Advertise on podcast: The CAMO Convoy Overland Podcast

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: Full breakdown of Potts Mountain from start to finishThe hardest obstacles (and what they actually require)What you really need to complete the trailWhy the difficulty might be overhypedWhere the trail shines (and where it doesn’t)Trail conditions, airing down, and line choiceReal-world performance from non-built rigsAnd yeah… A completely unnecessary driveshaft sacrificeIf you’ve been thinking about running Potts Mountain — this is the honest version you won’t get from highlight reels.

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. We break down: Why “dead air” kills the vibe on long tripsHow to keep everyone engaged (even on 10+ hour days)The story behind Radio Chatter and how it started on real trail ridesWhy the best trips aren’t about gear—they’re about peopleIf you’ve ever been on a trip where the radio just… dies… this one hits. Check out Radio Chatter: (Insert link) Listen to the CAMO Convoy Podcast every Monday Overland. Off-road. The great outdoors. No BS.

DESCRIPTIONAre 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: What overlanding is actually supposed to beWhat makes a good club vs a bad oneWhy some clubs create dependency instead of skillEgo, hierarchy, and “follow the leader” culturePaid overland trips… when they make sense and when they don’tHow clubs can either grow or completely kill the adventureThis isn’t a hit piece. We run a club. We believe in community. But we’re calling out the problems no one wants to talk about. Because if your trip works perfectly without problem solving… it might not be overlanding anymore.

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 price — you’re probably wrong. 🧠 What’s in this episode:$5K “beater” overland showdown$10K real world builds (Tacoma vs Frontier)$20K heavy hitters (Jeep vs FJ Cruiser)New school rigs vs old school simplicityData driven comparison using the CAMO VCISide by side capability breakdowns🔧 Vehicles featured:1st Gen Toyota RAV4 (Manual)1st Gen Nissan Xterra1st Gen Toyota TacomaNissan Frontier Pro-4XJeep Wrangler RubiconToyota FJ CruiserFord Ranger RaptorIneos GrenadierJeep Wagoneer SJMercedes Zetros⚙️ What is the CAMO VCI?A custom built scoring system designed to remove bias and compare vehicles based on what actually matters in overlanding: ArticulationTractionReliabilityStabilityLoad UtilityRangeRepairabilityNo brand loyalty. No guessing. Just data. 🎙 CAMO Convoy PodcastWe talk overland, off road, builds, gear, and real world experience — not influencer nonsense. 👇 Drop your pick belowWhat would YOU choose at each price point? 🔔 Subscribe for more:Overland routes Vehicle breakdowns Build strategies Real world testing 🏷 Tags overland vehicles, overlanding, off road vehicles, best overland vehicle, budget overland build, tacoma vs frontier, jeep vs fj cruiser, ranger raptor review, ineos grenadier review, overland truck build, off road comparison, 4x4 vehicles

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 and had no idea that a massive search effort had started for them. In this episode we break down exactly what happened, the debate that followed in the off road community, and the important lessons that come from situations like this. We also dive into something that most off roaders never think about until it is too late: communication planning. We discuss best practices for avoiding situations like this and go deep into the different communication tools available for remote travel including: Cell phones and why they fail in the mountains Cell boosters such as WeBoost GMRS, HAM, and CB radios Satellite messengers like Garmin InReach and Zoleo Starlink for remote connectivity Personal locator beacons for emergencies If you spend time off road, overlanding, camping, or exploring remote areas, having a communication plan is just as important as recovery gear. This episode is not about blaming anyone. It is about learning from a real situation and making sure something like this does not happen again. Let us know your thoughts. How long should someone wait before reporting off roaders missing? Listen To The CAMO Convoy PodcastYouTube Spotify Apple Podcasts Follow CAMOCentral Appalachian Mountain Overland Join the community and come explore the backroads with us.

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. We go through the recovery gear, tools, spare parts, and emergency equipment that stay in the truck at all times. Whether you consider yourself an overlander, prepper, or just someone who spends a lot of time traveling remote roads, this is the gear that keeps you moving when things go sideways.

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 • The future of East Coast off road and rally racing • What competitors NEED to understand before showing up This isn’t just racing. It’s movement, culture, and a new chapter for motorsports in Appalachia. If you care about overland, off road, rally, or the future of grassroots motorsports in America — this episode matters. Subscribe for more conversations on overland, off road, and the great outdoors.

OUR STUFF GET THE CAMO GEAR HERE 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 wrong light • How desert racing lighting setups differ from trail driving • Color temperature, amber vs white, and what your eyes actually prefer • When too much light becomes a liability • Basic wiring considerations and electrical load Overlanding is not desert racing. If you are crawling tight Appalachian back roads at night, you do not need a Baja trophy truck light bar blasting 600 yards into the woods. This episode is about designing a lighting system that actually works for how you drive. Whether you run ditch lights, roof bars, amber floods, halogens, or LEDs, this conversation will make you rethink your setup. If you care about functional gear instead of just bolting on more lights, this one is for you. Subscribe for weekly overland talk, trail stories, gear breakdowns, and real world testing.

