Mike Johnson's Adventure Outfitters

Located at 435 US Hwy 70 SE, Hickory, NC 28602, USA, Mike Johnson's Adventure Outfitters operates as a highly specialized "Auto Repair Station" with a distinct focus on vehicle customization and outfitting, particularly for off-road and adventure-ready vehicles. While technically an "auto parts store" in the sense that they sell and install a wide range of aftermarket parts, their core service lies in comprehensive vehicle modifications and enhancements. You can contact them by phone at (828) 358-3913 or mobile phone at +1 828-358-3913.

The environment at Mike Johnson's Adventure Outfitters is characterized by a deep understanding and passion for custom vehicle builds and off-road capabilities. The reviews consistently highlight the expertise of Ryan Bartlett and his team, suggesting a professional workshop equipped to handle complex modifications. The clientele consists of individuals who demand precision and reliability for their vehicles, often for adventurous and challenging expeditions across various terrains globally. This implies a meticulous and detail-oriented approach within the shop. The atmosphere is one of trust and collaboration, where the team actively "listens to what customers want done and provides excellent feedback," fostering a highly personalized service experience.

Mike Johnson's Adventure Outfitters is not your typical auto repair station for routine maintenance. Instead, they specialize in enhancing and customizing vehicles, primarily for off-road performance, overland travel, and adventurous uses. Their services and "goods for sale" are intrinsically linked to these specialized modifications:

• Vehicle Customization: Their primary service involves transforming standard vehicles into capable adventure rigs. This includes significant modifications beyond basic repairs.
• Aftermarket Part Installation: They excel at installing a wide array of aftermarket components. This includes:
  • Lift Kits: Enhancing ground clearance and off-road capability.
  • Wheels and Tires: Installing specialized wheels and tires designed for off-road performance and durability.
  • Suspension Upgrades: Implementing advanced suspension systems to improve ride quality and handling on varied terrains.
  • Other Aftermarket Work: This likely extends to bumpers, winches, lighting, recovery gear, roof racks, and other accessories essential for overlanding and off-road adventures.
• Expert Workmanship for Demanding Use: The fact that vehicles worked on by them are taken "all over the world; Alaska, Africa and Australia" for personal trips and guiding expeditions speaks to the extreme reliability and quality of their work. They prepare vehicles for the most demanding conditions.
• Toyota Customization: While the reviews specifically mention a 4Runner and a Toyota truck, other external information (like the Mike Johnson's Hickory Toyota website) also points to a specialization in customizing Toyota trucks, including lift kits, wheels, tires, and other accessories. This suggests a strong expertise with Toyota platforms.
• Consultation and Feedback: Ryan Bartlett is noted for listening to customer desires and providing "excellent feedback," indicating a consultative approach to customization projects.

Their "goods for sale" are the high-performance aftermarket parts themselves, which are then expertly installed as part of their service. This is not a counter-service auto parts store; rather, it is a service-driven outfitter that leverages specialized parts.

Mike Johnson's Adventure Outfitters stands out significantly due to several highly praised features:

• Unparalleled Expertise and Workmanship: The most resounding praise is for the quality of work performed by Ryan Bartlett and his team. Terms like "top notch and second to none," "attention to detail," and "ability to work on the rig as if it were his own" highlight their exceptional skill and dedication. This level of quality instills "faith" and "confidence" in customers, even for global expeditions.
• Personalized and Attentive Service: The team is described as "nothing but awesome" and Ryan Bartlett is noted for listening to customer needs and providing "excellent feedback." This indicates a highly personalized approach, where customer satisfaction and specific requirements are paramount.
• Trust and Reliability: Customers express absolute trust, stating they are "the only ones I let touch my truck." This level of confidence is earned through consistent, high-quality results and a commitment to reliability. The long-term trust is critical given the high-stakes nature of the expeditions their vehicles undertake.
• Availability and Support: The ability to "give Ryan a call and he is always available to provide feedback or point me in the right direction" signifies an extraordinary level of customer support, extending beyond typical business hours. This immediate availability for advice is a huge asset for customers.
• Specialization in Adventure Vehicles: Their focused expertise in outfitting vehicles for challenging off-road and overlanding adventures sets them apart from general repair shops. They understand the unique demands and required modifications for such purposes.

The most compelling promotional information for Mike Johnson's Adventure Outfitters comes directly from the highly enthusiastic and detailed customer reviews. These serve as powerful testimonials:

• Global Validation of Work: The fact that vehicles serviced by them are taken "all over the world; Alaska, Africa and Australia" is an incredibly strong, real-world endorsement of their quality and reliability. It demonstrates that their work stands up to the most extreme conditions.
• Direct Recommendations: The explicit recommendation to "give Ryan Bartlett a call" for "any after market work done on your vehicle" acts as a direct and confident referral from highly satisfied customers.
• Building Confidence for Critical Trips: Phrases like "left me confident in any trip I take; whether it’s a personal trip or guiding veterans on a week long trip" directly promote the peace of mind and readiness their services provide.
• Emphasis on Trust and Pickiness: The review from a "picky" truck owner who trusts only Ryan's team reinforces the idea that they cater to discerning clients who expect nothing but the best, and they consistently deliver.
• Accessibility of Expertise: The mention of Ryan's availability for calls "no matter what time of day if I have a problem" highlights an exceptional level of customer support that goes far beyond typical business hours. This commitment to their clients is a strong selling point.

In conclusion, Mike Johnson's Adventure Outfitters is a premium "Auto Repair Station" in Hickory, NC, that transcends standard auto service to provide highly specialized vehicle customization and outfitting. Under the expert guidance of Ryan Bartlett, they offer "top notch" workmanship, unparalleled attention to detail, and a level of customer trust that ensures vehicles are not just repaired, but meticulously prepared for the most demanding adventures, making them an indispensable resource for off-road enthusiasts and overlanders.