Episode 38 – Introducing Craig Picinich

In episode 38 I chat with one of the long time listeners  of the show and let you get to know this fellow member of the audience.  Craig Picinich has just recently called in some feedback, which we played on an episode.  You’re probably just like Craig and have had those moments where you’re waiting for us to say exactly what you’re thinking but we somehow can’t quite read your mind. On the show I mention that we have worked a special 20% discount at the 4 Wheel Parts stores in San Jose and Oakland

 

Craig on the Rubicon Trail

Craig on the Rubicon Trail

Well Craig decided to do something about it recently and he sent us some feedback using the Speakpipe tool.  We had some short discussions through Facebook messenger and it was clear that Craig has a passion for the show.  So I asked Craig if we could sit down on Skype for a chat which turned into the bulk of the podcast.  We had a lot of fun and I’m sure Craig will be back on the show to bring his insight and thoughts on the news that we mention, tips and tricks and maybe some interviews with guys in his area! 430938_129836223804247_294059897_n 379028_102631266524743_311345783_n 396212_102630676524802_2108471993_n Additional links from the show:

Categories: episodes | Tags: , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Episode 38 – Introducing Craig Picinich

Episode 37 – The Rebuilding of Stomper the Rescue Wrangler

Click play to listen or grab the direct download.

On May 20th, 2013, a massively destructive EF5 tornado, with winds of an estimated 210 mph, blew through Moore, Oklahoma which is a suburb of Oklahoma City.  In less than an hour, the tornado completely destroyed a path over a mile wide and 17 miles long.  Very few of the homes had shelters and the storm killed 23 people and injured 377 others.  As soon as the storm had passed, Bryan Hutton, who was visiting his parents from Ohio, emerged from the 3/4 buried storm shelter to render aid to his neighbors and community.

Stomper in the aftermath

Stomper in the aftermath

Bryan describes himself as just a regular guy who was just doing what he thinks anyone would have done.  Bryan had the foresight to park his 2012 Jeep Wrangler, nicknamed “Stomper” after the toys from the 80’s, inside the garage already in 4lo, which proved to be incredibly helpful.  The tornado collapsed the garage on top of the Jeep but when Stomper needed to get out of the rubble and put the
Warn winch
 to work pulling debris away to help extract people for the collapsed mess of what used to be homes.  For all the details on the storm and the recovery effort, check out Bryan’s interview with the XJ Talk Show.

At some point during the recovery efforts, someone caught a picture of Stomper with an American flag in a picture that clearly shows the resilence and determination that has made Jeep so beloved.  That picture was seen on the Forbidden Jeeps Facebook page by Camp Crocker of COP4x4 and thousands of others.  It was such an inspirational image that is truely captured the hearts of people around the world.  Camp is such a great American and a fantastic vehicle builder and he was motivated to say “thank you” to Bryan for his heroic actions after the tornado hit in a way that no one else could.  Camp jumped in a truck, picked up a trailer and headed off to Oklahoma to lend a hand in the recovery efforts and to take Stomper home for a rebuilding.  The rest of the story is still being played out and you can follow along on Facebook on the Rebuilding of Stomper community page.

 

The Rebuilding of Stomper

The Rebuilding of Stomper

 

The helmet that will revolutionize offroad racing

The helmet that will revolutionize offroad racing

 

In the news we talk about a helmet that could revolutionize offroad racing.  This helmet is still not yet a working prototype but if it hits its funding goal on IndiGoGo, then you’ll be able to spend an estimated $2,000 for this helmet.  For more info on this project, click here. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Need traction for you SyncroIf you’re looking to use a VW Vanagon Synchro van as an overlanding platform, you might want to pick up an automatic locking differential made by Weddle Industries.  This differential unit will surely allow you to spend more time exploring instead of getting yourself unstuck.  For more info check out the story on race-dezert.com.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The last news story we talk about is the Bantam Jeep Heritage festival in Butler, PA.  The event took place on 14-16 June, 2013 and brought together about 1,500 Jeeps for a weekend full of fun with the whole Jeep community.  For more info, check out the story on the Kaiser Willys Jeep blog.

