greatape
Senior Member
:thumb3: Highly recommended!
All things Overlanding thread
- Thread starter el_kab0ng
- Start date
:thumb3: Highly recommended!
hounddogman
New member
I recently posted this in offtopic but it seemed reavant to our overland topic aswell
TRED PRO review Ok so I tested out the Tred Pros and took a bunch of pictures but I'm having trouble uploading them except the ones I took after . First I found a snow drift about 3 feet deep and drove into it until I got stuck . Throw down the Treds and backed right out . All right ,that was too easy . Found a steep bank probably about 50-60 degrees and 4 foot tall , mix of loose dirt and snow and laid them on it and climbed up with very little spinning . Excellent traction and no damage from the spinning but it was hardly any . I did have the rear locker engaged . Next up was a 16 inch log . I laid one down leaving the middle unsupported and drove on up . I stopped about halfway up to see how much it was flexing and it was a 2-3 inch bow . I laid the 2nd Tred on the other side of the log and went up and over with the front axle of the 4Runner . I drove forward a little and stopped and made sure the rear tire was lined up and drove on up and came crashing down the other side . I got out and looked and sure enough , I broke the end of the 2nd Tred . I'm pretty sure what happened was the 2nd Tred slid forward a little when the front tire went over and it was barely sitting on the log when the rear tire hit it . I should've checked when I lined up the rear but I forgot to . So yes I broke one but I think it was my fault . I've never used the maxtraxs but I would not expect any plastic ramp to support a vehicle with only a couple of inches of bearing . Temperature was high 20's . It might have survived on a warmer day . Now we'll see how TREDs customer service is .
TRED PRO review Ok so I tested out the Tred Pros and took a bunch of pictures but I'm having trouble uploading them except the ones I took after . First I found a snow drift about 3 feet deep and drove into it until I got stuck . Throw down the Treds and backed right out . All right ,that was too easy . Found a steep bank probably about 50-60 degrees and 4 foot tall , mix of loose dirt and snow and laid them on it and climbed up with very little spinning . Excellent traction and no damage from the spinning but it was hardly any . I did have the rear locker engaged . Next up was a 16 inch log . I laid one down leaving the middle unsupported and drove on up . I stopped about halfway up to see how much it was flexing and it was a 2-3 inch bow . I laid the 2nd Tred on the other side of the log and went up and over with the front axle of the 4Runner . I drove forward a little and stopped and made sure the rear tire was lined up and drove on up and came crashing down the other side . I got out and looked and sure enough , I broke the end of the 2nd Tred . I'm pretty sure what happened was the 2nd Tred slid forward a little when the front tire went over and it was barely sitting on the log when the rear tire hit it . I should've checked when I lined up the rear but I forgot to . So yes I broke one but I think it was my fault . I've never used the maxtraxs but I would not expect any plastic ramp to support a vehicle with only a couple of inches of bearing . Temperature was high 20's . It might have survived on a warmer day . Now we'll see how TREDs customer service is .
Although I get the testing you're doing with traction pads (I've seen similar with MaxTrax which is why I went that direction over others), part of the Overland experience should be avoiding obstacles where you know you're going to get stuck. To seek them out on purpose leans more towards the off roading theme which this thread is not meant to be.
Liquidmantis
New member
It's your thread, but to me it's critical to know the limitations of yourself and your gear, especially when "overlanding". To me, overlanding is remote travel in a small group where self-reliance is key. Sure you want to avoid getting stuck and potential damage but when the SHTF is not the time to find out your recovery gear isn't up to snuff.
Vinsil
New member
Or skills. I would suggest everyone test ALL your equipment!
When your stuck is NOT the time to learn how to properly use a highlift jack. I've seen teeth lost and people seriously hurt by not knowing what they are doing.
.02
hounddogman
New member
Well I wasn't really off roading , I was just doing a little equipment testing on my own property . I guess to my thinking a traction device is appropriate " overland equipment " . And the tred pro is a bit of a untested product compered to the maxtraxs . If you feel it's off topic or clutters up the thread I'll remove the review . 
I don't disagree that you should test and know the limits of your gear prior to an excursion, but I just wanted to temper that by saying part of those skills involve knowing when to avoid getting stuck in the first place.
