The Ultimate Cross-Country Road Trip Checklist for Older Vehicles
We are no strangers to taking older 1980s and 1990s vehicles on long road trips. Whether it was our former 1989 Mitsubishi Delica Star Wagon (L300), our 1991 Mitsubishi Pajero…
Arcade Belts Offer A Comfortable, Durable, Lightweight Option For Adventure Travelers
Embarrassingly, I’ve left for multiple trips forgetting a belt for my pants. This led me to need to buy a belt on the road or at an airport more times…
My Dirty Easter Jeep Safari Fantasy: Bringing a Mitsubishi Jeep
The 60th annual Easter Jeep Safari (EJS) starts this week in Moab, UT, and runs through April 5. We’ve been 15+ times, despite only owning one Jeep, a 2001 Cherokee…
onX & Toyota Expand Trail Revial Project to 24 Nationwide Trail Restoraion Events
If we don’t respect the off-road trails that are out there, they get shut down—period. Having good trail etiquette and picking up your trash is a great first step to…
Tested: The Women’s Cotopaxi Abrazo Fleece Full-Zip Jacket
When seasons change, it’s always handy to keep something warm nearby. Spring days fool you with warmer temps, but the mercury quickly drops when sunset hits. That’s exactly why I…
Crankshaft Chronicles: Need Some Trailer Wiring? Let Me Get the Wine.
It was June of 2014, and we were preparing our 1995 Suzuki Sidekick, affectionately known as The Teal Terror, to make the 600-mile round-trip trek from our home in Portland,…
Oregon’s Kei Truck Bill, HB 4063: Dead (Again)
Despite bipartisan support, Oregon House Bill HB 4063 did not pass in the House’s short session, which adjourned March 6, 2026. In fact, it never got to a vote. On…
We’re at the 2026 Dakar Rally with Defender Rally Team!
We’re at the 2026 Dakar Rally with the Defender Rally Team! Our very own Mercedes Lilienthal was invited to Saudi Arabia to cover Stage 2 and Stage 3 happenings, Defender and…
Saudi Arabia: Hegra, Maraya, and Harrat Viewpoint
My first morning in Saudi Arabia was stunning. I woke up before the sun rose above AlUla’s huge rock formations, which are reminiscent of Moab or Sedona in the United…
Getting to Saudi Arabia for Defender and the Dakar Rally
We’re kicking off our on-the-ground 2026 Dakar Rally and Defender recap reels! So much to share, we (Mercedes Lilienthal) didn’t posted them all as social stories (although a few hundred videos/photos are…
Guest Posts
What Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage and How Does It Work?
According to a 2025 Insurance Research Council study, 15.4 percent of drivers in 2023 were uninsured, which works out to be more than one in seven drivers. Most states were displaying trends of high uninsured motorist rates from 2017 to 2023. When a driver who is to blame for an…
What Are DUI Laws for Underage Drivers?
3.7% of licensed drivers in the United States are teenagers, but they have accident rates that are nearly three times higher than drivers aged 21 years and older. Drivers under the age of 21 are responsible for a substantial number of alcohol-related accidents. DUI laws for underage individuals are much…
How to Make Friends in the Car Community When You’re New to Town
(Designed by Magnific) Moving to a new city can feel overwhelming, especially when you leave behind your social circle and familiar routines. If cars are your passion, though, you already have a powerful advantage: the car community is one of the most welcoming and connection-driven spaces out there. Whether you’re…