See A NeW PRODuCT?

[#yardsale]

Regarding that shovel mount, I’ve seen those all over Amazon and eBay etc. but is it a rubber strap that could be easily cut and is there any way to put a lock on it?
I seem to be having trouble finding a simple locking shovel holder to attach to the box or carrier that isn’t $150 to protect a $38 shovel.

I bought the Agency 6 shovel. They also sell a $15 tool to tighten the shovel mounting screws soooo frigging tight that only a really determined thief would take the thing.

 

[VinoAbogado]

Thanks for this info! I’ve heard rumors of the changes to the Apple products too but this top box is something I was not aware of that’s pretty cool and I’m looking for one for my FVC stuff.
I will not be surprised if the new Owl stuff has three bracing points like the RRE stuff.

Regarding that shovel mount, I’ve seen those all over Amazon and eBay etc. but is it a rubber strap that could be easily cut and is there any way to put a lock on it?
I seem to be having trouble finding a simple locking shovel holder to attach to the box or carrier that isn’t $150 to protect a $38 shovel.

No lock on that strap, unfortunately. Definitely could be cut. I saw it mounted on an interior molle panel.

 

[CraigA.]

At least new to me, not sure if others already have seen these folks.

Vanmade Gear

Premium Window Covers for Adventure Vehicles - Made In USA

vanmadegear.com

Pick up some rear and side window covers, perfect fit.

 

[Rocksnsalt]

I bought the Agency 6 shovel. They also sell a $15 tool to tighten the shovel mounting screws soooo frigging tight that only a really determined thief would take the thing.

Yeah, I’ve seen that tool lol. And the A6 jewelry shovels. They’re adorable. 😉
But they do look stout.

I have two other shovels with me that are in that size range, one a folding Ames G.I. shovel that I’ve had for years through various vans and the other one from tractor supply that sits in the box for now.
But I’m looking for a mount for a real shovel for trips were a real shovel might come in handy.

But I do want a decent locking mount just to keep some tweaker that’s happening by and just grabging it because that’s what tweakers do. Obviously a “prepared” thief is going to get it if he wants it but just trying to keep opportunist scumbags from walking away with it.
Aluminess used to make one… and it was like $340 wtf! 🤬

 

[#yardsale]

But I’m looking for a mount for a real shovel for trips were a real shovel might come in handy.

I hear ya. I have my real shovel on the roof. Prior to that I had it mounted to the underside of my bed with Quickfists.

 

[VinoAbogado]

Finished rounding the first day of the Ventura Adventure Van Expo.

OWL VANS GEAR TRAY (beta) — One notable new product I saw (albeit, in beta mode) was this gear tray from Owl (sorry, dumb angle. I shoulda got a better pic).

View attachment 336584

Bolts straight to the B2. Doesn’t require purchasing separate arms or using U bolts with the B2 arms. I’d been looking at the OGF Cargo Tray, but really didn’t want to purchase another set of arms. This solves that issue.

The current Owl Gear Cage was never a right fit for me. Not eager to put holes in an expensive box. Also just lacks the right shape and functionality for me. I want to put oak wood, or a plancha grill or solo stove in it.

I was told the final gear tray will be the same matching powder coat black as seen in other Owl products. Didn’t ask price. I already bought it in my head and didn’t want to know 😂

… hearsay, but was also told (not by Owl) that Owl will be making a larger B2 and\or Sherpa to match what other manufactures are doing (ie covering the entire door, not just the area under the window…. cue weight on doors/hinges conversations)

PAKMULE SCOUT — Honorable mention is the Pakmule Scout (teak wood insert not included; powder coat black is more )

View attachment 336585

Not necessarily a new product. I looked at it online a while back after seeing it on the Outside Van “Slim Chance” build, but hadn’t seen one in person until today at the AVE show. Searched for mention of it on this forum, but didn’t see one.

Rock solid. No movement at the threaded bolt hitch connection. It can be part back deck / part outside shower perch / part storage that takes some weight off the doors and puts it on the hitch. Probably only makes sense for a “walk through” floor plan without fixed bed and gear garage at the back. Otherwise you have awkward / less than ideal rear area access. Likely requires a step up solution for some people.

CA VANS STOP STAY DESIGN UPDATE — no pics, but I was told CAV was going to update the Stay Stop strut to include a quick release tab on the ball joints (like Moonraker) so you can disconnect and the doors can enjoy normal function. Those of you considering the Stop Stay may wait to purchase the top mount Moonraker (at $100 less) or wait on the CAV update.

AMAZON — the two other new things I thought were cool turned out to be items the builders told me they bought on Amazon and attached to their vans 🫣

- flatter quick fist alternative
- magnetic mounted outside drop table (think Tactic Vans magnet + Lost Hiway molle table attached to side of van)

Better pic of the tray

 

[#yardsale]

And the A6 jewelry shovels.

Pretty much facts.

 

[Rocksnsalt]

Better pic of the tray
View attachment 336722

Some thoughts on that Owl prototype tray:
I like it, but imho it needs to be 3 or 4” high on the rear edge.

Or, imagine a box like this that has a 2” or so back edge as shown, but also an extension piece to make it 4 or 5” high. The extension could be hinged at the bottom inside and lay flat when not up, or a separate piece to just slip in or over with a bolt or other fastener on each side holding it in place. An easy diy thing for some I suppose.
I realize this is a prototype and they have a new wider Sherpa and B2 on the way, but to me the box needs to fit square with the box below. Can’t really go wider with the box unless there is a new solution for the partially obscured tailight(s) such as auxiliary tail lights that RRE has (which are cool, but low -below the bumper- and in harms way for off road imho).

