Texas Outdoors, Author at Texas Outdoors

How To Make Your Truck Safe for Overlanding

Put together the perfect plan to make your truck safe for overlanding using these easy and essential tips whether you’re driving across mud, snow, or beyond.

Overlanding is a big adventure, and the type of truck you drive is a significant part of that journey. Like traditional off-roading, overlanding requires traversing unconventional terrain that requires special precautions to handle properly. This list will introduce you to several ways you can take this long trip with both safety and adventure at the forefront of your plan. Learn how to make your truck safe for overlanding today so you can make every trip better.

Better Lighting, Better Visibility

The weather, terrain, and time of day all influence your visibility when overlanding. For instance, traversing across the terrain at night is dangerous if you don’t have strong lights because you need to be aware of any hazards around you. Of course, careful handling of your vehicle plays into safer nighttime driving, but better lighting provides you with the power to see dangers around you so you can react quickly.

Taking time to learn everything you need to know about overland truck lighting is crucial because you can easily optimize your truck if the lighting is insufficient. Trucks like the Toyota Tacoma can be successfully outfitted with aftermarket lights that help illuminate the area around you for a safer experience.

Promptly Replace Insufficient Tires

Learning how to make your truck safe for overlanding requires focusing on tires for multiple reasons. For example, a careful inspection before the trip will help you catch any issues such as low tire pressure, holes, wear, and other causes for replacement.

Likewise, tires come in many forms, so always ensure yours can handle the terrain you plan to endure on the trip. Whether you’re overlanding in snowy, mud, or another terrain entirely, you need tires that will help you remain stable and secure when driving.

Double-Check All Secured Cargo

Another detail to check before your trip is all the cargo. Whether you’re carrying a light or heavy load, everything should be firmly secured in place. Keeping belongings secure helps with any drive, but overlanding is an experience in which you will travel across bumpy, uneven terrain that can cause cargo to fall.

Whether it’s a suitcase or your entire truck camper, inspect all secured cargo to ensure nothing will fall and cause damage or injuries during your trip. Add these tips to your next overlanding trip checklist to ensure you don’t overlook any essential steps.

Tips To Make Porta Potties More Appealing

They get such a bad rep, but they don’t have to live up to their infamous reputation. There are several ways to make porta-potties more appealing.

Porta-potties are not everyone’s favorite place in the world. There is no secret there. Because of their location, function, and frequent usage, people tend to give them the stink eye. It’s all perfectly understandable, but not permanent. Portable bathrooms don’t need to have a stigma associated with them. Here are some tips to make porta-potties more appealing.

Invite People In

It always feels better to entire a space that’s welcoming. No one wants to go inside an area that promises a bad time. Welcome mats don’t just belong in front of residential homes; you can place one in front of the portable restroom section.

Because it’s a bit unusual to see a welcome mat by porta-potties, it might quip people’s interest. Now you’ve opened the door for a nice surprise inside, and you’ve already made the experience a little bit more tolerable for them. Start thinking of ways you want to wow them with the interior now.

Provide a Structure

Placement is important for portable restrooms. You never want to put them in areas where they can potentially fall over and create more issues. Before doing anything, make sure the units are on a flat, dry surface.

Next, consider building some sort of fence around them. The fence provides more security for the porta-potties. However, if you are hosting an event that already provides a fence, save yourself the trouble and set up the unit there.

Keep It Clean

No one wants to enter a smelly portable restroom. That’s part of the reason why they get such a bad reputation. If you want to debunk this, the answer is simple: Keep the porta-potty clean. It’s as easy as that!

Control the odor of porta-potties by continuously maintaining and cleaning them. Stepping inside a clean portable restroom will surely shock people. They already have preconceived notions, and proving otherwise certainly makes portable restrooms more appealing.

Add Some Lights

Because they are not like standard restrooms, they have no light switches on the inside. Using the bathroom in a poorly lit area is not fun and can be uncomfortable. Make it easier for patrons by adding a couple of light fixtures in the area.

