wheeling without having to worry about scheduling around other events or being limited to just the weekends. But the best part of all is that the park has over 73,000 acres, and over 300 miles of trails. The park welcomes wheeling of all kinds -- from ATVs and side by sides to buggies and jeeps, and everything in between. While you’re there, you can stay in your RV with full hookups, go with primitive camping, or even stay in a yurt (think permanent tent for rent, waiting on your arrival). They’ve got bathhouses, and a general store that sells anything you could want while you’re at the park. The trails at Windrock range in difficulty from “your stock truck can totally manage it” all the way up to “a real challenge for you fully built rig.” To make navigation easier, they actually have an app for the park available with full trail maps. Because of the size of the park, you’ll be glad to have so much information at your fingertips. Bikini Bottoms Off Road Park If you’re in West Tennessee, or living just over the river, you’ve got to add Bikini Bottoms to your list of off-road destinations. It’s a great park to check out for the weekend, with miles of wooded trails, deep mud pits, and plenty of room for camping. For those of you with antsy kids, they’ve even got a zipline to help keep your younger less enthusiastic family members entertained during your stay. Each weekend, the park hosts special events with music, racing, and camping for anyone who wants to stick around. There’s both primitive camping and a cabin that can be rented out with a reservation ahead of time. If you’re headed to Bikini Bottoms, bear in mind that they do require whip flags, at least 96” long -- you won’t be allowed to wheel without one. Before you go anywhere offroad, make sure you’ve got your truck loaded with the essentials, and don’t ever rely on strangers on the internet for navigation advice. Pick up a map on your way in, and know how to read it before you get there. No matter where your adventures take you, when you’re ready to hit the trails, we’ve got all the gear and expertise you need. Call or email our helpful team of off road experts, and we’ll get all your questions answered so you can have a great time on the trails without worrying about all the details. View the full article
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Where to Wheel: Illinois
Our Top 4 Picks for Where to Offroad in Illinois Once you’ve got your truck together, and the trails start calling your name, where do you want to go? In this series, we’ve done the research for you. Today, we’re looking at the beautiful state of Illinois. The Cliffs Insane Terrain Just an hour west of Chicago, in Marseilles, Illinois, you’ll find The Cliffs Insane Terrain Offroad Park. It’s about 300 acres, and offers terrain for all kinds of off road toys and full size trucks alike. The park has mud bogs, creek crossings, and wide open fields you can tear through. If you’re setup for crawling, there are rock gardens to test out your skills and your truck’s build, all in the shade of the beautiful forest. Unfortunately there is no camping at the park, but if you’ve decided to make a weekend of it, you can camp just up the road the Illini State Park or Four Star Campground. The park is only open on the weekends under normal circumstances, but if you’ve got a group of 15 or more, they will open on weekdays. Two Rivers Jeep Club For the Jeepers amongst us, this one’s definitely something the rest won’t even get a chance to understand for most of the year. The Two Rivers Jeep club is privately owned and operated for the sole use of Jeep owners. It’s a private, and the numbers stay limited to make sure that the land can stay in good shape for years to come. The good news for all of us who aren’t eligible to join the Jeep club is this: twice a year, Two Rivers opens up to the rest of the offroad community. In May, the Safari takes the challenging trails up a notch with wet weather. In August, the dry weather during the Blast means more open trails, and even more room for adventures. Both events have limited spaces available, and they’re high demand, so if you want to check out the miles of beautifully maintained trails, make sure to register early. Little Egypt Offroad In southern Illinois, just outside of the Shawnee national forest, you’ll find Little Egypt Offroad Park. Little Egypt was formed with an OHV grant after the Shawnee National Forest was closed to offroading in 1997. It started with 400 acres, but it’s grown to over 900 in the time since. There are over 50 miles of trails from mild to wild inside the park, and there’s something for drivers at every skill level. If you’ve got friends that with dirt bikes, there are more trails here than they’ll know what to do with. There’s primitive camping and camping with electric hookups, plus showers for anyone who’s camping out. It’s a great place to spend the weekend, and the fees are all low enough to bring everybody along for a great time on the trails. Rocky Glen OHV Rocky Glen OHV area is in Rockford, and it’s got just over 120 acres of land with miles of trails, but the best part is the obstacles and the technical skills area. If you’re just getting your feet wet with offroading, it’s a great place to get your training wheels underneath you (and then get them removed so you can hit the real trails). One major caveat, though. The park is designed exclusively for off highway vehicles. Trucks, jeeps, and other SUVs are unfortunately not allowed at this one. The park offers a beginners’ training area, an obstacle course for once you’re more comfortable, and an advanced technical skills area. While there is nowhere to camp onsite, there are tons of campgrounds in the area, so you can spend as much time here as you want. If you’re headed straight home after your time on the trails, there’s showers to clean up before you head home. Before you go anywhere off road, make sure you’ve got your truck loaded with the essentials, and don’t ever rely on strangers on the internet for navigation advice. Pick up a map on your way in, and know how to read it before you get there. No matter where your adventures take you, when you’re ready to hit the trails, we’ve got all the gear and expertise you need. Call or email our helpful team of off road experts, and we’ll get all your questions answered so you can have a great time on the trails without worrying about all the details. View the full article
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What Type of Wheels Should You Buy?
When you’re building your truck up for the first time, one of the most important and also most confusing parts of the build. Don’t get overwhelmed! With our helpful guide, you’ll be choosing your next set of wheels and hitting the trails. How Much You Should Spend Buying a new set of wheels for your rig can be as much of an investment as you choose to make it. Brand new wheels can run from about fifty dollars each to tens of thousands per wheel. For most aftermarket wheels, you can expect to spend $500 to $1500 on wheels for a full set. After the first purchase, you’ll need to figure in the cost of purchasing tires as needed, mounting and balancing tires, and potentially an alignment while you’re there. For simplicity, let’s say you’re just mounting and balancing tires. You can expect the service to run you $12 to $50 per tire on average at a mass retailer. Steel Versus Alloy Steel wheels are the cheapest and most durable wheel option on the market. They generally run from about $50 each and they’re great for standing up to winter conditions, and particularly for heavy or hard-working vehicles. Because steel wheels are so much heavier than alloys in the same sizes, they can put additional strain on your car or truck’s suspension, even making acceleration more difficult and changing your center of gravity, which can affect handling. During the winter though, all that extra weight can mean extra traction when you need it most on cold, icy roads. They’re not the greatest aesthetically, but if what you’re looking for is function over form,steel wheels might be just what you need. Consider this: police departments run steel wheels on their fleets of cars; they’re cheap to run through with heavy use, and durable enough to handle running over curbs regularly. Most people looking to change their wheels will be looking for an alloy wheel. While they cost more (generally over $500 for a full set), they save in the long run on fuel economy alone. If you’re exclusively using your truck for the trails, though, that might not be the most useful way to make a decision. Unfortunately, they can bend and crack more easily, and that’s a serious tradeoff when you’re looking at offroad abuse. That said, they usually feature designs that add both style and function when you’re working on your truck. Cast Versus Forged Wheels There are two primary ways to manufacturer wheels -- casting and forging. Let’s get into the differences. Cast wheels are made by pouring molten aluminum into a mold that’s shaped like the wheel it will ultimately be. Once it cools, it’s removed from the mold, and the finishing touches are made. It can be trimmed, cleaned up and drilled out for mounting. The process is quick, which makes for less expensive production, and a less expensive wheel for the buyer. Cast wheels are more porous because of the curing process, so they’re more susceptible to cracks and other structural issues when they’re put up to extreme use. For normal driving conditions, that porosity isn’t something to worry about. If you’ve got the budget to spring for a little more, you can look into forged wheels. Forged wheels start as solid block of billet aluminum, which is shaped into the wheel form and pressurized for added strength before it’s machines out into the final wheel design. Forged wheels are significantly lighter and stronger than cast wheels, and the look can’t be matched with cast wheels. If you’ve got a serious race truck, they’re well worth it. For most people, it’s just a matter of aesthetics. Beadlocks Aren’t for Everybody One of the most unique options out there for wheels are beadlocks. True beadlocks allow a tire to stay on a wheel with lower tire pressure, and in more extreme conditions, like drag racing or off roading. They work by clamping the bead of the tire between pieces of the wheel. They work well