LTDSC
New member
Very true. definitely puts a different thought process on it.
Mike's (Redswan) 2005 4x4 sport edition
- Thread starter Redswan
- Start date
Very true. definitely puts a different thought process on it.
Redswan
New member
10 Commandments of an Overland Vehicle build
I recently saw this on FB and thought it applied here.
The 10 Commandments of Modifying an Overland Vehicle - Resources - ExPo: Adventure and Overland Travel Enthusiasts
In line with this I have the same feelings of simplicity of having a supercharger. Keeping the engine stock is best. My supercharger was too good of a deal to pass up. I do keep an extra NA belt and SC belt in my spare parts incase something happens (which has happened on the trail).
Summary of the article on 'Expedition Portal' by Scott Brady (14 January 2014):
"1) Complexity is the enemy: Keep the vehicle as simple and reliable as possible, minimizing the number of systems and variables that can fail in the field.
2) Weight is the enemy of performance: Keep the vehicle as light as possible, removing heavy items that provide limited value or are never used.
3) Suspension Performance: The suspension system, geometry, and handling with a load are a reflection of proper design. The vehicle must perform just as well on pavement as it does on the dirt.
4) Keep the Engine Stock: This is the most common mistake we see with vehicle preparation, dozens of little modifications to the engine, including changes to the ECU, headers, cold air intakes, aftermarket superchargers, etc. These all seem like a great idea until you need to repair one of those items in the middle of the Desert.
5) Isolate and Minimize All Electrical Modifications: Electronics are the bane of all travelers, taking more time and requiring more “fiddling” than any other system. The reality is that most modern travelers do use and often need electronics to enhance their experience, including digital cameras, GPS units and laptops to record their story.
6) Use High Quality Tires in an Appropriate Tread: Tires are the most common failure item on a vehicle, as they are always in contact with the terrain. Install a high-quality radial tire (for standard vehicles) in a conservative tread pattern for the terrain you are intending to travel. While the mud terrain might look the part for your trips in the desert southwest, it is far from necessary, and actually limits performance.
7) Avoid Roof Loads at all Costs: This is the most common mistake of the new overlander, packing everything and the kitchen sink on the roof. There is nothing wrong with a lightweight roof rack, but having a roof tent, spare tire and six jerry cans is completely unacceptable and dangerous. Even a basic understanding of physics will prove why that is such a terrible idea, and those types of loads create a litany of problems, including dangerous handling, poor technical terrain performance, reduced fuel economy and roof damage.
8) Self-Recovery: Often overlooked, proper training and equipment for self-recovery is critical. So much attention is paid to lockers and suspension that self-recovery is usually an afterthought. In reality, self-recovery equipment and the skills to use it is more important than any of those other items, and should be a first consideration when leaving the beaten path.
9) Secure the Load: Take the time to secure all loose items in the cab, ensuring that proper lashing points are installed throughout the vehicle. This includes securing all soft luggage and in particular all hard/heavy items. Even a big bump or ledge on the trail can cause items to shift forward in the cab, impacting passengers, or worse, the driver as they are attempting to clear an obstacle. In the case of a roll-over, those items can kill or seriously injure occupants.
10) Quality and Design over Quantity: Contrary to what we see on the web, it is not the truck that defines you, but your experiences. Experiences can be enhanced by thoughtful design and a quality product, but also easily ruined by a broken aftermarket spring that saved you a few dollars over the proven brand. If price is a factor, then just leave the vehicle stock."
Great article and words to plan by
I recently saw this on FB and thought it applied here.
The 10 Commandments of Modifying an Overland Vehicle - Resources - ExPo: Adventure and Overland Travel Enthusiasts
In line with this I have the same feelings of simplicity of having a supercharger. Keeping the engine stock is best. My supercharger was too good of a deal to pass up. I do keep an extra NA belt and SC belt in my spare parts incase something happens (which has happened on the trail).
Summary of the article on 'Expedition Portal' by Scott Brady (14 January 2014):
"1) Complexity is the enemy: Keep the vehicle as simple and reliable as possible, minimizing the number of systems and variables that can fail in the field.
2) Weight is the enemy of performance: Keep the vehicle as light as possible, removing heavy items that provide limited value or are never used.
3) Suspension Performance: The suspension system, geometry, and handling with a load are a reflection of proper design. The vehicle must perform just as well on pavement as it does on the dirt.