In any event, I don't want to stifle anyone's contributions to this thread, so no need to remove any posts here. You guys are doing a great job keeping them on topic and I'm already learning some new things I didn't know.
In any event, I don't want to stifle anyone's contributions to this thread, so no need to remove any posts here. You guys are doing a great job keeping them on topic and I'm already learning some new things I didn't know.
Vinsil
New member
My uncle owns a farm in Costa Rica. We plan to visit this year. I'd love to road trip it down there but having never traveled outside of the US...the trip makes me nervous. I know it's about the adventure! I'd love to do it but not sure about taking my three young boys and not sure about the many countries I'd travel through...
Vinsil
New member
Ok, some questions for you guys.
Now that I'm diving fully into a roof rack system, I want to change my plans some with my CB mount going from a rear mount above the taillight to the roof rack. Need a foldable mount system.
I also need some advice on mounts that I can make or modify tommount my highlift, shovel and axe. The rack I bought doesn't offer accessories YET, (ecotechne), but is flat steel and the cross bars and tray it comes with are easy enough to drill and add things to.
I also have fab experience and equipment but my time is limited so I can modify or build things but I have more money then time (funny how that works as you have kids and get older right?) so premade mounts or ideas are appreciated!
This stuff will only be on when needed but need to be strong. I plan to put 4 rotopacks in the tray, two for fuel and two for water. It seems perfect for that chore.
Now that I'm diving fully into a roof rack system, I want to change my plans some with my CB mount going from a rear mount above the taillight to the roof rack. Need a foldable mount system.
I also need some advice on mounts that I can make or modify tommount my highlift, shovel and axe. The rack I bought doesn't offer accessories YET, (ecotechne), but is flat steel and the cross bars and tray it comes with are easy enough to drill and add things to.
I also have fab experience and equipment but my time is limited so I can modify or build things but I have more money then time (funny how that works as you have kids and get older right?) so premade mounts or ideas are appreciated!
This stuff will only be on when needed but need to be strong. I plan to put 4 rotopacks in the tray, two for fuel and two for water. It seems perfect for that chore.
Is Costa Rica really the happiest place on earth?
Admit it.. you just want to go to your "happy place". =)
Vinsil
New member
Yeah I kinda figured I'd be on my own by going with a new unknown rack. I'll detail it out once it gets here.
About going 2m...I know nothing about it but have thought it would be worth while to check into. Can I communicate with citizen band as the two guys I wheel with have cb. Is the antenna as large or larger than cb? I'm fine going spin off instead of folding if that is a better choice but your right, a 6' one on a rack is not ideal. I'm not opposed to going this route.
About going 2m...I know nothing about it but have thought it would be worth while to check into. Can I communicate with citizen band as the two guys I wheel with have cb. Is the antenna as large or larger than cb? I'm fine going spin off instead of folding if that is a better choice but your right, a 6' one on a rack is not ideal. I'm not opposed to going this route.
Liquidmantis
New member
This is a conversation I'd definitely like to get into. I'm taking my Technician test this Saturday and I'm planning my install. Deciding on an antenna and mounting location is what I need to work out.
Spenny
New member
Ah good ole CB vs HAM.
Ditch the CB and never look back. There's a reason the technology hasn't evolved since the 80's with CB, big bulky ugly radios and massive whip antennas.
For those wanting to start, get the book, study up, buy a Baofeng handheld. https://www.amazon.com/BaoFeng-UV-5R-Dual-Radio-Black/dp/B007H4VT7A
In addition to that, find a mag mount and external antenna - you'll be golden for a while. Then roll into a permanent mount radio that will throw more power and let you reach out further. Keep the handheld for spotting your buddies through touch sections or as a back up or for your friend whose coming along that still has a CB.
For $25 you're into HAM, vs $70 for a CB handheld and very limited range.
I currently have a mount on my hood, along the passenger side. A Diamond something something. Uses set screws to hold the mount. As for antenna, I also have a Diamond something something dual band. When I had the gobi it was mounted on that. The mounts have the ability to fold down with one of the adjustment knobs, and most antennas have the ability to fold as well - but don't count on it folding when it comes in contact with branches. Ask me how I know it won't fold when it comes in contact with a branch!