With proper lighting around and inside, people can see what’s lurking and hiding out. It also improves the safety of everyone using the units. They will identify spills or messes in the porta-potties and avoid them for their benefit.

Porta-potties might not be everyone’s best friend, but they don’t need to be their worst enemy either. Work on making them more appealing and reverse the status quo surrounding the contraptions.

3 Essential Safety Tips for Operating a UTV

It’s important to follow proper safety precautions at all times when driving utility vehicles. Here are three essential safety tips for operating a UTV.

Utility terrain vehicles, also known as UTVs, are versatile vehicles with the ability to travel over various types of rugged terrain and have amazing hauling capacities. There are all kinds of reasons to buy a UTV. You can use them for hunting, farming, outdoor work, and recreation. However, staying as safe as possible when driving these vehicles is important. Here are three essential safety tips for operating a UTV.

Wear the Proper Gear

Wearing the proper gear is the first safety tip essential to operating a UTV. It’s important to dress appropriately and equip yourself with the necessary gear when driving a utility vehicle, as these are not the same as cars you drive on the road. Because you are navigating difficult and rugged terrain in these vehicles, wearing a helmet is crucial. UTV rides can get bumpy, and you want to protect yourself from any potential hazards. Goggles are another great piece of gear to wear when driving these vehicles to keep your eyes safe from dirt, dust, mud, rocks, and other flying debris.

Avoid Public Roads

Another vital safety tip when driving UTVs is to avoid public roads. It’s not safe to drive these types of vehicles on regular roads with other cars and traffic, so you should avoid doing so at all times. In most states, driving UTVs on state-regulated roads and highways is illegal. In Texas, however, you can register your UTV as a street-legal vehicle for limited use on public roads with a speed limit of 35 mph at most, but you must meet proper codes and regulations to do so. Manufacturers design these vehicles specifically for off-roading, so you can drive them on designated trails.

Follow Rules and Regulations

Following rules and regulations is crucial for your safety when operating a UTV. Rules are in place to keep everyone safe from potentially dangerous situations. Familiarize yourself with trail regulations so you avoid getting into crashes. Only drive on marked trails, stay to the right of the trail at all times, slow down on turns, corners, and near campgrounds, and mark your vehicle with the appropriate stickers and flags. You should also never have more passengers than appropriate seating in a UTV. For example, if a UTV is intended for one passenger, no additional people should ride in that vehicle.

While the reasons to buy a utility vehicle seem endless, be sure to follow these important safety tips for driving a UTV. When you follow proper safety precautions, rules, and regulations, you are taking the necessary steps to stay safe.

The 5 Best Spots for Off-Roading in Texas

In the process of planning your next off-roading adventure? Us too. Here are some Texas favorites that you definitely don’t want to miss out on.

Everything’s bigger (and better) in Texas, including the off-road parks. If you’re looking for a great spot for your next off-road trip, you’re in the right place. Here are the five best spots for off-roading in Texas.

Trees Ranch Offroad Park

Difficulty: Extreme

Stretching over 5,500 acres, Trees Ranch Offroad Park has countless trails to explore. It’s located in Texas Hill Country, so you’re sure to get beautiful views. Covered in creek bed trails and extreme obstacles, this park has something for everyone—if you know what you’re doing.

This park is not beginner friendly. In fact, some damage to your Jeep is likely, so read the “Are You Prepared?” section on the website before you go.

Trees Ranch is owned by off-roading enthusiasts, so the trails are always well-maintained. If you’re looking for an extreme off-roading spot, this one is not to be missed.

Hidden Falls Adventure Park

Difficulty: Moderate

Hidden Falls Adventure Park is billed as the “premier off-road adventure park in Texas” for good reason. It ranks number one on many lists of this nature, likely due to its 200 miles of fantastic trails. Hidden Falls boasts trails for ATVs, motorbikes, and 4×4 trails alike.

