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VANLIFEMATES
United States
Приєднався 2 жов 2021
Hi! We are Craig and Ann, high school sweethearts married for 24 years currently living in our hometown after living in CA, RI, and VA . In 2021, we bought a STO van and in 2023 sold our '73 Airstream. We own a real estate brokerage in Rochester, NY (aforementioned hometown) that we named after our daughters and in our free time we love to make videos of our travels in our Storyteller Overland Van.
This UA-cam channel is for sharing our stories from the road! We love to explore, meet new people, and hopefully give you some ideas to push you to get out and explore more!
If you like what we see, we'd love it if you hit subscribe here on UA-cam and follow along on Instagram. Say hi when you stop by!
Website: www.vanlifemates.com
Instagram: vanlifemates
Email: craig@norchar.com
This UA-cam channel is for sharing our stories from the road! We love to explore, meet new people, and hopefully give you some ideas to push you to get out and explore more!
If you like what we see, we'd love it if you hit subscribe here on UA-cam and follow along on Instagram. Say hi when you stop by!
Website: www.vanlifemates.com
Instagram: vanlifemates
Email: craig@norchar.com
Kokopelli Packraft Is It Good for Van Life?
The Answer is "Yes" they are great for Van Life, now watch the video to see why.
Today we show you how we use and store our Kokopelli Packrafts. We review the Nirvana Self-Bailing & the Rouge-Lite (My Suggested Pick for Van Life).
Kokopelli Packraft is a company that specializes in producing lightweight, inflatable packrafts designed for outdoor enthusiasts, including those who enjoy van life and other forms of adventure travel. Packrafts are inflatable boats that are lightweight and portable, making them popular for various outdoor activities such as paddling, fishing, and exploring waterways.
Here are some key aspects to consider when reviewing the Kokopelli Packraft for van life:
Pros:
Portability: Kokopelli Packrafts are designed to be easily packable and portable, making them suitable for van life where space might be limited. They can be deflated and rolled up to a compact size for storage.
Lightweight: These packrafts are generally lightweight, which is a crucial factor when you're living on the road. The reduced weight makes them easier to carry and transport.
Durable Materials: Kokopelli is known for using high-quality materials in their packrafts, which enhances their durability and longevity. This is important when you're investing in gear for long-term van life adventures.
Versatility: Packrafts are versatile in that they can be used on both calm water and mild whitewater, depending on the model you choose. This versatility can enhance your outdoor experiences and exploration.
Cons:
Tracking (how straight the boat travels after you stop paddling) - these boats act like corks in the the water and have no sense of direction, this is honestly my only con for this raft.
Inflation and Deflation Time: While packrafts are designed for portability, inflating and deflating them can take some time. This might not be ideal if you're looking for a quick setup or breakdown process.
Today we show you how we use and store our Kokopelli Packrafts. We review the Nirvana Self-Bailing & the Rouge-Lite (My Suggested Pick for Van Life).
Kokopelli Packraft is a company that specializes in producing lightweight, inflatable packrafts designed for outdoor enthusiasts, including those who enjoy van life and other forms of adventure travel. Packrafts are inflatable boats that are lightweight and portable, making them popular for various outdoor activities such as paddling, fishing, and exploring waterways.
Here are some key aspects to consider when reviewing the Kokopelli Packraft for van life:
Pros:
Portability: Kokopelli Packrafts are designed to be easily packable and portable, making them suitable for van life where space might be limited. They can be deflated and rolled up to a compact size for storage.
Lightweight: These packrafts are generally lightweight, which is a crucial factor when you're living on the road. The reduced weight makes them easier to carry and transport.
Durable Materials: Kokopelli is known for using high-quality materials in their packrafts, which enhances their durability and longevity. This is important when you're investing in gear for long-term van life adventures.
Versatility: Packrafts are versatile in that they can be used on both calm water and mild whitewater, depending on the model you choose. This versatility can enhance your outdoor experiences and exploration.
Cons:
Tracking (how straight the boat travels after you stop paddling) - these boats act like corks in the the water and have no sense of direction, this is honestly my only con for this raft.
