How to Prepare for the trail??

[HummBebe]

First timer here going out on a 5-7 rated trail in the California Sierras, can anyone tell me the MUST HAVES on the trail?

I get the water, sunscreen and layers of clothes, what about spare parts???

I can get them from the dealer before I go.

THANKS!!!

[HummBebe]

First timer here going out on a 5-7 rated trail in the California Sierras, can anyone tell me the MUST HAVES on the trail?

I get the water, sunscreen and layers of clothes, what about spare parts???

I can get them from the dealer before I go.

THANKS!!!

[tacocat]

Bottle water or water purifier
Tow strap and come-along.
Good Hiking boots
Tire gauge
Duct tape, WD-40
Bring a well equipped tool box
Topo map from a hiking or 4WD shop
CB or two radios are a must.
Compass if the car doesn't have one.
A GOOD sleeping bag

I don't know how it would fit, but a Hi-Lift could come in handy.

BTW, if you don't have rock rails or at least side step, be careful on the rocks. The rocker panel is the hardest part of the body to fix.

Spare parts, well your kind of stuck there. The IFS is almost unserviceable on the trail. Perhaps U-joints for the driveshaft. Everything else, like axleshafts are too new.

[HummBebe]

You guys are the Bomb!! Thanks!

My Hummer dealer just called back.....they don't have anything in stock for me to take with http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

I really appreciate your response!

Keep your fingers crossed and wait for the pics on Sunday!

[HummBebe]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by tacocat:
Bottle water or water purifier
Tow strap and come-along.
Good Hiking boots
Tire gauge
Duct tape, WD-40
Bring a well equipped tool box
Topo map from a hiking or 4WD shop
CB or two radios are a must.

Compass if the car doesn't have one.
A GOOD sleeping bag

I don't know how it would fit, but a Hi-Lift could come in handy.

BTW, if you don't have rock rails or at least side step, be careful on the rocks. The rocker panel is the hardest part of the body to fix.

Spare parts, well your kind of stuck there. The IFS is almost unserviceable on the trail. Perhaps U-joints for the driveshaft. Everything else, like axleshafts are too new. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I do have the side steps. PHEW!!!

[HummBebe]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by PhilD:
Here's a list of some recover gear that may or may not be useful;

http://www.*******club.com/tech/gear.html

Some info on basic recovery techniques;

http://www.*******club.com/tech/recovery.html

and some basic trail info;

http://www.*******club.com/tech/trail.html </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Great sites! Thanks again.

[HummerJim]

I would also recommend someone knows where you are and when you will be back. We are taking the day off in Haines Junction, Yukon.
The long hours of daylight have caught up with us and the wife is having a sleep in day and I may do the same this afternoon. Although HJ is small, we have met many people on the cruise ship rail/bus landtours here and I have been impressed by stories of Dawson and Chicken. The road from Whitehorse to HJ is downhill about 1% or less gradewise, but because of the way the trees grow with the northwesterly wind, you would swear you are going uphill all the way and it's easy to get vertigo - recorded our first 20.8 mpg leg because of the long slight downhill grade.
This is a picture I took last night of the famous Jack Mine Trail west of Haines Junction. I would grade the difficulty easy to medium, with lots of 7 inch volcanic rocks and large sideslopes. We turned around after 30 minutes because, the wife was getting in the hyper mode about getting stranded, but really an easy trail for the first part.

[HummBebe]

How absolutely beautiful!!

We are going with a group of 5-6 trucks, 2 H1's, 3 H2's, and 1 HummBeeBe!

I am the only 1st timer, I just did not want to show up looking like a total novice http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif Or turning into a pain in someone's ASS because I was not prepared.

I have a friend that I left a map with, she is also hanging with my teenagers for the day. I was not sure about taking them along. I didn't want them to freak. Or think that their Mom is crazy. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif but these guys I am going with are pro's.

I cannot WAIT!!!! Is the day over yet?

[f5fstop]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by tacocat:
Bottle water or water purifier
Tow strap and come-along.
Good Hiking boots
Tire gauge
Duct tape, WD-40
Bring a well equipped tool box
Topo map from a hiking or 4WD shop
CB or two radios are a must.
Compass if the car doesn't have one.
A GOOD sleeping bag

I don't know how it would fit, but a Hi-Lift could come in handy.

BTW, if you don't have rock rails or at least side step, be careful on the rocks. The rocker panel is the hardest part of the body to fix.

Spare parts, well your kind of stuck there. The IFS is almost unserviceable on the trail. Perhaps U-joints for the driveshaft. Everything else, like axleshafts are too new. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Might I add to the list:
Food, Power Bars can keep you alive for many days with water,
Extra clothes,
Small air compressor, good plug kit and a large can of fix-a-flat (fix-a-flat to be used as a last measure since it will probably screw up the tire pressure sensors)
GPS with topo map (Magellan Sportrak TOPO is ideal for off-road and comes with all the TOPO maps needed for the lower 48 and most of Alaska).
Handgun-preferably .40 cal or larger (my personal preference) http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif (But only if you are licensed, should not break the law).
No Handgun? Large Knife

Could you mount the Hi-Lift to the roof crossbows?

[canucksnaphook]

I have no insight to add.....well about trailing, because I have never done it before. As an aside, that is another gorgeous pic of the North. hummer jim you better keep the stories and pics rolling into us, seeing as I dont ever get off my butt long enough to go to these places...lol....j/k. enjoy the rest of the trip and hummer...enjoy trailing and please take some pics for us as well. Good luck

C.

[HummerNewbie]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by HummBeebe:
How absolutely beautiful!!

We are going with a group of 5-6 trucks, 2 H1's, 3 H2's, and 1 HummBeeBe!

I am the only 1st timer, I just did not want to show up looking like a total novice http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif Or turning into a pain in someone's ASS because I was not prepared.

I have a friend that I left a map with, she is also hanging with my teenagers for the day. I was not sure about taking them along. I didn't want them to freak. Or think that their Mom is crazy. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif but these guys I am going with are pro's.

I cannot WAIT!!!! Is the day over yet? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Better come back with pics http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

Have a great time.

[HummerNewbie]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by f5fstop:
...a large can of fix-a-flat (fix-a-flat to be used as a last measure since it will probably screw up the tire pressure sensors) </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I started to wonder there for a second then I go to the last resort part http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[HummBebe]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by f5fstop:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by tacocat:
Bottle water or water purifier
Tow strap and come-along.
Good Hiking boots
Tire gauge
Duct tape, WD-40
Bring a well equipped tool box
Topo map from a hiking or 4WD shop
CB or two radios are a must.
Compass if the car doesn't have one.
A GOOD sleeping bag

I don't know how it would fit, but a Hi-Lift could come in handy.

BTW, if you don't have rock rails or at least side step, be careful on the rocks. The rocker panel is the hardest part of the body to fix.

Spare parts, well your kind of stuck there. The IFS is almost unserviceable on the trail. Perhaps U-joints for the driveshaft. Everything else, like axleshafts are too new. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Might I add to the list:
Food, Power Bars can keep you alive for many days with water,
Extra clothes,
Small air compressor, good plug kit and a large can of fix-a-flat (fix-a-flat to be used as a last measure since it will probably screw up the tire pressure sensors)
GPS with topo map (Magellan Sportrak TOPO is ideal for off-road and comes with all the TOPO maps needed for the lower 48 and most of Alaska).
Handgun-preferably .40 cal or larger (my personal preference) http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif (But only if you are licensed, should not break the law).
No Handgun? Large Knife

Could you mount the Hi-Lift to the roof crossbows? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I think it would be fine on the cross bows, and....I was going to ask about the gun, more precisley.....Bears, Cougars...etc.

I suppose I could find that on Ranger Rick's site.

[FormerJeeper]

Rockrails http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

Seriously, I'd be making the trip with you if I had the GM rockrails on my H3, but I don't know if I can get a set today.

What to bring?

Another vehicle of the same model is useful.

Water, water and more water.
Batteries
Flashlight
Blankets

Hardware:
Gas Cans with extra gas
Tow Strap
CB radio
Hi-Lift
Shovel
Axe

You are going with experienced wheelers, so don't worry. Enjoy the experience and remember in the future - NEVER TRAVEL ALONE

Enjoy!

-C

[tacocat]

I can't believe I forgot fire extinguisher. I also like taking a bucket too. It sounds dumb, but they can be used as seats, to put out fires, carry large amounts of water, fishing, etc.

BTW, A hi-lift weighs a ton. If you mount it too the crossbows, do it securely. I would carry it inside the first time out.

Most of the predator animals will run at the nearest sniff of you. I have never needed a gun in the woods, even when I have run into the occassion weirdo (usually harmless and very helpful). It would be fun to plink though.

[HummBebe]

Can you have rockrails when you have side step rails??? I didn't think you could have both. I might have to sell my chrome rails if I get really serious about this trail business.....


I AM SO EXCITED...IS THE DAY OVER YET?????

[HummerNewbie]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by HummBeebe:
I AM SO EXCITED...IS THE DAY OVER YET????? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Mine is http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

Have a great time.

[f5fstop]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by tacocat:
I can't believe I forgot fire extinguisher. I also like taking a bucket too. It sounds dumb, but they can be used as seats, to put out fires, carry large amounts of water, fishing, etc.

BTW, A hi-lift weighs a ton. If you mount it too the crossbows, do it securely. I would carry it inside the first time out.

Most of the predator animals will run at the nearest sniff of you. I have never needed a gun in the woods, even when I have run into the occassion weirdo (usually harmless and very helpful). It would be fun to plink though. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Ever meet up with a very hungry mountain lion, I have, and be glad you have a large caliber handgun. If traveling in the southwest, I hate to say it but the predators are running on two legs, and many are worse than a mountain lion.
Crime in the southwest national parks has risen every year, and it is not due to four legged animals.

[timgco]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by HummBeebe:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by tacocat:
Bottle water or water purifier
Tow strap and come-along.
Good Hiking boots
Tire gauge
Duct tape, WD-40
Bring a well equipped tool box
Topo map from a hiking or 4WD shop
CB or two radios are a must.

Compass if the car doesn't have one.
A GOOD sleeping bag

I don't know how it would fit, but a Hi-Lift could come in handy.

BTW, if you don't have rock rails or at least side step, be careful on the rocks. The rocker panel is the hardest part of the body to fix.

Spare parts, well your kind of stuck there. The IFS is almost unserviceable on the trail. Perhaps U-joints for the driveshaft. Everything else, like axleshafts are too new. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I do have the side steps. PHEW!!! </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
BTW- The rock rails will give you protection. Those side steps arer going to bend up into your rocker panel and possibly the doors. You are better to get the UC protection and the rock rails if you plan to go off road. Take a look under there at the stock skid plate. That thing has no rear mounting point and will just bend up into your mechanics. Get the gear to go play before you have to pay more in the long run. ...my 2 cents.

[HummBebe]

I always hear good advice on this forum. I was told that there are different paths to take around obstacles if I am unsure.

The trail boss is very experienced. I ran around and got a few things for the trip...

Tow Strap
Two way Radios
Tire repair
WD 40
Duct tape
Fire Extinguisher

I did have everything else....

Wish me luck....9 hours and counting. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

[FormerJeeper]

I went to the main Hummer dealer yesterday.
He knows Brian well http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif
They are pretty hardcore into wheelin their Hummers doing all the trails I used to run.

I left minus the horrible shiney chrome side steps that came from the factory and have a set of proper rock rails coming on Monday.

I'm also going to talk to my friend Wayne Hanson of Hanson Enterprises and see if he can design some trail-worthy stuff for the H3 (winch bumper, rear swing out with gas can / hi-lift mount), roof cargo container etc.

-C

[HummBebe]

I am back and I have posted pics,

timgco:
you were right about the steps.....it was the first thing they took off!!

[HummBebe]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by FormerJeeper:
I went to the main Hummer dealer yesterday.
He knows Brian well http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif
They are pretty hardcore into wheelin their Hummers doing all the trails I used to run.

I left minus the horrible shiney chrome side steps that came from the factory and have a set of proper rock rails coming on Monday.

I'm also going to talk to my friend Wayne Hanson of Hanson Enterprises and see if he can design some trail-worthy stuff for the H3 (winch bumper, rear swing out with gas can / hi-lift mount), roof cargo container etc.

-C </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Keep me posted, and lets talk about going out on some easier trails than deer valley....it was great but a huge chunk to cut my teeth on.

I loved it though!

[tacocat]

f5, I don't doubt you. The closest I came across a mountain lion was some fresh tracks in the snow. We dunn killed all of our apex predators in Kalifornia.

I am a gun supporter and a half, but California has no wildlife, and all of the "get high and get by" crowd set their meth labs up in farmlands.

Seeing that H.B. is from Rocklin, I was assuming that they were going to run a highly traveled trail like the RUbi. Rocklin is a stones throw from 4wd heaven (Sierra style).

[f5fstop]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by tacocat:
f5, I don't doubt you. The closest I came across a mountain lion was some fresh tracks in the snow. We dunn killed all of our apex predators in Kalifornia.

I am a gun supporter and a half, but California has no wildlife, and all of the "get high and get by" crowd set their meth labs up in farmlands.

Seeing that H.B. is from Rocklin, I was assuming that they were going to run a highly traveled trail like the RUbi. Rocklin is a stones throw from 4wd heaven (Sierra style). </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I have always been more alert for two-legged predators; although years ago, I was with someone when they had to shoot a mountain lion. Prefer to leave them alone and go in a different direction, but when they get a bug up their butt to attack, there is not much else you can do.
Personally, I won't leave home without one.

Now, can someone say what the WD-40 is used for? This one has been baffling me, since the only thing I use that stuff for is to prevent lock freezing in the winter. I might have to add this to my off-road kit.

[tacocat]

The two-legged are definitely worse. Unfortunately, the Carey Stayners of the world are becoming more prevelant. WD-40 helps free-up rusted bolts and such. Sometimes you need to flush dirt out of sockets, etc. It can also help start a campfire (Be careful).

Some of the rigs you run the trail with my have some rusty bolts or a hi-lift jack that could use some help. If you are rolling with an older rig that has a distributor, WD-40 can help dry out the electrical contact points.

[HummBebe]

Oh and the one thing I used the most???

BUG REPELLANT!!!!

OMG it was like there were no other warm blooded things for them to chew on! And the meat bees, you gave a hand signal and then swatted them from your face.

Thank god ther are no trail signs that include the frantic waving of you arms !

Jeez!