Overlanding at 10K feet: Passport to the Coyote Flats/Funnel Lake
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- čas přidán 27. 08. 2024
- #funnellake #coyoteflats #hwy395
** We came back to this trail a year later (June 2022) so that the Owner of the White Ridgeline could get some redemption**
Here's the new video: • Redemption at 10K feet...
**Watch Part 2 (continous trail footage of the rocky section)**
• Overlanding at 10K fee...
***I WANT TO START OFF BY SAYING, if you are looking for a vehicle to be an off-roader 1st, and a daily driver 2nd, then the Honda Passport shouldn't be your choice. BUT, if you are looking for a Daily Driver 1st, and an off-roader 2nd, then in my opinion, the Passport is a very very compelling choice!
After getting through Cold Water Canyon in Lytlecreek California...
[Video will be released later, check out Borderline explorer's video here:]
• 7 Vehicles attack Lytl...
... I felt pretty confident about tackling the Coyote Flats trail and making my way over to Funnel Lake. I can't say that this trail was much easier. While Cold Water Canyon is 2 miles of intermittently rough terrain, the Coyote Flats trail was a toture test of a vehicles reliability. Transmissions will be tested! In fact, we found out after our trip that another group of friends attempted the ascent up to the flats and overheated. This group included an Acrua MDX and a Jeep Grand Cherokee WK1 (in 4 low, which is absolutely surprising).
Watch this video to see how my 2019 Honda Passport compared to a 2017-2019 Honda Ridgeline.
Not many people know, but the AWD system found in the bigger Honda vehicles is pretty advanced, it's called iVTM4. It combines the standard traction control systems with a twin clutch rear differential (think electronically controlled mechanical limited slip differential with reduction gear sets). I disconnect my sway bars to have as much trail advantage as I could get.
VEHICLE DETAILS:
2019 Honda Passport EX-L AWD
@jondz_adventuring
4250 lbs.
3.5L V6 280hp / 262tq
9 speed automatic transmission
1 speed transfer case 20:1 crawl ratio (18.7:1 because of taller tires)
2 inch Traxda lift kit
2.5 inch taller All-terrain tires - Falken Wildpeak AT3W 255/70R18
(modification to the wheel well is required to fit these tires)
Monitor your transmission temperature and other data with a SCANGAUGE II
amzn.to/3dCTlpv
SKID PLATE FOR PILOT/RIDGELINE/PASSPORT
no-lodesigns.c...
#overland #overlanding #overlander #offroad #offroading #adventure #adventuremobile #traxda #softroader #softroading #softroad #crossoverlanding #crossover #cuv #suv #lightoffroad #liftedhonda #hondapassport #honda #hondaridgeline #hondapilot #vtm4 #ivtm4 #vtec #awd #4wd #4x4 #lightoffroad #traxda #california #pinoy #pinoyoffroad #scenic #carcamping #camping #toyota4runner #toyota #toyotatacoma #fjcruiser #overheated #overheatedtransmission #lake #epic #destination #destinationoverland
***We came back to this trail a year later (June 2022) so that the Owner of the White Ridgeline could get some redemption***
Here's the new video: czcams.com/video/LLNjy9sN_9Y/video.html
***WATCH Continuous trail footage of the 1/4 mile rocky section HERE***
czcams.com/video/GUzalDgQV0U/video.html
I go up to Coyote once a weekend to help out people there is always somone getting stuck up there, I live in Bishop lots of fun trails around here. Hope you had fun.
Cody Barker thanks! I had a good time up here. It’s so beautiful! I only went to funnel lake but I didn’t get to see much more. I’d like to head back sometime to see where the flat heads to. It seems like such a big area!
I can totally imagine that every week someone is having issues up here. I don’t think many video’s go over the trail difficulty, so I really wanted to cover it.
Hey Cody! Last year we took the roughest trail to funnel Lake. What an experience.. nerve wracking! heard there is an an easier trail?
The 4Runner is sitting back there, thinking, "dude, what the hell?" :-)
John H. Moore haha! Not going to lie, I was too 🤣. The 4runner driver is a good dude. Felt bad for his Wife and 9 year old son though.
I was thinking the same thing. Lol
Your videos are always so peaceful. Thanks for the upload.
Thanks for the comment @David Lopez !
Great video. Beautiful scenery! No issues for the Passport as usual!
I was able to improve my two foot braking skills, and it showed in this trip. I still have a bit more work to do before I master it.
Damn, those Honda cars are at/beyond the limit of their design, especially the Ridgeline. However, great job forcing the round peg through the square hole and getting them up there! We just did this trail last weekend, was like driving miss daisy in our jeep. Hopefully ridgeline guy doesn't need a new trans within the next year.
Chris R Carraher the Passport didn’t really struggle. I think I broke traction once here. Still, considered a moderate/difficult trail by Trail Recon. Now... I’ll release a video of ColdWater Canyon 3N06A in a month or so. That was truly at/beyond the limits of the Passport. I’ve been thinking of adding a trailhawk badge to the back of my Passport. I basically drive a Fat Jeep Renegade with a V6 and a rear LSD. We have the same transmission and axle ratios. The only difference is the Renegade trialhawk calls 1st gear 4 low. I guess I’m trail rated? Nah, prob not.
No way my passport would make it through stock, so you are correct about this trail being beyond the limit of its design.
A stock Jeep is way more capable than these vehicles.
fun trail when your truck can do truck things
R E D E M P T I O N
Putting that recovery strap on the rear this time!
Awesome vid man, like the edits! It went from a harsh climb to beautiful flats & lake. Love it.
Thanks Alan! We need to make our way out here! Also need to thank Nori for all the wheeling lessons lately! The learned skills really came in handy here!
I’ve really enjoyed these videos
good work
Thank you very much for the kind words 🙏
Did the trail in July of 2020. My 2018 4Runner transmission also began to overheat in that exact stretch.
I let it cool down while I had a beer and then threw it into 4LO for the rest of the steep switch backs during that initial climb. All was well from there. Look forward to going back with my Power Wagon!
