VW Beetle Final Edition Goes to R2R 2019
Roswell, NM. It seemed a natural. On the 20th Anniversary of R2R (Return to Roswell), which also is the final year for the beloved VW Beetle, we took a Final…
Arizona’s Fossilized Cars
I was in the Phoenix area last April so I could meet up with a couple friends and drive with them to Radwood Vegas. We had a day to kill…
Crankshaft Culture Gear Garage: Ortlieb Duffle RS Series Bag
Ortlieb has long been known for high quality waterproof wares: from bicycle panniers, messenger bags, to day packs and duffle bags, these bags can take a multitude of beatings and…
Crankshaft Culture Gear Garage: Helinox Lite Cot
It’s critical to get a good night’s sleep, especially after a hard day of off-roading, hiking, biking, or other adventure activity. Your body is tired and achy; your mind longing…
Gear and Rigs of the 2019 Overland Expo West
If you love adventure vehicles, off-roading and traveling-chances are you’re into the associated gear that goes with them. Proper gear can make you more prepared, smarter and self-reliant both on…
2019 Inaugural Texas Off-Road Invitational: Who’s Top Dog in the Texas Dirt?
The inaugural Texas Off-Road Invitational event was held by the Texas Motor Press Association at General Sam’s Offroad Park in Huntsville, Texas. Nearly three dozen automotive journalists came together to…
2019 Oregon Trail Rally: Racing and Rally Culture.
Oregon Trail Rally is the state’s biggest stage rally event. It brings out both the big dogs, such as the Subaru Motorsports USA team that includes David Higgins and Travis…
Mudfest: The 2019 NW Outdoor Activity Vehicle of the Year
ABOVE: Still one of my favorites, the runner up in the Subcompact and Compact Family class, the 2019 Jeep Renegade Trailhawk. Photo: Ryan Douthit, MediaSpigot LLC The Northwest Automotive Press…
Super Sleepers
I’ve long wanted to build some sort of super sleeper. You take one car that is not anywhere near a high-performance vehicle from the factory, add in some sort of…
Remember: We’re All Gearheads
I’ve long said that most people love to belong to something. Whether it’s a club, a devout loyalty to a brand, or whatever. Everyone likes to belong somehow when it…
Guest Posts
The GTA Buyer’s Checklist: What to Inspect Before Buying a Used Ram 1500 in Ontario
The used truck market in the Greater Toronto Area moves fast. A Ram 1500 with low mileage and a clean look doesn’t always tell the whole story. Rust, worn parts, and electrical problems can hide under a nice surface. Skipping an inspection before you buy is how people end up…
Can an Independent Mechanic Service Your Ford Without Voiding the Warranty?
Australian Ford owners are not tied to a franchised dealer to keep a new-car warranty valid. For years the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has said a manufacturer cannot lawfully refuse a warranty claim just because the scheduled servicing happened somewhere other than a dealership, provided the work follows the…
Affordable Used Cars in Hackensack: Find Quality Without Breaking the Bank
You’ve probably seen it happen to a friend: they walk into a dealership planning to spend $12,000 and somehow drive off, owing $19,000 with fees they never saw on the sheet. It is one of the most common traps in car buying, and it’s exactly why more Bergen County buyers…