S3, E83 - Andy and Mercedes on the Alcan
About this episode
Andy and Mercedes Lillianthal share their experience tackling the grueling Alcan 5000 rally in a Honda Passport TrailSport, highlighting the vehicle's surprising off-road capability, comfort, and tech features. They discuss Honda's push into rugged midsize SUVs, comparing the Passport to competitors like the Toyota 4Runner and Subaru Outback. The episode also covers rally challenges, vehicle prep, and future adventure plans. Host Sean Holman adds updates on his Jeep upgrades and gear, plus listener voicemails with automotive insights and community shoutouts.
Friends of the show, Andy and Mercedes Lilienthal, tackle the Alcan 5000 in a new Honda Passport Trailsport, discovering in the process if it has the chops for adventure and Holman brings you up to speed on a ton of new products. The Truck Show Podcast is produced in partnership with AMSOIL, Kershaw Knives, and OVR Mag. Don't forget to check out truckshowpodcast.com for special offers from our friends and sponsors.
Starlink
"ugly mount on the outside doesn't announce I have Starlink, it doesn't whatever just sits there, plug it in, boom, it's on and as I'm driving or camping or whatever, it's going to be perfect."
Starlink is a special internet service that works through satellites in space, so you can get internet even in places without regular coverage, like when you're camping.
Starlink is a satellite internet constellation operated by SpaceX, providing high-speed internet access especially useful in remote areas such as while camping or traveling.
67 Designs
"I've got my mount situation handled with the 67 designs, 55 series mount. And by the way, 67 designs makes the most awesome products. And I'm so mad at them, because they basically stopped selling to consumers unless you were a previous customer, and they're only doing military first responders and fleet."
67 Designs makes strong and well-made mounts and gear for trucks and off-road vehicles, but now they mostly sell to military and emergency workers instead of regular customers.
67 Designs is a company known for producing high-quality mounts and accessories, often used in off-road and adventure vehicles. They have shifted focus to selling primarily to military, first responders, and fleet customers.
Jeep Gladiator
"I've added the Mopark grab handles, aluminum pedals, which if you ever want to do aluminum pedals on a Gladiator or JT, they're, they're awesome, but boil them in water first."
The Jeep Gladiator is a truck version of the Jeep Wrangler that can go off-road and carry cargo in the back, making it good for adventures and work.
The Jeep Gladiator is a midsize pickup truck based on the Jeep Wrangler platform, known for its off-road capability and rugged design. The JT is the internal model code for the Gladiator.
aluminum pedals
"I've added the Mopark grab handles, aluminum pedals, which if you ever want to do aluminum pedals on a Gladiator or JT, they're, they're awesome, but boil them in water first."
Aluminum pedals are special metal pedals you can put in your car or truck that look nicer and last longer than regular pedals.
Aluminum pedals are aftermarket or upgraded pedals made from aluminum, often for improved durability, aesthetics, and grip compared to standard rubber or plastic pedals.
Jeep Wrangler
"So it was developed with Altrade for the JL and JTs, it's 83 pieces. So Altrade is I think they're a Taiwanese company, and they make a lot of private label tools for people like Ingressal Rand and a bunch of others. And they're really, really good tools. So Jeep worked with them. And it's more than good enough quality for your trail tool set, but it's really robust, has a JPP branded canvas bag, keeps all the tools in their own pockets, keeps them secure and from rattling."
The Jeep Wrangler is a tough SUV that can go off-road and has doors and roofs you can take off for fun.
The Jeep Wrangler is a popular off-road SUV known for its rugged design and removable doors and roof. The JL is the generation code for the Wrangler produced from 2018 onward.
Altrade
"So it was developed with Altrade for the JL and JTs, it's 83 pieces. So Altrade is I think they're a Taiwanese company, and they make a lot of private label tools for people like Ingressal Rand and a bunch of others."
Altrade is a company from Taiwan that makes good quality tools that other companies sell under their own names.
Altrade is a Taiwanese company that manufactures private label tools for various brands, known for producing high-quality and robust hand tools.
JPP
"has a JPP branded canvas bag, keeps all the tools in their own pockets, keeps them secure and from rattling. And inside it comes with some nice quality Jeep branded tools, including sockets, which are all in rails, wrenches, ratchets, pliers, screwdriver, and a whole bunch more."
JPP means Jeep Performance Parts, which are special parts made just for Jeep vehicles to improve or customize them.
JPP stands for Jeep Performance Parts, a division of Jeep that produces branded accessories and upgrade parts tailored specifically for Jeep vehicles.
T55 Torx
"supplement it with is maybe a torque wrench and a T55 Torx. It does have an 18 millimeter impact."
T55 Torx is a special kind of screwdriver bit shaped like a star, used to turn certain screws on cars and trucks.
T55 Torx refers to a specific size of Torx screwdriver or bit, which is a star-shaped tool used for screws and bolts with a matching Torx head, commonly found in automotive applications.
torque wrench
"supplement it with is maybe a torque wrench and a T55 Torx. It does have an 18 millimeter impact."
