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Representatives from Hallmark RV, Outfitter Manufacturing, and Four Wheel Campers sent in their reports from the 2010 Overland Expo in Amado, Arizona. Is that a Jeep?
The Overland Expo in Amado, Arizona is quickly becoming the big annual event for the overland and expedition marketplace. People come from all over the world to meet others who share their overland and expedition interests and to see the latest in overland vehicles and products. If you're into off-road, overland, or expedition travel, there's no better place to be than the Overland Expo.
Guest writers Dave Rogers, aka Whazoo, and Matt Ward, of Hallmark RV, sent in the following photographs and reports from their experiences at Overland Expo 2010. Brian Ward, President of Outfitter Manufacturing, and Tom Hanagan, President of Four Wheel Campers, also sent in photographs. Thank you to Dave, Matt, Brian, and Tom for helping us to cover this important event.
Above photographs courtesy of Dave Rogers, Outfitter Manufacturing, and Hallmark RV.
When Dave Rogers told us that he was attending the Overland Expo 2010, we asked him to gather some pictures and words for Truck Camper Magazine. To learn more about Dave and his amazing off-road adventures, read his interview, "Dave Rogers: Whazoo on Top of the World".
Dave Rogers' Report:
April 16th through the 18th was just another ho hum weekend in Arizona at just another off-road dog and pony show. Wait, stop the horses and back up the stagecoach. Ho hum weekend in Arizona in April? With daytime temps in the mid eighties and nights in the fifties, the word would be perfect. And off-road dog and pony show? Not the Overland Expo of 2010. This show, in it's second annual event, comes with much more than the usual cast of vendors. Although the vendors themselves were far from usual and did have some of the most useful and unusual set-ups, gadgets and gizmo's ever assembled in one place for everything off-roading and traveling cross country both in the U.S. and abroad.
But let's define overlanding before we go any farther. According to wikipedia, "Overlanding is the self-reliant overland travel to remote destinations where the journey is the principal goal. Typically, but not exclusively, accommodated by mechanized off-road capable transport (from bicycles to trucks) where the principal form of lodging is camping; often lasting for extended lengths of time (months to years) and spanning international boundaries." So there you have it and now we know, a new word is born to the English language.
This year the Overland Expo was located in Amado, Arizona, south of Tucson. The site featured a campground, steakhouse, bistro and Amado Territory Inn. So most everything needed was within a short walk and the setting was again, perfect.
There were hands-on classes in everything from driving off-road in four vehicles and motorcycles, to classes in overlanding with pets, for women traveling alone, overland medicine for pets and people and more. The amount of classes covering many subjects were simply astounding and ran all day for three days. I would have to say the whole gamut was covered. I'm not exactly sure what a gamut is or why it would be covered, but believe me it was. The only thing I saw missing was pogo sticking across the outback, but then there's always next year.
Then there were the vendors and exhibitors. Oh my, the vehicles were fantastic. Everything from full on expedition ready vehicles, to pop-up truck campers, tent toppers for vehicles and off road trailers galore. Costs for these rigs ran from the low thousands to almost a half a million dollars. Lucky me, I left the credit card at home.
Besides the varied vehicles there were many other vendors selling all things off-road. Motorcycle accessories for overlanding, four wheel vehicle accessories for overlanding, gizmos to help get extricated from mud, snow and sand while overlanding. All the way down to clamps for attaching other tools to you rig and roll-up 60 watt solar panels that will fit anywhere. The list was endless and impressive.
Of course, having been part of the Outfitter pop-up camper team did give me an insider view of the activities. And I appreciated the chance to participate in the Overland Expo both as a salesman and participant. I hope that I was a help to Outfitter and will say that all vendors and exhibitors there for this fine three day event are deserving of support, if nothing else than with words of encouragement. But when I come back next year, I'll bring my credit card!
Thanks for reading!
Dave Rogers (Whazoo)
Above photos courtesy Dave Rogers, Outfitter Manufacturing, and Hallmark RV. Left to right top: A Lance Camper, an Adventurer camper, and a van with an Aluminess aluminum bumper system. Left to right bottom: Another Lance Camper, a Flip-Pac camper, and a Campa USA camper.
Dave Rogers later emailed us with a few more details from the Overland Expo 2010:
Those interested in pop-up truck campers were impressed with the offerings from three of the best in the west. That would be Outfitter, Four Wheel Camper, and Hallmark. These manufacturers had at least two different models available for viewing. The XP Camper was also there and while this particular unit was not fully finished, the owner Marc Wassmann had some impressive marketing pictures showing his vision of what a pop-up camper can be. - Dave Rogers (Whazoo)
Above photographs courtesy of Hallmark RV.
Matt Ward's Report:
We met some great people at the show. There was not a huge crowd, but it was very serious crowd. We have already seen two customers from the expo since we returned and were lucky enough to sell a camper at the event as well.
It is hot down there, but it is beautiful and unique. There is a huge amount of camping, hiking, and off roading in the area. It was amazing to talk to people from around the globe. We talked to folks from Germany, England, and South Africa. I also got a chance to meet the very friendly Whazoo. It was a pleasure to meet and talk with him.
There were all kinds of gear and camping products. There were all kinds of maps, planning, and insurance ideas. If you're planning an overland trip, this is the place to come and learn from people from all over the world. The Overland Expo is a one of a kind show that is sure to grow. We enjoyed the show very much and look forward to attending next year.
It was also great to see some friendly Hallmark faces at the show. Three Hallmark customers graced the parking lot and made us proud.
Matt Ward
Hallmark Manufacturing
Above photographs courtesy of Four Wheel Campers, Dave Rogers, Outfitter Manufacturing, and Hallmark RV.
Now here's the big surprise. Four Wheel Campers brought their brand new Brute Sparrow Jeep camper. You read that right, a Jeep camper. Take a close look and you'll see that this is a Four Wheel Camper mounted on a Jeep. The Jeep has been converted into a pickup by American Expedition Vehicles in Missoula, Montana. The Brute Sparrow is a very exciting product that we will cover in greater detail soon.
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