The hub for all things overland, offroad, and outdoors in the Appalachian Mountain region. Central Appalachian Mountain Overland's official podcast.
The hub for all things overland, offroad, and outdoors in the Appalachian Mountain region. Central Appalachian Mountain Overland's official podcast.
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.
Summary
In this conversation, Nick and Aaron discuss various aspects of work-life balance, personal projects, and the essentials of building the best overland vehicle. They share insights on navigating work challenges, the importance of understanding vehicle capabilities, and the significance of quality modifications. The discussion also touches on recent automotive news, including Toyota's innovations, and the ongoing debate between manual and automatic transmissions in the context of overlanding. In this conversation, Aaron Mizell and Nick discuss various aspects of overlanding, focusing on vehicle modifications, the importance of throttle response, and the evolution of vehicle design. They emphasize the significance of driver skill, maintenance, and the lessons learned from their experiences on the road. The discussion also covers the best factory overlanders, the importance of lighting, and practical tips for modifications, including the use of wheel spacers and skid plates.
In this conversation, Nick and Aaron discuss various work challenges, including scheduling issues and job frustrations. They share personal stories and experiences related to their work and vehicle modifications. The discussion also touches on the history of Camo Central Appalachian Mountain Overland, notable encounters, and the importance of documenting their journey. The conversation highlights the connection between personal experiences and the broader community, emphasizing the excitement and uncertainty of future plans. In this engaging conversation, Nick and Aaron share their experiences and adventures in off-roading, discussing the sense of freedom it brings, the community it fosters, and the challenges faced along the way. They reflect on memorable trips, the importance of preparation, and the joy of exploration, all while highlighting the camaraderie that develops among off-road enthusiasts. The discussion also touches on personal growth through these adventures and the thrill of long-distance driving. In this segment, Aaron Mizell shares his journey from childhood through high school and into the automotive world, highlighting the challenges he faced, the mentors who influenced him, and his passion for mechanics and racing. He discusses his early interests in cars, the impact of family dynamics, and the importance of hands-on learning experiences. Aaron reflects on his education, the SkillsUSA competition that led him to meet his wife, and his time in North Carolina pursuing a career in NASCAR. He also addresses the challenges of finding his place in the automotive industry and the valuable lessons learned along the way. In this conversation, Aaron Mizell shares his journey through various career transitions, reflecting on the challenges he faced and the physical toll of his work. He discusses his desire for a management role and the importance of mentorship. The conversation also delves into personal challenges, including potential ADHD, and how childhood experiences shaped their perspectives. The discussion shifts to the off-roading scene in Pennsylvania, highlighting the difficulties in finding accessible trails and the need for community involvement. Finally, they offer advice for newcomers to off-roading, emphasizing the importance of getting out and exploring without the pressure of extensive modifications.
In this conversation, Nick and Aaron discuss various work challenges, including scheduling issues and job frustrations. They share personal stories and experiences related to their work and vehicle modifications. The discussion also touches on the history of Camo Central Appalachian Mountain Overland, notable encounters, and the importance of documenting their journey. The conversation highlights the connection between personal experiences and the broader community, emphasizing the excitement and uncertainty of future plans. In this engaging conversation, Nick and Aaron share their experiences and adventures in off-roading, discussing the sense of freedom it brings, the community it fosters, and the challenges faced along the way. They reflect on memorable trips, the importance of preparation, and the joy of exploration, all while highlighting the camaraderie that develops among off-road enthusiasts. The discussion also touches on personal growth through these adventures and the thrill of long-distance driving. In this segment, Aaron Mizell shares his journey from childhood through high school and into the automotive world, highlighting the challenges he faced, the mentors who influenced him, and his passion for mechanics and racing. He discusses his early interests in cars, the impact of family dynamics, and the importance of hands-on learning experiences. Aaron reflects on his education, the SkillsUSA competition that led him to meet his wife, and his time in North Carolina pursuing a career in NASCAR. He also addresses the challenges of finding his place in the automotive industry and the valuable lessons learned along the way. In this conversation, Aaron Mizell shares his journey through various career transitions, reflecting on the challenges he faced and the physical toll of his work. He discusses his desire for a management role and the importance of mentorship. The conversation also delves into personal challenges, including potential ADHD, and how childhood experiences shaped their perspectives. The discussion shifts to the off-roading scene in Pennsylvania, highlighting the difficulties in finding accessible trails and the need for community involvement. Finally, they offer advice for newcomers to off-roading, emphasizing the importance of getting out and exploring without the pressure of extensive modifications.
