Events/Trails Trip Report: Death Valley and a Wrecked 80...

[Irish Reiver]

Glad you're all ok. I especially hope your fiancee is OK and not too shook up about the incident. It sounds like she was starting to love the idea of off roading and the joys it brings us. I would hate to think that she or you have lost the stomach for it. I know it is scary but getting back out as soon as possible is the best cure.

 

[RFB]

Thursday, 12/28

We wake up early to catch the Playa before sunrise. We were quickly advised that dogs were not allowed on the Playa, but we were able to grab a quick photo before taking the pup back to the car.

Do these photos ever get old?...

After some breakfast with the crew we decided it was time to hit the road to Lippincott

I've heard ranging reports about Lippincott's difficulty and they were all true. Most of the drive was narrow and steep, but managable in 4L. I wish I had done the 7-Pin/CDL switch mod prior to the trip as there are a number of switchbacks that stress out the drivetrain in locked mode. I had to disengage 4L a couple times because of this.

The Montero is such an underrated car, these things rule and are super capable.

There is one section of Lippincott that is particularly cambered throughout, I'm surprised our buddy's rear motorcycle hitch mount cleared most of the obstacles with little issue.

No better way to end the trail than with a pair of A-10 Warthogs performing low passes right above us.

Im glad you made it out, its very sobering to see and hear this stuff happening but its a good reminder too. these are alrge heavy trucks and we tend to take them to the toughest places we can find. Im glad you guys made it, and Im glad the original telling was wrong and the dog is indeed OK> makes me proud to always add the 4xlabs hashtag.

 

[Marine7]

It should buff right out.....

 

[xepyt]

I was the dude that follwowed Luke to the site and helped him...

Hey man- definitely remember you and appreciate everything that you did. That goes for anyone else on the road who lent a hand in any way. We were completely shook from the accident and focused on the dog so apologies if we came off dismissive or not present.

Did you and Luke try to restart the truck? I was wondering if it could have actually run and drove it's own way out, even in the condition it was in.

We didn't try as there was coolant and power steering fluid already leaking by the time we stepped out of the car.

As a future note (and having worked at Death Valley NP in the past) if you attempt this trip again, don't get caught with your puppy in the backcountry, on or off leash. The LE Rangers WILL ticket you. Pets are only allowed in the pay campgrounds and only on leash.

Definitely noted! Good to know, we were lucky the ranger was so understanding about him being on the Playa.

Glad you're all ok. I especially hope your fiancee is OK and not too shook up about the incident. It sounds like she was starting to love the idea of off roading and the joys it brings us. I would hate to think that she or you have lost the stomach for it. I know it is scary but getting back out as soon as possible is the best cure.

You pretty much nailed it. Despite being outgoing she was pretty apprehensive about the LC purchase considering our other priorities in queue... but you're right she was just starting to see the light. We had a conversation and we don't think this is the last chapter for us. Once we get some finances sorted we're hoping for a 100 series sometime in our future. Oh and you know it will definitely be rocking less weight up top and some 4X4Labs armor!


Again- I want to take the time to thank everyone for all the support and kind words. You guys rock.

 

[Atwalz]

Glad to hear everyone made it safe but 80 series. You could rebuild the truck and find a donor cab. There are plenty here at dismantler yards in Rancho Cordova, CA.

 

[DSRTRDR]

sorry to hear of the rollover - glad to hear you all made it out alive

that said: get her a 40-series - most fun to be had, EVER

 

[ranma21]

Glad everyone and doggy get out of this just fine!! Sorry about the truck, but hey time to build another one!!

 

[Outsane]

Looking forward to seeing the next rig and more great trip reports. Keep it going.

 

[eurosonic]

wow, what in incredible adventure. Glad you guys are ok and that you found your puppy.

 

[LS1FJ40]

Wait a second!

The 80 lays down its life and protects you and your family and you are even considering buying something else, let alone a 100?!?!

You need to be rushed to a hospital for a CT Scan! Pronto!

 

[yotasavg]

Wait a second!

The 80 lays down its life and protects you and your family and you are even considering buying something else, let alone a 100?!?!

You need to be rushed to a hospital for a CT Scan! Pronto!

