Latest news with #OverlandExpo
The Drive
6 days ago
- Automotive
- The Drive
KC Hilites Platform One Is a Sleek Roof Rack With Power Integration
The latest car news, reviews, and features. KC Hilites has been a big off-road brand for decades—you've probably seen its signature yellow smiley-face-guy 'Daylighter' lamp covers at some point. These days, it's better known for high-end LEDs. But next month, it's launching a light-integrated roof rack system called 'Platform One' with an aerodynamic design and some cool features. I've already been sniffing around a Lexus GX to be my next exploration rig, and this rack having a fitment option for that truck is nudging me just a little. Nah, you're right, I'm too cheap to leap … but a boy can dream. Anyway, the KC Platform One was trotted out for the public at Overland Expo just a couple of weeks ago. There, company reps showed off a few vehicle fitments, calling out T-shaped track slots on the exterior, interior, and top to attach all kinds of accessories, plus an integratable power block for neat wire management. The side lights will have amber and white modes. What I really like about the rack's look is the long front wings that will let you integrate a bar of round lights, mounted much lower than most other racks would. KC Hilites There are already a handful of well-made and clean-looking racks out there, from companies like Prinsu and Front Runner (heck, some are even compatible with KC's lights), but I dig the way the Platform One seems to hang the lights a little farther forward over the windshield. The tall fascia on the side is a little novel, too—it has a somewhat aero look to it. I've run a few KC lights on my vehicles, and I've been happy with their performance and aesthetic. I crashed one directly into a rock at a hillclimb race last summer, and it still works. I like the brand's modern-take-on-old-school look. YouTuber Adventurous Way of Life uploaded a little walkaround with Taylor Ulrich from KC at last month's overland show to give you a better look: Or if you just want the cinematic sizzle reel: KC seems to be billing the 'system' functionality as the main value proposition here—Platform One promises tidy integration of lights, electronics, a solar charger, and whatever else you want to carry on your truck's head. Speaking of value, this rack's price won't be announced until July 15 when it becomes available. KC is not the most expensive aftermarket lighting company, but it's up there. A 50-inch Gravity Titan round light bar, which looks to be what you're seeing on display in those videos, is almost three grand alone. I bet the Platform One rack rings up in the $1,500 neighborhood before you add the lights and wiring that make it special. As with all car mods, whether or not it's 'worth it' comes down to how much coin you have to blow. If you're banging around in an old Montero like me, save your four-figure splurges on tires. But if you can drop $80,000 on a new GX550 Overtrail, I mean, this is probably just another payment, right? KC Hilites Initial fitments will be for the Toyota Tacoma, 4Runner, and new Land Cruiser, Lexus GX470, GX460, GX550, 2015+ Ford F-150s (and second-gen Raptors), F-250, and F-350 Super Dutys. I wonder if Bronco and Wrangler will be added to that list at some point—the removable roofs on those vehicles might make rack engineering a little more involved. And if you've read this far and are now wondering what 'KC' stands for, it simply references the founders' names in a slightly abstract way. In 1970, the company was started by Peter Kim Brown and his wife Carol, who retrofitted aircraft lights into truck-friendly housings for off-road applications. So the 'K' is for Peter's middle name, and the 'C' is for Carol. Got a tip? Or a different rack we should know about? Drop us a line at tips@
Auto Blog
23-05-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
Jeep's New Rooftop Tent: Is This the Ultimate Overlanding Upgrade?