When you absolutely have to dump heat from the engine compartment, a heater core can be an effective piece of equipment. Just turn the heat and fan settings all the way up and sweat . . . your ride will thank you, and might live long enough to come through for you when you really need it.
We actually tried that! Someone mentioned to pop the vehicle into neutral to quickly cool the transmission, we haven’t tried that yet.
Tell the dude with the Ridgeline to change his transmission oil and get an additional trans cooler.
@RTI yep! I did 😃
Big props for the Hondas going places they're not suppose to.
Ha! Thanks!
JonDZ Adventuring were u able to complete Coyote flats? Was there an alternative route? I have a stock Lexus NX 4wd.
The coyote flats is a large area with multiple places. Funnel lake is one of those areas.
We took the south route which had the rock gardens. I would highly recommend 11 inches of ground clearance (my Passport has 11.25”, and as you can see, I made contact a few times). There’s a north route, but I don’t have any experience taking it. With all that said, I would not recommend a stock AWD vehicle here.
Really enjoy these vids. Got me a stock gx460 and getting inspiration from all your adventures!
You have an awesome machine! I love the GX460 with the 6 speed transmission! He wanted to trade in his vehicle for a used 4x4 and I talked him into the GX460!
Wow. Way to go! That is one of my favorite spots but it is pretty spicy to get up there at points. I wouldn’t have believed this if I didn’t see it. Great job.
GX Overland thanks! I researched this trail before I did it. The week prior, I did 3N06A Cold Water Canyon, so I thought the Coyote flats was going to be easy in comparison. The trail to funnel lake was much harder than expected.
JonDZ Adventuring ironic. I’m heading to cold water canyon yp #18 tomorrow.
Looks fun! I've yet to take my truck through any intense off-roading.. Look at that 4runner just handling everything
I think Tony just wasn’t ready for that kind of drive 😂
I wish I can do these places, but I got the real grocery-getter! 2017 awd crv. Great video. Thumbs up for the teamwork.
Good times! Let's roll out again!
@Alex Kim Main Yes please! Let’s do it!!! The trip was really fun! It’s too bad we got split up for quite some time.
Just got back from funnel lake/coyote flats. Took the route you took out, but took the big pine to funnel lake route in. I do not advise taking the big pine to funnel lake route without ample ground clearance and lockers.
Joshua Hahn I watched so many videos of the Coyote flats, but I think only trail recon took the hard trails. I heard of how incredibly difficult the other trails so I made sure to stick to entering and exiting from the north 😃. Thanks for the info and comment!
Wow, now THAT was a trail! Those rocky roads like that look great on film but suuuch a PITA to drive, LOL. Beautiful reward at the end though! Nice work as always Jon!
Donald, when you come down here, you need
To tour the Eastern Sierras with me 😃. Really too bad I couldnt make it out to Oregon, but like you said, you never found the main group anyways. Like they say, everything happens for a reason. The wife approved the trip here because it was only a 270 mile drive.
Damn I feel bad for the ridgeline! Ur buddy almost seems like he shouldve gotten the passport!
@Evol M3 I think he’s going to get a Taco 🌮, or maybe we can talk him into a Landcruiser!! 😃
@@JonDZ_Adventuring or maybe a PASSPORT!!
Let him check out the colorado zr2 diesels. They come standard with front and rear diff locks!!
You no need no stinkin lockers! Says the guy with lockers. Lol
Excellent video. Especially discussing the altitude climb.
Thank you @Average Alice! The steep climb at the beginning of the trail was so underrated.
That Ridgeline should have packed it in and went home after the second or third transmission overheat.
Absolutely agree @adam polselli! 6:12
Nice! Great video! Really showing all the challenges!
Thanks Gabe!
Nice video and trail explanation. Most videos I've seen of this trail don't show the difficulty. I guess since most videos I've seen are of Rubicons.
@Leonardo Lopez I 100% agrree, and I vowed to make sure I reported back. It can be very difficult for youtube creators to not talk about trail difficulty. We even had a Jeep Grand Cherokee WK1 overheat on this trip. His vehicle's electronics died and has been left out in Bishop, CA! An Acura MDX overheated, and of course the Ridgeline. People need to know! This place is really remote and an unprepared day tripper can die out here. Okay, maybe I'm getting too over dramatic, but... it can happen :P
@@JonDZ_Adventuring Not at all. I'd rather know. I was thinking of trying it, based on other videos I've seen. Not anymore.
This trail is extremely difficult for a stock 4wd vehicle and inexperienced driver. I ran this trail solo oct 2019. The rock gardens are very hard to traverse.
I bet funnel lake was so worth the trip!!! Wish I had joined... next time! 🙌🙌🙌
It was a good trip @SCTPASS ! I'd love to go back! There's 2200 miles of trail out there! Lots to explore!
JonDZ Adventuring that’s a lot of miles!!! wonder if there are more lakes up there to explore. would be awesome to set up camp, fish for dinner, eat and enjoy...
Sick video! My dad and I charged hard s few times in a Jeep Cherokee. Place was unbelievable.
Thanks for your very informative video. Went up there a couple of weeks ago with our stock 2019 Tacoma all terrain tires and OMG the last portion really had me taking deep breaths. We actually almost quit. Thankfully we stuck to it and 15 min later we were all alone at the very small and quiet lake :)
Good job! The trail is a bit of a rough one, so good on you for sticking it out. It’s rare that you’ll have the lake all to yourself, but sounds like an excellent reward. You must have built up a lot of experience from this trail to better prepare you for even more adventures! Where to next?
@@JonDZ_Adventuring Back to explore more of highway 395. California just has so much to offer :) Who knows maybe you'll run into the soccer mom Tacoma lol. Safe travels
This video is awesome. I've got a Honda Element AWD that I do some pretty tough trails on, but I could definitely use a Ridgeline for the hauling I do.
That’s me and my buddy with the Jeeps as you get to funnel lake. The gladiator is mine. Props getting the Honda up there.
Vince C nice!!! I actually was editing part 2 of this trip and remember seeing your Jeeps! I think I was the only AWD vehicle that was at funnel lake that day. Part 2 of my video is just POV trail footage of the 1/4 mile of rocky trail leaving funnel lake. Your Gladiator makes another appearance!!!
Sick run man! I can't imagine keeping track of 30 minutes worth of final cut videos. Great work!
Thanks for all your info! It really helped out on this trip!
I appreciate you posting this, i have to share this with my Subaru Friends who seem to think awd and 4x4 is the same thing :)
Luis Perez ha! I owned a 2015 Subaru Forester XT before I bought my Passport. My Honda is still AWD but has some extra goodies to help get it through a trail like this. It has a 9 speed automatic transmission with a 20:1 crawl, and a true rear high biased LSD.
@@JonDZ_Adventuring I took my wifes 2012.MDX to the Playa and down Titus canyon in death valley and it was fine. Just gotta be careful! Love my FJ though! Thanks for showing my current trail conditions I might go up there in july or August. 🤙
Luis Perez the FJ in our group got an oil temp light, but not only was he in 2wd high, but the dude is rolling on 35’s 🤣.
Great vid, love all your vids! You saved me from buying a Subaru thanks to all your comparison vids. Mind if I ask what your combined MPG is during normal driving with all those mods? Thanks
That’s a good question @ps2stony. I really don’t believe in combined MPG, there’s just too many variables. I think a better representation of MPG would be “Wife’s MPG” and “My MPG”. My wife’s MPG is much much better than mine. She’s able to get 19 mpg city. I typically get 15 mpg city. As far as Highway well both get anywhere from 21-24 mpg doing 70 miles per hour. I actually got 21.8 mpg driving up 270 miles from Los Angeles to this trail head! That’s 0 ft in elevation to 4200 ft. Elevarion
Awesome. It gives me hope to try this out in 2007 taco TRD, now to just get the confidence
You got the Rig for it, in 4 low you won’t have issues! Anything I can do, you can do better. I love inspiring people with capable rigs to get out there 🤙
I don't think that website is talking about your modified passport, probably more towards awd subarus sedans that think they can go anywhere... you have some great mods to put you over many stock awd sedans, crossovers. Those websites usually steer more towards conservative side so they don't get folks into trouble.
Thanks for sharing i need to try out this trail, looks really scenic.
@HuskyNoob well said! I think that article was a low key BFG KO2 advertisement:
www.outsideonline.com/2089311/coyote-flat-coolest-4x4-camping-destination-summer
So many negative comments in regards to driving the Honda's up there... one does not need to have a cool looking lifted vehicle with racks steel bumpers, and a winch to go out and have fun. I am taking my stock Tundra and Subaru Outback up here with my family; I expect to get to funnel lake no problem.
jcberb have fun out there!
Good strategy too... keep the wounded vehicle in the middle. The 4Runner didn't look to have any issues and was a good sweeper vehicle.
@salsanacho that was the plan. Also since I have the same wheelbase width as the Ridgeline, I thought it would be a good idea for him to see the lines I took.
Woot!!! Your Honda rocked it!
Thanks for the kind words Jen! I really look forward to future trips with you and Justin!
@@JonDZ_Adventuring My pleasure! Future trips would be great!
very impressive for the honda's!
Great video as usual. Hopefully I can come out with you guys when you do a shorter run in the future.
Thanks @AntRam! I don’t get to post up all my trips. This was actually an invite from someone else. But I plan to post up trips that I organize on the “crossoverlanding (event hub)” facebook page.
Everyone that overheated needs an external transmission cooler. They are pretty cheap and easy to install. Added one to my 4runner and it definately made a difference!
I can’t argue with that advice! Unfortunately, the Ridgeline comes with a factory heavy duty transmission cooler and I hear the connections aren’t standard. They may not be compatible with aftermarket trans coolers
Anything can be done with a bit of imagination! Dont let it stop you!
The Only Space Invader thanks for the words of encouragement. Actually, the engineer and owner of the skid plate company I’m using (Nolo Designs) has came up with a way to rig up a dual fan externally mounted transmission cooler.
My ram has one it comes factory with the bighorn package. I take my truck on trail every week
I didn't realize how much a struggle it was for other vehicles, I drove up in the power wagon in 2wd, the limited slip/locker helps alot along with 37s. But the Passport is a really impressive vehicle, the Ridgeline just isn't suited for some of these trails
When you roll on 37s, the world is flat 😃
Me and my friends thinking about doing this. You are the first one on the search engine list 👏👏. Trying to see if my friend Montero 2.5 can handle this trail.
Hey Kevin! I’d imagine any 4WD with an experienced driver behind the wheel should be good to go. It’s rated moderate/difficult. Left foot Braking is highly encouraged.
No wonder FJ got Trans temp high driving in 2WD on this type of trail. Wonder if he was trying to show off "I did in 2WD where the Honda's struggle even with AWD". Bad choice. Yes an AWD is no match for a 4x4 but never use 2wd in this type of trail to showoff.
Lion Runner none of us were losing traction, it was just steep uphill. He also has 35 inch tires. Everyone was surprised at how hot our vehicles were getting, and the Ridgeline and FJ both got heat warnings. The Ridgeline had a trans temp warning and the FJ has the oil lamp warning. My Honda didn’t struggle 😃. I think the trans heat warning comes on at 250 Fahrenheit, and I was at 230. After turning off my A/C it was at 218, and by the time we were in the rock gardens it was at 204.
@@JonDZ_Adventuring you would get oil warning if you are really low on oil or near vertical angle. FJ could be low on oil, this is no where near for that kind of angle. Def should check oil level after oil change.
Though you don't feel loosing traction, the traction control system should be working really hard on loose rock. Doing this in 2wd could have got his rear diff oil go bad too. In the past i've done this and could be a reason I had to change my rear diff oil at 25K miles vs front diff was looking new. Here in mile high Colorado 5000-6000ft is city elevation. We climb really high on trails and if use 4wd nowhere you get warnings. There was a time at Pikes Peak I was out of breath / not comfortable breathing and had to come down quick. (No I'm not joking.)
As for the Passport and Rigdeline you could fit an additional oil cooler in front right? I've seen some members in FB Pilot group doing that mod and it seem to keep the trans temp low.
Lion Runner A week before this I was up in Lytle creek, California going up a 2.2 mile trail. We had a Jeep JK Wrangler going up in 4 high, and half way up he overheated (not sure if it was engine or trans). Anything is possible. By the way, off topic, I remember you and have watched your video’s, so I’m familiar with your 4 runner. But continuing on, I was just going off what the driver of the FJ said, which was that he had a oil temp light on. I’m sure he’ll get it sorted out. As for the Honda Passport, it has a 9 speed transmission with a 20:1 crawl ratio. With my larger tires it’s at 18.7:1. Still a more aggressive ratio than mostly all vehicles in 2low. So, doing this 10k climb, I was pleasantly surprised at how the Passport performed. I may get a OEM transcooler just for the heck of it though.
@@JonDZ_Adventuring without a doubt the 1st gear in 9spd is really good. For sure a oil cooler is best for the longevity and can just forget about the trans temp after that. I'm showing your videos to my Pilot friends and trying to get them to off-road. Of cause been responsible for not damaging the vehicles and killing the fun.
got to the trailhead here a few years ago at 11:30PM driving up to the campsite and being unfamiliar with the trail made it super sketch but the location just cant be beat
Can’t wait to go back. Actually, we may make a trip out here mid September. The Ridgeline owner has a lifted Taco now and wants some redemption.
JonDZ Adventuring nice upgrade from the ridgeline to a taco
JonDZ Adventuring you have to go to the store that’s right next to the stream it’s amazing
Thanks for making me appreciate I bought a 4runner
Chester Gavarrete it’s a good ride
I am thinking of selling my 18 WRX and getting a Forester or Outback. But, after watching several of your difficult ventures and checking out a '20 Passport this oast weekend I am seriously considering notes. I appreciate your comparisons and sharing what mods you've done and providing useful links. Keep up the quality videos!
Roger Chen thank you 🙏. I use to own a 2010 WRX, oh how I miss that vehicle! Good times in that car! The way I see the passport is it would be a good compromise between the FJ cruiser and the WRX. It would be the love child of the two vehicles. Not as fast or nimble as the WRX and not as capable as the FJ cruiser. The 2015 FXT I used is not as fast or capable as the Passport and in a smaller package. I’m highly contemplating adding a Lexus GX460 to the driveway. The wife would daily the Passport, I just don’t know if I could daily the GX. Now that I’m older, I have less of a need for speed. I test drove my friends GX, but it has a modified suspension. I wouldn’t be able to do it. Will be test driving my friends 2016 GX460 today. I really want to like the Lexus, but if it doesn’t work out, I’m fine with the Passport, and the wife can get a used 2019 Rav4 or something.
@@JonDZ_Adventuring Couldn't daily the GX 460 because low mpg? Is the on-road feel, sound level & handling better than a 4Runner?
Roger Chen I mean, I could but I might not want to. As you could imagine, going from a WRX to a truck will take getting use to. I’ve been there, I went from a FJ to the WRX and just prefer a unibody. Onroad handling is too important to me. I just got back from a trip to Nevada. 600 miles driven and 25 of that was offroad. 96% of my trip was onroad, and I enjoy every second behind the wheel of the passport. It’s a nice place to be.
I drove my friends 2016 GX460 today with non adjustable air suspension. It was a quiet and luxurious ride. The newer GX runs on 91 octane fuel and has 6 gears. In stock form it’s actually decently fuel efficient on the highways. It can get 20 mpg at 85 mph. For me, it really comes down to onroad handling.
@@JonDZ_Adventuring I wish I can explore as much as you have in your videos. I hope to get out more. Recently it's been camping near Payson with another planned with a friend that lives up there. I agree, I'm leaning more towards a vehicle that is good on roads
on-road like the Passport and can still go on types of terrain that you have demonstrated. Keep up the great content@
I'm trying to decide between a passport and a ridgeline. I know the newer ridgelines have the 9-speed transmission, but I don't know if they are geared any lower. Really, I just wish they would make a jacked-up, awd Odyssey with off road gearing! 😝
They are geared the same. Get what ever fits you best! I like the SUV form factor because I like to sleep in my vehicle. It’s a perfect way of seeking shelter during my ski trips. I just lean my seat back and slide to the rear to sleep. If you have a family, and you want to rock a rooftop tent, the Ridgeline would make a lot of sense.
I'm a Chevy guy, but curious if there are aftermarket gear kits for the differentials?? Seems like that would compensate easily for transmission, loads, and larger tires.
May not have anything to do with your issue but I was pulling a toy hauler with my Ford F250 diesel truck not offroading. We were climbing steep hills but it was cool outside and my truck transmission overheated. Brought to a recommended transmission shop and I was told there is a type of thermostat that restricts flow to the trans cooler so it will warm up faster. That was the issue with my truck was replaced no problems after wards. Did not check it out but there may be aftermarket upgrades for this problem for real offroading.
Daniel Bauer that’s totally related, so thank you for sharing! I’ve met a Ford Diesel tech, he said the stock thermostat’s don’t turn on the fans until later, so for heavier use he recommends installing a thermostat that turns on quicker. At least that’s what I remember him telling me.
@@JonDZ_Adventuring There is also a restriction in the fluid line to the transmission cooler similar to your engine thermostat for coolant, not related to the cooling fans. That is the issue I had.
Daniel Bauer ah, I see! Again, thanks for the info. I love hearing about this stuff.
Was there a few months ago. If I can recall, the bypass (left side) at 9:18 didn't exist when I went up. A lot of folks were driving over the vegetation there to avoid the mud on the right :/. Also, a few folks say the northern trail into Funnel lake is more difficult. I actually found the southern route more difficult due to the rocks lol
Kevin Do thanks for the info! I wondered about the north road. Although it looks like the roads converge right before the tough section where you have to squeeze between the tree’s. There’s also a really loose steep descent with large rocks sticking out.