Can't blame a guy for seeing the value cup holders

 

[DirtScaresMe]

Like most others, I'm so happy you're okay. I part time on an ambulance and have gone to plenty of motor vehicle accidents that look better than that with far worse results. Seriously, give yourselves a big a hug.

I keep coming back to this picture and it's spooking me out because of how "normal" it looks: it looks like any given well packed, well graded, level, and wide dirt road. Nothing technical on it (that I can see). Do you think it was a speed thing? Was there something not pictured? Not trying to knit-pick or judge, just trying to learn from what you experienced. Do you think it was the oversteering in general, and just the top heavy weight like you mentioned?

If you could go back 500 yards before this picture what would you have done different?

 

[fuzzywuzzy]

Glad the whole family (dog included) are ok, sorry for the loss of your LC. For a new owner whose considering a roof rack I wanted to see pics of where the crash occurred to hopefully glean some knowledge, was it this graded road in the post just above this one? If so that freaks me out a bit.

 

[2fpower]

Been thinking about this. How do you get out of this type of situation? Do you floor the car and power out of the fishtail? I have watched many police car chases and seen many get out of PIT hits, or similar sways and wondered how best to recover?

 

[Dave 2000]

Seeing accidents like this brings home just how quick an adventure can turn into a nightmare. I get out a lot with just my small dog for company, and I hope seeing and reading events such as this, perhaps reminds me to curb my enthusiasm just a little, and perhaps take fewer risks.

The outcome for you and yours was thankfully favourable in this case, no one badly hurt and of course the dog returning puts the icing on the cake for me.

Thanks for taking the time to post.

Regards

Dave

 

[DirtScaresMe]

On the final switchback of a road up here (Mammoth Lakes Trail System | Motorized Trail Riding Laurel Lakes Road) a guy rolled and died a few years ago. Whenever I get to that turn I take it really seriously. I actually don't do it with my kids, there's plenty of other places to go that don't have a death toll.

 

[NorCalFJ100]

I'm really glad all you two and your pup is okay. I'll say that the LC community is unlike no other. Hope you can eventually get back on the road again with another Toyota!

 

[xepyt]

I keep coming back to this picture and it's spooking me out because of how "normal" it looks: it looks like any given well packed, well graded, level, and wide dirt road. Nothing technical on it (that I can see). Do you think it was a speed thing? Was there something not pictured? Not trying to knit-pick or judge, just trying to learn from what you experienced. Do you think it was the oversteering in general, and just the top heavy weight like you mentioned?

If you could go back 500 yards before this picture what would you have done different?

There's so many factors that it really was all the things others have previously mentioned in both threads. I think a big factor was the rear end hitting the burm at the outter edge of the road, but who knows if she could have straightened out otherwise. In the end, taking it slower would have been the best form of prevention in all cases.

Been thinking about this. How do you get out of this type of situation? Do you floor the car and power out of the fishtail? I have watched many police car chases and seen many get out of PIT hits, or similar sways and wondered how best to recover?

I think there's a few ways to approach, though others may want to chime in here, but the most important thing for me is to input with moderation and precision (whether gas or steering). Exaggerated countersteering/throttle will shift weight and spin out a passenger vehicle easily, so it's even more critical on a top heavy/lifted 80.

Also, being that the 80 is AWD letting off the gas abruptly might induce even more oversteer, I would probably have trailed off and moderated the throttle slightly and attempt to save it through steering. I went through a similar "oh-s*** oversteer/let off the gas" situation at The Corkscrew (Laguna Seca) in an AWD car ages ago and nearly spun out. Also, looking through the turn always helps.

 

[Fj81]

Wait a second!

The 80 lays down its life and protects you and your family and you are even considering buying something else, let alone a 100?!?!

You need to be rushed to a hospital for a CT Scan! Pronto!

Give him a chance to recover, he must have bumped his head pretty hard

 

[Zezima288]

So sorry to hear about this, but this just sounds like a case of a lack of common sense by an inexperienced driver.
Condolences to the 80 and glad you guys walked away from it. Let this be a very important lesson to all drivers. The rollover risk is real with these vehicles and it is even posted as a warning label inside to help prevent accidents like this.