overlanding in southern california

[rudogg760]

Hello. is there a way to get from ocotillo near the 8 freeway to truckhaven? id like to do a 2 day trip and id rather go on a trail than camp somewhere and off road. id like to do longer trips in the future, this would be a test run close to home. maybe get halfway and setup camp or something like that. i know theres a bunch of trails out there but trying to see how to connect them to get to the training center. thanks in advance

 

[osidepunker]

you can do it. download the Anza State park map and that will get you started. Basically you can skirt Split Mountain on the east side heading north to Superstition and camp there the first night. Cross 78 into Ocotillo Wells. Download the Ocotillo Wells Park map to get you through.

The better way to do it is to go up through Split Mountain to Fish Creek. Camp fish Creek wash and then cross the 78 into Ocotillo Wells.

Also, I would make sure you have sand ladders. Some of the sand south of 78 is weird and sticky. Better not to do it alone, but if you do be careful and take all the normal backcountry precautions.

Good luck have fun and if you want to do it in the beginning of March, I would run with you

 

[Igooooor]

This looks fun. I am unfamiliar with this part of CA but also liking the concept of overlanding close to home, to start. Post your route when you nail it down, would be cool to see how ya pull it off.

 

[rudogg760]

[MENTION=153407]osidepunker[/MENTION] thank you for the info. i would be going with a friend who has a JK. ive been meaning to get sand ladders. I would be getting those before I head out. The beginning of march is TDS so it would be more towards the end of march beginning of april. it would be awesome if you could join us. were trying to find an old grill to cut up and modify for camping duty lol when you say to download the map do you mean into a navigation app? or just into pictures?

 

[rudogg760]

This looks fun. I am unfamiliar with this part of CA but also liking the concept of overlanding close to home, to start. Post your route when you nail it down, would be cool to see how ya pull it off.

for sure, i wonder if theres an app that i can trace exactly where i go so other people can follow that line. Id like to go further later as i get more experience.

 

[Igooooor]

for sure, i wonder if theres an app that i can trace exactly where i go so other people can follow that line. Id like to go further later as i get more experience.

I have done this for backpacking trips before by just keeping my hand held GPS going and later uploading the data into google maps. I am a big fan of google maps in general. You can also create your own map ahead of time with points of interest and trails. Only downside is, it may not be there when you cell signal is gone.

So I use google maps for research and planning but on the road I use a physical map and a gps/compass.

I have seen XO crew recommend a dedicated Overland Mapping solution but it looked pricey.

 

[osidepunker]

I have Backcountry on a Galaxy tablet. But honestly, I hardly ever use it. I download PDFs from the state park website. Google Anza Borrego map and Ocotillo Wells map.

I use the compass in my rear view mirror and pay attention to turn and intersections. Also, a lot of the trails have little brown trail markers to tell you which trail you're on. I also use line of sight and pay attention to land marks like split mountain, blow sand hill, shell reef, etc.

But thats just me. Use your best judgement.

As for fire, I use a $20 metal trash can from Lowes. I cut some holes in it and made a little chimney. It usually lasts about a full season, then I make a new one.

You can also make poor man sand ladders. Get some 2x8 or 2x10 boards and a router. Rout a diamond pattern with a 1/4" depth and 1/2" wide bit. I used these for 2 seasons. Still have them. Only downside to them is they are heavy.

 

[osidepunker]

get sand ladders lol

 

[rudogg760]

You can also make poor man sand ladders. Get some 2x8 or 2x10 boards and a router. Rout a diamond pattern with a 1/4" depth and 1/2" wide bit. I used these for 2 seasons. Still have them. Only downside to them is they are heavy.

i was thinking of getting some loading ramps and using those for now.
1000 lb. Capacity 9 in. x 72 in. Steel Loading Ramps, Set of Two

your idea is cheaper tho lol

thank you for the tips on traversing the desert, as it gets closer ill post in here in case anyone would like to join.

 

[Igooooor]

get sand ladders lol

Nice one! I have not seen the triple tow teqnique before. Hahaha.

 

[rudogg760]

I have done this for backpacking trips before by just keeping my hand held GPS going and later uploading the data into google maps. I am a big fan of google maps in general. You can also create your own map ahead of time with points of interest and trails. Only downside is, it may not be there when you cell signal is gone.

So I use google maps for research and planning but on the road I use a physical map and a gps/compass.

I have seen XO crew recommend a dedicated Overland Mapping solution but it looked pricey.

on google maps you can plot out the course ahead of time? :-o i have top maps on ios and you can download the map so its there while offline. im going to play with it and see if i can plot out on there as well. thank you for the tip!

 

[Igooooor]

You can definitely plot a line in google maps when you create your own map. Use the desktop version instead of mobile/tablet to have access to all those features. You can still view it on mobile after you create it. Pretty handy. Here is what it looks like:

https://goo.gl/maps/Avppe5es57U2

 

[osidepunker]

Nice one! I have not seen the triple tow teqnique before. Hahaha.

The one in the rear is 2wd. The sand was firm but for some reason it was sticky. Im the black truck. I got stuck trying to pull the grey one out. Then the white truck had to hook up. For a second there I thought we were all 3 going to get stuck lol!

