Garbage on the trails is a huge one. I’ve also noticed that since SXS’s got more and more popular that all the the trails got more abused. It’s all about throttle and zipping in and out on the SXS’s where with a rig you tend to be more careful with the throttle. Rigs don’t tear up the trails as much as side x sides.
Ummmmm - well I don't agree at all. And I have had trucks, jeeps, atvs and SxSs....and around my area the big trucks and jeeps totally destroy the trails as much as SxS/Atvs. It is all about the driver\person not the vehicle. Currently have a SxS, Jeep, and Truck....my SxS is what I use on the weekend because I don't it need for work on Monday- and I pack out what I pack in
@@r3kanman yep totally agree!! I’ve seen rigs with 40”-44” & smaller tires just destroy trails along with sxs’s trucks, jeeps etc. they cannot get up a hill or trail & the hammer it & dig big holes or whatever. I don’t think you can point your finger at just one group. It’s all about the driver & how they drive & what off road experience they have.
@@INSIDIOUS-ONE agreed, it comes down to the driver. Sometimes it's a lack of knowing and understanding their impact, and others it's a lack of caring about their impact. Education can cure one while the other usually can not be cured. There is bad apples in every bunch and off roaders are no exception.
Yes it is up to the driver but SxS drivers are "generally" more throttle happy drivers which causes lots of wash bored and whoops. Also because they are more entry level SxS are more responsible for trash just like Ian said
Ian hates side by sides, i like him even more now. been a fan since the Extreme 4x4 days. im a little biased but probably the most economical entry level super capable 4x4 would be an XJ cherokee, Bullet proof drive train, super easy and simple to maintain and modify,
I would never claim an XJ to be bulletproof… they are made like junk and out of bad ideas…. but are extremely capable. Any 3rd or 4th Gen Bronco you can stomp the gas pedal thru the radiator yank it into 1st and float valves all day. When you get stuck then you put it in 4L.
@@bradleymorris8875 the straight 6 is a God of a motor. Even the Chrysler one haha and I'm a Ford guy. I had a 91 ranger and it was great off road. But I mean everyone had jeep Cherokees. And they all did very well as far as mechanical failures on the trails. Pretty robust. Easy to mod. Same with the rangers. I wouldn't call jeeps junk at all. They were made simple for a reason. There's a reason people use them other than being a jeep cult.
I miss Extreme 4X4. I really wanted to get a 2001 XJ. The dealer in my college town was selling a mid trim for $16,000. They also had a TJ Sport for the same price.
Well, except for the bridge that we had to build on my last adventure. We ran into a small issue where the trail was actually washed out from the monsoon season, and wound up having to do some shoveling and winching and bridge-building to get all nine jeeps back out. Turned a 3 hour trip into a 7 hour trip that included backing down part of the trail because even with the bridge, it wasn't actually possible to get through there forward for anyone but the 2-door. And the Gladiator had to be pulled and pushed to get the rear into position to back over the bridge.
One other thing ive seen here in colorado to add to the finger gesture telling how many more rigs is some trails especially here in colorado that are narrow and a shelf road and two vehicles can’t pass is they put a sign with a cb channel listed so you can radio to see if someone is coming the other way so you know if it’s ok to proceed. Nothing worse in a Rocky loose shelf road with a 1000 foot drop and having to back up
My 3rd gen taco somehow went from a fun camping rig to a full blown mule. Everything from rock crawling to 15hr road trips. Poor thing Is scratched and dented but I’ve had a blast using my land-yacht. Lol.
I bought a 98 Silverado k1500 two yrs ago for 5 gs ,put a canapy, cargo rack, cb radio, did brakes, steering box and arm, ac cond.,insp trans and transfer, Serv both, boom, takes me where I want to go. 77 yo so dispersed camping, gravel and two track within reason for an old guy. Inexpensive, no payments, low insurance. I'm happy camper and quasi explorer, doing what I never did as a young man. Maybe see you fellas if you go to Eastern Oregon.
Ian and Nate, thank you for reminding people about trail adequate. I made a two-day camping trip out to Sacramento, CA. After packing up, I heard my late father reminding me to clean up. It was a lesson he taught us, kids, at an early age when we went camping. While walking my pattern, picking up trash from the prior folks and my group, I saw the kids sitting around on their electronics. I realised we need to go camping out more, so I can pass on the knowledge from the old folks.
I paid 2k for a super clean XJ , lightly trailed it to feel it out , installed a lift , really good tires , and detachable sway bar links , perfect vehicle to learn in and im not stuck with payments . super easy to work on and parts are cheap and plentiful
East coast, modified JLRUD daily driver owner (37’s, beadlocks steel bumpers, full belly pan, otherwise pretty stock), wheeling for several months now, with my local club (NOT a Facebook group 😉) over 100-strong. It’s true what everyone says-“seat time above everything else”. It is crazy how much more comfortable and confident I am after only 8 or so times out. Bitten by the off road bug HARD. And CZcamsrs like y’all have been so helpful. The thing about formal clubs that Facebook Clubs don’t do is that clubs raise funds and work with local governments to keep public lands open. We’re constantly trying to literally and figuratively clean up the messes these “Facebook groups” leave behind them.
Your thoughts on trail etiquette are on point. I'm from Wyoming, and most of the trails I wheeled as a kid are shut down because of people ruining the trails. Garbage is a huge reason, but also running the trails while they are muddy.
I have to throw kudos to Ian for his recommendation of a side-by-side/UTV. If you can swing that payment (or save up & pay cash), they really are an excellent starting point. You get a turn-key, trail-ready ride that can generally handle what most hobbyists would [realistically] try to conquer. You aren't putting your daily driver in harms way. Furthermore, upgrades and repairs for a UTV are a fraction of the price compared to similar parts for pretty much any full-size truck/Jeep/SUV.
Having been in the army, I have been to Europe, Asia, crossed US by car almost a dozen times. I think about the people that never get to leave their home state. This I realized when visiting my wife's grandparents in France. They lived 50 miles from Paris, and never went there in their life. I have lived in all three west coast states as well as Midwest. Your right there's so much diversity in lower 48. I've been to Hawaii, might not make Alaska, have been to all but deep south. This year exploring eastern Oregon. What a way to spend old age!
Nate, I don't know you yet but plan to meet you at some point just to shake your hand, say God Bless you, and thank you for being such an inspiration to a 50 year old family man. You have no idea how much you've inspired me, from improving my welding, my jeep, my values, and my view on living the "moment". You guys have some great points and I agree with many if not all. Great job. I've watched Ian for a long time, it's really cool to see you conducting an interview 1 on 1 with him on your channel. That's awesome. Make sure he puts you on his favorites link as he currently doesn't have you on there :). To Ian, you are super cool and I've been a fan for years. I live in GA and can't wait to see you on the trails as well brother. To anyone watching this video and maybe reading my comment: Enjoy the moment, get on the trails, leave no trace other than tracks, and share the experience with your kids, family, or friends. Ian makes a point about all of the resources we have here in the US and it's so true and refreshing to hear that. I also share the same advice of taking a trip or adventure away from you home town area. My suggestion to anyone (motorcycle or Jeeper, over-lander, or adventurer) is head straight to Colorado. As a motorcyclist and jeep guy, I'll also suggest to look up "Back Country Discovery Route" organization "Ride BDR" and use these tracks for starters. They can be used for bikes, jeeps, or overlanding and is a great way to get started. I rode my BMW R1200GSA across country pre-pandemic and had a blast and couldn't wait to get back there with my family in my new JLUR on 39's. A trip like this will get the blood flowing and provide plenty of "on the trail" training and also give insight on how you may wish to build your rig or what type of wheeling you may want to do. Oh and as a bonus for those who have a wife that doesn't like tents. The BDR routes show all the little towns with motels, B&B's, and any other type of lodging. The routes are designed to have "options" that work for everyone. Lol. God Bless you all.
