Going off roading - Need some advice

[pdmted]

Ok, so I am mainly focusing this on guys like Hugemoose and Rodge who I know go out to Rausch Creek on a regular basis, but I am looking for advice from all.

Next month I am going out to Rausch Creek with a couple of friends. I have been off roading in my 02 Tundra a couple times before here in the Lancaster area, but never out to Raush Creek, and not done a whole lot of off roading in my DC Tundra.

I am basically looking to know if I am making a mistake in going out there with my current truck and if not, what should I be prepared for?

I have an 05 Tundra 4x4 Double Cab with Bilstien 5100s set at top notch, 1.5" blocks in the rear and BFG All Terrain 285s. My truck does have the VSC/TRAC package (which I will disable to go out there, the TRAC is a PIA for off roading). I also have the factory aluminum tube style running boards (which I debated taking off for that day). My truck is also in absolutely perfect condition, so I don't want to inflict any major harm.

We will have 3 other vehicles going along. First is a Cherokee with a 4" lift, 32" BFG MTs and locker (he will have no issues). The other 2 are 02-04 4x4 Silverado extended cab 1500's both with 3" lifts, one running 33x12.5s and the other still with stock tires.

From my experience off roading with the Silverado w/ 33's I was far more capable than him. We plan on staying on the green trails (with the exception of the Jeep playing on some tougher areas).

Will we have any issues as long as we dont try anything stupid? A couple of us are somewhat experienced with off roading these type of trails.

Thanks in advance.

[dyogim]

Other than the general guidelines for offroading that you see in mags and webistes.

Expect damage even on the easiest trail. Whether it be pin striping or tree/rock dents. Once you can live with something like this happening then, have fun and take your time. Rushing into something can get you into trouble. Ask for a spotter if needed and be sure there's only one person talking to you. Multiple advice at one time will confuse you and again get you into trouble. Scope the trail ahead and pick your lines.

Air your tires down a bit. On the trail, I'll air down to about 15 psi. It'll help with traction.

[Herbicidal]

What Dyogim said. Plus I would also recommend removing the running boards if it's not too much of a hassle. They tend to hang low on the truck and may be one of the first items to take a hit. Back when my Tundra was more or less stock, I had factory running boards and kept dragging the darn things. Mostly the brackets underneath. Finally took 'em off and sold them.

Admittedly I don't know what the "green" trails are at Raush Creek, so if they are like fire roads out here, then no problem, you probably wouldn't need to remove the running boards.

[pdmted]

I was out on one of my job sites yesterday and crossing some stormwater berms (which I've done a ton of times before), but it was pretty soft, and I slid while crossing one of them at an angle and ended up perpendicular to the berm and needless to say the truck somehow found itself to be sitting on the frame rails with 3 of the 4 tires hanging in mid air. Luckily i was able get myself out without any major damage. The running boards do have a higher clearance than the frame rails, but Id still rather have the extra clearance just in case.

From my understanding the green trails are mostly just access trails and fire roads. The trails are catagorized by green, blue, red and black I think. Green is the easiest. My main concern is really the overall size of the truck. Its a large truck with a really large turning radius.

[Hugemoose]

Nice to hear you are going on a trip to Rausch!

The green trails at Rausch aren't just all fire roads. Some greens are just fire roads but some others are real trails that are pretty decent for near to stock trucks.

Trail 14 is a pretty decent trail that is kind of tight but pretty stock friendly.

Stay away from trail 1!!!!! On our last trip half of the group took trail 1 and the only DC that was there had a hard time between the "field goal" trees. He ended up with a tiny scrape on his door handle. So, no Tundras or full sizes on trail 1.

I'll try to find my map and make some recommendations for you guys. Some of the blue trails you guys would probably be fine on as well. Often on harder spots there are bypasses.

Oh, and I'm not sure if you have decided yet but you should loose the running boards. They are basically just one time use rock sliders.

When I can think of more to tell you I'll let you know

[pdmted]

Thanks David. I knew you had been up there many times before. If any one is interested, we are heading up on March 28, then camping that night.

