Brought to you by YELLOW DOG VAN ADVENTURES
Join a group of Sprinter overland van enthusiasts with experienced owners and guides for a fun and educational trip in Texas Hill country.Â
TEXAS HILL COUNTRY TOUR TRIP OVERVIEW
The route features dirt, gravel, and paved roads as well as a water crossing or two. Get more familiar and comfortable using your van on rougher more remote terrain, learn and try some new things, and have some fun.
Located in
Texas Hill Country region
Our region embraces the rich history of our forefathers who struggled to bring the traditions and crafts of their ancestors to a new land. They were full of hopes and dreams and the energy to make them happen. We are fortunate many people labored to preserve that past, and we welcome you as you discover the history, the culture, and the beauty that is the Texas Hill Country region!
TESTIMONIAL
"Thanks Mike and Karen. We enjoyed our trip with you immensely. Food, itinerary, people and camp sites were top notch."
- J & W
The Route
Our base route will be the "Texas Hill Country Tour"
The Texas Hill Country Overland Trial, the Texas Hill Country Trail, the THC Trail, there's a lot of different names the routes and trails are referred to as by locals. For the sake of simplicity, we'll call it the Texas Hill Country Tour, which is comprised of a maze of dirt and gravel roads (and yes, you'll need to burn some pavement as well) that criss-cross the splendor of central Texas' hill country.
We will be driving the southwest section of the main loop as we depart Dos Rios (Mason, TX) and then cross over to the northern section via a short pavement drive and finally air up before heading down to Bankersmith on pavement.
Meet Your Instructor
MIKE FABER
REVEL OWNER AND EXPERT
DIY Project Scoping and Assistance
An engineer who spent a career in marketing and project management always needed some sort of tinkering outlet. From sailboats, to vintage cars, household projects, and now a 2019 Revel, Mike prefers DIY when it makes sense… and occasionally when it does not.Â
DIY is not for everyone, but about anyone can do many of the mods and repairs that our vans benefit from. Mike can assist with developing a plan, work instructions, list of materials, and tool recommendations as well as video call support during your project.
Some sample projects/enhancements: Garage space optimization, Rear box - storage options, mods and installation, RAM track adds and accessories, Silencing rattles, Water system, Interior storage
TESTIMONIALS
First thanks for the trip. I feel a lot more confident! Excited to keep my eyes open for more trips.Â
- R.S
John and I had a great time. The trip was everything we wanted it to be and more. Very well planned out and Mike’s knowledge of the Revel is amazing. Thank you guys again!
- J & T
Texas Hill Country Hour
SCHEDULE
DAY 1
DOSÂ RIOSÂ CAMPGROUND ON THE LLANO RIVER
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Check-in time is 2PM
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4PM - Group discussion
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Revel systems basics
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Electrical
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Heating
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Water
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Backroads Driving / Van drive-train usage
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Airing down / up
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Van readiness checklist
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Radio distribution
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Group dinner from the griddle (provided) and evening karaoke... not really, but maybe a fire and some beverages.
DAY 2
DOSÂ RIOSÂ CAMPGROUNDÂ TO BANKERSMITH, TEXAS
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75 miles, 30 on dirt and gravel, two significant water crossings and a pleasant and scenic tour through Texas hill country. Route may be adjusted pending conditions.
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8:30am – Recovery Basics and Van recovery gear discussion on the rocky beach down by the river. This is also a good place to test your 4WD on some loose rock.
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10:00am – Depart
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Noonish – Lunch stop at Cherry Creek School.
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3:30pm – Air up stop
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4:30pm – Arrive Bankersmith, Texas campground (primitive camping)
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6:00pm - Dinner at Bankersmith
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Campfire and refreshments
DAY 3
Breakfast, some van chat and Real Ale for lunch
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8:30am – Breakfast sandwiches from the griddle (provided).
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9:00am - Group Discussion
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Recovery Demonstration - winch and or kinetic rope pending interest and timing
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Finding off grid camping and overland routes for vans
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 Q & A / Other Topics
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Radio collection
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11:00am – Depart for Real Ale in Blanco, TXÂ
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40 mile convoy drive to Real Ale
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Optional Sunday night stay at Real Ale for Harvest Host members
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Frequently Asked Questions
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How do I become a member of THE REVEL CLUB?
Do members of THE REVEL CLUB get preference?
Can I still participate if I am not a member of THE REVEL CLUB?
Any prerequisites required?
What will the roads we’re driving be like?
Do I need recovery gear?
What will I learn?
Is food/drink provided?
Are pets allowed?
My vehicle has no modifications (i.e. bigger tires or lift), can I still attend?
What is the weather like?
What if it rains?
What other activities are available?
TEXAS HILL 2025
Interested in joining us in Texas? Â
Fill out the form below to be contacted about our 2025 trip!
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TESTIMONIAL
"I'd definitely take another course of theirs."
"Mike and Karen are skilled Revelers, having owned their vehicle for so long. They know how to make off-roading feel accessible to everyone, not just the hardcore. Their easy manner and gentle instruction helped to sharpen my skills and were patient with reminders when I forgot a skill every now and then. Their itineraries were never too ambitious, just the right amount of driving and taking scenic walks, and other much-needed breaks in the action. Karen is a wonderful cook, Mike is a helpful and skilled problem-solver, and they are also just delightful people. I'd definitely take another course of theirs-- and you should, too."
-Â M.A.
