The 2025 Crankshaft Culture ‘Not Another Holiday Gift Guide’ Gift Guide
It’s that time of year! The holiday gift guide season is officially in full swing—lord knows there are a lot of them out there. However, unlike many others, we’ve actually…
Cotopaxi Fuego Max Down Hooded Jackets: Stylish and Warm for Cold-Weather Activities
Andy and I have a healthy relationship with outdoor gear and clothing. We love testing the latest and greatest gear. Some may say it’s an obsession. We say it’s better…
His-n-Hers Smartwool Smartloft Hybrid Jacket: Lightweight & Warm
The seasons are changing, and cold weather is settling in. As outdoor enthusiasts, Andy and I are always looking for improved ways to keep warm, especially while traveling in far-flung…
2026 Toyota RAV4 Review: Redoing The Best-Selling SUV in America
The Toyota RAV4 is the best-selling car in the United States. Any changes or updates to it will be made with extreme care. Deviating too far from what makes it…
Beware of YouTube Mechanics and Online Automotive Experts
Let this be somewhat of a cautionary tale. With the myriad of YouTube mechanics and online automotive experts out there, it can be easy to get bad advice or incorrect…
Simond Showdown: Reviewing Men’s, Women’s Simond MT500 Hooded Down Jackets
Fall is here and winter is just around the corner. Living in any cold-weather climate poses chilly conditions, but it’s how you dress for it that can keep you warm…
Our Recommended Routes Highlight Great Adventure Travel Trips
Back in 2017, we wrote a few stories called Recommended Routes. These showcased some amazing overland adventures we’d taken and how you can also do them. We’ve written four stories…
Review: 2026 Subaru Solterra Touring XT
When the MY2023 Subaru Solterra EV hit the market, it did so with a bit of a thud. It was odd-looking. It only offered 227 miles of range. It was…
This Hot Wheels Die-Cast Drag Strip Galvanized Me As A Gearhead
Just the other day, I was talking to my wife, Mercedes, about how I used to have this Hot Wheels drag strip set. I’d race all of my Hot Wheels,…
We Talk Alcan 5000 and TSD Rally on OPB’s ‘Think Out Loud’ Radio Show
We recently got an invite from Oregon Public Broadcasting (OPB) to appear live on the show “Think Out Loud” with Dave Miller. This show is OPB’s daily conversation covering news,…
Guest Posts
Reducing Costs and Improving Performance With Advanced Fleet Management
Effective management of the company’s fleet is not limited to the use of the organization’s vehicles. The costs of fuel, vehicle performance, maintenance needs, and productivity of operations should be considered as well. The growing number of vehicles requires businesses to use innovative approaches for the management of fuel consumption…
How to Reduce Blind Spots When Towing a Caravan
Towing a caravan opens up a world of travel freedom, but it also introduces one major challenge: blind spots. Compared to normal driving, your field of vision is significantly reduced, making lane changes, merging, and reversing more difficult. The good news is that with the right setup and a few…
Rear Visibility Upgrades That Make Older Cars, Trucks, and SUVs Easier to Drive
Modern vehicles have become increasingly packed with safety and driver-assistance features. Newer models often include large infotainment screens, parking sensors, blind-spot alerts, 360-degree camera systems, and advanced warning technology. But for many owners, especially those driving older cars, trucks, and SUVs, the experience behind the wheel can still be very…