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Author Topic: 2WD Truck River road west to east  (Read 1277 times)  Share 

Offline webnel

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2WD Truck River road west to east
« on: December 27, 2011, 03:21:23 PM »
I plan to take my 2WD Truck (with oversize all Terrain tires) from River road west to east on new years weekend 2011. I've done it on a BMW GS motorcycle 10 years ago w/o issues. I know there a sandy spots and that's my only concern. Ranger on the phone suggest 4x4 and 2wd is not recommended (I don't blame them to always say that). Anyone there recently?

I'll have the diesel tank full, a tow strap, shovel, flat boards, water and food (and packin') if gettin' stuck would happen.   We'll drive down old maverick to Santa elana canyon for a hike, then Mariscal mine, and then to Ernst tinaja for a hike, so that's why we are going this route.
« Last Edit: December 27, 2011, 06:36:13 PM by webnel »
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Offline Al

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Re: 2WD Truck River road west to east
« Reply #1 on: December 27, 2011, 04:19:19 PM »
Unless it just rained it won't be a problem.

Al
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Offline webnel

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Re: 2WD Truck River road west to east
« Reply #2 on: December 28, 2011, 10:11:51 AM »
Good deal. It hasn't rained too much there lately that I know of and all clear skies this week.
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Offline elhombre

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Re: 2WD Truck River road west to east
« Reply #3 on: December 28, 2011, 11:51:19 AM »
Within the first couple of miles coming from the West side, the road will stay in a creek bed for a while.  When we were there, it was getting somewhat deep.  Just keep the pedal on the floor because momentum will be your friend.
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Offline webnel

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Re: 2WD Truck River road west to east
« Reply #4 on: December 28, 2011, 02:04:50 PM »
Good info! I recall this area from 10 years ago. I've planned to make sure sure the truck rolls past the soft spots w/o stopping. Good to know that once out of the creek it'll be smoother sailing  :engel016: (less chance of getting stuck) from there.
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Offline webnel

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Re: 2WD Truck River road west to east
« Reply #5 on: December 28, 2011, 02:16:06 PM »
I take it this is the sand trap area of RR west?



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Offline webnel

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Re: 2WD Truck River road west to east
« Reply #6 on: December 28, 2011, 04:24:28 PM »
tvc15, Oh, you are saying it was a bit tricky with 4x4 engaged through the sand traps?
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Offline Al

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Re: 2WD Truck River road west to east
« Reply #7 on: December 28, 2011, 07:17:03 PM »
Thanks guys for the update. That's what's great about this board!

I didn't realize that stretch of road had gotten that bad.  Conditions like this is where all-terrain tires will pay back when combined with some driving skills.

Al
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Offline webnel

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Re: 2WD Truck River road west to east
« Reply #8 on: January 02, 2012, 02:11:59 PM »
Thanks for all the feedback! I drove RR west to east and didn't get stuck. Sand wasn't an issue for me. I did Old ore road too and that had more challenges than RR. Had to build a rock ramp once to get over a pretty thechnical spot. I had to get out and survey many times on old ore and never once on RR. High clearance, oversize tires and some skill got me through 'em. I will not drive a 4x2 down the full length of old ore again any time soon. It was too risky with needing the right line and momentum to make the climbs ( but fun and challenging as well).
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Offline Al

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Re: 2WD Truck River road west to east
« Reply #9 on: January 02, 2012, 04:32:19 PM »
Webnel, thanks for the brief report!   Glad to hear RR wasn't a problem with 2 wheel drive.  Now please give us a real trip report with pictures!

Thanks again,
Al
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Offline webnel

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Re: 2WD Truck River road west to east
« Reply #10 on: January 02, 2012, 10:06:47 PM »
I might post-up a post trip report, but for now here are some of the photos (just as-is jpg images from the camera) from the trip.

Photos:
http://www.smugmug.com/gallery/20865924_JCmtpc

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Offline Al

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Re: 2WD Truck River road west to east
« Reply #11 on: January 02, 2012, 10:36:49 PM »
webnel, you obviously did a lot more than drive the back roads.  Great photos!  Tell us more, por favor.

Al
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Offline homerboy2u

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Re: 2WD Truck River road west to east
« Reply #12 on: January 02, 2012, 10:53:03 PM »


 Nice perspective, some of your pictures of the park. I have not seen before. Looking forward to reading your Trip Report.
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Offline mule ears

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Re: 2WD Truck River road west to east
« Reply #13 on: January 03, 2012, 06:59:14 AM »
Some great shots there!  Am I seeing that Ernst Tinaja is dry?  I don't think I have ever seen that before.

Like Al said, tell us more please.
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Offline RichardM

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Re: 2WD Truck River road west to east
« Reply #14 on: January 03, 2012, 08:50:21 AM »
Quote from: mule ears on January 03, 2012, 06:59:14 AM
Some great shots there!  Am I seeing that Ernst Tinaja is dry?  I don't think I have ever seen that before.

Like Al said, tell us more please.
Looks wet to me.
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