Overland Experts Training in CT; March 12-14th

[sparg93]

Folks,
I have a private, 3 day session setup with Overland Experts in CT for March 12-14th. This is the premier company on the east coast and known globally for their work.

EDIT: Date changed to next week week - 19th, 20th, 21st.

With my 6mo expedition coming up, I knew I needed professional training and there was a ton of positive info on these guys all over the net - they actually train our special forces units.

I spoke with Bruce (CEO) and this 3 day session is setup specifically for Full Size vehicles; and we're going to spend a bit of time on the IFS! Again, this is a private group and I'm keeping it small. However, you straight axle guys, don't feel left out, all vehicles are welcome.

If you're interested, they have vehicles there (i.e. Land Rovers) or you can use your own. If you use your own, at the minimum you will need front & rear recovery points, 2 sp transfer case and 4 wheel drive.

The first day is beginner and then it progresses from there...but you can come just for the first day if you like.

If you'd like to join, PM me and I'll send you the details. Depending on how many people join, expect to spend $150 - $300 per day

I'm fairly new to this forum and I look forward to meeting you guys!

Best,
Craig

[BurbanAZ]

Sounds like a fun trip, too bad its on the other side of the country lol. Good luck on ur 6mo trip also. Post up a trip report with some pics when u get back or while ur out there. Where are u going?

[sparg93]

Mostly US, then Canada and up to Alaska.

We're actually going to be a Featured Truck at the Overland Expo in May...

95 - that Expo is in your backyard!!!! (Arizona) You seriously need to go!! After the expo, 5 of us are heading on a weeklong excursion throughout AZ, you should come!!

[2500ak]

On the part where you drive up to Alaska, is there actually an off-road alternative to the ALCAN? I drive that highway every now and again, when I've been on it is seems like the only road out there. Cuts through some pretty rugged terrain.

[BurbanAZ]

Mostly US, then Canada and up to Alaska.

We're actually going to be a Featured Truck at the Overland Expo in May...

95 - that Expo is in your backyard!!!! (Arizona) You seriously need to go!! After the expo, 5 of us are heading on a week long excursion throughout AZ, you should come!!

I know the expo is really close I was going to go this year. The excursion through AZ sounds cool, how long are you guys going to be going for, and where do u guys plan on going?

[cowboy63645]

I am with 95BurbanAZ, it sounds like an amazing trip. To bad I am so far away from the weekend event as I would love to join in on the fun! Need to see what this new suburban can do anyhow!

[sparg93]

Last minute change and we have room for one more truck!

Date changed to next week week - 19th, 20th, 21st.

[sparg93]

Folks - the training was AMAZING and is something everyone here should do...IMHO of course.

We all drive heavy rigs with some weak points and if you know how to work around them, our big trucks are a blast to drive and quite capable. Also, for everyone out there that loves to buy gear...Overland Experts (OEX) has everythig you need onsite (CT & VA) so you can try before you buy and receive recommendations from the pros and your fellow drivers.

In addition to driving, there is also a lot of hands-on with all the recovery gear you will need (hi-lift, straps, pulleys, pull pall, winch, etc etc)...and knowing how to use them in multiple situations is a lifesaver.

I've driven toys from Boats to Heavy Rescue Trucks and everything in between and I learned more in three days then I ever could have imagined. It was amazing to see the growth in our skills, confidence and how quickly we all started working together. There were so many things OEX taught me that would have taken an exceptional amount of trial/error and broken parts to figure it out on my own.

Just about every steep hill we came up to...I was thinking/saying, "no way, not going to happen" and each time we figured it out and we all made it through (even the Heavy Chevy)! Their motto is vehicle preservation/safety and I can say without a doubt, Garrett's patience and walking me through the tricky stuff really elevated my level of skill driving this rig.

For the price, the experience and quality of training is truly invaluable. Garrett is top notch and his extensive experience training people to drive in these condition was evident throughout our three days. Just driving home from their CT facility I kept thinking about driving on the nearest dirt road and utilizing my new found skill.

Anyone in the NorthEast or Virginia (they have two facilities) seriously needs to check out Overland Experts (http://www.overlandexperts.com/)and give Bruce (CEO) a call. We set up a private three day lesson, but there are a ton of options for shorter and longer classes with either 1:1 or lots of trucks...and they are customized for what you want to learn!!!