ALL OUR STUFF, Merch, Links, Discord, etc! -->
In this episode of the Camo Convoy Podcast, hosts Nick and Aaron welcome Chad Kulig, General Manager of All Dogs Off Road, to discuss the unique co-op business model of their company, the intricacies of off-roading and overlanding, and the importance of community in the automotive enthusiast space. They delve into Aaron's Tacoma build journey, the innovations in suspension technology, and the trends in overlanding modifications. The conversation also touches on the challenges of the off-road community, the significance of budgeting for modifications, and the future plans for All Dogs Off Road. In this engaging conversation, the hosts discuss various aspects of off-roading and overlanding, including the costs associated with custom armor, dream vehicle builds, and the importance of mentorship in the community. They share personal experiences and lessons learned from their journeys, emphasizing the significance of cooking and community during camping trips. The discussion also touches on the worst factory four-wheel drives and tires, essential tools for off-roading, and valuable tech tips for vehicle maintenance.
Looking for the best Overland gifts under 200 dollars that aren’t junk? In this episode of the CAMO Convoy Podcast, Aaron and Nick break down the gear we actually use, trust, and would buy again. If you're shopping for Christmas or Black Friday — or you are the overlander on the “nice list” — this episode saves you the research.
We bounce back and forth with rapid-fire picks, why each item matters on trail, and the small upgrades that make a huge difference. Shorter episode this week to boost retention and reach even more of the CAMO community before next week’s big guest episode.
We also reveal CAMO’s January trip:
M.O.T.H.M.A.N. — Mid January Overland Test of Human Misery And Numbness
Links:
Wavian 20L Steel Jerry Can
https://www.alldogsoffroad.com/wavian-steel-nato-jerry-gas-can-53-gallons-20l
Capless Fuel System Emergency Funnels (2 Pack)
https://amzn.to/4o5eVXN
Harbor Freight 20V Ultra Torque 1/2" Impact Driver
https://www.harborfreight.com/20v-brushless-cordless-12-in-ultra-torque-impact-wrench-with-friction-ring-tool-only-58887.html
Differential Breather Relocation Kits (Search by vehicle)
Google: “Differential Breather Relocation Kit + year make model”
ARB Tire Kit Bundle (Deflator + Repair Kit + Digital Chuck)
https://a.co/d/4xxDunE
Badlands APEX Snatch Block
https://www.harborfreight.com/apex-30-ton-snatch-block-57674.html
Badlands Tree Saver Strap
https://www.harborfreight.com/3-in-x-8-ft-tree-saver-strap-62479.html
Badlands Soft Shackles (x2)
https://www.harborfreight.com/7800-lb-capacity-apex-soft-shackle-58268.html
Badlands Bow Shackle
https://www.harborfreight.com/9-000-lb-capacity-d-ring-bow-shackle-62785.html
Bluetooth OBD2 Scanner (2 Pack)
https://amzn.to/49KkQhB
Stainless Mesh Packable Fire Pit
https://amzn.to/4r8IR8a
Rear Chase Light Bar
https://amzn.to/3JVlpum
Bluetooth Diesel Heater (Hcalory / Vevor style)
https://amzn.to/4nZymRT
Radiator Washout Wand
https://amzn.to/3KdsAOu
MERCH: camoutdoors.printify.me
In this episode, Aaron and Nick discuss how to safely navigate Appalachian Winters
In this episode, the boys discuss tire choice and the do's, don'ts and things to watch out for when picking a tire for your truck or SUV.
CAMO SWAG: https://camoutdoors.printify.me
In this Episode, The CAMO boys walk back the 24 Hours of Appalachia Finals in Kentucky. Nick and Aaron do some Q&A, and Aaron gives a tech tip:
FIND OUR MERCH HERE! https://camoutdoors.printify.me/
In this episode of the Camo Convoy podcast, hosts Aaron and Nick, along with guest Matt, discuss their recent trip to Kentucky. They share their experiences, expectations, and the challenges they faced while off-roading. The conversation delves into vehicle performance, mechanical issues, and the importance of proper preparation for such adventures. They also touch on modifications, tire choices, and the overall enjoyment of the trip, emphasizing the camaraderie and safety felt throughout the journey. In this engaging conversation, the hosts discuss various aspects of off-roading, including tire pressure management, camping experiences, scenic views, and the challenges faced during their adventures. They share insights on vehicle performance, predictions for an upcoming 24-hour finale, and the importance of group dynamics in off-roading trips. Additionally, they touch on photography and storytelling in the off-roading community, as well as practical tips for brake maintenance. The conversation highlights the camaraderie and excitement of off-roading while providing valuable insights for enthusiasts.
