SUBARU CUV CRADLE DROP BLOG POST

New Cutting-Edge Subaru Technology proves Cradle Drops Ineffective

New Cutting-Edge Subaru Technology for CUVs Proves Cradle Drops Ineffective

Through their recent engineering developments, Subaru has ensured that newer generation Compact Utility Vehicle (CUV) models such as the Outback, CrossTrek, and Forester will maintain consistent alignment across the camber and no longer require a rear cradle drop that was necessary in previous models. Due to the vastly improved geometric engineering within these vehicles, kits that accommodate a rear optimal lift of 1.5’’ (such as our REIKA 2’’ Lift Kit for Subarus), will not require rear cradle drops.

Subaru CUV Forester

The Advantages of Not Having a Cradle Drop

Conventionally speaking, Subaru vehicles are thought to be light even with a -.5 degree camber, thus cradle drops in past models assured that a camber lift would provide a significant boost to the vehicle’s off road capabilities. However, with a cradle drop there is a considerable decrease in ground clearance which results from having to lower the exhaust, almost crossing out any clearance increase that was directed from the lift hence why a cradle drop with older models of Subarus were not always optimal. Cradle drops on older Subaru CUVs also required additional installations, creating strenuous steps during the installation process.

 

The ability to have increased ground clearance is advantageous while traveling on off road terrain. Aside from the crucial increase in ground clearance, the easier installation of rear spacers, and overall geometric stability in these new CUV Subarus almost indicates rear cradle drops to be disadvantageous.




Subframe Spacers are No Longer Needed

Subframe rear spacers were often used for cradle drops in accordance with previous Subaru CUV builds as they were fundamentally necessary. Such as cradle drops are not needed, the rear subframe spacers are also no longer needed given the vehicular geometric improvements. 

 

Hence, REIKA’s lift kits for new generation Subaru CUVs do not include subframe spacers as rear cradle drops are no longer required.

Our Lift Kit for Subaru CUVs

Our comprehensive 2’’ lift kit allows for outstanding ride quality. Featuring heavy duty 1/4 ‘’ plates and unparalleled grade 8 hardware, our lift kit is also specially E – COATED to safeguard against harsh weather conditions and off road terrain. Our Subaru 2’’ Lift Kit is designed for effortless and efficient installation, allowing you to jumpstart your traverse through off road terrain with ease. 

REIKA 2'' LIFT KIT FOR FORESTER SUBARU CUV

Unboxing Our 2nd Gen Crosstrek Lift Kit

Unboxing Our 2nd Gen Crosstrek Lift Kit

Video Summary

In this quick unboxing video, our REIKA Wheels Brand Manager, Bruno, goes through the parts included in our 2nd Gen (2018-2022) Subaru Crosstrek lift kit.

Video Transcript

Disclaimer: These transcripts are auto generated therefore we cannot guarantee 100% accuracy.  For best results, the transcript should be used in conjunction with the video.

Hey what’s up guys, it’s Bruno with REIKA Wheels. So today we’re here to show you guys the two inch lift kit for the 2018 to current Subaru Crosstreks. 

So, this is a two inch lift kit in the front and a one and a half inch in the rear. We’ll open up the box and show you guys all the contents in it. 

So every kit does come with an install guide. If you lose it, you can’t find it, doesn’t come with it, we do have a PDF version that we can email to you as well. Aside from the install guide, this kit does come with a brake line relocation tab for the rear. You will get the spacers for the front, these are all strut spacers so spacers for the front, They’re all marked driver and passenger, so you can’t really mess this up and if you don’t know how to read driver/passenger, they all come with a d and a p stamped on top, also. 

So, spacers for the rear. Pretty easy. You’ll also find another one of those little install tips that we have. Sometimes these studs are not perfectly parallel, so you could just screw on and on there tap tap tap tap tap tap and then you can just get them to go in or out whatever you need. 

Don’t forget all the baggies with all the hardware that you need, so. and if you are missing anything you can always let us know, we will ship it all out to you get the sway bar relocation brackets also. powder coated, e-coated. 

So these kits are e-coated and then powder coated on top, not just your standard powder coat. 

