Portal Pros | Episode 16

In this episode of Overland Weekly, hosts Davey and Zach welcome Scott and Matt from Portal Pros, a company making significant strides in off-road vehicle enhancements. The discussion kicks off with Zach's recent adventure at the Southern Cruiser Crawl in Arkansas, where he shares some exciting stories and mishaps, including a thrilling ride by their friend George.

Scott and Matt dive into the origins of Portal Pros, detailing their backgrounds in mechanical engineering and the experiences that led them to develop innovative portal gear systems for off-road vehicles. They shed light on their manufacturing process, the challenges of creating a universal design, and their focus on affordability and ease of installation for enthusiasts who might not have extensive fabrication skills.

Throughout the episode, Scott and Matt discuss the technical intricacies of their products, such as the gear reduction benefits, noise considerations, and the importance of using high-quality SKF bearings. They also share insights on their design philosophy, emphasizing modularity and the potential for future expansion into different vehicle markets.

Listeners get a behind-the-scenes look at the testing and iteration process, including some of the failures and learnings the team encountered along the way. The conversation wraps up with some light-hearted rapid-fire questions, revealing the personal sides of the Portal Pros team.

Tune in for an engaging discussion on the future of portal technology, its applications in rock crawling and overlanding, and what it means for the off-road community. Whether you're a seasoned off-roader or new to the world of portals, this episode offers valuable insights and a glimpse into the cutting-edge innovations driving the industry forward.

[00:00:13]: Welcome to Overland Weekly Episode 16

[00:00:55]: Zach's Adventure at Southern Cruiser Crawl

[00:02:54]: Introducing Portal Pros: Scott and Matt

[00:06:09]: Welding the Diff at Trail Hero

[00:08:39]: Personal Rig Rundowns: XJ and Grand Cherokee

[00:13:12]: Engineering Backgrounds and Portal Pros Creation

[00:19:00]: Positioning Portals in the Off-Road Market

[00:27:00]: Supply Chain and Manufacturing Challenges

[00:38:00]: Modular Design for Multiple Vehicle Platforms

[01:06:09]: Maintenance and Service for Portals