The Overland Expo events, held nationally in the US, continue to grow from strength and have become the event of choice for manufacturers to launch and showcase new products. From top-tier vehicle manufacturers to up-and-coming gear and overland-related producers, the thousands of attendees of each event can expect to find the cutting edge of what’s on offer to take them further afield. Overland Expo East is the smaller of the four events but continues to draw record numbers of attendees, all eager to see what’s new and hot in the outdoor adventure world.
Escapod Trailer
Utah-based Escapod Trailers, manufacturers of NATM and OSHA-certified composite off-road teardrop trailers, has unveiled the latest addition to the TOPO2 series: the TOPO2 Nomad. This model, previously reviewed by our team, is designed to attract adventurous individuals who embrace spontaneity and simplicity, offering them a versatile, premium, and efficient means of exploration. The TOPO2 Nomad boasts a composite monocoque body, freeride suspension, a relatively spacious interior, an expansive stargazer window, year-round usability, and a 5-year manufacturer’s warranty. For those seeking a customized experience, the minimalist and functional TOPO2 Nomad allows adventurers to integrate their existing camping gear or fully outfit it with offerings from Escapod. It’s also a family-friendly option, featuring an expanded interior cabin space capable of accommodating a child’s bed (please note that this product is not yet available).
From $33,990 | escapod.us
Toyota Tundra 1794 Limited Edition
Expanding upon the firm foundation of the third-generation Tundra, Toyota gave Expo East attendees a chance to look at the 1794 Limited Edition for the 2024 model year. Enthusiasts of the Tundra have long celebrated the ruggedness of these trucks, and this special edition adds an extra layer of exclusivity, with production limited to a mere 1,500 units. The 1794 Limited Edition retains the core features of the 1794 Tundra grade, including the Crew Max cab, a 5.5-foot bed, four-wheel drive, and the standard I-Force Max powertrain. The standout characteristic of the 1794 Limited Edition lies in its premium leather interior, a result of a collaboration with the esteemed Saddleback Leather Company. Beyond the opulent interior, engineers have enhanced the Tundra’s performance by incorporating Fox suspension and an off-road-focused wheel and tire combination. The addition of 2.5-inch-diameter Fox Internal Bypass shocks, equipped with piggyback reservoirs and a 1.1-inch lift, not only elevates the truck’s stance but also enhances its off-road capabilities. You can see more about the 1794 Tundra here.
From $40,000 | toyota.com
Winnebago Revel and Hike 100 FLX Trailer
Built upon the highly popular Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis, the Winnebago Revel comes equipped with a robust 188-horsepower engine and on-demand 4WD capability. Joining the Revel on display was the Winnebago HIKE 100 FLX, which RVBusiness has recognized as the 2023 RV of The Year, elevating the concept of independence in an off-grid travel trailer. Winnebago RVs are designed and constructed with a focus on superior craftsmanship, advanced manufacturing technologies, and a steel-centric approach to construction to enhance safety and reliability. The Revel is the most capable camper van produced by Winnebago; designed for moderate off-road and off-grid excursions, the Revel features a 4WD Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis, all-terrain tires, a LiFePO4 energy system with a second alternator and solar power, a lift platform bed with gear storage, user-configurable storage solutions, and a hydronic heating system that operates off the chassis fuel.
Revel starting at $210,000 / HIKE 100 FLX starting at $40,000 | winnebago.com
Skinny Guy Campers BaseCap
Expo East attendees got a sneak peek at the 5.0 model prototype on display; the BaseCap features a roof that opens a full 180 degrees, transforming into a canopy camper with a spacious 6 feet of sleeping area. Skinny Guy Campers also debuted adaptations to their current models to cover those customers with 6.0 and 8.0-bed lengths by adding custom storage boxes in front of the regular camper. Crafted with a high-quality and durable 1/8-inch aluminum shell, the BaseCapT is designed to provide customers with floor-to-ceiling storage space with ample MOLLE attachments to empower customers to customize their kit and bring along all the gear required. A removable hammock system has been integrated for additional sleeping accommodations (perfect for accommodating kids). The fold-out bed features a comfortable mattress and is enclosed within the same tent structure used in all Skinny Guy truck camper models. Conveniently, a passenger-side baggage door has been added to the camper to provide easy access to gear stored at the front of the bed, and all Skinny Guy Campers, including the BaseCap, offer a side entry with a staircase. The rear hatch features a proprietary anti-trap latching system that allows users to open it from inside and outside, ensuring safety on the trail. Also included are a patented rainwater catchment system, a 12-volt charge port, and a USB port. All models are expected to be available in all sizes starting mid-December 2023.