That wraps it up. This is the 2018 to current Subaru Crosstrek, two inch lift kit. If you guys have any questions, feel free to drop them in the comments section below, shoot us a DM on Instagram or you guys can email me directly at [email protected].

True Bead Lock vs Simulated Bead Lock Wheels 

When beginning your adventure into the off-roading and overlanding world, you’ll notice many trucks, SUV’s, CUV’s and vans with performance upgrades: suspension systems, lift kits, larger tires, and different sized and styled wheels.  Some stock vehicles are well equipped and ready for adventure, but for many, upgrades are a must in order to ensure a safe and secure ride. In this article we’ll discuss what a bead lock wheel is, what they are made for and if it’s the right choice for you.  

Where to start? 

Generally, upgrading your wheel and tire setup is first on the to-do list. This can change the entire appearance of your vehicle, while also allowing you to handle and conquer terrain that your stock setup may not have been able to withstand. Before you make your purchase, you might ask yourself “what type of adventures will I be going on?” and “which wheel style is suited for what I will be doing?”. Popular choices seen on Jeeps and trucks may not always be necessary for the average adventurer and those same wheels may have specific uses that are necessary for those vehicles in order to properly handle off-road terrain. This brings us to the bead lock wheel. 


What is a bead lock wheel?  

A popular wheel style that is seen on many off-road vehicles is the bead lock wheel. A bead lock wheel is much like your standard wheel, but there is an additional ring that fits around the perimeter of the wheel’s face. This bead lock ring is equipped with bolt holes that match up with the bolt holes on the outer lip of the wheel. When installing a tire onto the wheel, the tire’s lip will be sandwiched between the lip of the wheel and the bead lock ring and locked into place by a number of bolts securing the tire in between. 

Why would I need a bead lock wheel? 

Bead lock wheels were designed as a measure of protection when airing down your wheels to go off-roading.  By sandwiching the tire bead between the wheel’s lip and the bead lock ring, an extra layer of protection is added. This method of securing the wheel allows for minimal air pressure in the tire when off-roading, enabling you to gain more traction through the dirt or mud and crawling over rough terrain without damaging or deflating your tires. If your tires were not locked into place, it’s possible that the tire would slip from the bead of the wheel with the tough turns and angles. 

Maintenance and Requirements 

Something to consider when purchasing a set of bead lock wheels is whether or not the wheel is necessary for off-roading. You may think to yourself that you do need a set, because you see plenty of vehicles out there with them, but if you’re not airing down to a super low psi and just doing some light off-roading, then you’ll be able to manage with a standard wheel. You may also consider that bead lock wheels are not DOT (Deparment of Transportation) approved and while bolting up, airing down and getting out there for an adventure sounds great, you’ll have to round up a set of DOT approved wheels to throw back onto the vehicle once you’re back off the beaten path and onto the road.

Bead lock wheels cost more than your standard wheel and require maintenance that can be quite time consuming. Might be a hassle having to torque your bolts every time you go out to make sure that nothing comes loose, when most bead lock wheels have an average of 24 bolts per wheel. If any bolts are missing or broken, it’s recommended to replace them all immediately. It’s a bit more work, but not impossible. 

However, there are options available that’ll provide you with the same rugged appearance without the extra time or work of having to haul an extra set around or that requires as much maintenance.

Simulated or “faux” bead lock wheels  

Simulated or “faux” bead lock wheels provide the appearance of a bead lock without the detachable ring. These wheels are a standard cast, forged or flow formed wheel with bolt holes drilled around the outer lip of the wheel. Some advantages of a simulated bead lock are how incredibly lightweight, customizable and less time consuming they can be, not to mention being DOT approved and completely street legal. With a chunky set of tires and good suspension, a simulated bead lock wheel will do the trick, even if airing down a bit. 

The REIKA VS R35 RAMBLER 

We’ve watched the popularity of simulated bead lock wheels rise and decided to get in on the game. We’ve designed and produced a simulated bead lock wheel with a unique design and are happy to share it with all of you this fall. Our R35 Rambler is a flow formed, simulated bead lock wheel, weighing in at 24.5 lbs. and will be available in 4 finishes, including Machine Clear, Satin Black, Bronze with a black ring and Graphite with a black ring. We will offer multiple fitment options, available for Toyota, Ford, Jeep, Lexus, Chevy and GMC vehicles. 

