Desertjunkie760's 2011 Not So Basic but Never a Bad Bitch Build Thread

Is it pretty open? Safe for dogs to run around off leash ?

 

There are a few spots where you can pull over and take a break so those turn outs would be the best spot for that. I know there are snakes in the area tho so maybe don't let your dogs wander too far.

 

It's been great. Still lots to explore and some really fun trails for all levels/experiences. I don't like going into town that much though. I'm not too much of a crowd person.

 

Nice. I’ll def have to make a trip up there ASAP!

 

sweet build man... Went through your thread digging the progression.... I'm following in similar foot steps with mine... See ya up in Big Bear

 

Thanks! Hope you enjoyed the thread. I’m trying to keep it well organized but it takes time.

Can’t wait for Big Bear.

 

Did you end up buying that Kenwood radio for $50.00 from the SD yard sale thread yesterday? Killer deal.

 

Palomar Divide is just a fire road for the most part. The first 1/3 of it was actually actually paved to a helicopter pad and some sort of construction or mining site. About 200 yards past that, it turns into dirt and rock, but it was relatively smooth and the views and on-trail photo ops were plenty ( but my camera was in the back seat dammit ). There were a few spots I had to keep telling myself not to look down over the edge because 18-24 inches too far off the main tire path and over you'll go. @desertjunkie760 , it was easier than Pine Valley and you know where my skill level is. That said though, there would be some nice trail mudd'n up there after a good rain. @anthony250f , the ride is fairly smooth, so the ride for your four-legged co-pilot isn't bad, but airing down and taking it easy will certainly help with any unanticipated dips which aren't many ( but keep your speed down ). All three of us didn't air down at all. Regarding leash free running, as @schecter517 stated, there are several areas to stop comfortably with 5-6 trucks, but you'll need to make sure pooch minds really really well or it's going to be difficult at best to locate a lost dog up there. @schecter517 is also right about snakes, but also keep in mind that it is mountain lion country and I saw deer bones on the trail.

@desertjunkie760 , I'm not sure about the off-shoots trails since they're really aren't off-shoots per say ( i.e. Cleghorn ), but entirely differently named roads that connect to other points, i.e. High Point Truck Trail that separates at the forest grove. Barker Valley Spur, based on what I could see on Google Maps, looks like it's right down your alley for an out/back spur, but the gate was closed. Half Way Rd looks to be more challenging ( maybe even a step up from Pine Valley ), but is gated off from Palomar Divide and also from an access point off the 79. Back to High Point Road, it does look like it has an off shoot area that might be right up your alley, as well as @Prayn4surf ( here's a link to the off-shoot road to the area I found ). I'd be willing to bet that @erice and I would be more than willing photogs if you two wanted to check out that area ( not sure if I could get down it with nerfs and stock height, so I'd have to ride along off from High Point on the first time ).

One last thing about Palomar Divide... There was one steep climb for about 100 yards with mostly fist sized rocks and larger that my front passenger wheel kicked up one while in 4WD and it deflected off my nerf bar. Enough for a 2 inch gouge exposing metal. So, does that get me into the Trail Damage Club? I know it's the equivalent of receiving a Purple Heart for hang nail, but trail damage is trail damage, right?

 

You my friend, are on an entire new level of badass when it comes to trail damage.

 

I know that feeling all too well.

 

Honored to have my photo as your Build Thread's lead image.

 

Thanks for coming out and taking some great shots! My thread needed a change!

 

So I picked up a used Kenwood TM-281 on short notice and am very excited to not be able to leave my radio on trips anymore.

Not a radio expert by any means, but I’ve had multiple people recommended this unit. I grabbed a mount from @x250f23x and I’m awaiting to receive it in the mail.

 

@WileECoyote would you be so kind to give some input on a good antenna I should use for my new HAM radio setup?

I have already gotten the coax cable but don’t know enough to make this decision. I was recommended this one by another user.

$37 FireStik 2m-4 Bk 4' Black 2 Meter Fiberglass Antenna

https://www.amazon.com/FireStik-2m-4-Black-Fiberglass-Antenna/dp/B000SA4DK0

 

Get an NMO antenna for the roof

 

Hey Shane. There is a Ham Radio Outlet in Kearny Mesa. They can give you some good advice if you don't get what you need on TW:
https://www.hamradio.com/
Phone: 858-560-4900
Toll Free: 877-520-9623

 

I’ve seen that place. It’s not far from my house but every time I try to stop by they are closed.

Figured this would be an easier place to start until I can make it over here.

 

Is that a magnetic mount?

Edit: I searched it up on the webs and got a little more info. Looks like magnetic is one way but not the only option.

 

NMO normally isn’t magnetic but you can go magnetic. I run a cheap magnetic dual band antenna but it’s never on because of my garage lol