Bottoming out when Offroading

[Hawk]

Anyone find that the '03 + ground clearance is limited by the running boards? I had my '04 in the dirt yesterday and went over a sharp whoop too much straight on and bottomed out. I now have some nice scratches on the underside of my driver's side running board and on a frame cross member and a skid plate. The skidplate is in the center of the vehicle, so I am assuming it covers the transfer case, etc. The truck seems to drive fine.

Does this sort of bottoming happen often in offroading (I mean, should I get used to it?). Could I have screwed anything up by doing that?

Who knows how strong those running boards are, but it seems to me that by resting the weight of the vehicle on one, the board could bend upward or be torn off.

Hawk

 

[Thai]

The board will be the first to go...and it's low to the ground too. Expect it. Either take if off when off-roading or plan on getting new ones.

As for the scratches on your skidplates, expect that also. However, they are there to protect your vital gears. Don't worry about it. Now, if there's a big dent or hole in the skidplate, then you should worry.

Have fun.

 

[4route]

I agree that the boards will be the first to go. They were the first thing I took off my truck because I didn't want them to get hurt. They probably weigh less than 15 lbs each, and are not meant to support the entire weight of the truck.

I'm actually trying to sell mine because they're in perfect condition and I don't ever plan on putting them back on!

 

[Good Times]

Get rid of the boards. If you damage them bad enough it'll just go into the body which will give you more headaches.

Also drive slow If you see obstacles that look like it'll hit, drive slow and over/around it. This way you don't have to worry about them things giving you some love on the underside. Also if you drive slow enough the damage will be minimal.

Btw, are you going to be joining us for our SD run this weekend? We have alot of rookies that will be down there for if you're interested please join us.

http://www.yotatech.com/showthread.php?t=26950

Cya on the trails.

 

[Hawk]

I would love to make it, but I don't think I will have the time this weekend. I have a ton of camping equiptment, so I will be in for the next run.

Hawk