Katemcy Rocks

Difficulty: Beginner to Difficult

If you’re looking for beautiful scenery, this is the place for you. The entire park is full of stunning granite rocks. At 800 acres, there’s plenty to explore. In addition to the great trails, Katemcy Rocks also offers accommodations, so it’s even easier to make a weekend out of it.

Creekside Offroad Ranch

Difficulty: Moderate

Located near Houston, Creekside Offroad Rand consists of 350 acres of the best off-roading in Texas. There is plenty of sand, water, and mud if you like getting your Jeep dirty, and the hills make this spot stand out. There are also campgrounds available so that you can spend your whole weekend off-roading.

Barnwell Mountain

Difficulty: Beginner to Moderate

Barnwell Mountain is located in Gilmer, Texas—close to Dallas. It’s made up of 1850 acres of trails for all different levels of experience. In addition, it offers campgrounds, cabins, and bunkhouses; you have plenty of options if you decide to stay overnight.

Barnwell Mountain is one of the most beginner-friendly options on this list. Because it includes more difficult trails, it’s also a great place to push yourself and test your skills as you improve. But before that, here are some helpful tips to master the basics of off-roading.

Whichever trail you pick, one thing’s for certain—this great state has some seriously incredible off-roading spots.

Get Hooked on Kayak Fishing: A Beginner’s Guide

Kayak fishing has grown in popularity significantly over the past decade, and it has even been called the sport of the future because of its accessibility to anglers of all ages and physical abilities. That said, there are some important things you should know before you jump in your kayak and start fishing without any experience at all! Whether you’re just starting out with kayak fishing or have been on the water for years already, these tips will help you get hooked (pun intended!) on this great sport!

If you want to go fishing, but don’t own a boat…
If you want to go fishing, but don’t own a boat, kayaks are the perfect solution. You’ll be able to explore the water and find new fishing spots that are only accessible by water. With a kayak, you can also travel long distances without tiring out your feet or back. It’s an amazing way to get out on the water for a day of fishing fun!

If you do own a boat, but still want the kayak fishing experience…
If you already own a boat and want to get the kayak fishing experience, there are two ways that it can be done. The first is by having a kayak on your boat. For example, some people will mount their kayaks on top of their boats or have them strapped onto the side with special racks. The other way is to attach a tow rope to your boat and then attach the other end to your kayak.

The 5 Best Tactics for Hunting Whitetail Deer

There’s something about whitetail deer that has hunters flocking to the woods every year. Perhaps it’s the thrill of being so close to such an elusive animal, or maybe it’s the natural beauty of the forest and wild life they inhabit. Whatever your reason, there are numerous tactics you can use to increase your chance of success during deer season. Here are five tips to make sure you get an opportunity at the buck of a lifetime this year.

1) Step 1: Study the Land
If you want to come home with a buck, you need to do more than just sit in a tree stand. If you spend hours studying your hunting property it will pay off during season. Evaluating where deer travel during various times of day and year can help you identify hot spots where you can set up a stand later on. It’s also a good idea to study other hunters’ patterns, especially if hunting public land. Studying whitetail behavior is essential as well: when are they active? What types of cover attract them? Understanding their daily routines will help you pinpoint their most likely routes—and thus increase your chances of success.

2) Step 2: Choose a Pattern
There are a variety of different tactics you can use when hunting whitetail deer, but first it’s important to choose a pattern that is safe and effective. The best way to do so is by setting up several different blinds within 200 yards of each other and testing each out for effectiveness and safety. Although sitting still may sound easy, it requires patience and practice in order to get good at it. Remember: if you move too much, you will scare away your prey before they have time to come close enough for an accurate shot. Don’t forget to bring snacks and water with you!

Things To Consider Before Living in a Camper

The idea of living off the grid and traveling from one landscape to another is a reality for many. Here are some things to consider before living in a camper.

