CAMP USA
Camp USA: Flagstaff Arizona Friends in Flagstaff
Flagstaff, Arizona, is where adventure and overlanding come together. Surrounded by towering pine forests and cool mountain air, it’s a welcome change of pace from the dry heat and neon lights of Las Vegas. As the gateway to some of the most iconic off-road trails in the United States, Flagstaff is the natural home for Overland Expo West—an event where adventurers gather to share stories, test new gear, and dream up their next great journey.
Into this mix rolls a convoy of over 20 Patriot Campers, each hitched to rigs that are as unique as their owners. From rugged Tacomas to finely tuned Jeeps and hulking F350s, the lineup looked like something out of an off-road dream. For Justin and Sarah Montesalvo, co-founders of Patriot Campers, the sight was nothing short of surreal—a culmination of years of hard work to bring their Australian-born brand to American shores.
“Sometimes you’ve got to pinch yourself. To see so many of our camper trailers here in the United States—it’s surreal. All the hard work, the long nights, the time away from family—it’s all worth it when you look around and see this.“
Justin Montesalvo – Founder of Patriot Campers
As camp was set up, the Montesalvos moved from group to group, meeting owners whose trailers had seen every kind of terrain. For Pete and Dianne, who made the trip from Austin, Texas, this was just another stop in their well-worn journey.
Their X3 had been home for over a week already, and they were fresh from exploring Moab and Fish Lake National Forest. “We snuck across the state of Utah,” Pete grinned, shaking his head as he recounted the adventure. “This is our tenth night in the camper, and honestly, we’ve loved every moment.” Dianne laughed, adding, “We did sneak a couple nights in an Airbnb just to freshen up, but honestly? We missed the trailer.” Moab’s red cliffs had left their mark, and Flagstaff’s towering pines were just another stunning backdrop for their rolling home.
DOWNLOAD THE GUIDE
Not far from Pete and Dianne was the Raptor crew—Jim, Jim, and Bert—who had arrived with two matching X3 trailers and a pair of tuned Ford Raptors. “You’ve got to have the right rig,” Jim Caruso said, pointing at his truck, outfitted with one-ton axles and beadlocks. “We took it to some gnarly places up in Idaho—places I didn’t think we’d make it. But the X3? It just followed along like it was nothing.” Bert chimed in, a hand wrapped around a cold drink, “It’s funny—at first, you don’t trust that you’ll get through. But then you realize you’re not leading the trailer. It’s leading you.” The three men laughed and swapped stories of rough trails and late-night campfires, their matching rigs a reflection of their friendship and shared obsession with adventure.
Joe and Kayla, from Illinois, had a similar love for their X1—one born from thousands of miles on the road. “We’ve been everywhere,” Kayla said, recounting trips to the Grand Canyon, Moab, and down the Texas coast. “I think we’re pushing close to 15,000 miles so far.” Joe added, “It’s not just a trailer—it’s part of our life now. We travel with a big dog, 90 pounds of pure love, and the X1 makes it easy. Plenty of space, and that change room? Game-changer.” Kayla nodded in agreement.
“I’d buy one again tomorrow. There’s nothing like it.”
A little further down the line, Brian and Monica from San Diego were cooking tacos at their campsite, a ritual they had perfected. “We’re still learning,” Brian admitted, gesturing to their X1. “We picked it up last year, and we’ve taken it everywhere we can—Overland Expo, the mountains, Anza Borrego. We haven’t done a big trip yet, but Baja is next. Justin promised he’s coming with us, so we’re holding him to it.” Monica grinned, flipping tortillas on a portable skillet. “It’s more than camping—it’s a lifestyle. The trailer makes it so easy to just get up and go.” Their young son, Carlo, had already claimed his spot in the back of their rig, turning it into a home base for a weekend of adventure.
Doug and Kristen, a couple from California with a striking blue X3, caught everyone’s eye with their perfectly matched Tacoma. “Blue’s her favorite color,” Doug explained with a smile. “We knew we were getting the trailer, so I told Kristen—let’s match the truck.” Kristen laughed and added, “It was worth it. It’s not just about looks, though. This thing’s a beast. We’ve taken it to Kingman, Arizona, and it climbed hard trails without a problem. The storage, the awning—it’s everything we need to live comfortably out here.” Their next big goal? The Idaho BDR. “It’s on the bucket list,” Kristen said.
Tonya and John, who made the drive from Wilcox, Arizona, brought with them a level of organization that impressed even Justin. Every compartment in their X1 was meticulously arranged—food, clothes, tools—all in perfect order. “We spent nine days on the road, and we didn’t miss a thing,” John said proudly. “The X1 fits our life perfectly. It’s tough, reliable, and it’s made for this kind of adventure.” Tonya added, “We’re still figuring out our favorite destinations, but the best part? It’s the peace of mind. Wherever we go, this trailer can handle it.”
Colin, Patriot Campers’ very first U.S. customer, rolled into camp with his 2017 GT Grand Tourer—a trailer that had seen 70,000 miles of America’s wildest terrain. Justin grinned ear-to-ear as Colin opened the front box, revealing a collection of stickers from every corner of the country. “It’s still going strong,” Colin said proudly. “We’ve got it down pat now. Everything has its place, and it just works for us.” The trailer, a black-and-silver standout, was a reminder of how far Patriot Campers had come since their early days in the U.S. “This trailer is a milestone,” Justin said quietly. “It’s where it all started.”
Brian Lesko and Emily brought another layer of charm to camp with their two cats, who had quickly made themselves at home inside their trailer. “They love it,” Brian said with a laugh. “We zip the tunnels into the doors, and they roam in and out. It’s the perfect setup for long trips. We’ve been out here for three and a half months now, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”
Fon and Nisha, originally from South Africa, were newer to the overlanding world but had jumped in with both feet. “We tried the RV thing,” Fon explained, “but it wasn’t for us. Then someone told us about Patriot Campers, and here we are.” Their X3 had already climbed to 6,000 feet in Kingman, Arizona, with a full water tank and no complaints. “I was blown away,” Nisha said. “It handled it like a champ. The mattress is the best part—it’s better than the one we bought at Costco.”
As the sun dipped below the pines and the campfire crackled to life, the stories continued. The laughter grew louder, and the sense of community deepened. Patriot Campers wasn’t just a brand—it was a family of adventurers, connected by a love for the wild places that only a well-built trailer can reach.
For Justin and Sarah Montesalvo, watching this group come together was a reminder of why they started it all. “This is what it’s about,” Sarah said softly, taking it all in. “It’s not just about the trailers. It’s about the people and the memories they make.”
From the red deserts of Moab to the cool forests of Flagstaff, these trailers—and the families who tow them—are proof that adventure is out there for anyone willing to chase it.
