Offroad Trailblazers and Envoys

PLANNING: Big Bear (Labor Day)

Trips/trails in the western coast of the U.S. (loosely follows the Pacific Time Zone)
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by teebes » Thu Sep 03, 2009 1:29 am

If you're in the SoCal area this weekend ,the Roadie and I are heading up to Big Bear for some fun. 8-) Feel free to PM if interested, otherwise you can expect some pics and trail reports in due time. 8-)
Last edited by Trail X on Fri Oct 23, 2009 3:18 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Reason: Updated Title
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by teebes » Tue Sep 08, 2009 4:26 pm

Yay, we made it home :lol: The Big Bear area was perfect - good weather, not that crowded (we think due to the fires) and luckily not a bit smokey. However, the smoke did provide some gorgeous and colorful sunsets!

Some pics:
Camp shot, trailer in action:
Image

Image

Obligatory OJ and wine shot:
Image

Couple scenery shots. These were taken from the north side of Big bear, heading down towards the desert floor:
Image

Smoke / Smog:
Image

Uh oh.. What's that noise?
Image

.... Just a tease for now :ugeek:
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by Trail X » Tue Sep 08, 2009 4:30 pm

Haha... not again!? You guys really are getting to know these vehicles inside and out!

I see a axle-shaft laying out there... something to do with the front diff?

...and do I see a bit of a body lift?!
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by teebes » Tue Sep 08, 2009 5:35 pm

Good eye's you have there.

Now, can you name this orange part?

Image
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by Trail X » Tue Sep 08, 2009 8:17 pm

I believe that is the keep dust out of the diff Gatorade bottle top. Also known as GM part number 15683829. :lol:
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by The Roadie » Wed Sep 09, 2009 1:07 pm

Dust and WATER! Teebes took me through a buncha water crossings with that installed. :oops:

It was a fascinating day of 2WD practice, and I had totally forgotten how capable the vehicle is with pretty good tires, aired down, with the G80. Everybody should do some 2WD time to see where the edges of the envelope are.

On the Roadiemobile, I have the Zone body lift now, upgraded BDS rear shocks off a 1/2 ton truck, and some other changes coming. None discussed yet on the "other site" (OS). More news later - lots of house things to do and it's Mrs. Roadie's bday tomorrow.
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by NeilageInc » Thu Sep 10, 2009 12:24 am

hose are some great pics. I'm glad the trailer worked out like it did and now I want one even more. Looks like the bushing came out okay on the coupler. I miss the 4WD days.
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by bobbyblaze » Fri Sep 11, 2009 5:59 am

That trailer is wicked hardcore. Anything it don't have ?
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by The Roadie » Fri Sep 11, 2009 1:43 pm

An owner who appreciates its wine-carrying capacity. :friday:
Tent heater.
Water heater.
Lift to fit 33's to share the same size wheels as the vehicle.
Site setup lights.
Electric tongue jack
Solar battery recharger.

I'm sure Teebes is keeping a spreadsheet. :drool:
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by bobbyblaze » Fri Sep 11, 2009 5:18 pm

The Roadie wrote:An owner who appreciates its wine-carrying capacity. :friday:
Tent heater.
Water heater.
Lift to fit 33's to share the same size wheels as the vehicle.
Site setup lights.
Electric tongue jack
Solar battery recharger.

I'm sure Teebes is keeping a spreadsheet. :drool:


Thats a shame. It almost had everything :camping:
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by teebes » Fri Sep 11, 2009 11:24 pm

bobbyblaze wrote:
The Roadie wrote:An owner who appreciates its wine-carrying capacity. :friday:
Tent heater.
Water heater.
Lift to fit 33's to share the same size wheels as the vehicle.
Site setup lights.
Electric tongue jack
Solar battery recharger.

I'm sure Teebes is keeping a spreadsheet. :drool:


Thats a shame. It almost had everything :camping:


It's all a matter of time, don't worry. Rome wasn't built in a day, nor my truck. I wouldn't expect my trailer to be either :raspberry:

My list to-do list resembles what Roadie posted, minus the solar charger. Way too much $$ in my current needs. Guess it's about time for a build thread, eh?

:flex dirty:
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by The Roadie » Sat Sep 12, 2009 12:57 am

teebes wrote:...minus the solar charger....
On second thought - I totally agree. You can buy another deep cycle battery for under $100, and recharge it from the Teebesmobile in a couple of hours of idling a day. Cheaper than buying one of those quiet Honda generators as well, and it's not like we take lots of over-1-2 week unsupported expeditions.

At least until you get a hot shower option running. :oops:
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by teebes » Sat Sep 12, 2009 1:06 am

The Roadie wrote:
teebes wrote:...minus the solar charger....
On second thought - I totally agree. You can buy another deep cycle battery for under $100, and recharge it from the Teebesmobile in a couple of hours of idling a day. Cheaper than buying one of those quiet Honda generators as well, and it's not like we take lots of over-1-2 week unsupported expeditions.

At least until you get a hot shower option running. :oops:



Hehe... Three batteries are enough for now :roll: Guess I should get a write up of the current setup, huh :salut:
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by Dizzlenator » Mon Sep 14, 2009 10:38 am

I would like a write up on a second battery install. I've got 4 front roof lights, 2 grille guard lights at 135watts each, and with them on, I can SEE a difference in the brightness of my headlights, and fogs. Add that, plus the 55w Hellas facing rear, and 4 baja cheapies I'll be mounting to the side of my basket, and my stereo I'll need another battery. I also see onboard air in my future, so I'd love to see a write up on second battery install.

I plan to build a rear cargo carry system like JD did, but mine will house my subwoofer as well (Yes, I have a sub in my truck, and it's going to stay in my truck! Let's just leave that alone Bill!! :lol: ) and I figure I can mount the battery in that setup in the rear, if possible. Just a thought. I would appreciate the assist. I won't be doing anything with any of it until after TECORE, and I get my rock sliders, but I'll start working on a mock up for it, and I have all the woodworking stuff I'll need to build it.
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by Gordinho80 » Mon Sep 14, 2009 10:52 am

I agree with Dan, an Additional Battery write up would be SWEET.

Most of us are probably in need of a second battery and/or more powerful alternator...
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by Trail X » Mon Sep 14, 2009 10:56 am

Once I get this winch stuff in order, I've got an electrical rehaul of the rear in order. (Kinda needed once I upgrade the front batt to handle the winch amperage.)

I think I've decided not to go with a fancy dual battery controller though... thinking about pure analog relays and switches only.

We'll see what the wife thinks though... I'm going to have to get used to this whole "run things by her" thing. :salut:
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by Gordinho80 » Mon Sep 14, 2009 11:03 am

:angry whip:
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