by Mercedes Lilienthal

2019 Overland Expo East: Improved

The 2019 Overland Expo East attracted overlanding enthusiasts and globe-trotters from all over North America, and beyond. This year, the event was held a month earlier and moved to a different part of the East Coast, from Oskar Blue’s REEB Ranch south of Asheville, North Carolina, to the picturesque rolling hills of Infinity Downs, located near Arrington, Virginia. This proved to be a great move, both weather-wise, as well as event location-wise.

2019 Overland Expo East: A 4Runner on a failed hill climb on the practice course.

A 4Runner on a failed hill climb on the practice course.

From emergency preparedness to various vehicle recovery classes—an abundance of curricula and hands-on courses were available for everyone.

Vehicles to See

Interesting, unique, and rare adventuremobiles were also showcased. Classic Toyota Land Cruisers, like Jonathan Lawson’s ‘73 FJ55, and a rare multi-colored LV Wagon were on hand. Although we couldn’t find the owner of the LV to learn more about it, we admired it’s impeccably redone seats through its windows and pondered its adventurous history.

2019 Overland Expo East: 1973 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ55

Jonathan Lawson’s 1973 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ55

Also on display was Drive the Globe’s brightly orange painted ‘79 four-door Unimog and matching home-built trailer. This unique setup includes a Schutt Industries M1102 military trailer base (bought at an auction with its original sticker price still attached), with fully customized living quarters sitting atop it. The owner’s long-term goal is to travel the world with it, hopefully within the next few years.

2019 Overland Expo East: 1979 four-door Unimog with home-built trailer using a Schutt Industries M1102 military trailer base and living quarters on top.

Drive the Globe’s 1979 four-door Unimog with home-built trailer using a Schutt Industries M1102 military trailer base and living quarters on top.

Other rolling adventure homes were also witnessed: from travel-ready Mitsubishi Fuso EarthCruisers to a Ford F-350 with a customized Fifty Ten box on the back with interior by Goose Gear — there were oodles of modified 4×4 vehicles to look at.

2019 Overland Expo East: The Fifty Ten camper on a F350 at the Goose Gear booth.

The Fifty Ten camper on a F350 at the Goose Gear booth.

2019 Overland Expo East: Mitsubishi Fuso 4x4 by EarthCruiser

Mitsubishi Fuso 4×4 by EarthCruiser

Products That Caught Our Eye

Vendors at 2019 Overland Expo East brought their latest and greatest wares to sell. From big ticket items like off-road trailers to small yet impactful items like bungee cords or leather-wrapped journal notebooks, there wasn’t a shortage of cool products to peruse. We took notice of a few that may perk your interest.

Endeavor Hardware Supply, from Mooresville, North Carolina, is a husband and wife team who recently launched American-made aircraft-grade anodized aluminum tent stakes via Kickstarter. They set out on a quest to improve a product they’ve struggled with in the past. They wanted to improve upon current designs that lack durability; the heavy-duty Endeavor tent stake may just be the perfect answer. A variety of colors are available. One can purchase a set of six for $44, a set of four for $29, or get them natural (non-anodized) in a set of four for $18.

2019 Overland Expo East: multi-colored anodized aluminum Endeavor tent stake

Endeavor tent stake from Endeavor Hardware Supply

Also made in America and born out of the need to improve an existing product, Keith Wilson created the Trail Creeper. This handy item is a durable and compact folding mat, roughly 24”x9”x3” when folded. How can you make a floor mat better? Keith partnered with Blue Ridge Overland Gear to construct them and kept them lightweight at about three pounds each with heavy duty Cordura on one side with vinyl on the other. The Trail Creeper is wipeable and cleanable. They can gang together and can be used in a multitude of ways. Each mat will run you $75.

2019 Overland Expo East: Trail Creeper mat

Trail Creeper created by Keith Wilson

Helinox showcased its yet-to-be-released Royal Box shade unit. This interesting SPF50 sun shade protects you from the elements. This quick-to-set up three-sided shelter has taped seams, toggles and loops to roll up each side, and could be your new perfect portable lightweight shelter. It is priced at $199, with availability expected in January 2020.

2019 Overland Expo East: Helinox Royal Box shade unit and Helinox chairs

Helinox Royal Box shade unit

Warn Industries recently released its all-new Warn VR EVO winches, their latest standard-duty offering. The new line boasts IP68-rated waterproof construction, a two-in-one wireless/corded remote, includes a limited lifetime warranty on mechanical components, plus a seven-year warranty on electrical parts. With features like these, the price tag of $489.99 to $849.99, depending on model, is well worth it.

2019 Overland Expo East: Warn VR EVO winch on display

Warn VR EVO winch

One of the more clever items found at 2019 Overland Expo East was a headlamp. Princeton Tec showcased an adaptable headlamp that works as intended, but also switches up to become a bike light, flashlight, lantern, or even a magnetic light for hands-free work. Known as Snap, this headlamp package includes a head unit, headlamp attachment and strap, two-way carabiner mount and clip, as well as a handlebar attachment for $42.99.

2019 Overland Expo East: Princeton Tec SNAP multi-functional headlamp

Princeton Tec Snap, a multi-functional headlamp

In Conclusion

If you want to experience an event on the East Coast where you can check out cool overlanding rigs, review and buy a variety of gear, and learn how to better prepare yourself for off-road adventure travel, then Overland Expo East is the place to be. It’s a great place to relax, learn, shop, and make new friends—especially at its new location.

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