in those conditions. But if you don’t need them? They’re a pain to install and deal with. You can always find a faux beadlock if it’s the look you’re after, without all the additional cost and headache. Finish It Off No matter what material and style of wheel you choose to go with, the world is your oyster when it comes to finish (and color) options. In the last twenty years, we’ve gone from choosing between chrome and painted steel wheels, any color in the rainbow. It’s not as simple as picking a color and going with it, though. Different finishes mean different care and maintenance, so make sure you know what you’re getting yourself into. Chrome is the brightest option out there, but it’s the most difficult to care for. As with any chrome part, keeping up the mirror finish is a little bit of work if you’re looking for show-quality looks. That said, unless you’re living in the great white north, and battling the elements (and the road grime, chemicals, and salt that come with them), upkeep isn’t terrible. Polished aluminum is one of the most popular choices out there, but it requires a little but more work. When they’re in great shape, polished aluminum wheels will be almost chrome looking, but that means careful and consistent hand polishing before you head out for the nearest cars and coffee. Painted wheels are an easy-care option that’s meant to be very durable and live up to whatever your day to day drive entails. If you’re living in an area that requires winter tires, consider painted wheels for the winter setup. Just make sure they’ve got an extra layer of clear coat to add to the corrosion resistance in the face of salt and chemicals. Powder coated wheels are easy to care for, and the finish is extremely durable. They’re meant to take what life throws at them, and do it in style. Powder coaters generally offer a wide range of color choice, so you can get as custom as you’d like if you’re going this route. Powder coating is also one of the most environmentally friendly metal finishes available, if that’s something that matters to you. Anodized aluminum is one of the less popular options that’s on the market, but it might be right for you. Anodizing chemically integrates color into the surface of the metal, and allows for a huge range of custom color choices. Because it’s not a “coating” in the traditional sense of the word, it won’t mask any flaws on the surface of the wheel, so it’s not something you can use to bandaid any scratches, scuffs, dents, or dings. If you store your car outdoors, be careful if you’re choosing anodizing, and be careful with color choice. UV rays from the sun really take a toll on the color of your anodizing with time. On top of that, certain colors will degrade faster, so ask for an expert opinion before you make an expensive commitment. Wheels are For More Than Looks Or, they can be. Most people upgrade and modify their wheels and tires purely for aesthetics. But they can be a great way to get a little more performance out of your truck. Bigger wheels can mean more torque -- meaning better launching and acceleration. Larger diameter wheels often mean wider wheels, which mean a larger contact patch, and better traction. Contrary to popular belief, wheels can be used for better performance, it’s just a matter of knowing what you want out of your build when you go to buy wheels. If you’re ready to get upgrade your wheels and tires, but you aren’t sure where you should get started to set up your rig for the long haul -- we can help! Give our helpful team of offroading enthusiasts a call, or shoot us an email, and we will get you on the trail as fast as we can, with all the gear that makes sense for you. View the full article
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Custom 2020 RAM 3500 For Sale
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
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The Importance of Self Maintenance
By Grafton Pannell, OPP Ambassador Over the years I’ve had a lot of 4WDs. I first got addicted to Toyotas via Land Cruisers and I’ve never really looked back. Right now I’ve got a 2000 Toyota Tacoma that I’m in the process of building alongside Offroad Power Products. A few of my favorite parts we thew on are a Warn VR Evo 10 S winch, KMC Roswell 720 wheels and Baja Designs Squadron Sport lights. Oftentimes with a rig like mine it feels like progress comes with one step forward and two steps back. It seems like every time I install the next “cool” part, some part of the truck decides it’s maintenance time. Older vehicles tend to need a lot of time in the shed. I bought my current truck in Montana this last year for 4k. If you know the Toyota market at all, that should sound like highway robbery. It’s a 2000 V6 5 Spd TRD e-locker truck with a sunroof, a bit of a rare bird to buy for such a low price, but here's the catch… it had 325k when I bought it. The truck drove home with no issues and has since had very few real big problems. However, but there's always a short list of things I could rattle off that need some love. For me, I love the process. Whether it’s continuing to build the truck into what I want it to be or simply maintaining the rig to be more reliable, it’s all fun. I often get asked why I don’t just buy a new car with a warranty. (usually I’m being asked when one of my cars is out for maintenance of course) For me, the answer is simple, I hate debt. Even though there are months where I might spend more money and definitely more time keeping my truck on the road that I would a new truck, I feel better about knowing that I’m not paying for the depreciation of a new car and instead hopefully I am upping the value of something by doing my own work. The hard part for me is staying focused. I’ve sold so many cars because I felt like I ran out of money or time because the “build process” wasn’t moving along quickly. That’s why they’re called project cars though, if you bought one already finished, you’d miss out on the learning process and most of the fun. Another question I’m often asked is “are you just teaching yourself how to do all of this?” I own and operate a mobile bike shop for work so turning wrenches is something that I’m already doing all day. That said, just about the only crossover is being willing to dive headfirst into something new and figure your way out with the resources available to you. So yes, I have taught myself most everything I know about working on cars. From something as simple as replacing CV axles, to replacing an engine, or even learning how to weld, I’ve leaned heavily on friends and family for help when they can or the internet when no one I know has the answers. Youtube is a wild place, you can learn just about anything on there these days haha. In closing, my encouragement to anyone wanting to learn how to work on their own 4WD or any vehicle, would be to just go for it. Find the first thing you want to do on your own whether it’s an oil change, changing brake pads, or something like replacing injectors and send it. The first few times I fixed something on my own, the first drive back in the car was always a little nerve wracking, “Did I do it right? Did I tighten all the bolts enough? I put the oil drain plug back on right?” but that’ll pass with time. For me it has certainly been liberating finding new ways to understand my trucks and save a lot of money in the process. If this post inspired you at all to do something on your own, find me on instagram @grafton and share it with me! I’d love to see it. Cheers. Want to learn more about Grafton's Tacoma build? Check out his OPP Ambassador page for a video, build details and more! View the full article
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What You Need To Know About MaxTrax
So, what is a MAXTRAX Recovery Board? The MAXTRAX recovery Board is an anti-skid traction plate designed to extract or recover a stuck or bogged vehicle in a safe, simple, and quick manner. The technique is fairly simple: Clear the sand, mud, or snow from the front of one of the stuck tires using the shovel-shaped end of the MATRAX. Once the area in front of the tire is clear, wedge either end of the MAXTRAX firmly against the tire’s tread face. Apply the same technique to the other tire, then shift into your vehicle into its lowest gear, and gently begin to accelerate slowly. The traction treads on the MAXTRAX will interlock with your tire tread, and your vehicle will climb up and out of whatever it was bogged down in. The beauty of recovery boards are their simplicity. They make it possible for one person to rescue a stuck vehicle without the use of a winch or recovery strap. What are MAXTRAX made of? Every MAXTRAX is injection-molded in Australia from engineering-grade reinforced polymer. This durable polymer is lightweight, strong, and UV-stabilized so it can withstand years in the sun. The polymer used by MAXTRAX is made from fiber-reinforced-nylon formula that has more strength and flex than the ABS plastic that many cheaper recovery boards are made from. What separates MAXTRAX from other brands? MAXTRAX have been designing and testing their recovery boards for over 15 years, which makes them old-timers in the polymer recovery board world. They make their boards in Australia, not China, they offer a wider variety of colors than most other brands, and they stand behind their boards with a lifetime warranty against manufacturing faults and workmanship. MAXTRAX is the only vehicle recovery board on the market to be endorsed by the International 4 Wheel Drive Trainer’s Association. Do MAXTRAX come in different sizes? The MAXTRAX XTREME is the largest and most durable board in the MAXTRAX catalog. The XTREME, which features alloy teeth and thicker polymer at key pressure points is designed to take more abuse than the other MAXTRAX models, which makes it the go-to board for serious off-roaders and drivers with large, heavy vehicles. The XTREME’s alloy teeth dramatically increase tire traction and make the board significantly more resistant to wheel-spin damage. However, if one of the 88 anodized alloy teeth does get damaged, you can simply flip the board over and use a T-50 Torx bit to remove and replace the damaged tooth. The teeth are inserted robotically into specially made sockets in the injection mold, then over-molded into the body of the board. This ensures that the polymer conforms to the thread