Camping is quite a popular hobby that many people enjoy, and some love it so much they choose to live in their RVs. If you adore the great outdoors, you won’t find it surprising that nearly a million Americans live in campers full time. In fact, you might even desire to become one of the many whose backyards are wherever they choose them to be. While the idea of living in an RV is exciting, it is not something people go into lightly—here are some important things to consider before living in a camper.

Minimalistic Living

One thing experienced campers will tell you is that you must grow quite comfortable with minimalistic living and, at times, uncomfortable means. When traveling on the road, your vehicle will have significantly less water supply than you would expect at home, lasting two to three days at most. That is why you must learn how to use your water supply sparingly. As such, if you enjoy long showers, you might want to start taking shorter ones to acclimate yourself to the conditions on the road

Moreover, you must make peace with leaving things behind and only keeping that which is necessary. However, this doesn’t mean you must throw everything away. Often, many campers will have a home base or rent a storage center to store personal and important items and information they can’t take.

Internet Accessibility

Often, camping will find you in quite remote landscapes, and while that is the whole point, we must still be accessible. We cannot forgo the fact that we still have obligations to friends, family, or work. As such, you need to consider how you will attain high-speed internet access when in rural areas. Keep in mind that your family and friends want updates on your whereabouts, and in the event of an emergency, you must be able to contact authorities.

Mail Forwarding

One thing to consider before living in a camper is the fact that you will still need an address to receive mail. You won’t have to worry much about receiving your bills in the mail, as many people utilize online systems to pay their bills. However, the mail is not entirely obsolete, as you will need an address to receive important notices and documents. That is why, as you travel, you must continually have your mail forwarded. Many campers will forward their mail if they plan to stay in an area for about a week or two.

5 of the Best Hobbies for Thrill Seekers

There are plenty of relaxing hobbies in nature, but you may want to consider these extreme options for those aiming for something a little more exciting.

There are a lot of great hobbies for those looking for a serene experience. Camping, fishing, or bowling are great for those quiet afternoons. However, if you want to really feel like an adrenaline junkie, here are five of the best hobbies for thrill seekers. These activities are sure to get the blood pumping and spice up any afternoon.

1. Skydiving

Skydiving is a classic extreme sport. You hop in a plane and fly into the sky, only to don your parachute or wingsuit and leap out to meet the ground head-on. For many, just the rush of the dive is exciting enough, but additional challenges like trying to land on a target or perform certain tricks in the air add to the thrill.

2. Bull Riding

If you’re looking for one of the best hobbies for thrill seekers in the state of Texas, you’ve gotta get yourself onto the back of a bull. Saddle up and see how long you can stay on the back of one of these bucking beasts. Rodeos and fairs are excellent opportunities to give this one a go.

3. Racecar Driving

If you’re an auto enthusiast, there are plenty of reasons to get your car on the track. Auto-racing is a fast-paced hobby where you need to make quick decisions and test the bonds between yourself and your vehicle.

4. Kayaking

Kayaking, canoeing, or any aquatic activity that gets you and your friends roaring down the river rapids are all great ways to stay active and bond with your buddies. This sport is one to avoid if you don’t like getting wet, but if you’re ready to challenge the water, kayaking may be the extreme sport you’ve been looking for.

5. Dirt Bike Racing

Dirt bike racing is another extreme competition where you must control speed, balance, and control. Revving up your bike to fly over steep hills and sandy dunes makes it an unforgettable experience and a fun time for anyone looking to prove that they’re the best.

What Are the Differences Between Van Life and Overlanding?

For men who don’t just want to spend time outdoors but want to actually live there, the van life or overlanding sounds great. Learn about the differences here.

Outdoorsmen love nature and want to spend every possible second on a trail, on a boat, hunting, fishing, or on some other kind of adventure. While you can easily do that when you live in a state as geographically diverse as Texas, sometimes you need to do more than just visit the great outdoors in your free time—you need to live there. Van life and overlanding are two versions of living outside that more and more people are embracing, and you can too. Keep reading to learn about the differences between van life and overlanding so you can pick the option that’s right for you.