If there's a Ham Radio Outlet near you, I suggest a stop in there and fall down that rabbit hole.
Ditch the CB and never look back. There's a reason the technology hasn't evolved since the 80's with CB, big bulky ugly radios and massive whip antennas.
For those wanting to start, get the book, study up, buy a Baofeng handheld. https://www.amazon.com/BaoFeng-UV-5R-Dual-Radio-Black/dp/B007H4VT7A
In addition to that, find a mag mount and external antenna - you'll be golden for a while. Then roll into a permanent mount radio that will throw more power and let you reach out further. Keep the handheld for spotting your buddies through touch sections or as a back up or for your friend whose coming along that still has a CB.
For $25 you're into HAM, vs $70 for a CB handheld and very limited range.
I currently have a mount on my hood, along the passenger side. A Diamond something something. Uses set screws to hold the mount. As for antenna, I also have a Diamond something something dual band. When I had the gobi it was mounted on that. The mounts have the ability to fold down with one of the adjustment knobs, and most antennas have the ability to fold as well - but don't count on it folding when it comes in contact with branches. Ask me how I know it won't fold when it comes in contact with a branch!
If there's a Ham Radio Outlet near you, I suggest a stop in there and fall down that rabbit hole.
alirawk
Member
I come from a history of back country adventuring in search of remote rocks to climb and fell in love with my food dehydrator. Beyond just making jerky and such, it's a fantastic way to reduce loss of space for sauces n jars, namely pasta sauce. Simply dehydrate sauce into servings similar to fruit leather and just add water when deciding to eat with pasta. No more jars to haul or worry about breaking when bouncing around trails in the rig.
Spenny
New member
I've leaned the hard way how to transport eggs on the trail - the carton isn't the right answer! I'll have to look into a dehydrator
alirawk
Member
There is an alternative to a RTT that has received a lot of attention on this site: Sleeping platform inside the ride. I like this as it keeps the weight off the roof and requires no set-up time, also my wife isn't thrilled on having to climb down a ladder in the middle of the night to relieve herself.
Goosegear made a helluva set up for me. The drawers underneath are perfect for all essentials. Then I removed the backseats (a few bolts and about five minutes) -- so I have more storage space than I need. Larger, light items (crash pad for climbing, camp chairs, etc.) go up top in a Yakima sky box that I can take on and off in a few minutes by myself. Also, because my rig is my daily driver and I live in Los Angeles, I couldn't throw a RTT on top and still make it into parking structures -- sometimes just with the Gobi Stealth, I have difficulty. With my set-up, it's easy to just bounce out whenever I want. Of course, if you're claustrophobic and need a lot of head room, it's surely limited, and perhaps not the best option. Obviously, there's no way to fit 6 people in it, but if you get an ARB awning and the room with floor attachment, you essentially can have a pretty spacious living/sleeping quarter. A couple can sleep inside on the sleeping platform and the rest outside in the tent. Perhaps more work than just getting a roof top tent, but an alternative to consider.
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alirawk
Member
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Liquidmantis
New member
I've wondered about why people do this. To me that's the ultimate combination of the worst parts of all the options.
It's slow to setup
It doesn't pack your bedding and a comfy mattress like a RTT does
It doesn't allow you freedom to drive like a ground tent does.
[Edit to add] Also it needs the largest footprint possible, rather than just finding a flat spot to set a ground tent or a reasonable flat spot to park and level for a RTT.
Honestly it seems like it's just a way to justify the awning.
That custom GooseGear platform is the tits though!
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alirawk
Member
In keeping this thread appropriately "overland" -- I'd recommend considering a console vault. It's an awesome and fairly cheap mod, as far as these things go -- but pretty critical for exploring places where you might run into other people with questionable morals. Can't tell you how many people I've known who have had their windows smashed and their wallets stolen while they are climbing or day hiking. This seems to be less of a concern when deep in the back country, i.e. "off roading" -- but at trail heads and park campsites, it's a sadly too common occurrence. Also, pretty indispensable in the city too. Not the sexiest mod, but likely get more use than that Icon Stage 7:bounce:
