Wow! Expedition Overland

[SurgicalApple]

XO is what first turned me on to 4Runners. I’m a fan because of that.

As most have said, the early episodes were excellent. More recently, meh. Don’t get me wrong, they are still largely enjoyable to watch, but I’m more inclined to fast forward through them now. The guys were hungry for adventure in the early days. Now, it feels like they are at a J-O-B they merely tolerate.

Perhaps there is a happy medium somewhere. Film some spots and please the sponsors, but also throw-back to your roots and satisfy the base now and then. Or, innovate and figure out a new way to do both at the same time. Break the mold! Regardless, I think it’s awesome the XO crew has figured out a way to earn a living doing what most of us dream of while sitting at a desk. Kudos for that!

Oh, and Clay is probably the nicest, most genuine guy in the world. But his narration and on-camera “I’m the expedition leader” persona makes him seem like a real douche. The show, IMO, would improve exponentially if he could dial it down from 11 to an 8 or so.

Same here! Their show was a pretty big reason I ended up purchasing a 4Runner. Their stuff where they're in different countries, or traveling within the states, was awesome. Their new stuff - not so great. I tried watching the first episode and could not even get through it. I was disappointed and expected so much more! But hey, you have to make money somewhere to keep trudging along. Agreed about Clay - he seems like a douchebag, especially his narrations. They're over-the-top and he tries to be some sort of narrative Hemingway. One of the other guys, who has a considerably better voice, should do it. Especially the medical aspect where he was talking...sheesh.

 

[mnofpeace]

i Third that...

the earlier stuff showed great scenery, and great off roading...

the newest stuff, meh...they may have one or two episodes in an entire season with great off roading and driving, scenery...but it seems to mostly be about lets park, unload, cook, talk, eat, talk. maybe im not the target audience. I do think i get-it tho...that the lifestyle is more about the people and the togetherness.

also, seems they have pushed the 4runners out of the group anyway...they now have the Tundra, Taco, and LC...all wonderfully built vehicles, but the T4R is at home wishing he could play too.

Ill keep watching, to see what they do next...but it is what it is...at least somebody is funding this type of entertainment so that the rest of us can armchair play along...

 

[I4CUTigers]

Serious shooters do not. The extra lens between the eye and the scope can become problematic.

Most average shooters won't notice the difference however.

Most shooters aren’t trying to put a bullet down range much beyond 1000 yards. Less than that, the benefits of shooting glasses protecting your eyes, outweighs the reduction visual acuity. Beyond 1000 yards, the wind, humidity, Coriolis effect, barrel temps would have an equal or greater impact than your eyewear.

 

[I4CUTigers]

The Expedition Overland videos are good, with the exception of the Overlander series. They could show more of the off roading, the repairs, and the route planning, but they have done a good job. Overlander series is pretty... outlandish. First off, there was no need for them to purchase a new vehicle, they only did it to highlight their buildout vendors. Secondly, I don’t believe Clay, with their connection to Toyota, would be schlepping down to the Toyo dealer and stroking a check for their new Tundra. More likely that Toyota wanted them to show the experience of the “everyday purchaser” and Clay got paid well to do so. It just came off as way too staged. The whole military truck was a ridiculous off shoot tangent as well.

In all honestly, they should create two entities. One to showcase their build outs, and one to showcase their adventures. Then they can spend more time showing us the why behind their builds on one channel and show us more of their builds in action on another.

Overall, the positive attention, production value, and enthusiasm they bring to this pursuit, far outweighs the few over the top segments they have done. The fact that they have been able to monetize it, isn’t something to shy away from. We all want to get paid to do something we love, they have done it. Kudos to them.

 

[blanchard7684]

Harsh crowd here.

I really enjoy XO. I've learned a ton from watching the episodes. From what to do and what not to do.

Thanks and keep it up.

 

[jwatson]

Like many others in this thread, I understand and agree with the many critiques of XO, but I think the entertainment value is great. I am very happy they have decided to do more "backyard" adventures because I am certainly of the belief that we have more than enough territory to cover here in the US and Canada and would probably limit my off-road experience to North America. As an admitted gearhead (and obviously a huge 4runner fan), I do wish there was more focus on the actual vehicles and off-roading. That being said, I also understand that is only a portion of what makes their program successful so they can't focus all of their attention on it. I would have to agree with one critique in particular--Clay's narrations do often come across as over-the-top and a bit elitist and I believe it hurts the program.

On a final note however, say what you will about that outlandish military truck they just recently took out in the snow, but I thought that rig was sweet! Hope I get a chance to drive one of those things someday

 

[Offroadimus_Prime]

I'm way behind on this thread, but it was my entertainment today.

I especially enjoyed the Lawndart and XO back and forth.

I'll leave my opinions of the show to myself other than to say I'm jealous its not me. ha

 

[thecolbydarr]

I really credit XO to exposing me to to the world of overlanding!
I've learned so much from the video series and in depth overviews of the vehicles. I really hope to see them around Bozeman when I move there in a few weeks. Can't be that hard to miss 4 geared up Toyota with eye catching wraps.

 

[Matteblack]

I really enjoy the show and the new Overlander series. That said, I prefer the Central America series by far. The show has changed but they are growing as a business and I commend them for how far they have come. I can relate to them in a lot of ways as people (as far as I can tell from the show) but they have gear and technology that I could only dream of at this point in my life so I just sit back and enjoy and if I can get an insight, tip or gear reference I can afford, all the better.
MB

 

[colovolvo]

I really credit XO to exposing me to to the world of overlanding!

I've learned so much from the video series and in depth overviews of the vehicles. I really hope to see them around Bozeman when I move there in a few weeks. Can't be that hard to miss 4 geared up Toyota with eye catching wraps.

Living here in Bozeman I must say that their vehicles are definitely pretty hard to miss! Also a bunch of really nice people over there at XO! I’ve gone out on a day trip and been to a couple local events with them and I must say that they are awesome!

 

[1996_Valencia_Owen]

Forgive me as I don't actually know what you do for a living but I'm assuming it's something in the YouTube content creation realm? Graphics? Just curious really, you're certainly far more connected to the production industry than I am.

Look, as I've said ad naseum I get that there is a segment of old school viewers that prefer the original seasons or trips like McKenzie Trail, but those seasons were/are simply not financially viable. They offered less/little ROI for sponsors on the level we are dealing with now. Outside of a pure indulgence, there would be no incentive to go back to that style of trip. Does that mean we/they make some decisions based on sponsor feedback or desire? Of course... that is exactly how business of all variety work and this is no different. Fortunately we have a ton of fun when we are on these trips and I am humbled and thankful to have that opportunity and make a little scratch in the meantime.

You're assuming that just because your comments are not being 100% heeded that only "glowing" reviews are being noted, hardly the case. We originally planned another international season this year but massive user feedback wanted more stateside adventure and interaction, thus we'll be at more US events this season than any other. We'll be doing 3-5 trips around the west with and without sponsors along. I go to many of the same events anyway so it's not much of a change for me other than we don't get to go somewhere out of the country for a bit but I'll survive




To all, I'm making notes from input/comments on this thread just as I've done for the other XO threads here on this forum and the half dozen others I'm fairly active in. I'll be honest that I've spent many hours browsing back through older XO threads here and elsewhere. When one is often stuck in a car for hundreds of hours at a time it makes for entertaining and informative reading. I'm a fairly thick-skinned fellow and am happy to converse about the highlights and lowlights of the series for you. I'm not interested in having the same dialogue with the same person over and over but if you are or were a regular viewer or new to the show, my ears are open.

I'd echo Lawndart's comments.

I'm currently writing a screenplay for a director with the same agent as Tarantino, so I'm no slouch writer. But I reached out to Clay's wife awhile back, and offered to brainstorm/ideate with the XO writing crew sometime (for free), just because I think there's a lot of potential at their fingertips.

The response was basically super cheese. Some promises that "big things are in the works, just wait and see!" and no real intellectual engagement. Then their new shows came out, and it's just more of the same. I've engaged with Kevin from Lifestyle Overland, and had nothing but great chats with him. His content is reflective of his open, intelligent, and warm attitude toward life and overlanding.

At this point it's whatever. It's clear Clay is pouring in tons of money just because he's wealthy, and appears to come from vast family money. But it's not really leading to channel growth.

