Start Here, presented by Nitto Tire, provides a wide range of beginner and novice-level articles to help educate enthusiasts with essential knowledge for vehicle-based adventures. Your trailhead starts here!
Start Here
Is A 12-Volt Fridge The Most Valuable Piece Of Overland Gear?
No single piece of overland kit may deliver more value than a quality 12-volt fridge. Here’s what to consider before you buy.
How Low Can You Go? Trail Tire Pressure Explained
What tire pressure should you run on the trail? The answer depends on vehicle weight, tire construction, terrain type, and wheel specifications. Learn how to safely air down for improved traction and ride quality—whether you’re running beadlocks or standard wheels—and discover the tools you need to deflate and reinflate with confidence.
Why Tire Load Ratings Matter More Than Size
Most overland vehicle owners choose tires based on size, tread pattern, and budget—but overlooking load ratings can undermine suspension performance, fuel economy, and ride quality. Understanding load capacity ensures your tires match your vehicle’s actual weight, delivering better handling both on pavement and off-road.
Smart Outfitting Priorities for Your Overland Vehicle Build
The explosion of overlanding gear has made it easier than ever to outfit a vehicle—and easier to overload it. Before buying the entire catalog, consider what truly matters: weight, space, and budget. Smart prioritization keeps your rig legal, functional, and ready for real adventures.
Essential Winter Travel Tips for Cold-Weather Road Trips
From tire selection to emergency gear, learn how to properly prepare your vehicle for winter travel in freezing conditions. These cold-weather road trip essentials could make the difference between a smooth journey and a dangerous breakdown when temperatures plummet.
Why Wet Handling matters — and how the Nitto Terra Grappler G3 Leads the Way
Rain, puddles, and slick pavement are part of everyday life—and the right A/T tire can be the difference between feeling in control and feeling uncertain.
What is Overlanding? How Should We Define this Term
With overlanding’s explosive growth, countless products and marketing attempts have sparked debates about what truly defines this vehicle-based adventure style. From its Australian cattle-driving origins to modern interpretations, we explore what overlanding really means.
All-Terrain tires with the best warranty in 2025
Whether your setup leans overland, pre-runner, or heavy-duty daily with a weekend trail schedule, these tires are made to look tough and work even tougher.
Why You Should Weigh Your Overland Rig After Major Modifications
After adding a rooftop tent and upgrading our electrical system, we returned to the CAT Scale to discover our Land Cruiser had gained 115 pounds—pushing us well beyond Toyota’s recommended GVWR.
12.50” Vs 11.50” Wide Tires: Which is the Better Choice and Why
The Tire Size Most Truck Owners Overlook—But Shouldn’t
Confidence on the Trail: Hoplite Venturetrek Skills Class
Boost your backcountry skills with Hoplite Venturetrek’s hands-on training in Moab. Learn recovery, navigation, and trail driving in this essential beginner class.
Steel vs Synthetic Winch Line: Which Winch Rope is Right for You
Compare steel and synthetic winch lines to see which is right for your off-road adventures. Learn the benefits, drawbacks, and safety tips for each rope type.
all Start Here articles
Onboard Air vs Portable Compressors: Which Is Better for Off-Roading?
Explore the pros and cons of onboard air vs. portable air compressors for off-road vehicles. Learn how each type impacts air-up times, space requirements, and accessory compatibility to make the best choice for your rig.
Everything You Need to Know About Overlanding Essentials and Gear for Your Next Off-Road Trip
Getting Your Rig Setup with the Right Gear for an Off-Road Trip, Camping and Overlanding
The Price Of Adventure: How Much Does A Continent-Scale Expedition Really Cost?
While living on the road, it becomes plainly clear the size of our adventures are limited mainly by our savings accounts. As much as we don’t want it to be true, we all know the adventure will end when the money runs out. How much does it cost to overland longterm?
Driving Skills: Getting a Handle On Driving Side-Slopes
I remember my first experience negotiating a side slope in my 1973 Toyota Land Cruiser—some decades ago now. I was a rank novice, learning the basics of low-range driving by trial and error on the trails in the mountains east of Tucson.
Start Here, presented by Nitto Tire, provides a wide range of beginner and novice-level articles to help educate enthusiasts with essential knowledge for vehicle-based adventures. Your trailhead starts here!