To bead lock, or not to bead lock, that is the question 

If you end up deciding to purchase bead lock wheels, it’s going to cost you a little more time and money, but they do look great. They definitely serve a purpose, especially if you’re heavy into the off-road game. If you’re not, simulated bead locks seem to be the way to go. A lighter weight, more cost efficient and less maintenance required wheel provides all the fun without the worry. Now that you have some insight as to what a bead lock wheel is, would you run a true bead lock or a simulated bead lock? Share your thoughts and connect with us on social media and stay tuned for the release of our R35 Rambler wheel this fall!  

The pursuit of adventure begins with you. REIKA is what gets you there.

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RAV4 Build: Our Shop Vehicle Goes from Stock to Stellar

RAV4 Build: Our Shop Vehicle Goes from Stock to Stellar

Toyota RAV4’s Beginnings

The RAV4, meaning “Recreational Adventure Vehicle with 4-wheel drive”, made a statement immediately upon its release in Europe and Japan in 1994 and North America in 1995.  The iconic Toyota RAV4 was brought to market to provide consumers with the comfort of an SUV, combined with the adventure of a 4-wheel drive. Known for the fuel economy and maneuverability of a compact car, the RAV4 is a perfect blend for both common, daily driving and for adventure seeking on tough terrain. The first of its class, the Toyota RAV4 paved the way for the midsize crossover utility vehicles (CUV) worldwide. Steadily becoming more and more popular with the rise of outdoor recreation and the overlanding craze, the Toyota RAV4 continues to be a top contender in sales and an overall choice when it comes to safety and reliability. 

We Chose the RAV4 for its Versatility

The 2021 launch of our company REIKA Vehicle Solutions, which manufactures wheels and lift kits, fell right in line with the fast-growing CUV community. We wanted to provide a solution for outdoor enthusiasts who wanted to customize their rides with a strong, lightweight and attractive wheel, while also offering solutions to those who need a little extra lift to get up and get out there. We decided that our first shop vehicle would be a 2021 Toyota RAV4 XLE. The capability of this vehicle, along with excellent safety features, AWD and useful tools implemented into the drive system, enticed us to test out its capabilities and we were not disappointed. We’ve taken our RAV4 on trips through the soft sands of the deserts, up into the mountains through snow, and over obstacles on the trails of Utah – it has not once let us down.

A few important safety features included with the RAV4 are the lane tracing assist, lane departure with steering assist, road sign assist and the full-speed range dynamic radar cruise control. All of these safety features make driving this vehicle feel safe and secure on any type of journey. Another incredible feature of the RAV4 is its Multi-Terrain Select, which allows you to select the drive mode for the terrain you are on. The four modes are: mud and sand, rock and dirt, snow, and normal, all of which have proven to be extremely useful on our trail runs. Our 2021 RAV4 XLE is equipped with a 4-cylinder, 2.5-liter engine and is capable of producing 203 HP with 184 pound-feet of torque giving the extra push needed when accelerating through mud and up steep terrain. 

The RAV4 Transformation

Over the past year, our RAV4 has transformed from the original stock vehicle to a RAV4 that is ready to join the overlanding phenomenon.  From the get go, we decided to throw on a set of our best-selling R20 Teton wheels with a +38 offset and a set of All-Terrain Nitto Grappler G2 245-65-17 tires to give our RAV4 an aggressive stance. In addition, we added our REIKA VS 2” lift kit, allowing for the new wheel and tire set up to achieve optimal clearance without any interference. Traveling often and needing a little extra cargo room, we added a Yakima roof rack to the top for our full-size spare. 

Knowing we would be displaying our vehicle at the Overland Expos, attending community events and getting to know some of the nicest people in the industry, we linked up with a few great companies. Beyond Wraps decked out our RAV4 with cool REIKA graphics, Light Force donated exterior performance lights and we installed a Rhino Rack to haul our gear.  