A torque wrench is a tool that helps you tighten bolts just right, not too loose or too tight, so things stay safe and work well.
A torque wrench is a tool used to precisely apply a specific torque to a fastener such as a nut or bolt, ensuring proper tightness without over-tightening.
Mopar
"do. And it's fairly water resistant, rolls up nicely, and it's pretty compact. So Mopar sent that out. And I'm super stoked on that."
Mopar is the company that makes original parts and accessories for Jeep, Dodge, and other related vehicles.
Mopar is the parts, service, and customer care division of Stellantis, primarily supporting Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram vehicles with OEM parts and accessories.
Factor 55
"include the Factor 55 Ultra Hook on the front. And I had gotten it before my crash in a limited edition bronze color and it survived the crash because I hadn't taken it out of the box."
Factor 55 makes special hooks and gear that help you safely pull or tow your vehicle if it gets stuck.
Factor 55 is a company specializing in recovery gear and accessories for off-road vehicles, including the Ultra Hook, which is a safer alternative to traditional tow hooks.
Ultra Hook
"include the Factor 55 Ultra Hook on the front. And I had gotten it before my crash in a limited edition bronze color and it survived the crash because I hadn't taken it out of the box."
The Ultra Hook is a special hook that helps you safely attach a rope or cable to pull your vehicle without it coming loose.
The Ultra Hook is a recovery hook designed by Factor 55 that provides a secure and safe attachment point for winching and towing, replacing traditional tow hooks to reduce the risk of accidental release.
limited edition
"include the Factor 55 Ultra Hook on the front. And I had gotten it before my crash in a limited edition bronze color and it survived the crash because I hadn't taken it out of the box."
Limited edition means only a small number of that item was made, so it's special and not many people have it.
A limited edition product is produced in restricted quantities, often featuring unique colors or features that distinguish it from standard versions, making it more collectible or exclusive.
seat jackers
"I did the Desert Desert seat jackers with the MMP, the multi mount panel."
Seat jackers are tools that let you lift your vehicle up by the seat area so you can change tires or fix things.
Seat jackers are lifting devices designed to fit under vehicle seats to help raise the vehicle for tire changes or repairs, commonly used in off-road vehicles.
multi mount panel (MMP)
"I did the Desert Desert seat jackers with the MMP, the multi mount panel. So now mounts my new Baddest Casey flashlight and Leatherman."
A multi mount panel is a board or panel on your vehicle where you can attach different tools or lights easily.
A multi mount panel (MMP) is a mounting system that allows multiple accessories like flashlights or tools to be securely attached to a vehicle in a modular and organized way.
Casey
"I definitely want to talk to Casey because they're doing some stuff beyond just vehicle lighting. That's really cool in the space right now."
Casey makes special lights and other gear for vehicles, especially for off-road use.
Casey is a company specializing in vehicle lighting and related accessories, known for innovative products in the off-road and automotive lighting space.
Leatherman
"So now mounts my new Baddest Casey flashlight and Leatherman. I definitely want to talk to Casey because they're doing some stuff beyond just vehicle lighting."
Leatherman makes handy tools that have many functions in one, like knives and pliers, useful for fixing things on the go.
Leatherman is a well-known brand that produces multi-tools combining several tools like pliers, knives, and screwdrivers into a single compact device, popular for outdoor and automotive use.
hood straps
"And then I also put on the Redline hood straps. I had them on the old Jeep."
Hood straps are straps that keep your car's hood closed tightly so it doesn't move or make noise.
Hood straps are accessories that secure the vehicle's hood, preventing it from lifting or rattling, especially useful on heavy or modified hoods.
Jeep 392
"And because the 392 hood is so heavy, it's nice to have a hydraulic struts on it instead of the prop rod."
The Jeep 392 is a powerful Jeep with a big V8 engine that makes it strong for off-road driving and towing.
The Jeep 392 is a high-performance variant of Jeep models equipped with a 6.4-liter V8 engine (392 cubic inches), known for its power and off-road capability.
hydraulic struts
"And because the 392 hood is so heavy, it's nice to have a hydraulic struts on it instead of the prop rod."
Hydraulic struts are strong supports that keep your car's hood open by itself so you don't have to hold it.
Hydraulic struts are gas-filled supports that hold up heavy vehicle hoods or tailgates smoothly and securely without needing a manual prop rod.
Optima
"It also was great for showing off my new Optima lithium orange top battery, which we installed for the Overland Expo SoCal show this past weekend."
Optima makes strong car batteries that last long and work well, including special lightweight lithium ones.
Optima is a brand known for high-performance automotive batteries, including their lithium-ion models like the Optima lithium orange top battery, favored for durability and power delivery.
lithium battery
"It also was great for showing off my new Optima lithium orange top battery, which we installed for the Overland Expo SoCal show this past weekend."
