Trail ratings and minimum required equipment?

[LagunaH1]

All,

I know of at least one other off road group who has implemented a trail rating system and a set of minimum requirements for rig equipment for the various trails.

For example:

A #1 rated trail can be run with a totally stock rig with street tires. Required equipment: None

A #10 rated trail has a high likelihood of significant damage to the rig. 35 inch or better mud terrain tires required. Winch and lockers required. UCP required.


Should we implement either? Minimum required equipment and / or trail ratings?

Edit: I should add that in my opinion, trail ratings and minimum required equipment is meant as a decision guide for everyone. In the offroad group where I have seen this implemented, the run organizer / run leader (yes, they have those) rates the trail and describes why, for example, a trail is a 5. This helps everyone understand if they and their rigs are capable of safely running the trail.

Again, just a suggestion :cheers:

 

[Zach]

One thing about that, is that the trails can change. For example, when we ran Gold Mountain early this year it was for the most part easy. This last weekend, it had changed drastically and was extremely tough at spots.

I agree with minimum requirements. We had requirements for when we ran John Bull

Edit.

I think we should also take experience into consideration as well. As we know, these aren't joint point, shoot and hammer the throttle

 

[f5moab]

Locally here in Moab, the Red Rock 4-wheelers use a ten point system as shown on their website as well as the Moab Information center....

http://www.rr4w.com/ratingsystem
The following ratings are for Moab area roads in dry conditions. The effect of snow or rain varies greatly depending upon the altitude of the roads and the type of soil the bed consists of. Driver Beware!

	1: County dirt road maintained for high clearance 2WD and 4WD use in adverse conditions.
	2: County dirt road with infrequent or light maintenance after rain or snow, 2WD high clearance with low gears, otherwise light duty 4WD.
	3: Road with frequent use, but seldom maintained. Dirt, sand and slick rock surfaces, with mud holes possible (note: maybe impassable when wet due to soil composition.). 4WD recommended under most circumstances due to ruts or wash erosion.
	4: Road surface consisting of loose rock, dirt, and sand with some slickrock surfaces. Erosion, washes, gulches and rock steps no higher than 12". 4WD is recommended with good ground clearance and driving skills. Aggressive tires and limited slip would be a plus. Water and mud is possible.
	5: Road surfaces are rutted, rocky and sandy with steps not exceeding 14", with considerable slickrock surfaces. Water not exceeding 12" with some mud possible. Good vehicle approach and departure angles are helpful. Tall tires (33" plus) and traction added device (lockers, limited slips) is recommended. Above average driving skills are desirable.
	6: Roads are difficult with considerable erosion damage repaired just enough to be passable. Water in excess of 12" is possible with mud conditions. Steps not exceeding 24". Tall tires (33" plus) with traction added devices (lockers, limited slips) are recommended. A winch would be a plus. Enhanced suspension travel and ground clearance are helpful. Excellent driving skills are recommended.
	7: Trail consists of rock; sand and considerable slickrock with many steps exceeding 24". Steep inclines and declines are prevalent. Enhanced off road equipment is required including locking devices (front & rear), tall tires, maximum vehicle ground clearance, and tow hooks. A winch is desirable. Excellent driving skills are required. Vehicle mechanical or body damage is likely. Roll over possibilities exist.
	8: Extreme trail similar to #7 except a bit more extreme. Excellent driving skills are required. Vehicle damage is likely. Equipment or mechanical damage is probable. Lockers front and rear, as well as a winch are mandatory equipment!
	9: Extreme and beyond, similar to #8. Vehicle damage is likely. Excellent driving skills are required. Roll over is very common. Winches, spare parts and tools are recommended. Be prepared to spend the night on the trail. Beyond the capability of most modified stock vehicles.
	10: Let the carnage begin! Buggy territory. Street driven 4X4’s should not attempt this trail. Modified factory vehicles will not be able to complete this trail.

Some examples for those who have done local trails...
Dome Plateau (last year, overlook of the CO river) is a 4
Hells' Revenge is a 4, but if you do the Gate, Escalaer and Tip over it is a 6
Pritchett is an 8
Seven Mile rim is a 4

 

[Bigunit]

This is a good idea & we should come up with something like what f5 posted. This will be a group/forum member collective project.