Jeep vehicles and outdoorsy car shoppers are two peas in a pod; so, it may be surprising to learn that Jeep hasn't ever offered a factory rooftop tent kit. That could change soon. The brand that practically stands for off-road preparedness showcases a factory rooftop tent Overlanding is popular, and automakers have caught on, which is why you can now find off-road-ready versions of nearly every SUV on sale today. Arguably, though, it all started with Jeep, at least in the US. You've been able to church up your Jeep with everything from all-weather maps to winches for years now, but Jeep is taking things to the next level. The Stellantis-owned automaker debuted a rooftop tent at Overland Expo West, sitting atop a hybrid Wrangler 4xe clad in plenty of other modifications. It answers the questions many asked months ago, when Jeep filed a patent for a rooftop tent to attach directly to a Wrangler's roof. Jeep Wrangler 4xe with rooftop tent Jeep Wrangler 4xe with rooftop tent Jeep Wrangler 4xe with rooftop tent The first-ever OEM Jeep rooftop tent is a cut above most aftermarket solutions The new tent is the result of a collaborative effort between Jeep and Dometic, the latter of which touts over twenty years of experience in the outdoor accessories biz. It touts a carbon fiber shell, a material chosen for its overall lightness and relative durability, but most importantly, the tent bolts right into the Wrangler's roof, meaning no need for a roof rack. That improves aerodynamics and potentially saves a lot of weight. Further reducing weight is Dometic's Air Frame design, which replaces poles traditionally made from steel or other heavier materials with lightweight, inflatable ones. Jeep Performance Parts — the specific Mopar branch responsible for introducing the trick bit of kit — dubbed the tent the 'Awning and Rooftop Tent (ARRT) concept.' The ARRT features an integrated awning that swings out 270 degrees, providing ample protection from the sun or precipitation. There's even room for a queen-size mattress inside. Since the ARRT is purpose-built for a specific model, it offers some benefits you absolutely won't find on any other rooftop tent. The tent integrates with the SUV in a way that allows access from inside the vehicle via the removable roof panels, complete with a little carbon fiber 'step.' The step stands over the center console, allowing easy access and protecting the upholstery. The ARRT Jeep tent is accessible from inside the truck Jeep Wrangler 4xe with rooftop tent The Jeep rooftop tent is only for Wrangler SUVs As we mentioned, the Jeep tent concept is designed with only a single model in mind, the four-door Wrangler, and Jeep picked a doozy of a way to showcase the tent. The ARRT sits atop the Jeep Wrangler 4xe Rubicon Sunchaser concept, which debuted back in April. The Sunchaser touts a bevvy of other factory-fresh modifications, including a two-inch lift, Mopar lightbar, 37-inch BFGoodrich mud tires, rock rails, and vented steel fender flares. Inside, the Sunchaser wears custom two-tone leather seats, gloss black interior trim, all-weather floor mats, and more. Final thoughts There is no official word on whether or not the ARRT will ever see a life outside of conventions and trade shows, but we sure hope so. There's no doubt in our mind that Jeep's rooftop tent would sell like hotcakes. While it may seem like a long-overdue accessory from a brand like Jeep, there are actually relatively few OEMs that offer a rooftop tent in their parts catalog, with Volvo being the only one that immediately jumps to mind. While quality is undoubtedly beyond reproach, Jeep could run into a similar problem as Volvo: cost. Quality aside, there are numerous less expensive options for Volvo shoppers interested in a rooftop tent. Based on the quality and construction of the ARRT, we don't think it would come cheap. Here's hoping it comes to market one way or the other, though. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime.
Miami Herald
08-04-2025
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
What is Overlanding? I Attend the New 2025 Overland Expo SoCal
Let's start by defining the term "overlanding," as it's not quite the same as "camping." I view "camping" as a blanket term: You can camp in a parking lot, on a beach, in a resort-you get the gist. "Overlanding is where you travel to a place off the grid while being entirely self-sufficient. Yes, they intermingle, but the idea behind overlanding is a construct that people visualize differently than camping. It doesn't mean that you need a rig that costs as much as a house (although that's pretty popular nowadays). You can have a sleeping bag, a backpack, and a bike, and still qualify as an overlander as long as you are off the grid, and, usually, in the wild. If you're in a location where no one can reach you on your cell phone, you're doing it right. There are five Overland Expos throughout the United States: the West, Pacific Northwest, Mountain West, East, and now Southern California (SoCal). The SoCal event celebrated its inaugural showing at the Orange County Fairgrounds in Costa Mesa, CA, from Saturday, March 16th, to Sunday, March 17th, which is a little smaller than other venues. Despite its smaller size, the Overland Expo SoCal is jam-packed with just about everything outdoor enthusiasts, overlanders, campers, and the curious could want. There are a variety of overlanding workshops covering just about every base. Not only are there overlanding rigs everywhere, but automakers like Subaru and Honda have set up interactive booths as well. Another