Fast forward to a few months before Overland Expo 2022, we released a new finish for our R25 Detour wheel – a beautiful bronze. Linking up with one of our good friends from Milestar Tires, we installed a set of our new R25 Detour wheels in bronze, with Milestar Patagonia M/T tires. The latest feature added to the RAV4 comes from a terrific company called C6 Outdoor.  They provided us with a versatile, heavy duty, lightweight 2-person roof-top tent called the Rev Tent. Weighing only 25lbs, setting up, tearing down and maneuvering the Rev Tent was very easy. 

Ready For Fun

That brings us current with the modifications on our shop RAV4. If you’re deciding whether or not to join the RAV4 life, we encourage you to take the leap. Our experience in building up the RAV4, taking it on adventures and displaying it at shows has brought us closer to the community and has allowed us to build positive relationships in the softroad, offroad and CUV communities.  Come check us out at the Overland Expos to see the build and stay tuned to REIKA Vehicle Solutions as we look for new products for the next adventure.

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Purchasing Aftermarket Wheels: Factors to Consider When Making Your Decision

Purchasing Aftermarket Wheels: Factors to Consider When Making Your Decision

Customizing your vehicle is a simple way of expressing your style and setting your vehicle apart from the crowd. Upgrading your wheels is typically the first big purchase, so it’s important to consider factors such as backspacing, offset, bolt pattern and the wheel sizes your vehicle will allow.  Each of these factors plays a significant role in not only how the vehicle will look aesthetically, but how it will handle and perform on the road or off the beaten path. In this blog, we provide insight to assist you on the journey of selecting your new set of wheels.

Understanding Fitment and Your Vehicle’s Bolt Pattern

Although it may seem like a simple swap, not all wheels will fit every vehicle. There are multiple variations of wheel fitments available for the consumer. Understanding your fitment and knowing the bolt pattern of your vehicle helps narrow down your options during your search.  Having knowledge of your wheel specs will help you avoid scrolling through pages and pages of wheels that won’t fit your vehicle. Review our Understanding Vehicle Bolt Patterns  blog along with our Calculating Fitment blog from our sister company, Factory Reproductions, for more information. 


A vehicle’s fitment incorporates the bolt pattern (PCD), wheel offset and wheel backspacing. Your bolt pattern consists of the number of wheel studs and the centerline measurement of those wheel’s studs. The wheel offset is the distance from the mounting surface to the centerline of the wheel. Backspacing is the distance from the mounting surface to the wheel’s back lip. For someone new to the wheel game, those terms may be hard to understand, but luckily with the help of configurators and vehicle specific searches on most websites, you’ll be able to see the wheel specs and verify the accuracy with a customer representative before purchasing.

Choosing the Material and Size You Want

Now that you are aware of the proper wheel fitment, you can move on to selecting the size and material of your new wheels. If looking to increase the size of your wheels from the stock size, in most cases you’ll have to run a thinner tire unless you plan on modifying your vehicle’s suspension or body in order to accommodate the width or increased diameter of the new wheels. For those who like to run chunky tires, the same rules apply, even with a smaller wheel choice.


The material used to construct the wheels can make a difference in many ways, depending on how your vehicle is used.  The options available for single piece wheels include forged, cast and flow form, with each having its own attributes suited to your style and preference. REIKA wheels are constructed using Flow Form technology providing light weight and durability. If you’d like to learn more about the construction process of our wheels and see why we chose this method, view this link https://reikavs.com/flow-form/ .

If you’re looking to customize your wheel setup with two or three piece wheels, your options are greater than with cast, forged or flow formed wheels. However, that may eliminate the weight saving concern. Two and three piece wheels weigh more with their additional pieces and parts that are used to hold the wheel together.

Finding A Design That Matches Your Style

The options available for determining the perfect set of wheels are endless, especially when it comes to size, offset, finish and design choices. With help from social media and website visualizers, you can compare which style wheels are common or uncommon for specific vehicles and also which styles are trending upwards. This may aid you in your decision making process by allowing you to choose what’s popular, or you can defy conformity and choose unique fitment options, colors and styles.

Determining Your Budget

With quality, generally comes cost. We’re not saying you have to hand over your next paycheck, but if you’re looking to upgrade your ride with a new set of wheels, you want to trust that you’re not going to have to reinvest in wheels after dipping into a pothole or accidentally running up onto a curb in a hurry.  Finding a reputable company that runs QA tests and provides a warranty that ensures and stands behind the quality of their wheels is important. Thankfully, there are lower cost yet valuable options available in today’s market with the rise of flow form technology. The durability and toughness of the wheels hold true, while the cost stays affordable due to the method in which the wheels are constructed.  Determining your budget may be something you want to do before you start your search so that you may narrow down your options and save yourself some time.