Photo from Kaiser Willys Jeep Blog

Photo from Kaiser Willys Jeep Blog

Photo from Kaiser Willys Jeep Blog

Photo from Kaiser Willys Jeep Blog

 

Additional links mentioned on the show:

 

Categories: episodes | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Episode 37 – The Rebuilding of Stomper the Rescue Wrangler

Episode 36 – Independence Day

Happy Independence Day, America!   In my mind, Independence is synonymous with freedom and freedom is part of what makes offroading so appealing.  So in addition to taking a moment to think back on what the independence of the United States has cost, also consider what freedom means to you in regards to offroad exploration and travel.  I’d love to hear your thoughts, feelings and stories in the comments and through the speakpipe link or the voicemail number.

 

Photo from Hero Offroad on Facebook

Photo from Hero Offroad on Facebook

image

image

Photo from Spidertrax

 

Categories: episodes | Tags: , , , , | Comments Off on Episode 36 – Independence Day

Episode 35 – Set Them Free Offroad

Blue Ridge Overland Gear

Set Them Free Offroad

In episode 35, we talk with Gianni, who started Set Them Free Offroad with his wife to help raise awareness and support efforts to end human trafficking.  This is a subject that is relevant .  to all parts of the world because human trafficking is a world-wide problem and raising your awareness is one of the best way to combat this tragic violation of human rights.  Set Them Free is a non-profit organization that began because two people were shaken to the core over the horrors that little girls and boys experience because of the rampant sex for sale industry. We raise awareness and funds to help set victims free, bring physical, emotional, and psychological healing, and see legislation changed to combat the crime.  Set Them Free is hosting an event in Buena Vista, Colorado on July 26th and 27th.  The event will include a vendor village, catered dinner, door prizes, breakfast, guided trail runs, dinner and an awards ceremony.  The planned trails include Tincup Pass, Mount Antero, Hancock Pass, Iron Chest and Grizzly Lake, Chinaman Gulch, Carnage Canyon and these are all guaranteed to be exciting and scenic.  This event is sure to be a lot of fun and it supports a great cause so if you’re in the area, you should check it out.  Set Them Free on Facebook.  Set Them Free Offroad.

 

Fuel tanks in the rearIn the news segment we discuss Chrysler recalling over a million Jeeps over the possible danger of fuel tanks catching on fire as a result of a rear impact collision.  This story is still evolving because Chyrsler is still in discussion with the National Highway Safety and Traffic Administration (NHSTA) so the points we mention could already be changed by the time you hear or read this.  Initially, NHTSA was calling for a recall of 2.7 million Jeep Grand Cherokee and Liberty models that all met the safety requirements during the years that they were produced.  Chrysler stated that they would not recall these vehicles but when forced to issue the recall or face the congressional hearings , they opted to issue a recall.  The number of vehicles was trimmed down to 1.5 million vehicles though but I’m sure this isn’t the end of this story.   Follow the link for the story from Autoblog.

Photo courtesy of Garmin

Garmin recently introduced a new GPS receiver called the Monterra.  The Monterra is a premium level GPSr with loads of features.  Some of the highlights include:  WiFi-enabled outdoor handheld GPS that combines Garmin’s powerful location and mapping capabilities and the versatility of the Android™ operating system. It has a vivid, sunlight-readable touchscreen, and users can easily access the Google Play Store™ and download apps through an available WiFi connection right on the device. Developers are also free to create new apps are ideally suited for the rugged, waterproof, and sensor-loaded handheld device.  I really like the idea of it running the Android OS but that also concerns me.  Despite being a big Android fan, I’ll be the first to admit that Android is not the most power efficient operating system.  That means your dedicated handheld navigation unit will be swapping batteries frequently.  Follow the link for the full press release from Garmin.

