BUILT FOR ADVENTURE : Phase 1 - Suspension #1mile1tree #overlander #explore #overland #adventure
Although the Trail Edition T4R5 in its stock form is an extremely capable platform, our 4Runner needed an upgrade for carrying weight without compromising ground clearance. So it’s a payload thing for us, not so much height even though a lift is the by product. Once we got this rig on the lift, it became clear real quick that you can drive the 4Runner over just about anything straight from the factory, ha!.
When we saw the press release for the OME BP-51 last fall, we reached out to ARB. Even though there wasn’t a confirmed fit for the 4Runner available then, we insisted on an install so we could provide some assistance with an install; however, it wasn’t quite that simple. ARB put a lot of time and money into building this internal bypass shock and we’d have to wait on their engineers to confirm fitment and function on the 4Runner before we could proceed.
Five months later, here we are - an OME BP-51 install on a 2015 TE T4R. With access to mechanics at our local Toyota shop, we had the install knocked out in half a day.
Our BP-51s came preset by ARB for our specific application, i.e. winch, bumpers, RTT, etc. There was also a tool provided for making adjustments on the trail/road. Ours are tuned for on/off road plus lots of weight and the shocks will probably stay that way for the time being.
Since the BPs come set on coils in the front, there wasn’t too much to the install. Simply drop the LCA plus the sway bar and insert. The reservoirs mount to the frame using suppled brackets. Its all very straightforward; however, you’ll have to pay close attention to how the reservoir lines are run. The instructions lay this out nicely, just pay attention.
The sway bar needs to be spaced down along with the brackets under the radiator; you can pick the extra parts at Toytec if I’m not mistaken; if you have questions just hit us up at team@mountainstateoverland.com and we'll get you on the horn with an ARB rep.
On to the rear – we set Pardo springs between the axle and chassis and mounted the rear BPs up with the stone guards in place. Really nothing special here but I can confirm its freaking nice to have a lift and couple 5’ jack stands to get this job done.
All said, we haven’t had enough time behind the wheel to offer any solid “testing” results yet. The most adequate statement I can offer at this point - BP-51s soak shit up and return you back to solid ground real freaking quick and comfortably. With the 4Runner loaded down, it’s a fine tuned machine. The minute the weight comes off, the shocks can be reset to provide the same ride quality at lighter loads. The BPs are built tough and they're designed to last; there’s no doubt about it! The price point really isn’t bad; the saying goes, “you pay for what you get,” right? In my opinion, when you buy BPs, you’re getting a far better product for your money when you choose OME.
Next up, tires.
BUILT FOR ADVENTURE : Phase 1 - Graphics #1mile1tree #overlander #explore #overland #adventure
It’s pretty simple really. We do graphics because we dream of driving the same die cast cars we played with when we were young.
We rolled with the mountain theme through Season 2 and fell in love with it. The partial wrap does provide some protection, there’s no doubt about it. The wrap on the Tacoma took a beating through southern Appalachia but after a few thousand miles of gravel roads and trails there's plenty of life left to it.
On the 4Runner, we matched the mountain scene on the Tacoma and upped the game with a bit of text, the website and (#1mile1tree) to advocate support for Trees for the Future – a nonprofit organization founded in 1989 that helps communities around the world plant trees.
The guys at Fast Signs knock it out quick and professionally. I’ll just go on record saying I could not and would not have the patience for installing vehicle wraps; however, the design is the best part! Again, think Matchbox and Hot Wheels. If you've got your design laid out then the process is much quicker and more cost effective.
On to the suspension…
a review: the engel deep blue 35 cooler and 5lb cooler pack - @engelcoolers #keepyourstuffcold #adventureready #brewchiller
FUNCTION AND DESIGN
The Engel Deep Blue coolers look like most other coolers from a distance and essentially serve the same function as all other coolers as well. The biggest difference that you will notice is the thick side walls and lid once you actually inspect the cooler. This is because of the 2’ thick polyurethane foam used for insulation.