of each tooth and virtually eliminates the risk of a tooth unwinding from the body of the track. Size and Weight: 45L x 13W x 4.5H, 10LB (4.5KG) per board, 20LB (9.0KG) per pair The MAXTRAX MKII is the flagship model in the MAXTRAX line, it is the original recovery board that established the MAXTRAX name. The MKII features an array of polymer treads for traction and three longitudinal beams for added strength. Like all MAXTRAX boards, the MKII features six handles (three on each side) that make maneuvering and handling the board easy and comfortable. In most off-roading situations, the MKII offers ample traction, even with vehicles in the 6,000-pound range. The MKII doesn’t have anodized teeth like the XTREME, but the strength to flex ratio is impressive and the traction is second-to-none. Size and Weight: 45L x 13W x 3.5H, 7.5LB (3.4KG) per board, 15LB (6.8KG) per pair The MAXTRAX Mini Recovery Board is specifically designed for UTVs and small crossover vehicles like the Toyota Highlander and the Ford Explorer. Think of the Mini as a compact version of the MKII and you’ll have the basic idea. Like the MKII, the MINI is made in Australia from UV-Stable, flexible, reinforced nylon. It is considerably shorten the MKII, but still features an aggressive array of forty-four reinforced nylon treads. One of the major benefits of the smaller size of the Mini is that it can easily be stowed away behind a seat or in the trunk. Size and Weight: 25L x 13W x 3.5H, 4.4LB (2KG) per board, 8.8LB (4KG) per pair What Accessories Are Available for MAXTRAX? All MAXTRAX come standard with multiple mounting options, six glove-friendly handles, and an attached leash, but MAXTRAX also offers a number of accessories that work in tandem with their boards. Linking spikes allow multiple MAXTRAX to be linked together in a line. Mounting pins can be added to a factory roof rack or a tire rack. Additional leashes can be added to make the boards easier to find and extract in muddy conditions. How to use a MAXTRAX recovery board 1.) Hold a MAXTRAX using one of the six built-in handles and use the shovel on either end of the board to clear dirt and debris from underneath the chassis and tires. 2.) Attach at least one MAXTRAX Leash to your board. This makes retrieval easier in mud and deep sand. 3.) Once you've cleared away the debris in front the wheel, wedge either end of the MAXTRAX firmly against the tread face of your tire, making sure that the teeth are making solid contact with the tread on the tire. If necessary, repeat this process on the second tire using the second board. 4.) Shift your vehicle into its lowest gear, and then gently begin to accelerate while the MAXTRAX interlock with your tire tread. You'll soon begin to feel your vehicle being lifted out and up. Remember: Try to avoid breaking traction by spinning your wheels. Excessive wheel spin will cause unnecessary damage to your MAXTRAX and won't get you out any faster. FAQs FAQ: Do MAXTRAX have a weight limit? MAXTRAX are designed and warrantied for standard 4x4 vehicles and light trucks that weigh under 3500kg/ 7750lbs. This being said, YouTube is full of videos of MAXTRAX being used on oversized trucks and massive Unimogs. FAQ: Will the sun damage a set of MAXTRAX if they are mounted on the outside of a vehicle? Every MAXTRAX features a UV stabilizer that shields the boards from the UV rays of the sun. So, yes, they are designed to be sun-resistant. However, their long-term resilience will be gradually affected by how much sun they are exposed to. Left in the sun for years, they will eventually fade a little and lose some of their ductility. FAQ: Do MAXTRAX work in snow? MAXTRAX were originally designed and tested in sand and mud but they can also be used in snow if snow conditions are favorable. In extremely cold and dry winter conditions, the polymer may slide a bit on the snow. Heavier wet snow, however, will "grab" better, which will prevent board slide and give you the traction necessary to get out of a snow drift or a ditch. FAQ: Is one set of MAXTRAX enough or is a set needed for both the front and back wheels. In most circumstances, one pair (2 boards) of MAXTRAX will provide plenty of traction. However, two pairs (4 boards) will always make vehicle extraction easier. MAXTRAX recommends two pairs if you are going on an extreme or lengthy expedition (remote areas, desert crossings, etc.). View the full article
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Tembo Tusk Salmon Cakes Recipe
Tired of the usual flavorless freeze-dried camp food? Try this simple and delicious Asian-inspired recipe. These salmon cakes are ideal after a long day on the trail or while out camping. Only taking a short time to make, while still taking your camp kitchen skills to the next level. Perfect served with rice and vegetables of your choice. Recipe Preparation time: 10 minutes Cook time: 10 minutes Total time: 20 min Feeds: 1-2 people. Makes 2 Salmon Cakes Ingredients: 7-8 ounces cooked salmon 1/4 to 1/3 cup of toasted bread crumbs 1 egg 1 teaspoon lemon juice 1 tablespoon mayonnaise 2 cloves finely minced garlic 2 scallions, sliced 1 teaspoon finely minced fresh ginger 3 tablespoons minced cilantro Salt & freshly ground pepper to taste 1 tablespoon coconut oil 2-4 tablespoons hoisin sauce Instructions In a large bowl combine salmon, mayonnaise, garlic, scallions, toasted bread crumbs, egg, lemon juice, ginger, cilantro, salt and pepper to taste, then combine thoroughly. Gently form into two salmon cakes roughly ½ inch thick each. Heat Tembo Tusk Skottle wok over medium heat, when hot add coconut oil. Place both salmon cakes near the center of the Tembo Tusk Skottle Grill, sear for 4-5 minutes on each side. Let cool for 2 minutes, drizzle with hoisin sauce then enjoy alongside your choice of grain and vegetable. The salmon cake mixture can be stored for up to 2 days in the refrigerator, so whip this up and bring it along on your next adventure! View the full article
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Camping with Dogs
Camping with dogs is a lot fun for human and canine alike. All it takes is a little planning, some common sense, and the right gear. Dog Camping Best Practice Don’t leave a dog unwatched at a campsite: It’s not only potentially disruptive for other campers, but it could also endanger your dog if wildlife wanders into camp. Pack Ample Water. Your dog camping kit should include a lightweight/collapsible bowl for water. It’s smart to carry a dog-specific water bottle too. Use doggy bags: Don’t kid yourself - just because a dog is an animal doesn’t mean that dog waste is a natural part of the environment. Dog poop is disgusting, unsightly, and when it is left on the ground near a creek, river, or lake, it eventually breaks down and pollutes the water. Always have a leash handy and use it often: Campgrounds nearly universally require that dogs remain on leashes of no longer than 6 feet. The leash laws on trails can vary, but as a general rule-of-thumb always be prepared to leash your dog. Sleep in close proximity to your dog: Most areas usually require that dogs sleep with you either in the tent, camper, or vehicle. Sleeping with your dog helps to quiet your dog, and keep it safe. Don’t leave dog food out at the campsite: Leaving food out invites wildlife to your campsite. While squirrels and mice won’t cause you much trouble, bigger critters can be more problematic. Always Research Your Destination’s Dog Rules Whatever kind of camping trip you have in mind, be sure to do a little research before departure. There’s nothing worse than pulling up to a trailhead and being greeted by a No Dogs Allowed sign. When it comes to camping with dogs, rules regarding dogs vary from place to place. Some national parks, for instance, are more dog-friendly than others. Most developed campgrounds allow dogs, but leash laws within campgrounds vary greatly. In some areas, off-season dog rules are different from peak season. Broadly speaking, the following is usually true regarding the rules of dog camping (but again, do research before departing): Most national parks allow leashed dogs. Some national parks allow leashed dogs on certain trails. Taking dogs in national park backcountry is typically forbidden. These same rules usually apply to state parks as well. This national parks map is an excellent resource. U.S. Forest Service land and BLM land are both usually more welcoming to dogs than national parks. Since they collective manage well over 400 million acres of land, this means that public land is a fantastic option when you’re considering taking your four-legged friend. This being said, it’s still important to check rules in advance and to be respectful of the other campers and the environment. Dog-specific Camp Gear First Aid Kit: Wise campers always carry a well-stocked first aid kit. The same holds true when camping with dogs. The U.S. Forest Service recommends carrying the following canine-specific first aid items when dog camping: Tweezers for tick removal A multitool that has a needle-nose pliers for extracting porcupine quills or thorns An emergency blanket for treating shock or cold Booties to protect/cover injured paws A packable first aid book with instructions for pets The name, phone number, and directions for a nearby vet or pet clinic Collar light: A collar light is a lightweight and affordable way to keep your dog visible at night. They are particularly handy in areas in which the rules allow a dog to be off leash. An extra towel: Unless you like sleeping with a wet, muddy dog, make sure that you have towel to clean up your dog before it enters the tent. Lightweight/collapsible food and water bowl: If you’re packing light, there’s really no need for two dog dishes – use a packable bowl that pulls double-duty for food and water Dog backpacks: A dog backpack makes a dog more visible at the campsite and on the trail, and it allows your dog to carry poop bags schlep its own food. Dog sleeping pad:Allowing your dog to cozy up to your sleeping bag is fine. But If you’d prefer your dog not to snuggle with you, pack a small inflatable mat and cover it with a lightweight blanket or pack towel. View the full article
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Camp Kitchen Essentials
