What's going on in SoCal Thread

Welcome newbies. I grew up in San Gabriel Valley (La Puente/West Covina). Lots of fire roads and quite a few OHV areas (Hungry Valley, San Gabriel Canyon, Stoddard Valley, Johnson Valley, Cajon Pass). The OHV areas aren’t particularly breathtaking from a scenic perspective, but if you’re just getting started, they’re a good place to figure things out since there lots of others driving around that can assist you if you find yourself in in a bind. If you happen to go to the Stoddard Valley OHV area (off I-15 at Hodge Road between Victorville and Barstow), ask someone how to get to Slash-X Ranch Cafe. It’s an off-road tradition.

National forest roads have all kinds of skill levels. On weekends there is usually enough traffic that someone will come by and assist if you’re in a quandary. Sadly, much of the western end of Cleveland National Forest is closed due to the fires the last couple of years.

I found this Forest Service interactive map that shows road damage on FS roads (including pics). Very helpful for planning.

https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/sbnf/alerts-notices

Keep the shiny side up.

 

I try not to go anywhere during T-day weekend. Too much traffic.

Im super happy with mild 3N16 at this point. Might be able to get a couple of brand new wheelers to come as well.

Keep us posted.

 

My birthday is Turkey day weekend so I might be able to talk the Mrs. into it. So far we've driven down Big Pig flat trail (it was gorgeous but mostly flat and I'm sure it can be done in 2WD), and I went out to Azusa Canyon OHV which was pretty dang fun. I was a little concerned going into Azusa because I scraped my skid plates on the way in and the way out on one huge rock that was right smack in the middle that I couldn't seem to avoid (it was underwater and lurking quietly). It was fun and scary, but more importantly zero damage was done, just a minor scrape. I think my suspension in the font might be sagging ever so slightly so it might be my first upgrade / replacement. Might be making my way out to Rowher flats OHV in Santa Clarita later today or next Saturday.

 

I think our Runners ride a tad low. Hot Stoddard wells with a buddy in a Taco. We did all the same trails and my front skid now has character. His came out clean. Might have been my line(s) but I tend to be pretty good at avoiding thumps. Now with my spacer lift and tires I should be good.

 

Hmm I wonder why I never came into this thread before

But hey depending on when you guys are looking to go I’d be interested in doing some wheeling. Big Bear is my back yard but I’ve been wanting to explore some other areas too

 

I have a 2003 Taco and a 2019 ORP (both stock). The Taco does have more clearance. The Taco is also 1,200 pounds lighter than the Runner (I’m not sure about the weight difference between Tacos and Runners that are newer and closer in age). That could be a factor.

 

Posted a thread for a run ⚠️CANCELLED⚠️ on 12/7. From Green Valley Lake to Big Bear via 3N16. Easy 2wd friendly run. Holding off on posting it over on Tundras.com so we're not overrun with Tundras. So far no interest here...

so this run is ⚠️CANCELLED⚠️ and also due to predicted inclement weather.

 

What up SoCal peeps!

 

I did not see the thread. I'm in. I'll try to bring a friend as well.

 

That sounds like fun, and it sounds like we may have the possibility of snow. Count me in.

 

OK Im still in but if it looks like rain or snow I will be out. I’ve had more than my share of snow and mud wheeling. It is fun but the clean up never ends.

 

I loathe mud too! Can't stand the cleanup. You'll find mud months later too. Like when you're laying on your back working underneath your rig and it falls in your eyes!
That being said, a little rain is great for keeping the dust down on the trail.

 

Anyone hit up any snow trails this past weekend? I noticed pretty much everything in and around big bear was closed. We were going to approach it from the Apple Valley side but all roads were closed.

 

I did a little wheeling Thanksgiving before the storm got bad later. It was pretty deep so I’d recommend coming with someone. The snow in town melted down but I don’t know how it is in the woods and we’re supposed to get more snow tomorrow

 

@TACO4UNNER13 Hey Jerry! Glad you joined.

 

Yeah thanks for the info on the forum. Glad my truck is up and running. Can’t wait to hit some trails. Any meet and greets coming up ?

 

It's desert season now that winter is here with a vengeance! We'll have to plan a run out there. Anyone know Anza or JT?

 

Hey guys, where should I be looking for meetups? Is there a certain app that you guys use, or even... another forum? I can't imagine that I'd have to sign up for FJ, taco, jeep and LR forums individually or do I? I'm seeing lots of stuff popping up in IG and even youtube. I've been dying to head out to our local snowy mountains but dread the idea of going alone.

 

We’re getting our first snow tomorrow night. Im in the new East Calif, commonly known as Va., just a dusting but I need pointers on driving in the snow and where’s the best place to abandon my 4wd SUV?

 

@BestGen

 

Hi Pinay.

Welcome.

 

Hey Rich. Thanks!

 

Thanks Jen!

 

For the off road newbies. From my experience from off-roading (cow trailing) in a ‘65 VW van and a ‘85 Toyota Hilux 2wd pickup. Center of vehicle is lowest clearance (differential, engine, trans). Center of trail (between the tracks) is the highest ground. There is no rule that says you have to drive with your tires in the middle of each of the “tracks”. Bring your tires on the left or right closer to the center of the trail so they ride up on the side of the trail center berm. That will put your low clearance parts over the lower part of the trail (the tire tracks) and your higher clearance parts over the higher ground (center berm). This will also have your tires going over high spots, momentarily raising your ground clearance.

 

What up Monet! I see you found our little band of rabblerousers!
Welcome aboard!

 

I sure did! Easy to find some good folks! You gonna try to get up to the snow or no?

 

Maybe...?
Gonna try and make it out to Superstition in January with Mike, Colton, and the rest of the TW crowd. Are you going?

 

Oh, in January? Not sure...just got some new wheels and prob won't have new tires by then. Went to Johnson Valley and Mojave with Alex and the boys for Friendsgiving, got a flat first hour in after taking a ditch hard

 

I saw that! That whole trip was crazy! Lots of carnage! But isn't that the way our Tundra group rolls!

 

Hahaha, kinda! Thus the new wheels! 17" Icons, should keep from getting flats! And plan is for 37's!!