As far as the overland applications go, they are obvious! You want a high performance cooler that will keep your stuff cold and that you can go for multiple days without worrying about stopping to resupply with ice. This allows you to spend more time on the trail making time and getting to your destinations at a reasonable hour. This cooler does just that, it has a number of great accessories too that you can add to make it more of a multi-functional piece. It can be customized for your needs, which if you are like me just adds to the fun of getting the setup you want to make your life on the road that much nicer. I also depend on it as I am the official cook on most of our trips and if something spoils or isn’t usable then I get a lot of grief from a hungry bunch of overlands….haha, not really we are pretty adaptable but you get the idea.
DAILY USE
There are a lot of times that I use my Engel 35 around my home town as well, great to load up with some brews and head to the river for a day of fishing and fun. I take it on short overnight trips into the Cranberry Wilderness near where I live and consequently where I almost met me demise when the first Derecho blew through back in 2012 without warning. That’s a whole other story I may tell you guys some time.
I would not hesitate to purchase a load of cold items from the grocery store and put them in the cooler and leave it in my truck all day in the blistering heat, because I know that they would be okay. It’s hard to beat that feeling when your confident in your gear, it allows you to worry about other more important things…like is the rig about to slide over that hill, or is Jason shooting my good side…haha.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
My overall thoughts of the Engel Deep Blue Cooler and Cooler Pack are pretty obvious I think, I have been very pleased with their performance. I am planning a possible trip to the beach this summer with my daughter and my dog Reiner. We are going to be camping in the 4 wheel drive section of the beech and I will not leave home without my cooler and cooler pack. After all there are no ice machines, bathrooms, shows or countless other amenities where we are heading. I am not worried though, I have what I need to get out and have a good time and enjoy the trip without concern that my gear will let me down. Happy trails guys and don’t forget to leave no track to the best of your ability and have fun with your friends and loved ones!
a review: engel fridge and dual battery system - @engelcoolers #fridge #bestmodyet #overland #neverneedajump
Having used a simple cooler for a number of years and realizing that while it does work, and is relatively simple, it does have its downfalls and lends much room for improvement. In comes a 12V refrigeration option to completely eliminate all considerations that refrigerators aren't worth the investment and are too “mechanical” to be reliable. The ENGEL MT45 is a tried and true legend in the world of overland travel and has ridden down many a thousand mile of beaten dirt track and mud to carry food and beverage reliably and safely to the next destination.
Why ENGEL over other options on the market? We tossed this around quite a bit and it basically came back to one reason…proven reliability. It is hard to argue against a product that has been around so long with such little modification. At the heart of this reliability is the Sawafuji Swing Motor which by design is simple, utilizing only one moving part which equates to less worry about failing parts. It requires low start up draw compared to others meaning it can work in many vehicles utilizing stock 12V DC outlets (works in my wife’s CRV i know for a fact). The design and construction of the ENGEL is built around a metal shell and rugged and reliable hardware which we desired over plastic shell varieties. It is hefty to pick up so don't think you will be carrying this thing around a lot.
THE SETUP
Living with a refrigerator in the cab of the 4Runner requires a motor that operates quietly which was obvious right out of the box. We are running the ENGEL on our Tembo Tusk fridge slide which is really a match made in heaven.
A refrigerator system is generally best set up with a dual battery system to allow the refrigerator to run off of a “house” battery vs a starting battery so as to not put excess wear and tear on the starting battery so you can get home. If you are running a bull bar with a winch you likely already have a dual battery set up making the decision even easier. In the 4Runner we are running dual Optima batteries with a blue top in the rear of the vehicle acting as a “house” battery system. It is being charged by a 200 amp separator and a yellow top Optima up front for starter duty.
This set up has performed perfectly with no issues with over a year of hard use. The ENGEL is pretty much being utilized all the time and is perfect off the overland trail for grocery getting or the occasional beer run. I installed a cheap wireless thermometer to the outside with velcro to monitor temperature which turned out to be a good addition, although the fridge pretty much is alway set at 1.5 on the twist dial power/setting knob which in general keeps the contents of the fridge at 33-35 degrees, unless it is very hot in the cabin.