Keep your eyes on the guy behind youTom Severin from4x4training.com recently shared an article about trail etiquette.  I thought this would be a great topic to discuss because some of these things may seem like common sense, but its better to talk about it and make sure our community knows the topics for sure.  One of my favorite tips is to watch for the vehicle behind you.  When you’re traveling with a group you always want to keep an eye on those behind you in case they get hung up and need assistance.  This becomes especially important ton narrow trails where you may not be able to turn around to go and easily assist your buddy.  Another important tip is to not through cigarette butts out of the window.  Many western states spend the entire summer completely ablaze.  I know that you would feel awful if you knew that one of your misplaced butts was the reason that your favorite wheeling spot caught on fire or worse, if a community of homes or lives were lost as a result of your carelessness.  To get the rest of the tips, be sure to listen to the podcast or follow the link.

The Ram Truck brand and Warner Bros. Pictures team up for the action adventure “Man of Steel” movie. As part of the partnership, the Ram design team created a special edition, one-of-a-kind “Man of Steel” Power Wagon with special design cues, colors and badging. The truck will be on display at special events throughout the summer and fall before being auctioned off for charity at a later date.

Superman: Man of Steel is now in theaters and Ram Trucks has partnered with Warner Brothers to create the truck that is fit for the Man of Steel himself.  The Power Wagon features a special color called dark ceramic grey and has some red accents in the grille.  The truck also features a wrap that is inspired by the texture of Superman’s suit.  The Ram interior and exterior design team created a special edition, one-of-a-kind “Man of Steel” Power Wagon truck with special “Man of Steel”-inspired design cues, colors and branding. The truck will make its debut June 10 in New York City at the world premiere of the movie. It will then be on display at special events throughout the summer and fall, including the National Finals Rodeo and State Fair of Texas, before being auctioned off for charity at a later date.  Interior features include custom mesh seat inserts reminiscent of Superman’s own suit with integrated Superman logos on the seats and console; Pewter leather seats; and Anodized Red paint trim accents on the doors, steering column, radio cluster and seats. There also is “Man of Steel” logo badging on the glove box and a “Man of Steel” screen backdrop and start-up screen on the radio cluster.  Follow the link for the full press release.

 

[contact-form][contact-field label=’Name’ type=’name’ required=’1’/][contact-field label=’Email’ type=’email’ required=’1’/][contact-field label=’Website’ type=’url’/][contact-field label=’Comment’ type=’textarea’ required=’1’/][/contact-form]

 

Categories: episodes | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Episode 35 – Set Them Free Offroad

Episode 34 – Camp4Lo.com Baja Tours

 

 

In episode 34, we feature an interview with Matt from Camp4Lo.com.  Camp4Lo.com is introducing a new tour service of Baja Mexico.  Their tour service is unique in that its a self-drive bring your own vehicle tour.  They have a pair of Ford Broncos to help lead you a long.  In addition to providing the meals and accommodations  you’ll also get to drive some of the very same trails used as part of the race course for the Tecate SCORE-International Baja 1000.  Matt brings a passion for the Baja peninsula that is infectious and it would be wonderful to explore this scenic area of Mexico with him and his crew.  To contact Matt for specific info you can email him at info@camp4lo.com or call him at 951-251-44LO

Camp4Lo.com touring Baja

In the news, we talk about what an article from 4x4training.com about repair for your camping gear.  The last thing you want to deal with at the end of a long day on the trail is broken camping gear.  Of course you want to have this all sorted out before you take off for you adventure but you should always be prepared.  Read more from 4x4training.com

 

Some essential camping equipment repair supplies.

Autoweek discusses the future of automatic transmissions in vehicles.  Personally, I drive an automatic but I’m not blind to the fact that there are lots of benefits to driving an automatic transmission.  Newer vehicles are reaching great MPG numbers through their use of 9 speed transmissions.  Is this the future of offroad transmissions?  Read more from Autoweek.com.

 Will 9-speed transmissions be the future?

