Indholdsfortegnelse for March/April 2025 i TREAD

We are making more progress on the TREAD Edition Tacoma! Last time, you saw us finish up by installing the new Body Armor 4X4 topper. Since then, we have made a few more changes. I was sick of just having a plain white Tacoma, so it was finally time to get with Jaden Andersen of Andersen Printing. Jaden took a few measurements and had the layout finished in no time. He got it printed, and it was time to pull the truck in to de-badge it and get the wrap installed. All I can say is WOW! Jaden really knocked it out of the park with this one. This topo style design really brought the truck to life and lets you see where we are headed with the final vision…

For some people, a vehicle is merely a way of getting from point A to point B. For others, it’s an outlet for their “need for speed.” But among enthusiasts of just about every vehicle demographic, you’ll also find another category of people—those who have deep connections with their vehicles thanks to heritage, family ties, and/or great memories of building their ride in their garage with loved ones. Joel Spalding of Huntly, Illinois, falls in the latter category. While he certainly has plenty of vehicles capable of making just about any speed freak smile ear to ear, his 1948 Willys CJ2A holds a deeper meaning—one that can’t be bought and will certainly be passed down to future generations. Humble Beginnings In 1984, Joel was a 14-year-old with an eye out…

For Garrett Spicer, his 2013 Chevrolet Silverado wasn’t just a project; it was a vision to blend daily driving reliability with the rugged capabilities of a true prerunner. Living in San Diego, Garrett wanted a truck that could handle weekday commutes and weekend desert runs without compromise. His Silverado, now an impressive daily driver-style prerunner, is a testament to his dedication to creating a balanced, high-performance vehicle that thrives on the road and off. Garrett’s journey began with a solid foundation: a GM 6.2L V8 engine paired with a 6L90 transmission. With enhancements like K&N intake components, Kooks long-tube headers, and a high-flow catalytic system, the engine delivers improved performance without sacrificing reliability. Exhaust gases flow through a Vital Designs system with Black Widow mufflers, providing a raw, aggressive sound…

Journey with me into a memory as I paint a picture likely not unfamiliar to any off-road or overland traveler; you’re on the sixth hour of a multi-day drive, approaching the entrance gate for the BLM land on which you plan to set up camp for the night. Only about twenty more minutes of driving up a solemn dirt road, and you’ll reach your targeted coordinates and begin to set up camp. Now if you’re anything like me, after hours of sitting in the driving seat, two things are battling for dominance in your mind—getting out and stretching, and actually cooking your next meal. While a PB&J can go a long way in times of desperation, few meals compare to those prepped upon arrival in the great outdoors. With just…

Dillon Houck isn’t new to doing things differently. He started competing in robotics with his older sister Emily when they were only 12 and 13. They later co-founded a media company at the ages of 16 and 17 that they still operate today. So when he dove head-first into the overlanding community to learn how he wanted to build his next project, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that the path would be… unique. Dillon’s love for life on the road was instilled early. The Houck family moved full-time into a 34-foot RV for nearly two years, traveling the country doing ministry and consulting work when Emily and Dillon were only 3 and 4 respectively. “We saw over 20 states and went to Mexico a handful of times before I…

Brady Taylor’s 2024 Ford F-150 Raptor isn’t just a truck—it’s a purpose-built off-road machine crafted to handle the harsh Canadian elements. Over four months and with $145,000 invested, Brady transformed this factory Raptor into a standout build blending performance, durability, and custom flair. From trail-ready modifications to personalized touches, this build demonstrates the possibilities of meticulous planning and execution. Brady’s vision for the Raptor started with its exterior. Finished in Shelter Green with Whiskey Bronze accents, the truck immediately commands attention. Custom touches like Addictive Desert Designs Rock Fighter bumpers and Diode Dynamics SS3 Pro lights enhance both its aesthetics and functionality. The factory lower control arms were custom-coated to match the truck’s paint—a detail that reflects Brady’s commitment to cohesive design. Practical upgrades like Husky inner liners, universal molle…