 

[rudogg760]

The one in the rear is 2wd. The sand was firm but for some reason it was sticky. Im the black truck. I got stuck trying to pull the grey one out. Then the white truck had to hook up. For a second there I thought we were all 3 going to get stuck lol!

that looks like it was fun. how do you like the tundra off road? its not too big?

 

[Drunner97]

i was thinking of getting some loading ramps and using those for now.
1000 lb. Capacity 9 in. x 72 in. Steel Loading Ramps, Set of Two

your idea is cheaper tho lol

thank you for the tips on traversing the desert, as it gets closer ill post in here in case anyone would like to join.

I have a pair of these sitting in the garage from when I had my sport bike and was thinking of cutting them up for some traction pads.

 

[rudogg760]

I have a pair of these sitting in the garage from when I had my sport bike and was thinking of cutting them up for some traction pads.

let me know how it works out. i would think maybe to cut them in half so they wont be too thick? or do you think they are okay?

 

[osidepunker]

that looks like it was fun. how do you like the tundra off road? its not too big?

The tundra is badass! for reference I have wheeled a short wb jeep on 35s

Technical trail: I'm long travel so I have massive flex. Hill climbs are way more stable because of the long wheel base. The wider track is more stable too. I'm running 35s, soon to be 37s, so dips and rocks are less noticeable. I have wheeled with 4runners and tacos and they always struggle on stuff that is easy for me. I have full armor, skids, sliders, and bumpers. I sit pretty low, so I do scrape on harder stuff. Long wheelbase means I can high center on break overs too. Sometimes a little gas will get me over, but its a weakness

Desert trail: Of course being LT means I can bomb trail like you wouldn't believe. I have half the HP and half the wheel travel of a trophy truck and I only weigh about 1k lbs more. TT runs 39" wheels so I am close in that department too.

Of course, the tundra is a big fat pig. I sink in soft sand and mud so I have to be careful. Hopefully this year I will get gears and lockers which will help. Long wheelbase and track width means I struggle on tight trail. However, the are very few trails that stop me. I have done Steel Pass in Death Valley, the internet said I couldn't fit. The internet says I can't fit the The Squeeze on Pinion trail in Anza Borrego. I think I believe the internet on that one.

Absolute best part about the tundra is I can fit tons of gear and keep my weight low and centered. I carry RTT, two full size spares, 35 ga fuel and water, 3 batteries, firewood, 82q fridge, hot water system, full set of receovery equip (hi lift, shovel, axe, etc), misc gear/tools; all of that is below roof height and mostly between the axles

 

[Drunner97]

let me know how it works out. i would think maybe to cut them in half so they wont be too thick? or do you think they are okay?

They actually aren't very thick. I'm thinking 3 or 4 foot sections. I think the ramps are 8 feet long so 1 ramp would be 1 set. My only concern is if they're wet or muddy, rubber + metal don't tend to work well so I'll probably hit it with some bed liner. Dunno. I should dig them out and cut one up.

 

[rudogg760]

The tundra is badass! for reference I have wheeled a short wb jeep on 35s



Technical trail: I'm long travel so I have massive flex. Hill climbs are way more stable because of the long wheel base. The wider track is more stable too. I'm running 35s, soon to be 37s, so dips and rocks are less noticeable. I have wheeled with 4runners and tacos and they always struggle on stuff that is easy for me. I have full armor, skids, sliders, and bumpers. I sit pretty low, so I do scrape on harder stuff. Long wheelbase means I can high center on break overs too. Sometimes a little gas will get me over, but its a weakness



Desert trail: Of course being LT means I can bomb trail like you wouldn't believe. I have half the HP and half the wheel travel of a trophy truck and I only weigh about 1k lbs more. TT runs 39" wheels so I am close in that department too.



Of course, the tundra is a big fat pig. I sink in soft sand and mud so I have to be careful. Hopefully this year I will get gears and lockers which will help. Long wheelbase and track width means I struggle on tight trail. However, the are very few trails that stop me. I have done Steel Pass in Death Valley, the internet said I couldn't fit. The internet says I can't fit the The Squeeze on Pinion trail in Anza Borrego. I think I believe the internet on that one.



Absolute best part about the tundra is I can fit tons of gear and keep my weight low and centered. I carry RTT, two full size spares, 35 ga fuel and water, 3 batteries, firewood, 82q fridge, hot water system, full set of receovery equip (hi lift, shovel, axe, etc), misc gear/tools; all of that is below roof height and mostly between the axles

holy crap! you have basically the perfect setup. i long for long travel. im barely starting out fitting my 4runner for longer stays. it would be cool to meet up to get ideas. i have a 4x8 foot utility trailer that im thinking of lifting and putting 30" tires on to load stuff up to take.the lift would be easy, just do spring over axle cause its spring under right now. have you ever thought about a trailer?

 

[osidepunker]

holy crap! you have basically the perfect setup. i long for long travel. im barely starting out fitting my 4runner for longer stays. it would be cool to meet up to get ideas. i have a 4x8 foot utility trailer that im thinking of lifting and putting 30" tires on to load stuff up to take.the lift would be easy, just do spring over axle cause its spring under right now. have you ever thought about a trailer?

Cant do 65mph over 2' whoops with a trailer LOL!

I'm down to meet. I love talking trucks! I have been building this thing out for over 3 years and I'm pretty much done with it. So far I have done a full week in Death Valley. One day I want to double that