100 Series Family Adventure Rig
- Thread starter Bretthn
- Start date
Rezarf <><
Explorer
I like where your slider build is going. I have a set of metal tech but the aesthetics leave some room for improvement. I am surprised what I have wheeled over with clearance to spare without sliders at this point. My sliders hang down at least 3-4" lower than the rockers themselves... hitting more than I would without them.
I like the sleek, blended look. I may bend up a few sections of tube nice and tight to the body line and drop the idea of having a step. If I bumped up to 35's I think that steps would be a great addition.
I like the sleek, blended look. I may bend up a few sections of tube nice and tight to the body line and drop the idea of having a step. If I bumped up to 35's I think that steps would be a great addition.
Bretthn
Explorer
Any progress on your slider idea?
Bretthn
Explorer
Well, I have not been diligent in keeping up to date in here. Mostly because there is nothing new and exciting...
The LX is still trucking along and sitting right about 193,000. It is still my daily driver but has not been on too many adventures this year because I have been spending quite a bit of time traveling for work. I can't complain about the work travel as I get to see some cool places. Ill try to post some pictures about that later.
About the only thing I can call an adventure that the Lexus has done this year was when my 7 year old daughter and I drove from NC to Orlando to go to Disney. Funny thing about it was we both enjoyed the 2 hours we spent on Daytona Beach almost as much as Disney. The Lexus did look good in the sand and I worked really hard to not show the Prius with 2 inches of ground clearance parked beside us on the beach when I took photos. :smiley_drive:
The LX is still trucking along and sitting right about 193,000. It is still my daily driver but has not been on too many adventures this year because I have been spending quite a bit of time traveling for work. I can't complain about the work travel as I get to see some cool places. Ill try to post some pictures about that later.
About the only thing I can call an adventure that the Lexus has done this year was when my 7 year old daughter and I drove from NC to Orlando to go to Disney. Funny thing about it was we both enjoyed the 2 hours we spent on Daytona Beach almost as much as Disney. The Lexus did look good in the sand and I worked really hard to not show the Prius with 2 inches of ground clearance parked beside us on the beach when I took photos. :smiley_drive:
Bretthn
Explorer
Just an update. We just did a trip from Greensboro, NC to Washington DC and back through Virginia Beach. The LX is still driving like a new car. this past week I cleaned her up real nice, changed the oil, greased the diveshafts, and rotated the tires. Sitting a bit over 198,000 miles now.
I did notice that the Cooper ST Maxx are starting to dry rot. I don't usually use any tire dressing but I may need to start to keep the rubber hydrated. They are only about 2/3 to 1/2 worn. I would hate for them to rot out before I get their full life out of them.
Hoping to get her geared up for a trip soon. Can't decide if I want to take her out to Cape Lookout and the Outer Banks or make a trip to Thurmond, WV (ghost town).
I did notice that the Cooper ST Maxx are starting to dry rot. I don't usually use any tire dressing but I may need to start to keep the rubber hydrated. They are only about 2/3 to 1/2 worn. I would hate for them to rot out before I get their full life out of them.
Hoping to get her geared up for a trip soon. Can't decide if I want to take her out to Cape Lookout and the Outer Banks or make a trip to Thurmond, WV (ghost town).
Bretthn
Explorer
Lazy 5 Ranch
Got up early yesterday and decided to go on a safari.
Hadn't been to Lazy 5 Ranch in a couple of years and this was Kratai's first trip.
This guy followed us for quite a while and jumped up in my window every time we stopped to feed and pet another animal.
The giraffes were the big hit as always.
Another great adventure. We got the roof top tent mounted today. Ready to do some camping next weekend. I will follow up with another post with the tent upgrades we made today.
Thanks for viewing as always!
Brett
Got up early yesterday and decided to go on a safari.
Hadn't been to Lazy 5 Ranch in a couple of years and this was Kratai's first trip.
This guy followed us for quite a while and jumped up in my window every time we stopped to feed and pet another animal.
The giraffes were the big hit as always.
Another great adventure. We got the roof top tent mounted today. Ready to do some camping next weekend. I will follow up with another post with the tent upgrades we made today.
Thanks for viewing as always!
Brett
spressomon
Expedition Leader
Nice family fun day! Loving the giraffe through the sunroof shots!
Bretthn
Explorer
Thank you. The giraffes are always the best part of Lazy 5 Ranch.
Bretthn
Explorer
It was an awesome day.
Bretthn
Explorer
We mounted the roof top tent a couple of weeks ago along with the awning. Before throwing it on the roof I finally made some additions I have been meaning to do for a couple years.
I wired up some led lights, some USB ports for charging devices, and a 12 volt outlet for running a fan.
These additions made a world of difference on our last camping trip.
I wired up some led lights, some USB ports for charging devices, and a 12 volt outlet for running a fan.
