Off Road Podcast 474 – Andy And Mercedes Go To Europe

This episode of the Off Road Podcast is Sponsored by Colby Valve.

Tonight, Aaron is gone, Coy is gone, & Ben cant seem to not break anything

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.  I’m your host Ben and we are joined by Andy and Mercedes from Crankshaft Culture.  Welcome to the show.

Ben – found out torque wrench is dead and might explain my blown tire
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

• off-road.com AWD Vehicles Targeted by National Park Service for Driving on 4WD Trails
  • All-wheel drive does not equal four-wheel drive, as one Subaru Crosstrek driver recently discovered while touring Canyonlands National Park.
  • The Subaru owner posted their cautionary tale on the r/NationalPark subreddit and shared the stern warning they received from the US Department of the Interior for violating a National Park Service rule restricting travel on certain roads within the park. The road in question was Colorado Overlook Road, one of six roads within Canyonlands that are limited to high-clearance, four-wheel drive vehicles.
  • “Four wheel drive vehicle is defined as a sport utility vehicle (SUV) or truck with at least 15-inch tire rims and at least eight inches of clearance from the lowest point of the frame, body, suspension, or differential to the ground. Four wheel drive vehicles have a transfer case between the front and rear axles that locks the front and rear drive shafts together when four wheel drive is engaged. All wheel drive (AWD) vehicles do not meet this definition.”
  • While many AWD vehicles are quite capable, and the Subaru Crosstrek does, in fact, meet the minimum height requirement with 8.7″ inches of ground clearance, it does not have locking differentials and is not a true 4WD vehicle.
  • If you need to brush up on the distinctions between AWD and 4WD, the key difference between the two systems is the presence of locking differentials in most 4WD-equipped vehicles, which significantly enhance off-road traction.
  • AWD (All-Wheel Drive) systems automatically distribute power to all four wheels, providing better traction on slippery roads and in mild off-road conditions. It’s designed for on-road use with occasional light off-roading and operates without driver input.
  • 4WD (Four-Wheel Drive) systems, on the other hand, offer greater off-road capability. They typically include low-range gearing and locking differentials, which distribute power evenly to all wheels, making them more effective in challenging terrains like deep mud, snow, or rocks. 4WD requires manual engagement, giving drivers more control in tough off-road situations.
  • While there may be some truth in that assessment, rules are rules, and the threat of a $5,000 fine is nothing to thumb your nose at. Adding insult to possible injury, the NPS does not tow stuck vehicles. Visitors caught in the backcountry with disabled vehicles can expect commercial towing fees in excess of $1,000.
  • If you’re heading to Canyonlands, make sure you’ve got the proper vehicle and backcountry permits, if applicable, and check the Canyonlands Road Condition Page before embarking on your adventure.

Main Topic  

https://superlative-adventure.com/en/baltic-sea-circle.html

is the rally site. We were the first team to compete with an EV that was from outside of the EU or surrounding area and the only EV team this year. That will be important to mention as it affected how/if we were able to pay for charging the ID. Buzz. 

• 16 days (the northernmost rally in the world)
• Nine countries around the Baltic Sea (and above the Arctic Circle with two Arctic Circle crossings)
• 7,500 kilometers (we did 4,771 actual miles)
• Wild camping and daily rally challenges
• No GPS, and we supplied our own paper maps
• Raised money for The Jessi Combs Foundation (this was a charity and they asked teams to raise 500 Euro/$540 US and we raised $3,239 US!)
• We drove Volkswagen’s new all-electric Euro-spec short wheelbase ID. Buzz van (US spec to be released here later this year)
• Driver: Andy Lilienthal + navigator: Mercedes Lilienthal

superlative-adventure.com

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Next Week:  Moab Trip Report

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.