Main Line Overland Outfitters for Tomorrow's Expedition

5th Gen 4Runner ARB Drawer Installation

We completed installation of a complete ARB Drawer/Slider system in a well modded 5^th gen 4runner yesterday.  The installation was straight forward; however it did take some careful measuring to see where we would place the holes in the floor as to avoid any interference with wiring and heat shields on the underside of the rig.  This setup from ARB included a slider function on top of the useful storage drawer.

We bolted two of the same model together and fitted them in this rig; however different sizes can be utilized to allow for a raised or lowered fridge and or storage space.  The drawer systems also have the capability of being stacked which allows you to build more storage as needed down the line.  If you are in the market for a fridge slide and would like to make use of the dead space caused by mounting your fridge to the vehicle floor, be sure to check out these high quality ARB storage solutions available for your application.  Contact us to find out more about what fits your application and needs.

MLO JK Gets a Facelift

It was finally time to upgrade our JK’s front bumper, and even though we have never really even been stuck, we added a winch to the mix as well.  We decided to go with the AEV Premium front bumper, because a number of reasons, its stong and offers full frontal protection, lighter-weight than other full width bumpers with winch mounts built-in, and it just looks great on the vehicle. We opted for the winch mount and added a Warn 9.5cti Thermometric Winch with a 9,500lb capacity.

Here are a few pics of the install process:

Lengthened the stock fog-light harness

New recovery points mounted

Winch mount

Trimmed the bumper filler piece

Winch set in place

Bumper mounted!

Product Review: SOG Flash II

I recently was looking for a good folding pocket knife to carry, as I like to have one on hand for various situations when needed, and by no means do I carry as a self-defense measure. I often keep an eye on a great site called the CLYMB which sends daily emails about killer deals on outdoor gear and clothing. SOG Specialty Knives was running a deal on a number of discounted knives and I decided to jump on one since the price was right. I picked up the SOG Flash II folding knife. The knife has a great weight and balance to it, measuring approximately 7 inches in length with a 3.5 inch partially serrated blade.   The handle is a bright orange color with a black stainless steel blade.  The blade has a spring assisted mechanism allowing for very fast opening. The handle also contains a locking mechanism which prevents the blade from opening while in your pocket.

The knife can used by both right and left handed users, and the high mounted pocket clip allows for discrete carry despite its bright orange handle. This is an overall great knife, and I look forward to putting it to further good use when needed in the future.

Video: What if Money Were No Object?

Are you sitting in your office right now wishing you were out exploring the world?  Start planning your 2013 Adventures, and give us a call if you need any help getting your overland vehicle outfitted.

Video: The Highest Pass

Last night I had some time to relax and watch a recent documentary with my wife Kristen.  The documentary called, “The Highest Pass”, which follows seven motorcycle riders on an adventure of a lifetime as they set out on an expedition expedition through the highest passes of the Himalayas in Northern India.  This journey proves to be challenging for all the riders both physically and spiritually.    The bikers ride on Royal Enfield single cylinder 350cc motorcycles across the edge of the Himalayas, navigating dirt, gravel, snow, ice and the onslaught of loaded trucks, known as “road killers”, as they ride for 21 days towards the highest motorable road on earth. It is a pass open only three months a year and at a height 18,000ft, is on par with Everest base camp. Low oxygen, altitude sickness, river flooded roads, and a constrictive fear all live along this one lane road.  This film is available for download via iTunes, or for Instant Que via NetFlix.

Reading List: Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance

I am reading a great book right now, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, by Robert M. Pirsig. This is a book about motorcycle maintenance, adventure, values, and a man’s self discovery.  A book worth picking up for your next adventure.

MLO Customer Vehicles: 2004 G4 Edition Disco II

We had a very nice local owner with a 2004 Land Rover G4 Edition Discovery II in for rear light wiring work yesterday. You have got to love that orange!

Expeditions: Free Entrance Days in the National Parks

America’s Best Idea – the national parks – is even better when it’s free!

Mark your calendar for these entrance fee-free dates in 2013:

• January 21 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
• April 22-26 National Park Week
• August 25 National Park Service Birthday
• September 28 National Public Lands Day
• November 9-11 Veterans Day weekend

Here’s a tip-265 of your 398 national parks NEVER charge an entrance fee. So start Planning Your Visit!

If you’re planning a trip that includes multiple national parks, you might consider the $80 annual pass that provides entrance to all national parks, national wildlife refuges, national forests, and many other Federal lands-more than 2,000 in all. This America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass is offered free to all active duty military members and their dependents. Information on these and other pass options is available online.

Video: FJ Cruiser Adventure

A fun Toyota FJ Cruiser promo video courtesy of Expedition Portal.

MLO Shop Christmas Gift

We gave the MLO shop a gift for Christmas, a 1955 Vendo-83 Coca-Cola machine.  This will serve as our new fridge to keep some cold ones for after a hard days work, or shop BBQ events.  We love the look of this machine and it will fit right in with some of the older vehicles.