Outskirts Overland Podcast

• What happens when your adventure vehicle becomes your biggest investment?

  Send us a textThe secret that nobody talks about in the overlanding world is just how expensive serious vehicle builds actually are. In this candid episode, I pull back the curtain on the true costs behind those Instagram-worthy rigs you see online.My Tacoma represents a $147,000 investment—$36,000 for the truck itself and over $100,000 in modifications, accessories, and equipment built up over years. This isn't unusual in the overlanding community; most YouTube creators you follow likely have $150,000+ in their builds, but rarely discuss these figures openly.I recently completed a DIY dual battery system housed in a Milwaukee Packout case. Despite doing all the work myself, the components alone cost approximately $1,000. This highlights an important distinction: DIY doesn't mean cheap—it simply means you did the work yourself. Quality components like proper marine-grade wiring, BCDC chargers, and appropriate connectors all add up quickly.My approach to vehicle modification is heavily influenced by contingency planning. I deliberately design systems to be quickly removable if the truck is damaged or totaled. When you have a house's worth of value invested in a vehicle, protecting that investment becomes paramount. That's why I favor modular systems connected through Anderson plugs and housed in removable containers whenever possible.Through extensive trial and error, I've committed to an all-12V electrical system without inverters. Why? Because inverters waste power, reducing your effective battery capacity. Temperature considerations also played a major role in my decision to use AGM deep-cycle batteries rather than lithium, as they perform more reliably in extreme conditions.If you're considering starting your own overland build, approach it with eyes wide open. Understand that creating a truly capable vehicle represents a substantial commitment. Prioritize modifications based on your specific needs, and remember that while the costs are significant, the experiences and self-sufficiency these vehicles provide are what make the investment worthwhile for those committed to the lifestyle.

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  38:14
• Back Behind the Mic

  Send us a textAfter a brief hiatus from behind the microphone, I'm finally back with updates on where I've been and what's ahead. Life got busy juggling college kids, camping trips, the truck build, work, and everything in between – sometimes we all just need a minute to breathe. While daily episodes might not return, this marks the beginning of a more sustainable podcasting rhythm moving forward.The break wasn't idle time. I've been up late nights finalizing my Redarc dual battery system in the truck, learning new interview software, and preparing for upcoming events. The truck now boasts a complete power setup with strategic redundancies like 40-amp breakers instead of fuses – lessons learned from years of vehicle builds. These seemingly small details make all the difference between a successful adventure and being stranded with a blown fuse miles from nowhere.The big news? You'll find me at Overland of America in the creator corral alongside some familiar faces from the community. Use code OUTSKIRTS10 to save 10% on weekend passes and primitive camping (though not on RV or cabin options). This event strikes the perfect balance for families with amenities like pools and restaurants while offering genuine off-road experiences on private trails. Look for friends from Backwards Adventure Junkies, Midwest Adventure Outfitters, Baker Overland, and more. Whether you're a seasoned overlander or just curious about the lifestyle, this gathering focuses on people and experiences rather than commercial displays. Come say hello – I'd love to hit some trails together and talk about your setup!Ready to reconnect with the community? Join me at Overland of America, follow along as Fourth of July content drops (my favorite holiday as a Marine Corps veteran), or simply get outside this weekend – shoes off, grass between your toes. The podcast might have paused, but the adventures never stopped.

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  13:35
• Talking with NikWax