I 100% agree with Ian on the side by side thoughts. They are great, but man they sure can put a person into a bad situation way over their skill level.
You see the same thing with Jeeps. It's easy to go write a check and have way too much rig for your experience. Like Ian, I started at 16 with stock 4x4s. Moved to Co. at 20 and started hitting mild trails. Slowly progressed into harder and harder trails. So the rigs got upgraded. I have a co worker that never wheeled before. Never has had a trail rig. He went out and bought a bad ass JK. Way too much rig for a beginner.
@@bradywilliams2666 I agree, but typically that person that goes out and buys a super badass Jeep is spending 50-70k on it vs 20k on a super badass side x side. The money invested a lot of times will at least cause them to think twice. Unless there is booze involved and that an entirely different convo.
I got my start in off roading with a used stock 2001 Kawasaki Prairie 750 vtwin 4wd utility quad. After the first few rides, I bought a lift kit for it and put 28" tall mud light tires on it, then after a season. I then put high performance muzzy race exhaust on it with a basic jet kit, then halfway thru the next season I learned about cvt tuning with springs and clutch weights. Then after that season, went full custom cvt machine work with shaved and lightened pullies and more aggressive pitch cut into the drive pulley to get the belt higher to get more speed out of the quad, then after the third year of riding it, went full fender trimming, snowmobile bar raisers with motocross style bars, and works performance front struts and rear shock, and gorilla CV axles on the front, and designed my own 4" lift kit and rear axle extension for the rear solid driveshaft driven housing. And went to massive 29.5" highlifter outlaw tires 29.5x10x12 front and 29.5x12x12 on the rear. Then I went as far as to making my own balanced intake system which basically turned my 2 single carburetors into dual carburetors feeding both both cylinders thru a custom made intake. Add a rev box chip, and mechanically advanced the ignition timing by 6degs. It became a serious hard core muddy trail quad, and used to ride it all over upstate NY in the tughill region. Had that quad for 8yrs and put 14k miles on it, went thru a drive belt almost every weekend out, which was between 150 to 200 miles of riding on trails, dirt roads, and mudding from sun up to sun down. That's where I got the off road obsession from. Now it's turned into full size trail trucks.
Have been watching 8 different channels on offroading and overlanding. Then watched a episode where the Canadian govt is closing roads. The side by side light came on. There are overland sideXside builds. The limiting factor is windows and windshields. Especially in rainy climates. Ian gave some solid advice.
I love the fact that more people are coming outside and enjoying the outdoors either through camping ng or just wheeling for the day. However, you are correct. We have more people coming out who have never stepped foot in the mountains or on a trail and they see some CZcams videos and they become an expert. This can be very dangerous for new people and families coming into this sport. Trash is a huge thing that I see on many trials in new Mexico which hurts future off-roaders, but new people have no concern for this as they see it as I will never come back here again so just leave it. Hurts my heart when I see a beautiful campsite trashed by someone trying to burn stuff in the fire pit. Or fires left unattended, I recently got a propane fire pit, love it. Great video guys, good information for all of us new and old timers.
Ian hit the nail on the head with the "Life's short" reason that off-roading, rv'ing, boating have skyrocketed. I know that resonates for me. As I get closer to retirement age and with the whole pandemic, I'm really feeling that "I'm not going to live forever, I need to get on with the things I want to do" sentiment.
I bought a 91 HDJ81 triple locked last year. Love it! Curious if you have a Instagram? Im always looking for others in the Landcruiser crowd to swap stories with. I’m jdmgngr.
I find the problem with people dumping big items in the woods or on trails is not the 4X4 community but the local transfer stations are charging higher and higher fees to dispose of things like appliances and furniture, people either don't want to or can't afford to pay. So it's easier to just dump it on a trail and make it someone else's problem. I live on a dead end road near a wooded area and come home from work and find appliances, couches, mattresses, tires, etc...all the time. I just put up two trails cameras to try and catch them in the act!
In case anyone is wondering, that yellow tool cart in the background is a US General 5 drawer tool cart. I have had a blue one for a couple years and it has been awesome.
I started wheeling back in the 80's. Stepped away from it for a few decades and a few years ago got back into it. A lot has changed (tech, rigs, no side by sides, lol) But a lot has stayed the same. I think the Facebook thing is a huge help as well as You tube and channels like this. The wealth of info out there now is just mind boggling. Great video, great advice. See you out there...
This is Dave from Colorado with a desk job!!! I have a little more mechanical experience than you described. Planning to get my wife out for some overlanding and camping. I have a Bronco Badlands on order.
Great video Nate and Ian ! We were blown away with how many people showed up to the Crawling for a Cure event that had never been off-road before. It’s amazing how many people are getting into this (dirt) lifestyle. We are also beyond excited to explore this beautiful country towing our Jeep with our motor home. We intend to spend 3-6 months on the road seeing as many fellow off-roaders and different trails as we can!
Traditional clubs still exist, most clubs have Facebook Groups. My jeep club FRJC Fox River Jeep Club still does in person monthly meetings, social meet up like today's is a ice-cream run & one monthly off road trip + a members only extended trip/Adventure. 😀
One thing that wasn't mentioned and I didn't see in the comments is recovery gear. It should be one of the first things you buy after getting a rig. Take a shovel, a jack and some straps every time you go out. Watch some videos and learn how to use the gear. You won't regret it.
Niice. My daily is a 79 F150 300 4x4 manual on 33in BFGs. She does awesome out in the Owyhees. But nothing too extreme. The kids are getting larger, so I just picked up a 98XJ. I don't have a shop, just grass and tools.
Great video, maybe salespeople should give a trasharoo or something together with every sold sxs😂 Im currently building a YJ and it’s gonna be fun if parts are truly getting scarce, lets hope the people coming into the hobby stay with modern stuff
I was watching an East Coast based 4x channel, and the dude said "People coming downhill have the right of way." People spreading these contradictions to accepted trail etiquette and practices are a problem.
Nate. Very good off-roading 101 upload ! Downunder has the southern hemisphere equivalent to North America or Stateside, just there's more critters that kill you ? V.
I'm probably twice, maybe three times as old as both of you, but, S-holes on the street will be S-holes off road. I found the same applies for boating.
A good free resource is to lookup public use or motor vehicle use maps for state or national forests. They will help give an idea of the type of roads you can drive on in that area.
Many years ago, when I was young and dumb, we climbed up a nicely manicured hill in my old CJ-5 only to find out (from the grounds keeper) that is was a ski slope (he was not happy). On another occasion we were off-roading in some brush and came upon some nicely manicured grass only to find out it was a golf course. That grounds keeper was really unhappy. So, if you come across some nicely manicured terrain, it's best to back out.
People leaving campsites trashed is a pet peeve of mine. I live near the Mark Twain National Forest, and just this past holiday (Labor Day), several campsites were left trashed. One campsite still had a smoking fire pit and a log with hot coals. It was a forest fire just waiting to happen. SO DAMN IRRESPONSIBLE.
