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ATVs or UTVs – Which is better?

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It can be a tough choice deciding what will fit your riding style between ATVs and UTVs. We have some pros and cons for you to help you make an informed decision.

Pros for ATVs:

  • They cost less. A typical ATV is going to run you in the general direction of a 1/3rd less than a UTV.
  • Better traction and suspension on average if it’s a 4×4.
  • They’re faster. Less overall weight and components makes for a better ratio. 
  • Can get into tighter spots. If you’re going trail riding with lots of trees and obstructions you’re going to need to factor in the width of your UTV to see if it can even get where you want it to go. 
  • It’s easier to haul. For a UTV you’re going to need a toy hauler or some way to get it where you need to go. ATVs can fit in your truck. Just get an ATV ramp and you’re set. 
Pros for UTVs:
  •  Safer. A roof and a roll bar over your head is going to offer much more protection than an ATV would. 
  • A smoother ride overall. You’re going to be more comfortable. They aren’t going to get all the places an ATV would but if you just want to take a friend or loved one along on a trail ride, they’re the best option. 
  • Bring your girlfriend or buddy along. With UTVs, the best part is having some company right beside you. Offroading is an enjoyable experience of course, and it’s something lovely to be able to share that with someone. 
  •  Upgrades! ATVs have lots of upgrades as well, but adding comfortable seats and backrests along with some speakers is pretty easy to do in a UTV. You’ll have an easier time mounting lights and other peripherals as well. 
 

Conor

I'm the owner of Beast Auto. I live in Phoenix, Arizona. I love anything automotive related, and taking road trips all across my beautiful state.

Why aren’t there more roundabouts in America?

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If you’ve traveled to other countries or even in some parts across the USA you’ll probably have seen roundabouts used in your lifetime. I know here in Arizona I’ve seen them about three times on highways way out of the way of the city. But, when they’re used properly and everyone knows the rules they really can speed traffic up.

There’s also the benefit of them using no electricity, no streetlights, and an improved flow of traffic. So why the heck don’t we use roundabouts more in the States? The simple answer is that roundabouts aren’t always the best solution because it depends on the amount of traffic overall. They’re great for intersections that have about the same volume and fairly low amounts of traffic. 

So the two main reasons I found that we don’t use them more often are:

  •  They aren’t good for intersections with an uneven distribution of traffic. This is where traffic lights shine. They can be timed to get a gauge of the regular flow. Some directions are going to need longer lights to accommodate that. 
  • For many places they would work well, lights are already installed.
  • Since we aren’t used to them in the states it’s easier for communities to install lights. 
They’re a great way to slow traffic down as well. You won’t have the same amount of fatalities from accidents you would when it comes to a stoplight. You can’t really speed 50 mph through a roundabout, but you can get up to maybe 25 mph. 

 

The verdict is they’re awesome – in certain situations. In many countries, they work very well. The Netherlands uses them all over with good results. 

If you’d like to read more about roundabouts, wikipedia has a great article(as usual).

How to use a roundabout?

This is something I didn’t know how to do until very recently, but there’s no harm into owning up to something. Learning is fun. The state of Michigan released a video on their use after installing several. It’s pretty good you can watch it below.

 

Conor

I'm the owner of Beast Auto. I live in Phoenix, Arizona. I love anything automotive related, and taking road trips all across my beautiful state.

The 4 Best Bed Extenders for Ford F150s

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If you’re hauling a lot of cargo and have started to find your space slim, a bed extender can be the solution to your problem. It’s also nice just being able to leave the gate open when you need to grab something out of the back of your truck. 

Getting a bed extender can be a game changer for anyone who uses kayaks, ladders, or any awkward shapes you need to haul. 

When it comes to choices, there isn’t a lot of competition in the marketplace. 

There are two main players, ford OEM and AMP Research. But, both brands have a lot of happy customers so there isn’t much room for competitors to come in. There is one bed extender that doubles as a ramp for dirt bikes. With that said, we looked at the available options and picked out the winners.  

Here are the 4 best bed extenders for f150s:

AMP Research Black Truck Bed Extender

The AMP Research truck bed extender has a nice powder coat finish and is made in the USA. We’ve already talked about how they pretty much own the market for truck extenders, but it isn’t because they have a monopoly. 

They just consistently put out a great product and this one is a good example. It comes with a 3-year warranty. The U shape design folds back to keep in your truck bed when not in use. So you’re able to close your latch. 

It doubles as a nice little secure cargo space when your latch is up as well. Preventing certain items from sliding all over the place(like dog food). You can get it in black or silver, but we’re a little partial to black. It matches our soul or something. 

We find it refreshing to see an American company doing well and making quality parts. The install will take a little bit, you can see an overview of the process in the video below. The process is going to be similar for all models.

Bed extender Bracket

If you do not want to drill, you can buy a separate bed extender bracket kit from AMP. It’ll fit 2004-2018 F150 models. 

ReadyRamp Bed Extender and Dirt Bike/Motorcycle Ramp

The ReadyRamp is a functional option for truck owners who have a dirt bike or motorcycle under 600lbs. Even if you don’t plan on using it for those things, having a ramp for heavy objects is a big plus.

There isn’t anything like it available, and that’s pretty neat. The have a patented 3-piece design that is made with a metal construction. It’s cheaper than some of the plastic competitors on the market that only function as an extender. 

Value-wise, for anyone who owns a dirt bike this is a winner. And it’s strong enough to be used in heavy-duty applications when it comes to regular hauling. You won’t have to drill with this, it mounts to the included hardware on your truck and includes all the brackets. 

