Building, Driving and Adventuring the MTN4RNR
- Thread starter MTN4RNR
- Start date
What were you attempting with these settings (4Lo, Trac Off, VSC off, 3rd gear)? I'm curious how much "old fashioned" driving you did rather than using MTS and Crawl Control.
MTN4RNR
New member
Thanks for putting it together! Let's head out soon for the next trip! I'll contact you here in a bit.
MTN4RNR
New member
We were on a trail that was twisty with ups and downs and periodic technical sections. I wanted to stay around 10mph (because I have stock suspension and low ground clearance). 4LO in 3rd gear allows me to use the engine to manage my speed in the 10-15mph range without needing to brake constantly. I can drop into second or first to crawl up or down technical sections if I need to and hold a slower speed. 4HI doesn't allow for as much low speed control without brakes. MTS works well, and I don't mind using it in certain conditions because it will 'manage' the traction control to make it less intrusive and will help hold good traction. Crawl control for me is a last effort if I have gotten stuck before busting out recovery gear. It's just another tool to be used before getting yanked, or winched, or digging. Here, no MTS or Crawl is being used, and once we got back on the main fire road I was back in 2HI as we were cruising between 15-30mph. Trying to be as 'old fashioned' as I can, but I am not going to ignore better gearing choices and electronic aids if they do indeed help.
I'm interested in joining as well if there's room.
Travo60
New member
Thanks for sharing! She is always in her kennel when we are on the road, and she enjoys "the Maeve Cave".
The issue discovered on this trip was that the standard blankets that she has in her kennel slide around as we go up and down hills. All I need to add is a fitted kennel pad, and problem solved! Thanks for the tip though, if we move away form the kennel, I will check out your suggestion!
Hey! First off, I've been following your thread for a while and really enjoy your mods and write ups and hope to follow some of them in the near future. Secondly, I have a miniature Aussie, about 30 pounds that looks to be the same size as your dog. I was wondering how you liked this particular kennel? Looking for a option like this but was curious if it slides around while wheeling? Or does the kennel come equipped with rubber stoppers on the bottom. My cargo area is equipped with canvas back liners and can be quite slippery with some materials. Any input would be appreciated.
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SuperWhiteTRD
New member
Expedition
Would love to join one of your next expeditions. Im in SF
Would love to join one of your next expeditions. Im in SF
MTN4RNR
New member
Awesome! I am glad that you have been enjoying my build/adventures so far! I promise that there is only more to come :thumb3:
This kennel ROCKS! Super tough, very practical and the pup loves it. The double door is a great addition so that the pup can see me in the front seat when we are on long drives. We have had this kennel since my pup was around 25#, and now she's around 40#. It's been a great size for her the whole time. I have 2 of them, one in the work truck for everyday commuting and one for the 4Runner or my girlfriend's car, whichever is needed. It makes her safe, and allows us to pack the car with things and not worry about making a space for Maeve.
As for wheeling and driving, the crate itself stays put because it is strapped down with climbing rope and a cam style carabiner. The crate won't do you any good unstrapped so you'll need to figure out the best way that works for your setup. There are metal threads on all 4 corners top and bottom to attach eye hooks or whatever your attachment point is to the crate. I will take some more detailed photos of the attachment points soon. I have a number of things that I have been needing to make follow up posts on for a while. But I will take some tonight. One thing that I will say is that you will want a crate pad for wheeling with the pup. I used to have blankets in there and she really liked them, but they don't have anything to grip on in there so when things get bumpy and off camber, she was sliding around a lot. I picked one up from the local pet shop and it works great. No more sliding around!
Gone2vegas
New member
Man these write ups are killing me! Love that you've kept the suspension stock. Is there a "stock suspension doing cool shit" thread yet?