Wow!! So good to see Ian! Had no idea he was on CZcams. Watched him and Jesse years ago. God rest her soul. Just sub’d dirt now I gotta sub big tire. Thanks guys!
I didn't know Ian had a YT channel. I only see him on Saturday or Sunday mornings. As a boyscout we were taught leave it better then when we got there and only leave footprints.
Thank you for this video! Please do more and encourage other high visibility members of the sport to do them as well! This is so needed it's sad.. I used to off-road with trucks back in the day when 33s were big and 35s were holy crap huge. Living in Maine a lot of trails have been lost to irresponsible drivers and also development which puts more pressure on the trails that are left. I enjoy SxSs but not all SxS owners... Being a member of many ATV clubs for 17 + years the rise of the high horsepower SxSs and 64"+ width has been the death Nell of to many trails and maintenance has soared as well thanks to uneducated throttle junkies. Thanks again and please push more trail use education out there!
As for trail etiquette people need to know if you're going up hill the downhill traffic should stop for uphill traffic. I agree with hand signals. But alot of don't know about trail etiquette.. Mark
My first rig was a 1984 Toyota flatbed 4x4. Installed 5.71’s Detroit in the front spool in the rear. 33” boggers on the back and TSL’s on the front. 22R with a cam. Add a leafs in all 4 corners. I nicknamed the truck YODATILLER….. cuz with the gears it would just crawl and dig up dirt in 2wd low😂…. I’ve learned so much with that truck. That truck would literally go anywhere. I joined a 4x4 club, all Jeep’s 🤪 I was able to go everywhere, even the places the other Jeep’s couldn’t go. I love Jeep’s, but I’d rather build another Toyota. I built this truck in 1999-2000 era. I’ve learned so much since then.
Love my 2 owner low miles 98 Ram 1500 out here in Utah. Leveling kit on 35s. Goes pretty much anywhere I care to go. I’m not a hardcore wheeler, more of an overland/forest service road exploring rig, but even then it’s got plenty of ground clearance to get over some fun things. Even better is that it was fairly cheap! Not on gas though lol.
Thank you so much for harping on the trash...it goes for anything, hiking, off-roading, fishing, hunting, etc. Im on a lot of trails to get to fishing spots and I legitimately always have a couple bags with me and 9 times out of 10 I have at least one bag full when I leave. Great video, two of my favorite off-road guys.
I want to get into off roading. I've been torn for some time between a RZR or building an XJ. I managed to get a XJ for free that needs some work so I'm probably going to go that route. Life is short do things!
The camp fire thing is a huge issue out west here. The giant fire that trying to burn down Tahoe right now was started by an illegal camp fire. And now all of our federal lands are closed because people keep having illegal fires and we just dont have the resources to fight another fire.
I think the main reason that SxS are a PITA is that they're mostly rentals. The people I've met who owned and modified their own rigs are pretty cool. Rule #1 of Moab, the SxS always has the ROW....don't argue, just let them through and your life will be easier
On shortages, it’s everything. I build computers, but I’m into trucks, or you might want a big screen, or hi-fi. If it has a chip, the supply chain is severely screwed at the moment. But, you talk to any other person in a occupation, and their orders are all backed up too. Fun times.
This is one of my favorite video's on CZcams! I am "new" to off-roading world and learning for myself. I started my company this year after buying my truck last year with the realization that there is sooo much out there I have yet to see. I have built a vehicle to be able to see more than my normal and with the parts I have designed and sell will be able to help more people see the outdoors. Thank you to Ian and yourself for having these conversations and educating your followers!
On the point of how to meet people to go with: my city has 3 or 4 FB groups and there's at least 1 or 2 group invites to go out a week! Along with others looking for people to go with. That system works well! We also have a recovery group for all of our province Incase people need a hand getting out!
I wanted to go Overlanding, wife wanted a pickup truck to haul furniture, trash, etc. So we got a Gladiator. I'm an old diesel guy, so eco diesel it was. Not disappointed.
You described my life over the last 3 yrs. perfectly, I'm 58 married with 3 kids between 35 and 21 I spent my life doing what's right for the family and the hotrod I had always wanted was never in the cards. In September 2019 I lost my youngest daughter in an auto accident and that's when it really sank in that someday may never get here and it could all end before I finish this comment. I have a 98 2 dr XJ that I drove back and forth to work , it now has a 6.0 LS, Pro rock 60's front and rear and hopefully 4 links soon. I went to Moab in May for 3 days, rented a Tacoma for a day and did Hells Revenge in a side by side, better than any day I ever spent in an amusement park. Can't wait to go back and take the XJ. Hopefully someday I'll get to meet you guys and maybe go out on a trail with you.
I too come from a hiking and backpacking background. My dad taught me from an early age to leave no trace. He also gave me my first rig, a Jeep XJ. I loved it but it got old and I moved to a 80 series Land Cruiser and Jeep Grand Cherokee. But ultimately gravitated back to a jeep XJ. The size, 4x4 system, capability, nimbleness and readily available parts and aftermarket has been amazing. For a beginner rig that would be my suggestion. Also, if your a mountain biker, etiquette lets you know to tell people you pass on the trail how many bikers are behind you, for the same reason you pointed out. It totally makes sense to do that on an offroad trail and I wish more people would understand that. All great points. Love the channel and discussions!
Northwest got serious technical trails! Smaller rigs really work out great here. Local trails actually limit rigs by width at the gate and signs mention preferred dimensions. Love our trails through!
the finger trick is seen a-lot on ATV and snowmobile trails in Maine. The new thing i saw on snowmobiles are orange lights for more coming green for last rider.
We recently went to a campsite near Kachess Lake in WA and seriously filled 2 trash bags with human crap 🤦♂️. People were crapping in plastic bags and leaving them instead of just digging a hole 🤷♂️. We've been nomads since 2018 and mainly camp as we travel. As yall mentioned all recreational activities have boomed. National Parks are having record visitor numbers. I personally love that more people are getting outdoors and seeing this beautiful and diverse country.. but please pack out what you pack in. -Thomas
Thats horrible. We use double seal poop bags, but carry them out with us using a trasharoo for that and our garbage. We stopped digging holes on well traversed trails, as that is becoming a biohazard issue too. Getting tires of seeing tissue paper all over the place once the snows thaw.
@@themadpants781 What's really crazy is there are Porta Potties in the area. Of course there is no trash services. Utah does a good job of having dumpsters near National Forest entrances. Washington and Colorado are terrible about having trash in campsites and both have zero dumpsters around. I understand that cost money.. but Utah is like 75% public lands so if they can do it.. WA or CO with a larger tax base definitely can.
The best starter rig is probably what you already have. Anybody the daily drives a SUV or a truck has something capable enough to get out there and get on some dirt roads and easy trails. Bring some smart gear and make sure you have a recovery point. After that get out there! Sure you can build a crazy rig. But, you don't have to do that to have fun and enjoy getting out there.
Thanks for the talk, and all the different guess you have had on videos in the last week. Everybody has had good incite to add to your experience. Kero up the good work.
Thanks Guys! Your discussion couldn't come at a better time. My buddy and I were having the exact conversation you opened with (first 5ish min) over the camp fire a couple weeks ago. I'm at a life stage transition point and we were talking about what the next few years will bring and whether our vehicle builds were right for what's next.