Browse Your Options

If you’re at the beginning stages of your search and are looking for ideas, we recommend browsing social media or popular sites to discover the options for your vehicle. Social media platforms possess an abundance of accounts, both individuals and businesses, that are dedicated to providing vehicle specific content. Many social media users are part of vehicle specific clubs and will likely go out of their way to assist you in your build and search for aftermarket wheels. Reaching your hand out to the community usually yields 10 in return and with that, comes advice, ideas, friendship and guidance.  Additionally, individual wheel websites will allow for a more specific search.  Many offer a configurator where you can see the wheels on your specific vehicle type.  This allows you to compare the different styles of wheels and how they would look before you make your final purchase.  

Knowing that wheels are a major investment, research and due diligence will assist in your decision making process.  Understanding your fitment, knowing your budget and selecting a wheel style that reflects you, can make your purchasing journey feel effortless.

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Crosstrek, Outback, Forester, Subaru, Off-roading, Overlanding, cuv,

Choosing the Subaru That Fits You: Crosstrek vs. Outback vs. Forester

Choosing the Subaru That Fits You: Crosstrek vs. Outback vs. Forester

In today’s automotive world with so many options, choosing the perfect vehicle can be a daunting task.  However, when you find the right one that fits your lifestyle, it makes all the difference, especially if your goal is to hit the great outdoors. Subaru has done a terrific job of focusing on this outdoor market and providing features and benefits that adventure  enthusiasts desire.  Further customization of Subarus with wheels, lift kits, roof racks, swing out bars, lights, among many other accessories, allows for advantages on and off the beaten path.


We regularly share stories and photos from our friends and customers displaying their passion for Subaru, but what specifically makes them so enthusiastic about this brand? Sure, Subaru ranks high in safety and features, but we wanted to dig deeper into the reasons why Subaru is a fan favorite and why people choose their particular model. We asked a few of our fellow adventurists to share their thoughts on their Outback, Forester and Crosstrek.



Suzie C. (@tank_trek on Instagram) – Subaru Outback owner

Why Subaru? 

We live in the Pacific NorthWest so the AWD is a must have. I’ve been a Jeep owner for over a decade, still am, but we needed reliable vehicles that could be used for commuting/road-tripping/etc. I bought an ’04 Impreza Sport in the beginning of the pandemic as something to rebuild and familiarize myself with Subaru. Long story short, I fell in love. After getting that one all done, we bought the 2021 Outback Premium and then a few months later, picked up a 2019 Crosstrek Sport. Now I can’t imagine wanting to own anything else.

 

What made you purchase the model you chose vs the other options? 

We chose the Outback for the space. My partner really wanted a vehicle we could use to camp in during the winter months and be able to fit comfortably. We have 2 dogs that are on the larger side, so a rooftop tent just doesn’t work for us right now.

Does your Subaru compliment your lifestyle? 

It’s perfect for us. I work in the outdoor industry and my partner is a pretty avid hiker. Subarus can get you pretty much anywhere you want to go. It’s a nice combination of explorer vehicle and luxury.

What’s your favorite feature of the model you drive? 

Hands down it is probably the heated seats. You never truly realize how handy that feature is until it’s freezing outside and you’re underdressed. The AWD is of course also really important.

What vehicle upgrades are in your future? 

We’ve already done the 17″ Reika Tetons with Falken AT Trail tires and a Prinsu roof rack. The future will definitely include some underbody protection, most likely the LP Aventure Large Bumper Guard and Rock Sliders and an exhaust. Maybe a little lift at some point as well. There are so many options out there that I’m sure we’ll come up with more things as time progresses.



Travis R. (@bugout_fozzy on Instagram) – Subaru Forester owner

Why Subaru?

Honestly, I was in need of some adventure in life. Most of the people within the Subaru community like to get out there and that intrigued me enough to go check them out. I liked what I saw.

What made you purchase the model you chose vs the other options (Ascent, Crosstrek, Outback)?

I chose the Forester over the other models due to two things mainly: cargo space and weight. Although I do think they failed with the NA engine instead of turbocharged.

Does your Subaru compliment your lifestyle?

For the most part, yes. I do like to push vehicles to see what they are capable of and it is perhaps slightly underpowered for my driving lifestyle. It typically gets me where I want to go. It can accommodate a lot of aftermarket features and accessories to make life easier while you’re on the trail or camping, and space is never an issue. 

What’s your favorite feature of the model you drive? 

This might sound funny, but the cruise control feature on Subaru is one of the best I have used. With the rev matching CVT and the auto speed match for vehicles in front of you, paired with the phenomenal handling, it makes mountain passes extremely enjoyable. As for the Forester in particular, I found it to be a nice balance between comfort and capabilities.

What vehicle upgrades are in your future?

Well, if anyone feels like making a supercharger for the 2.5, a stronger CVT, a 4” lift and upgraded axle components, I’m in. Beyond that, maybe some rock sliders and onboard air. Been looking seriously at steel and aluminum bumpers as well.



Kevin S. (@gotrekyoself on Instagram) – Subaru Crosstrek owner
Why Subaru? 

Subaru provided me with the best of both worlds. A reliable, safe and good looking everyday vehicle as well as a fun, durable, AWD offroad beast!

What made you purchase the model you chose vs the other options (Ascent, Crosstrek, Outback)? 

The Crosstrek just really fit my needs. But I could definitely see myself in an Outback when my family gets bigger.

Does your Subaru compliment your lifestyle? 

Absolutely! I love being out in nature and going on roadtrips with my friends and family.

What’s your favorite feature of the model you drive?   

 I’d have to say the safety features. It definitely comes in handy.

What vehicle upgrades are in your future? 

Lights, full audio upgrade, an awning and more lights!


REIKA Vehicle Solutions has been fortunate to connect and engage with many Subaru owners because we offer wheel and lift kit options that enhance their driving experience. Along the way, we’ve gotten to know many Subaru enthusiasts who come from all walks of life with the same goal – to explore. If you are a solo adventurist requiring minimal space, a couple traveling with your animals or road tripping with a vehicle full of family and friends, Subaru has the option for you. 

The pursuit of adventure begins with you. REIKA is what gets you there.

 

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reikavs, adventure, subieandyou, subie&you, subaru, subaru podcast, podcast

REIKA and Subie & You! Discuss Company and Community Building

Today’s compact utility vehicles (CUVs), especially all-wheel drive models, are well adept at handling various terrains and more owners are traveling offroad to experience new journeys. This sense of adventure has unified an entire community of CUV enthusiasts, and no more so than the Subaru loyalists.  Many Subaru owners are passionate about their vehicles and share their dedication on various social media platforms and podcasts.  Here, ideas can be exchanged, builds can be viewed and upgrades can be evaluated.

Subie & You! is one of those special podcasts where all things Subaru are discussed with moderator Rafael Ruiz. Weekly, Rafael’s podcast shares the stories and experiences of drivers and business owners within the Subaru community. One such conversation features Bruno Paulin from REIKA Vehicle solutions. 

 

Throughout the hour-long podcast, Bruno and Rafael discuss the origin, wheel and lift kit products and future of REIKA VS.  As a company that began with the mission of “providing customers with the highest quality equipment that will allow them to travel further, experience new adventures and discover extraordinary destinations”, it is no surprise that REIKA is committed to building community – just like Subaru owners. Rafael and Bruno spend a good deal of time talking about the sense of camaraderie that is thoroughly enjoyed within the “soft roading” crowd. When Rafael asks his guests “What’s your favorite part of being a Subaru owner?”, the most common response is – being part of the community.

Collaboration, co-branding, cooperation and community building are essential components of the REIKA way. These same principles are shared by the Subie & You! podcast and clearly become apparent as the podcast progresses.  More importantly, REIKA and Subie & You! fall right in line with the Subaru culture and the mission of the car company itself – all three organizations are committed to being a part of the greater good.

To hear more about REIKA’s products and the community we are building, check out the Subie&You! Podcast episode #48.

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Social Media Photography: What Clicks?

Social Media Photography: What Clicks?

Telling stories with photos has been a part of our narrative since the first photo was taken with a camera in 1826 by Joseph Nicéphore Niépce. Over the centuries, photography has evolved enormously and the advent of digital photography has revolutionized the entire field. Now, taking, posting and curating digital photos has become a form of art for many individuals who use social media platforms such Instagram and Facebook. It takes great skill to capture photographic content that is interesting to viewers perusing their Instagram accounts. What is going to grab someone’s attention as they scroll through? What is going to encourage someone to push that Follow button? Vehicle accounts are popping up like crazy on social media, but what makes one more interesting than another? One of our ambassadors, Michael Yi (@youngrav4) is extremely consistent with his excellent photos so we wanted to know “How do you create the magic?”


The Inspiration

Michael is an avid Instagram poster and created his YoungRAV4 page in July of 2020.  He has quickly amassed followers by posting anywhere from once to three times a week and everyday people are being drawn in by the very clever photography content. His trick is planning ahead.  Michael is not only a college student, but holds two jobs as well.  During his free time he researches photo locations via geo-tag and Google, concentrating on natural lighting, backgrounds and the “cool” factor.  He also likes to play with juxtaposition on his account as he switches back and forth between cityscape and nature.  Both places have hidden locations to explore and stories to tell.  However, wherever Michael plans to go, there is one thing he always does before he heads out the door – he checks the weather forecast, an absolute must if you want to have a successful shoot.



The Method

Lots of auto enthusiasts hire professional photographers to take pictures of their vehicle, but Michael takes all of his own using a Canon 5D Mark 4. Typically, he hand-holds his camera but in the case of a long exposure in dark areas or at night, he will use a tripod to keep a steady shot. He only uses natural lighting which is an incredibly challenging feat – no flashes, no reflection panels, no extra lighting.  Post photography, Michael will occasionally include filters or graphics from Photoshop, Lightroom, Snapseed and LD to add a humorous or fantastical touch to his photos. The post of a C-17 flying over his RAV4 exemplifies his graphically creative approach.  It is not only his favorite (he made it into wallpaper), but it is the most popular post on his page, as many viewers believed it was real!




















The Goal

The goal for Michael’s social media accounts is to grow a following that can share resources and helpful information within the Toyota and Subaru overlanding communities.  He is passionate about his RAV4 build and wants to share the process (his concept, what products he selected, and what companies he has partnered with) with other individuals as they look for assistance or ideas for their potential builds. His enthusiasm for both his vehicle and photography is definitely conveyed through the images he has posted of his “YoungRAV4”.


When asked for his best piece of advice for social media photographers, Michael immediately responds with “Take your time when taking photos and pay attention to the small details that can so often be missed.”  These small details in both photographic technique and content are often what makes the difference between a post that stops you in your tracks and one that keeps your finger scrolling.

Lift Kits: Get Up and Out There

Lift Kits: Get Up and Out There

REIKA Lift Kits are designed with adventure in mind. By increasing the vehicle ride height, your CUV can accommodate larger tires while maintaining the factory alignment and ride quality. With added ground clearance, you can now participate in more extreme adventures. Our lift kits are E-coated, affordable, easy to install and vehicle specific, ensuring that any adventure you embark on is an enjoyable one.

E-coating

All REIKA lift kits are manufactured and painted using E-coating, which is a wet paint finishing process meant to protect steel and metal parts from corrosion. This process is relatively complex in which a metal component is immersed in a water-based solution that contains a paint emulsion. Once washed and coated with Phosphate, an electric current is disbursed, causing the paint emulsion to condense and form evenly over the metal component. The strength of the electric charge is usually between 25-400 volts and determines the thickness of the coat. The part is then washed again and baked in an industrial oven at 375 degrees for a minimum of 20 minutes where the paint cures and becomes ready to go. 

Affordability

Our lift kits are designed with affordability in mind. With competitive pricing, we wanted to offer our customers a vehicle specific solution that increases the ability to get off the beaten path and explore, all while protecting the vehicle’s undercarriage AND not breaking the bank. We’ve manufactured a strong and durable product and offer our kits at the low cost of $249 plus tax and shipping. The increased ride height with our REIKA lift kits is a bonus when exploring the great outdoors. Adding just a few inches of ground clearance can significantly increase your ability to get over rocks, brush, or tough terrain that you may not have been able to manage before lifting your vehicle. 

