Newbie question about light off-roading

[ProspectiveBuyer]

On a long drive on a forest road like this one https://www.trails.com/tcatalog_trail.aspx?trailid=BGS135-090 in Lassen National Park (High-clearance 4WDs are preferred, but any high-clearance vehicle is acceptable. Expect a rough road surface; mud and sand are possible but will be easily passable. You may encounter rocks up to 6 inches in diameter, a loose road surface, and shelf roads), will a car-based SUV (cross-over) get damaged?

Thanks.

 

[KidVermicious]

Haven't been on it, but based on their description I'm going to say most crossovers with moderate clearance should be fine. Go slow and have a full size spare and an air compressor.

 

[ProspectiveBuyer]

Haven't been on it, but based on their description I'm going to say most crossovers with moderate clearance should be fine. Go slow and have a full size spare and an air compressor.

Thanks. I thought so... What I'm wondering though is whether cross-overs (Highlanders for example), if driven for long distances on such rough roads, will eventually break down.

 

[KidVermicious]

Almost certainly not. I'd be far more worried about whether the tires were sturdy enough and had decent enough tread, but even then, not very worried at all if the trail is dry.

 

[v_man]

One issue with off roading trails is that there is no uniform standard of grading difficulty. Words like 'easy' , number systems , 4 out of 5 , etc. are all very subjective.

I have found that if some publication , or website, uses a word like 'easy' or '1 out of 10' , then the trail in question usually is VERY easy . A publisher, website manager does not want to catch flack for labeling a trail as 'easy' , and then have a bunch of people in Subaru's go out there and get stuck .

So in this case I would likely believe that the trail is easy enough for nearly any vehicle on the road.

That being said, tire health would be my biggest concern . Carry a spare , or two , a patch kit , and a compressor . Air down your tires to begin with , and use caution . You might only have a couple of millimeters of rubber on your sidewall to see you through the trail .

 

[Ron4RNevada]

Drove all over that area in a 1998 Subaru Outback (totally stock - even the tires) back when I owned the Suby (1998-2002). No problems at all. A Highlander should do fine.

 

[vasily.lantukh]

Trail rating can be hard to interpret and are generally ment for the least common denominator.

Just take your time and pay attention. +1 for a spare and air compressor