Long Travel BS Thread

The problem with so much of our regulations in this country is: It is a federal law (D.O.T.) but states have the ability to enforce it or not to. Which I would think makes the state negligent as well. Even with some states the enforcement of regulations can vary from region to region. I am sure areas like Hurricane and Moab, Ut. turn a blind eye to it in order not to impact offroad tourism. But I also would not want to fight it in court especially in a wrong-full death/manslaughter case. The law may not state it is illegal, but it does state what must be in place. And that regulation makes full hydro not possible legally unless the vehicle came that way from a D.O.T. registered MFG. Even PSC has a statement stating full hydro is for off road use only.

 

I mean, if you want to go by DOT standards. 90% of our trucks are considered “illegal”.

 

I definitely get the skepticism, but personally have not been able to find a case where someone got a ticket for full hydro or ended up in any legal trouble in a collision etc. not saying it doesn’t exist, I just haven’t run across one. I also feel that lawyers would probably have enough to work with on a heavily modified off-road vehicle if they planned on using that as a reason anyways. Not a lawyer though. I do live in the land of if it rolls down the street you’re mostly good to go though.

 

All a lawyer needs is to see the statement from PSC or whatever that it is not legal for road use and you’re done. Doesn’t matter what the part is. You’re still just as effed in that situation.

But with that said. Full hydro doesn’t belong on the road. And I will tell every single customer that walks through my doors exactly that.

 

And how many people evaluate their personal liability? Especially when using an off-road vehicle on public roads.

 

About 5%. I think about it all the time personally. Basically driving a missile down the road. I t-bone someone. They aren’t going to come out well.

 

Is it a good thing or bad thing that we don't live in Australia. My understanding if you want to produce after-market products especially suspension and brakes stuff you have to go thru a testing and evaluation (that does include on road tests) process before it can be sold.

 

Yep. I often say this to people who are considering steel front bumpers for aesthetic reasons on their brand new TRD Pro or whatever. The likelihood that you kill a pedestrian, yourself or someone else in an accident by effectively removing the crumple zone and replacing it with solid steel skyrockets. If you can have that on your conscience knowing you did it only for looks, go for it.

The 4x4 community in Australia is really strong but the builds are totally different and this is partly the reason. I don't often watch a lot of YouTube but these guys came over and ran the Con in their RHD LC and it's a pretty decent watch as they talk a little about the cultural differences (e.g., 33/35 tires are considered huge in Aus).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zBA4A9dGEt0

 

I had a state trooper approach me while pumping gas over the weekend. He just wanted to check it out, even sat in it. Fully caged truck mind you.

I asked him what the likelihood of me ever getting messed with was. And he basically said if I’m driving reasonable likely never. And even said if I got pulled over for speeding it was highly unlikely any officer would ever want to mess with writing me for anything just because it would be a waste of energy not knowing exact details specific laws etc.

But man. I sure would hate to be on either side of an accident. At fault or not. Because even if not at fault and the other person is seriously hurt or killed. It could legitimately mean prison time or losing everything I own.

Not sure many grasp the responsibility we carry every time we drive these things.

 

Can anyone cite a case where vehicle modifications caused some legal hiccups in court? Just curious. Not saying there isn’t. I just haven’t researched too deeply into it.

 

In the muddy states those lower uniballs do not last, @CharlieTaco had his uniballs wear out in like 2 months of dd duty

Edit. Oops i replied on the topic a few pages ago...

 

Mine last okay til winter

 

Those were the 2 months he had them on for lol...
My UCA uniballs last for 2 years non-ptfe

 

Yeah I haven’t replaced mine this spring just cause I didn’t drive the truck this winter
But
New kit soon so new problems

 

In CA trucks are the only vehicle not required to have a "front bumper" meaning we can modify and do what we want with them, sorta. 4Runners and FJ's are not trucks are are required to have the factory front bumper stuff.

 

Hit and hurt/kill someone. Intentional or not. I’ll bet my life savings you have massive issues on your hands with a highly modified vehicle.

We live in a country where many citizens and lawyers drool over money from lawsuits. And it ain’t getting better.

 

I’m asking for real world examples. Lots of modified vehicles out there, surely someone has had a documented issue.

 

I remember hearing of a Supra that was highly modified and go away from the guy and he’s in prison for life.

 

I imagine if someone was involved in this situation, they probably don't want to talk about it.

 

I’d imagine if it was a prevalent issue we’d hear more about it or be able to produce some court cases etc., right?