Vehicle Specific

While developing our lift kits, we made sure to check all the boxes that ensure safety and perfect fitment for each vehicle. Designed for Subaru Outback, Forester, Crosstrek and Toyota RAV4 models, our kits will give you that extra lift you are looking for. REIKA kits can be installed either professionally or within the comfort of your own driveway or garage. Automotive experience is a plus, but not a requirement. In addition to the detailed installation guide provided with the kit, you can check out a live install with expert instruction on REIKA’s YouTube channel (link below). With plenty of resources available to assist in your upgrade, you will be lifted and on your way in no time.  

The pursuit of adventure begins with you, REIKA is what gets you there! 

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 REIKA Vehicle Solutions on YouTube (Installation Guides) – www.youtube.com › channel › UCMrPyERQ9zOFDDGTId4RM6QREIKA Vehicle Solutions – YouTube

SEMA 2021: The Growing Overland Trend on Display

SEMA 2021: The Growing Overland Trend on Display

The SEMA Show 

The annual SEMA show was back and all geared up this year after the world was faced with a pandemic of great proportions. For those new to the world of SEMA, the association was established in 1963 and kicked off as a small group of manufacturers who provided performance parts and equipment to the hot rod community. Over the years, SEMA evolved into one of the largest leading trade show events in the automotive industry, providing a week-long social gathering for hot rods, trucks, tuners, classic cars, sports cars, rare builds, off-road rigs and some of the latest and greatest parts and equipment to hit the market.

A Time and Place

Each November, for one week, the event is held at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. The show’s popularity has gained tons of exposure resulting in larger crowds year after year. The enormous growth of trade shows in general, advanced the need for the construction of massive arena sized halls in the heart of the Las Vegas strip. For SEMA, this allowed for hundreds more exhibitors to display vehicles and products and thousands more auto enthusiasts to enjoy the show.

Off-roading and Overlanding at SEMA 

The overlanding and off-roading communities have swiftly come into the spotlight within the United States and are gaining considerable attention in the automotive market. This is clearly evident within the halls of SEMA, as the space committed to this type of vehicle has grown tremendously. With the explosion of remote travel and exploration, businesses have used their own outdoor experiences to develop new products and solutions that enhance the experience for all. The SEMA show provides the opportunity for small and newer businesses to not only be discovered, but to expand their network and introduce helpful and innovative products to the market.

REIKA Vehicle Solutions 

This year, REIKA Vehicle Solutions was able to display in the exhibitors hall, showcasing our newly established CUV wheel and lift kit line. SEMA was the perfect place to connect with existing customers and establish new relationships with future customers. We thoroughly enjoyed meeting new people and developing new relationships, as well as bringing awareness of our brand to the marketplace. In the midst of this ever growing off-road and overlanding community, we couldn’t be more excited to provide unique solutions for vehicles that are not always targeted in this market.

Event Highlights 

Roaming around SEMA, we had the chance to discover some of the brands that support the off-road and overlanding communities. The newly constructed West Hall held many companies and brands associated with the community. The ever-popular Overland Expo was in attendance at the back of the hall in the Overland Experience. Here, owners displayed their rigs and conversed with showgoers about the planning and effort that went into building their rigs, providing advice to those who inquired.  Overland Expo also hosted education sessions ⁠with industry experts who discussed market trends, responsible recreation, protecting public land for OHV use, and much more.

Onward 

We had a blast this year at the 2021 SEMA Show. REIKA Vehicle Solutions will be looking forward to attending for many years to come giving us the opportunity to connect with a great group of travelers, hobbyists and fellow auto enthusiasts. We are committed to the overlanding community and promise to provide the highest quality product and customer service to our partners and customers alike. We hope you enjoyed the show and can’t wait to see you all next year. Until then, go out and explore!

Connect with Us:

Follow REIKA Vehicle Solutions on INSTAGRAM – https://www.instagram.com/reika.vs/

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Follow REIKA Vehicle Solutions on TWITTER – https://twitter.com/ReikaVehicle