From $11,000 | skinnyguycampers.com
The All New BMW R1300 GS
Bikers visiting the expo were in for a treat as BMW Motorrad showcased the 2024 BMW R 1300 GS, continuing a legacy that began over 43 years ago when BMW Motorrad pioneered the touring enduro segment with the R 80 G/S. Since then, the boxer BMW GS has consistently held its position as the uncontested leader in its competitive field. To maintain this dominance, BMW Motorrad has opted for a nearly complete redesign of the new R 1300 GS, resulting in a weight reduction of 26 pounds compared to the previous model. The focal point of this redesign is the iconic two-cylinder boxer engine. Its innovative design is now more compact than ever, thanks to the placement of the gearbox beneath the engine and a new camshaft drive arrangement. With a displacement of precisely 1,300 cc, this powerplant generates an impressive 145 horsepower at 7,750 RPM and 110 pound-foot of torque at 6,500 RPM. This marks it as the most potent BMW boxer engine ever produced in a series. The heart of the updated suspension system is the steel sheet metal shell main frame, which optimizes space and offers increased stiffness compared to the previous model. The rear frame has transitioned from a tubular steel structure to a die-cast aluminum unit. The new EVO Telelever front suspension, featuring a flex element, and the revised EVO Paralever rear suspension enhance steering precision and ride stability.
Starting at $19,000 | bmwmotorcycles.com
Moab Motorhome by Recreational Specialists
Recreation Specialists, based in Wakarusa, Indiana, have two models on the production line at present: the Moab AC, based on the Acela Monterra (M1078 LMTV) military chassis, and the Moab F550, built on the Ford Super Duty 550 chassis. The foundation of these tailor-made, bespoke vehicles is solid, high-quality tubular steel for the sub-frame, while the coach’s body is fashioned from lightweight, durable tubular aluminum and 1/4-inch fiberglass panels. Equipped with cutting-edge solar charging panels and a multitude of high-grade lithium batteries, not to mention a generous 150-gallon freshwater storage capacity, the Moab is designed for extended, off-grid excursions. The Acela Monterra military chassis, with a refurbished Caterpillar engine, features a unique design that allows the coach’s box to move independently from the chassis, adapting to rugged terrain and uneven surfaces. An 8-foot-tall engine snorkel allows this camper to submarine across deep rivers, not that you would ever need to take the Moab for such a deep swim. The Moab AC gives us the fizz.
Moab AC from $550,000 / Moab F550 from $394,000 | rec-spec.com
Bliss Mobil and AEV RAM 5500 13-foot Type 4
When Bliss Mobil and AEV embarked on this project, their primary objective was to create a robust and adaptable chassis that emphasized reliability and top-tier engineering. Armed with CAD drawings directly from Ram, they meticulously crafted a proven torsion-free subframe tailored to Ram’s precise body specifications. While the Bliss Mobil team focused on sub-frame production, AEV diligently worked on developing an expedition package to exceed the manufacturer’s specifications. Drawing from their design expertise from the 2500/3500 chassis, AEV further refined the engineering to suit the demands of the 5500 chassis. The AEV Ram 5500 is equipped with beadlock wheels from Hutchinson Industries and 41-inch Continental MPT81 tires.
The Type 4 interior boasts a spacious and comfortable bed that can be electronically adjusted in height and level. The bed measuring 1.4 x 2 meters is positioned above the seating area. Additionally, a generously sized U-shaped couch can be converted into a bed, comfortably accommodating up to four people in a 13-foot Bliss Mobil with this specific high bed interior. The available space is utilized to create a substantial heated and fully equipped wet bathroom located at the rear of the unit. The wet bath includes a yachting-grade ceramic toilet, waterproof cabinets, a ventilation system, and a roof hatch to ensure continuous airflow. A high-quality glass door separates the lavatory and bathroom. There is a broad range of choices when it comes to the Ram, AEV, and Bliss Mobil packages; generally, the starting price is $390,000, excluding taxes and delivery fees. It may be time to sell the house and the kids.
Dorothy MK 2 Self-Deployable Wind Turbine
Forged Authority Off-Grid introduced its latest product, the Dorothy MK 2 Self-Deployable Wind Turbine, at Expo East. We first saw a wind turbine on a camper parked beside our Defender in France and have not seen one on an overland vehicle since. This may catch on. The Dorothy MK 2 is engineered to efficiently harness wind power, even in low wind conditions, producing a reliable 12 volts of electricity. Its hybrid controller is designed to seamlessly capture and convert three-phase power, channeling usable energy into your power storage. It can be deployed in under five minutes with a simple switch, enabling users to generate power instantly and then stow the turbine quickly. It does so without occupying valuable roof or vehicle space, allowing users to maximize their off-grid potential. The versatility of the Dorothy MK 2 is evident through its 24/7 energy production capabilities, whether used as a standalone system or to complement existing solar setups. Pre-orders for the Dorothy MK 2 are now open for 40 founding members, and production is scheduled to begin in early Q1 of 2024, with shipments anticipated in the spring.
Prices to be confirmed | forgedauthority.com
Read more: ARB Introduces New Old Man Emu MT64 Shock Absorber Engineered for Overlanding
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