Arizona Overlanders

[WhiskeyIsMySpiritAnimal]

So... what did everyone learn from Overland Expo West?


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Learned that a crowd of people is a crowd no matter where you go. The camping situation is pretty brutal if you're not with a big group. Learned a teardrop is not going to work for us, and learned I never pack enough whiskey. [emoji23]


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[1Louder]

Great turnout at the booth. I put in 2 hours.

New venue has a lot of promise. It will change slightly when the fairground construction is done.

I have seen 85% of it before but that's ok. My wife drove the test course in a Tacoma. With a great instructor, Charlene.

Food lines were long so I walked back to camp each day for lunch.

Nice to see the Patriot trailers in person and I like the Crux Brand of trailers.

Xpedition Overland has gotten so huge that it is not my thing anymore. They seemed to have sold a lot of hats and other gear.

I liked the drop down table from FrontRunner. Meant for a Jeep door but should work on my FJ as well.

I also learned I need to remember my member # and should probably get a 2nd emblem for my trailer.

I dunno you just have to go and see it for yourself.

 

[G-Wagen]

Great turnout at the booth. I put in 2 hours.

New venue has a lot of promise. It will change slightly when the fairground construction is done.

I have seen 85% of it before but that's ok. My wife drove the test course in a Tacoma. With a great instructor, Charlene.

Food lines were long so I walked back to camp each day for lunch.

Nice to see the Patriot trailers in person and I like the Crux Brand of trailers.

Xpedition Overland has gotten so huge that it is not my thing anymore. They seemed to have sold a lot of hats and other gear.

I liked the drop down table from FrontRunner. Meant for a Jeep door but should work on my FJ as well.

I also learned I need to remember my member # and should probably get a 2nd emblem for my trailer.

I dunno you just have to go and see it for yourself.

I was there on Saturday and found the event to be focused on sales versus education... As I've been overlanding/off-roading for 20+ years, I personally found it lacking. There's far more to overlanding then having a rooftop tent...



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[1Louder]

I was there on Saturday and found the event to be focused on sales versus education... As I've been overlanding/off-roading for 20+ years, I personally found it lacking. There's far more to overlanding then having a rooftop tent...
/QUOTE]

There is a ton of education stuff. You just have to pay a lot of money to participate in the classes. It has always been that way at the Expo. This years event because of the layout felt more that a trade show. I think they will tweak it and make it better next year but don't expect a bunch of "free" classes to be included with the general admission price.

 

[G-Wagen]

I had media access to the classes and found them to be quite pedestrian, at best... It seemed to me that this event is geared towards those whom are just beginning their foray in off-roading/overlanding. I'm not saying this event doesn't have a purpose, it's just not for me


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[SpranK_13]

I learned that overlanding is expensive (the cool toys, anyhow) and even if you move the venue it's still windy and dusty in Northern Arizona. LOL
I had a great time and spoke with lots of wonderful people, that was the best thing I took away from this weekend. This was my favorite truck at the show

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[1Louder]

I had media access to the classes and found them to be quite pedestrian, at best... It seemed to me that this event is geared towards those whom are just beginning their foray in off-roading/overlanding. I'm not saying this event doesn't have a purpose, it's just not for me


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Talk to the organizers and make a suggestion for higher level classes.

I had a good time. I always do.. Mostly because of the folks I run into. I also got a new up to 950 Lumen Headlamp!

 

[G-Wagen]

Talk to the organizers and make a suggestion for higher level classes.

I had a good time. I always do.. Mostly because of the folks I run into. I also got a new up to 950 Lumen Headlamp!

I agree with the best part being the people... Met some great ones there and am sure to keep in touch


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[Justin Singleton]

Wanted to introduce myself!

My name is Justin, I drive a 2015 Nissan Xterra, and I currently live in Flagstaff and I am moving to the Valley (Glendale specifically) next month!

Just purchased my membership through Overland West, hope to meet some awesome people!

 

[DonLVOS]

Hey, just signed up. Me and the family are out in Surprise. Starting to build our latest rig, a new JKU. Looking forward to seeing y'all out on the trail.

 

[Dave Pugh]

What's up AZ?! I'm in Scottsdale. Overland was a great time. I liked the ability to see all of the products I'm interested in along with there competitors. Very helpful along with really nice people. Flagstaff is beautiful any day of the year including when it's windy.

 

[SColloftheWild]

Up in Anthem here, will soon be a bit more South off Sonoran Desert Dr once the new place is complete. Current rig is an 07 Wrangler. Currently looking at getting a 2017 or 18 Armada though to kit out. This is the same Body style model as the current Y62 Patrol in Australia that they have had since 2010 but now the Series 3 there, so there is quite a bit of stuff for it, but would need to be imported.

My Jeep is down now though needing a new RR Axle, the pinion gear went out and took the RR Prop shaft with it so planning to upgrade to D60s with 5.13s. Hope to see some of you all soon enough out there enjoying the sites.

I work for Nissan Motor Company at the Proving Ground in Stanfield, AZ so if anyone has a Nissan question let me know and i'll try to help out.

Take care!

 

[Ryan Matthes]

Arizona is hot bed of OB Members - met a ton while at the Expo Booth. I think there is critical mass to have some lead folks in North and some lead folks in South AZ for sure.


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[1Louder]

Arizona is hot bed of OB Members - met a ton while at the Expo Booth. I think there is critical mass to have some lead folks in North and some lead folks in South AZ for sure.


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Yep I think that can eventually happen. Plenty of places all over the state to explore.

 

[riley45dishong]

I'm in Willcox and drive a 95 Isuzu Trooper...planning many mods like a roof rack and front winch bumper in the near future - 5490

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[Graeman]

Dave Pugh - I love the old school hubcaps on your Cruiser. I am really starting to look at purchasing an older than 80 series now, as they really do look good. Plus, I don't need all the electrical doodads that come on the newer models. Would love a manual transmission and crank windows.

 

[Graeman]

It is ridiculous the prices that people are asking for old Cruisers nowadays. But, I guess people are getting it or they wouldn't be asking that much.

 

[G-Wagen]

Dave Pugh - I love the old school hubcaps on your Cruiser. I am really starting to look at purchasing an older than 80 series now, as they really do look good. Plus, I don't need all the electrical doodads that come on the newer models. Would love a manual transmission and crank windows.

That's what made me go for my Gelandewagen... No abs, gps, power locks, power windows, power steering, and a manual transmission to boot!


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[Graeman]

G-Wagen I looked an one in Ontario, Canada back in October. I was dropping off a Pinzgauer and picking up a Haflinger and the owner had a nice Puch/Steyr Gelandewagen. Wasn't too expensive either, of course I was in Canada so cool vehicles are easier to get up there.

 

[Larry Sawyer]

View attachment 23804 Hey, just signed up. Me and the family are out in Surprise. Starting to build our latest rig, a new JKU. Looking forward to seeing y'all out on the trail.

I'm out in Surprise as well. My wife has a 2006 Armada, but my hope is to outfit a nice JKU at some point to get to the next level. I'd love to see what you have planned.