Remote Trails Radio

Ep. 41: Camp & Recreate, No More Snow Wheeling, and Getting the Most from Your Toyota Service

Adventure season is here, and Garrick and Melody are kicking it off with a packed episode full of gear talk, trip recaps, and insider tips. First up, Garrick delivers an unfortunate update from Episode 40 — what started as a cracked rim from snow wheeling turned into a full steering rack replacement, officially marking the end of his snow wheeling career. Then the two recap an incredible spring meet-and-greet with Lagalag, a community-driven PNW overlanding group that pulled off an impressively organized event complete with waves of vehicles, a potluck that defied expectations, a raffle sponsored by Open Road 4x4, and a lakeside campsite that became a little too lakeside for one unlucky Sprinter van. Melody puts Garrick on the spot with an unplanned advice session: she's found the perfect low-profile cargo drawer system for her 5th Gen 4Runner — but the company behind it has some serious red flags in the reviews. Garrick's take? Don't touch it. The conversation expands into a practical discussion about what actually belongs in cargo drawers (hint: not your recovery gear), sleeping platform headroom trade-offs, and ARB's roller drawer system as a solid alternative worth checking out. Garrick then shares his "Camp & Recreate" strategy for making the most of shoulder season — picking a recreation activity, finding camping nearby, and avoiding the summer crowds entirely. He put it to the test on the Kitsap Peninsula, riding the impressive Port Gamble Forest Heritage Park trail network and camping at Kitsap Memorial State Park, where his Moon Fabrications awning earned its keep on a rainy Saturday. Melody closes things out with her Toyota dealership insider tips — how service reps and tech teams work, why finding your rep is worth it, how the Costco Auto Repair program can make dealership pricing competitive, and why simply being kind goes a long way. Garrick adds a classic move for testing whether a shop is on the level. Links * FB Lagalag Overlanders [https://www.facebook.com/groups/pnwlagalags/] * Openroad 4WD [https://openroad4wd.com/] * Goose Gear Fridge Slide [https://www.goose-gear.com/collections/solo-fridge-slides] * Moonfab Car Shade Awning [https://moonfab.com/products/moonshade] * Costco Auto Program [https://www.costcoauto.com/parts_and_service/pshome.aspx] Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2399554/fan_mail/new] Support the show [https://patreon.com/RemoteTrailsRadio] Remote Trails Radio Instagram @remotetrailsradio [https://www.instagram.com/remotetrailsradio/] Remote Trails Radio YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@RemoteTrailsRadio [https://www.youtube.com/@RemoteTrailsRadio] Opening music is Fun by Vibe Tracks https://goo.gl/Vb19cj [https://goo.gl/Vb19cj]

Ep. 40: Slow Wheeling or Snow Wheeling, Anker Gear, How-To Discount Tire

Episode 40 is a full-on rollercoaster. Garrick finally tracks down that mysterious rear-end thud, only to discover a much bigger problem lurking under the rig. Meanwhile, a snow wheeling trip goes sideways with hidden obstacles, cracked wheels, and more trail damage than expected. Melody shares a soggy lesson in winter tent camping after waking up in what can only be described as a lake, plus some insights on how quickly PNW landscapes can change after heavy flooding. On the gear side, Garrick leans further into electrified overlanding with major upgrades to his power setup, while Melody deals with a failing power station and pivots to a more reliable solution. There’s also a deep dive into swing-out awning setups, budget realities, and why some of the best gear is still frustratingly out of reach in the U.S. To round it out, the crew swaps recommendations, from road trip planning tools to unexpected perks like free Toyota milestone stickers. Broken parts, wet camps, new gear, and hard-earned lessons. Just another episode of Remote Trails Radio. Links * Ecoflow Delta 2  [https://ecoflowtechnologyinc.pxf.io/0GYmyM](Affiliate link) * Truline Frame & Wheel [https://trulineseattle.com/] * KickAss [https://kickassproducts.com.au/collections/camping-shower-awnings] * BTech GMRS 50 Pro [https://a.co/d/0hfpZ94p] * Anker Solix C2000gen2 [https://www.ankersolix.com/products/c2000-gen2] * Anker Solix C300 DC [https://www.ankersolix.com/products/c300-dc] * Discount Tire Beats Competitor Prices [https://www.discounttire.com/customer-service/low-price-guarantee] * Free 100k 200k 300k mileage sticker [https://airtable.com/appJemtc5wT3QKod9/shrlDVU5yF8ooiE2a] * HipCamp Roadtrip feature [https://support.hipcamp.com/hc/en-us/articles/30080245284500-What-is-Hipcamp-s-Roadtrip-feature] Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2399554/fan_mail/new] Support the show [https://patreon.com/RemoteTrailsRadio] Remote Trails Radio Instagram @remotetrailsradio [https://www.instagram.com/remotetrailsradio/] Remote Trails Radio YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@RemoteTrailsRadio [https://www.youtube.com/@RemoteTrailsRadio] Opening music is Fun by Vibe Tracks https://goo.gl/Vb19cj [https://goo.gl/Vb19cj]