I still check the forums too bad every time I see something it’s years back definitely miss the forums but you can learn so much from I know we all did
One thing that's also driving this is with a massive shift to work from home, a lot of folks are realizing they don't need a daily commuter anymore because their commute is in their house. I'm a hiker who has been driving a Forester for the last few years (daily commuter that can softroad) and am going to a 1/2ton 4x4 this fall. I don't need the great mileage and practicality of the Forester anymore, so I can get something better suited for my weekend pursuits. Now I picked a 1/2ton over a dedicated off-road capable SUV because I also want to be able to haul & tow (glamping with the wife, as well as hauling RC planes + people, the constant switching between backseat and hauling on the Forester annoys me), but it will be an overland-oriented build. Of course I used to truck camp with my dad when I was a kid, so I'm looking to do the same thing now as an adult.
Is it just me, or does no one else not see the striking resemblance of Ian and Mr Heat Miser from those Santa Clause kids show from the 70’s. 🤣 Now onto the topic on hand. My first off road vehicle was a stock 90 jeep wrangler. I ended up swapping out the rear axle to an 8.8, EFI 350, 700R4, lockers front/ Rear, 5” lift, 35” Swampers. Was an amazing vehicle that i built over the course of 2 years. Now im on my 5th Bronco (86) which is my cushy overlanding vehicle.
Hand signals for group size is something we learned growing up snowmobiling in Michigan but you're right, so many people don't know the little things like that but they are big things
Have to say living in puyallup, Gifford Pinchot which is just past Elbe is probably my favorite spot to explore, lots of small day drive things but you can still get stuck if you try
It all started for me several years ago when I watched a documentary on the national parks system and then I found out about overlanding. I bought my Jeep JK and have been traveling to parks and the back roads and trails of America. I only get a chance to go out a couple times a year right now but when I retire then Katy bar the door !! I've also got a 1958 Willys Wagon that will be my future off road rig.
Great video. I once purchased a couple dvds of extreme 4x4 WJ transformation, but never got it done. It was a "showy" type video, where my eyes got bigger than what I can actually afford. Nevertheless, I still have the 2001 WJ Jeep (every other car is a Honda/Toyota), but I truly appreciate your version of video, Craftsmanship, communication, and information. And, when you font know, you say it or research it. That is what I appreciate the most of your endeavors. It is appreciated AND we are all better for it. I'm very happy you made the move to full time YT, but also wish you every success in all your endeavors. Holler whenever your in CO! Take care and be safe out there.
Just as an idea from a noob myself: I personally think the best way to start is to find people in your area who already offroad and to get in contact with them. There needs to be an app, similar to eharmony, where there are groups of offroaders from gravel roads to rock crawling people. This should be the go-to app where once you get it, you can see where others are checked-in at, chats to get new members, and again all of this is people in the area. But you would be able to put a radius over a different area and start chatting with the members of the app in that area if you wanted to explore other places. It's just hard to get started when there is no people around that you can go with.
My 93 year old dad was watching a rock climbing video with me and his comment was "Why do they tear up there cars"? So true, it's not for everyone. I enjoyed this episode, thanks.
I think the best, first, off-road vehicle is something that has aftermarket support. Finding a sweet deal on a random 4x4 might seem like a great start but when you can't find any parts or upgrades on the market a person could get frustrated. Also, from everything I have seen and heard, don't start with a full-size truck/SUV since trails are often designed around mid-size or smaller vehicles.
I see allot more Bronco IIs in the woods these days w/ FORD 8.8 rear, D35 TTB, 4.0L engines. They are cheap and capable as long as they aren't rusted out as Jeeps of the same year will be here in the North East.
Defenders. When i was about 7yr old i fell in love with them. Now ive had one sat outside my living room window for the past 3 years. If you really want something do it. You wont regret it.
Good talk, 2 very knowledgeable people there, I remember watching Ian on Spike TV. Watching Powerblock was a must every weekend. Charles A Wells, the Moab book is one of my favorite. Spent a month out there reading that and finding the trails, wheelin them...Good Stuff!! Long time ago though, I can understand why the locals get bewildered by the amount of traffic that exist now. Believe i saw maybe 1 dozen people on the trail when camping/wheelin'
Ummm as far as diverse outdoors, I get what you are saying about America but gotta say try Australia, extremely remote desert, rainforests, snow fields, remote islands, and everything in between. Many car manufacturers test their vehicles in Australia's outdoors because it is one of the most diverse outdoors with extreme climates.
Trail Etiquette: slow down. I get the side by sides are fast and fun, but save the full throttle for the open OHV areas, or the track, w/e. I've been involved in two offroad collisions out here in AZ, and seen several more happen firsthand. In all but one, same scenario: SxS is going too fast around a blind corner and ends up in oncoming traffic. Pro tip if you own or rent one of these things; those cages are for low speed roll protection, not so much collision, and on many of them, your upper body and/or face is about level with the bumper and grill on a lifted jeep or truck. Physics says the full size vehicle that weighs at least twice what you do will win every time, and it does not go well for the SxS occupants, let me tell you.
You can use Mich Ultra and Bud light cans as mile markers on side-by-side accessible trails in the southeast. Don't forget, a lot of people breathe through their mouths.
Totally agree on the diversity of the US. I'm from Nebraska (ya, I know 😜). If you've never been to Western NE & saw pics of it, you'd never guess where it was. Just got back from South Dakota & it was killer. My Sis lived in Hall Montana, absolutely gorgeous. Bottom line is every state has cool areas, you just need to go explore them.
Garbage on the trails is a huge one. I’ve also noticed that since SXS’s got more and more popular that all the the trails got more abused. It’s all about throttle and zipping in and out on the SXS’s where with a rig you tend to be more careful with the throttle. Rigs don’t tear up the trails as much as side x sides.
Side by side people definitely tend to care less about the trails. They just rip on through and abuse the trail however they want.
Ummmmm - well I don't agree at all. And I have had trucks, jeeps, atvs and SxSs....and around my area the big trucks and jeeps totally destroy the trails as much as SxS/Atvs. It is all about the driver\person not the vehicle. Currently have a SxS, Jeep, and Truck....my SxS is what I use on the weekend because I don't it need for work on Monday- and I pack out what I pack in
@@r3kanman yep totally agree!! I’ve seen rigs with 40”-44” & smaller tires just destroy trails along with sxs’s trucks, jeeps etc. they cannot get up a hill or trail & the hammer it & dig big holes or whatever. I don’t think you can point your finger at just one group. It’s all about the driver & how they drive & what off road experience they have.
@@INSIDIOUS-ONE agreed, it comes down to the driver. Sometimes it's a lack of knowing and understanding their impact, and others it's a lack of caring about their impact. Education can cure one while the other usually can not be cured. There is bad apples in every bunch and off roaders are no exception.
Yes it is up to the driver but SxS drivers are "generally" more throttle happy drivers which causes lots of wash bored and whoops. Also because they are more entry level SxS are more responsible for trash just like Ian said
0:51 “All many places” Ian’s voice is just iconic for me. Before CZcams we watched tv Sunday mornings! Now every day can be Sunday morning.
Ian hates side by sides, i like him even more now. been a fan since the Extreme 4x4 days. im a little biased but probably the most economical entry level super capable 4x4 would be an XJ cherokee, Bullet proof drive train, super easy and simple to maintain and modify,
I would never claim an XJ to be bulletproof… they are made like junk and out of bad ideas…. but are extremely capable. Any 3rd or 4th Gen Bronco you can stomp the gas pedal thru the radiator yank it into 1st and float valves all day. When you get stuck then you put it in 4L.