Nothing brings people together like a great meal cooked outdoors. Get ready for your next adventure with these camp kitchen essentials. Tembo Tusk Skottle Originating in South Africa, a skottle is a large, circular cooking disc traditionally used straight over a fire. Tembo Tusk’s modern take on the Skottle adds the convenience of a gas canister and legs. If you're unfamiliar with the Skottle, think of a heavy-duty wok and you've got the basic idea. You can cook pretty much anything on a Skottle that you can cook on a traditional grill but you can also whip up scrambles, fried rice, and noodle dishes. In other words, the skottle pretty much does it all. The Skottle is fabricated in the USA and comes pre-seasoned so it can be used immediately. The Tembo Tusk Camp Table is a premium, made-in-America camping table with an attractive bamboo table top. Its unique hook and hoop system allows multiple tables to be daisy-chained together either length-wise or width-wise The Camp Table comes with an extremely durable carry bag with integral leg storage in the cover. Most camp tables are flimsy and poorly built—not this table. Quality materials and careful craftsmanship elevate the Tembo Tusk table into a class of its own. Tembo Tusk Skottle Leg Table A Skottle makes camp cooking easy. Adding a Skottle Leg Table makes it even easier. Made of half-inch bamboo and capable of holding a static weight of 25 pounds, this ingenious table attaches to the leg of a Skottle. It’s perfect for holding a condiments, seasonings, cooking tools, or cutlery, and its height is easily adjustable. Now you no longer need to balance everything in one hand and cook with the other! And it even fits in the carry bag used with the Skottle. Skottle Lid & Steam Tray Level up your Skottle cooking game with a Steam Tray and Lid. These handy accessories turn a skottle into a multi-functional cooking machine that allows you to steam vegetables, cook quicker, smoke meat, and even bake cookies and cinnamon rolls. The lid is made of stainless steel with a heat resistant Bakelite handle and features a built-in loop that lets you hang it up when you’re not using it. The TailGater Tire Table The TailGater Tire Table is a durable steel travel table that cantilevers off a tire on your vehicle or camper. It's easy to store, it packs flat, and it sets up quickly. It's perfect for tailgating, impromptu outdoor gatherings, and camping—it even doubles as a convenient workbench if you're working on your vehicle. It holds up to fifty pounds, it fits most tires 14” and up, it weighs under 12 pounds, and it can be assembled in seconds. The Tailgater Table is a simple, ingenious accessory that you'll be able to enjoy for years to come. Outback Adventure Trailgater Table The Trailgater Table is a hide-away kitchen table designed specifically for Jeep Wranglers. It attaches inside the tailgate, so it’s invisible when the tailgate is closed. Open the tailgate, and a spacious stainless steel cooking table folds down and a bamboo cutting board conveniently slides out from under the table. The entire assembly is easily attached and held in place with two rattle- free spring latch pins. Now you can serve trail snacks or cook an entire meal from you tailgate. The 600 square inches of working surface provides ample room for a camp stove as well as cooking utensils, mixing bowls, plates, cups, and more. It’s the perfect accessory for your next off road Jeep adventure! Dometic Fridges & Freezers An ice-chilled cooler is fine for short excursions, but ice only stays cold for so long. For this reason, electric coolers have become increasingly popular in the last few years. Featuring generous fridge capacity, a freezer, digital temperature displays, reinforced corners, and steel hinges, the Dometic CFX3 Powered Cooler Fridge will turn your backcountry basecamp into a gourmet restaurant. No more melted ice. No more warm beer. Grizzly Coolers American-made Grizzly Coolers are made of rotationally molded plastic, which makes them incredibly strong and provides optimum cold retention. The rotomolding process guarantees that every cooler can hold up to the toughest abuse, including bears. Grizzly Coolers go through strict IGBC bear resistance testing to make sure they are 100% bear proof. But Grizzly Coolers aren’t only protective against wild animals; they are protective against the heat of the sun as well. If you need a cooler that will keep things cold on long journeys and hot summer adventures, then a Grizzly Coolers is what you need. View the full article
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Don't Be That Guy
Get Ready for Springtime Off-Road Adventure We all want to get outside more than ever. Winter is coming to a close. Spring is right around the corner. But when the opportunity finally comes, will you be ready? Don’t procrastinate. There’s no better time than now to go over your checklists, repair old gear, and update gear if necessary. The following list of must-have off-roading essentials will guarantee that your next adventure is comfortable, fun, and trouble-free. Bubba Rope Tow Ropes and Shackles Everyone who drives off road eventually gets stuck. For a lot of us, it’s part of the fun. But when you do get stuck, you’ll need a safe and effective way to extract your rig, which is where Bubba Rope comes in. Bubba Rope has the highest breaking strength in the industry, it’s protected from abrasion with PowerStretch® Gator-ized© vinyl rope armor, and—in contrast to cheap recovery straps—it stretches dynamically as you pull. Experienced off roaders know that a little stretch eliminates unwanted jarring, prevents potential vehicle damage, and allows for a smoother overall recovery. Bubba Rope Gator-Jaw Soft Shackles are another essential in your recovery kit. When connecting a rope to a vehicle, a synthetic shackle like the Gator-Jaw is stronger and safer than metal. Also, the Gator-Jaw is light, so it floats, and since it is not metal it won’t rust. Most importantly, with a breaking strength of 52,300lbs, the Gator-Jaw is stronger than steel. My Medic First Aid Kits Every vehicle needs a first aid kit, but if your adventures take you far away from the nearest medical clinic, a quality first aid kit is essential. My Medic offers a wide array of professional-grade kits engineered for a variety needs. Whether you’re planning a solo adventure or an extended trip with a large group, My Medic has exactly what you’ll need. Front Runner Water Jerry Can & Aquamira Water Filters When it comes to safety, water is by far the most important element in the survival equation. With a capacity of 5.3 gallons, the Front Runner Water Jerry Can is a durable, trail-tested way to transport enough water for extended adventures. Water only last so long, though, so it’s also smart to carry at least one water filter options to supplement your water supply when necessary. The Aquamira Straw Filter is small and light, perfect for packs and pockets. The Aquamira Water Bottle Filter will filter up to 120 gallons and holds 22 ounces. The ultimate setup is an Aquamirea In-line filter, which connects to any ¼” tube and filters up 1000 gallons of water. Dometic Fridges & Freezers An ice-chilled cooler is fine for short excursions, but ice only stays cold for so long. For this reason, electric coolers have become increasingly popular in the last few years. Featuring generous fridge capacity, a freezer, digital temperature displays, reinforced corners, and steel hinges, the Dometic CFX3 Powered Cooler Fridge will turn your backcountry basecamp into a gourmet restaurant. No more melted ice. No more warm beer. Oztent King Goanna Chair There are plenty of camp chairs on the market, but the vast majority of them are poorly made and uncomfortable. The Oztent King Goanna sets a new standard in camp chairs. Fully padded and featuring insulated drink holders and lumbar support, the King Goanna is more throne than chair. And with a weight rating of up to 330 pounds, it’s built with king-sized adventurers in mind (Order early because they are often backordered). SMRT Summit Suite Rooftop Tent A rooftop tent gets you off the ground away from bears and creepy crawly critters. The SMRT Summit Suite Roof Top Tent is sturdy, easy to access, and simple to set up. Featuring a comfortable high-density foam mattress, weather- proof walls, and a sturdy aluminum frame, the Summit Suite is more luxury hotel than tent. Take Away When your friends call for the first adventure of the season, be prepared to pack up and go! Never miss out on a perfect day because you waited to order your gear. Have questions about the best set-up for you? Give us a call! (855) 463-3762 View the full article
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Custom Jeep Gladiator For Sale
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
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How to Safely Store Your Rig in the Off-Season | GRID Off-Road