I can only imagine how bad this place would be if it was muddy or snowy. I wonder if people drive up here in the winter.
@@JonDZ_Adventuring yea we went in south and exited north. I believe theres a bypass to that hill on the left!
I would totally try this route with you. Let's see how toasty we can get my CVT! 😂😭
It's been a while @Rob G. ! Any reason to get out on a camping trip will be a good reason! Lets go!
can't believe how that 6spd and 9 Spd differs
Yeah, it’s pretty amazing. Basically the same vehicle. Now I understand why some of the old school off-roader guys say a low gear transfer case is what separates AWD from 4WD. That’s because most single speed transmissions aren’t geared aggressively enough. The Passport and Jeep Renegade/Compass trailhawks are a little special.
Just made it up to funnel lake through bishop, easy, not issues with my 3rd gen stock height 4runner.
All the overheating reminded me I have an aftermarket trans cooler too.
My wife's Rav 4 Trd off road has a cooled radiator transmission line for towing 3000 plus pounds. I bet it would work great up in that situation. I forget about the low speeds less airflow hitting the radiator heating things up. Gotta stop and cool down or haul balls for airflows
Yeah, you’ll just have to give it a go. The reason the Ridgeline overheats and my Passport doesn’t is because of gearing. The Ridgeline comes with a cooler but it’s geared 14:1. My Passport did NOT have a cooler but it’s geared 20:1. The Rav4 is geared 16:1. (For reference, a 4runner in 4 low 1st gear is at 33:1)
There’s many factors, and the Ridgeline was also carrying more weight. Definitely get a dedicated transmission monitor. Imo, coolers can give a false sense of security. Case in point, my buddy with an Acura MDX had a rematch with this trail, but this time with a gigantic Hayden 678 transmission cooler with dual fans operated via switch. He got much further, but eventually succumbed to the steep grade.
I actually just had an OEM Honda cooler installed on my Passport today! I’m looking forward to see how much of a difference it makes. Combined with the ZF9 transmission, I hear it works great!
@@JonDZ_Adventuring Got it. Basically It's the steepness combined with gearing . I would never take the Rav 4 up there. Thanks for the info sounds like you know what your talking about. That's why I bought my side by side no bs no getting stuck or overheating just drive it like you stole it .
Great video and narrative. My grandfather used to do large cattle runs in the 1960s to Coyote from his ranch between Big Pine & Bishop via horseback each summer. You didn't see a tiny, 1 room dilapidated cabin up there did you?
@Subie Style thanks for sharing that story! The funny thing is when I was searching google earth I saw an old metal cabin towards the southern trail to Funnel lake. However, I didn’t see it in person.
Really good video
Thank you 🙏 @DJ Hobbies / Overland
When I finally finish my rig updates and a few other things I hope to catch up with you guys for a weekend
I’ve gone to funnel lake 4 times in my Jeep Jk with no issues.
The north entrance is more rocky then the south side.
Did you guys turn off the stability and traction control? Sometimes the system could be constantly freaking in the dirt without you knowing and drag the brakes. This could cause more strain on the drivetrain that could contribute to the overheating.
Chris thanks for confirming the north is more rocky than the south. I’d imagine a Wrangler would make easy work of this stuff.
Think I saw you on the road, not everyday I see a lifted Passport with the bells and whistles. On Trask? Gave you a thumbs up 👍 love the videos
@Joe Kerning I was out in Westminister for some Sunday Dimsum a little over 2 weeks ago. I remember someone giving me the thumbs up, that was very cool of you!
That looks relatively flat terrain at the 16 minute mark, is the high altitude causing it to loose a lot of power? Or is the transmission not getting down to first for some reason?
Altitude will tax a vehicles engine, but I think it’s just that the Honda 6speed only has a 14:1 crawl ratio so the transmission was just stalling.
You definitely don’t want to leave an overheating car in idle. Idling or moving slow is what causes overheating. The faster you go, the more airflow and cooler the motor gets. If you can’t go fast, stop and turn it off.
If you turn your vehicle off, the fans aren’t running, and it won’t cool down. On this trail, you wouldn’t be able to go fast enough to cool anything down, you’ll just overheat. Going 30 mph on the switch backs is absolutely dangerous. There was someone in the last year or two that was descending and “FLIPPED FORWARD” because of he wasn’t going 5mph or slower, lost control, and the vehicle’s tire got tripped up on a rock.
Turning your vehicle off can lead to a delayed spike in transmission temps, because the fans aren’t regulating the temperatures. And if the fluids are on the borderline of 240F, that can be a bad thing. The temps will then eventually drop, but it will take noticeably longer.
Might take my 08 3500HD Silverado this weekend with some Jeepers n others. Nice video
Thanks! Did you hear about the bad news? The USDA Forest service is shutting down access to the forest starting today until September 14 :(
sierranewsonline.com/usda-forest-service-temporarily-closing-all-california-national-forests/
Sucks ;(
@@JonDZ_Adventuring yeah man. I'll be staying home working on my rig. 😜
We need more trails like these on the east coast 😔
Passport is so capable its kinda crazy... lol
@Xela Oso this trip made me realize that. I could have never dreamed that I’d be overlanding at 10,000K feet driving through chunky rock. This is all I wanted from a vehicle, and this also makes such a great daily driver.
JonDZ Adventuring exactly why i want this amazing vehicle more than anything rn cause of you.. great daily driver and you can do amazing things like this im completely jealous of you :,) great video man this was crazy to watch!
10:00 She got the 3 wheel motion...
I didn't hear it mentioned but did the Ridgeline have the A/C on?
I'm sure you know but blasting the heat is essentially an additional miniature radiator if in an overheating situation. It might have been enough to keep it from overheating as often as it did.
It was mentioned in text towards the first overheating. We tried blasting the heater, but since it was such a hot day we thought having the climate control, even set on “Hi” was making things worse. We noticed faster cooling after turning it off. We also utilized more momentum (instead of slowly crawling up a steep grade).
What I couldn’t explain was at the 16 minute mark. It was relatively flat terrain and the transmission overheated trying to crawl through the rocks.
Nice video! I never knew climbing can be this challenging for some transmissions.
Yep. Pretty much anything without 4low will overheat on a trail with 800ft elevation gain in 1 mile. Exception would be aggressively geared single speed transmissions like the Passport or Jeep trailhawk Versions of the renegade and compass. This trail is no joke!
Vanisshen on this same trip, we had a Jeep Grand Cherokee WK1 with the 4.7L overheat as well as an Acura MDX carrying lots of weight. Another friend tried to take a Subaru Crosstrek up here, he said he had to wait 1 hour for the CVT temp light to go away. The good thing is that not many trails are like this in California.
@JonDZ Adventuring And here I am in Maryland with a 4Runner and no trails to go... Videos like this are the only means to satisfy my offroading desires. Keep up the good work!
Vanisshen thank you! 🙏
Saw you guys up there. I was in the black 1st gen taco.
Cool! Imma have to review the footage to find ya! I remember seeing a gang of Lexus GXs and a pristine looking Range Rover. It was a lot to take in once I reached funnel lake. That place is breath taking.
When we first saw you was at funnel lake in the morning. The next time we saw you was when you passed us on the way down when one of the rigs broke a bolt. I was talking to one of your friends Ernie in the taco.
Oh yeah! Now I remember! The group was wondering where Ernie went, haha!
JonDZ Adventuring yeah I told Ernie that you guys were still back that. I ended up talking to him until we saw you guys.
Wow, that Ridgeline isn’t made for that at all. I’m surprised how much better the Pilot is. Those are two very different vehicles.
It’s amazing how much difference a transmission will make.
I love my ram I have taken that thing through some shit...I only have 33" tire's and I have been impressed
Great video. Good you are tackling trails with AWD and not a full blown 4wd
Not all AWD vehicles are created equal 😃. In the Jeep Renegade trailhawk they call this system a 4x4, and they call first gear 4 low 🤣, but let’s be honest, it’s an AWD system. What the renegade trailhawk doesn’t have is a high biased rear LSD and a 3.5L V6.
The little Ridgeline that could! 💪
It was rough @jerry Leung but he pushed on! The guy’s a Marine and like they said, they don’t know the meaning of quitting.
@@JonDZ_Adventuring you sir have patience on another level.
I went up there on my bike. I overheated as well around 9K feet. The air is so thin that it doesn't provide much cooling.
Love the Honda capability, its great to see it take on something so challenging. Part of the fun is just not being like all the other cars in a place like this.
I felt pretty special when I rolled up in a sea of 4runners, Tacomas, Wranglers and gladiators. Lots of Lexus GXs, and although there was a lone Nissan Titan, there were no other AWD vehicles ☺️.
At 10:06 the rosary shows how steep a hill climb it actually is. Crazy steep for the ridgeline.
Haha! That’s really observant @anthony Durling! The section before that where his engine is revving like crazy is the steep part.
Great video!
Looks like a super nice place to go with my 2020 Suzuki Jimny. I would love to see the reactions 🤣 it is like a little goat, small but strong and stubborn 🤣. Great work with a Honda. They are very good cars and if Honda really want probably can create a serious off-roader no doubt.
Humberto Rubi I wish they still had the Suzuki Samurai (Jimny) here. Off-road camping is so popular here in America (USA) and it would be a perfect time for the new Jimny! Unfortunately, Suzuki stopped their car/truck sales here in 2009. I’ve watched the Jimny do incredible things! What country are you from?
JonDZ Adventuring hello there! Yes it was a shame that CR said that bunch of lies about samurais. This was the beginning of the trust mining for the brand there. Anyway small cars are not that attractive in USA. I’m from Costa Rica, we are really fortunate here as we have a huge variety of different brands and models options. We still can go and buy a 2020 Toyota 70 series with a 4.5 liter twin turbo diesel V8 or a new Isuzu Dmax, a hilux with turbo diesel variable geometry turbos, in mid size pick ups we have around 10 different brand models, and even the New Land Rover Pretender... sorry I meant the new Defender. The US brands are here too but aren’t very popular because of mpg and reliability. Toyota is the king and then are the other Japanese brands. I have seen recently several ridge lines here and lots of Pilot suv. I have been looking at your channel because is pretty interesting to see what happens if you try to off-road and Honda. I use to drive (my cars and work fleet) a 2016 diesel Hilux, a 2019 Mitsubishi Montero sport, a 2002 Pajero, an 2014 expedition, the brand new Jimny and also have a 2018 Mitsu outlander. I found its AWD system to be very capable but the angles and flex don’t help. Now regarding the Jimny it is amazing in terms of what can do and the smiles it puts on your face. Keep up the good work!!!
Have you thought about attempting the Rubicon Trail, I think you might stand a good chance since you have a good feel for your vehicle.
@combat Cowboy I have given that trail zero thought! Not unless I either Buy or Rent a Jeep Rubicon Wrangler 🤣! Thanks though! That’s super flattering! My heads going to swell up and explode 🤯
No way, stock wranglers rubicons with 33s scrape constantly.
@@camaroman101 If a stock cherokee trailhawk with 29 inch tires and only 8.7 inch ground clearance can make it, I think his can as long as he knows his vehicle and lines he wants. I feel like his Honda would be closely related to the renegade as they don't have a low range, just lock 1st gear, but he has more power and torque. Plus he does have improved approach and departure angles from his mods. Look at the Subaru that recently did MOAB, they have CVT which cuts power, but he was still able to do the trails.
@@4x4nerd80 whose cherokee do you know that made it through? As far as moab goes I've seen a crown vic running on some trails there. Rubicon is a whole other beast.
camaroman101 I did get a chuckle from that crown Vic, the Cherokee was featured when it was first released on the Rubicon, plus the badge of honor has a few cherokees on there. I’ll be hitting it up in July, but I’ll be similarly modified to what JonDZ has. Stacking will probably be required though, I’m realistic lol and scrapes are expected.
That ridgeline was really struggling
Yes it was @Will W. The following morning we had a group try to drive up to us. An Acura MDX (same Honda 6 speed) and a Jeep Grand Cherokee WK1 (in 4 low) also overheated. So he wasn’t the only one that had a hard time. Up until the flat top of the trail, I had LTE cell signal and was able to warn them before their attempt. So when they overheated, they just turned around.
I think the Honda Ridgeline's transmission is shot. Too much engine rev and no go.
D Yang yep! It took a lot of abuse! The transmission fluid was compromised and the clutch plates were slipping. He has a new Tacoma now, hehe
@@JonDZ_Adventuring what end up happening to the Ridgeline?
D Yang traded in to the toyota dealership. I hope the new owner has good luck with it.
That was some very nice driving/crawling ! With the mods all together, how much ground clearance do you now have ?
Thanks @Vincent Windels ! I’m getting better at this stuff! So, if the passport has 8.1 inches of clearance In theory the 2 inch lift and 2.5 inch taller tires should bump the clearance to 11.35”. After installing the skid plate I lose a little bit, and after airing down to 20 psi my front skid plate is at 11 inches. I also carry a bit of gear, so my rear diff is also at 11 inches. (I’ll be doing a video about this later). Now, the lowest point of the passport are the rear lower control arms, which are at 8.5 inches at the lowest point and 10 inches at the highest point, but since they’re at the axles, with proper tire placement, it won’t matter too much.
Ridgeline or passport may be great for going camping or canoeing but not good for a true 4x4 trail like this one.
I can’t argue there. This trail would be much more easily traversed with a modern 4WD. But With careful wheel placement, the Passport got through this trail without too much fuss. I only remember losing traction one time. However, I disconnected my rear sway bar. I have another video of this trail going back through the rocky section. It’s pretty much raw roof mount footage.
Great video! Do you happen to know the lift height and tire brand/size on the Ridgeline? Apologies if I missed it in the video.
@The Darkness I actually didn't list it :P He has a 2 inch lift kit front and rear and has 245/70R17 Falken Wildpeak AT3W tires
JonDZ Adventuring Cool! You all have inspired me. Definitely getting a lift.
Great Video. Thank you. What was your starting tire pressure and what did you end up driving on?
Thanks. We all aired down at the trailhead. I went down to 20 PSI, which is a good match for my tires with 7 inches of sidewall. Less sidewall, I wouldn’t be able to air down as much.
I can't remember if you mentioned it but I recommend adding a Trans cooler. Honda has a factory one for the passport.
Honda OEM part # 06255-5EZ-316 for the cooler. I don' recommend aftermarket. It's about 300 bucks and installs in the hols on the vertical bar in front of your radiator. Trans guards are always a pain to install but worth it.
Christopher Moritz the Passport never got an overheated warning, but can’t argue getting a trans cooler, they are good to have. All Ridgelines come with one, and unfortunately, it didn’t help too much. This trip got me to thinking about a more robust transcooler.
Good deal Jon! I am thinking of getting a Passport. Not doing those kind of trails though. I'll be riding my Super Tenere or Beta in that kind of rugged stuff. Thank you for sharing. You are a good young man and very helpful to the fellow drivers that tag along with you.
Christopher Moritz thanks for the kind words
Enjoy your videos. Question-How much gas was used? I have 3rd gen taco that I'm trying to figure out if I can safely go up and back with almost full tank? Thank you
Peter M the 4 runner on this video filled up in the town of independence. By the time he was done with the trip to funnel lake, he was really low on fuel. As long as you fill up in Bishop, I think you’ll be just fine. The trailhead is 4 miles from Bishop and funnel lake is 18 miles from there.
@@JonDZ_Adventuring great thank you JonDZ
Hi, what's the app you use for navigating off-road? You showed it in this video for a moment. Thanks
Good question! I use Gaia GPS. It’s compatible with Apple car play.
There’s a high learning curve, so I highly recommend you watch my video about “things you need to know” before using Gaia”.
czcams.com/video/wLDSsk6PTJA/video.html
Basically:
1.) you need to pay ($45 for for 5 years with a discount)
2.) youll need a computer or laptop to plot your routes
3.) there’s no automatic off-road navigation? youll actually need plan your routes on a computer or laptop.
The reward is that you’ll be able to navigate without cell reception. You’ll be able to drop “bread crumbs” so you’ll know where you’ve already been. It’s like a journal for where you offroad. Also, some trails aren’t publicly marked, so the record feature is a great way to build up your map.
@@JonDZ_Adventuring thanks a lot for the comprehensive response, I will definitelly take a look on the video.
Question for you and maybe you can cover in a video? When you are traversing difficult terrain do you shift the transmission into and hold 1st gear? Does the Passport have paddle shifters? Maybe you can talk about your technique for difficult roads. Thanks.
Jim DePaul I made this video that goes over some of the iVTM4 drive modes, but the video title may throw some people off.
“Off-road Unicorn Subaru? Passport to the Calico Mountains”
I mostly off-road in “mud mode”. It offers the best throttle input precision, especially for rocky terrain. I then use my left foot to brake, so as I’m cresting over a rock I feather the brake to gently float down. I recently learned how to do this by the way, so it’s a work in progress, but I’ve been getting better. To be honest, the trails in my previous video’s weren’t this rough and I’ve never had to use the “two foot technique”.
The Passport has paddle shifters. It will only hold a gear if you place it in sport mode. Since this makes the gas pedal overly sensitive, I find myself just relying on “D” to get around offroad. For difficult steep terrain where a shift in gears would be very problematic, I’ll shift it into first and I’ll utilized iVTM4’s most aggressive mode “Sand”. It turns up the rear LSD to high biased and clamps down on it 50/50 side to side as much as possible. I’ll link the video below. You’ll see where sand mode makes a huge difference on a difficult obstacle.
Here’s the video:
czcams.com/video/0Uk3gBZ3udU/video.html
Thanks! Figures, one of the videos I hadn’t watched yet.