Inflation and Deflation Time: While packrafts are designed for portability, inflating and deflating them can take some time. This might not be ideal if you're looking for a quick setup or breakdown process.
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Відео
Vinyl YouTube Channel Van Life Social Graphics Install
Переглядів 214Рік тому
Step by step install video, showing how we installed vinyl graphics on our van.
Hydration Hacks - What to pack in your Van/RV Water Kit
Переглядів 775Рік тому
Welcome to our UA-cam channel! In this video, we're diving into the world of hydration hacks and sharing essential tips on what to pack in your Van/RV Water Kit. Staying properly hydrated is crucial, especially when you're on the road exploring in your van or RV. With limited access to clean drinking water and unpredictable weather conditions, it's essential to be prepared. That's why we've put...
EP002 - "Van Life Mates: Picking Up Our New Van!"
Переглядів 393Рік тому
Welcome to Van Life Mates, the podcast where we share our adventures, mishaps, and tips for life on the road in our trusty overland 4x4 Sprinter Van. Join us as we delve into the unexpected twists and turns that led our classic van dreams to transform into a stealthy and rugged mode of transportation. In our first episode, we recount our wild and unbelievable rent-a-car experience that ultimate...
EP001 - "Van Life Mates: The Story of How We Got Here"
Переглядів 188Рік тому
In this first episode of "Van Life Mates," we take you on a journey from our early beginnings to where we are now as full-time vanlifers. Meet Craig and Annie, a couple who first met in high school, got married, had kids, and ultimately embarked on an adventure of a lifetime. We'll share with you our story of how we went from a traditional home to living in a 32-foot vintage Airstream that we l...
VAN LIFE MATES EP012 BIOMETRIC SAFE STASH BOX
Переглядів 227Рік тому
Biometric Safe Install - How to install a safe that you can open with your fingerprint in your Van. In this video I will also show you an amazing place to install a stash box in your Storyteller Overland Mode 4x4 Van. www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0B5R75MR2/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1 XDeer CS42 Biometric Gun Safe Lock Box - (1.69 Cubic Feet) Quick-Access Security Safe with Fin...
VAN LIFE MATES EP011 SPRINTER WITH OVERLAND TRAILER
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VAN LIFE MATES EP011 SPRINTER WITH OVERLAND TRAILER
Surprise Van we Hated & Top Van Tours at New York State RV SHOW 2023 + Best Italian Sausage in NY!
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Surprise Van we Hated & Top Van Tours at New York State RV SHOW 2023 Best Italian Sausage in NY!
OVERLAND EXPO EAST 2022 - 7 Shares & Expo Tips you don't want to miss! - VAN LIFE MATES (EP008)
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OVERLAND EXPO EAST 2022 - 7 Shares & Expo Tips you don't want to miss! - VAN LIFE MATES (EP008)
FOR SALE our 1973 Airstream Sovereign Land Yacht 31.5 Foot
Переглядів 4,5 тис.Рік тому
FOR SALE our 1973 Airstream Sovereign Land Yacht 31.5 Foot
35" Tires Vanlife STO Storyteller Overland Mode 4x4 MODE 4K
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35" Tires Vanlife STO Storyteller Overland Mode 4x4 MODE 4K
Starlink in a Storyteller Overland 4x4 Sprinter Camper Van - Starlink on DC straight out of Volta
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Starlink in a Storyteller Overland 4x4 Sprinter Camper Van - Starlink on DC straight out of Volta
(STO) Storyteller Overland Mode 4x4 - MODE ON THE ROAD - SUPER73 - 1up Bike Rack
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(STO) Storyteller Overland Mode 4x4 - MODE ON THE ROAD - SUPER73 - 1up Bike Rack
(STO) Storyteller Overland Mode 4x4 - MODE ON THE ROAD - DRIVING TIPS
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(STO) Storyteller Overland Mode 4x4 - MODE ON THE ROAD - DRIVING TIPS
(STO) Storyteller Overland Mode 4x4 - MODE ON THE ROAD
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(STO) Storyteller Overland Mode 4x4 - MODE ON THE ROAD
(STO) Storyteller Overland Mode 4x4 - MODE MOD Weekend #3
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(STO) Storyteller Overland Mode 4x4 - MODE MOD Weekend #3
(STO) Storyteller Overland Mode 4x4 - MODE MOD Weekend #2
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(STO) Storyteller Overland Mode 4x4 - MODE MOD Weekend #2
I just saw your van at Walkens glen
@@StellaLCorey that’s awesome! We had so much fun there!