ReadyRamp will find all standard Ford F150 models from 1986-2018. If you’d like to check out their sizing – they have a handy website here. 

X-Treme Gate for F150

The X-Treme gate truck bed extender took a different style approach compared to the usual curved extenders we see. What makes this different is it has a fold-out design. You attach it to your truck beds gate and fold it out when you need it. When you don’t need it you can fold it away. 

It adds up to 10 square feet, but it has a big drawback. It’s an entirely plastic system and there are a lot of moving parts. For anyone who wants to haul heavy things or even just something that could clank with force – this gate won’t inspire confidence.

What it’s great for is being concealed if you don’t like the idea of a permanent metal extender attached to your truck bed. If you need something light duty and want to have the option to fold it away, then we could see the appeal. Made for 2009 models and up. 

Genuine Ford Bed Extender

Ford has a line of OEM bed extenders for their trucks. They’re pretty neat in that there’s a latch in the middle that you can undo, and the sides will fold in. Making it so you’re able to stow these when not in use.

The installation will take some work, you’ll have to make a few cuts to make room for the pins in your bed liner. Like with all fold-able options, it’s a double-edged sword. This is a heavier duty alternative compared to the Extreme Gate, but it’s still not going to compare with the strength of AMP.

Plastic just can’t handle repeated use as a metal alloy could. Yet nearly all customers are happy with it so they must be doing something right. As for price, this is the most expensive option of the bunch. Which you would expect out of an OEM model. We think it’s a good choice if you need the space, the plastic is thick and it’s pretty darn secure.

How does a truck bed extender work?

Bed extenders increase your cargo space by .. extending when you pull out your latch. There are two main styles. The first is a static extender – a metal piece that isn’t going to fold. You attach it to your liner and flip it out when you need it.

The second option is a pull-out design. Ford OEM and the Extreme Gate use variations of this. The fold-able setup latches together when you need it and is easy to break down and stow when you don’t. 

Final Thoughts

For us, the AMP Research bed extender is our favorite option. There is a reason they have so many models and are so popular. They offer a good warranty, the product looks good, and it’s one of the best values out there.

Have a dirt bike or motorcycle under 600lbs? Well – you should probably just get the ReadyRamp. The metal construction, price, and utility of their design make it one of the best options for anyone hauling dirt bikes. 

Fords OEM model is as heavy-duty composite plastic. But, it’s still plastic. If you want something that is going to last you a long time we recommend AMP or the  ReadyRamp. Plus, AMP has a bracket option to save you from drilling into your bed liner which we thought was pretty cool. 

If you choose one of these extenders let us know how the install went, we’d love to hear!

Conor

I'm the owner of Beast Auto. I live in Phoenix, Arizona. I love anything automotive related, and taking road trips all across my beautiful state.

Offroading is Manly Meditation

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The other day I was thinking about the post regarding what gets people into offroading. Lots of the reasons involved teamwork, sight seeing, and having fun through challenges. Then it hit me that beyond that – people have hobbies as a sort of meditation.

Through repetition and the journey of improving ourselves, we get better. On a recent plane ride there was a movie called Ramen Heads. These guys dedicated their lives from teenagers to being the best Ramen makers in Japan. 

The craft, excellence, and routine they put into it blew me away. For them, it wasn’t so much of an occupation as it was an identity! Have you seen someone working, with their soul withering away?

I have, it used to be me. So when you see people engulfed in their art, even if it’s making Ramen, it really makes you wonder. 

What drives those kind of passions? 

What can convince someone to get up every day and do the same thing they’ve been doing for 20 years. Well, it’s the same thing that makes people offroad the same trails over and over again. It’s the process in the moment just as much as it’s the journey. 

Too often do I find myself getting caught up in the day to day sludge of things, or worried about what’s coming next – but when I take a moment to appreciate the process that’s when I realize there’s my reward. It’s not so much the hill you made it over as it is the moment you were in the midst of struggling the most to get over that hill. That’s your pay, that moment. 

If any of you have weight-lifted or participated in a strenuous activity you’ll know that there is a point when you could lift or do something – but it’s close. In fact it’s so close that the only thing making the difference is in your head. What’s holding you back is a mental block and on some days you’ll have it and some days you won’t.  

Is every hobby a form of meditation? I think we need to expand the definition – according to the internet it’s “the act of meditating”. But meditating is just another hobby. It’s a hobby where you do nothing and while I’m not hating on it, I just think it’s funny that people don’t realize there’s so many things that bring stress relief and joy to our lives. 

If you’re not harming your family or yourself and you’re engaging in an activity that’s fun then it seems to me that’s a form of meditation as well. Getting better and refining ourselves is a part of being human. 

I guess I just felt inspired to get this off my chest, enjoy your 4 wheeling and manly meditations(or womanly). 

Why Offroading is important

Really, this heading should say “Why every hobby is important” but – have you met someone who doesn’t have a “thing”. Those people that are going to work and going home every day. If you know that person, introduce them to your meditation. I’m guessing that it is something outdoors if you’re reading this, and that’s the perfect cure.

Not everyone has a friend with a nice jacked up ride – let’s help each other meditate 🙂

List of Manly Meditations

With all of that said, I thought it’d be fun to put together a list of “manly meditations” for you guys with some popular hobbies that might interest ya’ll. It’s stuff I want to try eventually. Finding time for the outdoors isn’t always accessible depending on where you live. I think I’ll keep adding to this list so if you have any input let me know. 

