Steve-O’s Wildride! 4x4 RV Podcast Studio
Steve-O has cemented his legacy as one of the most entertaining and fearless humans on the planet. While his over-the-top antics have made him a worldwide celebrity, he has moved into a new market for which he is equally engaging, podcasting. Of course, being Steve-O, a regular podcast studio wasn’t going to cut it. Using a Ram ProMaster van out west, he quickly learned the pros and cons of a mobile podcast studio.
Though it worked well for epic conversation, its lack of four-wheel drive proved to be a real issue on more than one occasion. With new digs in Tennessee, he didn’t want to find himself spinning in place yet again with the same old setup. Liking the size and space provided by a Forest River Sunseeker, he needed to fix one glaring shortcoming, which was its lack of four-wheel drive.
Luckily for him, the 2025 Forest River RV he opted for is built on a Ford E-350 chassis. This meant he could take the Sunseeker one state over to Fletcher, North Carolina, where the nation’s leading 4x4 RV conversion specialist happened to be located. Working with Ujoint Offroad owner Chris Steuber, the two devised a plan to create the ultimate off-road cable podcast studio.
Sunseeker
The 2025 Forest River Sunseeker is built on a Ford E-350 chassis. A major draw of this particular platform is that it comes with the highly sought-after, and extremely powerful, 7.3L Ford V8. Known as the Godzilla engine, this gasser is backed by a 6R140 automatic transmission.
Ujoint 4x4 Conversion
Replacing the stock two-wheel drive front end configuration is a high-pinion Dana 60 front axle built to Ujoint Offroad specs. Before Ujoint starts the 4x4 conversion, the RV is weighed. This allows them to build a custom leaf-spring pack for that specific vehicle. Steve-O’s RV weighed in at appx 10,000 pounds.
That’s The Case
To split the power between the drive axles, Ujoint uses an NP1128 transfer case. This manual-shift T-case feeds 1350 CV drivelines. If you look just to the left of the transfer case, you’ll see an ARB dual-cylinder air compressor. This unit is mated with a 2.5-gallon air tank, which feeds multiple quick-release fittings around the RV.
That 70’s Show
The six-inch-lift custom leaf springs ride atop the full-float Dana 70 rear axle, which like the front, is using a 4.56 differential gearset. Using upgraded sway bars helps ensure body roll is kept in check and helper air bags allow for increased support for additional loads.
Dually
Supporting the weight and fighting for traction are dual, 255/80R17 Nitto Recon Grappler A/T tires. The Recon Grappler A/T has become the go-to tire for Ujoint’s 4x4 RV conversions. The reason? It not only lives up to its namesake of performing well in all-terrains, but they roll smooth, remain quiet, and can go the distance.
Dynatrac
To increase handling and reduce wear on front end components, Dynatrac knuckles were installed, along with DynaLoc hubs. The steering knuckles allow for Ujoint’s crossover steering system, while the DynaLoc’s disengage the front drive axle, both of which create excellent handling on the road.
FB002
For lighting up those late-night adventures, the Ujoint winch bumper was fixed with an assortment of flood and fog lights from Baja Designs. These are wired in through a dash mounted sPOD controller. In the unlikely event the RV does get stuck (or runs across someone who is) there is a Warn VR12-S ready for action.
Podcast Studio
Despite being a brand-new build, this podcast studio has already played host to Megadeth frontman Dave Mustaine and Haliey Welch, better known as the Hawk Tuah girl. With a single slide out, it provides just enough room to comfortably sit guest, and the walls have been reinforced for a TV to pivot on so they can bring up clips during their conversation.
RV Plus
While there are camera mounts on the ceiling and the Wildride! logo on the wall, this is still a fully functional RV. Fit with a bed, complete bathroom, and small kitchen, this setup is extremely easy to navigate and live out of when needed. Though Steve-O does have a larger tour bus with a podcast setup on it as well, he states that each time he drives it, something gets damaged. While tall, this setup is considerably easier to drive and something Steve-O is comfortable taking on adventures.
That’s A Wrap
The very first mod the RV received is the vinyl camo wrap. Next on the list is a battery bank system to give him more off-grid power. If you want to know more about what’s happing with this setup, be sure to check out steveo.com.
More From Driving Line
- Be sure to check out this RV in action on our YouTube channel!