When winter comes around, you’ll need to store your off-roader for the season. Freezing conditions bring snow, sleet, ice and other unwanted conditions. You’ll need to care for your machine correctly to ensure it’s ready for the warmer spring days. With that in mind, here are six tips on storing your rig safely in the off-season. 1. Find Storage The first step is to find a place to store your off-roader. The best option for any vehicle is to lock it up in storage. Preferably, you’ll find one that’s climate-controlled to maintain your machine’s condition. These facilities are also suitable in the summertime when humidity can soar and harm your vehicle. Use your garage at home if storage facilities aren’t available, or use a car cover to keep your off-roader outside. Keep your rig on concrete or asphalt because dirt or gravel can adversely affect your machine. 2. Check Fluids Once you determine your storage, ensure your rig’s fluids are full. This includes your oil, gas, brake fluid and transmission fluid. If you plan to store your vehicle for a month or longer, top off these fluids before locking it up to ensure it’s ready when you return. Changing your oil before storage is wise, or else you risk corrosion. Ensure the oil is new and amber-colored — older oil becomes darker brown. Typically, gasoline begins to oxidize and evaporate after a couple of months, but you can improve the shelf life by using fuel stabilizers. They’ll add two years to your gas’s life and prevent old fuel from leaving behind unwanted clogs. 3. Strengthen Your Garage The garage is one of the safest places to store a rig in the off-season, but the door can experience wear and tear over time. For example, it can weaken and compromise its insulating capabilities. Before the cold weather arrives, you’ll want to ensure the garage can protect your machine.When studying insulation, you’ll want to look at the R-value. This factor tells you how much resistance the garage door has to heat flow. The necessary R-value depends on your area because winter isn’t the same nationwide, but you should aim for an R-value of at least 10 to keep the cold weather out. 4. Examine Tire Pressure The transition to cold weather can take a toll on your off-roader, especially the tires. Sudden temperature drops make your pounds per square inch (psi) fall. In fact, your psi can drop 1 pound for every 10 degrees Fahrenheit temps fall. Before storing your rig, fill up the tires to the manufacturer’s recommendations. When in doubt, overinflate your tires. When in doubt, overinflate your tires. The psi will drop over time, so overinflating slightly is wise. The last thing you’d want to see on your upgraded off-road wheels is flat spots, which often happen in winter. Flat spotting is at its worst in early fall and spring because temperatures are the most volatile. 5. Charge the Battery Wintertime can also critically impact your battery. It’s common to crank the engine only to find a dead battery. Before you store your machine, it’s wise to charge your car’s battery and check the level when you’re ready to take it out again. Maintenance is even more essential if you have an electric truck, considering how much the battery matters to the vehicle’s operation. You’ll want to visit your rig every few weeks and crank the engine when you store it. This will ensure everything operates smoothly. Another option you have is to unplug the battery entirely. It should have a full charge before disconnecting. You could also leave the battery intact and connect it to a trickle charger, giving it enough power to last the winter. 6. Protect Against Theft The climate threatens your big rig, but you’ll also want to beware of theft. Despite the cold weather, criminals will find any excuse to infiltrate your garage, driveway or storage facility. They could break into your off-roader and try to steal items or the entire vehicle. Luckily, there are ways you can protect the machine. Numerous anti-theft devices are on the market to safeguard any off-roader. For example, you could install a steering wheel lock to prevent thieves from moving it more than a few inches. Also, install a GPS tracker or air tags to locate your machine if someone steals it. Protecting Your Big Rig in the Off-season Car maintenance should be a priority all year, but it’s even more critical in the off-season. Cold weather can significantly affect your machine, so use these six tips to ensure it’s ready when spring arrives. Author Bio: Oscar Collins is the founder and editor-in-chief at Modded, where he writes about cars, luxury topics and more. Follow him on Twitter @TModded for frequent updates! View the full article
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A Brief History of the Evolution of Jeep Grilles
When you imagine a Jeep, what do you see? Jeep has managed to create a one-of-a-kind vehicle. Current manufacturing practices stay true to the authentic spirit of rugged exploration that gave Jeep its claim to fame. And yet, over time, many people have become fans to small changes in Jeep designs. Explore the brief history of the evolution of Jeep grilles to learn more about one of the most influential parts of a Jeep’s appearance. 1. Willys MB, Ford GPW (1941-1945) Willys-Overland Motors and Ford manufactured the first Jeeps, the Willys MB and the Ford GPW, as wartime vehicles for the United States and Allied forces in World War II. Willys-Overland modeled their prototype vehicle, known as the “Quad” after its 4x4 system, in response to the U.S. military’s request for an all-terrain vehicle. Jeeps became the primary lightweight vehicle used by the Allies. Jeeps were used as cargo trucks, field beds, personnel carriers, ambulances, and for other purposes. The successful use of Jeeps during the war gave this vehicle an origin story steeped in grit and endurance. The military respected and relied on Jeeps so much that in 1942, a Jeep received a Purple Heart for its service. The Jeep, named Old Faithful, took two shrapnel holes to its windshield during a shelling during the Guadalcanal Campaign. Though WWII Jeep grilles had slight variations, the battle-worn Jeep Old Faithful had nine grill slots. The grill also curved around the two headlamps which were mounted above two smaller lights. Though the grille design has changed over the years, anyone who knows a Jeep can recognize the influence of this design on current renditions. 2. Jeep CJ (1945-1986) The next look for the Jeep grille came with the next version of the Jeep vehicle, the Jeep CJ models. Various manufacturers produced this series of vehicles between 1945 and 1986. Willy-Overland built the first prototypes for the commercial version of the WWII military Jeep and called it the “CJ,” short for “civilian Jeep.” Among other consistencies between CJ versions, these vehicles typically had open bodies with removable tops. The CJ-1 was made with quick modifications to the MB. Shortly after their creation, Willys created the CJ-2 for agricultural purposes. The next iteration, the Jeep CJ-2A (1945), became the world’s first mass-produced civilian four-wheel drive. The CJ-2A sports the seven-slot grille that became one of the iconic designs of Jeeps. The CJ-2A’s grille curves around the large, round headlamps placed above two smaller driving lights. The grill narrows toward the bottom, accentuating the curve around the headlamps. 3. Jeep Wrangler YJ (1986-1995) and TJ (1996-2006) In 1987, the Jeep Wrangler YJ drove onto the scene as the first generation of Jeep Wranglers, succeeding the CJ series. With an updated interior and improved safety and handling, the Wrangler attracted more drivers who wanted to use the vehicle for everyday needs. One of the biggest visual differences between the CJ series and the Wrangler YJ is the design of the grille. The Jeep Wrangler YJ featured square headlamps. Coupled with a larger windshield, the YJs had a more rectangular appearance than their CJ predecessors. Additionally, the Laredo trim featured a chrome grille. The second generation of Jeep Wrangler was called the Wrangler TJ. The grille featured seven slots like the YJ, but the TJ headlamps went back to the square shape of the CJ headlamps. 4. Jeep Wrangler JK (2006-2018) and Wrangler JL (2017-present) The Jeep Wrangler JK, the third generation of the Wrangler, was produced between 2006 and 2018. It was succeeded by the Wrangler JL, first produced in 2017, and is still produced today. While Jeep JL and JK Wranglers have many similar features, there are notable differences in the exterior and interior designs and under the hood. Whereas the turn signals on the JK were on the grille, the Wrangler JL’s turn signals are located on the fender flares. And the inner edges of the JL headlights push into the nearest grille slots. Though people drive many models of Jeeps for daily driving and on off-road excursions, the Jeep Wrangler maintains its status as an iconic Jeep model. Whether you see a JK or JL, everything about these rigs, from the grille to the back fender, shows off an unforgettable style. 5. Jeep Gladiator JT (2019-present) The Jeep Gladiator (JT) is Jeep’s first pickup truck since the Comanche. The exterior and interior styling of the Gladiator are very similar to the JL. Since the truck is meant for hauling and towing, the Gladiator features enlarged grille slots that increase airflow and enhance engine cooling. Gladiator owners can also opt to mount a front-facing trail cam in one of the grille slots. The camera displays images on the vehicle’s touchscreen, letting the driver see what’s directly in front of the vehicle to assist in off-road driving. Some special editions of the Gladiator feature unique accents on the grille. The Gladiator Altitude has a body-color grille and fender flares, and the Gladiator Willys has a glossy black grille. 6. Aftermarket Grilles and Inserts As this brief history of the evolution of Jeep grilles shows, Jeep knows how to use grilles to make an impact. While the seven-slot grille remains the classic style for Jeeps, aftermarket manufacturers make it easier now than ever before for Jeep owners to customize their rigs. Grille inserts add a protective sheet behind the grille. Choose between matte or glossy inserts and consider whether you want the inserts to create an image across the grille. For a more dramatic change than what inserts can provide, replace your factory grille with an aftermarket grille. Owners can opt to keep the seven slots and incorporate other features, such as the angry eye design, to make their Jeeps look more aggressive. Or, for a completely different look, replace the slots with another design, such as shark teeth or a different configuration. You can change your Jeep grille with just a few basic tools. In under 20 minutes, you’ll have a new look. Before you purchase an aftermarket grille, ensure the grille will fit your make and model Jeep. For example, JK and JL grilles aren’t interchangeable. Whatever change you want to make to your Jeep’s grille, AM Off-Road carries an array of options. Our Jeep Wrangler Gladiator grilles feature durable construction and eye-catching designs. Shop with us today for your grille upgrade or browse the rest of our site and see the rest of our expansive selection of aftermarket car parts. View the full article
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Interior Accessories Your Jeep Should Have
