Happy weekend, Adventurers! Here’s the latest bits from the Overland and Vanlife worlds, plus a recap of our best stories this week…
Apex Kwiklynx quick-release sway bar disconnect
The new Apex Kwiklynx sway bar disconnect lets you quickly optimize your 4Runner, Tacoma, FJ Cruiser, or GX470/460 for on- or off-road use. The replaces the connecting rod with a quick-release connector, and works with any non-KDSS version of Toyota’s most popular late-model trucks & SUVS. MSRP $750.
Titan Hydrokick adds water over your truck’s wheel hump
It’s always weird stuffing something into the nooks and crannies, but the new Titan’s Hydrokick 15-gallon water tank fills the space in front of the wheel well in a wide variety of Chevy, GMC, Ford, Dodge & Nissan trucks (and a few vans). It’s the same as their Sidekick II fuel tank, except made specifically for potable water. Choose from a variety of pumps to siphon the water out. Price TBA, available soon.
Outdoor Eats spices up camp kitchen kits
Outdoor Eats is a series of camp cookbooks, and now founder Chef Corso has launched starter kits to help you make the most of the simple recipes…or just add more flavor to your own favorites. Choose from Basic and Deluxe, which include a titanium spork (or two), and the Deluxe gets their folding chef’s knife.
Just want the spices? Multiple bundles ranging from $20 to $36 available, all in resealable pouches to keep them fresh between trips.
Ford adds more Bronco Overland Adventure trips
Ford’s Bronco initiation series is great, offering new owners a chance to drive them the way they’re meant to be driven, with professional off-road instruction, recovery, and repair tips, all in killer locations. For 2025, they’ve added more locations to choose from, including Moab Red Rocks, Emigrant Trail, Telluride, Death Valley, and the Allegheny Mountains.
Helinox brings new outdoor games
Helinox may make some of the best collapsible outdoor chairs, but now they’re giving you a reason to get up out of them.
Clockwise from top left, their new PLAY games collection includes Heli Drop (ball in a net), Heli Disc (Frisbee without the ®) which you can throw for fun (top center)…or try to knock cans off a pedestal (top right), String Trees (ring sliding), YutNori (Korean strategy game w/ dice), and a score keeper. Prices from $40 to $100.
Recent Stories
Escapod MTB edition is a rolling bike workshop x camper trailer
Built with all the things a mountain biker (or gravel cyclist) could want, the new Escapod TOPO2 MTB comes with a complete, and completely integrated, Feedback Sports Pro Mechanic’s Tool Kit, the all-new Kuat ION hitch rack, and a swing-away carrier with bicycle workstand.
It has all the usual Escapod amenities, including full kitchen in the back, big bed inside, and full composite one-piece shell that keeps it lightweight. Check out all the details here.
Diode Dynamics’ advanced D-Switch panel
With eight ports PLUS the ability to tap into your car’s factory switches, the new Diode Dynamics gives you a lot of customizable options for controlling your lights, winch, compressor, and more. Read more...
Gozney Tread portable pizza oven
Propane-powered and highly portable, this compact pizza oven goes anywhere and lets you cook with real flame and high heat. Remove the pizza stone and slide your pan in there for sizzling meat & veg, too. Read more...
Ignik TapRack refillable multi-tank
Need gas for that oven? Ignik’s new TapRack gives you four refillable 1-pound propane tanks to replace those landfill-bound green ones. The clever base lets you refill anywhere, and fuel fire pits and larger grills directly from it, too! Read more...
Thule Verse bike rack review
Thule’s latest and greatest platform-style hitch bike rack has a more refined feel, with tighter accessory integration. And it makes it easy to avoid the dreaded handlebar-vs-saddle fight. Read more...
2025 Overland Events list updated…again!
More new events, our ultimate list of Overland and Vanlife events continues to grow. And if you’re headed to MOORE Expo or Overland Expo West, keep an eye out for us, we’ll be there! Read more...
Field Notes
- This is a very clever DIY car ramp
- Bilstein added a suspension kit for the latest Prado
- Ari Timp Peak enduro e-MTB has been completely redesigned
- Modi’s Infinity Straps make it easy to strap things together
- Fenix’s WF25RM is the perfect mechanic’s workshop flashlight
- CampBoks has a clever kitchen/storage insert for trucks & vans
Big Deals
- Jetboil is never on sale, except RIGHT NOW this weekend
- GoPro HERO 13 Black (and White) are $50 off
- REI Members get extra 25% off Outlet gear thru 4/14 w/code OUTAPRIL25
- EcoFlow Delta Pro 3 is at its lowest price ever
Wandering Thoughts
Do you ever find yourself just staring at your vehicle?
I do.
And I’ve been doing it a lot lately, trying to figure out how to build my GX470 as light as possible without giving up any performance or functionality.
There are always compromises.
It’s why I have a four-seat camper van, too, because there’s no way my family of four are all sleeping in or on a mid-sized SUV.
But that van is RWD, and while it’s surprisingly capable, the GX is for more remote adventures. Horses for courses.
So, I’m out here staring at my truck figuring out how to put lots of off-road lighting lumens on there without adding a bunch of other stuff first. And without limiting what I can add later.
Why?
Because I want more light, but I’m not quite ready to put a full-length roof rack (like Sherpa, Prinsu, etc.) or high-clearance bumper (looking at you, Goliath) on there.
To me, limitations force creativity.
Ultimately, I’d rather do something creative than just throw $6,000 at it just to make space to add $3,000 more worth of lights, winches, etc.
I mean, eventually, I probably will.
Until then, I get a lot of satisfaction out of making my own solutions. Not that there’s anything wrong with just buying a bunch of stuff, or even paying someone else to install it for you. If you have the means, go for it…your vehicle will be done waaaay before mine.
But, and even if you have the means, I’d challenge you to just take a few minutes (or 20) and really think through your next mod. Think about how you could do something different. Or combine things in a unique way.
I think everyone who’s into their rigs does this anyway, but take it a step further. Contact a local fabricator or 3D printer and have them help you do something custom. If nothing else, it’ll be a cool story. But you might just end up with something you’re really proud of, too.
Don’t rush it
I’m glad I didn’t rush into lighting decisions, because after a week (literally) of staring at my truck, I had an idea I really liked.
Baja Designs liked the idea, too.
It’s custom, and it might not work. I plan to use a few of their smaller Squadron & S2 lights to yield big output in minimal space. I think you’ll like it, too. Stay tuned.
Until then, get creative!
PS – I’m almost done with my video on the Falcon Offroad wheels Toyo Open Country AT 3 tires I put on the GX, and I’m excited to share that with you…I spent a LOT of time researching both categories, and these two are very interesting.
PPS – Subscribe to our YouTube channel so you don’t miss it, plus a bonus video on how it affected gas mileage…which might surprise you.
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