Wtf you talking about??
I loved your van! Saw it yesterday near Niagara Falls.
@@mart2084 Thank you! It was great rolling through that area!
I just drove by you. Beautiful van.
Great build! I'm building out a 1978 right now. Any chance you recall where you ordered the navy coffin bunks from? I'm been looking online and no luck. Thanks
Thanks, I looked through my emails we ordered the "US NAVY Berthing Rack 81.5" Long" from Surplusmeister, LLC 1619D Diamond Springs Rd., Virginia Beach, VA 23455, they still have an eBay store so you might want to reach out and see if they can source you some, we purchased ours back in June of 2018 and I don't even want to tell you that they were only $175 each, the shipping for both was $320, and they were like brand new. Hope you are able to get your hands on some they work out perfect and they are supr light weight. Best of luck!
Thanks a million, appreciate the reply and info!!
You just passed me on i90 east bound nice rig
Great looking van.👍
Thanks for sharing, I really like that look. I'll probably do the same with my Launch 19Y when all the warranties and tires are worn down. I'm really loving the long drives with the adaptive cruise control though. I'll guess I'll re-evaluate my decision when the time comes.
Great video, very clear. In the spirit of sharing I have a 2020 144 and I put on 32" tires or 285/17s. I did not lift the van, just did A LOT of plastic cutting. Same experience, meaning the van looks, drives and handles great. Great off road. No cruise control.
Thanks for uploading your ordeal. How's your fuel consumption?
Great video full of useful information. Great looking STO! Which tire and size are you running? I just bought a 2024 sprinter 170 AWD and am putting a van compass 6.3 and owl talon wheels on it. Thought of going 285/85/17 but may go 305 or 315/70/17. I have wild peaks on my Lexus gx 470 and love them so thinking same tire for the van.
visually, those tyres certainly improve the vehicle - the previous tyres looked puny in relation to the vehicle.
Great video mate. Your van looks fantastic, but just one point... There is no way the van is more responsive or you get better fuel economy from putting much bigger and heavier tyres on your van. Physics dictates you have significantly more weight for your motor to drive and also significantly higher gearing with the bigger diameter. This has to make your van more sluggish and increase fuel economy. I don't want to sound like a smart ar&se but you viewers should be aware of this as bigger wheels give you some great benefits but definitely slow your vehicles response.
Thanks for the comment, 100% agree that Physics dictates it would be more sluggish and worse on gas. However in my opinion and based on "feel" the van is much more responsive, it is just a feeling and I have not preformed any actual testing... The only reason this might actually be the case is the larger tires could be tricking the computer. Anyone who owns a sprinter knows the motor has plenty of extra power its just the computer is restricting it. As for fuel I have not seen a "Noticeable" difference in fuel economy, I'm sure in a side by side the smaller tires would have some minuscule difference, I was just expecting it would be a larger quantifiable difference like going from 15 MPG to 14MPG but that has not been the case I still get the same. I'd love to hear what others with 35" Tires feel, I hope this is helpful information and thanks again for watching our content.
With the double you give yourself that much more room between your vehicle and your bike if you decide to only carry one bike without the need for an extension.
You have any Tees from Howler? How tall are u and what size u get? Do they run small or big?
I feel like their stuff is properly sized... I wear "Large" for the shirts and I'm 6'2" - 245LBS... it's a little snug at that weight, & perfect when I'm at my ideal 215-225 Lbs. Hope this helpful... I also purchased some shores and I have a big backside, and most brands the pockets flair so I have to size up, Howler Brothers stuff fits great!
Great video thanks for sharing. What was your total investment with everything involving the rack extension locking pin locking devices
Do you have a 2L AWD?
Great Video. I subscribed. I think the lack of the active cruise control is a deal breaker for me. But it does look fantastic.