Woodworking – being able to work with your hands has to feel absolutely amazing. For me, this is on my list and maybe for you too. I remember growing up watching “This Old House” all the contractors finding solutions to every problem caught my interest. Which later grew seeing youtubers and people online being so creative. I mean it’s just wood right? But that’s what makes a hobby transformative, people find their groove and carve it. If you want to see some crazy stuff there’s a guy called DiResta on youtube that is a pro at his craft. 

RC Offroading – So you might not be able to go to your favorite getaway, but maybe you could get into RC offroading and kits. For about 300 bucks you can buy a nice beginners option with working 4×4 parts. There is a whole community of these guys dedicated just to building and upgrading their offroad rc vehicles. You can find them over at reddit.com/r/crawling

Smoking– No not that kind of smoking, the kind with the food. This is a hobby that will pay you dividends and your mouth will be thankful for it. I’ve only written two sentences and my mouth is salivating thinking about a smoked brisket. It’s pretty much a science if I understand it right. 

There are different rubs, temperatures, intervals, types of smokers, types of wood chips, and a whole freaking myriad of subtleties that they don’t agree on. I love the passion for this hobby and it seems like there’s almost as much enjoyment in the details as there is in the food. 

Side Hustle– This is probably the top of my list, because money is the only thing keeping a roof over my head. Finding a way to bring value to peoples lives and make money is a pretty large part of being human. I haven’t found something worth going after yet –  or maybe I’m a scardey cat. That would take a post in itself, though!

Some things I’ve seen people do for beer money included answering surveys, writing an ebook, reselling on amazon, or something called “retail arbitrage”. Where you go to a store, buy something that’s selling for more on Amazon and pocket the difference. All of those are time intensive, but some people seem to do pretty well with them. 

Piano – It always seemed like such a beautiful instrument, when I see someone playing the piano I’ve got to stop and soak it in. The melody and feelings that notes can convey always captivated me. How can an instrument playing a certain tone make me feel fear or happiness? Part of that intrigue is almost as much of the reason that I want to learn someday. 

Writing – This is in progress for me. Writing got a hold of me when I first read a Harry Potter book. Being able to feel the characters and see what they were doing through words seemed so powerful. The passion was something you could feel – improving my writing is something I strive to do everyday and my current hobby. 

Well I hope you’ve liked my list of things I think could be meditations. If you agree or have any thoughts of your own, or hobbies to add – leave a comment!

Conor

I'm the owner of Beast Auto. I live in Phoenix, Arizona. I love anything automotive related, and taking road trips all across my beautiful state.

The 3 Best Off Road Jacks

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A heavy duty jack for your offroad vehicle is a great addition to any adventurers tool kit.

When you’re on a trail in the middle of the wilderness, you need something made to stand up to those conditions.

A few common conditions apply. Something that can get higher to reach a frame that is lifted, and can handle some dirt. We found three reputable options that are made for just that!

Here’s our review of the 3 best off road jacks: 

1. Hi-Lift Jack 48" Steel and Cast Jack

The Hi-Lift jack is a heavy duty cast and steel jack, you could even say it’s the cream of the crop. 

This is probably the design you’ve seen the most on the roads.

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It’s pretty cool in the sense that it has more than one use, it can even be used for manual winching. The all metal base is good for construction and longevity purposes, but it might get a little sinky in unsure footing. But, there are additional attachments you can get for a wider base.

As we always say, you can’t be heavy-duty without the heavy and this is nearly 30 lbs of steel. Your lift kit will be appalled that something can move it so easily, but everyone needs to be knocked(or lifted) off their high horse eventually.

Additionally, this has a “lift mate” function. 

2. Smittybilt Trail Jack 54"

The Smittybilt trail jack was introduced to try and get some of Hi-Lift’s market share. 

But to do that, they had to offer a jack with a higher potential lift height and it had to be cheaper. They accomplished both of those goals with this option. 

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So, that makes it a qualified competitor and people tend to agree. You do have to keep this thing oiled before use so that it stays in good condition. Take care of it, and it’ll take care of you. The base plate is pretty wide at 28″ which will help outdoors. It’s a heavier jack at about 37 pounds. 

A couple things to watch out for if you purchase this, first – it will rust if you don’t clean it off properly after use. 

Just like all metallic components have the potential to rust, this is no different. Secondly, it doesn’t fit some Hi_Lift jack mounts if you’re planning on buying one of those with it – the hole pattern is different in some instances. (we’re looking at you Jeep JK fender mount kit)

3. Hi-Lift Jack for UTVs

Catering to all shapes, sizes, and generally being a body acceptance advocate – Hi-lift had to come out and offer something for their UTVs out there. 

The Hi-Lift UTV jack comes in 2 varieties, a 36″ extension and a 42″. 

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The form factor is a bit smaller and the range that it can extend – but it’s still a decently heavy piece of equipment at 30 lbs. This will mount easily behind the seats of your UTV, saving you some more room than the original jack would. 

I'm stuck in the mud and my jack is sinking!

Bring a wooden board with you, these jacks are great – but surface area is the number one thing you’re going to need to properly dig in when it’s a bit muddy. Hopefully you have a buddy that can winch you free to more solid ground before you have to resort to such measures though. 

How to use your off road jack

  • Try it out at home first, if it’s brand new you need to work it a bit to make sure the mechanism is functioning properly. 
  • Before every trip lubricate your jack and then bring some wd40 with you on the road to have before you use it out there. If it’s new it might not be broken in, so it’s better to be prepared.
  • Bring some gloves. 
  • Locate a rock rail or a sturdy bumper. Do not use this on a plastic bumper or sheet metal. 
  • set the tongue on your jack to the lifting position – then slide it up to your sturdy bumper. 
  • Push down to lift your vehicle, don’t use a pulling motion. 
  • When you have your vehicle lifted don’t get underneath it if it’s only supported by any of these jacks. Most likely you’re going to be on less than ideal grounding, and accidents happen. It’s not like sitting on some concrete – and even then we always use jack stands. So what we’re trying to say is just be careful. 
  • Hit the reverse latch mechanism and start lowering your vehicle slowly with the handle. 