A lithium battery is a type of car battery that is lighter and lasts longer than regular batteries.
Lithium batteries use lithium-ion technology to provide lighter weight, higher energy density, and longer life compared to traditional lead-acid automotive batteries.
Overland Expo
"which we installed for the Overland Expo SoCal show this past weekend. My Jeep was in Optima's booth."
Overland Expo is a big show where people who like off-road and adventure travel come together to see cool vehicles and gear.
Overland Expo is a popular event focused on overland and adventure travel, showcasing vehicles, gear, and technology for off-road and long-distance travel.
BMF
"I love the fact that it has a BMF that turns itself off at 35%. So all you do is turn it back on and you have room to start."
BMF is a smart feature in some batteries that helps keep the battery safe by turning it off when the charge is too low.
BMF stands for Battery Management Function, a feature in some batteries that helps protect the battery by turning itself off at a certain charge level to prevent damage.
jumpstart
"enough power left over to jumpstart yourself. I think that's huge for people who travel remote by themselves, overlanding excursions, things like that, because you don't have to have another vehicle to jumpstart you."
Jumpstarting means giving your car a boost to start it when its battery is dead, usually by connecting it to another battery or a special device.
Jumpstarting is the process of starting a vehicle by using an external power source, typically another vehicle's battery or a portable battery, to provide enough electrical current to start the engine when the vehicle's own battery is dead or weak.
overlanding
"I think that's huge for people who travel remote by themselves, overlanding excursions, things like that, because you don't have to have another vehicle to jumpstart you."
Overlanding means going on long trips in your vehicle to faraway places, camping and exploring along the way.
Overlanding is a form of self-reliant adventure travel to remote destinations where the journey is the primary goal, often involving off-road vehicles equipped for camping and extended trips.
Acura RDX
"They got a, my dad is getting close to retirement. And he had an old RDX. My mom's like, listen, it's got 130,000 miles, like you're still working, get a new car."
The Honda RDX is a type of SUV made by Honda. It's a bit fancy and comfortable, good for people who want a nice and reliable car that's not too big.
The Honda RDX is a compact luxury crossover SUV produced by Honda, known for its blend of performance, comfort, and technology features. It is popular among buyers looking for a reliable and practical vehicle with upscale touches.
Honda CR-V
"So yeah, no problem. So CRV comes to the house. I get in it. I hadn't been in a Honda in a while. Everything's exactly where I remember it always in every Honda, right?"
The Honda CR-V is a small SUV made by Honda. It's good for families and everyday driving because it's comfortable and uses gas efficiently.
The Honda CR-V is a compact crossover SUV that has been one of Honda's best-selling models worldwide. It is known for its practicality, fuel efficiency, and comfortable interior, making it a popular choice for families and daily drivers.
ground clearance
"Well, and to your point, I really think that the only real issue that I've seen is, again, just a little bit more ground clearance. It's at 8.3, 8.5 or so. If you were able to get 10 inches of ground clearance and a slightly bigger tire on there, obviously, they're already killing it."
Ground clearance means how high the bottom of the car is from the ground. The higher it is, the easier it is to drive over rocks or bumps without scraping.
Ground clearance is the distance between the lowest point of a vehicle's undercarriage and the ground. It is a critical factor for off-road capability, allowing a vehicle to clear obstacles without damage.
approach and departure angle
"A couple of the things that they put in here is redesigned lower front and rear bumpers to improve approach and departure angle, extended aluminum skid plate with additional underbody protection, including the center bearing"
Approach and departure angles tell you how steep a hill your car can go up or down without the front or back bumpers scraping the ground.
Approach and departure angles are measures of the steepest incline or decline a vehicle can climb or descend without the front or rear bumpers hitting the ground. These angles are important for off-road vehicles to navigate obstacles without damage.
Alcan 5000
"Yeah, totally. Now we know about the vehicle. Let's talk about the Alkan 5000 this year. Yeah. So this was the 2025 was a summer rally and they're actually doing back-to-back summer rally."
The Alcan 5000 is a big driving event where people drive a long way from Washington to Alaska, sometimes on rough roads. It's like a race but you have to be very accurate with your timing, not just fast.
The Alcan 5000 is a long-distance rally event that takes place in the summer, covering challenging routes from Washington state to Alaska and beyond. It combines elements of endurance driving and time-speed-distance competition over thousands of miles, including off-road sections.
Alaska Highway
"There's a road that it's the Alaska Highway that runs from just the Alaska border through, I'm trying to think how far down it goes, but it's really bad. But when you cross the border at on the Alaska Highway from Alaska into British Columbia or vice versa, that road is horrible."
The Alaska Highway is a long road that connects Alaska to Canada and is known for being rough and bumpy, making it hard to drive on.
The Alaska Highway is a historic and rugged road that runs from the Alaska border through parts of Canada, known for its challenging driving conditions including rough terrain and potholes.
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