The Perfect Rig Is a LIE | Finding Your Balance

Are you building the perfect overland rig, or are you slowly ruining a perfectly good truck?

This week on the CAMO Convoy Podcast, Nick and Aaron tackle one of the biggest problems in overlanding: finding the balance between off road capability, long distance comfort, reliability, and actually enjoying your adventures.

From oversized tires and extreme suspension lifts to overloaded campers, unnecessary accessories, and the endless modification snowball, we discuss how easy it is to build a truck that's great at 5% of your...

DIY vs BUY: What's Actually Worth Building? | CAMO Convoy Podcast

Is it better to build your own overlanding gear or just buy it off the shelf?

This week on the CAMO Convoy Podcast, we're tackling one of the biggest debates in the off-road and overlanding world: DIY vs BUY!

From custom bumpers and suspension setups to portable power stations, recovery equipment, and camp kitchens, we're breaking down where doing it yourself actually saves money, where buying makes more sense, and when the juice just isn't worth the squeeze.

A trailer gives you room for the family, the gear, and a camp you can leave behind while you explore. It also means dragging another axle through everything you came to drive.

This week on the CAMO Convoy Podcast, Nick and Aaron talk overland and offroad trailers. Aaron likes the idea. Nick takes some convincing. From simple utility trailer builds to fully equipped campers, we get into what you gain, what you give up, and whether a trailer actually fits the way you travel.

We talk tongue weight, load placement, trailer brakes, suspension, and the...

Some of our favorite overland gear came from China. Some things we wouldn’t touch. So where do we draw the line?

This week on the CAMO Convoy Podcast, Nick and Aaron go through the gear we put on our trucks, take camping, and trust to get us home. From LED lights and Baofeng radios to recovery equipment, batteries, brakes, and diesel heaters, we talk about where buying cheap makes sense and where we’re spending the extra money.

First, there’s a distinction worth making: an American company designing a part and having it manufa...

FULL SIZE OVERLANDERS: Half-Tons to $900K Expedition Rigs

How big is too big for an overland rig?

Tonight on the CAMO Convoy Podcast, Nick and Aaron dive into the entire world of full size overlanders, starting with the trucks and SUVs you see every day and working all the way up to massive, purpose built expedition rigs that cost nearly a million dollars.

We break down modern half ton trucks and SUVs like the F-150, Silverado 1500, Ram 1500, Tundra, Sequoia, Expedition, Tahoe and Suburban, then move into the heavier stuff including the...

Looking for the best off road trails and overland routes in the Appalachian Mountains? In this episode of the CAMO Convoy Podcast, Nick and Aaron break down some of the most popular legal 4x4 trails and long distance overland routes across Appalachia, including what to expect, vehicle requirements, camping, scenery, trail conditions, and difficulty.

Our scale is based on legal public roads and trails in Appalachia, not private rock parks or competition terrain.

If you’ve spent enough time on the trail, you’ve met that guy.

The guy who shows up unprepared. The guy who rides everyone’s bumper. The guy who refuses to use four wheel drive because he wants to prove a point. The guy who tears up soft trails, ignores private property, blasts past hikers and horses, or decides a cliffside switchback is somehow the perfect place to pass somebody.

This week on the CAMO Convoy Podcast, we’re talking about the unwritten rules of off roading and why trail etiquett...

Could you sleep in a random parking lot, industrial park, rest area, or 24 hour business without anyone realizing you are there?

This week on the CAMO Convoy Podcast, we dive deep into stealth camping and the art of finding a safe, low profile place to sleep when a campground, hotel, or traditional campsite just is not happening. We cover how to choose a spot, how to make your vehicle blend in, when to arrive, when to leave, lighting, ventilation, cooking, bathrooms, personal security, dealing with security or law enforcement, and the mistakes that...

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Onboard Air for Overlanding: Compressors, Airbags, Tanks & More | CAMO Convoy Podcast

DESCRIPTION / SHOW NOTES

Onboard air can be as simple as airing your tires back up after the trail, or it can become an entire pneumatic utility system built into your rig.

In this episode of the CAMO Convoy Podcast, Nick and Aaron dig deep into onboard air for overlanding and off road vehicles. We break down how to properly size a compressor, what PSI and CFM actually tell you, why duty cycle matters, whether you...

Off road travel and adventure gets even better when the whole family comes along. In this episode of the CAMO Convoy Podcast, we’re talking overlanding with kids, family camping, 4x4 travel, outdoor adventure, and how to make off road trips something your kids actually WANT to be part of.

