Overland Journal Podcast Episode 175
Did you know that Expedition Portal articles about overland, expedition, and off-road trailers are among the most popular on the website? It’s one of the hottest segments in the overland industry—from tiny teardrops to massive multi-axle toy haulers, there have been incredible leaps in technology across the board in the hitched-up world. In fact, there are so many trailers on the market now and such a dizzying array of options and designs that it can be a real challenge to make sense of it all.
The Overland Journal Podcast is here to help with some real-world expertise. In podcast episode 175, the founder of AT Overland Equipment, Mario Donovan, joins the conversation with hosts Matt Scott and Scott Brady to sort through everything you need to know about overland and expedition trailers. They take a hard look at suspension, chassis development, length, different types of trailers, the importance of electric brakes, and much more.
Special thanks to our sponsors o3 Outdoors and Kuat.
Tune in using the link below or download the episode on your favorite podcast player.
Guest Bio:
Mario Donovan
Mario Donovan was born and grew up in rural California before moving to Ethiopia in the 1970s. There, he acquired the bug for adventure travel either on foot with a pack, by motorcycle, or 4×4. Extensive travel throughout East Africa and other parts of the globe led to many great experiences and whetted his appetite for more. Upon returning to the US in the 80’s, he was involved in commercial printing operations and executive management. His printing career spanned 25 years with various companies such as the Los Angeles Times to daily magazine production management for the Hollywood Reporter. Every free moment away from printing was spent exploring remote areas of the western US, Canada, and Mexico. In 2000, he exited the printing and publishing industry specifically to create the start-up now known as AT Overland Equipment.
Mario’s inspiration for AT Overland came from several experiences rescuing ill-prepared remote travelers. He realized that the lost or broken-down travelers needed access to better resources. The original business concept was to offer travelers a well-equipped guide service. Upon discovering the lack of quality overland gear in the USA, an import company bringing South African trailers to the USA was formed. Not satisfied with the conventional suspensions of the South African trailers, AT Overland developed its own trailers and the first trailing arm air suspension for off-road trailers in the USA. Mario has continued to lead the way for product excellence, from AT’s line of expanding truck topper campers to the latest cutting-edge Aterra composite camper.
When not found in the AT manufacturing facility in Prescott, Arizona, Mario is in pursuit of the best remote happy hours spots on the planet by motorcycle or 4×4. @donovanmario
Host Bios:
Scott Brady
Scott is the publisher and co-founder of Expedition Portal and Overland Journal and is often credited with popularizing overlanding in North America. His travels by 4WD and adventure motorcycle span all seven continents and includes three circumnavigations of the globe. His polar expeditions include two vehicle crossings of Antarctica and the first long-axis crossing of Greenland. @scott.a.brady
Matthew Scott
Matthew is a leading expert in automotive adventure. He has extensively explored the world’s most remote places by 4WD and is considered an industry authority on overland travel. He is the only American to ever become an editor of a major Australian 4WD publication and has over 15 years of competitive auto racing experience. @mattexplore
Listen more: Overland Journal Podcast :: Reza Pakravan on the World’s Most Dangerous Borders
Lead image – ARB
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