Overland Expo East 2019: First Look

The past few years of Overland Expo East have been interesting, to say the least. Vendors and attendees alike have stood against hurricanes, ice storms, 11 snowstorms, and quantities of mud and flooding that can only be described as epic. They’ve faced recovery scenarios in the parking lot and required tracked vehicles just to drive out of their booths. But finally, the event has caught a break. The skies are blue, the temperatures are perfect, and the mood couldn’t be better. We’re just one day into this year’s East Coast extravaganza, but we wanted to give you a brief look at a few of the things we’ve seen so far.

I’m really not sure what I’m more obsessed with, Main Line Overland’s Porsche Project, or their Range Rover Sport.

OK4WD has one of the coolest AEV Bisons in existence, but they really took it to the next level by fitting the Alu-Cab Camper with an actual fireplace built into the back. Can you say, cozy?

We had the chance to peek at one of Storyteller Overland’s new 4×4 Sprinters and fell in love with the interior layout and exterior design. The best part is that it’s available through traditional RV dealers, with financing options nationwide.

It’s no secret that we have a weakness for full-size Jeeps, but this one has us really excited. We’re thinking a Featured Vehicle shoot may be in order.

Spot satellite devices have a gorgeous fifth-gen 4Runner in their booth this year wrapped with a bronze wrap and matching Fifteen52 wheels. This is definitely one of our favorite new Toyotas of the event.

Making a matching truckbed trailer for your Tacoma is pretty cool, but making one for your buddy as well is even cooler. Props to this pair for killing the combo!

Off the Grid Surplus has a load of new products at this show, from jeans and flannels to coats and shorts. If you haven’t checked out their overland inspired clothing, now would be a perfect time!

Okay, we said Spot had one of our favorite Toyotas, but this definitely makes the list. It has a patina that we can get behind.

This is quite possibly the craziest MkIII Range Rover we’ve ever seen. We’re definitely interested in learning more about this beastly build.

In case you didn’t hear, the TReK competition is back, and seeing the old and new trucks side by side was a powerful moment for Land Rover and four-wheel drive enthusiasts alike.

Of all the great experiences that come from Overland Expo, our favorites are always interacting with our subscribers. Whether we’re swapping stories or simply talking trucks, it is the highlight of our weekend. We hope to see more of you here, and I look forward to sharing an in-depth look at this event in the coming weeks!

Born and raised in Dallas, Texas, Chris didn’t receive a real taste of the outdoors until moving to Prescott, Arizona, in 2009. While working on his business degree, he learned to fly and spent his weekends exploring the Arizona desert and high country. It was there that he fell in love with backcountry travel and four-wheel drive vehicles, eventually leading him to Overland Journal and Expedition Portal. After several years of honing his skills in writing, photography, and off-road driving, Chris now works for the company full time as Expedition Portal's Senior Editor while living full-time on the road.