Final thoughts

We’ve never seen a category completely dominated like Hi-Lift does for offroad jacks. They basically have one competitor that can hang or even exist and that’s Smittybilt’s design. It’s cheaper, it’s durable and it has it’s own set of weaknesses just like any product.

If you want to keep with the tried and true – Hi-Lift has so many variations on their jacks that it’ll just blow your socks off. But, Smitty’s customers are plenty happy as well and they save a good bit of money relative to Hi-Lift’s.

Both options are good – and if you get one from this list make sure you tell us how it worked out for you because we’d love to hear! Good luck shopping. 

Conor

I'm the owner of Beast Auto. I live in Phoenix, Arizona. I love anything automotive related, and taking road trips all across my beautiful state.

The 4 Best Car Organizers for Your Front Seat

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Do you ever wish you had a file cabinet in your front seat? Maybe with a cup holder for an extra drink? 

Staying organized is hard and for those of us who spend a lot of time driving and not enough time keeping clean, an organizer is a big upgrade. 

car organizer

But getting one that you like depends on your uses and preferences. They tend to be in a similar price range, but there are some small design differences. Let’s take a look!

Here are the 4 best car organizers for your front seat: 

1. High Road SwingAway Front Seat Organizer

High Road’s front organizer is a lightweight, purposeful design. You can store up to two drinks in here along with several accessories. 

If you’ve got a lot of paperwork, the two pockets are big enough to hold a couple of files and folders. Much better than laying all your papers on your car seat.

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The straps are adjustable so you can get it to the right height. If you’ve got stuff you’re afraid of damaging it has a couple padded compartments – 3 in all. It’s one of the most affordable options for an organizer. They are offering it for fairly cheap so the fabric isn’t the thickest which might be a knock for some people.

When these are weighed down, they might swing a bit. The only connection point it has to the seat is from the strap on top – so imagine if you were to brake fast and then speed up again. The momentum will carry it forward and back, and it’ll slide around a bit. Nothing major, just something to keep in mind.

If you have someone sitting down you can either flip it so it’s facing the back seat or unclick it easily. This is a great value and our top choice if you want something that hangs front the headrest.

2. Lebogner Console Pocket Organizer

Lebogner’s console pocket organizer is a cool idea that uses the space between your seat to store things.

If you’re not looking for something to hold all your paperwork and you just have a few trinkets, this is a good deal.

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It attaches to your seat with Velcro, so you don’t have to worry about this falling down through the cracks like my keys tend to do daily. There is just one pocket – but it would be hard to fit more than that in such a tight space. 

Lebogner has a money back guarantee which we thought was pretty cool. A big reason people buy this is just to stop things from falling in the gaps of their seats. I know how angry I get at myself when this happens so I sympathize. This is a nice deal that will save you some frustration if you have gap problems!

3. AutoMuko Car Organizer

AutoMuko’s car console front seat organizer is for someone who would like to use it as an insert for their center console or lay it on their front seat. 

If you put it on your front seat, it has a strap so you can make sure it’s secure.

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 The dividers have a bit of slack because of the fabric, if you want something to fit and it’s not ridiculously large – you’ll be able to make it work. There are two cup holders on the side and mesh webbing for extra storage. Lots of people even lay this on the floor. It’s definitely mother approved. 

4. Think Clean Car Front Seat Organizer

Think Clean’s front seat organizer is another style that hangs off the front seat to save space. This is a sturdier design, built with water resistant nylon fabric.

If you want something that you’re sure is going to last you, this is our recommendation.

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For people who have a “car office” because of work, this is a great choice and you can hold a good amount of documents in the large back pockets, a tablet fits easily. They’ll give you a full refund if you’re not happy with the product. 

What we don’t like is how the drink holder will only cover about half of a thermos, that doesn’t inspire confidence if things bump around a lot. 

Conclusion

Driving with papers shuffling over your seats can be a hassle and it’s easy for the mess to build and build. Car organizers help clear your space and you won’t be stressed out as much when everything is in order. For us, we thought the front seat organizers that hang off the headrests are the best options for paperwork. But if you’re a mom driving you might want to go with the console organizer.

By the way, getting an organizer isn’t some magic Band-Aid that’s going to fix your problems! I thought it might, and the truth is it’s still going to take discipline to keep your car tidy if you’re prone to disorganization.
Hopefully this guide has helped you make an informed decision.

Let us know 🙂

Conor

I'm the owner of Beast Auto. I live in Phoenix, Arizona. I love anything automotive related, and taking road trips all across my beautiful state.

The 7 Things that got you Into Offroading

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Hey all, we thought it would be pretty fun to do a post about what got different people to fall in love with off roading. I scoured the web in search results, forums, facebook groups and anywhere I could find answers. Maybe you have a similar story or something you’d like to share, let us know! Here are the most popular reasons we found people got into four wheelin. 

jeep offroading

#1 "I saw buggy races at Del Mar"

I had to google this one, Del Mar is a city in California. Forgive me for not knowing, and they hold buggy races every year at the State Fairgrounds. It’s awesome hearing someones story and feeling like you get to live through them by watching the race. Here’s a video of the guys in Del Mar in action.

