AWOL Gear Drop #20

Good day, Adventurers! This week we’ve got new suspension for Sequoias, a louder outdoor speaker, and two killer new drones, plus a recap of top recent stories on AWOL. Let’s go!

Fresh Gear

2023-25 Toyota Sequoia Coilover Lift Kits

Eibach Springs’ new PRO-TRUCK-LIFT Lift Systems for the latest Toyota Sequoia gives you three complete lift kits. All of them feature pre-assembled front coilover struts with their Pro-Lift-Kit springs. The Stage 1 kit raises the front end 2.4″ and the rear 1.1″.

The Stage 2 kit upgrades to extended travel front struts with adjustable threaded spring perches (1.4″ to 3.25″ lift), and slightly taller 1.2″ rear lift springs. The Stage 2R adds Pro-Truck Reservoir Sport Shocks in the rear for more aggressive off-road driving.

All are compatible with Eibach’s interchangeable ERO Off-Road Race Springs, so you can fine tune spring rates based on intended use and vehicle weight, too. Complete kits range from $986 to $1,628.

TurtleBox Audio’s New Grande Portable Speaker

The new TurtleBox Grande embiggens their rugged, portable, and extremely loud all-weather speakers. The original uses a 6×9 speaker, but the Grande ups that to a 10” subwoofer with 1.25” tweeter.

It’s drop-, crush-, dust-, and water-proof (even saltwater), has a 100-foot Bluetooth range, and you can link up an infinite number of them to cover any size outdoor party, all playing from a single source. Oh, and the battery will last for three days. Party on! MSRP $699.

HOVERAir X1 Pro & Promax Action Flying Camera Drone

The new HOVERAir X1 Pro and Pro MAX are pocket-sized drones that launch and follow you without needing a remote…or even your phone. They even have shooting modes like Orbit, Bird’s Eye, Zoom Out, Side Track, and Slo-Mo. Minimal effort, maximum results..

Both versions have a two-axis gimbal with EIS (electronic image stabilization), and HL (Horizon Leveling), can fly at up to 18,000 feet in winds up to 34mph. They even offer Night Tracking for night-time adventures. MSRP: $499 (PRO), $699 (PROMAX).

New DJI Matrice 4 Series pro-grade video drones

If you want to take your content capture to the next level, the new DJI Matrice 4T and 4E are both professional-grade, multi-camera drones. They now have larger apertures, a new Night Scene Mode, and Low-Light Omnidirectional Sensing, plus GNS and Vision Integrated Positioning and Navigation System for enhanced flight safety. The 4T adds a thermal imaging camera & lights.

The telephoto cameras have improved clarity and can capture crisp details from 250 meters away. Both support 5-directional Oblique Capture, 3-directional Ortho Capture, and Smart 3D Capture. Combo kits from $5,129 to $7,799, with plenty of additional accessories and options for both.

Recent Stories

Adventure Van Build and Lift

Wanna see how Tyler built his RWD Ford Transit into a surprisingly capable off-road camper van? Check out the video HERE!

VanDoIt Camper Van Overview

…and if that inspired you, here’s a walkthrough of all of Vandoit’s models from our recent visit to their factory in Missouri.

Field Notes

• Purify your water and cook with the all-in-one GeoPress Titanium
• Sleep outside, under the stars with the YoboGear Turtlebug Hammock Stand
• Party Shirts International expands line to include kids’ shirts
• New EcoFlow RAPID 10000mAh charges phones super fast
• Shhhh… Is Dobinson Working on New Subaru Suspension Kits?
• Guess where the beds are in this camper van?
• And check out the incredible interior on this next level camper van!
• Yup, these are off-road Robots that can go just about anywhere
• Vandoit’s spring open house is March 27-29

Wandering Thoughts

Ron here… Tyler’s off playing in the desert with Fox, testing new mountain bike suspension, and ripping in their killer Fox Factory Silverado!

So, this was my first stab at our weekly recap. Hope you liked it, I had fun putting it together!

Until next week, stay safe out there, plan well, tread lightly, and most of all have a blast!

Thanks for reading,

Ron Frazelle
(the Jeep guy)