We’re joined by Nick from Explore, Discover, and Adventure Together to talk about raising kids around camping, wrenching, exploring, and the outdoors. From building an M101A1 military trailer into an overland camper with his son to taking family adventures across the East...

Episode 50.

Everybody talks about heading West when they want to disappear, but Appalachia still has plenty of places where the pavement ends, cell service disappears, and you can get surprisingly far away from civilization.

In this episode of the CAMO Convoy Podcast, Nick and Aaron dig into some of the best hidden, forgotten, and downright wild places left to explore in the East.

We’re talking remote forest roads, legitimate four wheel drive terrain, dispersed camping, elk country, abandoned railroad tunnels, tiny mountain towns, deep West Virginia backcountry, and places most people drive ri...

Rooftop tents. RotopaX. Awnings. Traction boards. Giant tires. How much of the overland industry is selling you expensive gear you absolutely do not need?

In this episode of the CAMO Convoy Podcast, Nick and Aaron put popular overland gear, vehicle modifications and entire platforms on trial. Some equipment earns a permanent place in the truck. Some only makes sense in very specific situations. And some of it is expensive Instagram decoration that makes your vehicle worse at actually traveling.

We debate:

Rooftop tents and awnings
RotopaX and fuel storage
Traction boards<...

You do not need a Tacoma, Wrangler, or Land Cruiser to start overlanding.

In this episode, we dig into unconventional overland vehicles, including Subarus, crossovers, minivans, old Kias, Astro vans, forgotten SUVs, and other cheap oddballs people are using to get outside.

We break down which vehicles actually have useful potential, which limitations can be managed, and which cheap platforms are cheap because they genuinely suck. We also talk about AWD systems, CVTs, payload, ground clearance, tire size, rust, aftermarket support, sleeping inside the vehicle, and why the right vehicle depends entirely on the trip...

I'm not really a camper guy..... But This One Might Change My Mind | MSJ Off-Road

Nick has never been much of a truck camper guy. Aaron, meanwhile, has spent the last two years dragging an MSJ camper through tight Appalachian trails, bouncing it across the country, leaning it into trees, jumping the truck and spraying the whole thing with oil....well...Nick's oil.

So for this episode, we brought in Shayan and Simon from MSJ Off-Road to find out what these campers are actually made for and whether Nick’s overladenophobia justified.

We ge...

Where do you actually go overlanding?

Quick note before we get into it: Aaron’s crickets were absolutely losing their minds during this episode, so we had to do some extra audio cleanup in post. If the audio feels slightly off in a few spots, that’s why. We figured it was better than making you listen to a full-blown Appalachian insect orchestra for two hours.

Everybody wants the secret spots, the perfect GPX file, the best campsite, the scenic overlook at lunch, and the secluded camp by 4 PM. But the real answer is not just...

Overland maintenance is not the fun part of the trip, but it is the part that keeps your rig from becoming everyone else’s problem on the trail.

In this episode of the CAMO Convoy Podcast, we break down the maintenance mindset every overlander should have before, during, and after a trip. We talk pre-trip checks, fluids, cooling systems, brakes, steering components, known failure points, trail fixes, post-trip cleaning, and the long-term stuff that keeps an old 4x4 alive.

The big idea is simple: fix problems at home, not in the woods.

We ge...

We’re mad, and we’re finally saying it.

In this episode of the CAMO Convoy Podcast, Nick and Aaron rant through the dumbest things happening in overlanding and off-roading right now. Bad recoveries, sketchy trail behavior, garbage aftermarket lights, half-done builds, alignment shop nightmares, oversized tire obsession, campsite bathroom disasters, and the people who absolutely refuse to take care of their rigs.

Some of it is funny. Some of it is annoying. Some of it is flat-out dangerous.

If you wheel, camp, wrench, overland, or spend way too much time staring at your...

This locked and lifted Subaru Forester off road build has no business working this well.

Brandt joins the CAMO Convoy Podcast to break down his 2008 SG Subaru Forester build, including the rear locker, center diff locker, long travel suspension, HDPE skid plate setup, lightweight wheel and tire combo, spare parts strategy, and how he keeps this thing alive on real off road trails.

We get into Subaru off road culture, the difference between dirt road Subarus and truly built trail Subarus, why the 4EAT automatic actually helps without low range, how he uses left foot...

Think overlanding has to cost thousands of dollars before you can even leave the driveway? Not even close.

In this episode of the CAMO Convoy Podcast, we put together a real 3-day overland camping setup with a strict $200 Walmart budget. Tent, sleep setup, cooking gear, cooler, water, food, wipes, lights, fire starting, and the basic stuff you actually need to get out for a weekend in Appalachia.