Let’s cut straight to the point—these aren’t your average knives. With roots in custom knifemaking going back to 2010, Ramon Chaves has built a legacy, and his blades have become a staple for both collectors and blue-collar folks who put their tools to work. From Albuquerque to Worldwide Ramon started crafting custom blades in Albuquerque, New Mexico, making every piece by hand. As his name gained traction in the knife world, he wanted to produce blades that more people could get their hands on without the premium price tag of a custom. Enter Chaves Ultramar, a production line born out of a partnership with Reate Knives, one of the best OEM manufacturers in the game. Think of Reate as the Toyota of knifemaking—top-notch quality and reliability. “Ultramar” means “worldwide” in…

Off-road towing has become increasingly popular with the rise of overland trailers, offering adventurers access to remote locations. However, towing safely requires understanding key tools and techniques. Whether you’re an experienced traveler or a first-timer, mastering the essentials of off-road towing can make your journey smoother and safer. Adjusting Tire Pressure One critical step in off-road towing is lowering tire pressure. This increases traction by expanding the tire’s footprint, helping it grip uneven surfaces. It also makes the ride smoother for passengers and cargo. Remember to adjust the pressure on your trailer tires as well. Starting at around 16 PSI works for most situations, but terrain and vehicle weight may require adjustments. Finding the right balance ensures both stability and grip. Brake Controller for Off-Road Adventures Off-road towing necessitates a…

01. GERBER GEAR BUSHCRAFT AXE Surviving in the wild takes knowledge, keen awareness, and tools you can depend on. Gear that multitasks is key when every ounce is accounted for. The Bushcraft Axe addresses two primary needs: starting fire and building shelter. The ergonomic design reduces weight and improves grip for long-haul use, and the blade features machined relief for deeper cuts. Yet, the genius is in what you can’t see: two gear storage compartments that are water-resistant and can house paracord and a mini size lighter (or fire starting material). MSRP: $90 gerbergear.com 02. JACKERY EXPLORER 1500 PORTABLE POWER STATION The Jackery Explorer 1500 brings power that is stable and safe, with 1534Wh capacity, 1800W AC outputs, and fast recharging efficiency, which will run up to seven appliances at…

As we all know, upgrading the front bumper on these newer rigs is a must. Getting rid of the flimsy plastic front bumper on the TREAD Edition Tacoma and upgrading it with Body Armor 4X4’s HiLine front winch bumper and high clearance wings seemed like the right choice. The install was straightforward. The only part that was a little stressful was cutting the front plastics for the high clearance wings (a week before SEMA). It turned out to not be a big deal after all (I was just overthinking it). With a little help from my buddy Jason Sorenson from Straight Auto Restoration, we had it knocked out in no time. This upgrade really changed the look of the truck and added some great functionality. 2. We removed the top…

What started as a small but mighty toy drive at King Shocks put on by Terra Crew a few years ago has now turned into a four-block car and truck show extravaganza. The event also features a vendor exhibition, Terra Crew demo, food court, BMX/MTB demo, toy drive, and raffle thanks to the teams over at Rodeo X Rigs. They have taken a great idea and expanded it to the limits. Seeing the King Shocks truck overflowing with toys made this event a great success. The thousands of awesome vehicles on display along with hundreds of vendors to visit with plenty of food to eat only made the experience that much better. The day started watching the Terra Crew boys and their friends tear it up in the demo area,…

Attending SEMA has been on my bucket list for as long as I can remember. For years, I would have lengthy conversations with my buddies about who was at the show, which projects were unveiled to the world for the first time, or what company just dropped a new part that could improve one of our projects! However, these discussions always ended the same way: our talks about attending SEMA were just a distant dream, with the conversations being the closest we would ever get to the actual experience. That was until this year when I was given the chance to fly out to Las Vegas and cover the show for TREAD. Now, enough about me. This year’s SEMA was nothing less than spectacular! Thousands of unique, high-end custom builds…

Were you a kid with a dream? Did you grow up loving cars and enjoying family bonding over a vehicle that you looked at and thought, “that will be mine one day”? For Southern California local Kaiden Cook, that was his dream with his dad’s 1997 Toyota Land Cruiser. Let’s jump into the history of this Cook family Cruiser. This Toyota was welcomed into the family when Kaiden was only 3 years old! Ever since then, Kaiden slowly began to form and grow his love for vehicles. As he grew up, so did the bond he had with this Land Cruiser. It brought golden memories such as sitting with his dad and driving slowly around the neighborhood giggling and strengthening the bond between them. . This vehicle was more than…