Bryon Door from Exploring Elements has been sharing lots of pictures and write ups from the Overland Expo that was held in Flagstaff, Arizona in the middle of May.  Bryon recently shared his list of top 10 hot new products and this list really caught my eye and my imagination.  So to further discuss the cool stuff, I gave Bryon a call and we chatted about the experience.  Read more from Exploring Elements.

Exploring Elements checks out OX13

FJ Cruiser Magazine revealed that the end of the FJ Cruiser is in sight.  The Toyota FJ Cruiser went on sale in 2007 and its modern take on the retro design instantly caught the attention of the automotive market.  FJ Cruiser Magazine points out that in the first two years of production, Toyota sold more than 50,000 Cruisers but recent sales have fallen to only 11,000 units.  I think its interesting that Toyota decided to end production rather than just refresh the model but it is in line with what other manufactures are doing with their models by consolidating production.  Toyota was competing with itself in some ways and this move may provide them with some more design capital to really push their offroading offerings to a whole new level.  That or it will move their 4×4 models to a more car-like design just like some of their competitors.   Read more at FJ Cruiser Magazine.  

The FJ Cruiser comes to an end

 

To contact us you can send a tweet to @the4x4podcast, send an email to the4x4podcast.com, comment on the show notes down below, call the voicemail or use the speakpipe tool on the right side of the screen.  Thanks for listening and checking out the show!  Don’t forget to send a thank you note to @thatguysgarage for supporting The 4×4 Podcast!

 

 

Categories: episodes | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Episode 34 – Camp4Lo.com Baja Tours

Win a sticker from The 4×4 Podcast

You’ve asked or it and it now exists but in a very, VERY, limited quantity. I have ONE sticker that I am going to be giving away to a lucky listener. Like you, I’m not a fan of popularity contests and I really wish I could give you all one of these stickers just to say thanks for listening and contributing to the show. But thats not in the budget, for now. Till a sponsor steps up and wants to pay some bills, I’m going to just keep bringing you some informative news, interesting interviews, and inspirational stories.

So how do you get entered to win this rare logo sticker? Its kind of a Facebook contest (I know, I know. Not everyone is on Facebook. You like G+ more. blaa blaa blaa) and I’m using the Rafflecopter service (also not my favorite). If I did this correctly, then you have a couple opportunities to earn additional entries. Just use this link http://bit.ly/13fn5OQ to be taken to the giveaway page and follow the instructions

  1. First, you must LIKE The 4×4 Podcast on Facebook (http://facebook.com/the4x4podcast)
  2. Follow @the4x4podcast on Twitter
  3. You can send out a tweet using Twitter that invites others to checkout The 4×4 Podcast on FB or Twitter
  4. Share about the giveaway

I hope this this makes it easy for you to spread the word about your favorite offroading podcast in a way that isn’t too annoying. Thanks for your support and for everyone’s recommendations for the show! Keep the great info coming!

Dan


http://the4x4podcast.com
http://www.facebook.com/the4x4podcast
http://twitter.com/the4x4podcast

Categories: Uncategorized | Tags: , , | Comments Off on Win a sticker from The 4×4 Podcast

Episode 33 – The Trasharoo

You’ve probably seen the Trasharoo out on the trails or in magazines.  Its a phenomenal product that will only help the entire offroading community.  Unfortunately, there are many people who choose to explore the backcountry but don’t live with the Tread Lightly! philosophy in mind.  Then there’s the good offroaders like you and me that pack out more trash than we brought.  The problem with doing this is that you don’t want all that garbage inside your rig taking up valuable space and stinking everything else up.  Trasharoo provides the perfect solution by attaching to your external spare tire and providing room for up to 50 lbs of garbage.  I love the idea so much that I have been looking to get a tire carrier for my XJ just so that I can show my support for this awesome product while providing a way to clean up the trails as I go.  Trasharoo has also partnered with land use organizations to help raise funds for companies that work to protect our lands.  You can pick up a bag to support any of these organizations:  Blue Ribbon Coalition, California Off Road Vehicle Association, United Four Wheel Drive Associations, Tread Lightly!, the Rubicon Trail Foundation or you can have one made with your own custom logo!  Maybe I should have a special edition 4×4 Podcast bag made….
Here’s a quick run down on the technical specs:
  • Carries up to 50 lbs and fits a 30 gallon trash bag liner
  • made from 900 denier canvas
  • Water resistant interior coating
  • Double stitched buckles and straps
  • Built in flap zipper for storage of extra trash bags, gloves or more
  • X strap design to keep the bag secure
  • Drainage holes in the bottom of the bag
  • Nylon clovers to protect buckles from UV rays and dirt
  • Mesh elastic pocket and Molle straps for the ability to add even more storage
  • Fits up to a 40″ tire
  • Comes in black, desert tan and OD green
For more on the Trasharoo just head over to their website.