Personalizing your Jeep’s cabin means a stylish and comfortable driving experience for you and your passengers. Consider upgrading your rig with these interior accessories your Jeep should have. Air Vent With Light Control the direction and intensity of heated or cooled air with an upgraded dashboard air vent. For a truly stylish improvement, opt for a vent with ambient light. With ambient light air vents, you can let the system cycle through mesmerizing colors or choose the hue you prefer. Simple controls make it easy for you to control the brightness of your lights. Dim lights create a gentler ambience, while bright lights provide an energetic display. Floor Mats If you love to go off-roading or you frequently drive in rural areas, floor mats are one of the best interior accessories your Jeep should have. Protect your rig’s carpet from mud, dirt, snow, water, debris, and spills. A non-slip design with durable hooks and fasteners means you won’t have to fight to keep the mats where they belong. Remove the floor mats for a quick and thorough cleaning, then put them back in your Jeep for a pristine look. Rear Seat Recline Kit Many people dislike riding in the back of a Wrangler because the back seat is at an almost perfect 90-degree angle. With just a few bolts and washers, you can install a rear seat recline kit that improves your passengers’ comfort by diminishing that stiff feeling. Quality bolts will minimize stress on factory seat brackets. The recline kit will adjust the tilt of the seat just enough to relieve pressure without compromising passenger safety. Interior Trim Kit Finally, outline various components of your vehicle’s dash, steering wheel, doors, and center console with an interior trim kit. The kit includes parts made with high-quality ABS plastic that protect the interior from scratches and dings. You’ll appreciate how easily you can add color to your Jeep’s interior. Simply applying self-adhesive 3M tape creates a reliable bond between the trim and the vehicle’s surface. AM Off-Road carries a selection of stylish and durable Jeep Wrangler JK accessories. Make your Jeep look awesome and perform well on the streets or on rugged trails with our aftermarket car parts. Shop with us today to transform your vehicle. View the full article
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Why You Should Get Grilles With Built-In Lighting
If you’re planning to install a replacement grille on your Jeep, don’t overlook grille options with built-in lighting. This additional feature yields a lot of benefits—find out why you should get a grille with built-in lighting. Improve Visibility Enhance safety for you and other road or trail users by improving your visibility. Built-in lights on your grille add supporting illumination at night and make it easier for you to navigate. Improved visibility not only lessens the probability of a collision, but it also decreases driver fatigue. Some grille models can enhance safety in low-light conditions with daytime running lights (DRL). DRLs make it easier for drivers and pedestrians to see your vehicle in less-than-ideal conditions. Boost Style Another reason you should get a grille with built-in lighting is to boost your vehicle’s style. When you change the grille, you add a unique feature that most owners of the same model don’t have. Manufacturers create many grille styles, making it fun for you to customize your rig. You should consider the placement and color of the lights on the grille and the style of the grille itself. A Gladiator grille with red star DRL headlights looks very different from a Shark grille with red-green-blue (RGB) halo headlights. Finding your favorite design is part of the fun of changing your Jeep’s grille. Enjoy a Durable Product Finally, when you change your vehicle’s factory grille for a well-made replacement, you’ll enjoy a durable product. With basic tools, you can install the grille in 20 minutes or less. And once it’s on, you’ll appreciate the enhanced safety and improved style for a long time. Changing the grille is a relatively simple modification that creates a major change in the appearance of your vehicle. A well-made grille built for a vehicle with off-road capabilities will stand up to conditions on the trail and protect the front end of your rig. This modification provides excellent results that reward your time spent making the alteration, which is a must for any worthwhile change to your vehicle. If you’re ready to install a Jeep Wrangler JK replacement grille, shop with AM Off-Road. Our selection of quality grilles comes in a variety of styles with lights in various colors and configurations on the grille. Pick your new favorite grille today. View the full article
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The Pros and Cons of Having a Professional Service Your Jeep
When it comes to maintaining your Jeep, you want to balance cost-effectiveness with reliability. You can either perform the service yourself or leave it in the hands of a professional mechanic at the dealership or with a third-party shop. Read on to find out the pros and cons of having a professional service your Jeep. Pro: Peace of Mind Proponents of hiring professional services enjoy peace of mind. Mechanics are trained to fix Jeeps just like yours, routinely solving problems you probably don’t encounter very often, if at all. For many people, such expertise is worth sending the car in for maintenance or repair. In some cases, you might know how to fix a problem but don’t have the proper tools at home. Mechanic shops invest in equipment and insurance so you can trust them to provide a reliable level of service. Con: Possibly Paying Exorbitant Prices When you’re capable of performing the work yourself, hiring someone else to do the job comes at a steeper price. At a basic level, it must be this way since you’re paying for someone’s time, labor, equipment, and supplies. Unfortunately, the price can sometimes balloon for other reasons; some mechanics have earned a reputation for taking their customers for a ride. If you need to take your car in for service, educate yourself on fair costs, and don’t get pressured to pay for unnecessary work. Pro: Possibly Saving Money Depending on the kind of Jeep owner you are, taking your rig into the shop can save you money. If you lack experience, equipment, or the right knowledge, you could spend more time and money than necessary by trying to do the work yourself. And when it comes to keeping up your warranty, taking your Jeep to the dealership can make financial sense. In a worst-case scenario, you might make an expensive mistake—no one wants to try saving money only to end up paying more. So, just like you must look into going to a dealership, always do your research before starting a DIY project on your Jeep. Con: Lack of Control Another con for taking your car into a shop is that you lack control of the maintenance or repair process. When you work on your car yourself, you know exactly the quality of work going into it. When you take it to a shop, you’re trusting the mechanic to do the job well. When comparing the pros and cons of having a professional service your Jeep, you can see that the better option depends primarily on your level of experience and confidence. After considering these factors, it’s easier to weigh costs and savings. No matter how you prefer to maintain your vehicle, refresh your rig with Jeep accessories and parts from AM Off-Road. We carry aftermarket car parts and accessories that will make your Jeep look and feel like new. Shop with us today. View the full article
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5 Father’s Day Gift Ideas for Your Jeep Dad
As Father’s Day approaches, children and spouses will look for ways to show their love for the dads in their lives. If your dad is fond of his Jeep, why not give him a gift related to his favorite off-road vehicle? Read on for five Father’s Day gift ideas for your Jeep dad. Jeep JK Grille One item you could give your dad is a new Jeep JK grille. A new grille has the potential to add a unique, aggressive look to your dad’s vehicle while also providing protection against the hazards one may encounter while driving off-road. Additionally, there are multiple colors and styles to choose from for a fully customized look. LED Headlights If you want your Jeep dad to stay safe on the road, you could pick up a set of LED headlights for him. The lights will add to the Jeep’s rugged appearance while enhancing visibility as your dad drives. The LED lights also provide significant savings since they offer a 60 percent reduction in power consumption over standard headlights and boast a lifespan of up to 50,000 hours. Foot Peg Another Father’s Day gift idea for your Jeep dad is a foot peg. If your father likes to stretch his left leg while parked or driving, you can get him a foot peg that he can easily install on the outside of his doorless Jeep. You can even choose one that features the US flag so he can show his pride in his country while driving down the road or off-roading. Side Step Bars You can make it easier for your dad to step in and out of his Jeep with a set of side step bars. These bars provide more security when driving over rough ground, and they feature a tread pattern on the surface for a better grip when stepping on them. Taillight Guards Your dad can have some fun decorating his Jeep with special taillight guards; these come in the shape of a dog’s paw, the US flag, and more. Made of aluminum alloy, taillight guards are very durable and feature a black powder coating that will stop them from rusting or becoming contaminated. Visit AM Off-Road if you want to get your dad something Jeep-related for Father’s Day. We can assist you in expressing your appreciation for your dad by helping you find the right gift for him to use on his next off-roading adventure. View the full article
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Finding Lincoln
That’s another one checked off of our list. We went on a little bit of an Easter egg hunt on the way back to Virginia during our last trip and located the former Lincoln Family homestead in Virginia. You heard me right. How many of you knew that the Lincoln Family had lived in Virginia? Abraham’s Grandfather, for whom he is named, moved here with his father “Virginia John” Lincoln in 1748. Thomas Lincoln, Abraham’s father, was also born here before the family moved again to what is now known as Kentucky. The house is privately owned, so unfortunately you cannot tour the home. But located on the hill adjacent to the home is the Lincoln Family Cemetery, that the property owners have graciously allowed public access to. It can be accessed by a narrow walking path on the edge of the property. The burials of five generations of Lincolns remain here to this day. View the full article
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Lifting Your Jeep: Is It Really Worth It?
