Take a look at my new review of the Subaru Outback for a soft road overland road warrior. After owning three Jeep JKs I opted for the Subaru as my lifestyle evolved and in the process put the Subaru through the gauntlet. I've put together a great video review I think is worth watching for anyone that is looking for a vehicle that is as utilitarian yet civilized as the Outback.

After 7yrs and 90k miles it was time to say goodbye to our beloved JKU. After a great deal of thought and introspection I realized I wanted something a little (okay, a lot) more civilized that could still do a forest service road and boondock with that my wife could actually drive and stand to ride in for more than an hour. Sacrificing comfort and driveability for an activity that consumed maybe 5% of my life behind the wheel wasn't worth it anymore, at least in the near term. My choice is a little unorthodox and unconventional, but after a few subtle mods it will suffice and allow us to enjoy the entire journey more as we pull our tear drop further than we would have with the Jeep. So what did I replace a heavily modded JKU with you ask? A Mercedes ML550. New wheels and tires get installed next week, the 1.5" lift arrives early next year (some crazy Russian actually came up with one), and skidplates should be fabbed up this winter. I am under no illusion of the significant downgrade in off road capability but life is all about trade-offs. It's going to be an interesting journey as I discover its limits while saving up for a well sorted G-wagon.

Decided to move on to a mellower pasture. My Power Wagon was starting to nickel and dime me to death with an electrical gremlin and I was getting tired of hanging out at the dealer. On my last trip I noticed a lonely looking new 2018 2500 CTD Laramie sitting all by itself on the dealers lot. It turns out this one was the last 2018 model year, old body style on the lot and with almost 20k slashed off the sticker. The numbers worked, I got an OK trade in value on the Power Wagon..even with a check engine light on and a slew of other glitches and now I get to start over. So far the only thing I really miss on the Power Wagon is the winch. I'm really impressed with the almost doubling of the fuel mileage and air conditioned seats for those long trail days. Now I guess I have to schedule my appointment to get that Cummins life tattoo.