Van Life Definition

You’ve probably seen videos on social media where people share about their van life. They either bought or fixed up some type of van so that it was more of an apartment on wheels than a vehicle, and then they set out to live on the road. People from all walks of life are embracing this comfortably nomadic lifestyle, outfitting vans with internet access so they can work remotely, training pets to enjoy the great outdoors, and even homeschooling their kids so that little ones can grow up adventurous. For most of these people, there is no end destination in sight. Their aim is to travel and try new experiences, possibly enjoying adventures like rock climbing and fishing along the way, but not necessarily planning for them.

Overlanding Definition

Overlanding focuses more on the adventure side of travel, and people who overland may use different modes of transportation to get to those adventures. You may or may not have a final destination in mind when you set out overlanding, but you definitely know where you plan to rock climb, fish, hike, and hunt. Most overlanders drive vehicles designed for off-roading and just plan to camp as they travel towards their adventurous destinations. However, depending on where those adventures are, you may start on a plane, rent an off-roading vehicle, and then set out overlanding. You might also ride a boat somewhere, leave it docked, and set out on a shorter overlanding excursion with your supplies. No matter how you get there, overlanding focuses on bunking down in the elements and finding adventure.

Which Is Best for You?

Your choice between van life and overlanding will be based on many factors, such as your lifestyle and finances. The costs of van life can quickly add up, since you’ll need fuel and insurance for the van, food while on the road, and will probably have to rent out a campsite. However, you’ll also be more comfortable and be able to bring more of your life with you, like your work.

Overlanding will have its own costs associated with it, but bringing your own camping supplies and only buying food you can cook on a campfire will keep your costs much lower. You’ll also have a better opportunity to experience nature and have the adventures you want. However, you may find it more difficult to balance work and other life needs with an overlanding lifestyle.

The differences between van life and overlanding are that van life is more comfortable and designed to accommodate your lifestyle, while overlanding gives you a better opportunity to experience nature and enjoy adventures. Whichever you choose, van life and overlanding are both great ways to break the mold and live out your outdoorsman dreams.

What Do You Need To Build an RV Solar System?

Camping in an RV is a fantastic experience. Those looking to add some sustainability to their trip may want to use this checklist to build a solar system.

It’s always a good idea to take the RV out for a weekend and enjoy a camping trip out in the wilderness. To help create a greener, more sustainable camping lifestyle, many people are investing in alternative energy sources for their campers. One of the most popular investments is creating a solar panel system, and when living in Texas, you may get bonus incentives for investing in solar energy. If you’re wondering what you need to build a solar system for your RV, Texas Outdoors Network has the answers for you!

Solar Panels

Naturally, one of the most fundamental parts of building a solar panel system is having solar panels. Whether you lay them flat or choose to angle them slightly toward the sun, having solar panels on the roof of your camper is a vital part of building your system. We recommend getting monocrystalline panels for campers due to the limited space.

Battery Bank

The solar panels on your camper collect energy, but you need somewhere to store that power, or you’re not going to be able to use it. Lithium-ion battery packs are among the best when it comes to safe, reliable storage of your solar energy.

Charge Controller

Think of the charge controller as the middleman between your solar panels and the battery bank. You won’t be able to build your RV solar system without a charge controller. Essentially, this device safely regulates the amount of usable power that goes from your panels to your battery. The charge controller prevents the battery from overcharging and keeps everything running smoothly and efficiently.

Inverter

When you use power from your RV or camper, the energy typically comes from the battery, which is often a 12v DC source of electricity. Your solar panel system’s inverter allows you to convert the 12v DC power into 120-volt AC power, making it better for charging laptops, coffee makers, or other similar devices. When you install the inverter near your battery bank, your system allows you to utilize AC power from your solar panels fully.

Top Fall Activities To Do With Your Jeep

When it comes to spending time in the great Texas outdoors, you can’t beat the autumn season. Check out the top fall activities to do with your Jeep.