@@bradleymorris8875 the straight 6 is a God of a motor. Even the Chrysler one haha and I'm a Ford guy. I had a 91 ranger and it was great off road. But I mean everyone had jeep Cherokees. And they all did very well as far as mechanical failures on the trails. Pretty robust. Easy to mod. Same with the rangers. I wouldn't call jeeps junk at all. They were made simple for a reason. There's a reason people use them other than being a jeep cult.
And xjs are pretty cheap to build
@@bradleymorris8875 🤣 when you say something... and it's as far from the truth as possible.
I miss Extreme 4X4. I really wanted to get a 2001 XJ. The dealer in my college town was selling a mid trim for $16,000. They also had a TJ Sport for the same price.
Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints (tire tracks). If you're not doing this, you're doing it wrong👍👍
Fill in your ruts if you can.
Boy Scout rule: Leave the campsite Cleaner then it was when you got there.
Clean up garbage!
Well, except for the bridge that we had to build on my last adventure. We ran into a small issue where the trail was actually washed out from the monsoon season, and wound up having to do some shoveling and winching and bridge-building to get all nine jeeps back out.
Turned a 3 hour trip into a 7 hour trip that included backing down part of the trail because even with the bridge, it wasn't actually possible to get through there forward for anyone but the 2-door. And the Gladiator had to be pulled and pushed to get the rear into position to back over the bridge.
One other thing ive seen here in colorado to add to the finger gesture telling how many more rigs is some trails especially here in colorado that are narrow and a shelf road and two vehicles can’t pass is they put a sign with a cb channel listed so you can radio to see if someone is coming the other way so you know if it’s ok to proceed. Nothing worse in a Rocky loose shelf road with a 1000 foot drop and having to back up
My 3rd gen taco somehow went from a fun camping rig to a full blown mule. Everything from rock crawling to 15hr road trips. Poor thing Is scratched and dented but I’ve had a blast using my land-yacht. Lol.
I bought a 98 Silverado k1500 two yrs ago for 5 gs ,put a canapy, cargo rack, cb radio, did brakes, steering box and arm, ac cond.,insp trans and transfer, Serv both, boom, takes me where I want to go. 77 yo so dispersed camping, gravel and two track within reason for an old guy. Inexpensive, no payments, low insurance. I'm happy camper and quasi explorer, doing what I never did as a young man. Maybe see you fellas if you go to Eastern Oregon.
YES, I always get excited on Sundays for more Nate.
Thanks buddy 👊
Ian and Nate, thank you for reminding people about trail adequate. I made a two-day camping trip out to Sacramento, CA. After packing up, I heard my late father reminding me to clean up. It was a lesson he taught us, kids, at an early age when we went camping. While walking my pattern, picking up trash from the prior folks and my group, I saw the kids sitting around on their electronics. I realised we need to go camping out more, so I can pass on the knowledge from the old folks.
I paid 2k for a super clean XJ , lightly trailed it to feel it out , installed a lift , really good tires , and detachable sway bar links , perfect vehicle to learn in and im not stuck with payments . super easy to work on and parts are cheap and plentiful
Sunday morning poop, time to watch DL
Lol... I'm honored? 🤣
East coast, modified JLRUD daily driver owner (37’s, beadlocks steel bumpers, full belly pan, otherwise pretty stock), wheeling for several months now, with my local club (NOT a Facebook group 😉) over 100-strong.
It’s true what everyone says-“seat time above everything else”. It is crazy how much more comfortable and confident I am after only 8 or so times out. Bitten by the off road bug HARD. And CZcamsrs like y’all have been so helpful.
The thing about formal clubs that Facebook Clubs don’t do is that clubs raise funds and work with local governments to keep public lands open. We’re constantly trying to literally and figuratively clean up the messes these “Facebook groups” leave behind them.
Your thoughts on trail etiquette are on point. I'm from Wyoming, and most of the trails I wheeled as a kid are shut down because of people ruining the trails. Garbage is a huge reason, but also running the trails while they are muddy.
I have to throw kudos to Ian for his recommendation of a side-by-side/UTV. If you can swing that payment (or save up & pay cash), they really are an excellent starting point. You get a turn-key, trail-ready ride that can generally handle what most hobbyists would [realistically] try to conquer. You aren't putting your daily driver in harms way. Furthermore, upgrades and repairs for a UTV are a fraction of the price compared to similar parts for pretty much any full-size truck/Jeep/SUV.
Having been in the army, I have been to Europe, Asia, crossed US by car almost a dozen times. I think about the people that never get to leave their home state. This I realized when visiting my wife's grandparents in France. They lived 50 miles from Paris, and never went there in their life. I have lived in all three west coast states as well as Midwest. Your right there's so much diversity in lower 48. I've been to Hawaii, might not make Alaska, have been to all but deep south. This year exploring eastern Oregon. What a way to spend old age!
Jeep Cherokee xj! Cheap parts everywhere completely customizable
I am a beginner off roader, so this is great. All I have is an old Tahoe and a Hi-Lo camper I'm converting to overlander status. Thanks alot for this.
Happy to help! This one is for folks like you 🙌
Nate, I don't know you yet but plan to meet you at some point just to shake your hand, say God Bless you, and thank you for being such an inspiration to a 50 year old family man. You have no idea how much you've inspired me, from improving my welding, my jeep, my values, and my view on living the "moment". You guys have some great points and I agree with many if not all. Great job. I've watched Ian for a long time, it's really cool to see you conducting an interview 1 on 1 with him on your channel. That's awesome. Make sure he puts you on his favorites link as he currently doesn't have you on there :).
To Ian, you are super cool and I've been a fan for years. I live in GA and can't wait to see you on the trails as well brother.
To anyone watching this video and maybe reading my comment: Enjoy the moment, get on the trails, leave no trace other than tracks, and share the experience with your kids, family, or friends. Ian makes a point about all of the resources we have here in the US and it's so true and refreshing to hear that. I also share the same advice of taking a trip or adventure away from you home town area. My suggestion to anyone (motorcycle or Jeeper, over-lander, or adventurer) is head straight to Colorado. As a motorcyclist and jeep guy, I'll also suggest to look up "Back Country Discovery Route" organization "Ride BDR" and use these tracks for starters. They can be used for bikes, jeeps, or overlanding and is a great way to get started. I rode my BMW R1200GSA across country pre-pandemic and had a blast and couldn't wait to get back there with my family in my new JLUR on 39's. A trip like this will get the blood flowing and provide plenty of "on the trail" training and also give insight on how you may wish to build your rig or what type of wheeling you may want to do. Oh and as a bonus for those who have a wife that doesn't like tents. The BDR routes show all the little towns with motels, B&B's, and any other type of lodging. The routes are designed to have "options"
that work for everyone. Lol.
God Bless you all.
I 100% agree with Ian on the side by side thoughts. They are great, but man they sure can put a person into a bad situation way over their skill level.
You see the same thing with Jeeps. It's easy to go write a check and have way too much rig for your experience. Like Ian, I started at 16 with stock 4x4s. Moved to Co. at 20 and started hitting mild trails. Slowly progressed into harder and harder trails. So the rigs got upgraded. I have a co worker that never wheeled before. Never has had a trail rig. He went out and bought a bad ass JK. Way too much rig for a beginner.
