TREAD May/June 2019

Spring is in the air, and it's a welcome relief from one of the coldest winters that we’ve seen in a long time. Now that temperatures are warming up, what activities do you have planned? Perhaps some wheeling and fishing? Maybe a family camping trip is the way to go? My plan is to drive and hike some previously unexplored trails and get my fill of some quality camping. When you look around, the roads and trails seem to be getting fuller with off-road outfitted trucks, SUVs and Jeeps, doesn’t it? It’s a sight we love to see. What was your impetus to build your off-road rig? For many, there is a single purpose to their build; for others, their vehicles are built to fit a variety of missions. Tread…

Got a new ride or looking to refresh your current one? If you’re looking for a sure fire way to enhance the performance, as well as looks of your off-road vehicle, a good way to do it is by installing upgraded wheels and beefier tires. A set of strong and eye catching wheels can help you safely tackle challenging terrain while turning heads both on and off the trail. Let’s take a look at some of the latest wheels to hit the market. FUEL OFF-ROAD/ FUEL REBEL D681 MATTE BRONZE / BLACK The Fuel Rebel is an aggressive split spoke design available in 5-, 6- and 8-spoke designs. The Rebel features an updated lip design and a new 2-tone billet cap. The Rebel is available in 5-, 6- and 8-lug…

O1. FAB FOURS/MATRIX SERIES BUMPERS New for 2019 is the all-new Matrix Series front bumper from Fab Fours. Available for late model Ford Super Duty, Chevy HD, GMC HD, Dodge Ram 1500, Chevy Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500, the winch-ready, slim-fitting, Matrix Series front bumper comes equipped to hold a 30-inch light bar and 2 LED cubes on each side. It also accommodates up to a 12,000-lb. winch and has integrated D-Ring mounts. MSRP: starting at $2,000 fabfours.com O2. SMITTYBILT STRYKER MODULAR BUMPER WITH WINGS The Smittybilt Stryker Modular front bumper for Jeep Wrangler JK/JL models comes with integrated D-ring, overrider with 13-inch light bar provision, lift points and winch mount that will accommodate up to a 12,000-lb. winch. This bumper is built with 3mm deep formed…

O1. YETI/CAMINO CARRYALL 35 Looking for a go-anywhere, do-anything carry solution? Step up to the YETI Camino Carryall. Designed to make any adventure a little easier, this heavy-duty tote bag is designed for all-purpose work. Built for rugged use, Camino is made from waterproof, ultra-durable, and easy-to-clean material. This tote will keep your wet boots and waders contained, keep dry gear inside protected from mud and puddles, and provide a tough barrier from sharp hooks and tools. Never again leave your gear (or your truck) to the mercy of a sloppy bag. MSRP: $150 yeti.com O2. TAKEYA/32 OZ ACTIVES INSULATED WATER BOTTLE This 32-ounce insulated stainless steel bottle keeps your favorite drink ice cold for up to 24 hours or steaming hot for up to 12. Crafted from…

We surveyed the bladed landscape and saw that there’s one clear trend that knife makers have gravitated towards this year — a prodigious use of carbon fiber on their knives. Being fans of the material, this is a movement that we’re certainly onboard with. Light weight, durable and strong. Carbon fiber has grown in popularity due to its efficient strength, modern elegance and amazing versatility. Knives are made of strong materials as it is, but carbon fiber ups the strength quotient a couple of notches. It will not break under pressure or crack through use, like more traditional materials used in knife making. It is said that carbon fiber is stronger than steel, up to five to ten times stronger, in fact, and its use cuts down on overall weight.…

They sure don’t make them like they used to. Long before someone coined the term SUV, the classic Ford Bronco ruled the streets and trails with its rugged build and brute force. The ‘79 Ford Bronco that we see here is actually a scaled-down radio-controlled version of its namesake. Hard to tell at first glance, isn’t it? This officially licensed radio-controlled Ford Bronco Ranger XLT was created by Traxxas to tackle steep inclines and the most technical of off-road trails. Based on their TRX-4 platform, this miniature Bronco features plenty of authentic off-road performance attributes and a highly detailed look, even down to its iconic Sunset paint job. Driven by a high torque motor and realistic four-wheel-drive drivetrain, the Bronco is ready to take on obstacles found at your campsite,…