Off-roading order of operations

[ProtonDecay]

Do you fish those alpine lakes or know if there are fish ? When I was in the Sierras in the 80s was told acidity had wreaked havoc with trout population in the alpine lakes. It's happened to a lesser extent in CO plus the DOW here quit stocking many of the alpine lakes with non native trout, so it's mostly greenbacks if they stock the lakes at all. I found a gem of a lake with native cutts this past summer, naturally reproducing and hiked in 4 times to fish it, beautiful rio grande cutts, up to 23" .

Heh, the fishing used to be pretty good, as it was stocked. But, it was discovered that the trout were predaciously killing off the Sierra Nevada Yellow-legged frog. https://www.fws.gov/species/sierra-nevada-yellow-legged-frog-rana-sierrae

So, last year they stopped stocking a lot of high Sierra lakes and streams. There is still great fishing lower down on the West Walker, closer to 395. There is a spot out near Bodie called the Elbow that often offers great fishing if you're over that way.

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[dtech]

Heh, the fishing used to be pretty good, as it was stocked. But, it was discovered that the trout were predaciously killing off the Sierra Nevada Yellow-legged frog. https://www.fws.gov/species/sierra-nevada-yellow-legged-frog-rana-sierrae

So, last year they stopped stocking a lot of high Sierra lakes and streams. There is still great fishing lower down on the West Walker, closer to 395. There is a spot out near Bodie called the Elbow that often offers great fishing if you're over that way.

Gotta laugh as I never knew frogs or toads live in high altitude environments, but some yrs back while elk hunting was sitting on a ridge in CO at around 10,000 ft when out of the ground comes several very small toads - about 2" - and they are crawling around and one even on me, friendly little critters, so I didn't swat them . Later on did a search and found out they are boreal toads - also on the endangered list, would have never been able to live with myself had my instincts prevailed and did the little dudes dirty.

 

[Cabose-1]

Well not a 4x4. Just have an fx2.
Just because the rear locker is on, does not mean traction control is off automatically ?
Otherwise i would not have gotten stuck. But just gave it gas and unstuck myself. I always use whats there to avoid being stuck. Turn off traction control.
And now have a really scratched rim.
So just get used to a little trail damage to sometimes

 

[jblc]

I read a few articles online about why turning traction control Off is useful, but they also say it's vehicle-dependent (since each implementation is different).

On the ranger, when is it best to turn traction control Off?

 

[Dereku]

I read a few articles online about why turning traction control Off is useful, but they also say it's vehicle-dependent (since each implementation is different).

On the ranger, when is it best to turn traction control Off?

That is a whole other opinionated thread there! I prefer nothing but ABS when doing any kind of performance driving. But that's just me. Some people like the electric do dads to get them by.

 

[mtbikernate]

I read a few articles online about why turning traction control Off is useful, but they also say it's vehicle-dependent (since each implementation is different).

On the ranger, when is it best to turn traction control Off?

For me, I tend to leave the traction control alone until it starts causing trouble. And so far, it hasn't caused me any trouble. Even though it's another button to push, at least that button is right next to the parking warning button. Which I forget to turn off until the truck starts screaming at me for getting too close to the trees and the rocks and the dips in the trail.

 

[Danager]

Yeah I’ve used tree branches for traction in my rwd pickups. I have the Dewalt tire inflator with tons of batteries (bought into the Dewalt platform years ago) so that would definitely be something I’d throw in with me. Only take a minute or so per tire to inflate back up to normal op pressure. Appreciate the advice.

I’ve got that Dewalt inflator. Used it just yesterday. Increasing 8psi took 3 minutes per tire and killed one 4ah battery. I’m watching for a good price on a Viair unit.

 

[Shoran12]

I’ve got that Dewalt inflator. Used it just yesterday. Increasing 8psi took 3 minutes per tire and killed one 4ah battery. I’m watching for a good price on a Viair unit.