We also compare some of these budget items against similar gear from REI, Bass Pro, and other big-name outdoor stores to see where the money actually...

What does it actually mean to be “The Overland Man”?

In this episode, we break down 20 old school skills that are slowly dying out, but still matter if you spend time off road, in the woods, around trucks, or just trying to be a capable human being. We’re talking backing up without a camera, reading maps, handling first aid, staying calm when things go bad, knowing when to shut up, carrying heavy stuff, walking long distances, building fires, reading water, solving problems, and being comfortable when life gets uncomfortable.

This one is part overland talk...

We’re back from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, and this trip had everything.

In this episode of the Camo Convoy Podcast, we break down the full Michigan overland trip from the drive up, the first camp at Little Brevort Lake, deep sand roads, traction board redemption, sketchy water crossings, tight trails, killer campsites, CV axle carnage, High Rock Bay, Lake Superior camping, weird rocks, Malort, bugs, bass fishing, and the long ride home.

This was one of those trips that reminded us why we do this. Good people, good rigs, ro...

Water and Survival on the Trail

Water is one of the most overlooked parts of overlanding, camping, and backcountry travel. Everyone remembers tires, winches, lights, recovery gear, and camp setups, but a bad water plan can ruin your trip fast.

In this episode of the Camo Convoy Podcast, we talk through drinking water, storage, filtration, cooking, cleaning, hygiene, rain, wet gear, kids, pets, and water crossings. From how much water to bring, to why one container is a bad plan, to what happens when a creek crossing gets deeper than expected, this one...

Last week things got heated when we claimed the 2nd gen Frontier beats the 2nd gen Tacoma. This week Aaron is back and he is not letting that slide.

We break down
Real world reliability not fanboy myths
Power differences and what you actually feel
The truth about Toyota longevity vs Nissan durability
Titan swaps vs Tacoma long travel setups
Diff strength drivetrain design and what actually matters
Manual vs automatic transmissions and why autos kill power
Aftermarket support and why it matters more than you think
What you...

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Is the Toyota Tacoma actually overrated… and has the Nissan Frontier been the better truck this whole time?

In this solo episode of the Camo Convoy Podcast, I break down one of the most controversial takes in the overland world: why the D40 Nissan Frontier (2005–2019) might be the smarter, more capable, and way better value than the second gen Tacoma.

We’re talking:

Real-world power and dr...

Welcome back to the Camo Convoy Podcast — where we talk all things overland, off-road, and the great outdoors.

This week, we ran Potts Mountain Jeep Trail — the one everyone calls “The Hardest Trail in the East.”

So… is it actually true?

We loaded up a group of mild builds (Frontiers, Mountaineer, 35s, mostly stock geometry) and hit the trail with zero prior experience — just reputation and expectations.

What we found might surprise you.

In this episode:

Long Trips, Dead Radios… Here’s the Fix

There’s a point on every long trip where it happens…
The radio goes quiet.
Everyone’s tired.
Miles left to go.

That’s where trips either fall apart—or get way better.

In this episode of the CAMO Convoy Podcast, we sit down with the creators of Radio Chatter, a simple idea that completely changes the way groups interact on the trail.

No tech talk.
No forced conversation.
Just real questions that actually get people talking.

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Are overland clubs building the community… or slowly killing the spirit of overlanding?

Before “overlanding” had a name, people didn’t ask permission. They didn’t follow leaders. They didn’t pay to explore public land. They just went.

Now?
Clubs. Paid trips. Structured routes. “Leaders.” Rules.

So what changed?

In this episode of the Camo Convoy Podcast, we break down:

We put overland vehicles to the test across real world price points — $5K, $10K, $20K, and brand new — and the results were not what we expected.

Instead of arguing opinions, we built our own scoring system: the CAMO Vehicle Capability Index (VCI). This breaks down articulation, traction, reliability, stability, load capacity, and more to actually measure how capable each vehicle is on the trail.

Some vehicles you think are unbeatable… aren’t.
And some you’d never consider… absolutely hold their own.

If you think you know the best overland rigs by pric...

Something wild happened in our region last week.

Two off roaders were reported missing near Dayton Virginia while wheeling in the George Washington National Forest around Peters Mill Run and Flagpole Knob.

A Facebook post quickly spread through the off road community and things escalated fast. Dozens of overlanders began mobilizing, the sheriff was contacted, search and rescue was activated, and even a private aircraft launched to help search the area.

There was just one problem.

The two Jeepers were not actually missing.

They had simply decided to camp...

