Matt Grably - Author

Matt Grabli – About The Author

Matt Grabli is a professional mechanic, experienced off-roader, writer and founder of Offroadium. Worked as a general automotive mechanic, parts specialist at Auto Zone, and aftermarket performance product consultant at Real Truck, before shifting focus to writing and digital content creation.

Matt Grabli and a Mercedes G class off road rig

My story

Like many, my passion for cars stems from my father. From a young age, I would linger with him in the garage, watching him fixing and maintaining cars into the late hours. Car magazines showcasing beautiful vehicles captivated me far more than books or cartoons ever could. This blossomed into an addiction where I would eagerly spend my pocket money on the latest issue of Car & Driver. This influenced my decision to pursue a career in automotive field.

Like many car enthusiasts in the early 2010s, “stance” and “street scene” dominated my interests, with websites like StanceNation and SpeedHunters as my biggest influences. However, after completing my street stance build, I realized my prized car, into which I had invested significant time and resources, was no longer fully drivable. The stiff suspension and inability to clear speed bumps limited where I could go, even road trips were unrealistic due to ride discomfort.

It was around then that I turned to off-road vehicles. Despite working with client trucks and Jeeps previously, I had not appreciated how well these vehicles aligned with my goals and lifestyle. They satisfied nearly everything on my wish list (except perhaps gas mileage) and opened new roads and destinations through enhanced capabilities versus the limitations of my previous build. I could apply my creativity, knowledge, and experience to improve drivability rather than hinder it.

This opened an exciting new world, from local camping to cross-state expeditions on scenic trails. Events like King of the Hammers and Overland Expo exposed me to the mature, side of automotive culture. My passion for vehicle modification, technical experience, writing skills, and interactions with owners of customized off-road rigs have inspired me to share my knowledge with like-minded enthusiasts on Offroadium.com

Matt's Posts

13
2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee – the Master of Challenging Roads

2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee WK1 – the Master of Challenging Roads

We all know that the first-ever SUV was designed by Jeep during WWII for military…

16
Life is Too Short to not Drive a Sick Jeep – Lifted Cherokee XJ on 33s

Life is Too Short to not Drive a Sick Jeep – Lifted Cherokee XJ on 33s

When Jeep introduced the second-generation Cherokee in 1984 with its innovative unibody design, it sparked…

13
Lifted 2004 Ford Excursion Monster Truck On 49” Super Swampers

Lifted 2004 Ford Excursion Monster Truck On 49” Super Swampers

To this day, the Ford Excursion remains the longest and the heaviest full-size SUV that…

25
Lifted 2010 Subaru Forester – the Source of Enjoyment on Roads Less Traveled

Lifted Subaru Forester SH – the Source of Enjoyment on Roads Less Traveled

The Subaru Forester is one of the top choices in the compact crossover segment preferred…

11
Short Land Rover Defender

Lifted 1st gen Land Rover Defender 90 Off Road Build on 33″ Tires

In the past, Land Rovers were seen as dependable pickup trucks for British farmers, ideal…

9
2017 Land Rover Discovery TD6 Overland Build

2017 Land Rover Discovery LR6 – Luxurious Overlander

Land Rover brought back the Discovery nameplate to the U.S. market with the introduction of…

12
Lifted 1990 Ford E150 Overland Van project - Hitch mount bike rack

Lifted 1990 Ford E150 Van – Classic Look with a Modern Twist

The Ford E-Series is the best-selling full-size van in the United States, and it remains…

15
Lifted 2019 Subaru Outback With Overland-Style Mods & Upgrades

Lifted 2019 Subaru Outback Overland Build: Mods & Upgrades

If you love the outdoors and like to go camping and exploring the wilderness without…

9
Lifted Land Rover Discovery 2 TD5 on 35s – Overland Rig from UK

Lifted Land Rover Discovery 2 TD5 on 35s – Overland Rig from UK

There are several good reasons to pick the Land Rover Discovery 2, formally known as…

12
2005 Nissan Titan Prerunner with LS swap – Built for Fun Times in the Dunes

2005 Nissan Titan Prerunner – Built for Fun Times in the Dunes

There is something magical in seeing the full-size truck flying over the dunes at a…