Overlanding and Offroad articles

I've overlanded all over the American West for years and years. Cold weather punishes every shortcut in those places, especially at high elevation. Because help is often hours away, I learned to winterize my rig before the first hard freeze. This guide shows you how to winterize your rig...

Quick Facts: Topic: How a trailer brake controller works, which type to buy, and how to set gain. Needed for: Trailers with electric brakes. Not needed for: Trailers with surge brakes. Two types: Proportional and time-delay. Gain test speed: About 25 mph in an open, level area. Common legal...

Quick Facts: Topic: Little Giant Fire closure order reduced on the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest in Washington. Order: 06-17-07-2026-46, effective October 14 through October 31, 2026, unless rescinded sooner. Districts: Wenatchee River, Entiat and Chelan Ranger Districts, on national forest land only. Still closed: Entiat Chiwawa trail closures, including two...

Quick Facts: Topic: SEMA press conferences at the 2026 show in Las Vegas. Show dates: SEMA Show 2026 runs Nov 3 to 6. Opening slots: Ford at 9:00 a.m., Mitsubishi at 9:30 a.m., Toyota at 10:00 a.m. on Nov 3. Time zone: All times are Pacific, as SEMA lists...

Quick Facts: Topic: Weight distribution hitch decisions for off-road and overland trailers. Tongue weight target: 10 to 15 percent of the loaded trailer weight (Ford uses 10 percent). Hitch rule: Your owner's manual sets the trailer weight where a hitch becomes required. Trail rule: Release or remove the bars...

I've camped and overlanded most of my life, and the way I do it has changed a lot. I started in a tent, moved up to a bumper pull trailer, and later bought a fifth wheel. I've tried plenty of other camp setups along the way, too. I'm not...

Quick Facts: Standing still: Cold weather layering means adding the puffy jacket and shell the moment you stop. Core system: Wicking layer, insulating layer, wind and water shell, plus a spare dry set in the cab. Wind math: 20°F with a 20 mph wind feels like 4°F, according to...

Quick Facts: Topic: A final rule caps the restricted section of the Denali Park Road at 160 motor vehicles per 24-hour period. Agency: National Park Service, 91 FR 65690, published October 16, 2026. Effective date: November 16, 2026. Restricted section: West end of the Savage River Bridge (mile 14.8)...

Quick Facts: Recall: F-150 seat recall, Ford 26S74 (NHTSA 26V655000). Trucks affected: 2,276 pickups. Model years: 2025, 2026 and 2027 Ford F-150. Build window: Aug. 25, 2025 to Sept. 23, 2026. Problem: Front seats possibly not secured to the body. Fix: Dealer inspects, then tightens or replaces the bolts,...

Quick Facts: Topic: New Mexico OHV survey on what off-road trips cost riders. Launched by: New Mexico Department of Wildlife, reported by KRQE on October 13, 2026. Official title: New Mexico Motorized Backcountry Recreation Economic Impact Study. Time to finish: 5 to 10 minutes, by the survey's own estimate. ...