 

To take advantage of the special pricing on the Individual First Aid Kit from Blue Ridge Overland Gear just click through to http://the4x4podcast.com/ifak


Other links from the show:
Categories: episodes | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Episode 33 – The Trasharoo

Aldrich Pond Trail Scouting Day Trip

Having grown up in Colorado and exploring various other western states areas I’ve become very used to the concept of public land and BLM stuff. Unfortunately, this is stuff that the east coast of the United States knows basically nothing about. I’ve scoured the website for New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) but I could find the info that I wanted.

The start of the dirt mileage

I asked the local truck club guys about where I could find some primitive camping and offroad trails. The answer I got was basically, stay off the trails because they are all for ATVs and snowmobiles. I know that there are seasonal roads that are basically offroad trails but those roads aren’t clearly identified on maps which makes them hard to find by someone who isn’t very familiar with the area.

IMG_0111

My next option to find info on offroad trails and primitive camp sites was the northeast section of Expedition Portal and hope that someone had any ideas. In the process I saw a photo of an ExPo members rig with NY plates so I sent him a private message asking if he know of any overland routes through NY. He sympathized with me and said that despite living in NY for some time, he wasn’t aware of any overland routes. But he did know of a website that catalogues all the primitive campsites in the state.

These campsites are completely legal but they are free so the DEC doesn’t widely advertise their existence; probably because they don’t generate income for the state. They are also known as roadside campsites because they at mostly just off the road. Fortunately these “roads” are not heavily travelled because they are very remote. The website I was given is andyarthur.org and it is a great resource for finding adventure in New York state.

After searching through the map, I picked an area that was just over an hour drive. That distance was perfect to be able to let me and the family sleep in, explore for a while, have a leisurely lunch, explore some more and still get he by dinner time. I reached out to my outdoor cooking friends Zach Berning of Overland Gourmet, Beau Johnston of Living Overland and Gary House of Cooking Everything Outdoors for some lunchtime recommendations. The choice for the day was chicken quesadillas with onions, green chilies and sour cream. And just because its summer we brought some fresh cherries and a watermelon. This meal was easy to prep but just enough to make it worth using the chuck box. It would also help identify any shortcomings in the contents of the box. So with the meal selected and the general location identified it was time to have fun!

I timed how long it took to load all the essentials for a day trip for the whole family (minus the dogs) and it took about 10 minutes – a bit longer than I wanted but it’s not bad. In the back of the XJ I had the chuck box, large cooler, tool bag, recovery kit, spare fluids, 7 gallon water can, shovel, axe, Coleman sanitation center, camp chairs and camera gear. The back was fairly full but there was room for more if needed.

Once at camp I again timed how long it took to deploy the chuck box to find out how long it would take. From the time I opened the rear hatch to the time I was ready to turn on a burner and start cooking was less about 2 minutes which is right what I wanted. It was instantly evident what I had forgotten – the cast iron skillet. Fortunately that was only a disappointment and not a fun-stopper. The chuck box contains a backpacking cook set and two different size sauce pans that have been retired from use in the real kitchen. It would have been nice though to have the big cast iron skillet to cook chicken and veggies at the same time. I was also glad to have some cooking oil and some Mexican seasoning. While things were cooking we all munched on the cherries and tortilla chips, a perfect appetizer. I forgot the camp table at home too so we ate like 90% of the other campers in the world – with a plate on or laps. After lunch we set up the sanitation center using the tried and true 3 tub method that we discussed on a previous episode.