These additions made a world of difference on our last camping trip.
Bretthn
Explorer
Memorial Weekend Adventure
With the constant on and off rain we have been having lately we debated making a trip last weekend to Western North Carolina. Finally we decided to make the trip on Friday evening after work. It's about a two and a half hour drive for us. We also stopped off in Boone for dinner.
We hit the northern end of NC105 (a dirt forest road that runs the western ridge the length of Linville Gorge) after dark. There is a lot of hiking and primitive campsites along the approximate 13 mile stretch. They were calling for rain Friday night so we were able to find a campsite fairly easy. We couldn't have gotten luckier on the spot as it was beautiful the next morning.
The only issue we had setting up in the dark was trying to get the Lexus level for the tent. I had to make a good stack of rocks under one set of tires. It got me thinking about carrying something more convenient. I have seen someone using a yellow plastic stack of RV leveling blocks before. What does everyone else use?
I am not a breakfast person unless I am camping. Watching the sunrise around a campfire with a good cup of coffee and a healthy breakfast was a great way to start the day.
We set up the hammock and relaxed for a couple hours.
We also shot a $2.00 slingshot that we picked up at Mast General Store the night before while in Boone. I have to say it is my new favorite camping accessory.
We were starting to see a lot of traffic by 10:30am and knew there was no way we were going to get this site back if we left to go hiking like we originally planned. We debated just staying at this site all weekend but eventually packed up and headed to look for some waterfalls.
With the constant on and off rain we have been having lately we debated making a trip last weekend to Western North Carolina. Finally we decided to make the trip on Friday evening after work. It's about a two and a half hour drive for us. We also stopped off in Boone for dinner.
We hit the northern end of NC105 (a dirt forest road that runs the western ridge the length of Linville Gorge) after dark. There is a lot of hiking and primitive campsites along the approximate 13 mile stretch. They were calling for rain Friday night so we were able to find a campsite fairly easy. We couldn't have gotten luckier on the spot as it was beautiful the next morning.
The only issue we had setting up in the dark was trying to get the Lexus level for the tent. I had to make a good stack of rocks under one set of tires. It got me thinking about carrying something more convenient. I have seen someone using a yellow plastic stack of RV leveling blocks before. What does everyone else use?
I am not a breakfast person unless I am camping. Watching the sunrise around a campfire with a good cup of coffee and a healthy breakfast was a great way to start the day.
We set up the hammock and relaxed for a couple hours.
We also shot a $2.00 slingshot that we picked up at Mast General Store the night before while in Boone. I have to say it is my new favorite camping accessory.
We were starting to see a lot of traffic by 10:30am and knew there was no way we were going to get this site back if we left to go hiking like we originally planned. We debated just staying at this site all weekend but eventually packed up and headed to look for some waterfalls.
Bretthn
Explorer
Hunt Fish Falls
After packing up camp we headed for Hunt Fish Falls which is only about an hour or so drive on more dirt fire roads.
Its only supposed to be a mile hike to the falls but it is some steep rocky terrain. I felt like my toes were going to burst through the front of my shoes before we made it to the bottom. I am also guessing it is more than a mile and maybe closer to two. When we got to the falls it was all worth it.
We walked down river checking out all of the smaller falls and views while trying to find a good spot to set the hammock and have some lunch.
After a couple beers and the temperature rising into the high 70s I got the bright idea to cool off. I knew the water was too cold for me to gingerly walk in....
It was freezing!
After drying off we made the climb back to car. This small hike is no joke. We ran into a family with some small kids and parents nor kids looked happy.
There is not much for parking for this hike and when we got back the car was hot as hell. We were committed to not running AC all weekend as it only makes it that much hotter at camp. At least in my opinion. Well we broke that deal and had to run the AC for a bit to cool things off.
We headed back towards our campsite that we had that morning with very low hopes that we would get it again but thinking there would be something available.
After driving the length of the gorge and finding nothing we thought we might actually have to get a hotel room for the night. I would just as soon stay at a hotel than a crowded campground. I knew it was a longshot but there were a couple more options. I headed north on 221 looking to see if there were gates open for some other forest service roads. No such luck there either. We then headed back southeast towards Wilson Creek. Every site we came across was also full. The weather started to turn and it was looking like rain. We convinced ourselves that we would get a hotel room in Boone and have a nice dinner while checking out the sites in town. Low and behold just before we turned around we came across a great site and the firepit was still smoldering. I guess the rainclouds got the best of someone and they packed up early.
We quickly got the fire going and started on dinner.
Our campsite backed right up to the creek and was almost as good as the one we had the night before.
Knowing that it was likely going to rain while we slept and may still be raining in the morning we packed up everything that night.
It did pour on us while we slept but the creek was so loud we couldn't tell the difference between it and the rain. We stayed cool and dry and slept well. It was just a sprinkle in the morning. Couldn't have asked for anything better.
