6 Hot Off-Road Vehicle Trends
1. Jeep Wrangler JK
As I visited the vendor booths asking “What’s hot this year?” I got the same answer over and over; “Anything JK”. The evidence was on the show grounds; it was wall to wall Jeep Wrangler JKs, especially four doors. You’d be hard pressed to find any of the other popular off-roading vehicles because they were few and far between! 
2. LS Engine Swaps
LS Engine swaps were mentioned as a big trend by several of the shops at the Expo. As any 2007-2011 JK Wrangler owner knows, the stock 3.8L V6 “minivan engine” just isn’t enough power on a rig that is lifted and wearing big tires and heavy bumpers. Hemi swaps or superchargers had been the traditional engine alternative, but LS swaps are starting to become popular. An LS engine is a Chevy V8 - in this use specifically, the Chevy V8 Vortec truck engine is the popular choice. These engines are fairly abundant, so it’s not too difficult to pick up a gently-used one - they are light, long lasting, comparable in MPGs, and there is strong aftermarket support for performance parts. A 5.3LS engine swap typically allows one to utilize the stock alternator, power steering pump, compressor, radiator and drive shafts, helping to keep costs down. The below LS-JK was seen at the Curry Enterprises booth. 
3. LED Lighting
LED lights have been the rage for a while and I don’t think there was an offroad rig at the show not sporting a full complement of LED lights, like this one in the Rebel Offroad booth... 
4. Specialty Bumpers
Aftermarket bumper manufacturers are now making their bumpers to specifically accommodate LED lights, such as this new modular Stealth Fighter bumper with sidepods from Addictive Desert Designs featuring an LED hoop and flush mount holes in the center bumper. Lights shown are from Rigid Industries. 
5. Daystar Cam Cans
Sometimes it’s the little things that make a difference. Although Rotopack (rotational molded polyurethane resin) cans for carrying gas and water aren't new, the small Daystar Cam Cans I noticed on several vehicles caught my eye. They are the perfect size for carrying other fluids - like transmission fluid, coolant or oil. Anyone who owns a Jeep knows that space inside the vehicle is a premium (especially in a 2DR), so being able to carry these fluids outside the jeep might mean the difference between having them along or left at home. Designed to mount on the spare tire, but I also saw several vehicles with them mounted in other locations using the L-bracket specifically designed for UTVs. Each Cam Can holds 2 gallons and the lockable shaft can hold two cans. They come in gray/blue for potable water, green for non-fuel liquids, and the orange is a trail pack for items like a recovery strap and small tools. 
6. Ultra4 and Desert Racing
Desert racing played a big role in the expo with plenty of racing rigs to check out, autograph signings, and demos. In addition to sand rails there were a lot of trucks on display as well. Ultra4 racing is a fast growing motorsport following the popularity and success of their King of the Hammers competition. Ultra4 combines desert racing with rock crawling and is the ultimate endurance challenge. 
