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This episode of the Off Road Podcast is Sponsored by Colby Valve.
Off Road Podcast 472 – Prepping For Hunting Season
Tonight, Aaron makes a shopping list, Coy wipes himself down, & Ben is MIA
Welcome to the off-road podcast. A podcast about everything off-road. We cover the news, review products, and interview people in the off road industry. Your hosts tonight are Aaron, my name is Coy, and we are joined by Mike & Vince from the Let’s Go Hunt Podcast. Welcome to the show.
Coy – made some decent progress with project aluminum lot lizard did some decent moab planning with Aaron
Aaron – Tinkered on the Nissan. Got my diff picked up from the repair shop.
Patriotpatch.co
We also want to thank our sponsor Patriot Patch. Head over to Patriotpatch.co and check out their selection of great patches, shirts, cleaning mats, signs , and stickers. You can also join the patch of the month club for 15 bucks and receive a patch, matching sticker, and artist proof each month.
News brought to you by Colby Valve
Autoblog – Ariel Nomad 2
- Simon Saunders, director of Ariel, told Autocar that back when the company was only making the road-focused Atom, an American called the company asking for an Atom with “about three feet” of suspension travel. Ariel wasn’t ready to do that then, but the idea percolated until Ariel turned it into the Nomad, launched in 2015. Having learned much while building hundreds of Nomads in the past 10 years, and having watched the off-road segment blow up, Ariel is ready with a second-generation Nomad 2. Only the steering wheel, pedal box, and fuel cap from the Nomad have carried over to Nomad 2. Starting with the frame, engineers used larger 2- and 2.5-inch-diameter tubing to increase stiffness by 65%. That figure’s achieved even with the Nomad 2 expanding its footprint, its wheelbase 1 7/8 inch longer, its track 2 inches wider. This also provides additional room in the cockpit, a reshaped aperture making for the easier ingress that original Nomad buyers requested.
- There’s a shock behind the cockpit, that being a Ford engine. Ariel said the Honda K24 engines used in the first Nomad, starting with a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter and then a 2.4-liter four-cylinder, are increasingly difficult to source. So while the Atom 4 sticks with the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder out of today’s Honda Civic Type R, the Nomad 2’s been swapped to the turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder from the Ford Focus ST.
- The Nomad’s 2.4-liter Honda mill was tuned to 235 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. The standard Focus ST makes 276 hp and 310 lb-ft. The base Nomad 2 comes with a detuned version of the Ford mill making 260 horsepower and 284 pound-feet of torque. An optional upgrade installs a new ECU with three engine maps starting at that base level, then rising to either 302 hp and 333 lb-ft. or 305 hp and 382 lb-ft. Shifting comes via the Focus ST’s six-speed manual gearbox or an optional Quaife six-speed sequential transmission.
- The extra power motivates a rig that still only weighs about 1,550 pounds. The dash to 60 miles per hour is estimated to take 3.4 seconds, hitting 100 mph in another 4.1 seconds. Larger rotors with 40% more swept area and ABS get the thing stopped in reasonable time. The engine breathes easier, too, thanks to a radiator 2.5 times larger than before, and multiple filtering stages for the intake air.
- At the corners, new suspension geometry with fully sealed bushings and ball joints not only swings the arms through 50% more travel, the angles cut down on the squat, pitch, and wallow of the first Nomad. K-tec dampers with Eibach dual-rate springs come standard; the options list starts with three-way adjustable Ohlins TTX dampers with remote reservoirs and springs and tops out at Bilstein two-stage dampers with remote reservoirs. Wheels are either plain 16-inch alloys, 16-inch beadlocks, or 18-inch lightweight forged units, the tire selection ranging from road to hardcore all-terrain. No matter how buyers mix and match, an optional hydraulic rally-style handbrake will make those J-turns and Scandinavian flicks that much crisper.
- Body parts are fashioned from the same plastic used to make safety cones. Along with the larger entryway, livability takes big steps up in many small ways. A wing-shaped header rail above the windshield channels air to the dual-level intake behind the cockpit, also acts as a sun visor, and prevents illumination from the auxiliary Lazer LED spotlights from leaking into occupants’ eyes. Lightweight seats available in two widths or in carbon fiber can accommodate four-point harnesses. Switchgear from the Atom 4 is easier to use, flanking a full-color TFT display that includes gear position and shift lights, data logging, and an image from the reversing camera.