4) Keep the Engine Stock: This is the most common mistake we see with vehicle preparation, dozens of little modifications to the engine, including changes to the ECU, headers, cold air intakes, aftermarket superchargers, etc. These all seem like a great idea until you need to repair one of those items in the middle of the Desert.
5) Isolate and Minimize All Electrical Modifications: Electronics are the bane of all travelers, taking more time and requiring more “fiddling” than any other system. The reality is that most modern travelers do use and often need electronics to enhance their experience, including digital cameras, GPS units and laptops to record their story.
6) Use High Quality Tires in an Appropriate Tread: Tires are the most common failure item on a vehicle, as they are always in contact with the terrain. Install a high-quality radial tire (for standard vehicles) in a conservative tread pattern for the terrain you are intending to travel. While the mud terrain might look the part for your trips in the desert southwest, it is far from necessary, and actually limits performance.
7) Avoid Roof Loads at all Costs: This is the most common mistake of the new overlander, packing everything and the kitchen sink on the roof. There is nothing wrong with a lightweight roof rack, but having a roof tent, spare tire and six jerry cans is completely unacceptable and dangerous. Even a basic understanding of physics will prove why that is such a terrible idea, and those types of loads create a litany of problems, including dangerous handling, poor technical terrain performance, reduced fuel economy and roof damage.
8) Self-Recovery: Often overlooked, proper training and equipment for self-recovery is critical. So much attention is paid to lockers and suspension that self-recovery is usually an afterthought. In reality, self-recovery equipment and the skills to use it is more important than any of those other items, and should be a first consideration when leaving the beaten path.
9) Secure the Load: Take the time to secure all loose items in the cab, ensuring that proper lashing points are installed throughout the vehicle. This includes securing all soft luggage and in particular all hard/heavy items. Even a big bump or ledge on the trail can cause items to shift forward in the cab, impacting passengers, or worse, the driver as they are attempting to clear an obstacle. In the case of a roll-over, those items can kill or seriously injure occupants.
10) Quality and Design over Quantity: Contrary to what we see on the web, it is not the truck that defines you, but your experiences. Experiences can be enhanced by thoughtful design and a quality product, but also easily ruined by a broken aftermarket spring that saved you a few dollars over the proven brand. If price is a factor, then just leave the vehicle stock."
Great article and words to plan by
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Redswan
New member
I had to throw out my Trasharoo after 2 years. After a pack of racoon attacked it and lots of sunshine to fade and destroy it. It ripped at the top seam making it useless.
I replaced it with a new tan one (instead of black) from a place called RDM Offroad down the hill in San Dimas.
So time to start getting gear together for another trip.
I replaced it with a new tan one (instead of black) from a place called RDM Offroad down the hill in San Dimas.
So time to start getting gear together for another trip.
HokieRunner
New member
Congratulations!
Mike - congratulations on a very well deserved 'T4R of the Month'. Between all the custom touches and incredible trips you routinely take, this has been a long time coming.
Keep up the great work and most of all - keep enjoying the truck! You and Dawgrunner were the main inspirations for my ongoing build and the photoshop images I clipped and edited (they were very poorly done, mind you) of your truck w/ potential build items I had in mind played an integral part in my planning. Thanks!
Mike - congratulations on a very well deserved 'T4R of the Month'. Between all the custom touches and incredible trips you routinely take, this has been a long time coming.
Keep up the great work and most of all - keep enjoying the truck! You and Dawgrunner were the main inspirations for my ongoing build and the photoshop images I clipped and edited (they were very poorly done, mind you) of your truck w/ potential build items I had in mind played an integral part in my planning. Thanks!
Redswan
New member
Thanks Matt! I'm glad I could be of some inspiration. That's really the main reason I share trip reports, to inspire others to get out and enjoy the freedom they have.
wnelax04sr5
New member
nope, traded it in and got $10,000 off of it. I figured the minivan is more my speed.:
if you actually did trade it in....tell me what dealer I'm booking a flight now, time to buy
Fishwerks
New member
Sub'd for 34s on the Highlander
RallyBud
New member
I commented on your Youtube page: "This is exactly why I am spending $6K on my suspension. To listen to country music and drive down an old dirt road....but VERY fast!!"
You do inspire! Hell, the wife and I are looking at houses about 45 minutes east of San Diego in Alpine just to be closer to the desert and mountains.
Rick
Redswan
New member
That's a beautiful area up there, especially up toward Cuyamaca State Park.
Hopefully, you can make on this Mojave road trip next month.
Mojave Road Trip (6-9 MAR 2014) - Toyota 120 Platforms Forum
Redswan
New member
Thanks!
