c44me
New member
I'm doing my best to have fun with my 4Runner. Sunday I took it up to Snoqualmie Pass and hit some old logging roads. As far as I can tell, this is about as good as you can do around here for four wheeling without hitting the trails marked "winches and tree savers only" or "managed to get a Trooper through with only moderate body damage". And of course the local clubs have Web sites filled with upside down vehicles that I'm sure were loads of fun to get in that position. But the big problem around here, as I see it, is that logging roads are actually darned good, compared with things I've driven in Colorado. So, first question, anybody around Seattle know of any "intermediate" trails that you would take an '03 4Runner on, whose body panels and suspension you wanted to preserve?
Anyway, all I could scare up was a collection of old logging roads. On the one little piece that maybe was 4WD, a little steep and muddy but less than 30 degrees for sure, I stopped the vehicle to get out and scout ahead. Turns out the track was blocked by 3-foot diameter trees 50 feet ahead, so I decided to back down. However, when I got back into the 4Runner from my reconnaisance I found the seat belt was locked in the retracted position and I could not put it on. Same for the passenger side. I guess the 4Runner thought it was in the process of being rear-ended and locked the belts. since the G-force was angled backward. I am not too keen (OK scared to death) at the thought of getting into a 4WD vehicle that won't let you use the seat belts in the very situation you really want them - steep loose terrain where a rollover is a very real possibility. Anybody else experience this???
Anyway, all I could scare up was a collection of old logging roads. On the one little piece that maybe was 4WD, a little steep and muddy but less than 30 degrees for sure, I stopped the vehicle to get out and scout ahead. Turns out the track was blocked by 3-foot diameter trees 50 feet ahead, so I decided to back down. However, when I got back into the 4Runner from my reconnaisance I found the seat belt was locked in the retracted position and I could not put it on. Same for the passenger side. I guess the 4Runner thought it was in the process of being rear-ended and locked the belts. since the G-force was angled backward. I am not too keen (OK scared to death) at the thought of getting into a 4WD vehicle that won't let you use the seat belts in the very situation you really want them - steep loose terrain where a rollover is a very real possibility. Anybody else experience this???
