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Is this trip “…..” Friendly?!
IS THIS TRIP “…” Friendly?!?!
This question is no stranger to my inbox, and understandably. Unfortunately, the answer to this question is much more difficult than a yes/no.
Before asking this question, ask yourself what you’re comfortable doing, what you expect out of a trip, and the level of risk exposure to your vehicle that you’re willing to absorb.
I write this post on an airplane ride home from Maine where I spent a few hours cruising class 4 roads reminiscent of central Vermont in a rental Nissan Rogue with bald summer performance tires. Truth be told, I wasn’t comfortable in that rolling Tuna Can, and I really had to be careful picking lines, but I had almost no issues whatsoever. The car came out of the rainy woods unscathed with the exception of a few unclipped lower valance fasteners.
Worthy of note, many members of CAMO would be uncomfortable bringing a body on frame truck with 33s on those tight, rocky trails, which further solidifies the point, *I don’t know if this trip is “…” Friendly” FOR YOU.
Questions to ask yourself:
1: Am I ok with the risk of minor to moderate pin stripes from a narrow trail?
2: If we come across an unknown obstacle that requires me to follow a spotter’s direction while we stack stones or use recovery, will I be comfortable?
3:Do I anticipate using 4×4 throughout this trip on technical roads that may be difficult but not impossible for vehicles on OEM suspension geometry?
4:Will I keep my cool if I make a driving error and cause a mechanical or cosmetic failure?
5: If we get stuck, will I be comfortable during a recovery?
6: Am I willing to speak up if I become uncomfortable?
7: Is my vehicle factory 4×4 with reasonably conditioned all terrain tires?
If all of those answers are YES, then YES, this trip is very likely “…” friendly.
There may exist some circumstances where I simply would not suggest things such as bringing an AWD Town and Country on the DBBB or a dually F350 to a known tight and technical trail system, but I will always note those things whenever they are known.
One Comment on “Is this trip “…..” Friendly?!”
Adventure Snapshots
Just my 2 cents: I feel that you must be familiar with your vehicle, got it stuck on purpose to recover it and what the major components are underneath that could possibly be damaged. The only way to have confidence is to have experience. I have driven all over this coast, sometimes alone and ive never taken a winch. I also built many suspensions and delt with repairs on the fly. Its good to price out an axle to see if its even in your budget to break things. Then look up how to replace it and be prepared. Also ask your wife, “am I going to be in major trouble if the family commuter doesnt look the same when I return.”? There is no crying in off roading. Educate yourself befor the trail does it for you.