The dust has settled following the 2014 Overland Expo in Flagstaff, Arizona May 16-18, and off-roaders enjoyed workshops, a first look at new vehicles, 4x4 courses, and overlanding camaraderie. The Overland Journal stages the annual gathering and travelers from the far reaches of the globe attend to learn and share and compare their stories of off-road adventuring.
Overland enthusiast Chuck Prescott was among attendees who were lucky to get a glimpse of Chrysler unveiling their new Ram Power Wagon. “They also brought out the new Cherokee Trailhawk and Eco-Diesel Grand Cherokee,” says Prescott. He was impressed with the new models and loved that “you could get in the truck and drive around the course.”
The Overland Expo traditionally features a variety of workshops for Jeeps, trucks, and motorcycles as well as courses on building bridges and floating vehicles across ponds. Experts mingle with novices, sharing their overland knowledge at advanced and beginner levels. Attendees were offered a chance to test and get certified for overland driving ability. The event also featured camping, a trailer area, driving courses and a film festival at the theater.
The Arizona weather hovered in the mid-70’s and made for an idyllic long weekend. Vendors at the Expo included ARB 4x4 Accessories, WARN Industries and ICON Suspension and they offered a wide variety of truck parts and Jeep Wrangler accessories.
Prescott recalls meeting off-road enthusiasts who came all the way from Germany. “They imported a Man Adventure vehicle, which is a huge semi camper. They planned to drive across North America after the Expo.”
Overland Journal publisher Scott Brady describes the annual May Expo as “a gathering point for both manufacturers and adventurers and a physical barometer of the health of the industry.” The Expo’s theme sums it up - Get outfitted. Get trained. Get inspired. Get going…the world is waiting.