Other than the black flies that would have feasted on us, if it weren’t for the heavy coat of bug spray, everything went flawlessly. Tear down took a bit longer than the setup but it was still very fast and organized. We made use of the privy that was at the camp and moved on down the remainder of the trail. Despite being listed as a primitive campsite, there are many spots that already have fire rings and a constructed privy – TP not provided. Some my adventures are usually with my wife and two girls, I have serious plans to pick up a luggable loo so they are more comfortable and so that I don’t have to hear complaining (not that there was any….I love you honey!)

Once we decided to break camp we went out to find some more trails before we ran out of time and had to head home. I discovered that my Gaia GPS app on the Samsung Galaxy Tab wasn’t cooperating with importing the .kml file which contained all my waypoints so I did my best to remember where the next trail was located. We eventually did find a short trail but I don’t think it was what I was originally looking for. In hindsight, I should have done a better job loading the coordinates for all the trail heads and potential campsites into the GPS and tablet. But overall it was a great trip and I owe a huge thanks to my pals on Expedition Portal for introducing me to my new buddy Andy Arthur who has put together such a great database of campsites!

Categories: Uncategorized | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Project Rocker Protection + On Board Air

image

There is no doubt that armor for your rig can save you some headache in the life of your vehicle.  And there are certain areas that are more susceptible to damage than others.  Bumpers are key because your vehicle is in motion in the fore and aft direction which makes that likely areas to get dinged and bumped.  The rocker, the area right below the door sill is likely to get caught on a rock, tree stump, or Prius while driving around and if that section is dented badly enough, you might not be able to open your door.  The rockers are also great spots to use as a lifting point for a hi-lift, unless you try to just put it on the rocker panel itself, in which case you might not reach the rocker anyways because of the body contour.  Also, your rocker panels are not designed to withstand the weight of your vehicle like a frame or axle. 
 
I’ve been very lucky and I drive with lots of caution and finesse to have avoided destroying my rocker panels in the 9 years that I’ve been wheeling my XJ.  But I know my time was coming so I had to get some protection on there.  When looking at the hundreds of different options I couldn’t find something that I really liked for my application.  Lots of designs tuck up very close to provide some extra clearance but in doing so you give up a lot as well.  The models that stick out farther provide an area to stand on which would be great for loading my roof rack and helping my vertically challenged wife and kids enter and exit the Jeep.  After weighing the tradeoffs I decided I wanted something that would stick out far too be of use in a way more than just as protection. 

When I started creating a design I figured that I could try and use that space as something more than its original intended use.  That’s when I enlisted the help of a friend who specializes on building pressurized tanks for a fire extinguisher supply company.  He and I discussed the design needs and characteristics and off he went.

The result is some very stout rocker protection that also provides a total of 16 gallons of storage for sure that can easily withstand 300 psi of air pressure.  It also can be used as a step and a lifting point. And with some creative use of some heavy rubber, the rocker guards will also keep the rocks, mud and road salt/water spray to a minimum.

The next step is to add a compressor so that I can refill these tanks on the trail, add the necessary components and plumbing.  Then I’ll have to add air tools to my field tool bag…. which is something I’m really looking forward to.

Do what kind of compressor do you recommend?

image

image

image

image

image

Categories: episodes, Uncategorized | Tags: , , , , , | 2 Comments

Happy Memorial Day Weekend from The 4×4 Podcast

Here in the United States we are celebrating Memorial Day.  This is the unofficial start of summer and the kickoff of the wheeling season in many areas.  Like I mentioned in the last post, be safe. 

image

If your offroading activities only take you to your backyard, hopefully it involves something as awesome as this!

image

image

Read more »

Categories: Uncategorized | Tags: , , , , , | Comments Off on Happy Memorial Day Weekend from The 4×4 Podcast