What it comes down to is seeing a race or a 4 wheel challenge inspired this guy. Something that has happened to everyone – happened to me the first time I saw a Monster Truck screaming along a stadium.

#2 It's a challenge as a driver

Karl Hermrmann answers a question on Quora which is one of the most popular reasons people enjoy offroading. It’s a challenge. There are fun times and there are not so fun times, but when you see a new obstacle and tackle it – there’s a sense of accomplishment. There are drivers that could take a tin can with wheels up something that a guy with the most tricked out setup wouldn’t manage. The challenge makes you better, and like learning anything – skill improves. 

#3 The upgrades are addicting

You’ll see plenty of off road rigs that have more money in upgrades in them than a car they could’ve bought. That’s because upgrades are addicting, and even if they’re expensive you want them.

It’s no different than someone who needs a new iPhone on every release, except off roaders pay a lot more than that to build out their rigs. But, as anyone knows who has gotten passionate about a hobby – it overtakes you. In a good way. Okay maybe not your wallet but .. the fun part.

New modifications allow you to reach new heights and places that were once out of your path, are now easily reachable. Find a rock you couldn’t climb? Well, you just need to save up some more until you can modify your 4×4 enough to get over it! 

See what we mean? 

#4 Amazing Scenery

Jeep Tours are insanely popular for a reason. There are places you can go off roading that would take you ages to go on foot. There’s places you wouldn’t be able to land or get to with a helicopter, that only a 4 wheeler is going to conquer. You could make it somewhere that no one has ever been able to go. How great of a feeling would that be? In a world of accessibility doing something like that feels great. 

And some of the views can be downright amazing, being there in person in your rig after you’ve conquered the territory. Open plains, beautiful lakes, being able to get your eyes to breathe in a view few people have been able to enjoy. If you love nature and landscapes, you can find some of the best views in the world off roading. You could take a drive through the trails in Colorado to simply enjoy nature. 

#4 To Recharge your Battery

People who go camping know this one well, and off roading in similar in a way. When you take your rig on some trails secluded from humanity, it does good things for you mentally. Even if it’s only a day, a half a day, or a few hours. Just being out there with your buddies brings me the mental clarity that no prescription pill could ever match. 

Yoga, meditation, everyone has their thing. For some people including myself, being introduced to the trails in Arizona was a welcome escape. It made me appreciate nature and how blessed we are to have so much of it in this country untouched. 

#5 Fun in the Mud

In a society where it’s taboo to be dirty anymore, where everything is sterile and respectful to the point of insanity… it’s great to get out and get messy. To know you’re going to be washing everything for hours because you went wild without regretting a single second of it. 

We weren’t meant to sit in cubicles like drones, and everyone needs an escape. I take pride in returning to my childish self – rolling around a sandbox, but instead of building castles and brushing off some sand I’m jumping in the shower with mud soaked clothing. Whatever the opposite of being politically correct and sterilizing is, that’s what getting dirty in the mud does for me. 

#6 Camaraderie

Is team building a group exercise where you repeat some asinine phrase corporate thought up? No, team building is winching out your friend because his eyes were bigger than his tires. If you ever want to bond with someone, get into a pickle with them. 

Four wheeling is all about working together when things get rough and figuring a way out. Everyone immediately wants to help, and it’s sincere. There’s no forced dialogue or thinly veiled thing, because it’s pure and everyone knows it. The responses from your friends are from a place of knowing – they’ve been there before and they’re going to help you out. 

Jets are the four wheelers of the sky in a way – they know what team building is. 

#7 Adrenaline Rush

Ever had sweaty palms over heights? Well, a certain type of off roader loves that thrill(not me). I’m too much of a scardey cat for any of that extreme stuff, but there are people that have no fear.

They get a rush out of the craziest climbs, obstacles, and descents. How they do it I have no idea, some people just don’t feel fear like the rest of us. From what I can gather, they get a good adrenaline rush out of it. If anyone knows adrenaline junkies, that can be an addicting habit!

Conor

I'm the owner of Beast Auto. I live in Phoenix, Arizona. I love anything automotive related, and taking road trips all across my beautiful state.

The 3 Best Off Road Gas Cans

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If you’re going off-roading or anywhere that a gas station might be far away, getting an extra can to get you through is a great idea. 

Plus, they look cool. And it’s an intelligent choice to be prepared in case you need extra fuel.

Military gas cans or Jerry cans are still some of the most popular models for this reason. 

But, there are plastic designs as well, and in many cases they are easier to mount. We put together options from both categories to help you make an informed choice of what style suits your setup.

Here are the 3 best gas cans for offroading on the market: 

1. RotopaX RX Gasoline Pack

Rotopax is a durable gas can with a unique look. Made in the USA. 

If you’re planning on rocking this while navigating bumpy terrain, it’s a good choice and can be stored horizontally.

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The thick plastic materials and safety seal guarantees it won’t leak. It comes in 5 different volumes: 1 gallon, 1.75 gallons 2 gallons, 3 gallons and 4 gallons.

For most off roaders, this is the common style and you’ve probably seen it out and about. They’re easier to mount than metal options and lighter too. If you want the “old school” can, we have one below. 

But, for modern uses like off roading, it’s hard to compete with a thick plastic design. 

2. Wavian 20 Liter (5 Gallon) NATO Jerry Can

This Jerry Can is the old man on the block. It has a design that’s proven reliable since its inception. 

They’re made in Europe, this is one of the only company that still produces a metal can.

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In addition to the metal construction, there’s a quality spout, and a locking latch for a secure tight feel. If you’re looking for something that will outlast your car, you are in good hands when using a NATO can.

