Xcursion Guidelines

Xcursion Guidelines

RESPONSIBILITY:

SCCX is a gathering of folks who share a common interest in the Xterra and exploring off road. All participants in runs or other SCCX activities are responsible for their own safety and the well being of themselves and their vehicle. SCCX, its BOD, run leaders, and other participants, are not responsible for any injuries or damage which may occur.

All drivers should be 18 years of age or older, or be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

EQUIPMENT:

Seeing what works for other people is one of the best ways to figure out what to bring on an Xcursion, For a first trip, at a minimum you should have with you at least the following:

-   Full size spare tire, in good condition and preferably of the same size and type as the other tires.
-   Jack capable of lifting the vehicle & tool capable of removing lug nuts (including key for any locking lug nuts).
-   First Aid Kit, and any personal medications that you require. The kit that comes with the Xterra is a good start, many have added to theirs with extra items they feel appropriate.
-   Extra food and water, even if only out for a day trip.
-   FRS Radio, with extra batteries. See below for Communications Protocol.
-   Vehicles should be in good condition, and be well maintained and in conformance with highway safety standards.
-   All vehicles should have recovery points front and rear. Most Xterras have a front tow hook standard; for the rear a Class III receiver hitch can accept a shackle that makes an acceptable tow point. Receiver hitch shackles can be found at most off road supply outlets. A tow hitch ball is not acceptable.
-   Tow strap (no metal hooks).
-   Map(s) of the area.
-   Fire extinguisher.
-   If camping, adequate equipment and food. Even if you don't plan to camp you should always carry what you might need in case it gets colder than expected or you need to spend the night. A blanket or two is always a good idea to have on hand.
-   Flashlight(s) and extra batteries, knife, matches/firestarter, mirror, whistle.
-   Air compressor. Many of the runs in Southern California are to areas where airing down tires can make a big difference in both traction and comfort, and can also aid in avoiding flats. You’ll want a way to re-inflate your tires at the end of the trail. Serviceable compressors can be found for as little as $50. Avoid anything that plugs into the accessory outlets inside the vehicle, they won’t have the output you need.
-   Above all, bring a sense of adventure and a desire to go exploring.

Other things that are nice to have:
-   Sturdy work gloves.
-   Shovel.
-   Extra clothing.
-   Minimal camping equipment, even if only out for a day trip (you never know when you might have to spend the night someplace).
-   Folding chair(s) come in handy at lunch stops and in camp.
-   Basic hand tools and supplies.
-   Camera.

ETIQUETTE:

-   We generally wait at the Meet Spot for 30 minutes, to give everyone a chance to roll in. If you know you are going to be late please call someone, it may be possible for you to meet the group at an alternate point.
-   It’s a good idea to have the cell phone number of at least the run leader, in case of a change of plans. If you’ve posted that you’ll attend and then have to cancel at the last minute, a phone call to the run leader or someone else who is in attendance will be greatly appreciated.
-   Please show up at the meet spot with a full tank of fuel, or if the meet is at a gas station, allow enough time to top off when you get there.
-   Members of SCCX follow the guidelines of Tread Lightly, and are expected to set a good example of responsible off roading. Please stay on established trails, and pack out all trash.
-   No illegal drugs.
-   Responsible alcohol consumption in camp only please, after all driving for the day is done. Many of our members bring their children along on runs, please try to set a good example.
-   Target shooting is not allowed on monthly club runs, as we often have a wide range of participants and their families, some of whom might not be comfortable with that. Members who wish to get together to shoot should organize a separate trip. In that case, firearms should always be transported in conformance with all state and local laws.

COMMUNICATIONS PROTOCOL:

FRS radios are the primary method of communication between vehicles. These are small inexpensive hand held “walkie talkie” type radios that can be found, generally in pairs, in most sporting goods stores. Regardless of the distance claims on the packaging they all seem to have about the same effective range on the trail. Common brands are Motorola and Cobra.

The channel is always the number of the month followed by the sub-channel (some manufacturers refer to this as a “privacy code”) number 24. For example, for the March run the channel will be channel 3, sub-channel 24; for October it will be channel 10, sub-channel 24.

For those who are near a Fry's location, they have a large selection at reasonable prices. Costco also generally carries at least one variety.

Some members have CB radios and Amateur (Ham) radios as well. Channels and frequencies will vary.

USEFUL GUIDEBOOKS & MAPS

There are lots of good guidebooks and maps out there to describe the various trails in Southern California. Here are a few that many of us use.

The Anza Borrego Desert Region by Lowell & Diana Lindsay. This one has an excellent map of the region included in the back of the book.

California Desert Byways by Tony Huegel

California Coastal Byways by Tony Huegel

Guide to Southern California Backroads & 4WD Trails by Charles A. Wells

Backcountry Adventures Southern California by Peter Massey & Jeanne Wilson

Southern California SUV Trails, Vol I, The Western Mojave Desert by Roger & Loris Mitchell

Southern California SUV Trails, Vol II, The Eastern Mojave Desert by Roger & Loris Mitchell

The AAA (Auto Club of So Cal) maps are very good, are free to members, and everyone should probably be a member anyway.

The DeLorme Road & Recreation Atlas is very useful, as is the Benchmark Road & Recreation Atlas. I personally prefer the Benchmark, both are good. The DeLorme is available, I believe, for all states, the Benchmarks are primarily for Western states.

The Tom Harrison San Diego Backcountry Map is an excellent resource.

Many of these publications and maps are also available for other regions of the country as well.