way to look at the Overland Expo series is to think of shows like SEMA and CES but for outdoorsy folk. Like the other Overland Expos, this event allowed camping near the exhibition space and hosted over 250 exhibitors with over 100 hours of educational programming. There were a variety of DIY showcases, including camping, survival, culinary, and a multitude of upfitters. That's in conjunction with OEMs like tire, suspension, electronic (batteries, lights, etc.), and automotive exhibitions - among many others. Each day also features large scavenger hunts for the kids. A one-day pass runs $25, and parking is $15 per day. Kids age 14 and under are free with a paying adult. Prepare for a lot of walking, so bring comfortable shoes, protect your head, and bring something to pack a lot of swag in. It's just like going to the county fair or a large expo. Since a majority of the event is outdoors, it is totally dog-friendly, and Subaru even hosted a puppy adoption event on the premises. Bathroom facilities and seating locations were aplenty, and shade is mostly only available in the large pavilions. There are a few hydration stations with free water at the main gate, but it would be wise to bring your own water bottle and maybe some food. There is an abundant amount of food stations, trucks, and vendors throughout the event. However, their pricing can be steep. I got a lot of hands-on time with a variety of vendors showing off tons of equipment. There were several RVs on site, including trailers, campers, toppers, and slide-ins, among others. For the most part, these vendors would showcase a slick-looking build displaying their goods, which helps lure in potential customers. There was a ton of free swag, drawings, and games, too. To say that many of the vendors were friendly would be an understatement. The entire vibe was downright pleasant, and people looked like they were genuinely having a great time. It probably helped that the weather was cool, clear, and breezy. That said, though, Overland Expos are rain-or-shine events, and some take place in muddy or grassy areas. If the rain is harsh, those locations can become rather difficult to walk through. I once saw a journalist lose an entire boot in Flagstaff, AZ, during the Overland Expo West event last year. The next Overland Expo is Overland Expo West, which is scheduled to take place in Flagstaff, AZ, from May 16th to 18th. The Overland Expo Pacific Northwest is up next in Redmond, OR, from June 27th to 29th, followed by the Overland Expo Mountain West from August 22nd to 24th in Loveland, CO. Finally, the Overland Expo East will take place in Arrington, VA, from October 3rd to 5th. I expect more Overland Expo events to pop up in the near future. Some insiders hinted that they might open an event in one of the southern states, which makes sense. This would mean there would be an expo every other month. Not that I'm opposed at all, as it's an exciting event and one that I highly recommend. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Yahoo
08-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
What is Overlanding? I Attend the New 2025 Overland Expo SoCal
Let's start by defining the term "overlanding," as it's not quite the same as "camping." I view "camping" as a blanket term: You can camp in a parking lot, on a beach, in a resort—you get the gist. "Overlanding is where you travel to a place off the grid while being entirely self-sufficient. Yes, they intermingle, but the idea behind overlanding is a construct that people visualize differently than camping. It doesn't mean that you need a rig that costs as much as a house (although that's pretty popular nowadays). You can have a sleeping bag, a backpack, and a bike, and still qualify as an overlander as long as you are off the grid, and, usually, in the wild. If you're in a location where no one can reach you on your cell phone, you're doing it right. There are five Overland Expos throughout the United States: the West, Pacific Northwest, Mountain West, East, and now Southern California (SoCal). The SoCal event celebrated its inaugural showing at the Orange County Fairgrounds in Costa Mesa, CA, from Saturday, March 16th, to Sunday, March 17th, which is a little smaller than other venues. Despite its smaller size, the Overland Expo SoCal is jam-packed with just about everything outdoor enthusiasts, overlanders, campers, and the curious could want. There are a variety of overlanding workshops covering just about every base. Not only are there overlanding rigs everywhere, but automakers like Subaru and Honda have set up interactive booths as well. Another way to look at the Overland Expo series is to think of shows like SEMA and CES but for outdoorsy folk. Like the other Overland Expos, this event allowed camping near the exhibition space and hosted over 250 exhibitors with over 100 hours of educational programming. There were a variety of DIY showcases, including camping, survival, culinary, and a multitude of upfitters. That's in conjunction with OEMs like tire, suspension, electronic (batteries, lights, etc.), and automotive exhibitions - among many others. Each day also features large scavenger hunts for the kids. A one-day pass runs $25, and parking is $15 per day. Kids age 14 and under are free with a paying adult. Prepare for a lot of walking, so bring comfortable shoes, protect your head, and bring something to pack a lot of swag in. It's just like going to the county fair or a large expo. Since a majority of the event is outdoors, it is totally dog-friendly, and Subaru even hosted a puppy adoption