New R50 Owner

[Trailsearcher]

Awesome! Also thanks for the heads up. I was looking at the x-bulks on amazon and similar. Just trying to decide which color. I also want a hilift or a smittybilt jack, probably the latter cause its taller and cheaper. They aren't so useless if you have the right equipment. I was looking at these. I already have a 2 ton trolley jack and a wood plank in my truck and of course the stock tire change kit. What I really want next is a full size spare and an OEM rear tire carrier which I realized is pretty rare around here. Does carrying a spare on the roof effect the center of gravity noticeably?

 

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00042KQ58/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_3?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1

 

https://www.amazon.com/Hi-Lift-LM100-Jack-LM-100-Lift-Mate/dp/B00042KGWG/ref=sr_1_3?crid=3P2XOA9TR9MUL&dchild=1&keywords=hi+lift+jack+accessories&qid=1603329498&s=automotive&sprefix=hi+lift+%2Cautomotive%2C205&sr=1-3

 

I also want a snatch strap, one with elongation properties. Trying to decide between this off brand one with good reviews or the ARB one. The price difference is ridiculous though. I think I might be decided already.

 

https://www.amazon.com/ALL-TOP-100-Nylon-Recovery-Strap/dp/B07593BS2G/ref=sr_1_7?crid=3PNPCM4RK4F94&dchild=1&keywords=snatch+strap&qid=1603165128&sprefix=snatch+%2Caps%2C216&sr=8-7

 

https://www.amazon.com/ARB-ARB710LB-3-1-Recovery-Strap/dp/B004P9C5H8/ref=sr_1_8?crid=3PNPCM4RK4F94&dchild=1&keywords=snatch+strap&qid=1603165128&sprefix=snatch+%2Caps%2C216&sr=8-8

 

 

[RainGoat]

You need this kit to self-winch with a HiLift (I carried one for decades for the exact reason given).

 

https://www.amazon.com/Hi-Lift-Jack-ORK-Off-Road-Kit/dp/B00042KQ58

 

These are also handy

 

https://www.amazon.com/Hi-Lift-LM100-Jack-LM-100-Lift-Mate/dp/B00042KGWG

 

There are off-brand ones that are probably fine too.

 

You don’t need ARB strap, just a decent one. I’d probably go 30’ if you have the $ & space.

 

You definitely need a full size spare. The roof’s a bitch. While they’re nice on back, you’re probably fine with it in it’s OEM location - I’ve done that for 18yrs. I tried the roof a bit but it was just too much of a PITA. I have a swingate but haven’t bothered to mount it yet - I really want it most for the Trasheroo.

 

[PathyDude17]

13 hours ago, Trailsearcher said:

 

https://www.amazon.com/ALL-TOP-100-Nylon-Recovery-Strap/dp/B07593BS2G/ref=sr_1_7?crid=3PNPCM4RK4F94&dchild=1&keywords=snatch+strap&qid=1603165128&sprefix=snatch+%2Caps%2C216&sr=8-7

 

https://www.amazon.com/ARB-ARB710LB-3-1-Recovery-Strap/dp/B004P9C5H8/ref=sr_1_8?crid=3PNPCM4RK4F94&dchild=1&keywords=snatch+strap&qid=1603165128&sprefix=snatch+%2Caps%2C216&sr=8-8

 

 

I’ve had good luck with my smittybilt Kenentic strap. I used it last winter to pull a Suburban out of a snowy ditch, and less impressively to flip a RAZR back onto its wheels. Slightly lower weight rating than the ARB, but not too bad
 

Link: https://www.amazon.com/Smittybilt-CC120-Snatch-Strap-Rating/dp/B003EP2XIU/ref=mp_s_a_1_5?dchild=1&keywords=smittybilt+kinetic+rope&qid=1603379060&sr=8-5

[Trailsearcher]

So a bunch of things happened this past week. Let me start with the fact that I went to Pronghorn Trail to check out that steep hill... but from the ascending side. It is much much steeper than it looks in any picture or video. I've learned that this distortion of perspective is a common theme with trail shots. Long story short, the stupid side of me decided to try this rocky hill a couple times during this "scouting" trip (smh). I ended up with a small gouge on my rim and a long trip home with my tail between my legs. The guy in the Cherokee watching me was trying to talk me into some pretty ballsy lines. I didn't listen to him, I just didn't wanna keep trying with my ripped balljoint boots. I ended up talking to the guy about trucks for a while before I left, cool guy. I'll be back Pronghorn *shakes fist*. I changed my balljoints today as well. Thanks to Xplorx4 for the easy writeup.

 

 

 

The other day I went to Rowher Flats OHV Park in Agua Dulce, CA. The place is pretty cool, I went exploring and found 2 random trails off the Vasquez Truck Trail. One was Lookout Trail, a double black diamond rating. I drove up to the first climb checked it out and turned around. Again, the pic doesn't do it justice. It's definitely close to 45 degrees realistically, and like most trails in this area, the majority of the roads are comprised of dirt and giant rock slabs. It's a little dusty right now but after it dries from a good rain there should be lots of grip. If anyone thinks they can tackle this, feel free to come down. A good front locker would probably do the trick, I'd be happy to show you to it lol.

 

 

The second trail I spotted is Rowher Trail, the South side. It has a single black diamond rating. Its a very straightforward trail, not very difficult in terms of vehicle requirements but the road itself is pretty dangerous. It's a constant series of steep climbs with small straightaways in between and steep drop-offs on both sides the whole way. I read a story about three 19yo's in a Samurai trying to drive the trail after sunset, they made a wrong turn, drove off the steep embankment and rolled multiple times. Only the driver survived, his sister and friend both perished in the fall. It's a grim reminder that these places aren't theme parks and they should be taken seriously. With that being said, I feel like if I make sure the truck is in good working order before I try it, she should be able to make the climb. Definitely don't wanna do this one alone and definitely going to do it during the day.

 

 

Here's a link to a video of this trail.

 

 

Also, the guy at Pronghorn told me about Millers jeep trail in neighboring Los Padres Forest. It's located in Frazier Mtn. I did my research and guess what?!? It closes from Nov-Mar. every year... I have 2 days to go lol. Pretty sure the Finder can handle this one too.

 

 

Man... I need to join or start a 4x4 club or something.

 

 

Edited October 30, 2020 by Trailsearcher

[RainGoat]

Sounds like you’re doing pretty well on your own but it’s always nice to have another truck with you, especially if you’re going to try something your not sure about. Like alot of things, it’s often not what you do that matters most, but what you choose not to do. Kudos to you for using good sense & making prudent choices.

Sure do envy that weather right now!

[DesertKyle]

On 10/21/2020 at 6:25 PM, Trailsearcher said:

I also want a snatch strap, one with elongation properties. Trying to decide between this off brand one with good reviews or the ARB one. The price difference is ridiculous though. I think I might be decided already.

 

https://www.amazon.com/ALL-TOP-100-Nylon-Recovery-Strap/dp/B07593BS2G/ref=sr_1_7?crid=3PNPCM4RK4F94&dchild=1&keywords=snatch+strap&qid=1603165128&sprefix=snatch+%2Caps%2C216&sr=8-7

 

https://www.amazon.com/ARB-ARB710LB-3-1-Recovery-Strap/dp/B004P9C5H8/ref=sr_1_8?crid=3PNPCM4RK4F94&dchild=1&keywords=snatch+strap&qid=1603165128&sprefix=snatch+%2Caps%2C216&sr=8-8

Little late, but I have the same all top strap and while I haven't used it for any hard pulls it seems like a quality piece of kit. Nice material and construction.