The anti-corrosive coating means it’s made specifically to hold fuel. Pick from 5 different colors to match the scheme of your vehicle. This is a true authentic Jerry Can. 

A good Jerry Can holder for the metal option is this SmittyBilt product. It pairs perfectly with Wavians Jerry Can and includes the mounting hardware you’ll need to attach it to your vehicle.  This is a great value for the price. 

3. SXMA Fuel Tank Cans 5 Gallons

SXMAs fuel tank has an interesting design. It comes in two colors; red and yellow. There are options between 20 and 30 liters of fuel storage. It can also be used for oil or diesel. Comes with a built in spout and a 1 year warranty.

With a lifetime leak free assurance. If you have a mount that can hold this, or prefer to have it inside your vehicle it can lay horizontally on and still be perfectly safe.

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We admit we were a bit speculative at first, and we were wrong. It’s actually a sturdy thick-walled design that works well with any off road vehicles, even your ATV. It can be a bit awkward to pour into the gas tank as you would imagine by seeing the length, but once you get the hang of it it’s all good. 

Can a gas can explode in the sun?

Your gas can won’t explode, BUT if you fill it all the way up it’s important to note that gas expands with temperature. So say you have a 20 liter gas can and you fill it up in the morning to 20 liters – if there is a significant heating during the day the volume of that fuel can increase as much as two to three liters. 

Your can might be rated to hold up to 21 liters, so if it expands to 22 liters with heat that extra volume is going to need somewhere to go – past the seal. So don’t fill them up all the way to the top, give your can room to expand. 

A general rule is for every 40 degree F change in temperature, density will change a half a percent.  This is also a great reason why you fill up your gas in the morning. It has a higher density than it would at hotter times of the day. Be careful when opening your can on a hot day just in case, fuel may go everywhere. 

Can you put a gas can in a car?

We do not recommend putting a gas can in the car, but it’s still going to be safe in nearly all cases. The main reason we say to store a gas can outside is in the very rare instances when there is a leak past the seal. Fumes can affect the driver and cause a hazard. If you fill your tank up to the correct volume(not all the way) then it’s going to be fine. 

For Jerry/gas cans you should only have them filled up when you really need them. If you have them filled up constantly, make sure to use that fuel for your vehicle every 500 miles or so. If they sit for years unused – the expansion and contraction of temperature over that time will have affected the quality of your gasoline negatively. 

Are there cans for water too?

Yes, you’ve probably seen some in your search. Water containers in the shape of Jerry cans are available. The concern many people have is that when water gets heated in a plastic container – chemicals can leech into it. These are called BPA and are used in plastics. 

Here is a BPA-free water can. Many drivers have a combination of a gas can and a water can for emergency scenarios. 

Conclusion

If you’re planning on taking your car off roading a gas can is a welcome addition to any setup. 

For us, we think the NATO can and holder is the superior option. It’ll last forever and it has a track record of durability. But, the plastic composite options are heavy duty as well. Being able to lay your can on it’s side instead of needing to mount it is a big plus and convenient. 

Whether you want something permanent or something that you can move around is going to be the deciding factor in your purchase. Good luck and let us know what you got!

Conor

I'm the owner of Beast Auto. I live in Phoenix, Arizona. I love anything automotive related, and taking road trips all across my beautiful state.

The 4 Best Center Console Covers for F150

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In need of a new replacement center console lid cover for your F150? Or maybe you just want something a little softer than hard plastic. We don’t blame you, and there are several quality choices of something more appealing to rest your arm on than your Ford’s stock lid. Center console covers can even help prevent scratches and keep your lid cooler in the sun. 

ford f150

We went through all the options on the marketplace, and we’ve found some of the best. 

Here are the  4 best center console covers for F150s available today: 

Car Console Cover Neoprene: 2010-2018 F150

This made in America console cover comes in three colors; gray is pictured, tan, and also black. It’s made of durable Neoprene – the same stuff used to waterproof swimsuits. With a simple slip on design you’ll enjoy the look and feel of your new purchase. 

Save your console from scuffs, scratches, and spills or protect it from potential ones. This is a quality made choice and it will fit your F250 as well. 

Boomerang Console Cover: 2015-2018 F150

boomerang console cover

Yet another product made in America – it’s rare to see two in a row. This USA arm pad cover is made from polyurethane. It’s a heavy duty option that is soft to the touch. Your arm will sink in comfortably and you won’t have to worry about your stock lid getting mashed up. 

It attaches to your cover with 3M adhesive tape, so it’ll be on there tight. It is possible to remove it if you don’t like it, but that’ll take some effort. We recommend leaving it on as a dry fit for a couple of car rides before you decide to pull the tape. 

It is one of the most expensive options when it comes to car lid covers, but it’s innovative and uses more expensive materials than fabric. Even with other covers, fabric tearing is an issue – which won’t happen to this. At worst you put a little dent into the design.

Did we mention it looks really cool? That’s the main selling point for us, this thing looks awesome. If your F150 was made between 2009 to 2014 but you still like this, they have another model that will fit here. 

Car Console Cover Fleece: 2011-2018 F150

Fleece Car Console Cover

Car Console back at it again with another great product. This will fit all models of the F-series from 2011 to 2018. This soft fleece cover comes in 7 different patterns and is a simple slip on install. 

If you don’t want a thinner plastic or a plasticy feel and you’re looking for pure comfort, fleece is a great choice. Rest your arm in a cloud, and if it gets dirty over time that’s no biggie – it’s washable. Just throw it in the machine and it’s good as new again. 

