Overlanding and Offroad articles

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 Order: 06-17-07-2026-46, effective October 14 through October 31, 2026, unless rescinded sooner.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. ...

Quick Facts: Product: Hopper Mini, a lightweight trailer from Modern Buggy RV Weight: 1,150 lbs, dry or loaded not stated Length: 12 ft 6 in Sleeps: 4 Ground clearance: 14 in Tires: ST235/75R15 all-terrain Price: Not listed Best for: SUV owners who want a light camper, per the listing  5...