NW WA Meet / BS Thread

Beer, @JDAM's phone number. And beer.

 

Installed a powertrax no-slip locker like system yesterday, took me the majority of the day but I got it done. Also swapped out brake pads on the drums just have to adjust them a bit more. I like the powertrax and it's nice having some sort of locking rear end, can't wait to see how she does out on the trails

 

Auto diff lock like a detroit

 

Correct, it's pretty nice because it'll disengage when going around corners to allow the outside tire to rotate more than the inside one.

 

I think it's 90% mental, especially snow. Knowing when you're getting in over your head, using a light foot, and stuff like that. Of course it's extremely comforting when you have a way to get unstuck. Shovels are absolutely awesome in the snow. Winches should be for technical recovery... Not the type of stuff you do alone. Tow straps are how you get out of 99% of stuff you go with other people for. If you have to get pulled out more than twice, either you shouldn't be there, or you need some technique.

And then there's the safety stuff. A radio, dressing in layers, fire, food, beer. Letting someone know where you're going. Tools, if you're into fixing stuff. I end up packing more for a day trip snow wheeling than I do a week of camping in summer.

But the biggest thing is being able to gauge your own ability and the ability of your rig, and not going places you can't get out of.

 

Thanks Jim, a light foot on the skinny pedal is the key.

Begin:

Example 1 - green landcruiser with improperly set tire pressure thought the correct way to get up FS28 was to keep the throttle mashed. This created additional tracks that veered off in large S turns back/forth. I asked them what air pressure they were at, 20 was the answer, I suggested 12, the driver jumped out with wire strippers and a shitty tire gauge and aired down to what he thought was 12 (it was actually 15 on my gauge); they continued up and the S turns continued. Not sure what buttons were pressed (center diff, rear diff, front diff) but they were really squirrely. At the gate, the driver tossed in the surrender flag and stated he had had enough of the near death experiences for the day and was going to turn back. Inside my little head, I was thankful that he didn't continue to push an envelope. A quick mental snapshot of the green cruiser was that there was zero recovery gear, no shovel, no lift, no winch, no gas, no nothing. Not sure how they got back down the mountain but it was clear on the way back down that the S turns continued. I didn't take note if a set of tracks sailed off...

Example 2 - green Xterra loaded to the gills with recovery gear and sat nav and ham. He was driving down rapidly and would get a tire into the S turn track and it would veer him sharply/violently off into the ditch twice; I helped him winch out of the first one as he was boiling with ego/frustration; second one, I strapped him on his bumper and pulled him back ( I wanted to pass him and use gravity to pull him out but he wasn't listening to anyone). Then we continued and poof he was gone like the trail was summer time. I rounded another corner and he was sideways in the trail, high-centered and bitching on the CB. Another backward tog and he was clear. Not one word of thank you or graciousness or handshake (not that I expected it) Not even a clue of the realization "maybe I should slow down".​

End.

I learned my lesson...

 

So glad I didn't go.. did Jon in the montero go at least? Im sure you were just 'ing the whole time

 

Sounds pretty frustrating. Snow wheeling is definitely a different animal. I used to be a noob in the snow and went up denny creek by myself without airing down, got stuck, shoveled for hours.

for those that are not as experienced this site has great articles for deep snow wheeling: http://www.snowtrek.org/snow-wheeling.php

for $8 you can get this tire gauge shipped from china. accurate down in the 1psi in .1 increments. I tested it and works great!
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KTVAZFK?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s00

for $75 this is much higher quality and works even better. 1-15psi in .01 increments.

$103 Moroso - 89574 TIRE GAUGE, 0-15 PSI, DIGITAL,BACKLIT

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005V294OU?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00

 

Jon didn't make it and I am sure that he would have given a sense of reason to the newbies.

One thing I can say: I certainly do appreciate the PNW TW group outing on Jan 16. Level headed, well prepared, willing to help, etc..

 

I'm glad it hasn't been said here, but it's often funny how many times you hear people thinking the first part of being prepared is having a winch. What if the winch stops working? What if there's no anchors?

What's already been said is sound advice. Be honest about your vehicle, and humble in your endeavors. Know when to say 'no'.

The gear doesn't have to be the fanciest, but it has to be complete. most importantly, it must be safe and operated safe. A tool in the hands of an idiot is a weapon.

 

After suspension, what you guys start with next? Sliders or Bumpers or something else?

 

What do you plan to do with your truck? That would probably help people give you a more educated suggestion.

If your unsure what you plan to do and just want to add those items I would wait until the vendors host a group buy or wait for labor/memorial/4th of July when they usually have big sales.

 

Going the Expo route. Already got the LT and Kings on order, just trying to layout a plan better and get some peoples ideas.

 

Shoot Evan an IM or E-Mail. He custom built mine and they're awesome.

Marshall Fabrication

 

I read his thread today, and sent him a PM.

 

That sounds like some rough experiences. I'm glad you guys are up front and honest about your expectations, it all sounds very logical and common sense to me. I'm pretty humble and vocally self critical, so I readily admit when I'm not ready or prepared to try something. For example, I don't do heights very well. Driving up the side of a cliff where the price of "getting it wrong" is a drop down... and I'll probably have to sit it out.

My upgrade path is one that I hope is logical. First, tires. KO2s waiting for new SCS wheels. Next, B.A.M.F. sliders, already on order, so I can get a Hi-Lift and also help protect the sides of my frame. A front skid plate will quickly follow. Next will be a lift, probably going to splurge a bit and get an Icon setup. After that I'll be looking at a bumper and winch, hopefully.

I have a CURT receiver shackle, an ARB snatch rope, an extra shackle, shovel, machete and gloves. Also a pretty good set of onboard tools. Onboard air and tire patch kit is next on the list. Basic camping/survival and first aid supplies are also going to be thrown in.

I want a CB but I'll need a hand with installing the thing, that much I know.

I do hope to wheel with you guys, but I'll probably go last as I'll be slow and shaky. I also may pee a little. Which reminds me, I need seat covers

 

Good plan! I support the Icons haha.

Cb radio should be high on the list @Metalnut if you just want to buy the radio and the antenna, there is this shop down in Fife called Truck City CB and i paid the dude to mount it and make sure it was running above 98% efficiency. My antenna usually out performs most people on the trail.

 

Sliders should always be the first thing installed on a taco that you plan on off-roading.

Also while we're on the subject of preparedness and such. One thing I would suggest to People is get a CB radio! (Or even better a ham) Communication is key

 

That's a good tip! I'll check out the place you suggest. I feel I could probably do the install myself, but I still prefer to pay professionals in situations like this.