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? Drop your pick in the comments.

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, compressors, and chargers without thinking it through. We cover: What electrical load actually means in real world termsLow, medium, and high demand accessoriesWhy amperage is what kills wiring, not voltageWhy voltage is just electrical pressureWhy wire size matters more than most people thinkCommon lighting and accessory wiring mistakesThe race level correct way to connect power and groundWhy you can’t shove 200 amps through tiny wire without consequences If you’ve added lights, radios, a winch, an air compressor, or a power bank to your truck, this is the episode that keeps you from cooking your wiring harness and learning the hard way. This isn’t about being fancy. It’s about keeping your rig running and not turning it into a rolling campfire

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: How MBM Fab started and why Max builds everything himselfThe origin story of the Kia Sportage “Desert Rat” Gambler buildFabrication philosophy: sliders, bumpers, TIG welding, roll cages, and why OEM cross-compatibility mattersMax’s GMC Sierra 2500 HD flatbed camper build and Aussie-inspired design choicesOverlanding vs car camping and why the argument misses the pointReal talk on 24-hour rallies, fatigue, seat choice, and vehicle prepFavorite builds, worst ideas, and why projects always snowballWinter storm prep, power outages, and cold-weather lessons learned the hard wayThe debut of a new segment: The Doom Scroll (Marketplace finds that should not exist)This one’s heavy on shop talk, light on polish, and full of the kind of stories that only happen when you build weird stuff, drive it hard, and live with the consequences. 👉 Follow MBM Fab for custom fabrication, off-road builds, and no-nonsense metal work 👉 Subscribe to CAMO Convoy for overlanding, off-road culture, fabrication, and bad ideas with good people

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 also discuss the unique features of the Cass Railroad, a highlight of their trip, where they enjoyed a break from the elements and learned about the history of the area. They reflect on the beauty of the Appalachian landscape, the fun of off-roading in the snow, and the overall spirit of adventure that defines their trips. The episode wraps up with a teaser for their next adventure in Michigan, promising more exciting tales to come. In this episode, Nick and Aaron dive into the exciting developments within their community, particularly the transition to Discord for discussions and planning. They emphasize the importance of community engagement and the fun of sharing ambitious project ideas, like potential trips to Michigan. The conversation shifts to personal projects, with Aaron sharing his experience with Camo Express and the acquisition of a new turbo for his vehicle, highlighting the camaraderie and support from fellow enthusiasts. They also discuss the importance of quality parts and the thrill of building and modifying vehicles, reflecting on their own experiences and the evolution of car culture over the years.As the episode progresses, the duo shares practical tips for outdoor adventures, including how to pack for varying weather conditions and the importance of maintaining gear. They emphasize the need for flexibility and preparation when camping, especially in unpredictable weather. The conversation wraps up with a tech tip on traction control, discussing when to disable it for off-road driving, and the significance of understanding vehicle dynamics. The episode concludes with a light-hearted Q&A segment, where they share personal anecdotes and insights about vehicle ownership and maintenance, reinforcing the bond between car enthusiasts.

OUR LINKS AND MERCH! https://bio.site/camoconvoy People We Like: Nature Reliance School North American Rescue Blue Ridge Overland 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 nowhere. In this episode, we dig into the reality of overlanding medical risk and why every traveler needs to be prepared to be their own rescue. Drawing from firsthand experience on high consequence trails and years of emergency medicine and trauma work, we break down what really goes wrong in the backcountry and what actually matters when help is hours or days away. We cover the difference between Hollywood trauma and real world injuries, why dehydration and poor personal health lead to bad decisions on the trail, and how small problems like cuts, infections, sprains, and heat or cold exposure can quietly turn into serious emergencies if ignored. We also talk about bleeding control, tourniquet use, wound care, environmental exposure, and why training and knowledge matter more than owning the coolest gear. The conversation also dives into solo travel risks, medical disclosure within groups, managing chronic conditions in remote environments, and the importance of communication when cell service disappears. From GMRS radios to satellite communicators, we discuss how to plan exits, call it early when things start stacking up, and avoid letting ego put you or your group in danger. This episode is not about fear. It’s about responsibility. If you travel off pavement, you owe it to yourself and the people with you to be medically prepared, mentally aware, and honest about your limits. Be your own rescue.

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 cover: • What got Sapan into overlanding • Why he chose a Rivian over traditional platforms • Real off road capability and suspension tech • Camp mode and trail usability • EV limitations nobody wants to talk about • How the Rivian community is shaping modern overlanding This episode is for anyone curious about EVs, skeptical of them, or already running one off pavement. CAMO Convoy Podcast is about real experience, not Instagram builds.