3 Brothers and the Trans America Trail

[HomeStar]

Hi Everyone,
After literally years of thinking about doing this trip, the time has finally come. I've reached a point in my life where I have a month off between jobs and the finances actually allow a completely frivolous endeavor. More importantly, my two younger brothers somehow miraculously are in the same situation. So we're doing it. We're taking 2-3 weeks and my 2010 Trail Edition and we're going to travel as much of the TAT as we can. As an added bonus, I'm moving from Florida to California, so I pretty much am going to have to make the drive anyway.

I'm working my way through the various threads on this site, but I want to specifically ask some questions...

My T4R, as I've said, is a 2010 TE. I recently put a 3" Toytech lift on it and am running 285 Toyo ATs. I ran those on my old Tacoma and was always really impressed with how versatile they are for such a mild looking tire. Hopefully they live up to my expectations! I just ordered sliders, and I'm eyeballing some MaxTrax since we'll be a solo vehicle. We'll also have basic recovery gear like a tow strap, high lift, shovel, etc. Is there anything else I absolutely need? I'm watching SirWilliamGoes and it seems like he did the trail with a fairly stock truck (totally alone, I might add, which I still can't decide whether that's awesome or crazy).

I realize that we can't do the entire trail in 2-3 weeks. Our current rough plan is to drive North from Florida and meet up with the trail somewhere around Northwest Georgia. From there, we'll cruise West until we hit the flats, then we'll probably hop onto the highway to make some time until somewhere in Colorado. Are there any parts of the trail that are absolute CAN'T MISS spots?

Also, does anyone have a good rec as far as navigation goes? I'd rather not drop $500 on a Garmin, but I'd rather do that than get lost in Arkansas...

So ya. That's the plan. I'll keep you guys posted and hopefully get pictures and maybe video up as we progress. If any of you want to join for any part of this endeavor, just shoot me a PM and we'll meet up. Looking forward to seeing where all this goes.

 

[gm350reratliff]

Hi Everyone,
After literally years of thinking about doing this trip, the time has finally come. I've reached a point in my life where I have a month off between jobs and the finances actually allow a completely frivolous endeavor. More importantly, my two younger brothers somehow miraculously are in the same situation. So we're doing it. We're taking 2-3 weeks and my 2010 Trail Edition and we're going to travel as much of the TAT as we can. As an added bonus, I'm moving from Florida to California, so I pretty much am going to have to make the drive anyway.

I'm working my way through the various threads on this site, but I want to specifically ask some questions...

My T4R, as I've said, is a 2010 TE. I recently put a 3" Toytech lift on it and am running 285 Toyo ATs. I ran those on my old Tacoma and was always really impressed with how versatile they are for such a mild looking tire. Hopefully they live up to my expectations! I just ordered sliders, and I'm eyeballing some MaxTrax since we'll be a solo vehicle. We'll also have basic recovery gear like a tow strap, high lift, shovel, etc. Is there anything else I absolutely need? I'm watching SirWilliamGoes and it seems like he did the trail with a fairly stock truck (totally alone, I might add, which I still can't decide whether that's awesome or crazy).

I realize that we can't do the entire trail in 2-3 weeks. Our current rough plan is to drive North from Florida and meet up with the trail somewhere around Northwest Georgia. From there, we'll cruise West until we hit the flats, then we'll probably hop onto the highway to make some time until somewhere in Colorado. Are there any parts of the trail that are absolute CAN'T MISS spots?

Also, does anyone have a good rec as far as navigation goes? I'd rather not drop $500 on a Garmin, but I'd rather do that than get lost in Arkansas...

So ya. That's the plan. I'll keep you guys posted and hopefully get pictures and maybe video up as we progress. If any of you want to join for any part of this endeavor, just shoot me a PM and we'll meet up. Looking forward to seeing where all this goes.

That's awesome! I've been wanting to do this trail for quite some time. Should've done it years ago before getting tied down with kids. I also watched Sir Williams videos. The only things I'd like to add would be a winch and Deadman recovery device primarily for the muddy areas in case it's really muddy.