Ep. 39: From Propane to Kilowatts - The Electrified Overlanding Strategy You Need

What does it actually take to move toward an electrified overlanding setup—and is it worth it? In this episode, Garrick walks through the thinking behind his shift away from propane and toward battery-powered camp systems, while Melody helps unpack where that strategy shines and where it still falls short. They talk about the real advantages of electric cooking, charging flexibility on the trail, and reducing fuel logistics, along with the tradeoffs like cost, complexity, and the limits of solar in the Pacific Northwest. They also explore how electrification overlaps with preparedness planning, what gear currently makes up Garrick’s setup (from fridge to kettle to heated sleep system), and where traditional fuels like propane or diesel heaters still make the most sense. If you’ve ever wondered whether induction cooking at camp is practical—or how big a battery you actually need—this episode breaks down the decisions behind building a modern camp power system one piece at a time. Plus: trail-friendly dog food options, the search for the perfect in-rig water bottle, and the mysterious suspension “thud” that refuses to reveal itself. Links * Garrick’s film he couldn’t remember - Leave the World Behind [https://www.imdb.com/title/tt12747748/] * Garrick's Ecoflow River 2 Pro [https://ecoflowtechnologyinc.pxf.io/zzjjmG] * BTech GMRS 50Pro 50W Radio [https://a.co/d/03XnK5T4] * Rawternative at All the Best Pet [https://shop.allthebestpetcare.com/products/grandma-maes-country-naturals-rawternative-beef-beef-organs-air-dried-dog-food-5-oz/?case_option=False] * Ziwi Complete Meal - Chicken [https://a.co/d/0fLMBx1m] * Owala FreeSip Sway [https://owalalife.com/products/freesip-sway?Size=40oz&Color=Terracotta+Sunset&Material=Stainless+steel&selectionType=local] Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2399554/fan_mail/new] Support the show [https://patreon.com/RemoteTrailsRadio] Remote Trails Radio Instagram @remotetrailsradio [https://www.instagram.com/remotetrailsradio/] Remote Trails Radio YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@RemoteTrailsRadio [https://www.youtube.com/@RemoteTrailsRadio] Opening music is Fun by Vibe Tracks https://goo.gl/Vb19cj [https://goo.gl/Vb19cj]

Ep. 38: SoCal Expo Stories, Surprise Stage Time, and a Warmer Way to Sleep Outside

Melody just got back from Overland Expo SoCal 2026, and she’s bringing stories from the show floor, vendor booths, and even an unexpected moment on stage at the Women Who Wander meetup. From suspension conversations with 74Weld to recovery gear troubleshooting with Maxtrax, this episode is a look at what makes expos worth the trip beyond just the shopping. 🚙 We also talk about community connections, show strategies, and what it’s like navigating a massive event in a single day. Then Garrick shares field impressions of the Ignik Flipside Heated Bed Cover, part of his growing electrified camping setup and a surprisingly efficient way to pre-warm your sleeping system on cold nights. Plus: *  Tips for getting the most out of Overland Expo events  *  Gear discoveries and booth highlights  *  Why Sunday might be the best day for deals  *  Northwest Overland Rally preview  *  A new everyday audio upgrade in random recommendations 🎧  If you’ve ever wondered whether an overland expo is worth attending—or how to stay warmer at camp without boiling water bottles—this episode’s for you. RTR over and out. Links * Overland Expo SoCal [https://www.overlandexpo.com/socal/] Instagram: @overlandexpo * Maxtrax [https://maxtraxus.com/] * ARB [https://arbusa.com/winch] * 74 Weld UCAs [https://motorsports.74weld.com/product/legacy-toyota-billet-front-upper-control-arms/] * Garrick’s SPC Upper Control Arms [https://www.srqfabrications.com/products/96-02-3rd-gen-4runner-95-04-1st-gen-tacoma-spc-upper-control-arms] * Anker Auto [https://www.anker.com/collections/car-chargers] * Ironman Tilting Fridge Slide [https://www.ironman4x4.com/products/tilting-fridge-slide-30l-to-50l] * KIMBO [https://www.kimboliving.com/] * Diode Dynamics [https://www.diodedynamics.com/] * Evotrex [https://www.evotrex.com/] * Livewire Honcho EV Bike [https://www.livewire.com/s4-honcho-electric-motos] * Ignik Flipside Heated Bed Cover [https://ignik.com/products/flipside-heated-bed-cover] * NWOR 2026 [https://www.nwoverlandrally.com/] * Apple Airpods Pro 3 [https://www.apple.com/shop/buy-airpods/airpods-pro-3] * Garrick's Ecoflow River 2 Pro [https://ecoflowtechnologyinc.pxf.io/zzjjmG] Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2399554/fan_mail/new] Support the show [https://patreon.com/RemoteTrailsRadio] Remote Trails Radio Instagram @remotetrailsradio [https://www.instagram.com/remotetrailsradio/] Remote Trails Radio YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@RemoteTrailsRadio [https://www.youtube.com/@RemoteTrailsRadio] Opening music is Fun by Vibe Tracks https://goo.gl/Vb19cj [https://goo.gl/Vb19cj]

Ep 37: 11 Unwritten Trail Rules You Might Be Breaking

Garrick and Melody are back with a mix of adventure updates and practical trail wisdom. Garrick shares his experience attending the Montana Backcountry Discovery Route (MTBDR) unveiling in Seattle, including what the new 900-mile route looks like, the film screening, and why Montana might be the next big BDR destination for riders and overlanders.  From there, the conversation shifts to one of the most important (and sometimes controversial) topics in off-road travel: trail etiquette. Garrick and Melody break down the unwritten rules of the trail—from group size and yielding properly, to camp spacing, recovery etiquette, radio use, and minimizing impact on public lands. They share real stories from the trail (including a few ranger encounters and recovery lessons learned the hard way) and discuss how good communication and a positive attitude can make everyone’s experience better.  They also cover: * Why smaller groups often work better on tight trails * Who should yield when two groups meet * Letting faster traffic pass (and why blocking them is a bad idea) * Camp etiquette and sharing dispersed sites respectfully * Recovery best practices and avoiding dangerous situations * How to be a good ambassador for the overlanding community Plus, Garrick recommends a quirky sci-fi comedy series on Netflix, and Melody shares a unique sauna experience near Lake Sammamish for post-adventure relaxation.  Whether you’re new to overlanding or a seasoned trail veteran, this episode is packed with tips to help you travel responsibly, safely, and with good trail karma. Links * Starlink (referral link [https://starlink.com/residential?referral=RC-DF-8931889-23659-69]) * Cabin Creek Sno-Park [https://parks.wa.gov/find-sno-parks/cabin-creek-sno-park] * MTBDR [https://ridebdr.com/mtbdr/] * The Shop [https://theshopclubs.com/seattle/] * Panhandle Rally ID [https://panhandleoverlandrally.com/] * Resident Alien [https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8690918/] TV series * Vihta Sauna [https://www.vihtasauna.co/] * Garrick's Ecoflow River 2 Pro [https://ecoflowtechnologyinc.pxf.io/zzjjmG] Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2399554/fan_mail/new] Support the show [https://patreon.com/RemoteTrailsRadio] Remote Trails Radio Instagram @remotetrailsradio [https://www.instagram.com/remotetrailsradio/] Remote Trails Radio YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@RemoteTrailsRadio [https://www.youtube.com/@RemoteTrailsRadio] Opening music is Fun by Vibe Tracks https://goo.gl/Vb19cj [https://goo.gl/Vb19cj]