The CAMO Convoy Overland Podcast

In this episode of the CAMO Convoy Podcast, we sit down with Jed Smith, founder of Backroads of Appalachia, to talk about the rise of one of the most unique grassroots motorsport events in the country: 24 Hours of Appalachia.

What started as a small regional rally has grown into a legitimate endurance competition attracting serious drivers, national attention, and real economic impact for Appalachian communities.

We break down:
• How 24 Hours of Appalachia was built from the ground up
• The vision behind Backroads of Appalachia
• What makes this rally different from everything else
• The future of East Coast off road and rally racing
• What competitors NEED to understand before showing up

This isn’t just racing.
It’s movement, culture, and a new chapter for motorsports in Appalachia.

If you care about overland, off road, rally, or the future of grassroots motorsports in America — this episode matters.

Subscribe for more conversations on overland, off road, and the great outdoors.

OUR STUFF

GET THE CAMO GEAR HERE

If you think more lumens means better lighting… this episode might hurt a little.

In this episode of the Camo Convoy Podcast, we break down why most overlanders are setting up their off road lights wrong.

We cover:

• Light zones and how to properly layer your lighting
• Beam patterns and why combo beams can lead to a mistake
• LED vs halogen performance and eye fatigue
• Why roof lights can are a bad idea if you pick the wrong light
• How desert racing lighting setups differ from trail driving
• Color temperature, amber vs white, and what your eyes actually prefer
• When too much light becomes a liability
• Basic wiring considerations and electrical load

Overlanding is not desert racing.
If you are crawling tight Appalachian back roads at night, you do not need a Baja trophy truck light bar blasting 600 yards into the woods.

This episode is about designing a lighting system that actually works for how you drive.

Whether you run ditch lights, roof bars, amber floods, halogens, or LEDs, this conversation will make you rethink your setup.

If you care about functional gear instead of just bolting on more lights, this one is for you.

Subscribe for weekly overland talk, trail stories, gear breakdowns, and real world testing.

ALL OUR STUFF

NEW MERCH!

THE CAMP TONNEAU TENT

Rooftop tents have dominated the overland world for years.

But are they still the best option?

Today we compare a traditional RTT mounted on a bed rack versus the new Camp Tonneau truck bed tent system. Weight. Cost. Setup time. Center of gravity. Real world practicality.

No brand bias. No fluff.

Just the pros and cons of both setups so you can decide for yourself.

So… which one would you run?

Drop your pick in the comments.

THE BEST MERCH --> HERE!

ALL OUR STUFF --> CLICK HERE!

Ever wonder why rigs catch fire after a “simple” wiring job?

This episode kicks off Don’t BBQ Your Rig, a no BS breakdown of 12V electrical basics for trucks and overland rigs. No diagrams you can’t read, no electrical engineering degree required, and no pretending bad wiring is “good enough.”

We break down electrical loads in plain language and explain why wires melt, fuses pop, and accessories stop working when people start stacking lights, radios, compressors, and chargers without thinking it through.

We cover:

• What electrical load actually means in real world terms
• Low, medium, and high demand accessories
• Why amperage is what kills wiring, not voltage
• Why voltage is just electrical pressure
• Why wire size matters more than most people think
• Common lighting and accessory wiring mistakes
• The race level correct way to connect power and ground
• Why you can’t shove 200 amps through tiny wire without consequences

If you’ve added lights, radios, a winch, an air compressor, or a power bank to your truck, this is the episode that keeps you from cooking your wiring harness and learning the hard way.

This isn’t about being fancy.

It’s about keeping your rig running and not turning it into a rolling campfire

What's the best differential for overlanding? In this episode Aaron and Nick discuss that and take a deep dive into how both work, their ups, and their downs. The Podcast also starts a new series, the DOOM SCROLL where we show off the best, worst, and WTF of FB marketplace.

In this episode of the CAMO Convoy Podcast, we sit down with Max Foltz of MBM Fab to talk fabrication, questionable project vehicles, and why a 2000 Kia Sportage rally build might be one of the most unhinged but well thought out rigs we’ve ever featured.

We cover:

• How MBM Fab started and why Max builds everything himself
• The origin story of the Kia Sportage “Desert Rat” Gambler build
• Fabrication philosophy: sliders, bumpers, TIG welding, roll cages, and why OEM cross-compatibility matters
• Max’s GMC Sierra 2500 HD flatbed camper build and Aussie-inspired design choices
• Overlanding vs car camping and why the argument misses the point
• Real talk on 24-hour rallies, fatigue, seat choice, and vehicle prep
• Favorite builds, worst ideas, and why projects always snowball
• Winter storm prep, power outages, and cold-weather lessons learned the hard way
• The debut of a new segment: The Doom Scroll (Marketplace finds that should not exist)

This one’s heavy on shop talk, light on polish, and full of the kind of stories that only happen when you build weird stuff, drive it hard, and live with the consequences.