Meanwhile, you have folks like Schmee, Fast Lane Car (and Truck), Doug DeMuro, Lifestyle Overland, and Swellrunner et al et al et al, who have 5% the budget, yet produce relaxing, engaging, interesting content nearly nonstop. Another thing they've got in common is that if they aren't already significantly above XO in youtube sub-count, they'll be there in 12 months or less.

Anyways, my main takeaway here is the guy posting here for XO (cruiseroutfit) is probably the guy who should be leading the XO content. Cuz he seems like a good dude, who genuinely is relatable and seems low-key.

Clay should basically go off camera, and just focus on being a producer.

 

[CookieJHWK20]

Thanks for the post, will definitely have to check this out.

 

[thecolbydarr]

That's awesome! I'm bummed I won't be able to attend the big sky event. Do you know if there is a big ,or at least established, overland community at MSU?

 

[CoolMax]

Here is Why the Toyota Land Cruiser is the Ultimate Overland Rig!



More screentime of Kurt.

 

[colovolvo]

That's awesome! I'm bummed I won't be able to attend the big sky event. Do you know if there is a big ,or at least established, overland community at MSU?

The event has been great and I’m sure they will do it again next year! But I would say that there is a decent over landing crowd out here. I go out with a handful of people but I definitely see countless vehicles with RTTs and the like, so I’m sure there is an even bigger scene than I know

 

[cruiseroutfit]

More screentime of Kurt.

I'm shocked to see just how far that video has stretched across the interwebs. We (XO) hosted a media run for Toyota in the new TRD Pro fleet and Roman asked if I'd do a quick walk around. I knew he has some amazing reach but didn't expect so many to enjoy the XO 200.

 

[Viper318]

I'll throw in my two cents here. I will put a big disclaimer on it though.

Disclaimer: I've only had my 4runner for a little over a year. I've got good experience camping and hiking, but not really any experience modding. I'm about as green as they come there. Even if you gave me a big garage and all the tools and said "hey change 'x' part out" ... I'm not afraid to admit I wouldn't have the first clue how to do it. I've got experience with wood and a number of other DIY things, but not cars/trucks, and fixing/repairing them. I'm very eager to learn from someone in my area as I'm just starting out in this area.

With all that said. I know a lot of people will turn their nose up at me since I'm a rookie, but I can't really relate to this at all. Some of the stuff is way over my head. The stuff I do have experience in that is shown still doesn't relate to me either because it doesn't look or feel very believable. It sounds like a lot of other veterans who have more experience in the other areas (and experience with what I know extremely well) agree that it's a bit out of touch with where the show should be.

Best of luck.

 

[MeefZah]

I didn't realize until I re-read this thread that there was a "new" XO sub-series, "Overlander". The last I had looked at their stuff they had done the SA season. Now some of the above comments make more sense.

I watched Overlander E1, and didn't much care for it. However, I enjoyed some of the subsequent episodes. I thought the WaBDR and the "all girls" trip were actually quite good. I think I'll likely run the OBDR and WaBDR on by bike this year and I'll make time to check out Overland Expo West and NW Overland Expo next year, so it was cool to see them doing those things.

It is a little discouraging to watch a guy write a check for a $50,000 truck and then probably double that cost in add-ons, a flatbed camper, and a camper trailer. I hope they understand that most viewers cannot do that. I'll happily run the same routes as them but I'll do it in a battered, financed 4Runner, and I will sleep in a $75 Kelty bag in the back of my truck and eat out of a Yeti knockoff cooler that someone gave me.

Hopefully they keep doing shorter trips, and more localized (western US) stuff; that's what I want to see.

 

[Matteblack]

Did anyone see the last episode of Overlander Friday? Episode 15. There was a vibe that they were closing to spend more time with family or taking time off for an extended period.

 

[TwistedJake]

Did anyone see the last episode of Overlander Friday? Episode 15. There was a vibe that they were closing to spend more time with family or taking time off for an extended period.

I think you mistook that vibe. I take it that they are simply altering the personalities we commonly see. The folks with kids will be on less. The newer younger folks without will continue on.

Just my $.02