Trail Testing

At Owl, we don’t just manufacture premium upgrades for Sprinter Vans and the Grenadier; we run our products through the ringer, pitting them against the most unforgiving terrains in North America. Our recent Moab adventure raised the bar for off-road testing. Here’s what we discovered about the Grenadier’s real-world capability—and where smart upgrades make all the difference. Moab: The Ultimate Off-Road Testing Ground Moab, Utah needs no introduction if you’re serious about off-roading. With iconic trails like Steel Bender, Hell’s Revenge, Fins and Things, Poison Spider Mesa, and Moab Rim, it’s where theory meets reality. Some vehicles show up to Moab for a photoshoot; we came to test, break, and rebuild. Our fleet of Grenadiers (stock and loaded with custom gear) faced every challenge head-on. Grenadier: More Than Heritage Looks The INEOS Grenadier draws inspiration from classic off-road legends, but does it live up to the vehicles it was inspired by?  Short answer: It’s the real deal. Our team—including seasoned pros like Dan Fresh (professional off-road racer) and experts from Adrenaline Vans and Owl Offroad—set out to find the Grenadier’s limits. What happened next was a masterclass in engineering, strategy, and vehicle recovery. Trail-by-Trail: Lessons From Moab’s Brutal Obstacles Steel Bender: Initiation by Rock Within minutes on Steel Bender, we knew this wasn’t a park trail. The Grenadier’s rugged build gave us confidence, and after a few “didn’t really steer” moments and some creative use of throttle, the team pushed through. No major casualties—just some cosmetic marks. Hell’s Revenge & Hell’s Gate: Precision or Peril Hell’s Gate separated the bold from the wise. “It’s easy if you get it right and upside down if you get it wrong,” Dan Fresh warned. Every obstacle put the Grenadier’s approach, clearance, and articulation to the test, and Owl’s Highline bumper (engineered for maximum approach angle) proved its worth. Skid plates and rock sliders absorbed impacts, and despite the notorious reputation of Hell’s Gate for rollovers, our group tackled it—with a few scratches to show for the effort. Mickey’s Hot Tub: Winch It, Live Another Day Moab is nothing if not humbling. Mickey’s Hot Tub forced us to deploy the winch after multiple attempts. The lesson: When tackling vertical, loose, or technical exits, a reliable winch isn’t optional—it’s critical. Fins and Things: Technique Over Raw Power Sandstone ridges and roller-coaster undulations define Fins and Things. Improved ground clearance (thanks to our Grenadier Highline Bumper and suspension upgrades) let the Grenadiers roll obstacles without hesitation. When tire pressure dropped too low during “Barbie Jeep donuts,” rapid trail-side repairs kept us moving. The right air-down toolkit and onboard compressor are essentials for any serious wheeler. Poison Spider Mesa & Moab Rim: Ultimate Suspension Test As trails got steeper and exposed, both factory and modified Grenadiers worked every degree of available articulation. After-market suspension upgrades widened the margin for error, but even the stock setups made it—provided drivers finessed tire placement and kept a cool head. Gear That Made the Difference Moab doesn’t suffer fools—or ill-prepared rigs. Here’s what we recommend, based on field-proven experience: Grenadier Bumper: Highline Winch – Advanced approach angle, stout construction, and no sweat handling the nastiest ledges. Rock Sliders & Skid Plates – Moab’s signature ledges and boulders threatened more than paint; body and mechanical protection is mandatory. Grenadier Suspension: Trail-Flo 4" Lift – Dan’s Grenadier with the lift handled the biggest drops with poise, preserving undercarriage integrity and approach/departure angles. Air Tools & Compressors – Essential for immediate repairs and managing tire pressures for varying trail conditions. Winch – More than once, recovery gear differentiated “stuck for a minute” from “stuck all day (or night).” Every piece of kit faced real-world action. If you’re building your Grenadier for serious adventure, integrate equipment that’s as tough as the terrain. The Reality: Grenadier’s Off-Road Chops Key Insights: Solid Base: Out-of-the-box, the Grenadier is no poser. It handled steep inclines, leaned into off-camber ledges, and survived technical recoveries with minimal drama. Upgrades Maximize Confidence: The right bumper, suspension, and protection transform “maybe” into “let’s go.” Mechanical Reliability: Other than trail-induced cosmetic damage and a license plate taking a beating (“Obviously a manufacturing defect,” Ricardo quipped), mechanical failures were rare, and field fixes (like resetting a stubborn transfer case) kept the adventure on track. Driver Skill Counts: It’s not just the rig—smart line choice, knowing when to throttle up or back off, and effective recovery execution separated sketchy moments from serious incidents. Pro Tips for Aspiring Moab Adventurers Never Underestimate the Trail: Even experienced drivers can get in hot water.  Prep for Recovery: Winches, shackles, and a competent recovery team are non-negotiable. Air Down Appropriately: Too much (or too little) pressure is a recipe for tire issues and getting stuck. Upgrade Safely: Protect your investment with proven products; cut corners and Moab will find your weak spots. Moab was the crucible that separated the pretenders from the contenders. As noted in our trip’s conclusion, “We learned that the INEOS Grenadier isn’t just about rugged looks and heritage styling. It’s the real deal. Time and time again, it proved itself as an incredibly capable off-road machine, far exceeding all expectations.” If you’re ready to take your Grenadier or Van into the wild—or just want to know what gear can stand up to the most demanding terrain, check us out. Our products aren’t just built for adventure; they’re proven where it counts.