Episode Description

What do you actually keep in your truck?

In this episode we break down Vehicle EDC for the Overland Prepper. This is the gear that lives in the truck full time the stuff that handles breakdowns, trail repairs, recovery situations, and the unexpected problems you run into long before you ever reach a trailhead.

Most overland conversations focus on camping setups and rooftop tents. But the reality is most problems happen on the road or miles from help, and that is where vehicle EDC matters.<...

In this episode of the CAMO Convoy Podcast, we sit down with Jed Smith, founder of Backroads of Appalachia, to talk about the rise of one of the most unique grassroots motorsport events in the country: 24 Hours of Appalachia.

What started as a small regional rally has grown into a legitimate endurance competition attracting serious drivers, national attention, and real economic impact for Appalachian communities.

We break down:
• How 24 Hours of Appalachia was built from the ground up
• The vision behind Backroads of Appalachia
• What makes this rally different from everything else
•...

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If you think more lumens means better lighting… this episode might hurt a little.

In this episode of the Camo Convoy Podcast, we break down why most overlanders are setting up their off road lights wrong.

We cover:

• Light zones and how to properly layer your lighting
• Beam patterns and why combo beams can lead to a mistake
• LED vs halogen performance and eye fatigue
• Why roof lights can are a bad idea if you pick the w...

ALL OUR STUFF

NEW MERCH!

THE CAMP TONNEAU TENT

Rooftop tents have dominated the overland world for years.

But are they still the best option?

Today we compare a traditional RTT mounted on a bed rack versus the new Camp Tonneau truck bed tent system. Weight. Cost. Setup time. Center of gravity. Real world practicality.

No brand bias. No fluff.

Just the pros and cons of both setups so you can decide for yourself.

So… which one would you run?

...

THE BEST MERCH --> HERE!

ALL OUR STUFF --> CLICK HERE!

Ever wonder why rigs catch fire after a “simple” wiring job?

This episode kicks off Don’t BBQ Your Rig, a no BS breakdown of 12V electrical basics for trucks and overland rigs. No diagrams you can’t read, no electrical engineering degree required, and no pretending bad wiring is “good enough.”

We break down electrical loads in plain language and explain why wires melt, fuses pop, and accessories stop working when people start stacking lights, radios, comp...

What's the best differential for overlanding? In this episode Aaron and Nick discuss that and take a deep dive into how both work, their ups, and their downs. The Podcast also starts a new series, the DOOM SCROLL where we show off the best, worst, and WTF of FB marketplace.

In this episode of the CAMO Convoy Podcast, we sit down with Max Foltz of MBM Fab to talk fabrication, questionable project vehicles, and why a 2000 Kia Sportage rally build might be one of the most unhinged but well thought out rigs we’ve ever featured.

We cover:

In this episode of the Camo Convoy Podcast, hosts Nick and Aaron dive into their recent winter camping trip to the Appalachian Mountains, specifically the Mothman trip. They recount the unpredictable weather, which ranged from rain to snow, and the challenges they faced while camping at high elevations. The conversation highlights the importance of preparation for varying conditions, as well as the camaraderie among the group despite the adverse weather. Nick shares amusing anecdotes about their camping experiences, including mishaps with gear and the amusing dynamics of their group, which included a mix of seasoned campers and newcomers.The hosts...

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Most overlanders are prepared for vehicle failure, not medical emergencies.
In this episode, we break down why being your own rescue is a non negotiable mindset when traveling remotely.

Most people spend more time obsessing over roof racks, traction boards, and gear than they do thinking about what happens when someone actually gets hurt in the middle of...

OUR LINKS: https://bio.site/camoconvoy

In this episode of the CAMO Convoy Podcast, we sit down with Sapan, president of the Mid Atlantic Rivian Club and former Land Rover mechanical engineer, to talk about overlanding with an electric vehicle.

We dig into what actually works, what does not, and how the Rivian platform changes the overland experience. From adjustable suspension and camp mode to real world trail use, charging concerns, and community building, this is not a press release episode. It is a reality check.

We...

Summary

In this conversation, Nick and Aaron discuss various aspects of work-life balance, personal projects, and the essentials of building the best overland vehicle. They share insights on navigating work challenges, the importance of understanding vehicle capabilities, and the significance of quality modifications. The discussion also touches on recent automotive news, including Toyota's innovations, and the ongoing debate between manual and automatic transmissions in the context of overlanding. In this conversation, Aaron Mizell and Nick discuss various aspects of overlanding, focusing on vehicle modifications, the importance of throttle response, and the evolution of vehicle design. They emphasize...