After a strong summer season renting the Sportsmobile to fellow adventurers it is time to figure out how I want to grow the business.  This company is much more than just a convienient way to own a Sportsmobile but a business I want to build into something much larger.  Now that winter has begun in the Rockies and rentals have slowed, I have time to make the next moves for growth.
To continue this growth I need another edge to the company.  Essentially another source of income and access to a larger customer demographic.  This movement will be entering into the Overland retail market. 

The Ursa Minor Vehicles roof top tent will be one of my premier products launching in the Spring of 2016.  Ursa Minor Vehicles builds roof top tents for the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited and the Honda Element.  Other than Ursa Minors home location in San Diego, Into The Wild will be the only factory dealer and installer in North America.  I recently visited their shop and had a camper installed on my Honda Element.  I was truly impressed with the quality of the camper and the ease of use. 
In addition to selling and installing these units I plan to have a Jeep with a camper added to the rental fleet.  This will allow potential customers to "drive before they buy" and also have a vehicle in a lower rental price range than the Sportsmobile.

The next item that I will be adding to the retail side of the business are Off Road Tear Drop Trailers.  As the Overland market continues to grow in North America the demand of these off road trailers are booming with it.  The trailers will be built in house and sold to customers that already have their adventure rig of choice.  The first unit is currently in production and should be completed in the next couple months. 
This trailer, currently dubbed The Boreas AT ( I live on Boreas Pass) will offer off-road and off-the-grid capabilities.  Features will include: sleeping for 2, with an option for an additional roof top tent, solar power, full galley kitchen, on board propane and water, independent suspension, 31x10.5 AT tires, 20" ground clearance, fully articulating hitch, and weighing in under 2000 lbs.
Custom built trailers will also be available for customers to order depending on specific needs or tow vehicles.  I will also have at least one trailer available for rent to provide that "drive before you buy" option.

The above picture is the initial design.  As the build moves along things are bound to change.  I will be posting up a build blog for everyone to check out in the near future. 

Once the prototype has been completed I plan to launch a crowd funding campaign.  This will help to acquire a production facility in Denver and purchase additional tools and equipment to streamline the builds.  Stay tuned for that launch!

I have a couple other irons (big irons!) in the fire with the retail market.  I will keep you posted as those continue to progress over the winter.

If you are interested in my company check out the website at Into The Wild Expedition Rentals!

Hey everyone!  I currently have a adventure vehicle up for sale!  It is a 2006 Honda Element EX AWD with an Ursa Minor E-Camper!

Sold
2006 Honda Element EX with a freshly installed E-Camper by Ursa Minor Vehicles. The Honda was recently driven out to San Diego where Ursa Minor installed the camper at $6200.00. This is also their only install location. The interior retains its original layout, there is no removal of the roof. This vehicle is now a great everyday driver and adventure vehicle rolled into one. The camper pops up in about 45 seconds and sleeps two comfortably. There is a dome light, 2 reading lights, and 2 USB outlets inside the pop top. It is built with heavy duty canvas and gives the option of screened windows or roll it all back for sleeping under the stars.
With Hondas interior design all four seats fold flat into beds. Potentially you could sleep 4 people in this vehicle!
Honda is rated for 22 mpg city and 24 hwy, but I've seen 30mpg on the highway. The 4 cylinder V-Tec engine has plenty of power with no problem ticking off mountain passes.

78,000 Miles
AWD
Automatic
4 Doors
Power Windows
Power Locks
Moon Roof
3 Honda Keys
CD Player
Cruise Control
Tires at 75%
Waterproof seats
Waterproof floor
New Battery
New Air Filter
New Front Rotors/Pads

The Element is located in Breckenridge, Colorado but am willing to meet serious buyers in Denver. These Elements are difficult to find with this low mileage and nearly impossible with the Ecamper. The asking price is $19,900 obo.
The front seats have seat covers on them currently. The driver's seat has some wear.
Here is a link to Ursa Minors website www.ursaminorvehicles.com
Clear title, no lien
Thanks for looking!
Matt
612-419-9604
[email protected]

The day has finally come.  I write this blog post with a heavy heart.  With much deliberation the difficult decision to sell The Betty has been made.  I really thought I was going to keep this truck forever, but things have changed.  Though I have only owned her for over a year the bond had grown over thousands of miles of adventure and dirt roads.

Even with the blog postings during my trip, its only a snap shot of the adventures we had together.   Through thick and thin The Betty was always there, never leaving me stranded and providing me with shelter.   Plans for my future and the business I now operate were hatched at the helm of her 7.3 liter turbo diesel engine.  Friends were made, stories told, and libations shared in her camper.  The 4 wheel drive rescued me from flash floods in Utah and early season snow storms deep in the San Juans.  I couldn't have asked for a better adventure partner on a journey that I will remember for the rest of my life.

The time has come to sell this vehicle.  The fact that she runs like a champ and is as reliable as ever made the decision even harder.  As my business grows this type of truck does not fit the bigger picture.  As things continue to evolve I'll keep you posted on the newest adventure rig.

I put together a handful of my favorite pictures of The Betty over the course of our trip.  

If your curious about the business I own and operate swing over to the website at http://www.intothewildexpeditionrentals.com