You love your Jeep, and you can make modifications that fit your personality and give you more advantages. These include lifting your Jeep, which will allow you to drive on larger wheels and get more ground clearance. Read on to learn about the pros and cons of this process and determine if it is really worth it as a Jeep owner. What Are the Benefits of Lifting My Jeep? You will enjoy many benefits after lifting your Jeep, including an enhanced appearance on the road. If you put larger wheels on your vehicle, you can catch people’s eyes with its more aggressive and intimidating appearance. Your Jeep will definitely stand out on the road! The benefits don’t stop there. After lifting your Jeep, you will have a much higher view that allows you to see the road better. Lifting your vehicle will give you more clearance when off-roading, while the larger tires can give you more stability and traction as you travel through any terrain. What Are the Downsides of Lifting My Jeep? Lifting your Jeep has some disadvantages, such as the cost. For example, if you add large tires, your vehicle must work harder to move. Larger tires will hurt your fuel economy. A lifted Jeep has a higher chance of rolling over. Because you added height to the vehicle, you raised its center of gravity. This makes it easier for the Jeep to wobble and potentially tip over when turning at high speeds. However, you can minimize these risks by adding larger, heavier tires and front and rear bumpers for more weight near the bottom. Which Is Better? Whether lifting your Jeep is really worth it depends on your preferences as a driver. If you want to enjoy more clearance, stability, and traction while off-roading and are willing to spend more on tires, bumpers, and fuel, lifting your Jeep is worth it. If you are comfortable with your vehicle’s stock tires, consider keeping things as they are. If you want to lift your ride and are looking for Jeep Gladiator aftermarket accessories, like bumpers, contact AM Off-Road. We can help you enhance your vehicle and off-road experience while keeping you safe. View the full article
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Follow These Tips To Protect Your Jeep When Off-Roading
Off-roading through rugged terrain can be a fun, exciting activity, but the debris you encounter can hurt your Jeep. Because of this damage, you will have to pay extra costs to repair your vehicle. Fortunately, you can avoid this by following these tips to protect your Jeep when off-roading. Inspect Your Tires One way to protect your Jeep is by inspecting your tires before you go off-roading. Examine them and see if you spot any areas of leakage or things stuck between the cracks that will cause problems during your adventure. This inspection can save you the trouble of having a blowout in the middle of your trip. Protect Your Undercarriage You can also protect your Jeep when off-roading by taking extra care of your undercarriage. Whenever you go off-roading, the Jeep’s undercarriage has the potential to experience the most damage. You can prevent this by lifting the Jeep’s suspension so that it goes over the ground much more easily. You also can add a fluid coating so water and salt stay out. However, you will have to periodically re-add this coating so that it continues to perform and protect your undercarriage. Add to Your Exterior You also can protect your Jeep by adding onto its exterior. Consider using a protective coating to guard it against sunlight, dust, and debris you may encounter while off-roading. You may want to add a glossy coating, liquid wax, or paint sealant. You can also increase protection by installing aftermarket parts to your Jeep, such as bumpers, grilles, or body armor. These will also protect your Jeep from debris while enhancing its appearance on the road. Drive Safely Another way to protect your Jeep is to simply drive safely. Make sure you travel through rough areas at a slower pace so you do not endanger yourself or your passengers. That will allow you and your guests to have a fantastic off-roading experience. Contact AM Off-Road if you are looking for Jeep JK accessories, such as grilles or bumpers, to protect your Jeep while off-roading. We have what you need to keep your vehicle in good condition while taking trips through areas less traveled. View the full article
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How To Prepare Your Jeep for a Summer Road Trip
Spring is here, and summer is on the horizon. The weather will warm up soon, making it a good time to take road trips in your Jeep. Don't hit the road without properly preparing your vehicle. Read below for tips on how to prepare your Jeep for a summer road trip so you can have fun and stay safe. Inspect Your Tires One of the most important things you need to do before hitting the road is to check your Jeep’s tires. You don't want to travel a long way and experience a blowout you could have easily avoided. You can take some steps to prevent such a scenario. Examine your tires for any irregularities or places that seem to be wearing unevenly or bulging. You should also check the tire pressure and ensure it matches the recommended numbers within your owner's manual. If you overinflate or underinflate your tires, you may have difficulty braking. Ensure you have a spare tire and tool kit packed and ready just in case you encounter a problem on the road, despite all your preparation. Clean the Inside and Outside Another tip for preparing your Jeep for a summer road trip is to clean the inside and outside. Not only do you want to ensure your vehicle is running properly, but you also want to make the drive pleasant for your friends or family. Empty your vehicle of any spare possessions or trash. Wipe down the seats and both sides of the windows. If you have cloth seats, consider applying a car seat shampoo and water. Use a leather wipe for leather seats. You should also vacuum the floors or wash your floor mats outside of your vehicle. When cleaning your Jeep’s exterior, you can save money by doing it yourself instead of taking it to the car wash. Use a pressure washer to clean the vehicle’s undercarriage and remove any dirt. Doing so can prevent it from rusting in the future. Add New Windshield Wipers During your summer road trip, you will likely experience hot sunshine and potentially rain. Check that your windshield wipers work well so that you have clear vision on the road. If you test your wipers and they leave streaks, then it's time to replace them. This is especially important if you will drive in the early morning or late at night. Poor visibility is the last thing you want on a dark and stormy night, as the conditions could endanger your and your family's safety. Brush Your Battery Terminals The battery is another important area of your Jeep to inspect. Before starting the cleaning process, disconnect the battery or completely remove it from your Jeep. Next, get rid of any grime that will reduce its lifespan. Then, you can use a mixture of baking soda and water with a brush or a cloth to remove the gunk from the battery’s terminals. Finally, completely dry the terminals with another cloth before returning the battery to the vehicle. Change the Oil and Air Filters Performing maintenance on your Jeep's oil and air filters is important, as the engine needs them to run properly. Instead of letting the oil become sludge, change it before starting your road trip so that your engine runs well and stays clean. Fresh oil will improve your Jeep’s gas mileage. As for the air filters, ensure dirt and debris have not clogged them and impaired their effectiveness. Usually, you want to check them every 10,000 miles you drive. However, you may only need to replace them every 15,000–30,000 miles. Changing the air filters guarantees your engine will run properly. New air filters ensure your Jeep's air conditioner performs when you need it the most. You and your friends or family want to avoid sitting in a hot car and feeling uncomfortable in the warm weather for the duration of the trip. Stock Your Emergency Kit Although you have already checked if your Jeep has a spare tire in the case of a flat, you need to finish stocking your vehicle with supplies. You should prepare an emergency kit, which will consist of things you would need if you and your passengers are in a dire situation. These supplies can include a first aid kit, potable water, a flashlight, a blanket, and phone chargers. You’ll want to stay refreshed and warm and tend to wounds if anyone gets hurt. Pack enough medicine in case you or your passengers have any medical conditions that need immediate assistance. You may want to pack extra fluids if your road trip takes you through places with few service stations. That way, you will be safe and fully prepared, even if an accident occurs. For example, you can pack your Jeep with extra motor oil, windshield wiper fluid, or coolant that will keep your vehicle from overheating due to the summer heat. You should also bring along brake fluid so your brake system continues operating effectively and you can keep yourself and your passengers safe. Remember not to be too zealous in this process by overfilling it, as that can cause issues, such as your brake system overheating or your brake pads wearing faster than normal. Have a Professional Look at Your Jeep Having a mechanic look at your vehicle is a great idea. You may have missed something or made a mistake, even after doing everything you can to prepare your vehicle for your summer road trip. That's where a professional can help. The mechanic can check your vehicle’s condition and inform you of any problems before it's too late while traveling. After all, you don't want to spend most of your vacation wondering whether your vehicle will break down. After you have prepared your Jeep, you may decide to visit a Jeep accessories store for further enhancements, which will improve its appearance on the road. Contact us at AM Off-Road, and we’ll happily assist you in making your Jeep look great before your journey. Check out our selection today! View the full article