If pushing boundaries is in your DNA, your gear should rise to the challenge. At Owl, our obsession with off-road adventure isn’t just talk—it’s engineered into every product we build. Nothing embodies this more than our industry-leading Sprinter van carriers and racks, crafted for rugged reliability and field-proven strength. But just how strong are they? We put our carriers to a test most brands wouldn’t dream of—lifting an entire Sprinter van off the ground by the hinges. Let’s dig into the “don’t try this at home” experiment, the engineering behind our strength, and what it means for your next adventure rig. We Put Our Bike Carrier to the Ultimate Stress Test Our test isn’t about fancy marketing; it's about unequivocally proving how much trust you can place in our carrier.  Here’s what we did: Setup: In our R&D shop, we rolled the Owl Revel onto a set of high-precision corner weight scales—the same kind race teams use to balance cars for optimal handling.  The Plan: We mounted a prototype of our 2019 bike carrier onto the Sprinter’s heavy-duty hinges (not through the door) and inserted a hydraulic floor jack underneath a single post of the carrier. The Lift: Slowly, and carefully, we jacked the Sprinter up—lifting the entire rear quarter of the vehicle until daylight shone beneath the tire. The weight load measured: over 1,500 pounds focused solely on the hinges and that single mounting post. “The entire right rear of the van is jacked off the ground via the hinges. If there's any doubt if it's better to mount to the door or the hinges, there's your answer, my friends.”– John, Owl Founder' The result? Not even a hint of damage or flex. The door still opened and closed smoothly, and the rack held firm. Why Real-World Stress Testing Matters It’s one thing to claim that your carrier is tough. It’s another thing to demonstrate it under real loads. At Owl, we commit resources to product design, engineering, and—importantly—product testing on and off the trail. The Problem With “Copycat” Designs As adventure van culture explodes, the market has become flooded with racks and carriers that “look like” the real thing but don’t always perform. Many overlook the complex engineering that goes into load distribution, metal selection, and weld techniques. Shortcuts + Heavy Loads = Risk: Cutting corners during manufacturing or in the mounting method can mean catastrophic failure when battling washboard roads or loaded with e-bikes. Imitation Is Not Innovation: We see copycats out there, but quality, weld excellence, and obsessive testing don’t come from shortcuts—they come from relentless focus and expertise. The Engineering: Purposeful Design for Overlanding Our racks are more than just aluminum bolted to the back of your Sprinter. Every detail is intentional, every weld scrutinized. Key Elements That Make Owl Carriers Stand Apart Material Matters:We use select grades of lightweight, high-strength aluminum—not steel, which can be heavy and rust-prone—with expert TIG welds. Hinge Mounting:Hinges on Mercedes Sprinter vans are overbuilt for exactly this reason—they can accept immense loads when leveraged properly. Our racks mount through engineered hinge points, not merely through doors, dispersing energy efficiently. Precision Engineering:CAD design and stress modeling ensure every carrier operates within a safe margin, even in dynamic off-road conditions. Rigorous Testing:We tested load beyond any recommended (or sane) use case. While our test subjected the carrier to over 1,500 lbs, our recommended cargo rating for daily use is a conservative 100 lbs. That’s real-world reliability with a huge margin of safety. Dynamic Loads vs. Static Loads: Why Our Test Still Matters Skeptics may note: “You jacked it up, but what about real-world bumps?” It’s a fair question. Our testing acknowledges this difference: Static Load: Lifting the van vertically applies a direct, massive force on the carrier and hinges—akin to the kind of impact your setup might see in a worst-case scenario (say, landing hard after catching unexpected air on a forest road). Dynamic Load: On the road, your carrier faces vibration, sway, and shock. Our engineering and overbuilt testing ensure that regular use—across rough terrain, fully loaded—remains well within the carrier’s safety envelope. Just as important: after these wild tests, the rack and door functioned exactly as they came from the factory—no tweaks, no strain, no misalignment. Invest in Gear That’s Proven, Not Just Promised Real adventure demands more. That’s why at Owl, our commitment is proven, not just advertised. Every product is backed by obsessive engineering and hard-earned field experience. You demand dependability—and that’s what we deliver.

