Can Ford SUV type vehicles handle the back country roads?

[happyhiker39]

A friend of mine and I are trying to plan a trip to BIBE and he wanted me to ask what the road conditions are like for someone traveling in a Ford SUV. I'm probably not stating this correctly at all, but I think he is wanting to know what the clearance is like for such vehicles? And are there specific areas or roads that need to be avoided? Any help, suggestions, etc...are very appreciated!

Virginia

[Casa Grande]

A friend of mine and I are trying to plan a trip to BIBE and he wanted me to ask what the road conditions are like for someone traveling in a Ford SUV. I'm probably not stating this correctly at all, but I think he is wanting to know what the clearance is like for such vehicles? And are there specific areas or roads that need to be avoided? Any help, suggestions, etc...are very appreciated!

Virginia

Of course, it depends on what model Ford SUV.  The only way to know road conditions in the backcountry is to check with the HQ at Panther Junction when you get there.  Generally, in dry conditions, high clearance will do just fine. However, when it get wet, much different story. The problems come in to play when you go in dry and leave when it's wet....then you have a problem if you don't have 4wd.

[happyhiker39]

Thanks for the info. I am not sure what model he drives, or if it is considered high clearance, but I'll pass the information you gave along to him.  :)

[01ACRViper]

just watch what you dangle sensitive areas of your truck over, don't want to lose all your fluids  :shock: and don't underestimate the Big Bend mud.

[betteroutside]

The main danger is to the paint. So if he is really fussy about his vehicle, probably should stay on the pavement. I take my Tunda DC on all of the roads and it has quite a bit of desert pinstripe!!!Can't see having a vehicle and not using it for what it was intended.

[okiehiker]

THE DRIVER.  Where you can go on these roads has far more to do with the driver than with the vehicle.  I daresay that more people get in trouble thinking that a vehicle can get them down the Black Gap Road, or other backcountry roads.  It is skill and exxperience that gets one up and down the BIBE roads.  A Ford SUV (explorer? expedition??... other??) Is more than adequate if the operator uses good judgment.  

The video that was posted little while ago (I'm too lazy to look up the thread...) could have been made with the vehicles reversed, had the drivers been reversed as well.

I have driven the Black Gap Road twice in a two-wheel drive Ford.  (It wasn't a very good idea... and I don't recommend it.)  

1. Talk to the rangers about road conditions.
2. Assess your level of experience and expertise
3. Assess the versatility of your vehicle
4. Plan for the worst... (e.g. have food, water and shelter with you. bring two spare tires, have a 12v air compressor, make sure that you are strong enough to remove your lug nuts!!)
5. Have a great time because you know everything else is taken care of!

[happyhiker39]

I think he drives an explorer...and it's pretty and black and always clean lol. So, hmmm after reading this thread...because I think he will...he might only consider paved roads. ;)

As far as the video goes...I already saw that thread and tried to view them, but it didn't work. Too bad...I was really curious!

[01ACRViper]

I think he drives an explorer...and it's pretty and black and always clean lol. So, hmmm after reading this thread...because I think he will...he might only consider paved roads. ;)

As far as the video goes...I already saw that thread and tried to view them, but it didn't work. Too bad...I was really curious!

you might have to wait a while, but unless they give you an error they should load eventually

[Doc Savage]

Okie said it fairly well. Driver has alot to do with it. Under most conditions except the worst, a 2wd pickup could pretty much do any of the back country roads (Provided the driver knows what they are doing). I've helped get 2wd pickups down trails that put Black Gap to shame (and nothing but rubber touched rocks). Most times I've been to BIBE there was little to worry about (other than brush marks to paint which we call pinstripping, adds character). However I've been once that I was glad my rig could take on most anything (and that I had a GPS as you lost River Road where it had been washed out in places).

Robert

[RichardM]

The rangers and visitor center workers will also tailor their advice to the user and vehicle using their best judgement.   Being honest with them about what you're looking for (and looking to avoid) will greatly improve their response.  Don't bother trying to impress them, as they've seen all types.  :)

[happyhiker39]

you might have to wait a while, but unless they give you an error they should load eventually

I let the thing download, but nothing happened after that. There was a graphic of a broken link on my screen and nothing else...so that could be construed as an error I suppose.  I'll try it again though. :)

[01ACRViper]

try saving it to your HDD, it works when i do it that way. you can always delete it later. plus its easier on my server that way

[TheWildWestGuy]

Most domestic SUV's don't come with locking lugnuts but having recently spent 3 hours helping a woman who had a VW Jetta with locking lugnuts make sure you have the key to unlock them.  The poor woman I helped didn't even know she had locking lugnuts and didn't have the key to unlock them.  We eventually went to the VW dealership but they said VW put on 32 different types of locking lugnuts and they could not look it up by VIN number because VW doesn't keep records about which type go on which car.  They laughed about it and said that they had to see the car personally and that people sometimes get their cars towed long distances because of this.  The woman eventually spent $250 getting her car towed 3 miles and having them take off the lug nuts and put the spare tire on.  Imagine if that happened on the Old Ore Road!

I also recommend bringing a shovel and some rope, never had to use them yet but it's better to have them and not use them than need them and not have them.  Fold-in your side view mirrors to avoid damage and give you more passing clearance for vehicles coming the other way.  Plan on about 5 miles/hour or less because it's fun to stop and look at things along the way... TWWG

[Casa Grande]

Don't forget the tire plugs and plug tools!  I don't leave home without them! You'd be amazed at what can poke up into your tires.   Of course, you'll also need a little 12v air compressor.

[tjavery]

Yep, definitely the driver. I saw a Lincoln Towncar coming out of Pine Canyon last year. I'm sure it was a smooth ride, but it wasn't exactly high clearance  :D