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
MTN4RNR
New member
MTN4RNR
New member
Thanks man! Ha, I haven't kept it stock on purpose. The funds department only has so much to go around! I am stopping by the shop tomorrow to check out my sliders in person before I head back next week for the install. But I will say that having the stock suspension on for a longer period is definitely giving me good perspective on where and how to upgrade the truck in the future. And also good patience and judgement when out on the trail. Eventually it will all come, but for now I am just enjoying getting out there!
MTN4RNR
New member
The sliders are from 4x4 Labs. See quote below :thumb3:
I think I know what is next for the MTN4RNR... I can't wait for the end of the month!
Photos courtesy of [MENTION=89562]bimrunner[/MENTION]
MTN4RNR
New member
Here are the photos of the kennel tie downs. After a number of different configurations, this worked best and was the most secure for me.
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Travo60
New member
Here are the photos of the kennel tie downs. After a number of different configurations, this worked best and was the most secure for me.
Looks very secure, thank you for the details. I just ordered the kennel this morning after seeing your post and will probably strap mine down in a similar fashion. I especially like the beer opening apparatus, that has to come in handy, haha! Again thanks for going above and beyond to help a brother out.
MTN4RNR
New member
Awesome! You're welcome, man. I'm really glad that I could help out, your pup will definitely dig the new crate! If you have other anchor questions, let me know! Be sure to post some photos of the dog, ha!
MTN4RNR
New member
Today I stopped in at 4x4 Labs to check out my new sliders before installing them next week! Talk about a cool shop, with a cool owner. Luke was kind enough to show me around the shop and show me the front and rear bumpers for the 5th gen. Baby steps.......
Expect photos of the sliders on and in use in the next few weeks, along with a FULL write up going over the ins and outs of the install, with the KDSS system. I can't wait!
Expect photos of the sliders on and in use in the next few weeks, along with a FULL write up going over the ins and outs of the install, with the KDSS system. I can't wait!
MTN4RNR
New member
Spent some time in the mountains this weekend. Went to our family cabin for the weekend and up to higher elevations for a fun hike in the Sierras. I also scouted some new NFS roads to explore next weekend when it's just me and the pup!
Still plenty of snow in the Sierras on our hike
Lunch at the lake
TONS of runoff coming off of the hills
Here is a great reminder for those traveling in the Sierras this time of year. We weren't driving this river crossing, more like wading/swimming, but on the way over it was a knee high crossing. Not more than 2 hours later, the crossing was waist high and moving much faster. Snow melt effects these rivers and creeks dramatically between morning and afternoon so be careful where you cross and be willing to wait until the next day if crossings become unfavorable.
<iframe src='https://www.gaiagps.com/datasummary/track/6afa62ccaa0a3de733e4911bb1539bf4/?embed=True' style='border:none; overflow-y: hidden; background-color:white; min-width: 320px; max-width:420px; width:100%; height: 420px;' scrolling='no' seamless='seamless'></iframe>
Found a fun highway offshoot on the way home. Got dirt under the tires, success :bounce:
Heading back this next weekend to explore the 4x4 roads in the area.
More to come...
Still plenty of snow in the Sierras on our hike
Lunch at the lake
TONS of runoff coming off of the hills
Here is a great reminder for those traveling in the Sierras this time of year. We weren't driving this river crossing, more like wading/swimming, but on the way over it was a knee high crossing. Not more than 2 hours later, the crossing was waist high and moving much faster. Snow melt effects these rivers and creeks dramatically between morning and afternoon so be careful where you cross and be willing to wait until the next day if crossings become unfavorable.
<iframe src='https://www.gaiagps.com/datasummary/track/6afa62ccaa0a3de733e4911bb1539bf4/?embed=True' style='border:none; overflow-y: hidden; background-color:white; min-width: 320px; max-width:420px; width:100%; height: 420px;' scrolling='no' seamless='seamless'></iframe>
Found a fun highway offshoot on the way home. Got dirt under the tires, success :bounce:
Heading back this next weekend to explore the 4x4 roads in the area.
More to come...
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