Behind the Ride:
Build for Off Road Adventure Ride Updates
Building the Ultimate Basecamp:
Dometic’s Adventure Ride Oasis
When you’re smashing through rocks and tackling high-desert heat on an intense trip like the Adventure Ride, morale is everything. But let’s be real: no one wants to go hangry on the trail. Being able to keep cool drinks and fresh provisions within arm’s reach is absolutely crucial—especially when a mechanical breakdown or massive obstacle keeps you away from base camp for hours.
With Dometic as an official sponsor, the Adventure Ride crew had a massive advantage. From rugged coolers and smart storage solutions for trail-side beverages and quick snacks, to a fully-equipped mobile basecamp with hot meals at the end of the day, Dometic created the ultimate off-road oasis for the participants.
They didn’t just provide gear; they delivered essential creature comforts that you may not think to pack, but which become non-negotiable necessities in remote locations.
Here is our Adventure Ride guide to creating your own overlanding and off-road oasis, inspired by the Dometic setup:
Hanger-Proof Portables: Always Running, Always Cold
Powered Fridges and Coolers
“When planning to hit Hard Trails Only for a week, you know that you will be leaving your creature comforts back at the tow rig,” says Build for Off Road host Ian Johnson. “But life gets a little easier knowing that there is a Dometic Fridge carrying some provisions for the day.”
Build for Off Road Director/Producer Matt Allegretti led the media crew (often on foot) through the literal desert to capture the exciting ups and downs of the trails. He says the solar-powered coolers were “a real lifesaver,” especially when the participants spent hours in hot, arid desert conditions in Johnson Valley.
Engineered with heavy-duty construction and deep-freeze capabilities, Dometic’s powered coolers run efficiently off 12V power.
The solar panels on the Dometic CFX3 Powered Cooler line are a game-changer, providing essential power retention when you’re completely off-grid and relying solely on your rig’s battery.
“They kept everything cold without ice,” Matt says, “and the solar panels on top helped keep them stay powered the entire time.”
Portable Grill
After a truly challenging day in Johnson Valley, Dometic was waiting at the end of the Hammers trails with a hot dog cook-out.
Optimal for overlanding, Dometic’s portable stainless steel grill was able to handle high-volume cooking for 40 very hungry people. Everyone was impressed with this grill’s light-weight, compact design that allowed for minimal set up, easy teardown, and quick storage.
Retreat from the Heat: The Ultimate Basecamp
Awnings and Basecamp Solutions
“Knowing all day that there was an oasis set up for us back at camp with the Dometic team makes long days on the trail even better,” says Ian.
Dometic’s overlanding basecamp offered a welcome spot to unwind and cool off. Plus, with robust solar power stations available, the media crew was able to quickly recharge camera batteries—a crucial element for capturing more footage.
“The Dometic crew had everything we needed, along with many things I hadn’t even thought about,” says Truck U host Matt Steele. “If you are thinking about getting into the camping/overlanding hobby or lifestyle, Dometic is the go-to company for everything you need.”
Go Hydration Water Faucet and Go Hydration Water Jug
No mirage here—Dometic actually provided fresh, running water in the desert! Brenton Productions President Chuck McGonagle (whose participation in the Adventure Ride was an off-roading baptism by fire) says the Go Hydration Water Faucet and Go Hydration Water Jug were some of his favorite Dometic amenities.
This ingenious water system uses an integrated battery pump to deliver clean, running water on demand, making handwashing and dish duty easy anywhere you camp—a massive upgrade over pouring water from a bottle.
“They set this up at the cook-out, and everyone used it to wash our hands,” says Chuck. “Which, as you think about eating hot dogs, was really nice to be able to do with clean hands.”
Special Delivery: The Support Rigs
Dometic also provided vital support vehicles that delivered the crew and equipment to the trailhead each day.
“I was really impressed by how capable the rigs were out in the desert,” says Matt Allegretti. “The Raptor and Ranger could reach any trailhead and still have everything we needed.”
“Having the Dometic support rigs ready to provide us fresh water, AC, and hot cooked meals in the middle of nowhere provided a recharge after long days on the trails,” Ian adds.
Adventure Awaits
To get more inspiration for creating your perfect overlanding oasis, make sure to catch the Build for Off Road Adventure Ride episodes on MotorTrendTV and Discovery+ starting December 20!
Which Dometic gear is going on your next off-road trip?
What’s your absolute must-have gear for overlanding? Tell us in the comments below!
Which Dometic gear is going on your next off-road trip?
What’s your absolute must-have gear for overlanding? Tell us in the comments below!
Ready to Join the Adventure?
We’ve got exciting plans for more Adventure Rides throughout the year in 2026, which means more opportunities for overlanding and off-road brands to come along for the ride.
Watch the video below to learn more about putting your brand in the middle of the action!
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