@@bradywilliams2666 I agree, but typically that person that goes out and buys a super badass Jeep is spending 50-70k on it vs 20k on a super badass side x side. The money invested a lot of times will at least cause them to think twice. Unless there is booze involved and that an entirely different convo.
I got my start in off roading with a used stock 2001 Kawasaki Prairie 750 vtwin 4wd utility quad. After the first few rides, I bought a lift kit for it and put 28" tall mud light tires on it, then after a season. I then put high performance muzzy race exhaust on it with a basic jet kit, then halfway thru the next season I learned about cvt tuning with springs and clutch weights. Then after that season, went full custom cvt machine work with shaved and lightened pullies and more aggressive pitch cut into the drive pulley to get the belt higher to get more speed out of the quad, then after the third year of riding it, went full fender trimming, snowmobile bar raisers with motocross style bars, and works performance front struts and rear shock, and gorilla CV axles on the front, and designed my own 4" lift kit and rear axle extension for the rear solid driveshaft driven housing. And went to massive 29.5" highlifter outlaw tires 29.5x10x12 front and 29.5x12x12 on the rear. Then I went as far as to making my own balanced intake system which basically turned my 2 single carburetors into dual carburetors feeding both both cylinders thru a custom made intake. Add a rev box chip, and mechanically advanced the ignition timing by 6degs. It became a serious hard core muddy trail quad, and used to ride it all over upstate NY in the tughill region. Had that quad for 8yrs and put 14k miles on it, went thru a drive belt almost every weekend out, which was between 150 to 200 miles of riding on trails, dirt roads, and mudding from sun up to sun down. That's where I got the off road obsession from. Now it's turned into full size trail trucks.
Have been watching 8 different channels on offroading and overlanding. Then watched a episode where the Canadian govt is closing roads. The side by side light came on. There are overland sideXside builds. The limiting factor is windows and windshields. Especially in rainy climates. Ian gave some solid advice.
You can get them with windows and windshield and climate control. Just need to spend a lot
@@Russianmafia10 just started looking. I know you can get the agricultural work type. Haven't seen any rock crawler type. Will look a bit more. Thanks
I love the fact that more people are coming outside and enjoying the outdoors either through camping ng or just wheeling for the day. However, you are correct. We have more people coming out who have never stepped foot in the mountains or on a trail and they see some CZcams videos and they become an expert. This can be very dangerous for new people and families coming into this sport. Trash is a huge thing that I see on many trials in new Mexico which hurts future off-roaders, but new people have no concern for this as they see it as I will never come back here again so just leave it. Hurts my heart when I see a beautiful campsite trashed by someone trying to burn stuff in the fire pit. Or fires left unattended, I recently got a propane fire pit, love it. Great video guys, good information for all of us new and old timers.
Ian hit the nail on the head with the "Life's short" reason that off-roading, rv'ing, boating have skyrocketed. I know that resonates for me. As I get closer to retirement age and with the whole pandemic, I'm really feeling that "I'm not going to live forever, I need to get on with the things I want to do" sentiment.
I got a 93 fzj80 factory triple locked its our daily we love it it's a tank but gets where we want to go
I bought a 91 HDJ81 triple locked last year. Love it! Curious if you have a Instagram? Im always looking for others in the Landcruiser crowd to swap stories with. I’m jdmgngr.
@@jeffandrews7335 I don't sorry think I tried to use it one time but haven't been on there since =/
I find the problem with people dumping big items in the woods or on trails is not the 4X4 community but the local transfer stations are charging higher and higher fees to dispose of things like appliances and furniture, people either don't want to or can't afford to pay. So it's easier to just dump it on a trail and make it someone else's problem. I live on a dead end road near a wooded area and come home from work and find appliances, couches, mattresses, tires, etc...all the time. I just put up two trails cameras to try and catch them in the act!
In case anyone is wondering, that yellow tool cart in the background is a US General 5 drawer tool cart. I have had a blue one for a couple years and it has been awesome.
Watching from eastern Washington this morning. Waiting for rain to hit the trail!
I started wheeling back in the 80's. Stepped away from it for a few decades and a few years ago got back into it. A lot has changed (tech, rigs, no side by sides, lol) But a lot has stayed the same. I think the Facebook thing is a huge help as well as You tube and channels like this. The wealth of info out there now is just mind boggling. Great video, great advice. See you out there...
This is Dave from Colorado with a desk job!!! I have a little more mechanical experience than you described. Planning to get my wife out for some overlanding and camping. I have a Bronco Badlands on order.
Great video Nate and Ian ! We were blown away with how many people showed up to the Crawling for a Cure event that had never been off-road before. It’s amazing how many people are getting into this (dirt) lifestyle.
We are also beyond excited to explore this beautiful country towing our Jeep with our motor home. We intend to spend 3-6 months on the road seeing as many fellow off-roaders and different trails as we can!
YES! Hand signals to let others know how many rigs are behind you. Also GMRS 16 is the general 4X4 channel to monitor
Traditional clubs still exist, most clubs have Facebook Groups. My jeep club FRJC Fox River Jeep Club still does in person monthly meetings, social meet up like today's is a ice-cream run & one monthly off road trip + a members only extended trip/Adventure. 😀
Keep a citizens band radio in your rig. It makes communicating with your group and others super easy.
One thing that wasn't mentioned and I didn't see in the comments is recovery gear. It should be one of the first things you buy after getting a rig. Take a shovel, a jack and some straps every time you go out. Watch some videos and learn how to use the gear. You won't regret it.
Niice. My daily is a 79 F150 300 4x4 manual on 33in BFGs. She does awesome out in the Owyhees. But nothing too extreme. The kids are getting larger, so I just picked up a 98XJ. I don't have a shop, just grass and tools.
Great video, maybe salespeople should give a trasharoo or something together with every sold sxs😂
Im currently building a YJ and it’s gonna be fun if parts are truly getting scarce, lets hope the people coming into the hobby stay with modern stuff
I was watching an East Coast based 4x channel, and the dude said "People coming downhill have the right of way." People spreading these contradictions to accepted trail etiquette and practices are a problem.
Nate. Very good off-roading 101 upload ! Downunder has the southern hemisphere equivalent to North America or Stateside, just there's more critters that kill you ? V.
Including your government. We are all praying for the down under crew. The outback is the best place to be.
Australia is what much of America wishes it could be.
I am one of those Americans. I’ll dream up some idea, and Australia already has a scene for it.
@@madhousediy5050 right up until the pandemic mate. Sorry. I will never go there again.
I'm probably twice, maybe three times as old as both of you, but, S-holes on the street will be S-holes off road.
I found the same applies for boating.
A good free resource is to lookup public use or motor vehicle use maps for state or national forests. They will help give an idea of the type of roads you can drive on in that area.
Many years ago, when I was young and dumb, we climbed up a nicely manicured hill in my old CJ-5 only to find out (from the grounds keeper) that is was a ski slope (he was not happy). On another occasion we were off-roading in some brush and came upon some nicely manicured grass only to find out it was a golf course. That grounds keeper was really unhappy. So, if you come across some nicely manicured terrain, it's best to back out.
People leaving campsites trashed is a pet peeve of mine. I live near the Mark Twain National Forest, and just this past holiday (Labor Day), several campsites were left trashed. One campsite still had a smoking fire pit and a log with hot coals. It was a forest fire just waiting to happen. SO DAMN IRRESPONSIBLE.
Ian’s hair grows longer and taller as he dispenses off roading advice. If he stops, he goes bald.