👉 Follow MBM Fab for custom fabrication, off-road builds, and no-nonsense metal work
👉 Subscribe to CAMO Convoy for overlanding, off-road culture, fabrication, and bad ideas with good people

• In this episode of the Camo Convoy Podcast, hosts Nick and Aaron dive into their recent winter camping trip to the Appalachian Mountains, specifically the Mothman trip. They recount the unpredictable weather, which ranged from rain to snow, and the challenges they faced while camping at high elevations. The conversation highlights the importance of preparation for varying conditions, as well as the camaraderie among the group despite the adverse weather. Nick shares amusing anecdotes about their camping experiences, including mishaps with gear and the amusing dynamics of their group, which included a mix of seasoned campers and newcomers.
• The hosts also discuss the unique features of the Cass Railroad, a highlight of their trip, where they enjoyed a break from the elements and learned about the history of the area. They reflect on the beauty of the Appalachian landscape, the fun of off-roading in the snow, and the overall spirit of adventure that defines their trips. The episode wraps up with a teaser for their next adventure in Michigan, promising more exciting tales to come. In this episode, Nick and Aaron dive into the exciting developments within their community, particularly the transition to Discord for discussions and planning. They emphasize the importance of community engagement and the fun of sharing ambitious project ideas, like potential trips to Michigan. The conversation shifts to personal projects, with Aaron sharing his experience with Camo Express and the acquisition of a new turbo for his vehicle, highlighting the camaraderie and support from fellow enthusiasts. They also discuss the importance of quality parts and the thrill of building and modifying vehicles, reflecting on their own experiences and the evolution of car culture over the years.
• As the episode progresses, the duo shares practical tips for outdoor adventures, including how to pack for varying weather conditions and the importance of maintaining gear. They emphasize the need for flexibility and preparation when camping, especially in unpredictable weather. The conversation wraps up with a tech tip on traction control, discussing when to disable it for off-road driving, and the significance of understanding vehicle dynamics. The episode concludes with a light-hearted Q&A segment, where they share personal anecdotes and insights about vehicle ownership and maintenance, reinforcing the bond between car enthusiasts.

OUR LINKS AND MERCH! https://bio.site/camoconvoy

People We Like:

Nature Reliance School

North American Rescue

Blue Ridge Overland

Most overlanders are prepared for vehicle failure, not medical emergencies.
In this episode, we break down why being your own rescue is a non negotiable mindset when traveling remotely.

Most people spend more time obsessing over roof racks, traction boards, and gear than they do thinking about what happens when someone actually gets hurt in the middle of nowhere.

In this episode, we dig into the reality of overlanding medical risk and why every traveler needs to be prepared to be their own rescue. Drawing from firsthand experience on high consequence trails and years of emergency medicine and trauma work, we break down what really goes wrong in the backcountry and what actually matters when help is hours or days away.

We cover the difference between Hollywood trauma and real world injuries, why dehydration and poor personal health lead to bad decisions on the trail, and how small problems like cuts, infections, sprains, and heat or cold exposure can quietly turn into serious emergencies if ignored. We also talk about bleeding control, tourniquet use, wound care, environmental exposure, and why training and knowledge matter more than owning the coolest gear.

The conversation also dives into solo travel risks, medical disclosure within groups, managing chronic conditions in remote environments, and the importance of communication when cell service disappears. From GMRS radios to satellite communicators, we discuss how to plan exits, call it early when things start stacking up, and avoid letting ego put you or your group in danger.

This episode is not about fear. It’s about responsibility. If you travel off pavement, you owe it to yourself and the people with you to be medically prepared, mentally aware, and honest about your limits.

Be your own rescue.

OUR LINKS: https://bio.site/camoconvoy

In this episode of the CAMO Convoy Podcast, we sit down with Sapan, president of the Mid Atlantic Rivian Club and former Land Rover mechanical engineer, to talk about overlanding with an electric vehicle.

We dig into what actually works, what does not, and how the Rivian platform changes the overland experience. From adjustable suspension and camp mode to real world trail use, charging concerns, and community building, this is not a press release episode. It is a reality check.

We cover:
• What got Sapan into overlanding
• Why he chose a Rivian over traditional platforms
• Real off road capability and suspension tech
• Camp mode and trail usability
• EV limitations nobody wants to talk about
• How the Rivian community is shaping modern overlanding

This episode is for anyone curious about EVs, skeptical of them, or already running one off pavement.

CAMO Convoy Podcast is about real experience, not Instagram builds.

Summary

In this conversation, Nick and Aaron discuss various aspects of work-life balance, personal projects, and the essentials of building the best overland vehicle. They share insights on navigating work challenges, the importance of understanding vehicle capabilities, and the significance of quality modifications. The discussion also touches on recent automotive news, including Toyota's innovations, and the ongoing debate between manual and automatic transmissions in the context of overlanding. In this conversation, Aaron Mizell and Nick discuss various aspects of overlanding, focusing on vehicle modifications, the importance of throttle response, and the evolution of vehicle design. They emphasize the significance of driver skill, maintenance, and the lessons learned from their experiences on the road. The discussion also covers the best factory overlanders, the importance of lighting, and practical tips for modifications, including the use of wheel spacers and skid plates.