My first time wheeling ever and I couldn't have had a better experience. The people I met were amazing and so helpful. I didn't realize how unprepared I was and now have a much better understanding of what build direction to consider and many of the simple things I should have known about before heading out. Without these guys I likely wouldn't have made it out of the parking lot.
- Deflators are a thing. I need those.
- Don't be a moron and at least bring a tire guage
- Have a plan to re-air or be prepared to wait for the open hoses. At least have my own line and fittings to use the community air.
- 6" lift doesn't solve all problems. I was thinking the more lift the better. Seeing what people did yesterday changed that.
- Trust your spotter, even when it feels wrong, listen to what is being said and hold your line.
- Gearing, gearing, gearing ... I get it now and see why it's so important.
- Practice brake and throttle at the same time. Thanks Crusha!!
- Lockers are like a security blanket. Needed them 2-3 times for only a few seconds, but was happy to have them.
- Make sure the battery is secured. Seems like common sense right? Lesson learned. Bring tie downs too.
- Be okay with breaking something.
- Don't try hero runs and hold up the group forever. Press your limits to find them, but know what your rig is and isn't capable of.
- Recovery gear. Super important. CB also for keeping in touch with the group.
- 4Runners, Tacomas and 100 Series are serious vehicles too. I was an 80 Series snob and have been educated.
- Jeeps are a dime a dozen. EVERYONE seems to have one and bringing it on a trailer seems to be required.
- A 24 year old Cruiser can pull a new Taco over a green trail.
- Having the AAA coverage with the 200 mile tow radius = WORTH IT.
These were my main takeaways from yesterday. Overall it was the best time I've had sober or with my clothes on in a long time and I didn't even do anything close to scary. I learned what my truck is capable of in stock trim with 33" tires and am amazed. What Crusha and Vince did with ease was just silly and the 4Runners were mind blowing. Seeing a built Taco vs a Factory built Taco was a learning experience as well.
A huge THANK YOU to all the guys yesterday for showing me the line, spotting, helping with battery and airing stupidity, doing the baby trails with me, bringing up the rear to make sure everyone made it and towing Mike out to the parking lot. I can't wait to do it again and promise to be much better prepared the next time.
Pics coming