Lol
Hilarious!
And chopping up & rebuilding what others consider to be junk...
Ian is a great guy, I still want to see the jet engine he does his hair with every morning…..
His hair is a cross between the guy from sum 41 & the ancient aliens dude.
Wow!! So good to see Ian! Had no idea he was on CZcams. Watched him and Jesse years ago. God rest her soul. Just sub’d dirt now I gotta sub big tire. Thanks guys!
I just bought a 1989 Isuzu Trooper for my first rig and it has been quite a learning experience.
Just got back from moab in my lr3, what an insane adventure it was!
I agree. Just got back a month ago and loved it!!
I didn't know Ian had a YT channel. I only see him on Saturday or Sunday mornings.
As a boyscout we were taught leave it better then when we got there and only leave footprints.
Thank you for this video! Please do more and encourage other high visibility members of the sport to do them as well! This is so needed it's sad.. I used to off-road with trucks back in the day when 33s were big and 35s were holy crap huge. Living in Maine a lot of trails have been lost to irresponsible drivers and also development which puts more pressure on the trails that are left. I enjoy SxSs but not all SxS owners... Being a member of many ATV clubs for 17 + years the rise of the high horsepower SxSs and 64"+ width has been the death Nell of to many trails and maintenance has soared as well thanks to uneducated throttle junkies. Thanks again and please push more trail use education out there!
I remember back in the 70's, big topic was the Darien Gap. Never hear anyone talk about it anymore.
As for trail etiquette people need to know if you're going up hill the downhill traffic should stop for uphill traffic. I agree with hand signals. But alot of don't know about trail etiquette..
Mark
My first rig was a 1984 Toyota flatbed 4x4. Installed 5.71’s Detroit in the front spool in the rear. 33” boggers on the back and TSL’s on the front. 22R with a cam. Add a leafs in all 4 corners. I nicknamed the truck YODATILLER….. cuz with the gears it would just crawl and dig up dirt in 2wd low😂…. I’ve learned so much with that truck. That truck would literally go anywhere. I joined a 4x4 club, all Jeep’s 🤪 I was able to go everywhere, even the places the other Jeep’s couldn’t go. I love Jeep’s, but I’d rather build another Toyota. I built this truck in 1999-2000 era. I’ve learned so much since then.
I have a ton of paper maps for the just in case type scenario. Maps don't run out of batteries
I recommend everyone carry a fire extinguisher with them. Fires are becoming much more common.
Love my 2 owner low miles 98 Ram 1500 out here in Utah. Leveling kit on 35s. Goes pretty much anywhere I care to go. I’m not a hardcore wheeler, more of an overland/forest service road exploring rig, but even then it’s got plenty of ground clearance to get over some fun things. Even better is that it was fairly cheap! Not on gas though lol.
Thank you so much for harping on the trash...it goes for anything, hiking, off-roading, fishing, hunting, etc. Im on a lot of trails to get to fishing spots and I legitimately always have a couple bags with me and 9 times out of 10 I have at least one bag full when I leave. Great video, two of my favorite off-road guys.
Holy shit dude I started watching him as a kid definitely had a impact on my off road interest
I want to get into off roading. I've been torn for some time between a RZR or building an XJ. I managed to get a XJ for free that needs some work so I'm probably going to go that route.
Life is short do things!
The camp fire thing is a huge issue out west here. The giant fire that trying to burn down Tahoe right now was started by an illegal camp fire. And now all of our federal lands are closed because people keep having illegal fires and we just dont have the resources to fight another fire.
How did I miss this one. Some really great points and Ian is one of my favorite people to watch. Been watching him forever...
I think the main reason that SxS are a PITA is that they're mostly rentals. The people I've met who owned and modified their own rigs are pretty cool. Rule #1 of Moab, the SxS always has the ROW....don't argue, just let them through and your life will be easier
Love this!! Love to see Ian being so real after seeing him on Saturday for so many years 😀
Keep up these quality collaborations, I love the good ones.
On shortages, it’s everything. I build computers, but I’m into trucks, or you might want a big screen, or hi-fi. If it has a chip, the supply chain is severely screwed at the moment. But, you talk to any other person in a occupation, and their orders are all backed up too. Fun times.
This is one of my favorite video's on CZcams! I am "new" to off-roading world and learning for myself. I started my company this year after buying my truck last year with the realization that there is sooo much out there I have yet to see. I have built a vehicle to be able to see more than my normal and with the parts I have designed and sell will be able to help more people see the outdoors. Thank you to Ian and yourself for having these conversations and educating your followers!
On the point of how to meet people to go with: my city has 3 or 4 FB groups and there's at least 1 or 2 group invites to go out a week! Along with others looking for people to go with. That system works well! We also have a recovery group for all of our province Incase people need a hand getting out!
I wanted to go Overlanding, wife wanted a pickup truck to haul furniture, trash, etc. So we got a Gladiator. I'm an old diesel guy, so eco diesel it was. Not disappointed.
You described my life over the last 3 yrs. perfectly, I'm 58 married with 3 kids between 35 and 21 I spent my life doing what's right for the family and the hotrod I had always wanted was never in the cards. In September 2019 I lost my youngest daughter in an auto accident and that's when it really sank in that someday may never get here and it could all end before I finish this comment. I have a 98 2 dr XJ that I drove back and forth to work , it now has a 6.0 LS, Pro rock 60's front and rear and hopefully 4 links soon. I went to Moab in May for 3 days, rented a Tacoma for a day and did Hells Revenge in a side by side, better than any day I ever spent in an amusement park. Can't wait to go back and take the XJ. Hopefully someday I'll get to meet you guys and maybe go out on a trail with you.
I too come from a hiking and backpacking background. My dad taught me from an early age to leave no trace. He also gave me my first rig, a Jeep XJ. I loved it but it got old and I moved to a 80 series Land Cruiser and Jeep Grand Cherokee. But ultimately gravitated back to a jeep XJ. The size, 4x4 system, capability, nimbleness and readily available parts and aftermarket has been amazing. For a beginner rig that would be my suggestion. Also, if your a mountain biker, etiquette lets you know to tell people you pass on the trail how many bikers are behind you, for the same reason you pointed out. It totally makes sense to do that on an offroad trail and I wish more people would understand that. All great points. Love the channel and discussions!
Northwest got serious technical trails! Smaller rigs really work out great here. Local trails actually limit rigs by width at the gate and signs mention preferred dimensions. Love our trails through!
Right on Dave,get out there !
Camping vs tv.... HA !!!
No Brainer....
the finger trick is seen a-lot on ATV and snowmobile trails in Maine. The new thing i saw on snowmobiles are orange lights for more coming green for last rider.
It’s crazy how much off-roading has grown the last few years
We recently went to a campsite near Kachess Lake in WA and seriously filled 2 trash bags with human crap 🤦♂️. People were crapping in plastic bags and leaving them instead of just digging a hole 🤷♂️. We've been nomads since 2018 and mainly camp as we travel. As yall mentioned all recreational activities have boomed. National Parks are having record visitor numbers. I personally love that more people are getting outdoors and seeing this beautiful and diverse country.. but please pack out what you pack in.
-Thomas
Thats horrible. We use double seal poop bags, but carry them out with us using a trasharoo for that and our garbage. We stopped digging holes on well traversed trails, as that is becoming a biohazard issue too. Getting tires of seeing tissue paper all over the place once the snows thaw.
