Trail Etiquette

Subway4X4 · Aug 3, 2017

steelhd said: ↑

Carry a spill kit. Shit breaks and leaving battery acid and petroleum based fluids (buried or not) on the trail isn't treading lightly. They are cheap, compact, and don't expire. Here is just one example.
https://www.polyperformance.com/oil-sponge-off-road-oil-spill-kit-off-road-oil-spill-kit

Click to expand...

This I really like.

JDM · Aug 3, 2017

steelhd said: ↑

Carry a spill kit. Shit breaks and leaving battery acid and petroleum based fluids (buried or not) on the trail isn't treading lightly. They are cheap, compact, and don't expire. Here is just one example.
https://www.polyperformance.com/oil-sponge-off-road-oil-spill-kit-off-road-oil-spill-kit

Click to expand...

In the spirit of this, good ol' fashion clay kitty litter works great for this too. I use it around the garage and driveway for cleaning up. Grind it into the concrete (it's what I have) and it draws the spill up.

I keep a few pounds of it in a bag in the back of the rig. Rarely gets used, which is good.

CO MTN Steve · Apr 10, 2018

Yep, Thread resurrection time but with new folks around this thread should really be a sticky.

Bill Vista's Recovery Bible
http://www.pirate4x4.com/tech/billavista/Recovery/

Norsemanvike · Apr 10, 2018

CO MTN Steve said: ↑

Yep, Thread resurrection time but with new folks around this thread should really be a sticky.

Bill Vista's Recovery Bible
http://www.pirate4x4.com/tech/billavista/Recovery/
Click to expand...

Glad you bumped this. Things in there I never would have thought of, but then again, I'm not planning on doing any off-roading that isn't either beginner or on the easy side of moderate. I mostly want to get to easy places for photography that are just irresponsible to do in a sedan.

T-Rex266 · Jun 25, 2018

Thread cleaned

pop.tremuloides · Feb 6, 2019

Deathbysnusnu[OP] initial post: ↑

Colorado is a big state. We have TW members all across it. On any given weekend, there may be a trail run or two planned somewhere.

1-Be on time. If you can't be on time, be 10 minutes early. You show up on time for work, this is really no different, people are counting on you. I know it's the weekend. It's the weekend for everybody.
These runs are usually set up a few days or more in advance, with discussion of the trail. There will be an agreed upon meeting place and an agreed upon departure time from that meeting place.

Stick to it or you may be left behind.

Sometimes, members are near the trails. While others are halfway across the state.
For those that have to drive an hour or more... (I've personally driven 3 hours, one way, to wheel with a small group.) It's kind of a drag to have to sit and wait for those who are "just a few minutes late" and sometimes live nearby. If that's the case, then lets meet at your place so I can tear up your bathroom instead of the convenience store.

2-Be sure and let the group know if you are going to be late or a no show. I know, just contradicted the above....Just so we know to expect you at some point and aren't left wondering if you are stuck somewhere on the trail, the highway and need help, or simply slept in and still in your pj's..
If you are on time though, then nobody has to worry.

3-Communication.
CB radios are reliable, cheap, and they work everywhere on the planet.
This should be on your build list right between the bumper and the winch install.

Cell phones are great except when they don't work. I'm truly surprised, and disappointed, at some of the remote locations we are now able to get cell service. But it's not perfect and varies by carrier. Plus they are only good for two people, not good for 3 or more vehicles and you shouldn't be on the phone while you are wheeling anyway

I can personally guarantee that your cell phone will not currently work up here on the Northern trails.

I will be blunt...If you have had your ride for over a year, have a bumper, sliders, winch, lift, etc...it's time to get serious. For less than the cost of dinner and a movie out with the significant other, you can have a fully functional CB radio that will be with you far longer than any cell phone. No, you don't need to transmit and receive 10 miles, just far enough to talk to the drivers in the group. If you don't know what you are looking for or how to install one, just ask, 20 guys will volunteer to help for the price of a beer.

4- Recovery gear. Everybody gets stuck. Everybody.
This is something that is acquired over time. It is not necessary to have it on your maiden run. But make sure at least ONE driver has some kind of gear, tow straps at the very least.
It helps to have a hook point on your ride too. Actually, it really is required. Most vehicles have tie downs from the boat, but maybe take a look at the front and rear and see what you don't mind having yanked off. Mod days are great for adding tow hooks or some kind of reliable recovery point. If you are stuck you will be either extracted with a 8000lb winch or bigger, or somebody yanking your strap with a 4000lb truck. If it ain't stout, you'll find out right away.
Never use chains for towing or recovery. Straps only and NO Hooks. They will most likely cost you a windshield or maybe just kill you.

5-Stay on the trail. No short cuts across switchbacks. If it's not a road, it's not to be driven on. If green stuff is growing on it, let it grow.
Entire trails, or parts of them, are closed every year due to drivers going "off road", parking on the grass, taking a shortcut across a switchback, or attempting obstacles that really aren't obstacles...
Now honestly, I really see very little of this from the TW members that I have run with. It's usually first time noobs, wheeling alone with too much beer and the measuring stick is out, or they simply haven't been educated on what will happen.
This is your time to be a steward of the forest and gently let them know. But use common sense. If you think they will be un-receptive to something like that, just let it go. Not worth being shot over.

6-We are here to wheel.
This a Toyota website, for wheeling enthusiasts.
If extracurricular activities are mentioned beforehand and everybody is on board, then cool.
Otherwise, keep the quads, crawlers, firearms, etc for lunch break or another time altogether.
Basically don't hold up the group.

7-pack it in, Pack it out.
This includes policing your brass.
Carnage Canyon was a spectacular area to wheel in years ago, some truly awesome hard core obstacles and trails.
Due to shooting abuse alone, the trails are now closed permanently.

8-Keep an eye on the driver behind you.
Ok, so you are new, new to you ride, new to the trail, no radio, no clue where you are.
You have no idea what turn to make because the driver in front is suddenly no longer in view when you get to the fork in the road. Don't guess. Wait until somebody comes back for you or somebody behind you knows the way.

When you get to a fork, stop. Wait until the driver behind you is in sight and knows without a doubt where you are going.
I have seen this rule followed pretty well among the drivers who have been around for a while. But still needs to be mentioned.

9-Set a vehicle order based on common sense.
Don't put the new drivers in the very back. Or the very front. The trip leader needs to know where they are going and should have run the trail before.
The Tail Gunner should have some experience, recovery gear, CB radio or other form of reliable communication. The Tail Gunner is solely responsible for everybody on the trip getting through the trail. Don't pass drivers up because they are engaged in dust mitigation. Take a pic while you are waiting then move along together.

Drivers should be staggered, experienced, noobs, kind of experienced, just enough knowledge to be dangerous, maybe an experienced guy behind them to keep an eye on things. You get the idea.

10-Bring plenty of fuel, food, water.
Yes, I've had drivers show up, run a trail, be back in the middle of nowhere, and then ask how much further cause they are running on fumes. No Bueno.

If you're wheeling as a group, then be a like minded group. It will create a more harmonious wheeling experience for all involved.
It also goes a long way in how we are perceived as wheelers when we act as if we know what we are doing.
My club adhere's to these rules and we often have 20-30 vehicles on a run and it usually goes without incident or long delay.

https://www.treadlightly.org/

http://staythetrail.org/

https://sharetrails.org/#Welcome

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Great info!

We will have to pass on this.

Great rules though! Have to pass as our Taco isn't quite ready with our comms. HAM person here but we could tag along in our '93 Wrangler with CB and armored up.

NuubTaco · May 8, 2019

Glad I read all this!
One question: will a pair of GPMR handsets work for comms on a group ride? (I got them for hikin' and got licensed)
I don't know if the GPMR channels overlap enough with CB tho..