 

[WVhillbilly]

opcorn:

 

[2012sr5]

As the father of three young sons who together form an unstoppable force of nature, reading this brings joy to my heart. This sounds like the trip of a lifetime, man!

And honestly, I think you've got almost all you need for the TAT...it's really not too technical. Just make sure you always use extreme caution if you have to self-recover with the hi-lift. If a part of the trail looks questionable, get out and scope it out. Plan your lines. Spot each other if needed.

I'd add the following:
• a 5 gal water jug
• tire repair kit
• airdown kit, if any parts of the TAT require airing down
• portable compressor, even if you don't air down, if you have to repair a flat, you're gonna have to air it up.
• rear differential breather kit in case any of the water crossings are >hub deep

And if you're gonna take a shovel, it should be an awesome one like this one.

 

[HomeStar]

2012sr5 I appreciate it! I'm definitely looking forward to getting out there and getting some quality time with the Brotatoes. :vader:

Good call on the water jug! I plan on carrying 10 extra gallons of fuel as well. Tire repair kit, check.

Anyone have any recs on a small compressor?

Hadn't thought about a rear diff breather kit. That's a good idea. I know that's a weak point that's easily remedied.

Really on the fence about a rooftop basket. I found this cheap version of a Yakima (https://www.etrailer.com/Roof-Baske...pyOGQ2Qa3tQDrlCuSvRA82TEr2zcKioEaAibYEALw_wcB), but I have nightmares of it flying off into the lap of some poor single mom in a minivan behind me. Mostly I would just like it for carrying firewood and gas cans outside the rig.

 

[doro89]

2012sr5 I appreciate it! I'm definitely looking forward to getting out there and getting some quality time with the Brotatoes. :vader:

Good call on the water jug! I plan on carrying 10 extra gallons of fuel as well. Tire repair kit, check.

Anyone have any recs on a small compressor?

Hadn't thought about a rear diff breather kit. That's a good idea. I know that's a weak point that's easily remedied.

Really on the fence about a rooftop basket. I found this cheap version of a Yakima (https://www.etrailer.com/Roof-Baske...pyOGQ2Qa3tQDrlCuSvRA82TEr2zcKioEaAibYEALw_wcB), but I have nightmares of it flying off into the lap of some poor single mom in a minivan behind me. Mostly I would just like it for carrying firewood and gas cans outside the rig.

viair 88p for air compressor. Amazon sells ARB diff breather kit for $69.

 

[Spanky4R]

I have a Smittybilt 2781 compressor. I've used it a few times and its been great. Quick and fast but does get a little warm.

 

[Runn4est]

Amazon sells ARB diff breather kit for $69.

If you'd like to save a couple bucks too, You can also get the OEM breather union and 2-way breather for like $20, and then some fuel line (not high pressure) for a couple more bucks.

I think these are the parts you want:

Union, part# 90404-51319
Breather, part# 90930-03136

 

[SirWilliamGoes]

Hi Everyone,
After literally years of thinking about doing this trip, the time has finally come. I've reached a point in my life where I have a month off between jobs and the finances actually allow a completely frivolous endeavor. More importantly, my two younger brothers somehow miraculously are in the same situation. So we're doing it. We're taking 2-3 weeks and my 2010 Trail Edition and we're going to travel as much of the TAT as we can. As an added bonus, I'm moving from Florida to California, so I pretty much am going to have to make the drive anyway.

I'm working my way through the various threads on this site, but I want to specifically ask some questions...

My T4R, as I've said, is a 2010 TE. I recently put a 3" Toytech lift on it and am running 285 Toyo ATs. I ran those on my old Tacoma and was always really impressed with how versatile they are for such a mild looking tire. Hopefully they live up to my expectations! I just ordered sliders, and I'm eyeballing some MaxTrax since we'll be a solo vehicle. We'll also have basic recovery gear like a tow strap, high lift, shovel, etc. Is there anything else I absolutely need? I'm watching SirWilliamGoes and it seems like he did the trail with a fairly stock truck (totally alone, I might add, which I still can't decide whether that's awesome or crazy).

