OVERLAND EXPO in Arizona

[AZ ADVenturist]

Are any 'B Class' Adventurers planning to Attend the "Overland Exp" near Flagstaff on May 18 thru. 20th. Here is a link to their site & info. :
http://www.overlandexpo.com/

We plan to be there with our R/T 190V & perhaps a motorcycle or 2.

[Photog]

If we had time, we would be there. My cousin will be there. They drive a brown Westy, with a Subaru engine and wood rear bumper.

[AZ ADVenturist]

Thanks Brian; I'll look for him & Intro. my self. Sorry you can't make it - I'd like to meet you in person & tell my tale of trying to properly lift our R/T 190v. Ric.

[Photog]

His name is Gavin.

There will be a lot of interesting vehicles there.

If you get a chance, see how the cabinets are made and how they are attached to the vehicle, in some of the "open" expedition vehicles.

I can't seem to find anything on the internet, on how expedition vehicles assemble the cabinets, so they don't self destruct on washboard roads.

Have a good time.

[AZ ADVenturist]

Originally Posted by Photog

His name is Gavin.
There will be a lot of interesting vehicles there.
If you get a chance, see how the cabinets are made and how they are attached to the vehicle, in some of the "open" expedition vehicles.
I can't seem to find anything on the internet, on how expedition vehicles assemble the cabinets, so they don't self destruct on washboard roads.
Have a good time.

Brian; Thanks for the name.
RE: Cabinets - Have you checked with EarthRoamer &/or SportsMobile?
I talked to Scott Brady last week - he told me that He &/or Adventure Trailers is/are re-outfitting an S/M
at their facility in Prescott. Scott is always very helpful & willing with his knowledge & info.
All Best, Ric.

[Photog]

I will PM Scott, on the ExPo Forum http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/index.php. Maybe their re-fitting of the SMB will be the subject of a forthcoming article in the Overland Journal http://www.overlandjournal.com/ that they produce.

Cheers

[AZ ADVenturist]

COOL; We'll convert some Class B'ers to Overlanders Yet - yea!

[Photog]

Originally Posted by AZ ADVenturist

COOL; We'll convert some Class B'ers to Overlanders Yet - yea!

I think that is a great idea.

Most overlanding does not require a 4X4, but the vehicle does need to stand up to rough roads.

I think the washboards found on most dirt roads would completely dismember the interior of my R/T 190. I also believe there are some simple ways to improve the strength of the cabinets and their mounting points.

Also, the suspension needs to be somewhat compliant, with uneven terrain, like rutted roads, ore the transitions between the main road and a side road (both roads being dirt).

This is a good post for my "Build Thread" (see link in the signature below).

[AZ ADVenturist]

I have been AwFKbrd for a while, but will try to catch-up.
The 'Overland Expo at Mormon Lake, Ariz. was a huge success - lots of really cool stuff to see, drool over & covet. There were so many SportsMobiles I lost count, any number of EarthRoamers & every other configuration of camper, trailer etc. imaginable. I even saw a couple Sprinters, no RoadTrek though.
Lots & lots of Dual Sport motorcycles (the Hard Core Overlanders).
Brian, what I learned about cabinets was the material they us is an Aluminum Composite - we will Never get from RoadTrek or PleasureWay. I don't know their mounting system, but it must hold up to the task.

[Photog]

Thanks for checking out the cabinets in some of the rigs. I certainly have some more research to do.

My cousin, Gavin, was working at the event (not sure which booth), and said he saw Jatorres' silver Sports Trek that had 4x4 added to it, in Salt Lake City. Here is a Youtube link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SnquuU0fqBI

Is your head swimming with ideas for vehicle mods and places to go exploring? The Overland Expo is a mind bending event for some people.

[AZ ADVenturist]

Thanks for the YouTube link. Looks like fun with a RoadTrek.
I didn't see Gavin's rig, so didn't run in to him - sorry.
We did meet a lot of real great people. Talked to Pablo Rey, he is Gnarly ADVenturer. His wife/SO has returned to Spain for a normal life -hmm!? Met Austin Vince (RTW veteran X2). Talked to Tiffany Coates - tuff one RTW by mcycle! It was a great event - lots of ideas.
Almost made me wish we owned a SportsMobile instead of RoadTrek- dream on...