Day One of Overland Expo East (OEXE) has arrived and what a difference from last year. The first thing that will strike you if you plan on attending OEXE this year is that the Biltmore Estate is not Taylor Ranch. Not that Taylor Ranch was a shit show less than desirable location… it’s just that the Biltmore Estate is that much better. Why is the Biltmore Estate so much … [Read more...]
Shovel for AEV Tire Carrier
One of the first modifications I made to our 2014 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon (try saying that 5 times fast) was the AEV Rear Bumper and Tire Carrier. The combination of a frame mounted tire carrier that integrated with the tailgate and also supported a 10 gallon fuel tank, shovel holder, and a slew of other accessories made it the perfect setup for a long range travel … [Read more...]
Overlanding Michigan’s Upper Peninsula (UP)—Day 1 and 2
So you’re thinking about a mid-distance, overlanding trip that involves remote, backcountry driving that’s easily reachable from the Mid-Atlantic and accessible for most make and model vehicles—look no further than Michigan’s Upper Peninsula (UP). My daughter (Raegan aka Rae) and I had the chance to get away for a week this summer to take a 2600 mile round trip from Northern … [Read more...]
American Expedition Vehicles (AEV) – Factory Tour
While planning out the routes I’d traverse to and from the Upper Peninsula (UP) Overland 2015 gathering in Michigan, I was determined to carve out a bit of time to visit with the folks at American Expedition Vehicles (AEV) just outside of Detroit. Thankfully everything came together and Kyle Leeds, International Parts Representative, agreed to host my daughter Raegan and I on … [Read more...]
AEV Ono Camp Hatchet – Review
American Expedition Vehicles (AEV) advertises their Ono Camp Hatchet as a Jeeper's best friend, but does it really live up to their marketing claims? When I think of a Jeeper's best friend, I think of Dana 60 axles, a friend with a trailer, HEMI swaps, and big ole' mud tires. Now AEV is known for making some pretty serious equipment (good enough to be used by an OEM … [Read more...]