Hints for Paragon Park

[ice]

Hi, I am a new member for this forum but I have been browse for a while. Thanks for this forum, it really help me alot! I am finally decide to bring my Runner for some off road this Sat at Paragon Park. This is my 1st time off road drive so I am wondering if anybody could give me some hints for this park.

Thanks in advance!

 

[ksneubec]

Bring a good spotter . . . . having someone who can help you navigate around and over obsticles is more important than lift, tires, etc.

Sometimes it is easier to keep obsticles underneath the tires and drive right over them, rather than try to keep them centered under the truck (where they can hit the center differential) or off to the side, where you may not have room to drive around them.

Keep to the lower level trails (I think blue and green based on their classification system- but check the trail maps) and you will be fine.

Many people lower their tire pressure when off-roading, but on the beginner trails you probably won't have to.

Go slow and have a great time. Paragon is a great place (so I've heard)

Be sure to check the Northeast section for meets and other trips to Paragon in the future.

 

[MDT4RNR]

Off to Paragon Park

Hey Man,
I agree with all the off road tips KSNEUBEC gave you.
I have not been to Paragon, but I believe many of us in MD/VA/PA are looking forward to a trip soon.

Check out this thread http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=16083 it is all about Rausch Creek Off Road Park.
Go to thel last pages of the thread and You'll see links to photos of the trails. It is my understanding that paragon looks just like these trails as far as the green traisl go. Also click on my signature and see my photos.

Make sure you don't have loose articles in the back of the runner or they will drive you crazy as you ride on the trails. Also practice taking your spare tire down and while you have it down make sure it has plenty of air.

Also practice putting your truck on 4 Low and read up what the max speed is to drive using this gear. I had problems figuring this one out so I stuck to 4HI all the way.

Expect your shoes to get muddy and you may want to protect your floor mats, so bring a towel or something to cover them.

Please take plenty of PICs and share them with us, also take a pic of the trail map and which route you took.

BTW: How many people in your group?


Later

Dax

 

[Koz]

Take your running boards off if you can. You can get through with them but there is the possibility they could get crunched. The most important advice is to go slow. Air down to at least 15 lbs., lock the center diff and use 4wd low. Remember, if you go crazy in the mud/water, that's all the more cleaning under the hood. AGAIN, go slow.

Koz

 

[Thai]

For most obstacles, i would just put in 4-LO. I would not bother with manually shifting through the gears...leave it in "D". Like what everyone else is saying: lock center diff, go very slow, take running boards off, and have a good spotter.

Have a safe trip.

 

[ice]

Thanks for the advice!

I will keep that in mind to put it in 4Lo and remove my running boards. I will be joining their monthly ride so I don't know how many in the group. I will try to take some pics and post it up but looks like it's going to be rain.

btw - nice pictures Dax!

 

[spyne]

Only other thing I would suggest is to take the spare out from under the truck and tie it down securely in the cargo area. If you tear a sidewall or otherwise damage a tire while on the trail it can be difficult to get under the vehicle to get the spare out depending on where you are at the time.