The Batoll Builds

More work on the trailer, after chains and 7pin connector all set with additional length and ready to be towed.



Still figuring out small details trailer pretty much sits level when the gx rear air bags are set to the hi position.



As for the the 4runner, going to an adjustable hitch for now, and replace the 4pin to a 7pin.

Long term is the replace leafs and axle to give the trailer little more clearance.

 

Kids first camping trip and first trip with the trailer.

Organizing pre trip, one goal was to put up the awning, this thing is massive!



Come to find out the battery was dead and had to source a replacement, also installed simple battery monitor. Pretty simple and clean set up in the tongue box



Destination: pinnacle's national park campground not my preferred spot but it’s near by and great place to get the kiddos run around.



Got some rain which confirmed the awning system is shade only and not water tight. After some time puddles tended to form, and slowly drip away leaving the awning a bit saggy.



Overall the tent is robust, easy to set up. Ended up sleeping with the kids in the annex as the little one still tends to move a lot while sleeping.

 

4runner threw a p0306 code yesterday, got the usual shake at while in drive, limped back home after a quick stop and oreillys for some spark plugs and wires.

changed spark plug on cylinder 6 not it, went back in. Replaced wire to cylinder 6 back to a nice purrr.

It’s been about 30k since last spark plugs/wire and boot replacement.

 

Return to Pinnacles TBD

 

Emigrant Gap TBD

 

Another Dome

Memorial weekend at sister in laws family cabin. Due to the location there’s numerous trails a few minutes down the road, so 4runner it is with the hopes time would allow to get on some dirt.

Leaving on a Friday afternoon on Memorial Day weekend and trying to get out of the Bay Area, not fun. Traffic is all time high but a stop at inn and out and some good tunes kept the kids busy.




Rosie liking the roomy cargo area.

We eventually made it to our destination and got to unpacking much needed relaxation.

Bought along one my many trail books and decided on a scenic fire road with the target being a nearby granite dome, mapped the route along with a parallel trail with some elevation gain.

Carved out time Sunday, brother would be sitting co pilot and our sons would be riding in the back seat.

The whole weekend up to this point my brother had been playing with / figuring out newly purchased drone for is wife’s photography business and yes it was along for the ride as well.

Finally getting on dirt the windows were all rolled down. We were on our way, road ahead had some minor elevation gain some drop and we be at our destination, the dome. But one minor set back. Snow….the kids yelled snow! Every chance they got.

The weather was warm but at higher elevations snow drifts crossed the road.

hitting the first snow drift road block I got out assessed, brother took his drone and looked ahead. With no good by pass I got the shovel and started digging.

Few minutes later a second Gen taco rolled up. Two guys jumped out with shovels and helped. Mean while kids explored the local area and played with their tonka trucks.



After some time digging we accessed the snow and went for it.

Tacoma went first and got stuck after some digging and no movement I got to exercise the winch and traction boards. After a little more digging and carefully place traction board they were thru.



I soon followed



This was the first of many talking with the driver of the taco, we were headed to the same general area and decide to stick together.





This last patch of snow crosses a steam with recent fallen tree middle covered in snow, but no match for momentum and the right amount of skinny pedal.

With elevation decrease it was back to just dirt.



We got to our final location a well suited campsite with an in marked trail leading to the dome, on our way we branched off from the guys in the 2nd gen taco, as their mission was to scout a few walls to climb.

After few more minutes and kids scrambling over rocks we made it.







After a snack break and exploring the dome we made our way back to the 4runner

There waiting was the two guys and the second gen tacoma, with scouting mission complete we opted to head back together, as 3 shovels are better than one.

On the way back found a jeep stuck up the frame in snow with the driver digging. After we all joined in, Driver was able to get free in no time.

Then it was my turn. Oh did I mention drone earlier.



my brother was able for figure out active tracking or target follow and this ended up to be a cool shot.

Doesn’t look. Like much about this spot in the Snow you bump over a fallen tree and get in to deeper snow as you round the bend to the right. Lucky made it thru no problem.



the tacoma not so lucky. After some digging and failed attempt they pulled out a snatch strap and with one tug they were free and we were on our way.

During one of the last patches of snow my brother was getting pretty comfortable with the drone, sitting in the passenger seat and having it take of and land from his hand outside the window. The last take off we were toward the passage side of the road with some tree branches near by. Few seconds after take off the drone was stuck approx 30ft. Looking around we grabbing snow and starting throwing snowballs into the tree. After a few minutes one throw knocked the drone to the ground.



Damage seam to be minor, the drone was packed up and back on the road
We plowed thru the last of the snow. Kids passed out in the 20 min drive back to the cabin.

 

What type of suspension is on the trailer?

 

It’s the original straight square tube axle with leafs with 6 lug spindles. Nothing fancy. So far has been towing well loaded and unloaded. Did some research when I was previously going to build a trailer and landed on a straight axle due to its simplicity, ease of replacement parts and robustness.

Still have the 3500lb straight axle previously purchased prior to the trailer. Plan is to eventually swap out the axle and add brakes.