 

[3Hummers]

Great idea but as Zach said, some of these trails can change dramatically. Gold mountain was not a particularly tough trail but look at the carnage it inflicted. I have to admit that I didn't carry my normal complement of equipment given my familiarity with the trail. Thankfully I brought enough. If I had brought my trail rig I would have had everything. This trail did teach us that no matter how well you think you know a trail you should be prepared for most any situation. The new guy with the H1 had three guys in, no food, no extra clothes, etc. I gave up a spare sweatshirt when it got cold, fed a couple of them and as a group we provided everything they needed but didn't have

 

[f5moab]

Trails are always changing; sometimes getting harder, sometimes easier. Around here, and I'm sure in other places, a large thunderstorm can make a trail impassable. Even little 2 rated Chicken Corners has trapped people past Kane Creek when Kane Creek has turned into a raging river 10 feet deep (know someone who spent the night on the far side of the river in his Jeep). And there were no clouds around here, but south of here had torrential storms and no one realized it until they tried to return. But, unless you have people, possibly the trail leader, who runs the trail before the group, how does anyone know what the trail will actually be like the day it is run, or if even on the day it is run, what it will be like when you try and return.

You can only go by a guide from previous experiences and hopefully, it has not changed that much since last appraised. That is why you must hope for the best and prepare for the worst.

Now, if a trail is rated higher than the vehicle supposedly can drive on, how do you handle that with that person driving the vehicle. Do you flat out tell him/her that they cannot run it?

Lucky for us here, red rock 4 wheelers monitor the trails on a regular basis so their site is pretty accurate, and the BLM, if notified, will publish on their website that a trail is closed due to current conditions. However, red rock only monitors trail conditions as it reflects on whether or not a vehicle can make it, not whether or not the vehicle will require a new paint job upon return. (Good example is Hey Joe Canyon. I would love to do it, and would love to lead a group there to do it, but I have gone on that trail and had to turn around since the tamarisk has overgrown the trail and I know for sure, there would be no paint left on my 3 when I return. Guess if a couple H1s and H2s went first, it might save the paint on the 3.:giggle

So, all you can do is rate a trail as it is when driven, and if it changes before or even during the run, there is nothing that can be done. But at least you have an idea that if it is rated as a 5, you know what you will need to do the trail at that time.

 

[Steve #1]

Rateing systems like F5 posted are good but I don't like "minimum requirements" that don't factor in experiance. It's not much of an issue in this part of the country because we don't have long trails where you would end up stuck in BFE with an ill prepared vehicle.

 

[Ron B]

Even before getting into experience and in addition to the vehicle, I think one should not be allowed on the trail without a set of the right tools and critical spares for your particular vehicle. I know **** happens but we all have to at least be prepared to deal with common issues.

 

[LagunaH1]

I agree that driver experience is important, but how is that rated? Years of off road experience? Number of trails run? Honor system?

 

[cbetts]

I think that us leaders need to make sure that the newbies are prepared. I have been guilty of not asking if attendees have the proper equipment. I usually remember to include things like "bring water" and "keep a jacket just in case" but often forget critical things like having spare parts and the tools to replace them.

This is a good thread. It has pointed out things I will need to disclose for those that are new with us.

 

[Portager]

I like the idea of trail ratings, although they need to be maintained and updated as conditions change. It would be good if we could make our trail rating common to other groups or provide a "rosetta stone" conversion reference, i.e. one black diamond is equivalent to TBD. I also like the idea of recommended equipment but I think it should be broken down by H1, H2 and H3/T.

I think the heep trail reports that the My Heep $ucks site maintains http://www.myjeeprocks.com/reports/category/big-bear/gold-mountain-3n69/ is a good start. I'd like to see H4O start a Hummer trail report thread for each trail that we have done or do in the future. Our Hummer trail reports would include the rating and the date that it was last run. It would also include a description and descripe why we gave it the rating that we did. I think we should develop a form to help people record pertinent data along the way, such as the maximum step height, deepest water crossing, maximum grade and cross slope, ...

Once we have a trail rating system we could have a preparation check list that would cover recommended rations and gear (per person) along with vehicle equipment and/or upgrades that should be included for H1, H2 and H3.