Exactly what I was looking for. Thank you!
Nothing like trying to find an broken axle for a sprinter in the middle of now where 🙄
Did you go with the super duty model?
NO, when we purchased ours it was not available, I did see the Super Duty Model at Overland East last Fall and it is pretty awesome... FYI... I did upgrade the hitch extender to a 10K version... and would also suggest everyone else do the same... Thanks for the questions keep them coming!
Just drove passed ya on 490! Gonna sub!
Awesome!!! Nice to have some Local Subs!
Worth checking out their new Extreme Duty rack for your purposes.
100% agree, we did see it at Overland East last Fall it's a pretty nice upgrade! Thanks for the heads up!
I’m posting on this video instead of the other video because there was no comment section on the other one(the dog leash one). I saw you guys camping last weekend (I will not say where) and thats what made me look you up online. Your UA-cam channel seems great so keep it up!😂
Thanks for commenting, you are so kind! That was our first time at that camp, pretty nice, and we hope to meet you at a NYS campground soon!
I would prefer truth 4x4
Why did you not use a Dremel tool to make the large holes? It would have saved you a lot of time and energy.
I have a Dremel, just didn't have / know what tip would work best for cutting through the sheet metal... Probably a great idea! I'm guessing a bodyshop would know the exact tool to use.
that was really cool thanks for the tutorial!
Glad you liked it!
What a great video about your new tires. I thought it was going to be about off roading with them. This is about a sliding door rubbing, the emblem on the back hits the spare, people compliment him at gas stations, and the wrong assessment about how its quicker with tires that are bigger and tougher to turn. If that was the case every vehicle would have huge tires on it to make it quicker. If you're concerned about peoples compliments, door rubs, and emblem touching this is the video for you. If you want to see a Sprinter with 35s get out in the woods and go through some mud, check somewhere else.
Thanks for the idea for our next video... we'll try to get some footage of the Sprinter traveling off road.
I changed my two front tires from the BF Goodrich AT all terrain tires ( over 45 K miles before replacement ) to the BF Goodrich Commercial T/A All Season 2 tires. Less road noise when on the highway…
Thanks for the heads up... We were recently chatting with other Camper Van owners about how the BF Goodrich KO Tires start getting very loud at about 45-50 K... We also chatted about alternatives... {Adding to our original post} we have found when we have the van fully loaded for being on the road for extended stays it is much quieter considering the cargo absorbs a lot of the sound...
Good boy, Glen!❤
Glen is the best at product testing.
This rack is pretty much the only rack that will accommodate a Super73.
It is the only rack that I am familiar with, and it is the same rack that Super73 sells on their website so I'd assume they'd pick the best available. I am still very happy with my purchase, I upgraded the hitch extender, outside of that I love this setup. Thanks for the comment.
8 miles faster btw
That sounds spot on... We typically use our Garmin Overland's GPS speedo and when traveling, I typically travel about 5-10 over the limit so now I just go the exact speed limit on the Sprinter Van Speedo and that keeps me safe from getting a ticket. I feel like its not always exactly 8 for some reason, I think the faster you go the bigger the spread so when I am going 55 I feel like its 62 MPH and when I'm going 75 its a true 85... Who knows maybe that the GPS thats messing up.
@@VANLIFEMATES You are correct, the faster your speed the bigger the variance. There's several online calculators that will show you this but you should already be seeing it if you are using a GPS speedo and comparing.
Very cool add-on. A biometric safe is just smart buy for emergent situations while on the road. Keep up the great work man!
Thanks! More experience on the road, we find we need additional buys to be well prepared!
This was fantastic. Thanks for sharing.
Glad you liked it!
How bad did they throw the center of gravity off?
Not sure I completely understand your question, (maybe not enough coffee) if you are asking if the Camper Van feels more or less top heavy, I would 100% say less top heavy, I think with the bigger tires on wider offset wheels makes the van feel much less top heavy.
As I watch this I'm out camping with the wife and dog in our STO Stealth.
That's awesome to hear that you're out camping with your partner in crime and your furry adventure buddy in your STO Stealth while tuning into our podcast! We hope that our podcast is adding an extra layer of excitement and enjoyment to your camping experience. We would love to hear about some of your best tips and tricks for camping in your STO Stealth. As fellow vanlife enthusiasts, we're always eager to learn from others and share our own experiences. So don't hesitate to drop some knowledge in the comments section! Thank you for your support and happy camping with your awesome crew!
The solution to the one-mic problem is to move your chairs completely together, maybe side by side, maybe facing each other in profile. Or pass the mic. I can adjust volume for whatever distance you are from the mic, but it has to be equal for both of you, the volume difference between who is holding the mic and who isn't, was annoying though not terrible. Most van channels I follow are more along the lines of retirees or nomads, mostly not homeowners (except some boondocking snowbirds), and mostly not weekend warriors, vacationers, or recreational campers. But I am intrigued enough, and you are both smart and well-spoken enough, that I'm going to give this channel a shot. I can identify with negotiating after finding a deal you should just take (whether the asking price, or a price you already have them down to). When I was married and about to start a family, my (now ex) wife and I could have bought a 5 year old house that was pretty much our dream house, from a divorcing couple. We knew what their profit was, and we wanted $10K more of it, $269K vs $279K in 1985. Instead, we ended up spending most of a year finding a lot to buy, a half year designing the house with an architect, and two years building it after firing the builder when 40% done. Basically 3 extra years of labor, versus turnkey. It was a fun but stressful and challenging experience, a labor of love but also just an untold amount of work and hassle. Only one time, years after we were divorced (which happened 4 years after we moved into it), did we ever speak of it. My ex said, "Do you ever think we should have just paid the last $10K for that house." My answer was "Often, because in hindsight it would have made a lot more sense than what we did. But I have no regrets about doing what we did, even with how much time and effort just buying that house would have saved us. It's hard to say I wish we'd chosen a different path, when life is great as things turned out." I refrained from saying that I thought her divorcing me had improved my life in the long run after the initial turmoil, but that was the closest I came to doing so, the strongest hint I gave her about that.
Thank you so much for your thoughtful and helpful comment! We really appreciate your suggestion on how to solve the one-mic problem, and we'll definitely try moving our chairs closer together or passing the mic in future episodes. We're glad that you're giving our channel a chance even though it might not be your usual style. We hope to provide valuable insights and experiences on vanlife that will be useful to everyone, whether they're retirees or weekend warriors. Your story about your experience buying your dream house is really interesting, and we appreciate you sharing it with us. It's always a balance between taking the easy and more straightforward path versus taking on a challenging project that can provide greater rewards in the long run. It sounds like despite the challenges, you're happy with the decisions you made and where life has taken you. Thank you for sharing your insights and experiences with us! In addition, we want to thank you for being patient with us as we learn the ropes of podcasting. It's definitely been a learning experience for us, and we underestimated how difficult managing the sound would be. But we're committed to improving our recording quality and making sure our content is enjoyable for our listeners. Thank you for your support and understanding! Hope to see you on the road someday!
We have a Winnebago Travato 59K and that sliding screen door is worthless. First, having to open it that way defeats the purpose of keeping the bugs out because it’s open too long. Secondly it comes off the track easily and has strings that wear out and break easily. Third, it never lines up to close well on the opening edge or the bottom and bugs easily get in. I ended up putting up a magnetic screen.
Thanks for sharing... They look so cool when new, however I could see where things could go wrong... The search continues for a good screen solution!!
sick video! super helpful information
Thanks... happy you like it.
There’s a side door extender you can buy for the door so it clears
I'm going to have to google it and see if I can find the brand. Thanks for the heads up.
Thanks for including our 'Brutus' Beast Storyteller in your video 😀 We highly recommend paying the extra $ to run the course @ Overland Expo !
Kelly, so glad we caught you & of course, Brutus was handling that course like a champ! We are definitely signing up to try our luck this year!
Your extension will lessen your load capacity by 50%.