Trail looked fine for a Forester Wilderness. Only issue i think would be the loss of power due to elevation.
Driving sports TV did a video about going through a Little Rock garden. This would be much more substantial. There’s a guy with a lifted Rav4 adventure with bigger tires that had to stack rocks for 2 hours to get through. I think the Forester Adventure would actually make it to the top because of its improved gearing. It’s geared similar to the Rav4 at 16.7:1
And Driving sports TV had to stack rocks on the much more smaller rock garden. Edit: I made a 2nd video about this trail where the owner of the 6 speed Ridgeline traded in for a Toyota Tacoma. We had a Ram Power Wagon that came along and destroyed both his nerf bars. This is in a vehicle that comes with 14.2” of clearance at the diff pumpkin. Now you have me curious, going to search for “Subaru funnel lake”. It’s been a while since I’ve been here, I’ll try to invite some of my Subaru friends out.
Yeah I saw his video of that a while back. I don't think he really needed to stack as much as he did. I felt he was being slightly dramatic, but mostly he was trying not to scratch Subaru's car that was on loan to him. He said they don't like it when he scratches them. Lol The front bumpers really cripple it's ability to get over rocks. And hardly any companies make a bumper for it.
I've got a 2" Ironman lift and Primitive skids on order. I'll probably have to build my own bumpers. We've taken it on some trails here in SE Texas and it does really well in its current stock condition, considering.
Don't get me wrong, btw. I'm not trying to say it can go anywhere/ do anything. It can't. Just from the view of the video it looks doable. But, I also know trails look deceiving on camera. LOL
Everyone I meet in person says “you HONDA looks so much bigger in person”. The rocks probably look like they’re curb sized in my video, when they’re actually 8-16”
I wonder if the new 9 speed Ridgeline would've overheat like the 6 speed.
It would be just like my Passport. The only difference between the 2020 model Ridgelines is a 14 inch longer wheel base. Also, the Ridgeline does have tougher suspension parts. Not sure why Honda didn’t give the Ridgeline the ZF9 to begin with. Welp, better late than never.
Hey! We ran into you on Saturday 6/05 on the way up. The black Xterra. I thought I recognized you from this video but wasn’t sure.
How was the alternate route? Stoked to see your new upload for this run!
Hey Victor! I was nice to run into you. Thanks for letting us by. The alternate route was a wee bit easier, just a little. Less big rocks, but it’s uphill where as the popular route is on leveled ground.
Did you ever do a workaround the start stop system or just turn it off everytime?
This entire trip I forgot to turn it off. Luckily it didn’t bother me this trip.
The views! Wowser!!!
Transmission temp guage...may I ask for this info to see about getting one. Thanks. I have a 2019 passport.
I highly recommend. For an AWD the vehicle is capable, but it's good to know how hot you're getting. Here's an amazon link. I've seen these go for as low as $99, but right now I'm showing $125. It looks like the MSRP has risen to $159 (before they were $139) so it might be a good time to buy.
amzn.to/3dCTlpv
You'll have to enter a program code to monitor your transmission temp. here's a link to the code: www.scangauge.com/xgauge/transmission-fluid-temp-f-acura/
If you have instagram, you can message me so i could share little video clips to show you how to program it.
I have a Honda Pilot with the 9 speed. When you off road do you keep the transmission in 1st with the paddle shifters to keep torque the up? The Jeep renegade trail hawk has an all wheel drive system with a 4lo button, all it does is keep the transmission in first to accomplish the same thing. Also do you use sport mode off road? Seem like it would keep more rpm up as well?
Christopher Scott good question. It all depends. First of all, you don’t want high RPM’s, traction control is optimal between 1200 to 1600 RPMs. When navigating through the rocky section, you can hear my engine wasn’t revving too much. I put the Passport into Mud mode, it lets me feather the throttle more easily. I was light on the throttle and my left foot was on the brake.
Do I keep the transmission in 1st gear? For the most part, I just leave it in drive. The Passport seems to be smart enough to where I don’t need to. But man, it’s so dumb we have to go into sport mode to hold a gear. That’s why mud mode is so important to me. It’s not prone to over revving the engine in sport mode. For steep downhill, I ALWAYS use 1st gear. Again, excellent question.
I wanna do this run I have a 2016 grand cherokee limited 4x4 I think I can make it do you have plans on doing this run again any time soon? great video
@solano760 there will definitely be another trip out here! Please join the crossoverlanding (event hub) facebook group. That's where we will post up future trips. I actually saw a JGC-WK2 out there. It will be very helpful to upgrade ground clearance, he had to turn around during the chunky rock section. I'd say 10 inches or so would be the minimum. 11 inches recommended.
I’ve owned 4 Subaru’s and a couple 4x4s. However I’ve never done anything like this in Ohio where I live.. I really enjoy watching your videos. I’ve subscribed. Do you guys just fill up and can make it to where your going and back, or does everyone Cary extra gas?
Thanks for watching and subscribing Bill 🙏. Although I have a 6 gallon gas can, I typically fill up in town right before doing a trail and just leave the gas can at home. I used it once when I did the 130 mile historic Mojave road. My 19.5 gal gas tank was barely enough, so I used the spare full to fill up just in case.
Can I cross trek with a 2 inch lift and ko2 run this
This video and the trail cam from Part 2 will give you enough information to make that determination for yourself.
Nice! What PSI were you running in the tyres?
I run my 255/70R18’s at 20 Psi
Awesome comparison on the expense of the RL. 😂
@Tony Tickles, poor Ridgeline 🥺. It’ll probably be a good idea to get the transmission fluid changed out, maybe even flushed. When you get a temp light, your fluid typically isn’t as effective anymore.
Tony, make sure you check your transmission fluid. You may need to change it out.
solarinsocal (Nori) he may have changed out more than the transmission fluid. I wish I was a baller like that! Otherwise, I’d be driving a JL Rubicon with a pop up camper 😃.
Nevermind on that ATF. Lol
Leave that to the new owner.
That stream is unfortunately a trickle now