Roof racks and high-powered...
Roof racks and high-powered HID driving lights are important accessories for the overland traveler. (Photo by Chris Collard)
Equally equipped for the long haul, the latest version of the mammoth GXV was on display. (I think I counted 35 lug nuts.) Built on a Mercedes U 500 Unimog at 13 feet tall, the GXV looked a little top-heavy, but owner/builder Michael Van Pelt assured us it could go anywhere. Well, almost anywhere.
We did mention deep pockets. Any of these three big boys will run in the neighborhood of $300,000 to $500,000, depending on your choice of wine in the refrigerator. Still not big enough? Check out www.unicat.net. Some of the Unicat 6x6 models will easily take you down the road of luxury for more than a million bucks. Just as big but slightly used, there was a well-outfitted DAF from Holland, which later sold for $80,000. Yes, they are diesel, and yes, they have at least eight lugs.
EXP Expeditioneers was one...
EXP Expeditioneers was one of many companies displaying and selling specialized overland travel equipment. (Photo by Chris Collard)
Aside from those monsters, there were plenty of eight-lug diesel Fords, Dodges, and Chevys. Sportsmobile's 4x4 van conversions and Four Wheel Camper's slide-ins have proven themselves on many Baja adventures. The new XPCamper on a Dodge 3500 Cummins featured an interesting partial hard-side telescoping design. All of these being pop-ups, they have their limitations in extreme cold or windy conditions, but you don't need to sell your firstborn to drive one away. Only slightly larger and a favorite at the event, our own Turtle V with its European-designed Tortuga Expedition camper was on display. Built on a Ford F-550 4x4, it has all the comforts of home, with the mobility and load capacity of a fullsize American pickup truck.
If you were searching for that special accessory, more than 60 companies ranging from Adventure Trailers and KC Lights to Viking Off-Road and ZMW Adventures had everything from cook stoves and rearview cameras to high-powered driving lights and tire changing tools-and roof racks to carry it all.
 Participants were lining up...  Participants were lining up under a clear Arizona sky at 8 a.m., eager to begin the day's instruction. |  High-quality HID driving lights...  High-quality HID driving lights by KC and Soltex (Baja Designs) were on display, with impressive nighttime demonstrations of their awesome power. |  Beginning and advanced tire...  Beginning and advanced tire repair was a well-attended class. What can you do in an emergency? Fix it or walk!
(Photo by Chris Collard) |
Perhaps the main goal of Overland Expo 2009 was education. Whether you're exploring in a Unicat or on a motorcycle (or dreaming about it), there are many skills that can make your adventure a success. Enthusiasts came from all over the country to sign up for three days of intensive learning. Experts from many fields held indoor seminars on a wide range of subjects, including A Couple's Survival Guide to Overlanding; Overlanding: A Chick's Perspective; Overland Photography and Videography; High-Tech Communication, (blogs, tweets, Facebook, and websites); Food: Preparation, Storage, and Local Supply; Cultures: International Diplomacy; First Aid Kits; Security in the Real World; Overland Navigation; Family Overlanding with Infants, Young Children, and Teenagers; and more.
 Sportsmobile's 4x4 van conversion...  Sportsmobile's 4x4 van conversion was a popular vehicle at this year's Overland Expo. (Photo by Chris Collard) |  The Sportsmobile diesel E-350...  The Sportsmobile diesel E-350 was one of the more popular eight-lug trucks at the event. |  Tom Collins shows his class...  Tom Collins shows his class the technique for righting your 500-pound BMW if it falls over. (Photo by Chris Collard) |
Meanwhile, out on the infield of Prescott Valley's fairgrounds, there were hands-on classes covering Tire Repair, Loading andLashing, Trailer Repair, Four-Wheel Driving, Four-Wheel Driving for Women, and Winch and Vehicle Recovery. Not to leave the two-wheelers out, many courses were specifically for overland motorcycling, starting with how to pick up a fully loaded 500-pound KTM if you fall off. Adventure Motorcycle Riding was tailored for both the beginner and advanced riders.
 One of the most informative...  One of the most informative classes given discussed the various types of equipment needed for safe overland travel. |  In the infield of Prescott...  In the infield of Prescott Valley's fairgrounds, there were hands-on classes covering Four-Wheel Driving, Four-Wheel Driving for Women, and Winch and Vehicle Recovery. (Photo by Don Lamb) |  Roseann and Jonathan Hanson...  Roseann and Jonathan Hanson were the organizers of this year's Overland Expo. (Photo by Chris Collard) |
If you weren't taking a class, wandering through the equipment manufacturer's exhibits, or checking out the exotic trucks and motorcycles, throughout the three-day event there were many slideshows from attendees' personal adventures. Three of the favorites were: "London to Capetown" by Jim and Sheri O'Neal, "The History of the Camel Trophy" by Tom Collins, and "The Turtle Expedition's Trans-Siberian Expedition" by Gary and Monika Wescott.
 Total Vision did an interesting...  Total Vision did an interesting demonstration by driving the 4x4 course with the windshield blocked off, using only remote cameras to see the track. (Photo by Chris Collard) |  Rarely seen in the United...  Rarely seen in the United States, Land Rover Las Vegas brought this restored forward-control Land Rover 101. (Photo by Don Lamb) |  Typical of an overland travel...  Typical of an overland travel truck ready for an adventure: Hi Lift jack, axe, shovel, rooftop tent, and a loaded roof rack. (Photo by Nathan Hindman) |
On Friday and Saturday evening everyone enjoyed the complementary happy hours sponsored by Four Wheel Campers, Sportsmobile, and ARB. Extra-cold beers, students, exhibitors, and instructors had the opportunity to mingle and chat.
Graham Jackson, leader of...
Graham Jackson, leader of the Overland Training School, has traveled extensively in Africa. (Photo by Nathan Hindman)
On Monday morning, steps, tents, and chairs were folded up and the sound of diesels filled the air. Loaded vehicles departed to all points of the compass as if they were off on a grand overland expedition. Some actually were! As interest grows in the adventure of overland travel, we look forward to next year's Overland Expo 2010. Rumor has it that it may be held in Southern California, but wherever it takes place, there are sure to be plenty of eight-lug diesels. For info on next year's event, go to www.ovexpo.com
 Overland Expo 2009 was a showcase...  Overland Expo 2009 was a showcase for 8-lug, 10-lug, and even 35-lug diesels. |  The odd-looking Pinzgauer...  The odd-looking Pinzgauer was a curious but capable overland truck for travelers to consider as a base vehicle. (Photo by Chris Collard) |  For smaller vehicles, a self-contained...  For smaller vehicles, a self-contained tent trailer was a practical solution. Driving courses were offered on towing and repairing trailers. (Photo by Chris Collard) |