- An options list with more than 100 items heightens customization, adding everything from a winch to in-cockpit brake bias controls. Ariel hasn’t revealed a price for North America, but based on the previous Nomad starting in the mid $80,000s, expect something over $90,000 this time.
Main Topic
Fast Five Facts
- New or old vehicle?
- Summer or winter camping?
- Rock, Sand, Snow or Mud?
- Favorite vehicle brand?
- Favorite tire?
Hunting prep
What are different ways people hunt?
Vehicle prep?
- Maintenance and Inspection
Fluids Check: Ensure all fluids (oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid, and windshield washer fluid) are topped off.
Battery: Check the battery’s charge and clean the terminals.
Tires: Inspect tires for wear and tear, ensure they are properly inflated, and consider upgrading to all-terrain tires if necessary. Don’t forget the spare tire.
Brakes: Ensure your brakes are in good condition, as you might encounter rough terrain.
Lights: Check all headlights, brake lights, and turn signals.
Belts and Hoses: Inspect for wear and replace if necessary.
- Off-Road Readiness
Suspension: Check the suspension system, especially if you’ll be navigating rough terrain.
4WD System: Ensure the four-wheel-drive system is working properly if your vehicle is equipped with it.
Winch: If you have a winch, inspect it for proper operation and ensure you know how to use it.
Recovery Gear: Pack a recovery kit that includes tow straps, D-shackles, a hi-lift jack, and a shovel.
Tire Chains: If you expect snow or ice, bring tire chains.
- Storage and Organization
Roof Rack: Install a roof rack or cargo carrier for extra storage if needed.
Tool Kit: Carry a basic tool kit with wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers, and a tire repair kit.
Fuel Storage: Consider bringing extra fuel in approved containers if you’ll be far from gas stations.
Secure Gear: Use tie-down straps or cargo nets to secure hunting gear and equipment to prevent movement during transit.
- Emergency Preparedness
First Aid Kit: Ensure you have a well-stocked first aid kit.
Emergency Supplies: Include flares, a flashlight with extra batteries, and a fire extinguisher.
Communication: If you’ll be out of cell range, consider a satellite phone or two-way radio.
Food and Water: Pack extra food, water, and warm clothing in case of an emergency.
- Specialized Hunting Gear
Gun/Bow Storage: Ensure your weapons are securely stored in gun racks or cases.
Coolers: Bring coolers for storing game meat.
Game Bags: Have game bags ready for transporting meat.
Camouflage Cover: Consider a camouflage vehicle cover or netting if you plan to park near your hunting spot.
- Weather Considerations
Weatherproofing: Ensure your vehicle is ready for potential weather changes (rain, snow, mud).
Windshield Wipers: Replace wiper blades if necessary, and consider using a water repellent on your windshield.
- Planning the Route
GPS and Maps: Ensure your GPS is updated and bring physical maps of the area.
Route Planning: Know your route, including alternate routes in case of road closures or other issues.
Gear prep?
Different seasons?
How does your gear load out change with different seasons? Hot vs cold?
Personal prep?
How in shape should I be in
Tell us about your podcast
Last question, Where can our listeners find you?
- Facebook-
- Youtube-
- Instagram-
- Web-
Mention upcoming Camel Hunting Theme Build episode in one month
Next Week: Camp Trip Stories
Closing Statements
Thanks everyone who listens to us weekly and also to those who watch us live on YouTube. We really appreciate you. Please share us with your friends and help us grow. God bless America!
Don’t forget to visit Patriot Patch and join the Patch of the Month club. Check out our Gaia affiliate link for up to 40% off. Also, don’t forget to head over to Warn, Colby Valve, and 4Patriots to see all of their great products. We are a proud part of the Firearms Radio Network. Got a question or comment? Send it to us through our Linktree account or by searching for Off Road Podcast. Also, you can listen to us live at overlandradio.com Mondays at 7 pm Pacific. When off-road please remember to have fun, tread lightly, and be safe and courteous. Thanks for listening.