Leather Look Alike Console Cover: 2010-2018 F150

leather console cover

This center console cover is a leather look-alike option that fits all F-series models from 2010-2018. You can pick two options: gray or black. It’s a slip on model and because of the material, it’s very easy to clean. We like the sleek look that offers a nice contrast between the stock white leather seats. 

This design isn’t actually leather, it’s just made to look like it and the material is an imitation. Still, customers are very happy with the quality of the brand and the fit. 

Conclusion

There are a few choices that really stand out when it comes to console covers for the F150. They mainly depend on the styling and comfort you want – nearly all products are within ten bucks of each other so the price isn’t as much of a factor as it might be with other things. 

If you want a comfortable ride we would go with the Car Console fleece design. Washable fabric  and a nice place to rest your arm might rank highly with folks. If you’re wanting a rugged look option, you can’t go wrong with Boomerang’s console cover. 

All of these options are unique in their own way, we hope we’ve helped you make a decision on what you want for your vehicle!

Conor

I'm the owner of Beast Auto. I live in Phoenix, Arizona. I love anything automotive related, and taking road trips all across my beautiful state.

The Best Jeep Tours Across the USA

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Jeep enthusiasts can be happy, there are plenty of tours all across the USA that use Jeeps specifically. With a few of them being in my home state of Arizona. In this guide we look at the most enjoyable experiences across the USA that use Jeeps. From wild to romantic, and maybe even a few wine tasting experiences. Take a look – you’ll be pleasantly surprised. 

Pink Jeep Tours

Locations: Sedona, Las Vegas, and the Grand Canyon

Website: https://www.pinkadventuretours.com/tours/sedona-tours

Price: Varies, most popular tour is $110 Adult $99 Child

You may have seen the recognizable Pink Jeeps that are the signature branding for Pink Jeep Tours. This company has been around for a long time, since 1960, and has left thousands of happy customers raving about the experience. They only tour scenic parts of the Southwest and they’re most well-known for their operation in Sedona. A beautiful red rock sleepy town in Arizona. Founded by a California musician, the funky spirit lives on.

If you have any interest in seeing Sedona – we definitely recommend jumping on a Pink Jeep Tour. They’ll even take you up to the Grand Canyon if you’re ready for a day trip and one of the 7 wonders of the world. One of if not the most famous Jeep Tour in America, for a good reason! Check out Tom and Mercedes as they give us a window into their experience. They loved it.

Dan Mick's Jeep Tours

Location: Moab, UT

Website: https://danmick.com/

Price: Varies, for 4 guests expect to pay around $350

If you want to get your heart racing, this is a tour to go on. In the video you can hear the guide saying, “we describe the trail as a slow-motion roller coaster.” He’s not joking, this tour will take you through the desert of Moab and on a discovery of how sweaty your palms can get. Nervous laughter is a common symptom and the shortest ride you can book is 3 hours. It’s a hell of a lot of fun, just take a watch of this video to get a glimpse into the good times. 

San Juan Scenic Jeep Tours

Location: Ouray, CO

Website: http://sanjuanjeeptours.com/

Price: $59 dollars for a half day tour

The oldest Jeep tour company in America, San Juan started their services in the 1940s. This tour won’t get your heart pounding, but it will give you an appreciation of the beauty and history in Ouray. It’s considerably cheaper than other tours, so if you’re not looking for something too intense this should be on the top of your list. They’re a very proud company, of how far back their history goes and to the quality of their service. 

Wildside 4x4 Tours

Location: Estes Park, CO

Website: https://www.visitestespark.com/listings/wildside-4×4-tours/945/

Price: Varies, most popular tour is $75 for adults and $55 for kids

If you’re in Colorado and you want a change of pace from sleepy to fast – the Wildside Tour will get you going. Winding roads, and beautiful scenery will make you wish you could stay a while longer. This is a fun packed experience perfect for the whole family.  The tour guides are known for being hilarious that leave people with a smile on their face. 

One of the tours is called “Not so Mellow marshmallow & Hot Dog Roast”, it’s a 4 hour journey that culminates in a campfire with hot dogs and marshmallows. Full on entertainment at a very reasonable rate, you better check this one out!

ATV and Jeep Adventure Tours

Location: Washington, UT

Website: https://atvadventures.com/

Price: Varies, half day sunset tour is about $350 dollars in a Jeep UTV

This tour is located in Utah and the city is Washington. Kind of confusing but now that you know, you won’t scratch your head like we did at first. The most popular tour is called the Sunset Adventure, you can book a half or a full day depending on the time of year. This is more of a flatland adventure, if you aren’t looking for something laid-back but you are in the search of a moderate challenge; this is a nice choice. 

New Mexico Jeep Tours

Location: Albequerque, NM

Website: https://nmjeeptours.com/

Price: Varies, most popular tour is $150 for 3 hours for adults and $120 for children

New Mexico Jeep Tours offers two main scenic attractions, the White Mesa Tour and the Mountain Vistas Tour. If you have a Jurrasic Park fan in your family, the White Mesa tour is for you. With an option Petroglyph hike, you can go in search of a prehistoric past. It’s the site where the Seismosaurus dinosaur was found. They lived 150 million years ago and were thought to be 12 tons. Or take the hoodoo hike to view sandstone formations. If you choose to do the hikes, your tour will extend past 3 hours. 

On the White Mesa Tour you can get a glimpse of ancestral ruins, beautiful sights and petrified woods. New Mexico Jeep Tours definitely caters to those curious in the history of our world. 