Just for fun, here are some pictures!

Niall getting wet:
http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t117/sparg93/IMG_8355.jpg
http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t117/sparg93/IMG_8356.jpg

Pat going big
http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t117/sparg93/IMG_8413.jpg
http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t117/sparg93/IMG_8396.jpg

My Heavy Chevy getting up there...my cousin joined the trip
http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t117/sparg93/th_MVI_8311.jpg (http://s158.photobucket.com/albums/t117/sparg93/?action=view&current=MVI_8311.mp4)
http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t117/sparg93/IMG_8408.jpg
http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t117/sparg93/IMG_8419.jpg

All of us about to hit the rocks
http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t117/sparg93/IMG_8364.jpg

A sincere thanks to Overland Experts for an incredible adventure and training!!

[BurbanAZ]

looks like an awesome trip too bad it was so far. If there was something like that near here i would love to take some of those classes.

[sparg93]

looks like an awesome trip too bad it was so far. If there was something like that near here i would love to take some of those classes.

Garrett will be at Overland Expo in AZ...he and a few others are putting on driving/training sessions during the event!

[891TON]

Hey nice pics. Looks like you guys had a good time. I checked these guys out a little. I live right near their CT training areas. But it looks to me from all their pics and training stuff i see (they post a ton on facebook) its all pretty novice/amature stuff. How is their CT course? I was going to go to their winching seminar but after looking through the photos, for $150 I dont think it would have been worth it. Im still kinda interested in seeing what they have to offer, but is their stuff more geared towards newbies and learning the basics? I've been wheeling for 15 years and I wouldnt even need to put my rig in 4wd to do the stuff I've seen in their photos. Do they have more advaced stuff or other classes for people with built rigs? what was the price for your training? I havent had good luck trying to get ahold of them over the phone or email. Actually the only way Ive gotten any kind of comminication out of them was through facebook of all places. Where do you live in CT? I have some great spots for wheeling if you are interested.

[sparg93]

Hey nice pics. Looks like you guys had a good time. I checked these guys out a little. I live right near their CT training areas. But it looks to me from all their pics and training stuff i see (they post a ton on facebook) its all pretty novice/amature stuff. How is their CT course? I was going to go to their winching seminar but after looking through the photos, for $150 I dont think it would have been worth it. Im still kinda interested in seeing what they have to offer, but is their stuff more geared towards newbies and learning the basics? I've been wheeling for 15 years and I wouldnt even need to put my rig in 4wd to do the stuff I've seen in their photos. Do they have more advaced stuff or other classes for people with built rigs? what was the price for your training? I havent had good luck trying to get ahold of them over the phone or email. Actually the only way Ive gotten any kind of comminication out of them was through facebook of all places. Where do you live in CT? I have some great spots for wheeling if you are interested.

Our class was for stock to mildly modified rigs...more of a beginner class; that was how we set it up though.

For built rigs and more advanced stuff, I would certainly try giving them a call again. It sounds like you ran into some issues connecting with them, but I was fortunate that whenever I called, it was pretty easy to reach Bruce..we connected few times and our three day class was setup for exactly what we wanted to do...but they have 2 or 3 trails we didn't even touch b/c of the level of difficulty.

I would love to wheel in CT! I used to work in Southport, but now I'm between MA and NY regularly. My rig is pretty mild compared to yours so I'll pass on the crazy stuff, but I'm a good spotter for places my rig can't reach.

[891TON]

oh sorry didnt realize you were from NJ. Thought by the way your thread sounded you were from CT. Are you in a club out there? Good to know they have hard stuff. Maybe I will give them another shot. Just didnt want to pay a couple hundred bucks if I wasn't going to get anything out of it.

[sparg93]

Nope, no club..when I get back from this trip, I'll be in MA for a least a year. If you know of any around there (even CT), I'd love to join a club that doesn't focus only on Jeeps.

I've had a hard time finding great places to wheel other then paid-to-play parks b/c noone in my circle is into this stuff...but I'm hoping to connect with more people as i continue building up my rig and play around a bit more.

Yeah, definitely give OEX a call and hopefully you connect with them over the phone. If they don't have anything as advanced as what you're looking for, at least you'll know right off the bat....but if they do, it could certainly be worth your time.