For many Texans, fall is the best season of the year. After swelteringly hot summers, it’s great to welcome cool, crisp weather and spend time outdoors. Explore the top fall activities to do with your Jeep.

Go on a Scenic Drive

No doubt about it, fall is beautiful. While New England lays claim to some of the most iconic leaf-viewing sites in the country, Texas has its fair share of beautiful scenery to enjoy. Check out the Pineywoods Autumn Trail that loops for 145 miles between Athens and Palestine. There will be plenty of color-changing deciduous trees to take in.

Texas is a huge state, so there are many other scenic places to visit. The hill country is a favorite for people who enjoy seeing natural wonders any time of year. In the fall, visit places like Lost Maples State Natural Area, located just a couple of hours northwest of San Antonio.

For something a bit different from the usual fall scenery, visit West Texas—the temperatures at popular places like Big Bend National Park are lower at this time of year. And while you won’t see fall foliage like in other parts of the state, the brilliant autumnal hues of the land itself will charm you.

Join an Off-Road Group

If you’d like to go off the beaten path, you can off-road. And if you’d like to largely eliminate the stress of off-roading without sacrificing the fun, join an off-roading group.

You’ll find welcoming groups of Jeep enthusiasts that make off-roading exciting. Being part of a community of off-roaders will help you develop your skills more efficiently than you would on your own, too.

Check out the rules of the group before you head off for any excursions; community guidelines will help you prepare for your trip. And as the days grow shorter in the fall, it’s prudent to invest in accessories that improve your visibility while off-roading.

Tailgate

Another top fall activity to do with your Jeep is participating in a tailgate party. Have a blast this football season by tailgating in your Jeep before the big game. Like any great get-together, you’ll need food and beverages, utensils, and comfy chairs.

Modifications to your Jeep can improve your tailgate experience. Installing a cargo carrier makes it more convenient for carrying items like your grill, chairs, and cooler. And accessories like a folding rear tailgate table give you more surface area for preparing food.

Tips for Ensuring Your Boat Stays in Peak Condition

Having a boat is a great pleasure in life. However, taking care of it is a challenge. Here are a few tips for ensuring your boat stays in peak condition.

Owning a boat is exciting, as you can take it out on the water and escape from all your regular day-to-day worries. Go too long, though, and you may have a new concern on your plate—the condition of your boat. Numerous days of boating with little maintenance can lead to some issues down the line. Read on to learn how you can ensure your boat stays in peak condition.

Keep Things Clean

The first thing you must do to ensure your boat stays in the best condition possible is to keep it clean. You should keep the deck clutter-free; in the case of an emergency, you want everyone aboard to access safety gear quickly. Doing so will be incredibly difficult if there is a bunch of junk in the way. Additionally, you must keep the boat’s hull and motor clean. Even if you’re not boating in salt water, you should rinse your boat off with fresh water and boat soap to keep grimy buildup at bay.

Get the Right Equipment

One of the most important things you can do to keep your boat lasting throughout the years is to invest in the proper equipment. A boat is not just something you can take out on the water; it is an intricate combination of materials, parts, electronics, and mechanical pieces all working together to keep you afloat. For example, your boat’s battery is essential because your time on the water will quickly lead to disaster if the battery runs out of juice. That’s why it’s necessary to get the proper marine lithium battery charger that can work with your boat’s battery, ensuring you launch and dock without a fuss.

Check Your Boat Trailer

Your boat can be in the best condition possible, but you can’t get anywhere near the water without a good trailer. If you do not adequately care for your trailer’s tires, cruising on the water will forever be an out-of-reach dream. Check your trailer’s tires regularly, as they can quickly get damaged from year-round sun exposure. Consider storing your trailer and boat in a shed or barn during the off-season, and keep the tires elevated to reduce further damage.

Ensure your boat stays in peak condition by giving it this extra attention. A small bit of care can go a long way for your boat, ensuring you have a boat you can enjoy for years to come.