  Send us a textMaintaining outdoor gear is often an afterthought, but as our conversation with Heidi from Nikwax reveals, proper care can transform your adventure experience and save you hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars on replacement equipment.With sixteen years at Nikwax under her belt, Heidi brings a wealth of knowledge about keeping technical fabrics performing at their best. The company's commitment to environmental responsibility stands out—they've been PFAS-free since 1977, decades before most manufacturers considered eliminating these harmful chemicals. This early start gave Nikwax time to perfect formulations that both protect gear and the planet.We explore why household detergents are the enemy of technical fabrics. That expensive Gore-Tex jacket or rain shell might be failing not because of poor quality, but because regular laundry detergent leaves behind residues that cause fabrics to absorb water rather than repel it. Nikwax's Tech Wash cleans without compromising waterproof properties, while their soon-to-be-released Stain Scrub tackles tough grime without damaging protective coatings.The conversation tackles specialized care for various materials—from waterproofing tents and awnings to treating merino wool and leather. Did you know UV exposure can reduce tent fabric strength by almost half after just one week in summer sun? Or that proper leather treatment can extend the life of work gloves and boots for years while maintaining their structure and support?For overlanders who meticulously maintain their vehicles but neglect personal gear, this episode is a wake-up call. The same attention to maintenance that keeps your rig running should extend to your clothing and equipment—especially when challenging weather conditions can turn an adventure into a miserable experience if gear fails.Take your outdoor experience to the next level by learning how proper care can make even budget-friendly gear perform like premium equipment. Your adventure deserves gear that lasts, and this episode shows you exactly how to make that happen.

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  41:20
• Time Passes Whether You're Living or Just Existing

  Send us a textLife slips by in the blink of an eye. Have you ever wondered if you're filling your days with distractions rather than meaning?When listeners messaged about missing the podcast and their workdays becoming more boring without it, it sparked deeper thoughts about how we spend our precious time. Many of us sleepwalk through life, trying to emulate others who themselves are playing characters—creating layers of inauthenticity that separate us from genuine fulfillment. But what if we approached each day with critical thought about who we truly are and what we actually want?Time moves relentlessly forward. We'll never get back today's moments, conversations, or opportunities. Using the metaphor of arriving at "pearly gates," would you say "I did it all" or "I wish I had done this"? Everyone we love will eventually leave this world, and we never know when our final moments with them might be. No technology—not even AI or digital memories—can recreate the feeling of being truly present with those we care about. Are you camping because you love nature, or because you want likes on Instagram? Are you building your truck for the journey, or for others' approval? Neither is inherently wrong, but knowing your true intentions changes everything.The greatest gift we can offer future generations isn't financial wealth but demonstrating how to live authentically and purposefully. Money is ultimately arbitrary, but time—those hugs, conversations, and genuine connections—those are irreplaceable. While the podcast hiatus continues, this message serves as a reminder to pay attention to what's truly important right in front of you. Your life is happening now. Are you fully present for it?

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  5:36
• I'm Taking a Break

  Send us a textThe unexpected weight of words. That's what today's raw, unscripted episode confronts as I find myself at a crossroads with Outskirts Overland. What started as a straightforward platform to discuss overlanding without commercial influence has grown into something that carries unanticipated emotional consequences.I've always been direct—when I say something, I mean exactly what I say, nothing more and nothing less. There's no subtext, no veiled criticism of friends or fellow creators, just literal statements and observations. Yet as listenership has grown, so have the misinterpretations and assumed intentions behind my words. When casual observations about industry trends are perceived as personal attacks, when straightforward statements trigger emotional responses never intended, I'm forced to question the sustainability of continuing.Unlike many podcasts, Outskirts Overland has remained independent, without sponsors or commercial influence. That independence has allowed for authentic conversations about overlanding without the filter of brand partnerships—something I believe the community needs. But this approach means I personally fund everything, investing time, energy, and financial resources into content that's increasingly becoming a source of unexpected stress.After much reflection, I've decided to take a break—not ending the podcast permanently, but stepping back to gain perspective. The existing episodes will remain available, and I'll be attending Overland of America where I look forward to connecting with listeners in person. During this hiatus, I'll be considering whether there's a path forward that honors both my authentic voice and the community this podcast was created to serve.If you've appreciated the unfiltered approach of Outskirts Overland, grab yourself a sweet tea (it is National Iced Tea Day, after all), revisit favorite episodes, and share your thoughts with me when our paths cross. Sometimes the most honest thing we can do is acknowledge when something isn't working as intended and have the courage to reassess. Thank you for listening, and I hope to bring you more authentic content when the time is right.

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  21:11

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