I realize that we can't do the entire trail in 2-3 weeks. Our current rough plan is to drive North from Florida and meet up with the trail somewhere around Northwest Georgia. From there, we'll cruise West until we hit the flats, then we'll probably hop onto the highway to make some time until somewhere in Colorado. Are there any parts of the trail that are absolute CAN'T MISS spots?

Also, does anyone have a good rec as far as navigation goes? I'd rather not drop $500 on a Garmin, but I'd rather do that than get lost in Arkansas...

So ya. That's the plan. I'll keep you guys posted and hopefully get pictures and maybe video up as we progress. If any of you want to join for any part of this endeavor, just shoot me a PM and we'll meet up. Looking forward to seeing where all this goes.

It's an awesome trip you will enjoy!! You can do the trail from start to finish in 20days so I would do the whole thing. As far as tires you'll be ok, I did it the first time with Nitto Terra Grabber which I think is about the same. As far as recovery I got these and luckily didn't have to use them but they seem to be great quality and review well https://tinyurl.com/ybkucg9y this is a better option than the harbor freight and also luckily I didn't have to use it either https://tinyurl.com/ycjm4knv
As far as navigation I used back country navigator and this Garmin as a bare bones GPS for back up and it works well https://tinyurl.com/y8fhm26t though you can get by with Backcountry on your phone, assuming you're running Android or an Android tablet. The only part that I would maybe miss is some of northern GA because I see the area all the time, this may be different for you. Some of middle Oklahoma that's just flat open but this doesn't cause too much of a slow down. What I found in my last trip across USAonDirt was I saved some time by looking at the map and eliminating some of the blatant side roads that seem to go around you butt to get to the elbow! Any questions feel free to reach out it's an epic trip and with friends and family it will be even more epic!!

Sent from my SM-G892A using Tapatalk

 

[SirWilliamGoes]

Also here are some videos of everything I took

https://youtu.be/lcgLkC1tZvs

https://youtu.be/r-uAI5RAI0k

Sent from my SM-G892A using Tapatalk

 

[nb rob]

the smittybilt 2781 compressor is worth the cost.
I would also suggest a booster pack like a noco GB40. It's wonderful to not have to worry about a dead battery after a late night on the trail.
And as much windshield washer fluid as you can carry and a small squeegee. There's something about the 5th gen windshield that is like a black hole for insects

Enjoy the trip!!! I did the trans-labrador trail up here in Kanudia, and it was a life changer.

 

[HomeStar]

Thanks for all the replies everyone! SirWilliamGoes I've watched most of your videos and I'm getting more excited by the day. I'll probably reach out to you as we get closer to departure and see if there's any last-minute advice you have.

Didn't even think about the diff breather... duh. That's one of the first things most people do. I'll get on that!


Stuff is starting to come in!


What can it be???




So I was initially a little skeptical about this shovel because it was less than $30... But it is AWESOME. Super heavy duty. Gonna go dig some sh*t up.

Also, is there a better site than Photobucket for uploading pictures? There are so many ads on there that it's almost unusable. If it wasn't for this thread I would have deleted my account already.

 

[WVhillbilly]

Smugmug. Not free, but cheap and high quality pictures stay that way.
Photobucket sucks.

 

[2012sr5]

Thanks for all the replies everyone! SirWilliamGoes I've watched most of your videos and I'm getting more excited by the day. I'll probably reach out to you as we get closer to departure and see if there's any last-minute advice you have.

I watched his videos, too. Some good stuff in there for sure, but I had to laugh when he was wondering why in the world his P-rated stock Nittos weren't holding up on the TAT. Gotta go E load (or at least C) for extended off-roading!

Didn't even think about the diff breather... duh. That's one of the first things most people do. I'll get on that!


Stuff is starting to come in!


So I was initially a little skeptical about this shovel because it was less than $30... But it is AWESOME. Super heavy duty. Gonna go dig some sh*t up.

You got the shovel! That's awesome. It's a good one. I have their X7 hatchet as well for clearing tough branches and chopping off some dead wood for fires. I pretty much have all that stuff I linked to earlier. As far as breathers go, I went with the ARB (link above in earlier post) because it makes it easy to relocate more lines (up to 4 total) later if you want. But there are cheaper options out there for sure.