What size battery you have? Even with my 4ah batteries I can fill probably 4 or 5 trucks up adding 3-4 pounds per tire. I also have a few 60V batteries that last a really long time.

 

[Danager]

What size battery you have? Even with my 4ah batteries I can fill probably 4 or 5 trucks up adding 3-4 pounds per tire. I also have a few 60V batteries that last a really long time.

It was a 4ah battery. Mind you it was -32C outside at the time.

There is some math involved, because lower PSI require lower flow (CFM) to increase PSI. The difference in going from 20PSI to 25PSI versus going from 30PSI to 35PSI. I just checked and see the Dewalt is rated at 0.5CFM. The Viair 400P is rated at 2.3CFM.
While I like the Dewalt for many things, I won’t be carrying it in the truck for airing up after off road adventures. If and when the opportunity arises, I’ll pick up a Viair for the nearly 5x CFM. Still cheaper than the ARB compressors.

 

[GTGallop]

I'm going to take "order of operations" in a different direction.

Successful off-roading starts before you leave the house:

1. Start by being fully hydrated. If you are already dehydrated when you head out then you are behind the 8-Ball all ready. Don't start that ball rolling.

2. Take plenty of water with you. You and your passengers are #1 priority. If you get stuck and don't have enough water, your brain starts thinking crazy. You can spiral deeper into trouble easy. Bring water.

3. Dress appropriately for OUTSIDE of the truck. Yes you have heat and AC in the truck and you should use them. But if you get stuck, you need to survive the highest and lowest temps for your area. Your clothing is your first piece of shelter from the elements.

4. Be in good health - you, your crew, and your vehicle. Look we all carry a little more weight than we should these days. But if you can't walk 10 miles to get help, climb a hill to get a cell signal, walk down a ravine to get water, or build shelter, then you are as vulnerable as a new born baby in the wild just waiting for the wolves. Same for the truck. I'm surprised how many people go wheeling in a junker that is carrying three or more pending critical failures on it. U-Joints, Tie Rods, Electrical, Fuel Pump, Bad Tires, etc. I wouldn't drive that to WalMart let alone out to the wilderness.

5. TELL PEOPLE WHERE YOU ARE GOING AND WHEN YOU WILL GET HOME.

6. Bring a friend. Better to have two people than one in the woods. More eyes, more spotting, more fun.

7. Communication - Yes bring a cell phone. That's Primary but fades quick in the back country. Get a GMRS Radio or MURS. You don't have to study or pass a test to get the license. Then join a radio group that has a repeater. Makes it easier to call for help if you can't get a cell signal. Want to go one further? Get a Ham Radio and License. UHF/VHF is great. But sometimes you can't get to a repeater. Having a General Class License means you can operate on HF and reach around the world for help. 20M and 40M are great bands that don't require huge antennas to work. If you get stuck in Nevada, a ham in Florida can answer your Mayday Call and notify authorities where you are. Lean how to use a signal miror - Strobe lights and flares help too.

8. MAPS - Get GaiaGPS or OnX. You can download off line maps and layers that work out of cell range.

9. Tools of the Trade... Make sure you can deflate and inflate your tires. Have a recovery point and strap. Keep some light basic tools on board. First aid kit too. Not just a boo boo bag but a serious kit. Stop the Bleed Training is important too.

10. Food and Fire. Have some food on board and a way to cook it or eat it from the package. You don't NEED food for about three days but having some protein takes the suck out of getting stuck. Also helps you make good decisions.

I highly recommend two books.
Deep Survival ==> https://a.co/d/0eWKo4C
98.6 Degrees ==> https://a.co/d/5UYsU81


After that go out and have fun.

 

[Dereku]

I'm going to take "order of operations" in a different direction.

Successful off-roading starts before you leave the house:

1. Start by being fully hydrated. If you are already dehydrated when you head out then you are behind the 8-Ball all ready. Don't start that ball rolling.

