On this “episode” of 67 Designs Customer Spotlights, where we share the stories of some of our customers, we get to know Andrew Benoit. Benoit, from Squamish, British Columbia, is a structural inspector in the city of Vancouver. On weekends and vacations, Andrew loves getting out with his family or friends to explore all BC has to offer.
Proud owner of: a white 2013 Jeep Wrangler JKU and a 2020 Jay Flight BAJA Travel Trailer.
Featured upgrades: Andrew’s Jeep is decked out with the following features...
- Auburn 4.88 gears
- Auburn ECTED Electronic Locker (front and rear)
- ARIES Automotive Jeep Fender Flares (front and rear)
- ARIES Automotive TrailChaser® Jeep Bumpers (front and rear)
- DV8 Offroad Tire carrier
- DV8 Offroad inner fenders (front and rear)
- FOX Performance 3.5” shocks
- Rubicon Express Coil Springs
- Rough Country Adjustable Drag Link System
- Rhino Rack backbone system
- Smittybilt Overlander Tent (with skylights, a memory foam, fit for a california king)
- Rock-Slide Engineering Basic EZ Rack Kit
- 67 Designs Universal for Phones, Series 55 Rail - 50mm, Matte Finish Nano Arm and Holder for iPad
- Dana 30 axle
- Dana 34 axle
- RotopaX (for gas and water)
- DIY Battery Kit
- Dometic fridge
- 18 Inch Pro Comp Rims
- Toyo 35” mountain tires
- 10,000lb Smittybilt winch
- Also special shoutout to Street Legal Tint & Detail and Super L'Auto Recyclers, who work on the Jeep
Customer of 67 Designs since: January 2017.
Inspiration for buying his Jeep: Andrew has been wheeling in fashion vehicles since he was young, but realized he did not love the scene and destroying vehicles. He wanted a “lone wolf,” a vehicle that could do well on its own and could get him out of any situation he finds himself in.
First adventure with the Jeep: His first trip was to Hot Lake in his hometown of Squamish. There is a gate at the entrance and it is monitored by a gatekeeper. You are only allowed in if you have a vehicle capable of traversing the trails. It is super peaceful to camp there because there are not too many people around.
Most recent adventure: month and year? Andrew got out on RoanRidge in Squamish with his family. He was also able to sneak in some solo adventures in the evenings and mornings.
Most memorable adventure: month and year? About 5 minutes from his house lay the Garibaldi Highlands, which has many offroad trails. He was able to get home from work at 4pm and set off with his dog and daughter. By 4:30, they were eating steak, baked potatoes and mushrooms and onions. Yum!
Upcoming trips: Andrew wants to make a tradition out of going camping on boxing day with his family. He is hoping to get 2 days in Porteau Cove Provincial Park, which is about 45 minutes from home.
Dream trip: To drive the California coast, through Portland, OR, and then head over to Disneyland for his daughter. After Disneyland, he wants to reverse and do it all over again on the way home.
Advice for those who are just beginning overlanding: “Upgrade your steering, Jeeps aren't capable unless you upgrade.” He recommends the PHC off road steer kit.
#1 place he has camped: Porteau Cove, directly on the ocean. He can plug in the camper, cook, bike and explore the sea.
Fun fact about Andrew: He is very neat in putting things back where they belong. He says that when you get into this habit, you do not forget materials as often.
Jeep club memberships: No, he loves photography and enjoying the scenery and he finds it hard to do this with caravans of others.
Notes from the writer: For Andrew, it is “not about getting to the destination, it is about enjoying the drive;” especially with his wife, daughter and Samoyed. Overlanding is a way for him to spend quality time with them. He also loves that the Jeep is a kind of “apocalypse vehicle,” ready in the driveway for whenever you may need.
Check out his work here: Andrew did not expect his Instagram to take off, it was really just meant as a memory log for himself, but he now has over 17k followers and been featured in Aries Automotive and Canadian Tire Magazine! Check it out below:
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