Yesterday, I got luck and aquired myself a 94 Cherokee. I have access to a cheap 3" lift, if I can come up with some decent tires, I may just run that up there since I really dont care about it at all...

Thanks for the advice on the trails!! Keep it coming.

[DevinSixtySeven]

Be aware of your breakover angle, departure angle and turning radius. Keep that stuff in mind, because those are your LWB's weak points, and you'll be ok.

[pdmted]

Even with just a measly 2.5" lift and 33s the truck has a good amount of ground clearance, but I know that my size is my absolute killer. We will see how this pans out with this Jeep. There is still a chance of running the Tundra on the trails, but if I can get this Jeep ready to go in time, Ill definately be running that out there.

I went out a did a little wheeling this weekend on some local trails I frequent. I forgot to put the battery in my camera before I left, so I was only able to get a few cell phone pictures. Overall the truck did well. I tested my flexing on a dirt pile and really couldnt complain too much.

Here is a couple of pics from the end of the day when we actually took the time to take a couple of posed pictures.

[Tundradrenalin]

Hey man,
I was up there with David and Rodge just last month. Was a blast. Only had trouble on a few tight tree spots where the wide Tundra said, "One more time please" more than once. The aluminum steps need to come off definitely. Airing down to 15psi may be unnecessary. I did when I was there, but some of the Tacomas didn't air down at all, they were driving with 44psi and were fine on the green and some blue trails.

My truck made it through the day unscathed. With help from the Rausch regulars spotting and giving encouragement or course.

Good luck, you'll be fine in the Tundra or the Jeep. Just be aware of your turning angles and watch your bedsides when turning through trees/rocks.

[DevinSixtySeven]

You'll own short wheelbases on hill climbs, as long as you have the breakover angle to manage...same with high speed handling compared to short wheelbases. You also might have a better roll angle...dunno how you're set up and what width the Jeep is. You'll fall short in the trees tho, and anywhere that the truck really needs to twist up.

[Hugemoose]

Yeah I have never had an issue with any of the hill climbs at Rausch, but the rear hangover is was kills. You may smack your hitch a few times and I just caught the bottom of one of my bedsides and put a nice scratch in it. That was on a harder blue though so you should be fine.

Also, don't fold in your mirrors. You will need them to watch your bed sides as you come close to trees. And you will come close to trees. Just be aware of your surroundings and you will be fine. I have never caught a tree except that one time I ran into one

I would air down your tires but maybe only to 18. That's where I set mine and I have never had an issue with traction or punctures. Better traction isn't the only reason you should air down. Because the lower pressure allows the tire to conform to the rocks it lessens the chances of slitting a sidewall or puncturing a tire. Don't go too low though or you may loose a bead. I would say 15 min. but 18 should work just fine.

And unless you are on a fire road, keep it in 4low. It is less wear on the drive train and it will get you over the trails much more easily and with more control.

[Rodge]

Airing down also improves ride comfort. Yeah it's still bumpy as hell, but drive down the trails at street pressure and you'll quickly realize the difference. My ownly advice since it wasn't mentioned here...go to Rausch Creek when the ground is dry. The park is a mess right now. The ground is finally starting to thaw out and it's muddy. Of course Rausch Creek's mud is like liquid asphault. It sticks to everything and is slicker than snot.

I destroyed my DS door thanks to mud.

[pdmted]

Thanks for all the help. Unfortunately due to tough scheduling, our weekend is pretty much set on March 28-29. Again, if anyone is interested in going, let me know.

My dad called me the other night and informed me that he had my truck sold (I didnt know it was for sale...), so it looks like I will have to take the Jeep up. I've got that running perfectly now anyway, so it will be nice to take something I dont care about. As of right now it will be 4 of us on the trail (3 Cherokees and a Sierra).

[Hugemoose]

Wow it was for sale?! That sucks....sorry to hear that.

I'll let you know later on if I think I can make it....too hard to tell know with classes still going on. Either way I hope you guys have fun!

[pdmted]

I am always willing to sell anything. I've had around 6 or 7 Tundras in the last 4 years. I dont really get too attached, although this one was exactly how I wanted it. I'll probably buy another one. Who knows. Its nice out, thats motorcycle weather...who needs a truck?