2. Take plenty of water with you. You and your passengers are #1 priority. If you get stuck and don't have enough water, your brain starts thinking crazy. You can spiral deeper into trouble easy. Bring water.

3. Dress appropriately for OUTSIDE of the truck. Yes you have heat and AC in the truck and you should use them. But if you get stuck, you need to survive the highest and lowest temps for your area. Your clothing is your first piece of shelter from the elements.

4. Be in good health - you, your crew, and your vehicle. Look we all carry a little more weight than we should these days. But if you can't walk 10 miles to get help, climb a hill to get a cell signal, walk down a ravine to get water, or build shelter, then you are as vulnerable as a new born baby in the wild just waiting for the wolves. Same for the truck. I'm surprised how many people go wheeling in a junker that is carrying three or more pending critical failures on it. U-Joints, Tie Rods, Electrical, Fuel Pump, Bad Tires, etc. I wouldn't drive that to WalMart let alone out to the wilderness.

5. TELL PEOPLE WHERE YOU ARE GOING AND WHEN YOU WILL GET HOME.

6. Bring a friend. Better to have two people than one in the woods. More eyes, more spotting, more fun.

7. Communication - Yes bring a cell phone. That's Primary but fades quick in the back country. Get a GMRS Radio or MURS. You don't have to study or pass a test to get the license. Then join a radio group that has a repeater. Makes it easier to call for help if you can't get a cell signal. Want to go one further? Get a Ham Radio and License. UHF/VHF is great. But sometimes you can't get to a repeater. Having a General Class License means you can operate on HF and reach around the world for help. 20M and 40M are great bands that don't require huge antennas to work. If you get stuck in Nevada, a ham in Florida can answer your Mayday Call and notify authorities where you are. Lean how to use a signal miror - Strobe lights and flares help too.

8. MAPS - Get GaiaGPS or OnX. You can download off line maps and layers that work out of cell range.

9. Tools of the Trade... Make sure you can deflate and inflate your tires. Have a recovery point and strap. Keep some light basic tools on board. First aid kit too. Not just a boo boo bag but a serious kit. Stop the Bleed Training is important too.

10. Food and Fire. Have some food on board and a way to cook it or eat it from the package. You don't NEED food for about three days but having some protein takes the suck out of getting stuck. Also helps you make good decisions.

I highly recommend two books.
Deep Survival ==> https://a.co/d/0eWKo4C
98.6 Degrees ==> https://a.co/d/5UYsU81


After that go out and have fun.

Once you become Bear Grylls you are allowed to off road. Until then you may die.

 

[Cabose-1]

I really dont like traction control. Its like ass. I turn it off every time i get in the truck. Unless its raining. My 2022 Ranger has a delet for ass, so one less button to push. But i was surprised when traction control kicked in with my lockers on. I left it on because i was on a dirt road headed to the muddy side for a little fun. Figuring turn on locker and tc was off. What can this truck do?? Lets find out. Oh well, live and learn. Scratched rim just adds character and a unique modded pattern no one else has.

 

[egilbe]

I really dont like traction control. Its like ass. I turn it off every time i get in the truck. Unless its raining. My 2022 Ranger has a delet for ass, so one less button to push. But i was surprised when traction control kicked in with my lockers on. I left it on because i was on a dirt road headed to the muddy side for a little fun. Figuring turn on locker and tc was off. What can this truck do?? Lets find out. Oh well, live and learn. Scratched rim just adds character and a unique modded pattern no one else has.

So what you're saying is, you don't like ass ???

 

[Dereku]

So what you're saying is, you don't like ass ???

Not everyone is the assman.

 

[Danager]

What size battery you have? Even with my 4ah batteries I can fill probably 4 or 5 trucks up adding 3-4 pounds per tire. I also have a few 60V batteries that last a really long time.

That same battery, now warmed up to room temp, is 2/3 full. Still find the inflator slow for tires, better than nothing and good for the price though.

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