Overland Tech

We probably have at least two things in common. First, we don’t like people stealing our stuff. Second, we have entirely too many keys on our keychain — because we don’t like people stealing our stuff. I recently bumped into a counter and my massive keychain left a sizable bruise on my thigh. I figured […]

Jeep Tech

Product Install

Product Review

Storage

Tuffy Security Products: Mid-Size SUV Drawer

Every vehicle based travel enthusiast suffers from the same quintessential problem: WHAT DO WE DO WITH ALL OUR STUFF?!? More precisely, how do we keep it secure and how do we keep it safe. No one likes sifting through a rat’s nest of gear to find something. Worse, no one likes having their vehicle broken […]

Communication

Product Install

Midland USA MXT575 50 watt GMRS Radio install & review

2022-05-03

I’m sure we’ve all seen the commercial. “Can you hear me now?” Sure it got old, but I bet we’ve all uttered that phrase at least once while out on the trails when using a radio. CB’s dominated the 4wheel-drive and Jeep scene for decades. As previously mentioned they were a mainstay in popular culture […]

Communication

Overland Tech

Product Install

WeBoost Drive X RV Install

2020-01-31

For many of us our cell phones are our primary form of communication. In the age of smart phones they also double as mobile computers allowing us to check everything from social media to email. They also make very handy navigation devices with built-in navigation applications as well as specialized navigation apps like Gaia GPS. […]

Communication

Overland Tech

Overland Communications: Cell Phones & Cell Boosters

2019-12-20

Cell phones are probably the one common form of communication most of us have. While radios and satellite communication devices have their place, they present a significant investment and, in some cases, require either a license (for radios like HAM or GMRS) or monthly subscription plan (for satellite devices). Also, since cellphones are the way […]

Communication

Overland 101

Intro to Communications

2019-11-27

When looking at communication systems for overland adventure travel there are a wide range of options. The goal of this article is to cover the basics and introduce the various systems, how they work, how they are similar, how they are different, and what their advantages and disadvantages are. In later articles we will expand […]

Small Upgrades #1 = Radio Communications

2018-03-23

If you look back at some of the posts here at ECOA there are some pretty cool flashy upgrades. Everything from tires and suspension to extended range fuel tanks. With much of the big stuff taken care of, it’s time to turn attention to some smaller upgrades. Redundancy layers are essential when it comes to […]

Product Review

Beadlocks – Are they worth it?

2017-12-22

If you recall, at the beginning of the year I had a set of Coyote Enterprises Boltless Beadlocks installed when I got the new Cooper S/T Maxx tires mounted. Coyote Enterprises Boltless BeadlocksWhat do they do and are they worth it? Although beadlocks are common in the rock-crawling world, the question we are seeking to […]

Overland Tech

Electrical Upgrades: Round 2 – Odyssey AGM Battery

2017-07-28

It’s been a while since I’ve done anything with the electrical system on the LJ. Thankfully that’s because everything has been working just fine <knocks on wood>. That said, a recent addition to the Jeep led me to upgrading the battery on the Jeep. Had to go to the local freight terminal to pick up […]

Overland Tech

Suspension Upgrades: Round 3 – Rear Adjustable Air-Springs

2017-07-07

Ever since the very first day of the 2015 No Highways Tour I have been plagued with rear suspension issues. This is partly because the LJ is 15″ longer than a base TJ. This increase in length translates into an increase in base weight. 15″ more frame. 15″ more body. 15″ more hard-top. Ounces become […]

Overland Tech

Phase 3

Skid Plates – Time for some upgraded armor

2017-05-14

When you start to push your overland adventures into more remote and technical terrain the risk of damage, and the repercussion from such damage, starts to escalate quickly. Figuring out how to deal with that kid of thing is a delicate balance between risk identification, risk assessment, and risk mitigation. Not a position you want […]

Jeep Tech

Overland Tech

DIY Storage Boxes

2017-03-31

Last year at Overland Expo West & East I taught a workshop on “DIY Storage Solutions for the Budget Overlander” (title was something like that, I honestly don’t remember it verbatim). Sadly I won’t be teaching it this year, but that does give me an excuse to talk about my new rack. How to fit […]

Phase 3

Product Review

[Review] Cooper Tire Discoverer S/T Maxx 3,000 mile update

2017-03-17

At the end of 2016 the LJ was in desperate need of some new tires. Truthfully it needed tires at the start of 2016, but I had to make due. When I set out on my quest to choose a new tire I started off by listing a few criteria and expectations. With those in […]

Overland Tech

Recovery

ECOA Recovery Guide – Phase 1: The basics

2017-02-17

In previous article series I’ve broken things down by “phases.” This is a way to demonstrate that you don’t need everything and the kitchen sink to go out and have an adventure. The same goes for recovery. In this three part series I’ll break down three phases for building a off-road recovery kit. What gear […]

Overland Tech

Phase 3

Product Review

New Tires – A long time coming, but worth the wait

2017-01-27

Without going into too much detail, tires for the LJ have been a sore point for me for the last year or so. When I put together my plan the ultimate end game was to have the LJ rolling on a set of 33’s. The combination of the 1″ body lift and the 2″ JKS […]

Overland Tech

Tire Basics and the Tire Selection Process

2016-12-21

This week we’re going to look at the tire selection process I used to pick the new tires for the LJ. While the actual shapes, sizes, and configurations vary from tire to tire,all tires share common elements to their construction.When talking about tires here is a quick guide to what is what on a tire.All […]

Tires, tires, and more tires

2016-12-16

A few weeks ago I outlined my recommendations for the first ten things you should do before setting out on your first overland adventure (part 1; part 2). On that list was tires. In that vein I’ll to a multi-part series looking at tire tech a little more in depth Tires are one of the […]

Overland Tech

Phase 3

Large Capacity Fuel Tank: the GenRight Off Road Safari Tank

2016-09-07

The biggest limiting factor of any overland adventure is not time or money. The one universal thing that limits all trips is fuel capacity. It doesn’t matter how shiny your titanium spork is. It doesn’t matter how comfy your roof-top-tent is. It doesn’t matter how knobby your tires are or how many LED’s are bolted […]

Overland Tech

Tire Pressure Management

2016-07-27

One of the most essential skills for any vehicle owner is the ability to manage air pressure. Sadly with the status of nanny laws and the government mandating tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) on all new vehicles it’s turned tire pressure management from an active skill to passive nuisance. Now people don’t check their tire […]

Phase 1

Product Review

Product Review: J.T. Brooks Automatic Tire Deflators “Pro”

2016-07-20

A little while ago I posted a review of my ViAir Onboard Air System. That was the first in a three part series on tire pressure management. This week I am going to review my new set of tire deflators from J.T. Brooks. So in this post I’ll talk about the basics of deflators, what […]