event on the premises. Bathroom facilities and seating locations were aplenty, and shade is mostly only available in the large pavilions. There are a few hydration stations with free water at the main gate, but it would be wise to bring your own water bottle and maybe some food. There is an abundant amount of food stations, trucks, and vendors throughout the event. However, their pricing can be steep. I got a lot of hands-on time with a variety of vendors showing off tons of equipment. There were several RVs on site, including trailers, campers, toppers, and slide-ins, among others. For the most part, these vendors would showcase a slick-looking build displaying their goods, which helps lure in potential customers. There was a ton of free swag, drawings, and games, too. To say that many of the vendors were friendly would be an understatement. The entire vibe was downright pleasant, and people looked like they were genuinely having a great time. It probably helped that the weather was cool, clear, and breezy. That said, though, Overland Expos are rain-or-shine events, and some take place in muddy or grassy areas. If the rain is harsh, those locations can become rather difficult to walk through. I once saw a journalist lose an entire boot in Flagstaff, AZ, during the Overland Expo West event last year. The next Overland Expo is Overland Expo West, which is scheduled to take place in Flagstaff, AZ, from May 16th to 18th. The Overland Expo Pacific Northwest is up next in Redmond, OR, from June 27th to 29th, followed by the Overland Expo Mountain West from August 22nd to 24th in Loveland, CO. Finally, the Overland Expo East will take place in Arrington, VA, from October 3rd to 5th. I expect more Overland Expo events to pop up in the near future. Some insiders hinted that they might open an event in one of the southern states, which makes sense. This would mean there would be an expo every other month. Not that I'm opposed at all, as it's an exciting event and one that I highly recommend.
Associated Press
04-03-2025
- Automotive
- Associated Press
Subaru Joins 2025 Overland Expo® As Title Sponsor With Immersive Experience, Curated Workshops, and Entertainment
CAMDEN, N.J., March 3, 2025 /3BL/ - Subaru of America Inc. today announced it is joining the Overland Expo® as a title sponsor for 2025. The Overland Expo, a premier outdoor travel event, will feature the latest Subaru adventure models, including the new 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid, as well as the Wilderness editions of the Subaru Outback, Subaru Crosstrek, and Subaru Forester. The Subaru exhibit will be a vibrant destination for adventurers, featuring curated workshops, live Subie & You Podcast recording sessions, limited-edition giveaways, exclusive Subaru gear, and the newest accessories from leading outdoor brands such as REI and Thule. This year's Subaru Overland Expo presence will capture the outdoor-adventure spirit of Subaru owners across the country, providing an in-depth look at what makes Subaru a leader in affordable off-roading and adventure vehicles. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn best practices from experts about off-roading, pet safety, camp setup, navigation, route planning and much more, as well as connect with fellow Subaru owners to explore vehicle customization options for outdoor adventure. Alan Bethke, Senior Vice President of Marketing, Subaru of America, Inc.: 'We are all-in on off-road adventure, and excited to join the thousands of Subaru owners making their way to Overland Expo, a destination event for outdoor enthusiasts. With our unique onsite experiences, Subaru is ready to amplify our customers' stories and show our appreciation for their dedication to our brand.' As part of its commitment to being More Than a Car Company®, Subaru will partner with local shelters to host pet adoptions at each stop along the event series. The automaker will also host workshops on pet travel safety tips, offer complimentary dog treats, provide pet water stations, and host pet-focused giveaways to support the Subaru Loves Pets® initiative. The full schedule of the 2025 Overland Expo series includes: Select Overland Expo locations will also feature exclusive perks for lucky Subaru fans, such as a complimentary evening reception and an invitation to Camp Wilderness, a Subaru owner-exclusive camping area where attendees can enjoy complimentary food, beverages, and yoga classes. For more information on Subaru at Overland Expo, visit About Subaru of America, Inc. Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Subaru Corporation of Japan. Headquartered in Camden, N.J., the company markets and distributes Subaru vehicles, parts, and accessories through a network of about 640 retailers across the United States. All Subaru products are manufactured in zero-landfill plants, including Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc., the only U.S. automobile manufacturing plant designated a backyard wildlife habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. SOA is guided by the Subaru Love Promise, which is the company's vision to show love and respect to everyone and to support its communities and customers nationwide. Over the past 20 years, SOA and the SOA Foundation have donated more than $320 million to causes the Subaru family cares about, and its employees have logged over 100,000 volunteer hours. Subaru is dedicated to being More Than a Car Company® and to making the world a better place. For additional information, visit Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and YouTube.