Not sure if we are talking the same thing, however we did upgrade the extension based on another post below. The extension we had didn't fail however for piece of mind we wanted something a lot stronger. We went with the following extension from etrailer.com "Roadmaster High-Low Adapter for Tow Bars - 2" Hitches - 2" Rise/Drop - 10K GTW, 400 lbs TW" considering the 2 - bikes together weigh about 340 lbs we are a lot better off with this new extension with a tongue weight of 400 lbs. Thanks for the feedback, hope this helps!
love your walk around, sound coach, funny that you say the only damage to the body work is on the front corner and then behind the door is these massive deep scratches! I mean i understand the coach is 50 years old but i don't understand why you didn't mention it!!
Thanks for the feedback, we do our best at being as detailed as we can, considering this tour was unscripted and shot off the hip their is always room for improvement. Thanks again... Hope you'll keep watching.
What suspension lift are you using? Looks great!
We are running a Van Compass Stage 6.3 System, *We also have (and is needed) Van Compass Mudflap Relocation Kit. We didn't use the parts for the front only the back, in the front we used the Terrawagen Mondo Mudguards.
Great setup. I want to do this exact same build with the 35” KO2. What suspension upgrade do u have and is there any rubbing issues when driving? Owl says there is rubbing with the van compass 2 inch raise and with the owl rims. Will it cause an issue if I have the automatic side door? Thanks for ur help
We are running a Van Compass Stage 6.3 System, *We also have (and is needed) Van Compass Mudflap Relocation Kit. We didn't use the parts for the front only the back, in the front we used the Terrawagen Mondo Mudguards. ***As for the automatic side door, you will likely have issues and need to disable the automatic door, however maybe not, I can manually open my door it opens half way without any rubbing (I am able to open the the 100% however it does rub), my storyteller has a 1/4" padded door panel, my guess is if I replaced the paned with thinner product (not padded) it would not rub at all... Here is one other item to consider, the info above is based on normal air in the tires, if and when you air down to go off road I don't know if things would get worse, maybe not.
Are you able to tilt them down so you can get into the rear door? I want to use this with an SUV with a rear hatch
It does tilt down, however I don't know how practical it would be to tilt it down with (2) bikes installed, we do tilt it down all the time when the bikes are removed and can fully open the doors. Hope this is helpful.
@@VANLIFEMATES like a, tilt towards the ground type of tilt?
@@jakeheizman Correct, you reach under and loosen a bolt that holds a bar in place, once you pull the bar the stand tilts to the ground, to put it back you lift the bikes back up and the spring loaded bar clicks back in place, then you just tighten the bolt back up so the bar doesn't shake open. 1UP Bike Racks are 100% the way to go, I will share that if you intent is to put (2) Super73s on it you might want to reach out and see if @1upusa608 has released a new Super-Heavy Duty Version of this rack, they had a prototype of this new style rack at Overland East 2022 and it was pretty, pretty nice, it would be my first pick if I were looking today!
@@VANLIFEMATES is that different than the ones on the super73 website?
@@jakeheizman The one on Super 73's website is the same one I have in the Video, 1UP has something stronger in development.
Hi, I’m interested in purchasing. What’s the best way to connect?
Hope you'll keep in touch, would love to see some photos!
So no rub with your 315/70/17 on the suspension or rear of front fenders ? What’s your offset ? +20? Thank you !
Zero Rub! - I'm Running Owl Vans Talon Wheels (they have a 30MM offset) I am not running any spacers.
Did your AS ever sell? I have a 1973 sovereign that I’m restoring myself…interested what they go for incase I sell..
We ended up selling it for $45,000, based on the level of work and money we put into it, I would suggest not getting in the business of flipping them. The buyer 100% got a great deal on a vintage Airstream Trailer that will go another 20-40 Years.
Did you upgrade the OWL new locking rear axle upgrade?
Not yet... I have a deposit in, living in the North East is my hurdle... considering all of the locker install companies are in the South West...
@@VANLIFEMATES Any idea what the total cost of that would be? Digging to understand the differences between the OWL locker and the ARB one....
@@cristianmihai4818 Last time I did some digging Owl was a little over $5,000 including install and ARB installed by Agile Offroad was under $5,000 both use an onboard compressor so if you have that already, you can save a few bucks... My understanding is the Owl version needs a much lower psi to engage the locker.