After a nice trip into Canyonlands and Arches, I found myself in Green River with an extra day. I have always wanted to try driving on the Moab slickrock, but never seemed to be there with enough time on my own. But this trip, even with 100+ temps, I decided to give it a try. Fins and Things is a well maintained and marked trail that is rated at 5 out of 10 for difficulty. So I figured a bone stock 2003 Tacoma loaded with outboard motor, gas tank, battery, etc. could do that with no problem. So I put the boat on the ground next to the RV and ventured out on my own.
Other than a few scrapes on the tow bar mounting in front and the receiver hitch in back, the only casualty was the right rear shock. I looked under the truck when a loud banging told my something was wrong down there. I found the bottom mounting ring had broken off the shock and decided that was really no problem, so continued on.
Since I had no good way to refill the tires, I did not even air down. The half-gone AT tires did fine. I needed to punch in the rear locker to get up some of the steepest sections. But overall I am very happy with the way the truck performs. So now with a broken shock, it must be time for new springs, shocks, 33" tires, and so on.
Other than a few scrapes on the tow bar mounting in front and the receiver hitch in back, the only casualty was the right rear shock. I looked under the truck when a loud banging told my something was wrong down there. I found the bottom mounting ring had broken off the shock and decided that was really no problem, so continued on.
Since I had no good way to refill the tires, I did not even air down. The half-gone AT tires did fine. I needed to punch in the rear locker to get up some of the steepest sections. But overall I am very happy with the way the truck performs. So now with a broken shock, it must be time for new springs, shocks, 33" tires, and so on.