Keywords
Kentucky trip, off-road, photography, winching, recovery techniques, spotting, communication, kinetic ropes, recovery points, vehicle safety, off-roading, winch recovery, safety, synthetic rope, steel cable, snatch blocks, water crossings, vehicle recovery, outdoor adventure, off-road equipment, off-roading, recovery gear, safety tips, water crossings, solo exploration, winching techniques, outdoor adventure, vehicle recovery, off-road safety, adventure preparedness
Takeaways
Using a trip to build a photography portfolio is a great idea.
Communication is key when planning a group trip.
Spotters are essential for safe off-roading.
Kinetic ropes can be dangerous if misused.
Always use rated recovery points for safety.
Avoid using unibody vehicles for heavy recoveries.
Spectators can slow down the recovery process.
Planning ahead can prevent getting stuck.
Understanding vehicle dynamics is crucial for recovery.
Safety should always come first in off-roading. Don't buy cheap structural components for off-roading.
Winch recovery requires careful planning and communication.
Safety is paramount during winching operations.
Steel cable has advantages over synthetic rope in durability.
Always maintain tension on winch cables to prevent bird nesting.
Understand the duty cycle of your winch to avoid overheating.
Snatch blocks can double your pulling power effectively.
Water crossings require careful assessment of conditions.
Differential breathers should be upgraded for water crossings.
Proper equipment maintenance is crucial for safe off-roading. Always assess visible obstacles before proceeding.
Muddy water can indicate dangerous conditions.
Solo exploration can be safe if precautions are taken.
Communicate your plans to someone before going out alone.
Keep your window open and seatbelt off during water crossings.
Recovery gear should be inspected regularly.
Unique recovery techniques can be effective in tricky situations.
A multi-tool is essential for off-road adventures.
Don't rely solely on winches for towing.
Salt can severely damage your vehicle's components.
Summary
In this conversation, Nick and Aaron discuss their upcoming trip to Kentucky, focusing on the importance of planning, photography, and safety in off-roading. They delve into the significance of having spotters, effective communication, and the use of recovery techniques and equipment, including kinetic ropes and recovery points. The discussion emphasizes the need for safety and preparation to ensure a successful and enjoyable off-road experience. In this conversation, Aaron Mizell and Nick discuss essential safety practices and techniques for off-roading, focusing on winch recovery, the pros and cons of different winch types, and the importance of proper equipment maintenance. They emphasize the need for careful planning during recovery operations, especially in challenging conditions like water crossings. The discussion also covers the significance of understanding winch specifications and the effective use of snatch blocks to enhance recovery efforts. In this conversation, Aaron Mizell and Nick discuss various aspects of off-roading, focusing on safety, recovery techniques, and the importance of being prepared for unexpected situations. They share personal experiences and insights on navigating obstacles, the risks of solo exploration, and the essential gear needed for recovery. The discussion emphasizes the significance of safety precautions, especially when crossing water, and the necessity of inspecting and maintaining recovery equipment. They also touch on unique recovery methods and the importance of understanding winch limitations.
In this episode, Nick talks about why keeping it simple as a new hobbiest in the overland world will be a much more enjoyable experience for you.
Join Aaron and Nick as they dive into the world of off-roading and overlanding, sharing their personal experiences and insights. From the challenges of navigating rugged terrains to the camaraderie of the off-road community, this episode covers it all. Discover tips on vehicle setup, the importance of airing down, and the thrill of tackling obstacles. Whether you're a seasoned off-roader or just curious about the lifestyle, this episode offers a blend of practical advice and entertaining stories. Tune in for a journey through the trails and beyond!
How CAMO Preps for the 24 Hours of Appalachia
The CAMO Crew wraps up their experiences in the 24 Hours of Appalachia