 

[rayfay814]

Yeah for real I’m convinced people need to do driving school every 5 years. But in all seriousness where can we find this screen door?!

This is the screen from poseidon interiors. I emailed them about it also after seeing ADF post about it a while ago. Slider would have been 1500 not including tax or shipping and rear door was around 500.

 

[VinoAbogado]

I like it, but imho it needs to be 3 or 4” high on the rear edge.

My pic angles are probably a little deceiving. See the two additional below. The back is probably 5” tall. It’s kind of its own mini Sherpa. Front is about 2” though.

but to me the box needs to fit square with the box below

I’m 95% sure the tray is the same width as the box under it, but extends a little past the back. The two other angles above show the tray at the same width as the mini monster.

The top-down pic I posted Sunday definitely does not look square as you note. That’s my bad. I shouldn’t have taken the pic like I’m creating an online dating profile for the tray using that selfie shot girls do from just above the head angled downward.

 

[Imported]

Is that storage box made by Owl? Looks like paint/powder coating is about to peel off, or I'm looking at something else?

 

[BrentfromHB]

Is that storage box made by Owl? Looks like paint/powder coating is about to peel off, or I'm looking at something else?

Well, its got an Owl logo on it ...... The powder coat looks normal, just looks like a well used exterior accessory. Oxidation happens, bumps and lumps happen. Nice to know they are all not show ponies.

 

[Rocksnsalt]

Well, its got an Owl logo on it ...... The powder coat looks normal, just looks like a well used exterior accessory. Oxidation happens, bumps and lumps happen. Nice to know they are all not show ponies.

Yeah that things goin’ places every week.

 

[Imported]

Well, its got an Owl logo on it ...... The powder coat looks normal, just looks like a well used exterior accessory. Oxidation happens, bumps and lumps happen. Nice to know they are all not show ponies.

Not really familiar with the Owl accessory catalog. I see the logo but that is on the sherpa plate, and I wasn't sure if that was attached to the box after. Anyhow I think powder coating shouldn't be peeling off for a box cost that much, especially on that area what doesn't seems to get much beating.

 

[Rocksnsalt]

Maybe I just missed it but I looked again, and didn’t see peeling powder coat.
I see a few scuffs and maybe scratches, and swirl from wiping it down but that's about it.
That van gets around and gets used… powder coating isn’t indestructible.

 

[Imported]

Maybe I just missed it but I looked again, and didn’t see peeling powder coat.

I could be wrong but it's just right below the smaller sherpa plate on the top part of the box. Looks like moisture got trapped between box and plate and caused finish to peel. I know powder coating is not indestructible but to be fair that box no more than a couple of years old. Pretty sure finish is not peeling on your Black Rhino wheels.

 

[BrentfromHB]

I could be wrong but it's just right below the smaller sherpa plate on the top part of the box. Looks like moisture got trapped between box and plate and caused finish to peel. I know powder coating is not indestructible but to be fair that box no more than a couple of years old. Pretty sure finish is not peeling on your Black Rhino wheels.

Looks like silty dirt dripping from behind the Sherpa..... Powder coating is almost never done in house so when I see bad adhesion, I try not to automatically jump on the fabricator / parts manufacturer especially if it's a small stateside shop. Not a massive factory in china cranking out wheels for 80 different companies that are on an assembly line going straight from the casting / machining right into an oven. This is not an excuse, but when parts are made at these small companies they are trucked over to a local powder coater, touched by greasy hands, wiped down, sometimes not bead blasted first yada yada... and all that can cause bad adhesion that might not look bad upon receiving them, but shows its ugly face later on. Disclaimer* I do not work for Owl

 

[Robb57]

And then there are these two, the RidgeLine and RidgeLine Max (Yes please) from OWL as discussed on the Big Bear Expo thread.
They come with DRL and turn signal lights and skid plates, and will take a winch as can be seen.
Not compatible with other skid plates.
I was told sold as installed only not diy - but I do see a shipping drop down on the Owl site.

MAX :

Ridgeline Sprinter Full Coverage Bumper + Skid Plates

These are IN STOCK. Buy today, ships in less than a week. The Ridgeline Sprinter Bumper is the result of a partnership between Owl and AFN, a renowned European military manufacturer. While you may not know AFN unless you're equipping an army, they're one of the most renowned bumper producers in...

owlvans.com

Single Bar:

Ridgeline PreRunner Sprinter Full Bumper + Skid Plates

The Ridgeline Sprinter Bumper is the result of a partnership between Owl and AFN, a renowned European military manufacturer. While you may not know AFN unless you're equipping an army, they're one of the most renowned bumper producers in the world. Together, we’ve created a bumper that perfectly...

owlvans.com

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Off topic but I love that topo wrap.

 

[Rocksnsalt]

Yeah me too. I’d have to go with a lighter color especially if I was in AZ like where the Owl vans live but it is a good look.

 

[k6xlt]

Maybe some of you have seen this:

Track Bumpers

Introducing our Mercedes Sprinter Seat Track Bumpers—the perfect solution to prevent those annoying scratches on your leg or snags on your clothing when getting in and out of your vehicle. If you’ve ever felt the frustration of seat tracks sticking out just a bit too far, this is the answer...

www.terrawagen.com

Nice idea - until you move the seat forward to swivel it around at your chosen camp site and find them on the floor. Wonder what they were thinking . .