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Exploring the Relationship Between Grilles and Radiators
At the very front of a Jeep sits one of the vehicle’s most iconic parts: the grille, which helps create the “face” of the vehicle. Behind it lies something that helps ensure the vehicle stays running: the radiator. If you have ever wondered about the partnership between these important components, read below as we explore the relationship between grilles and radiators. What Do the Grill and Radiator Do? Before discussing how the grille and radiator work together, it is important to define each and their roles in your Jeep. The grille covers the opening in the front of your Jeep and helps the engine stay cool by letting air in and out. As for the radiator, it is part of the Jeep engine’s cooling system. When your engine heats up by burning fuel and moving parts to create energy, your radiator will eliminate that heat by sending coolant through the engine to absorb it. Afterward, that coolant will go back to the radiator. How Grilles Help Radiators Cool Off The relationship between grilles and radiators is very important because one helps the other cool off. When the heated coolant returns to the radiator, it must release that heat to the outside. Although the radiator will do that through fins, the grille will add to these efforts by letting in cool air. This helps your radiator and engine cool off and prevents your Jeep from overheating as you are driving. How Grilles Protect Radiators The grille also plays the important role of protecting the radiator as you are driving. It can prevent rocks, pebbles, and sticks from hitting your radiator and engine parts. This will help your Jeep will stay in much better condition. If you are looking for Jeep JK grilles that will help keep your radiator and engine cool, contact us at AM Off-Road. We’re ready to help you protect your Jeep from overheating while adding a sense of style. Check out our selection today! View the full article
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Unwritten Rules Jeep Owners Should Follow
If you are a new Jeep owner or soon to become one, you’re probably familiar with the rules of the road. However, there are other rules you may not know about—the unwritten rules Jeep owners should follow. Read below so that you’re not out of the loop when you hit the road in your vehicle. The Story Behind the Wave A well-known, unwritten rule that Jeep owners should follow is “the Jeep Wave,” which involves Jeep owners giving each other a wave to show respect. There are multiple theories about how this all began, including one that ties back to the vehicle’s history in World War II. Because soldiers used Jeeps on the front lines, they would wave to determine who were allies and enemies or merely to greet one another. Another theory suggests that many veterans purchased their Jeeps after the war and would wave to recognize each other back home. A third theory speculates that the wave has merely become a form of etiquette between Jeep owners on the road. When they do the wave, they recognize each other for having the same interests and hobbies. The Ways To Do the Wave There are several ways for Jeep owners to greet each other by doing the wave on the road. There is the classic method of raising your hand and waving, but you have other options if you don’t want to take your hand off the steering wheel. You can raise four fingers to recognize another Jeep driver or merely raise your thumb. You also have the option of raising two fingers or using your fingers and nodding to acknowledge another Jeep driver. The Hierarchy of the Wave Some follow a hierarchy regarding who initiates the Jeep wave, and others may ignore it. If you decide to follow the hierarchy, you would start the wave if you spotted a Jeep that is higher up on the hierarchy system’s class, such as a CJ. You should also start the wave if the other driver has a dirtier and more open Jeep than you. So, if the oncoming driver has a muddy Jeep Gladiator grille and you have a clean one, you should initiate the wave. Finally, the person who starts the wave should show their respect to a vehicle that is ready for off-roading and features additional modifications. This status puts them above drivers with fewer modifications who still need to get their vehicles ready for off-roading. If you would like to modify your Jeep so that you can be the one who returns the wave, contact us at AM Off-Road. We have high-quality selections that will allow you to be the one who returns other drivers’ greetings on the road. View the full article
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Where to Stay in San Jose, Costa Rica ~
Looking for a great hotel choice? Here is our choice in San Jose, Costa Rica. One of the first steps in planning any getaway is deciding on a place to stay. In a large capital city like San Jose, there are literally hundreds of hotels, apartments, hostels, and Airbnb as options. We could, of course, have gone with one of the big chain hotels that dot the city as regularly as Mcdonald’s and Kentucky Fried Chicken franchises. However dependable such a choice is for a one-nighter in a strange city, chain hotels have never been our vibe. As we wandered the city on foot we passed quite a few hostels located close to the city center but with our particular group, we were looking for something a bit more upscale. In much of the world, we begin our searches with “guest house” a definition that works to perfection in SE Asia but didn’t lend much in a search of San Jose. After extensive googling based on the city center location, I came upon La Sabana Hotel & Suites and knew we had a winner. La Sabana is a lovely family-owned hotel one block from La Sabana park, the country’s largest urban park, and a little over one mile from the city’s main square and pedestrian street. Although they pride themselves on being small and intimate they offer all of the services of any 4* hotel such as daily room service, front desk services, and an included breakfast by the pool. The hotel also arranges transportation from the airport, a nice touch when arriving late evening in a new city. Our rooms were clean kitchenettes with a small fridge, microwave, and countertop cooker. The bathrooms were well-appointed and nicely tiled and included amenities such as a hairdryer and shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. Immediately upon arrival, we discovered something that held true throughout our trip, the entire country’s commitment to cutting plastic waste and recycling. The hotel had water fountains to refill water bottles and offered extensive recycling containers throughout the facility. Passing through the lobby we came upon the small but stunning tiled pool in the courtyard with a selection of loungers adjoining the lovely breakfast room. And that breakfast; easily one of our favorite features of the hotel. Over the years and miles, we’ve experienced a wide variety of “included breakfasts” ranging from the over-the-top experience of wandering among the chefs at the Intercontinental Semiramis in Cairo to a hard roll and bit of half-molded cheese at a no-name B&B in Germany to a huge bowl of hot Pho with a platter of sides on a child-size plastic chair in the streets of Saigon. Breakfast at La Sabana was delicious and abundant. The menu included a wide range of protein options, eggs made to order, yogurt, granola, and a huge array of some of the best fruit we’ve ever eaten. Costa Rica is well known for its coffee production and it was made available straight or as a cappuccino. Each morning also included the homemade pastry of the day, my favorite a light-as-air buttery croissant. Although La Sabana is located on the outskirts of the city center, there are still several restaurants a short walk from the property and more restaurants and some small mercado’s were nearby creating a near-perfect location for a quiet neighborhood but near the action. Our top choice: Pasta Pronto. I know, NOT a name that encourages thoughts of divine dining but we were so mistaken. Run by an American ex-pat named Marco, Pasta Pronto took form just as COVID threw the entire world into a tailspin so quickly transitioned to strictly take out and deliver. Now that things are open once again they’re working on their brick-and-mortar location, a mere 100 feet from La Sabana. The entire staff was stellar and because they were adding new items to the menu we ended up with several comped samples, all delicious. The portions were generous, the insalata caprese top-notch, and the pasta was all homemade. A surprise find around the corner. Perhaps best of all, La Sabana hosted a wide range of international visitors and each morning we smiled as we heard conversations in a multitude of languages all around us. Our advice, even for a short stop in San Jose after a flight, check out the great folks and facilities at La Sabana Hotel & Suites. The post Where to Stay in San Jose, Costa Rica ~ appeared first on The Next Big Adventure. View the full article