The Break-In Expedition (PICS)

[DesmoST4]

Well I took the new to me 4Runner out today for its 1st time Expedition up to the mountains east of Phoenix. (Four Peaks) With all the rain and weather last week it had a nice snow cap on the top. Thought it would be a nice day trip with the family and it was. The road to the base of the summit is 18 miles of minimum maintenance which takes about an hour to traverse. No big issues, a car can actually make it if you don't mind bouncing all over the place. At the top it was little muddy and had some pretty good snow on the roads so I'm not sure I would take a car but I am sure someone would test the waters. Anyway all was good until I rounded the bend climbing the last 1/2 mile up when the road became really snowy and the right side of the 4Runner slid off the road into a gully. I attempted to keep her out but with no luck, she just slowly slid to the rock face. The passenger side slid right into the rock face that is about 3 feet off the road. Well needless to say I lost the passenger side mirror, dented the door very slightly and removed some paint with a few nice deep gouges. As you can imagine I was ready to let expletives fly but my 4 year old was in the car so I just thought of them instead. I guess it could have been worse if it wasn't for having 4x4 and the differential locked I would have been in bigger trouble most likely not getting out and potentially continuing to sideswipe the rock face. Oh well, hell of a way to break in the new ride I guess she is no longer a virgin. Here are a few pics from today anyway.........notice the one without a mirror......

 

[gm350reratliff]

The first scratch is the worst scratch.

TWO things you need to buy:

1. New mirror

2. Better tires

 

[Jeffrey_VB]

Looks like a lot of fun!! Great views too!!!

 

[CJ3Flyr]

The first scratch is the worst scratch.

TWO things you need to buy:

1. New mirror

2. Better tires

:iagree: Nice pics too! Looks like a good day except for that mirror thing

 

[mahabali]

Nice pics! Looks like fun!

 

[drbiii]

I wish I could find views like that in South TX.

Pretty ridgeback.

 

[Maz]

The first scratch is the worst scratch.

TWO things you need to buy:

1. New mirror

2. Better tires

Great pictures...hard to believe that was anywere near hot / dry Phoenix. No offense intended, but next time you've got that cute four year on a narrow, muddy, and snow slick mountain trail, please get offroad tires.

 

[M1911]

TWO things you need to buy:

1. New mirror

2. Better tires

Yup. It is tires that keep you from sliding.

 

[Aquabear]

Awesome shots! What a view. Reminds me of my Summer Expedtn in Arches NP in Utah, Yellowstone, Colorado... Bummer bout the dings but no pain no gain man! Some Robitussin on there fix will it right up! Agree with others, I got Nittos Terra Graps after too many slips n slides. Still all n all great shots.

 

[DesmoST4]

Thanks all for the comments. Yeah I know I need tires, I've only had the truck for about three weeks so haven't gotten around to any mods etc. as $$$ is a little low right now. As for tires, not sure it would have made much difference I think I was going slip sliding regardless, just to close to the edge of the road and couldn't tell. Sucks but whatta ya do...... Oh and just so you all don't think I am too crazy taking the kids up there, the road is actually pretty tame leading up to the top, snowy slushy stuff was only up at the top and I stayed off the more dangerous roads. At least what I perceived as sketchy, I started down one and decided to turn around cuz it was looking a little ruff. Where I slid off it was no where near a cliff or anything. But thanks again for the input and yes its hard to believe those views are only a couple hours outside Phoenix. You can actually see four peaks mountain range from my backyard........pretty cool.....

 

[MikesToy]

Thank God everyone is ok. Side mirror and door can be replaced/replenished. Hope your insurance can cover those.