DustStorm4x4 · May 18, 2019

Why isn’t this a sticky???

steelhd · May 18, 2019

DustStorm4x4 said: ↑

Why isn’t this a sticky???
Click to expand...

Cant sticky common sense

Farcedude · May 18, 2019

I’m confused, it is a sticky now (also, great info, thanks for putting it together!)

DustStorm4x4 · May 18, 2019

Farcedude said: ↑

I’m confused, it is a sticky now (also, great info, thanks for putting it together!)
Click to expand...

Oh hey you’re right. It’s just in the wrong place imo. It should be a sticky here https://www.tacomaworld.com/forums/off-roading-trails.22/ instead of the Colorado sub. I came looking for it and ended up giving up and searching google for it.

Farcedude · May 18, 2019

DustStorm4x4 said: ↑

Oh hey you’re right. It’s just in the wrong place imo. It should be a sticky here https://www.tacomaworld.com/forums/off-roading-trails.22/ instead of the Colorado sub. I came looking for it and ended up giving up and searching google for it.
Click to expand...

Yeah, would be awesome if it could somehow show up in two places, but probably better over there.

HomerTaco · May 18, 2019

Bump because this should be a sticky in EVERY regional thread.

yorkshiredoughboy · Jul 23, 2019

If green stuff is growing, let it grow...

steelhd · Jul 23, 2019

If you are on public lands...

Dont drive off the designated trail. Exceptions are vehicle recovery and letting oncoming traffic pass. Be smart about where and how to reduce impact.

Don't bypass trail obstacles unless there is a designated bypass. Either go through the obstacle or turn around. If deadfall is across the trail either remove it or turn around. If you or your vehicle aren't capable, you are on the wrong trail. You aren't entitled to your own training wheels route even if it means having to go home.

Don't play in the mud unless its a designated mud play area/trail because it destroys trails. Get through with as little drama and impact as possible.

Don't drive through rivers or streams unless its part of an officially designated trail or area.

Dont leave your vehicle fluids on the ground. Carry a spill kit and pack out your contaminated soil.

Don't leave your fucking garbage. Pack out everything and a bit more. That includes busted tail light plastic, shrapnel, driveline components, etc.

It's all so simple yet so many can't seem to grasp it. Every year we lose far more trail miles than are created.

Skennedy82 · Jul 18, 2020

Don't forget to pick up your shell casings after you shoot.

NuubTaco · Jul 18, 2020

Skennedy82 said: ↑

Don't forget to pick up your shell casings after you shoot.
Click to expand...

So f'ing spot on. So sick of seeing shooter trash trash up our shared lands.
If you claim to be responsible enough to operate a firearm unsupervised, then have some respect for that 'right' or the privilege will be rescinded
( i.e. National Forest shooting access in yo area! Don't get excited y'all )

HomerTaco · Jul 18, 2020

NuubTaco said: ↑

So f'ing spot on. So sick of seeing shooter trash trash up our shared lands.
If you claim to be responsible enough to operate a firearm unsupervised, then have some respect for that 'right' or the privilege will be rescinded
( i.e. National Forest shooting access in yo area! Don't get excited y'all )
Click to expand...

It's been quite some time since I went shooting outdoors but it is definitely a valid point. I saw way too many shotgun shells strewn about.

Newlife · Jul 18, 2020

I’ll add don’t be a baby. Stuffs gonna break. You knew going into a run that yours or someone in your groups rig could potentially get damaged or become disabled. Don’t start crying and whining because you bent something or broke something. Stay calm and try to enjoy what’s left of the ride if your rig is no longer able to make it through the ride then accept it and ask for help. One of us will be more than willing to help figure out how to get you and your rig home.

This also goes without saying if someone does get damaged on a ride try your best to help them out. No one wants to be that guy that’s holding up the rest but only help with what you know. Don’t start guessing if you’re not experienced you could cause more damage than good.

Nonamesleft4u · Jan 23, 2022

Thanks for the info. Mayne I'll grow balls and come play one day.

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