@@themadpants781 What's really crazy is there are Porta Potties in the area. Of course there is no trash services. Utah does a good job of having dumpsters near National Forest entrances. Washington and Colorado are terrible about having trash in campsites and both have zero dumpsters around. I understand that cost money.. but Utah is like 75% public lands so if they can do it.. WA or CO with a larger tax base definitely can.
I pulled three bag worth out this summer while I was up there. I could have filled a trailer.
Great crash course! Makes it super easy to share with with our friends who are just getting into it 💯
Used the Southern California trail guide, tons of info on the trails, historical spots, interesting areas, how long the trail is, etc....
I'd love to get hold of an old Bronco II again, had one back in the day and I loved that thing.
The best starter rig is probably what you already have. Anybody the daily drives a SUV or a truck has something capable enough to get out there and get on some dirt roads and easy trails. Bring some smart gear and make sure you have a recovery point. After that get out there!
Sure you can build a crazy rig. But, you don't have to do that to have fun and enjoy getting out there.
Thanks for the talk, and all the different guess you have had on videos in the last week. Everybody has had good incite to add to your experience. Kero up the good work.
Thanks Guys! Your discussion couldn't come at a better time. My buddy and I were having the exact conversation you opened with (first 5ish min) over the camp fire a couple weeks ago. I'm at a life stage transition point and we were talking about what the next few years will bring and whether our vehicle builds were right for what's next.
I still check the forums too bad every time I see something it’s years back definitely miss the forums but you can learn so much from I know we all did
One thing that's also driving this is with a massive shift to work from home, a lot of folks are realizing they don't need a daily commuter anymore because their commute is in their house. I'm a hiker who has been driving a Forester for the last few years (daily commuter that can softroad) and am going to a 1/2ton 4x4 this fall. I don't need the great mileage and practicality of the Forester anymore, so I can get something better suited for my weekend pursuits.
Now I picked a 1/2ton over a dedicated off-road capable SUV because I also want to be able to haul & tow (glamping with the wife, as well as hauling RC planes + people, the constant switching between backseat and hauling on the Forester annoys me), but it will be an overland-oriented build. Of course I used to truck camp with my dad when I was a kid, so I'm looking to do the same thing now as an adult.
Big Tire Garage is Canadian, that makes him the Nickleback of the offroad world
Is it just me, or does no one else not see the striking resemblance of Ian and Mr Heat Miser from those Santa Clause kids show from the 70’s. 🤣
Now onto the topic on hand. My first off road vehicle was a stock 90 jeep wrangler. I ended up swapping out the rear axle to an 8.8, EFI 350, 700R4, lockers front/ Rear, 5” lift, 35” Swampers. Was an amazing vehicle that i built over the course of 2 years.
Now im on my 5th Bronco (86) which is my cushy overlanding vehicle.
Hand signals for group size is something we learned growing up snowmobiling in Michigan but you're right, so many people don't know the little things like that but they are big things
Have to say living in puyallup, Gifford Pinchot which is just past Elbe is probably my favorite spot to explore, lots of small day drive things but you can still get stuck if you try
It all started for me several years ago when I watched a documentary on the national parks system and then I found out about overlanding. I bought my Jeep JK and have been traveling to parks and the back roads and trails of America. I only get a chance to go out a couple times a year right now but when I retire then Katy bar the door !! I've also got a 1958 Willys Wagon that will be my future off road rig.
With the exception of IL, I agree US has great off-road diversity 😀
Great video. I once purchased a couple dvds of extreme 4x4 WJ transformation, but never got it done. It was a "showy" type video, where my eyes got bigger than what I can actually afford. Nevertheless, I still have the 2001 WJ Jeep (every other car is a Honda/Toyota), but I truly appreciate your version of video, Craftsmanship, communication, and information. And, when you font know, you say it or research it. That is what I appreciate the most of your endeavors. It is appreciated AND we are all better for it. I'm very happy you made the move to full time YT, but also wish you every success in all your endeavors. Holler whenever your in CO! Take care and be safe out there.
Just as an idea from a noob myself: I personally think the best way to start is to find people in your area who already offroad and to get in contact with them. There needs to be an app, similar to eharmony, where there are groups of offroaders from gravel roads to rock crawling people. This should be the go-to app where once you get it, you can see where others are checked-in at, chats to get new members, and again all of this is people in the area. But you would be able to put a radius over a different area and start chatting with the members of the app in that area if you wanted to explore other places. It's just hard to get started when there is no people around that you can go with.
My 93 year old dad was watching a rock climbing video with me and his comment was "Why do they tear up there cars"? So true, it's not for everyone. I enjoyed this episode, thanks.
I think the best, first, off-road vehicle is something that has aftermarket support. Finding a sweet deal on a random 4x4 might seem like a great start but when you can't find any parts or upgrades on the market a person could get frustrated. Also, from everything I have seen and heard, don't start with a full-size truck/SUV since trails are often designed around mid-size or smaller vehicles.
I see allot more Bronco IIs in the woods these days w/ FORD 8.8 rear, D35 TTB, 4.0L engines. They are cheap and capable as long as they aren't rusted out as Jeeps of the same year will be here in the North East.
Defenders. When i was about 7yr old i fell in love with them. Now ive had one sat outside my living room window for the past 3 years.
If you really want something do it. You wont regret it.
Good talk, 2 very knowledgeable people there, I remember watching Ian on Spike TV. Watching Powerblock was a must every weekend.
Charles A Wells, the Moab book is one of my favorite. Spent a month out there reading that and finding the trails, wheelin them...Good Stuff!!
Long time ago though, I can understand why the locals get bewildered by the amount of traffic that exist now. Believe i saw maybe 1 dozen people on the trail when camping/wheelin'
If you guys could stop letting everyone know how awesome Montana is... that'd be greaaat! 😁
Jeep and side by side. I have em both. And love em both. No turbo side by side here.
Ummm as far as diverse outdoors, I get what you are saying about America but gotta say try Australia, extremely remote desert, rainforests, snow fields, remote islands, and everything in between. Many car manufacturers test their vehicles in Australia's outdoors because it is one of the most diverse outdoors with extreme climates.
Hi Nate and Ian. Love that you guys meet up and chat about off roading (and help us noobs out as well!) Keep up the great content!
Trail Etiquette: slow down. I get the side by sides are fast and fun, but save the full throttle for the open OHV areas, or the track, w/e. I've been involved in two offroad collisions out here in AZ, and seen several more happen firsthand. In all but one, same scenario: SxS is going too fast around a blind corner and ends up in oncoming traffic. Pro tip if you own or rent one of these things; those cages are for low speed roll protection, not so much collision, and on many of them, your upper body and/or face is about level with the bumper and grill on a lifted jeep or truck. Physics says the full size vehicle that weighs at least twice what you do will win every time, and it does not go well for the SxS occupants, let me tell you.
I loved this chat ,
Some good ideas put out there. Also I did not know that Ian was a fellow Canadian,awesome!
You can use Mich Ultra and Bud light cans as mile markers on side-by-side accessible trails in the southeast. Don't forget, a lot of people breathe through their mouths.
Totally agree on the diversity of the US. I'm from Nebraska (ya, I know 😜). If you've never been to Western NE & saw pics of it, you'd never guess where it was. Just got back from South Dakota & it was killer. My Sis lived in Hall Montana, absolutely gorgeous. Bottom line is every state has cool areas, you just need to go explore them.