Overland Expo May 15-17, 2014

[Alan "Ace" Brown]

EDIT: dates are May 16-18.

Looks like I'll be going again for my 6th OEX. This year I'm just doing day passes which limits the classes I can attend but saves a bunch of money. If you have not attended you should. Besides all the classes and demos that mostly are open only to those that buy the Experience Package, there are dozens more open to everyone. Just wandering thru the vendors displays and camping areas is very enlightening. You will never see such a cool display of off-roading adventure gear anywhere else.

If anyone else is going we might get together and try to hit as much dirt as possible on the way to Mormon Lake near Flagstaff.


2008 FJ Cruiser expedition ready and overland trailer w RTT.

 

[psychosapper]

My brother and I will be there for our first expo. We purchased the full package, looks like tons of great classes.

I'm flying out to CO, from MD, to link up with him and we'll drive down to AZ in his 2002 4Runner. Not expo ready yet, but he's working on it! The expo will likely help provide some purpose and direction with his build.

Again, sounds like it will be a great time!

Any tips on what to bring, pack, prepare? Any recommended 'must see/do' items? I'm sure you have some great insider insight, having been to so many!

 

[Alan "Ace" Brown]

Consider it just another camping trip for what to bring. Huge meadow to camp in. You should bring stuff appropriate to your classes, i.e. a GPS if your taking nav classes. Notebook is a must and camera. If your doing outdoor classes suggest carrying water, camp chair, sturdy shoes and sun protection. Don't overload your class schedule, leave time to enjoy the vendor displays and just wandering thru the campground to view all the neat rigs.

You will find tons of useful info on the expo website. Also a good thread on Expedition Portal in the campfire section called "Overland Expo, is it worth it?". My answer is YES.

Go and enjoy and spend some extra time to explore the great country around Flagstaff.


2008 FJ Cruiser expedition ready and overland trailer w RTT.

 

[DAGORED]

I will be heading down thursday and will have Friday to hang out, have to back to work on Saturday. This will be my 5th Expo and like Ace will just do the day pass, last year I only did the day pass and had plenty to do for all 3 days. For me the Expo has become a social event as much as taking classes and checking out gear, I have made a lot of friends there (met Ace at the first Expo) and it has become the place to meet up.

If you have not been to the Expo I recommend it highly, you don't have to do the full package to have a good time, the day pass is a very affordable alternative and you can combine other destinations easily to your trip.

 

[Alan "Ace" Brown]

Talked to Roseann today and she is cool with a designated camping area for FJ Cruisers. Shane Williams set this up the past two years but won't be there this year. Location TBD.


2008 FJ Cruiser expedition ready and overland trailer w RTT.

 

[alpendubber]

Two US built Earthcruisers are scheduled to attend. One should be finished this week!

 

[Alan "Ace" Brown]

OEX 14 was good again and lots of new rigs and gear on display. The wind behaved pretty good the first two days but got up to its usual strength Sat/Sun. Really nice to renew friendships with folks I met in Baja this winter. Spent a few days on the North Rim and met up with Doug & Susie and another FJ bud at Point Sublime.