EDIT: maybe carry one of these or something like it. If you have to saw through anything sizeable, you'll appreciate having it with you.

Also, is there a better site than Photobucket for uploading pictures? There are so many ads on there that it's almost unusable. If it wasn't for this thread I would have deleted my account already.

SmugMug and Flickr are great. I host mine in albums here on the forum. :thumb:

 

[gm350reratliff]

Another vote for Smugmug! Photobucket does suck and they can kiss my ass! The nice thing about Smugmug is it works on everything, all the time, easily. PB was very temperamental on some of my devices and wouldn't work at all on my work PC.

 

[HomeStar]

All right all right all right!
Been gone a few days but I'm back and got a few new goodies in the mail! Photobucket is giving me grief today so I created a SmugMug (which apparently just merged with Flikr?) account and I'm still trying to figure that out. So no pictures yet.

I did get my MaxTrax yesterday, which was really exciting! I opted not to get the knock-offs on these because I have read some reviews where they break or don't work very well and I figure, if I need them, that probably means I REALLY need them, so I shouldn't skimp. Plus the XO guys rave about them and they definitely push their gear to its limits.

Also got a roof rack that attaches to the crossbars already on my Runner. I was a little hesitant at first about this thing but I'm actually really impressed with the fit and finish now that I can see it in person. I think it will be great for my needs and was only about $229, which is way cheaper than the competition! Here's the link if you're curious.
https://www.etrailer.com/Roof-Basket/Curt/C18115-117.html

Oh! And I got the Smittybilt air compressor that was recommended! That thing is sweet! https://www.extremeterrain.com/smit...um&gclid=CIGKtOjwjdsCFYVwgQodCQYCVw&gclsrc=ds

Decided that a winch and bumper are a little out of the budget for now. Hopefully that doesn't bite me in the a$$ later down the road. I figure my baby brother is 6'5" and he's always telling me how much stronger he is than I am. So ya, we get stuck, it's time to prove it! :heh:

Sorry there are no pics in this one... I'm not exactly tech savvy.

-B

 

[HomeStar]

HEYOOOOO I think I got it!
Just took me clicking on literally EVERY AVAILABLE BUTTON but I figured it out!

MaxTrax :dancin:
https://www.flickr.com/gp/158470525@N03/6UdJDw

https://flic.kr/p/26b6XeD

Roof Rack :fro:
(I don't like calling it a basket)
https://www.flickr.com/gp/158470525@N03/5hvp64

Here it is mocked up on the floor lying on a rug that makes it really hard to see. I'll take more when I put in on. Ignore the idiot cat. He thinks zip ties are pretty rad.
https://www.flickr.com/gp/158470525@N03/x71dL9

https://www.flickr.com/gp/158470525@N03/5hvp64


DAMMMITTTTT
All that and it's just links. :mad2:
I'll keep trying...

 

[2012sr5]

I don't use smugmug or Flickr, but they should have an IMG code that you would copy and paste here to embed your picture in your posts.

The code should look like the URL between

.

 

[HomeStar]

i don't use smugmug or flickr, but they should have an img code that you would copy and paste here to embed your picture in your posts.

Nice! After some more fiddling and a pause for surfing and then dinner and a beer, this was enough advice to get me rolling!!

IMG_20180525_160853 by

[url=https://flic.kr/p/26b6XeD]IMG_20180525_161333 by

[url=https://flic.kr/p/HTSbn6]IMG_20180522_185325 by

[url=https://flic.kr/p/26b6X1H]IMG_20180522_191159 by https://www.flickr.com/photos/158470525@N03/

 

[AuSeeker]

Hope you enjoy your trip, I'll check back in from time to time to see how it's going, when are you leaving?

Hey give the cat a break, it knows that zip-ties have a 1001 uses and playing with them is one of those uses, I would suggest having a bag of at least 12" zip-ties with you on the trip, never know if you'll need to zip-tie something on that broke loose, I keep several sizes in my vehicles just for that, zip-ties are modern day bailing wire that your grand dad always use for everything, I also keep a roll of bailing wire in my tool kit as well in case it's something hot I have to tie up!! :thumb3: