Author Topic: Couple of questions, rigs and driving style (Read 1362 times) Tweet Share

Jimbow · « **on:** January 22, 2012, 11:55:54 AM »

Two questions, I am looking at two trucks, a 1990 Suburban and 1997 Yukon. We will be purchasing a small TT or pop up eventually so I need some towing capability and both seem to have plenty. The truck will probably only be used for vacations. From the point of view of driving BB unimproved roads, what issues should I be considering? In our trips we have always hiked and backpacked, but I guess we're starting to feel a little old and wanting to see parts of the park we've missed.

Second question, on the beach I prefer to stay in 2 wheel drive until I experience a problem, then use 4 wheel drive to get out. The logic has been, if I get stuck in 4 wheel drive, I'd have no margin of error to get out.

Now, it seems the driving is different here, and wondering what y'alls thoughts are.

Casa Grande · « **Reply #1 on:** January 22, 2012, 02:10:34 PM »

Clearance should be considered first. 4x4 is a luxury and helps out a great deal when it rains while you're out there but under normal conditions it isn't really necessary.

Going 4x2 in low gear is recommended mostly. 4x4 when you really need it.

Jimbow · « **Reply #2 on:** January 22, 2012, 04:34:30 PM »

Iirc both trucks have about 7 inches of clearance. I guess I need to do a little more research. How important is wheelbase?

Al · « **Reply #3 on:** January 22, 2012, 05:26:08 PM »

As David points out you can get anywhere in the park with 2 wheel drive unless it just rained or a short stretch of Black Gap. Wheel base only comes into play a couple of places such as north of Telephone Canyon on Old Ore Rd. or perhaps Juniper Canyon Rd if not recently maintained. But with basic dirt road driving skills a longer wheel base shouldn't be too much of a problem. The shorter wheel base will be easier to drive through these few stretches though.

Al

Doc Savage · « **Reply #4 on:** January 22, 2012, 08:15:09 PM »

Agree with most of what AL said. Only once have I NEEDED 4WD in BIBE when there was a mud hole on RR west and I had my pop up behind me, it really was a boat anchor then

. I do run 4WD most of the time, mainly for the low gearing (haven't put a 2 low option in yet). Clearance, slow speed and being smart are all your really need.

I'm not real familiar with the Yukon, but check you rear overhang on both, I'd go with the one with the least overhang. Had a friend drive his Sub on some trails here in Bama and besides having to use winchs to turn him around a sharp hair pin curve, and catching the rear bumper a couple of places he made an easy trail OK.

Robert

Jimbow · « **Reply #5 on:** January 22, 2012, 08:23:38 PM »

Thank you. The overhang on that 1990 Suburban seems like four feet, it almost looks comical. I like it for the sleeping possibilities. However, I am leaning towards the Yukon. Not looking forward to the drive from the Rio GrandeValley at 15mpg instead of the CRV at over 30.

Casa Grande · « **Reply #6 on:** January 23, 2012, 06:38:35 AM »

Quote from: Jimbow on January 22, 2012, 08:23:38 PM

Not looking forward to the drive from the Rio GrandeValley at 15mpg instead of the CRV at over 30.

I hear ya, but it'll be worth it!

dkerr24 · « **Reply #7 on:** January 23, 2012, 06:53:17 AM »

I think I'd be more concerned about driving a 21 or 14 year old vehicle to one of the most remote places in the lower 48 states. Hope you have a good solid mechanic who can completely go over the trucks and let you know if they are up for the trip.

Not saying either truck won't be reliable, just when you start getting past 10 years, careful maintenance is not something you can ignore.

Darin

Jimbow · « **Reply #8 on:** January 23, 2012, 10:00:29 AM »

Darin, both vehicles are owned by trusted friends of mine who a very particular about maintaining their equipment. The Yukon was just overhauled 15,000 miles ago by a mechanic I know. The owner would still be driving it if the transmission had not gone out during our Boy Scout summer camp and he needed a truck to tow a boat and drive up the beach.

I was also concerned about pin striping a new truck I was making payments on.

kevint · « **Reply #9 on:** January 23, 2012, 01:03:59 PM »

Quote from: Jimbow on January 23, 2012, 10:00:29 AM

I was also concerned about pin striping a new truck I was making payments on.

The pin striping is guaranteed if you go on unmaintained roads. Factor it into your decision.

WL2 · « **Reply #10 on:** January 23, 2012, 01:39:29 PM »

I would like to pursue the driving style part of this post as we may be ignoring the most important part of west Texas driving, the small sharp rocks. A cut tire will leave you without a spare and a very long way to a replacement. If you are traveling with only one vehicle a second spare would be nice. Also wheel spin is not an option with the small loose sharp rocks they call a road surface out there. The ply rating of tires used in these conditions should be as high as practical. Comments?

Jimbow · « **Reply #11 on:** January 23, 2012, 01:54:47 PM »

Kevin, that is why I am a buying an "extra" vehicle for this. I figure that With only about $2,000 invested I'm not too worried. As far as rocks, that was my other concern, I've done most of my off road. On the beach, which is a pretty forgiving environment as long as you don't make a too sharp a turn east :-)

The tire issue has me thinking I better check all the lug nuts and be certain the will come off easily.

dkerr24 · « **Reply #12 on:** January 23, 2012, 05:41:34 PM »

You raised a good point... Make sure you can get each wheel off the truck. Good example: I decided on Saturday I would rotate my tires on my 2011 Dodge Ram with 6K miles. I could get the front wheels loose, but both back tires were locked on tight as a drum. I kicked/pulled/pried and ended up taking the truck up to the local tire store to have them rotate them.

The store owner said aluminum and steel don't get along very well and can get a pretty good seal going. They cleaned off the corrosion and placed some anti-sieze on the surfaces that touch each other.

Just a little free advertising: Discount Tire did the rotation for free, wouldn't charge me a cent! I know where I'm going tire shopping with my wife's SUV in a few months.

I'm just glad I didn't have a flat when I pulled a popup camper to Palo Duro Canyon a few months ago.

Darin

Al · « **Reply #13 on:** January 23, 2012, 07:14:03 PM »

Excellent point. The lug wrench that comes with most vehicles is pretty bad. I also carry a 4-way lug wrench. Looks like an X about 14" across and has much greater leverage than what comes with the truck.

Al

Jimbow · « **Reply #14 on:** January 23, 2012, 08:42:32 PM »

A better lug wrench and a section of pipe to use as an extension bar seems like a good idea. Since I do a lot of backpacking I am confident in bringing personal stuff on any trip, gallons and gallons of water, first aid kits, etc. I also have repair kits for tents, packs, and shoes. What should I pack in my vehicle repair kit?

I am thinking all replacement fluids, a way to jack up the truck, a way to inflate the tires, tow strap, a tree saver seems silly, are there any trees to use if necessary

I probably will have my cell around, but is anyone monitoring CB channels? This is getting fun. Equipment to buy.

I am also thinking that a nice large tent would be nice. This drive in, back country camping is starting to sound fun.

Thank you again for all the help. I feel like such a leech, I have learned some much from reading this forum through the years but feel like I've had so little to share.

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