We got cleaned up, packed the tent, and headed out to try to get some cellular service as we were meeting some friends to hit some more technical trails that day.
This was another great site that we will be back to again this year. My only concern is that if it were any warmer there may be a good bit of mosquitos.
After packing up camp we headed for Hunt Fish Falls which is only about an hour or so drive on more dirt fire roads.
Its only supposed to be a mile hike to the falls but it is some steep rocky terrain. I felt like my toes were going to burst through the front of my shoes before we made it to the bottom. I am also guessing it is more than a mile and maybe closer to two. When we got to the falls it was all worth it.
We walked down river checking out all of the smaller falls and views while trying to find a good spot to set the hammock and have some lunch.
After a couple beers and the temperature rising into the high 70s I got the bright idea to cool off. I knew the water was too cold for me to gingerly walk in....
It was freezing!
After drying off we made the climb back to car. This small hike is no joke. We ran into a family with some small kids and parents nor kids looked happy.
There is not much for parking for this hike and when we got back the car was hot as hell. We were committed to not running AC all weekend as it only makes it that much hotter at camp. At least in my opinion. Well we broke that deal and had to run the AC for a bit to cool things off.
We headed back towards our campsite that we had that morning with very low hopes that we would get it again but thinking there would be something available.
After driving the length of the gorge and finding nothing we thought we might actually have to get a hotel room for the night. I would just as soon stay at a hotel than a crowded campground. I knew it was a longshot but there were a couple more options. I headed north on 221 looking to see if there were gates open for some other forest service roads. No such luck there either. We then headed back southeast towards Wilson Creek. Every site we came across was also full. The weather started to turn and it was looking like rain. We convinced ourselves that we would get a hotel room in Boone and have a nice dinner while checking out the sites in town. Low and behold just before we turned around we came across a great site and the firepit was still smoldering. I guess the rainclouds got the best of someone and they packed up early.
We quickly got the fire going and started on dinner.
Our campsite backed right up to the creek and was almost as good as the one we had the night before.
Knowing that it was likely going to rain while we slept and may still be raining in the morning we packed up everything that night.
It did pour on us while we slept but the creek was so loud we couldn't tell the difference between it and the rain. We stayed cool and dry and slept well. It was just a sprinkle in the morning. Couldn't have asked for anything better.
We got cleaned up, packed the tent, and headed out to try to get some cellular service as we were meeting some friends to hit some more technical trails that day.
This was another great site that we will be back to again this year. My only concern is that if it were any warmer there may be a good bit of mosquitos.
Bretthn
Explorer
Trail ride
Sunday after packing up camp at Wilson Creek we met up with a fellow Expo member Dorton to do some light trail riding. Actually it is a public road that people drive everyday to go to work and back home. I am so jealous of the people that live out here.
Dorton showed up in his new ride and jealousy instantly ensued. His new Tacoma is beautiful and I believe he has a garage full of new parts just waiting to go on as we speak.
This was my first time taking this trail from south to north. I have come down this drop a handful of times but this was my first time climbing it. Pictures do not do it justice. It is a bit scarier in person for someone without sliders.
Thanks to some really good spotting the Lexus climbed it with little effort or drama. The suspension and drivetrain on the Lexus are still completely stock to this day. Even after 3 years it amazes me how capable these things are in stock form.
Enjoy the short video.
Dorton's Tacoma climbed it in crawl control while he sipped his latte. :coffeedrink:
The rest of the trail was easier yet just as fun.
Besides becoming extremely envious of Dorton's new ride, this trail day gave me the itch to find some new places to explore. Currently looking for other places relatively close to home. Debating on heading back up to George Washington National Forest this weekend to do some exploring and camping.
Sunday after packing up camp at Wilson Creek we met up with a fellow Expo member Dorton to do some light trail riding. Actually it is a public road that people drive everyday to go to work and back home. I am so jealous of the people that live out here.
Dorton showed up in his new ride and jealousy instantly ensued. His new Tacoma is beautiful and I believe he has a garage full of new parts just waiting to go on as we speak.
This was my first time taking this trail from south to north. I have come down this drop a handful of times but this was my first time climbing it. Pictures do not do it justice. It is a bit scarier in person for someone without sliders.
Thanks to some really good spotting the Lexus climbed it with little effort or drama. The suspension and drivetrain on the Lexus are still completely stock to this day. Even after 3 years it amazes me how capable these things are in stock form.
Enjoy the short video.
Dorton's Tacoma climbed it in crawl control while he sipped his latte. :coffeedrink:
The rest of the trail was easier yet just as fun.
Besides becoming extremely envious of Dorton's new ride, this trail day gave me the itch to find some new places to explore. Currently looking for other places relatively close to home. Debating on heading back up to George Washington National Forest this weekend to do some exploring and camping.