less capable vehicle shunning

That was rather hard to watch. I don't think that Josh noticed that in the commercials they don't go over any big rocks, through creeks. Just because a truck can do something, doesn't mean a Subraru can. I haven't driven a manual in over 2 years and his clutch work made me cringe.
If that was someone I knew I'd tell them that the only way that he'd be coming with us is if he went with someone else. If he brings his car then he's leaving it there if something were to go wrong with it. I am sure that you don't mean to hurt his feelings but it's for his and everyone else's good.

 

If you ask me...that's pretty damn impressive to see a Subaru do all that.

Is this just a group of friends? Or, is this trip thru a club or organization? How did this 'trip' get organized?

I used to be involved with many offroad clubs & organizations and organized many trips myself. Part of the 'pre-trip' planning, involved VERY VERY specific information about the trail system and the trip itself. Including....Trail ratings, conditions, requirements, etc. But once you set those requirements - anyone should have the ability to join the fun regardless as long as they meet all the requirements. You don't want to set 'unrealistic' requirements (on purpose) to keep the riff raff out. Eventually.... people will SHUN YOU for trying to keep people from joining.

Get over it and enjoy the fun. Enjoy the hobby for the PEOPLE - and not the terrain. Become a 'Responsible & Respected' leader and teach & assist people how to drive better & understand the hobby better.

Or.....join another club or organization where you can take more extreme trips.

 

Bottom line is a Forester (or any AWD car really) isn't a suitable wheeling rig.

 

Right.

Send that guy on coffee runs. I think he maxed out his rig. I think he did pretty good. I wouldn't want to buy his car. Haha.

 

group with the subie? In the video? Because it says you are from NM and the subie plates are from CO and the trail is in CO. We were actually just talking about that video a little while ago.
So wait. is that your

its a subaru forrester, it dosent have low range

haha guess thats a good idea! Just find some harder trails and leave him at the first obstacle or have him break it

 

I don't off-road my truck but was interested to see what this post was about. After watching the video and reading the comments made by more knowledgeable off-roaders what I gather is that most feel it's not so much his vehicle but his driving skills. OP you said this guy is a friend of yours. If that's true help the guy out by sharing your knowledge of the right way to handle the conditions. Would it be different if he showed up in a new Tacoma for your next outing? Really help the guy out so he can enjoy the experience as much as the rest of your crew.

Don't know how old you guys are but consider this. What if it was your son who was new to wheeling and was having the same issues - regardless of what he was driving. I'd bet you and all your buddies would be overloading him with information on the proper techniques....just sayin. He's a friend help him out.

Stepping down from soapbox now.

 

im going to say between a similarly equiped cherokee and tacoma (tire size mainly, and frame height) it comes down to the driver. I still take lines and go on trails a number of jeep owners just flat out avoid. Is a rubicon better? Yes, absolutely. Better suspension set up, stronger axle, better factory options. but the cherokee is not at that same level

 

after a certain point, its certainly the vehicle. granted MOST of that trail specifically is not bad, a little rough with a few challenging sections but clearly the subaru could struggle through most of it. But if somone brought a subaru forrester to one of our trail runs, he would probably get laughed at and told to ride along. nobody wants to wait THAT long for an ill equipped rig.

So yes it would matter if he showed up in even a stock tacoma. a stock taco could handle that trail fine, it has low range and bigger tires and is better equipped. Stock rig friendly does not mean any stock vehicle. it means stock 4x4. likewise when the trail specs say 33s and lockers and recovery points minimum and one guy shows up with stock tires and no armor people are not going to be happy. you have to be mindful of others in the group as well.

 

I hear you. My point was if at the next outing he showed up in a Tacoma but still didn't know how to drive it nothing would change unless people taught him proper driving techniques. Again if he was a friend, as was stated, help him out. If he was just some guy who showed up and joined your group, that would be a different story.

 

Man that video makes me sad for the poor forester. I only watched the first 4 minutes, and didn't see anything I would consider "extreme" or risky. My advice would be to do a very technical trail and have him ride along. Maybe he'll trade-up into a jeep or truck.

 

The driver is the less capable, part of this story.

 

I'd kick his ass of the club until he either rode along or got another rig. I mean a subie is fine on the road and some logging roads but off road you need something with a transfer case and lockers.

 

That stuff looks pretty doable in what he has. Just needs to drive better imo.

 

Don't understand all the Subaru hate. I actually have more respect for the Forester after watching that. If any clutch-riding moron can get it to go up that rock-covered hill then it can't be that bad.
You guys who are talking smack because it's not a "truck" are hilarious.
And to those that'd dump a friend over a vehicle... sheesh. Let the guy bring his subaru on the easy stuff he can handle. Then kindly ask him to ride with you on the more advanced trails. Seems easy to me...

OP, if the guy can't afford a new vehicle ask him if he'd be willing to trade someone for an auto tranny. At least then it would be easier for him to keep smooth momentum.
Does he have a spacer or coil lift on it?

 

holy shit I spit my beer out when I played the song and watched the video

 

Hmm my take is a little different. It kind of seems like to me you are trying to break up with your buddy and using this as a reason.

If he is your friend, then the adventure is what it's all about. If he breaks it, he breaks it. Hop in and we'll head to town. If you just don't like the guy and don't want him around then just tell him.

 

Mike, He does have a lift. I believe his ground clearance is around 9 inches. We take him on a lot of trips. We have gotten that car through some hard stuff. I have also picked up pieces. He can get very stubborn. It will always be a Subaru. I have offered to sell him a Jeep for cheap. Which is fine his car is decent. I try to give tips but at this point it is on him to learn. He has actually gotten to the point to not ask for or even listen to the spotter. Which is fine, its his vehicle. I will continue to wheel with him and help him. I hope he learns his lesson soon, so we don't wear out our winch line.

 

I have a pre-runner, so I'm not one to be judging. But I'd let him read this thread...

 

I think it would be MUCH better if it had a 4 low ... seems as if even in first gear hes doing alot of clutch work. That poor poor clutch.... if its the only thing he can afford sounds like hes put some money into it.... 2k gets you a jeep cherokee


Either way... tell him to get a truck or jeep as that thing aint meant for that stuff.