I'm gearing up for my big trip to CO. Leaving Saturday around noon. The plan as it stands right now is to drive fully loaded straight though to CO on Sunday morning. When I say fully loaded I mean Lexy with 7 passengers, towing my Mule, packed with camping gear. I'll post up pictures so you guys can see how crazy I am taking 5 kids on this adventure.
CREACHR's in the Big Hills
- Thread starter CREACHR
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Enjoy the trip, just came back from that way on Sunday/Monday!
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- #7
On way out: attempted Mosquito Pass with Mule in tow. Made it th snow field where some had winched through an off camber. I was dumb enough to try... Stuck... tried backing out... jack-knifed... dropped trailer after blocking it, dug myself about 75% out when the well equiped Jeep arrived and with winch. I decended in shame back down with zero damage.
Day 2: Italian Creek. Found some big mud... Lexy covered in a nice brown coating.
Day 3: Taylor Pass. Went from Taylor to Aspen and return trip. Lexy now has nice rock rash to show off! No problems at all, and we impressed the hell out of the ATV's on the trail. Rained all night at camp and decision is made to break camp in morning rain or shine.
Day 4: Rain finally stops, wet pack up. Travel to Ouray area. Sunny on arrival... now. Sitting in my rig waiting for rain to stop...
Day 2: Italian Creek. Found some big mud... Lexy covered in a nice brown coating.
Day 3: Taylor Pass. Went from Taylor to Aspen and return trip. Lexy now has nice rock rash to show off! No problems at all, and we impressed the hell out of the ATV's on the trail. Rained all night at camp and decision is made to break camp in morning rain or shine.
Day 4: Rain finally stops, wet pack up. Travel to Ouray area. Sunny on arrival... now. Sitting in my rig waiting for rain to stop...
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- #8
Day 5: Engineer Pass, Animas Forks, Corkscrew Pass. Outstanding scenry and weather!
Day 6: Black Bear and Imogeen Passes. Long day, but what scenery.
Day 7: Travel home
I'll be posting up some pictures as I get them off my various picture taking machines.
All in all, Lexy did awesome! Averaged about 12.5 MPG with 7 passengers while towing the mule during highway runs.
I cracked the air intake while checking the filter, bunged up the rear bumper a bit, scratched the tar out of the DS fender flare, but now I know where the mods need to be made 1st. Towing was a breeze minus the lack of power on the up hills. The OME suspension was a nice ride with all the load on the rear. She drove nice and smooth on the highway and was wonderful off-road.
Kids (all 5) had a blast! I and the girlfriend are a bit saddle sore from all the seat time. Definitely a trip for all to remember.
Day 6: Black Bear and Imogeen Passes. Long day, but what scenery.
Day 7: Travel home
I'll be posting up some pictures as I get them off my various picture taking machines.
All in all, Lexy did awesome! Averaged about 12.5 MPG with 7 passengers while towing the mule during highway runs.
I cracked the air intake while checking the filter, bunged up the rear bumper a bit, scratched the tar out of the DS fender flare, but now I know where the mods need to be made 1st. Towing was a breeze minus the lack of power on the up hills. The OME suspension was a nice ride with all the load on the rear. She drove nice and smooth on the highway and was wonderful off-road.
Kids (all 5) had a blast! I and the girlfriend are a bit saddle sore from all the seat time. Definitely a trip for all to remember.
Looking forward to those pictures. That truly sounds like a great trip. Woody's 80 "Gretchen" cracked he air intake on the Kokopelli trip, not fun but duct tape did the trick. 12.5mpg is awesome!
Glad you had fun.
Glad you had fun.
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- #10
Haven't had time to get the camera memory card out with all the catch up at work after being gone, but I had a few on my phone. This picture has given me inspiration to get my 77 Bronco back in working order. I saw this group several times over the 2 days in Ouray area. Talked with them a bit and got some good ideas on what I want to do with my old girl. I grew up a Ford guy before falling in love with the Toys. My girlfriend absolutely loves my classic Bronco, and when she saw these up on Imogen Pass... Let's just say she gave me the go ahead on my resto project at home. Time to find some garage space and get to work! 
I've never done a frame off, so this should be very interesting.
I've never done a frame off, so this should be very interesting.
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- #11
Yep, the duct tape got me home. I did get a code that I was running too lean somewhere in there, but after reset I didn't see it again. Going to call Cdan and see if he can get one out to me.
Also after doing some of the downhill stretches with my Mule, I definitely need to upgrade the brakes. Will be going to 100 Series brake pads.
Also, didn't have all the time I wanted to get Lexy wired for CB before I left. I did get some aux power outlets for the all the kid's electronics and dvd players that kept the sanity for the 20 hour road trip. I realized that I need to get more cup holders and better location for aux power as well as an upgrade in the sound system. These will all be on the list.
Front/rear bumpers and sliders are definitely on the short list. I've got to get the tire out from under the cruiser before head out there again. I did avoid damage to the spare, but just not a good situation to keep it under there.