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

When upgrading your Sprinter Van for off-road adventure, equipment durability is non-negotiable. Your gear hauler might face everything from rocky forest trails to unexpected impacts on the road—or in this customer's instance— a 10,000-pound aircraft hangar door coming down without warning. At Owl, we engineer every carrier and rack to thrive under real-world abuse, not just spec-sheet promises. Today, we break down a jaw-dropping real-world endurance test straight from the shop. You’ll see why the Owl B2 is in a league of its own for Sprinter Van upgrades, and what happens when a van accessory meets industrial-scale adversity. Unplanned Testing: The Aircraft Hangar Incident Chris pulled in with his Sprinter Van to share an unbelievable story—and his van as proof. Chris owns an aircraft hangar and uses an Owl B2 to maximize his Sprinter's functional storage. Here’s what happened: Upon returning from a trip, Chris pulled into his hangar, misjudging his alignment markers (meant for backing in, not pulling forward). As a result, his van protruded further into the hangar than expected. When the massive 50-foot-long, 14-foot-tall steel bifold door descended, it landed squarely on the Owl B2 mounted to the van's rear. Estimated weight of the door? Somewhere between 5,000 and 10,000 pounds. Real-World Overkill: The Aftermath Immediately, the question is: what happens when the load on your carrier isn’t a pair of e-bikes or a spare tire, but several tons of steel? Chris and John from Owl inspected the aftermath together: No damage to the van: The OEM Mercedes hinges and rear door structure held firm, a testament to the foundational strength of the Sprinter. B2 Carrier Condition: The B2 showed minor deformation. The mounting plate and points exhibited some bending, and there were visible marks where the door hit. Crucially: Tubes and bars remained straight. No weld failures. Chris’s conclusion? “From a carrier standpoint and from a van door standpoint, it seems like it’s going to be all right.” Owl doesn't recommend using any product that’s been subject to this kind of abuse, but the fact the B2 stayed structurally intact—without catastrophic failure—shows what makes an adventure-worthy carrier different. Engineering Beyond the Expected Why did the B2 hold up under a freak 10,000-pound impact? Let’s look at the design philosophy that drives every Owl product: Rugged Materials, Intense Testing Precision-Welded Steel Construction: All Owl carriers, including the B2, are engineered from high-grade, corrosion-resistant steel. Welds are overbuilt to survive both dynamic trail stresses and, apparently, the literal weight of an airplane hangar door. Mount-to-Body Integrity: The B2 interfaces directly with factory Sprinter hinges, themselves robust components. This synergy is why catastrophic failure didn’t occur—engineered durability, not just accessory add-ons. Overbuilt by Intent Designed for E-Bikes and More: Customers often ask if the B2 can hold heavy e-bikes. If it can outlast a hangar door, it can handle the heaviest two-wheeled setups with margin to spare. Stress Testing, Real and Accidental: While no manufacturer can (or should) promise survival from such extreme impacts, this incident validates the ethos: Engineer for double the anticipated load, and real-world adventures won’t phase your gear. Lessons from the Field: Best Practices Always Inspect After Major Impacts: While the B2 held up, inspect any system that has endured extreme force before continued use. Trust Real-World Proof: Video reviews and lab testing matter, but nothing tops documented survival through abnormal events. Choose Gear with a Reputation: Owl Vans is the leader in Sprinter Van upgrades for a reason—overbuilt gear, expert support, and a history of innovation. Upgrade with Proven Engineering Chris’s van survived an event that should have destroyed anything less than premium-grade hardware. The B2 wasn’t engineered with “hangar door crush test” in mind, but because every detail is built for real adventure—not just weekends, but years of hard use—it’s up to the challenge.