Southern California Club Xterra
Southern California Club Xterra => SCCX Xcursions => Topic started by: Celt on August 01, 2017, 12:36:47 AM
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Man, I get back from a little teeny tiny trip and into civilization and get greeted with all of this shenenagenery .....
Well done men, well done!
>:D 8) :D O0
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Man, I get back from a little teeny tiny trip and into civilization and get greeted with all of this shenenagenery .....
Well done men, well done!
>:D 8) :D O0
How was that?
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It was gnarly, hands down the toughest run I've ever done but that being said the best one to date. We have already made plans and reservations to go back next year.
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It was gnarly, hands down the toughest run I've ever done but that being said the best one to date. We have already made plans and reservations to go back next year.
where'd ya go? inquiring minds wanna know?!?!
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Pictures or it didn't happen
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where'd ya go? inquiring minds wanna know?!?!
We went up and ran the Rubicon.
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We went up and ran the Rubicon.
holy crap man, bad ass!!!!! hope to see some pix!
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It was gnarly, hands down the toughest run I've ever done but that being said the best one to date. We have already made plans and reservations to go back next year.
That's awesome. I figured it would go well for you all.
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I'm trying to compile a bunch of pics and I'll post them up as soon as I can. I teamed up with a group from Santa Margaritta out there that was definitely some of the best folks you could ever hope to meet. Basically just like this group and had an absolute hoot. It was the toughest run I've done to date but absolutely loved every second of it. The Youtube videos do this run no justice at all. One of the things I appreciated the most was how Lesley handled everything. She kept quiet as a church mouse when things got dicey and was on the quick to keep the guys cooled off with cold drinks from the ice chest during the carnage repairs which were many. If any of you get the chance to do something like this don't hesitate, it was really amazing.
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We went up and ran the Rubicon.
Nice...that's an epic trail. I've heard and seen photos that some of the tougher sections were broken up and made less challenging.
What is your opinion of this?
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Nice...that's an epic trail. I've heard and seen photos that some of the tougher sections were broken up and made less challenging.
What is your opinion of this?
The Little Sleuce was broken up quite a bit but don't let that fool you too much because all the filler rock is super loose on top of the larger stuff lurking below just waiting to catch you not paying attention. The Youtube videos just don't do this trail justice at all. Any of the harder trails I've done in Moab now seem pretty tame although it's a totally different type of wheeling. This last winter really did a duzy on the run with all that melting snow really moving everything around. There was a nicely built up Taco right in front of us going through Cadillac Hill but it was a few inches skinnier on the way out. He had ran it two or three times in the previous years after talking to him but it really got a lot of body modifications. In my opinion to date this is the absolute toughest run I have ever wheeled but it was by leaps and bounds my most favorite. The trail fixes I was a part of and witnessed was amazing at the ingenuity to get vehicles back on the trail after some serious carnage and roll overs. If anyone gets the chance to do this trail I say jump on it because it's something you will never forget. It may take awhile but I'll post some of the pictures and videos on the site to see. The scenery is absolutely breathtaking and goes on for miles and miles. It's a photographers dream in many of those places. We as off roaders need to really get involved and stay involved to keep these amazing places open so future generations can get in and see this.
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The Little Sleuce was broken up quite a bit but don't let that fool you too much because all the filler rock is super loose on top of the larger stuff lurking below just waiting to catch you not paying attention. The Youtube videos just don't do this trail justice at all. Any of the harder trails I've done in Moab now seem pretty tame although it's a totally different type of wheeling. This last winter really did a duzy on the run with all that melting snow really moving everything around. There was a nicely built up Taco right in front of us going through Cadillac Hill but it was a few inches skinnier on the way out. He had ran it two or three times in the previous years after talking to him but it really got a lot of body modifications. In my opinion to date this is the absolute toughest run I have ever wheeled but it was by leaps and bounds my most favorite. The trail fixes I was a part of and witnessed was amazing at the ingenuity to get vehicles back on the trail after some serious carnage and roll overs. If anyone gets the chance to do this trail I say jump on it because it's something you will never forget. It may take awhile but I'll post some of the pictures and videos on the site to see. The scenery is absolutely breathtaking and goes on for miles and miles. It's a photographers dream in many of those places. We as off roaders need to really get involved and stay involved to keep these amazing places open so future generations can get in and see this.
That's awesome Erik, I've heard the trail is incredible too.
The $64,000 question: did you run the Jeep or the Xterra?
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That's awesome Erik, I've heard the trail is incredible too.
The $64,000 question: did you run the Jeep or the Xterra?
I took the Jeep, the Xterra as I have it modified would have made it through but it would have been a lot of work with a much higher risk of roll over. I have really spent a lot of time building my Xterra up and it's really capable but IFS has some real distinct limitations. Some of the obstacles had me at 30-35 degrees off camber lean. It gets really spooky around the 20 degree mark so those independent axles working together allowing all the wheels to get purchase on uneven ground was a huge piece of mind. As my Xterra sits now I can do the John Bull relatively painless but it's a whole lot slower and a heck of a lot more tippy in the front end and the rear axle is doing the lions share of the work. The turning radius is a lot less and that is something you really need on this type of run. In places like Moab the Xterra is king (Performs really well ;D)but getting into this environment a SFA is really what's going to be necessary.
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I took the Jeep, the Xterra as I have it modified would have made it through but it would have been a lot of work with a much higher risk of roll over. I have really spent a lot of time building my Xterra up and it's really capable but IFS has some real distinct limitations. Some of the obstacles had me at 30-35 degrees off camber lean. It gets really spooky around the 20 degree mark so those independent axles working together allowing all the wheels to get purchase on uneven ground was a huge piece of mind. As my Xterra sits now I can do the John Bull relatively painless but it's a whole lot slower and a heck of a lot more tippy in the front end and the rear axle is doing the lions share of the work. The turning radius is a lot less and that is something you really need on this type of run. In places like Moab the Xterra is king but getting into this environment a SFA is really what's going to be necessary.
Agreed!
Class, repeat after me:
A-R-T-I-C-U-L-A-T-I-O-N
That's a pretty bold statement about the Xterra being the "King of Moab." 😉😉
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In retrospect reading what I wrote the X isn't necessarily king but they come into their own and will perform much better in that type of environment with the longer wheelbase.
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So, If I may ask....you mention that you took your Jeep....and thought the X would roll over....
Would you take your X? Would you suggest me taking my X? Is that a trail that 35's and front/rear lockers is a base necessity?
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So, If I may ask....you mention that you took your Jeep....and thought the X would roll over....
Would you take your X? Would you suggest me taking my X? Is that a trail that 35's and front/rear lockers is a base necessity?
Great video series on the Rubicon here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q1vXakhJ1uQ
Pay close attention to what the young lady says just after she flops her Jeep at 5:50-ish.
"I had both of my locker on and couldn't steer..."
I think you could run The Rubicon in your Xterra...with an experienced crew prepared for long days of patience and recoveries.
The Rubicon is a no bail style of trail, point to point.
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Part 2 of the same trip, skip to 7:00 minute marker for a good sampling of Rubicon Rookies in distress...just remember, 3 gummy bear's a day is all you need...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nVBL_o7zmsM
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So, If I may ask....you mention that you took your Jeep....and thought the X would roll over....
Would you take your X? Would you suggest me taking my X? Is that a trail that 35's and front/rear lockers is a base necessity?
Let me find the trip report of the Nissan trip that happened recently up there. It went relatively smoothly, but was still very tedious. One hard break but lots of winching. Jen (JeniorNV) has a Titan swapped Frontier, locked front and rear, on 285's, and with a winch. She stated she wouldn't do the trail again unless she had 35's.
http://www.clubfrontier.org/forums/f15/nisscon-16-nissans-rubicon-trail-256177/
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I talked with the NV crew at the Desert Rendezvous about their experiences on the Rubicon with their X's. One of them is a SAS and the others are very well built up. They had a hoot but also said they worked extremely hard to get through it. After running this I would be very hesitant to take my X and I'm lifted with 35's and locked front and rear. There are some very tight turns over large boulders with lots of off camber stuff. It can be done but like Ghost said it's a one way in and out type of trail. There are almost no bypasses and the trail just never lets up with the obstacles. The Youtube videos just don't do this trail justice. You quickly realize when you get there that you are in for an E-ticket ride. To gauge if this might be something you want to do and your vehicles capabilities I would suggest running the John Bull both directions in one day. It's not as difficult as the Rubicon but it's close. One thing to remember is you have to pack everything in that you might need to include spare parts. If you break there won't be other Nissan's you can mooch a part from so that will add a bit of stress onto it. All that being said, it was the best trail I have ever been on bar none. I met some great folks that I believe are going to be the type to remain friends. I'd be glad to talk with anyone about my experiences on this trip. I know Terry ran it as well some years ago in his X and he had some trail carnage.
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Let me find the trip report of the Nissan trip that happened recently up there. It went relatively smoothly, but was still very tedious. One hard break but lots of winching. Jen (JeniorNV) has a Titan swapped Frontier, locked front and rear, on 285's, and with a winch. She stated she wouldn't do the trail again unless she had 35's.
http://www.clubfrontier.org/forums/f15/nisscon-16-nissans-rubicon-trail-256177/
Rogue Overland Trip Rick...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q-YAcOLZNM4
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To gauge if this might be something you want to do and your vehicles capabilities I would suggest running the John Bull both directions in one day. It's not as difficult as the Rubicon but it's close. One thing to remember is you have to pack everything in that you might need to include spare parts. If you break there won't be other Nissan's you can mooch a part from so that will add a bit of stress onto it.
All of this...well said.
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Rogue Overland Trip Rick...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q-YAcOLZNM4
Yessir, that's the next thing I was looking for to post. O0
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I'm starting to get a few pictures in. Does anyone know how to put pictures from a phone onto here since it seems like Photobucket started foolin round?
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I'm assuming smart phone. quick and dirty explanation, you can browse to the forum on the phone and upload them as attachments or plug the phone into a computer and it should show up as a drive on the computer, then you can attach them that way.
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I'm starting to get a few pictures in. Does anyone know how to put pictures from a phone onto here since it seems like Photobucket started foolin round?
It might be easier for you to print and mail them to all of us... :D :D :D
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It might be easier for you to print and mail them to all of us... :D :D :D
zzzzzing!
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I'm starting to get a few pictures in. Does anyone know how to put pictures from a phone onto here since it seems like Photobucket started foolin round?
We all could just come over for a slide show
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for some reason I do not doubt that Eric has one of those lol
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It might be easier for you to print and mail them to all of us... :D :D :D
You are right buddy...
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You are right buddy...
'Ok everyone...now, if you please turn to page 5, here's where we see a rock that some of us went over....'
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Scuba Dale, xxSVxx, Jayrat and Knightrider.... Buncha whippersnappers, I feel like I have my own heckling crew O0 :D
I'll try hooking up the phone some kinda way and if that doesn't work start checking your mail boxes for a letter.
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I use Tapatalk, so I just hit the + button the reply to add pics.
On the regular site on a phone, hit "attachments plus other options" button.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170802/d10c6743a38ff6c8a8b6e2a8210d0a33.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170802/666a3d9943f2467aaa1797b908ed45ba.jpg)
Sent from my XT1635-01 using Tapatalk
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Don't use tapatalk to upload pictures, they are hosted by tapatalk and not by the forum.
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There is also a gallery link on the top bar you can upload your pictures to, not really happy with the gallery but it works.
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Don't use tapatalk to upload pictures, they are hosted by tapatalk and not by the forum.
Gotcha. I always wondered why my attachments always act funky.
Sent from my XT1635-01 using Tapatalk
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I seem to recall there were some earlier SCCX members who did the Rubicon in an IFS Xterra, maybe even in a Gen2 Xterra, but certainly not without some damage along the way. I also recall that an early SAS 1st Gen Xterra did it too.
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Dude, have you been rooting around in my garage?
I still have two of those, and slides dating back to late 1970's to go with them.
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Erik, glad to hear the trip went well and that you had a good time.
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Ok, I'll try this again:
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edit: fixed formatting
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More:
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Nice shots!
Is your Jeep on 35's?
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Nice shots!
Is your Jeep on 35's?
Yes, 35 x12.5 BFG KO2's, I was a little worried because I would have rather ran MT's given the type of terrain, granite, mud and the very fine pulverized dirt/granite that's slick as graphite dust but these handled everything amazingly well.
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I'm not sure what I'm more impressed with...
1. You completed the Rubicon
2. You posted photos to the forum!
O0
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I'm not sure what I'm more impressed with...
1. You completed the Rubicon
2. You posted photos to the forum!
O0
I'm thoroughly impressed with both.
However, I'm more impressed with this picture. I'm convinced an Xterra would be on its side on this obstacle. It is an awesome pic, though.
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I'm not sure what I'm more impressed with...
1. You completed the Rubicon
2. You posted photos to the forum!
O0
Brother, I'm not exactly sure what was harder.....
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I'm thoroughly impressed with both.
However, I'm more impressed with this picture. I'm convinced an Xterra would be on its side on this obstacle. It is an awesome pic, though.
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Rik, that one was a little spooky as it's pretty steep and you have to run a V-notch coming down but at the bottom where it was taken everyone slips off to passenger which puts you about 33 degrees off camber. You then have to steer driver making it worse to get out. There are more like it that hopefully I'll get some pics of. The really scary obstacles are going up because all you can see is sky once you are hopefully on your line. The thing about this trip is it never lets up. The whole thing is one huge obstacle. I can't wait to get back there next year it was that much fun!
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I keep going back and forth if I want to build up my CJ-5 and run this with it. Admittedly so much of it was really gnarly, but there also was a good amount of the old flat fenders that completed the entire run. I'm not completely against taking my X on something like this as it sits but in the end it would be a lot of work. The Rogue Overland guys recently did it successfully but had some really long days and I can say a long day there is a very long day. Cadillac hill is something to be reckoned with that gives the same or more pucker factor than many places in Moab because of the off camber angles along with the steep climb. In the end if you like to rock crawl this is something not to be missed. The camaraderie and good times getting each other through it are priceless. This was definitely something I can't wait to get back to and hopefully encourage some friends to come along.
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Rogue Overland Trip Rick...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q-YAcOLZNM4
It looks like the Nevada crew just posted part #2 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GEmSBOhlzlc They are a lot of fun to talk with about their trip. That trail is definitely bucket list material and well worth the workup to get there!
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#because35's
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#because35's
They do tend to make a difference....
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love that yellow rig... ::)