The 2019 Overland Expo West is in full swing right now. It’s an annual gathering of off-road enthusiasts from around the country in Flagstaff, Arizona.
TFLtruck was there and here is just a quick taste of the variety of trucks, vans, and vehicles that are attending. We are talking about anything from older trucks with just a few modifications, to multi-million dollar expedition vehicles that weigh more than a semi truck and are bigger than a tour bus.
Rivian brough their R1T all-electric prototype truck to the show with a Camp Kitchen. Rivian is a start-up company that is already very large with over 500 employees and major investors like Amazon and Ford.
The R1T has a cargo tunnel in the center of the truck that is meant for storage, but this version is housing a functional kitchen and cooking area.
The latest trucks such as the 2019 Ford Ranger and the 2020 Jeep Gladiator are also on display. Naturally, these trucks already have off-road ready accessories and aftermarket components available.
It’s also great to see several new versions of the 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van. The one you see above is featuring a new steel front bumper, roof rack, and several other accessories. We will be doing many more reviews of the new 2019 Sprinter van soon.
Personally, I noticed a greater number of new and modified Toyota Tundra trucks at the show this year. Generally, the Toyota Tacoma is a favorite choice for an overland truck – but the full-size Tundra appears to be getting more love this year. This one is sporting a customized tube bumper and fender flares.
Another popular choice this year was the 2019 Ford Super Duty. There are several modified F-250 and F-350 pickup trucks with different suspension lifts and accessories. Many of these trucks were carrying a truck bed camper.
The Mercedes-Benz Unimog is a common participant at the show, but we have not seen a Unimog with its own porch. If you need to bring your porch with you anywhere you want to go, the Unimog is one of the best ways to do it.
Finally, the Chevy Colorado ZR2 Bison Tray Bed prototype truck by AEV caught our attention. As you know the 2019 Colorado ZR2 Bison is already on sale, and we have tested it in Moab, UT, in Texas, and in Colorado. It’s a solid overland truck, but it needs better clearances.
The Bison Tray Bed addresses the question with a Chevy Performance 1.25-inch front (leveling) lift kit and several other modifications to accommodate 35-inch tall tires. The truck’s front fenders needed to be cut and modified with a new fender flare to create the extra needed clearance.
Here are few other shots from the show.
We had an opportunity to meet many of you, TFLtruck and TFLoffroad viewers, at the show. Thank you for your ongoing support!
