Ep 13. Off the Road

Off the Road is the thirteenth episode of the tenth season of American Pickers. In this episode, Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz, the dynamic duo at the heart of the show, continue their cross-country journey in search of hidden gems and unusual collectibles. As always, they travel the back roads and dusty highways of America, meeting colorful characters and unearthing one-of-a-kind treasures.

The episode kicks off with Mike and Frank exploring a sprawling collection of vintage cars and motorcycles in rural Michigan. The owner, a retired mechanic named Jerry, has amassed an incredible assortment of vehicles over the years, and the pickers are eager to see what he has in store for them. After a bit of negotiation, they strike a deal for a rare Indian motorcycle, and Mike tries his hand at rebuilding its carburetor on the spot.

Next, the pair heads to Ohio to check out a massive warehouse filled with advertising and signage from the mid-20th century. The owner, a self-proclaimed "pickerzore," has been hoarding his collection for decades, and the guys are blown away by the sheer volume of merchandise. They score a number of cool finds, including an old Bubble Up soda sign and a rare Datsun hubcap, but they have to dig deep into their wallets to secure them.

After that, Mike and Frank make their way to a remote farm in Indiana, where they meet a farmer named Bill who has a surprising collection of military vehicles and memorabilia. Bill is a veteran himself, and he's passionate about preserving the history of America's armed forces. Mike and Frank are particularly excited to check out the tanks and artillery pieces he has on display, and they even get a chance to ride on one of the tanks.

Later in the episode, the pickers visit a sprawling junkyard in Illinois that's run by a father-son team. The pair are eccentric characters who love to joke around and show off their vast inventory of rusty relics. Mike and Frank have a blast wandering the maze-like yard, discovering all manner of oddities and treasures. They even manage to haggle down the price of a 1966 Plymouth Barracuda that's been sitting neglected in the yard for years.

The episode's final stop is a storage locker in Kentucky that's filled to the brim with vintage toys and games. The owner, a toy enthusiast named Larry, has been amassing his collection for over 40 years, and he's amassed some truly rare and valuable items. The pickers are particularly excited by a set of wind-up robots from the 1950s and an original Lionel train set from the 1930s. They work hard to strike a deal with Larry and drive off into the night with their new treasures in tow.

Overall, Off the Road is a classic episode of American Pickers that showcases Mike and Frank's expert eye for finding unique items. With a mix of history, humor, and heart, the episode is a must-watch for fans of the show.