Owl Trail Run: Borrego Springs Adventure

If you thrive on exploration and demand the best from your adventure rig, you know that true confidence starts with a vehicle (and a crew) ready to tackle any terrain. That’s what Owl is all about—and nothing proves it like hitting the dirt with a fresh squad of van owners, each looking to extract every ounce of capability from their Sprinter or INEOS Grenadier. Recently, the Owl team took to the hills outside Borrego Springs for our season’s first official van trail run, bringing together newcomers and seasoned off-roaders for a hands-on, community-driven off-road experience. Here’s what went down, what we learned, and how you can prepare for your own trail adventures.

The Scene: Southern California’s Borrego Springs

Rolling in from Northern California, our host John (from Owl Vans) summed up the feeling you get when rubber leaves pavement: “I have all this stress...and then I get down here, I turn off the freeway, about to get to meet everybody...all of a sudden I see dirt and I see off road vehicles and trees and beautiful countryside. And all of a sudden all those life stresses are just gone.”

That’s precisely why we gather—30 vans strong at the staging area, ready to air down, engage four-wheel-drive, and find out what adventure vans are really made for.

Trail Prep: The Basics You Can’t Skip

Before dropping tire to trail, everyone took a moment to air down. Here’s why it matters:

Improved Traction: Lowering tire pressure increases the contact patch, which means more grip on sand, rock, and rough track.
Ride Comfort: Softer tires flex over uneven ground, taking some sting out of the ruts and rocks.
Protection: Reduced tire pressure helps prevent punctures by letting the rubber wrap around obstacles.

On this run, the crew aired down to about 25 psi—a solid starting point for mixed terrain. If faced with deeper sand, dropping lower can mean the difference between floating and digging in. And, of course, switch your rig into four-wheel-drive well before you need it!

Terrain, Technique, and Teamwork

Borrego’s trails offered a mix of soft sand, rocky ascents, and a few technical obstacles—nothing a well-prepped adventure van can’t handle, but enough to keep everyone alert and learning. Our group was a mix:

Rock crawling veterans with Jeep and 4x4 experience.
Van-Lifers brand new to traction control and low range.
Everyone in between, united by curiosity and a taste for challenge.

What stood out? The lack of ego. Everyone helped each other spot lines, air down, tweak approach angles, and, when necessary, lend a winch to a van perched atop a boulder (yep, that happened).

Key Lessons:

Obstacle Approach: Walk obstacles before driving. Engage the right gear, and trust your spotter to guide you through tight spots.
Recovery Readiness: Even with excellent clearance and traction, it’s smart to roll with recovery gear—tow straps, soft shackles, a winch, Maxtrax, and a quality jack.
Peer Learning: Whether you’re a first timer or a trail boss, everyone can learn something new—about tire pressures, throttle control, or the nuances of their van’s transfer case.

Technical Focus: What Makes a Trail-Ready Van

If you’re prepping your Mercedes Sprinter or Ineos Grenadier for a season of overland adventure, here’s what we recommend:

Tire and Wheel Upgrades

All-terrain or mud-terrain tires with sidewall protection.
Beadlock-capable wheels if you often air down deep.

Armor & Recovery Gear

Skid plates for engine, transmission, and differential protection.
Recovery points front and rear.
Onboard air for tire inflation/deflation.

Suspension & Clearance Mods

Upgraded shocks and springs to handle weight and harsh terrain.
Lift kits to boost approach, departure, and breakover angles.

Electrical & Lighting

Additional lighting for night trail runs.
Dual battery setups for auxiliary power demands.

Storage Solutions

Mounts and racks for recovery gear, Maxtrax, and other essentials.
Rear ladders and gear carriers, like our Owl B2, Sherpa, or Expedition Tire Carrier systems, for accessible, rugged storage.

Ready to Get Dirty? Join the Owl Movement

FYI: This Trail Run sold out in a few hours. Stay up to date on future Owl Events