Temecula Valley Jeep & Wine Tours

Location: Temecula, CA

Website: https://www.temeculajeeptours.com/

Price: $115 per adult

Have you ever wanted to take the backroads through wine country with a designated driver at your service? Temecula Valley Jeep & Wine tours is something completely different, you won’t be offroading steep hills or stopping to admire natural formations but you will be tasting some great wine. If you want a romantic change of pace, or a bonding experience with friends – this wine tasting might be for you. You’ll get to enjoy 6 to 7 wines and it’s all included in the admission. It’s something different for sure, but in a good way. The owner Julie seems like a very down to earth person who really enjoys bringing this experience to life. 

Desert Adventures Red Jeep Tours

Location: Palm Desert, CA

Website: https://www.temeculajeeptours.com/

Price: Varies, the most popular San Andreas Fault Tour will run you about $140 per adult, $114 for children and $124 for children

Desert Adventures has 6 distinctive tours, they even offer day and night options. If you don’t feel like braving the heat in the summer it’s a nice activity to do with the family. Get to see the stars away from light pollution with their night-watch tour. Or check out their most popular day tor featuring the San Andreas Fault. The fault slices through California for about 1200 kilometers, wouldn’t it be great to see it in a Red Jeep? 

The tour guides are informative and will get you up to date with some basic geology to give you a better grasp of what you’re experiencing. If you have an itch to get outdoors and learn at the same time, this is a lovely option. 

Vegas Jeep Tours

Location: Las Vegas, NV

Website: https://vegasjeeptours.com/

Price: $249 per adult

Explore Lake Mead and the Colorado River in your guided Jeep Tour. As this is a Vegas tour, itt’s catered to people visiting. What do I mean by that? Well, they’ll pick you up from your hotel on the strip! You can stop for a photoshoot on the Hoover Dam Bridge and make your way through Lake Mead National Park. The tour takes about 4 to 5 hours in total and you can stop and get food on the way. It’s more of a scenic tour, and in a new model Wrangler. So  you can see the sights without getting your adrenaline going too much. After all if you’re in Vegas, the slot machines are doing that for you. 

Orange Jeep Tours

Location: Naples, FL

Website: https://www.orangejeeptours.com/

Price: varies, most popular tour is $40 per adult, $30 per child

Halfway between a mini-safari and a scenic tour are the Orange Jeeps. Experience untouched terrain in southwest Florida, and catch plenty of pictures of the wildlife. Birdwatchers from around the states come to see what they can find, as there are many species to be observed. They’ll take you on a sunrise, sunset, birder tour, photo safari or the classic explorer. 

Looking to capture some great shots of what nature has to offer in Florida? Check out Orange Jeep Tours!

Parrot's Landing Jeep Rentals & Tours

Location: Mears, MI

Website: https://www.parrotslanding.com/

Price: varies, 1 hour tour with 1 hour solo rental is $249

Parrot’s Landing Jeep Tours operates out of Michigan with their most popular option being a 1 hour guided tour and a one hour solo rental time with the jeep. You get to enjoy steep dune hills, feel free to gun it to the crest of the hill for some blood pumping action. With nearly 500 acres of terrain for you to explore – there’s a good chance you’ll get lost in the joy of offroading. You can also rent watercraft if you’d like to explore Silver Lake. 

We will continue to add to this resource, have any Jeep Tours you’d like us know about? Leave a comment!

Real Adventours Jeep & Wine Tour

Location: Chelan, WA

Website: http://www.realadventours.com/chelan-jeep-tours.html

Price: varies, 1 hour tour $50 per Jeep : 3 hour tour $120

If you’re looking for another winery experience in a Jeep and close to the Washington area, real adven-tours has a treat for you. Take up to four of your friends in the three hour tour and discover the up and coming wino scene at Chelan. You’ll be able to enjoy a pleasant ride through the vineyards and have a driver to wait on you. They’ll pick you up anywhere within 10 miles of Chelan free of charge. For the price this is a steal, with beautiful views to boot. 

Big Wheel Jeep Tours

Location: Palm Desert, CA

Website: https://bwbtours.com/tours/

Price: varies, most popular tour is $169 for adults and $159 for kids

Big Wheel Jeep Tours operates out of California and offer 2 different tours in Jeeps and 2 for bicyclists. Their most popular explores Joshua Tree National Park through rocky terrain and some straightaways, while their other tour explores the San Andreas Fault. For all of their Jeep tours you’ll have hike lightly in order to appreciate the views. It’s not a purely vehicular experience. They do provide more than nearly all tours we’ve seen in regards to the little things – snacks, water, and they’ll pick you up if you’re at one of the select hotels or resorts in the area. 

Portland Jeep Tours

Location: Portland, OR

Website: https://oregonjeeptours.com/

Price: varies, their beer tour is $79 per person, off-road adventure tour is $149

Oregon Jeep Tours must have noticed how excited these wine tours were getting us. An operation based out of Portland, OR they are taking advantage of the beauty and atmosphere of their location. With 9 different tours to offer – you can go wild off-roading or get involved in one of the three separate tours that involves some day drinking. There are 2 separate wine tours and 2 beer tours for very affordable prices! We really love that this is becoming a thing, and it seems like a great way to spend time with friends responsibly.

Of course the majority of their tours are off-road. You can check out the Multnomah waterfalls, Tillamook State Forest, the Hood River Fruit Loop, Beach Break, and Mt. Hood on the Timberline Trek.  

We will continue to add to this resource, have any Jeep Tours you’d like us know about? Leave a comment!

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Conor

I'm the owner of Beast Auto. I live in Phoenix, Arizona. I love anything automotive related, and taking road trips all across my beautiful state.