SOLAR ENERGY
Another excellent modification to this system was the addition of a 60 watt PV panel to use when we are stationary for a few days. I have tested this set up several times and on sunny days the 60 watt panel easily keeps up with the demands the Engel throws at it even in very hot conditions. In the 4Runner we are monitoring battery health with a digital battery gauge designed originally for trolling motor batteries, which also gives an indicator of whether the battery is charging or discharging. When the panel is plugged into the system (with charge controller to protect the battery) the battery percentage simply doesn't budge from its original point. Based on this it is felt that this system could run independent of starting the vehicle for a number of days depending on weather and load requirements, and could likely be improved with a newer more efficient panel of similar wattage. Quite simply put…this is an incredibly efficient refrigerator.
FRIDGE OR NO FRIDGE
While the investment (btw…I’m cheap) and set up time to properly install an onboard 12V refrigeration system may seem daunting we have found it to be an incredibly worthwhile addition. When you are traveling through unknown territory for extended periods you cant always count on being able to find ice to keep your food and beverage properly cooled and protected. This system since install has had zero issues and with the quality of the ENGEL MT 45 there is no doubt it will continue to ride in this vehicle and subsequent vehicles for a very long time to come. You simply cannot go wrong with this set up and it is a true game changer in the luxury department for any member of the overloading community. Trust me!
Quick Tip: The refrigerator likes to be full and runs at peak efficiency when loaded down.
a review: schrade ot deerslayer and schf35 - @schradeknives #schradenation #legendary #oldtimer
We have been fortunate enough to have had Schrade (Taylor Brands LLC) as one of our sponsors during the 2015 season. The have been great to work with and have generously given us several tools to help us in our journeys. Two of which are the Schrade Old Timer Deerslayer 15OT and Schrade SCHF35. They have accompanied us on our adventures through Appalachia, and have been useful companions to say the least. I have used them on numerous occasions and feel that they are both solid tools that have many uses and that they would never fail me when I needed them.
FUNCTION AND DESIGN
As far as the function and design of these 2 knives they are both wonderful pieces of equipment to have on an expedition. I have used my Deerslayer for numerous tasks and it has done well in all areas. I love the shape of the blade and the feel of the handle, and it is one of the best looking knives I have seen…in my opinion of course. It comes with a very nice brown leather sheath and the pair of them go well together.
Now for the SCHF35, it is a really good looking knife as well and it is one that we decided as a team that we all wanted! It is a great size for carrying and is very sharp as well like the Deerslayer. It comes with a Kydex sheath that can be worn on the belt or mounted to your gear with its numerous mounting grommets. Both are stainless steel, so you won’t have to worry as much about the elements getting to them. Both are also full tang, meaning that the blade's steel runs the full length of the knife. I would trust either of these knives if my life depended up on them, literally….although I hope never to be in a situation where it does!
OVERLAND APPLICATIONS
The overland applications are numerous with these knives! I mainly used the Deerslayer to prepare the meals on our trips, due to its blade shape and length it functions nicely for this purpose. I will admit though that the blade is a bit thick, if you are planning on doing extensive chopping it would be of benefit to have a second chef’s knife to make things go a little quicker. It shines best when carving or cutting up meats though! We used the SCHF35 for tasks around camp, everything from cutting cordage to some meal prep. We even used it to do some slight modifications to our drone props when they were damaged after hitting some branches. There are so many uses I could never cover them all and keep this blog at a reasonable length.
DAY TO DAY
Day to day use is another area that these blades are handy. I carry one or the other in my truck with me at all times, you never know when you will need a good knife. I guarantee when you need it and its not there you will be sorry! The Deerslayer is a good bit larger and would not be as easily tucked away in the vehicle. I feel that the SCHF35 would be a better every day carry knife for this reason. In a hunting situation the Deerslayer would be my knife of choice, the name kind of gives that away. Either way, you can’t go wrong with either of these knives!
FINAL THOUGHTS
My final thoughts are that both knives are quality tools that would serve anybody well in numerous situations. Do a little homework before purchasing any knife and ask yourself what will be its main use, how often will you us it and what do you want to spend. Once you have done this if you chose a Schrade knife I can almost guarantee that you won’t be disappointed. I have numerous Schrade tools, some have been given to me and other’s I have purchased. I am always impressed with the quality of the blade verses the price that I have spent. Meaning that for the price it’s hard to beat their quality, period!
For more info you can visit: Old Timer Deer Slayer and SCHF35