 

[skeptic]

Driver skill level seems very un-scientific where a good spotter and/or experienced passenger or instruction can make up for being a newbie. Trail rating is also somewhat arbitrary, but a good set of guidelines such as what f5 posted would give a good generalization. A Hummerized list of recommended and required stuff would be great. Sliders, ucp, Adventure/off-road package, lift, etc. One thing nobody has mentioned that I have noticed (coming from the Jeep world), how tight the trail is. Sharp switchbacks or narrow trails that may be a non issue for a SWB Jeep can be a real issue for an H2 or H3T.

I've been guilty of going out unprepared for an emergency. In my Jeep I carried assorted tools, blankets, etc. When i switched to my H3 I started carrying less. With my T not having an enclosed area behind the rear seat I've only been taking a tow strap and enough tools to change a tire. :whaa: If we as a group are going to come up with a guide like this, we should put our collective heads together and come up with a minimum list of stuff to take every time. Spare parts, appropriate clothing, food, water, etc.

 

[cbetts]

Driver skill level seems very un-scientific where a good spotter and/or experienced passenger or instruction can make up for being a newbie. Trail rating is also somewhat arbitrary, but a good set of guidelines such as what f5 posted would give a good generalization. A Hummerized list of recommended and required stuff would be great. Sliders, ucp, Adventure/off-road package, lift, etc. One thing nobody has mentioned that I have noticed (coming from the Jeep world), how tight the trail is. Sharp switchbacks or narrow trails that may be a non issue for a SWB Jeep can be a real issue for an H2 or H3T.

I've been guilty of going out unprepared for an emergency. In my Jeep I carried assorted tools, blankets, etc. When i switched to my H3 I started carrying less. With my T not having an enclosed area behind the rear seat I've only been taking a tow strap and enough tools to change a tire. :whaa: If we as a group are going to come up with a guide like this, we should put our collective heads together and come up with a minimum list of stuff to take every time. Spare parts, appropriate clothing, food, water, etc.

Driver skill really shouldn't be a factor. The trail leader should be taking inexperienced or unknown drivers in the front to help teach them to wheel properly. I think I have done well in this regard to make sure everyone makes it through safely. I take personal responsibility when I lead to make sure everyone makes it through obstacles. So far, I have not had a single case of rampaging egos on any trail.

 

[06 H3]

Driver skill really shouldn't be a factor. The trail leader should be taking inexperienced or unknown drivers in the front to help teach them to wheel properly. I think I have done well in this regard to make sure everyone makes it through safely. I take personal responsibility when I lead to make sure everyone makes it through obstacles. So far, I have not had a single case of rampaging egos on any trail.

I vouch for craig on this, I came in on Last Chance Canyon sept. 28th 2010. First real trail, the past was all fire roads and he got me through without any damage and even taught me a thing or two. :wink: I would say though as a new guy go in with the attitude that you are not a know it all and listen to your spotter, they know whats going on. I will say I felt that I listened pretty good on that run, after last chance though there are no promises that I listened. :huh:

 

[f5moab]

I agree, a person's skill is very important, but that is probably for another thread. This thread is for 'trail ratings and minimum required equipment." I do believe this has been discussed; however, no answer as to who decides what the level of the trail is if not posted on a site you can trust.

In addition, the RR Four wheelers also add:
No system can accurately compare trails for all vehicles in any weather. We assign numbers based on the experiences of our trail leaders driving (and observing others driving) the various trails. Still, we have trails that are only moderately difficult for short wheelbase vehicles but are almost impassable to pickups, while some of our most difficult hills (e.g., White Knuckle, Double Whammy) are easier for long wheelbase than for short wheelbase. Rain changes sand from difficult to easy, but changes clay from easy to impassable. Sandstone "slickrock" gives good traction when first wet, but after it is tracked with sand, it can be like driving on tiny ball bearings. Finally, we have no way to factor in driver recklessness, and we are often amazed at what some drivers can do — if they intend to tow their vehicles home.

The rating number is based on the MOST DIFFICULT obstacle. DO NOT EXPECT OBSTACLES OF THAT LEVEL ALL DAY. The rating is not meant to be a challenge, but is often a warning about one or more difficult places on an otherwise easier, scenic ride. READ THE TRAIL DESCRIPTIONS FOR SPECIFIC DIFFICULTY INFORMATION for vehicles that may be long, wide, or having owner concern about the paint.

There is also another important part of off-road travel and that might fall under equipment, but when I think of equipment I think of the vehicle, extra parts, accessories, etc., however, what about required supplies.

 

[3Hummers]

We have done the spares/tool lists before but we should reconstitute here also. The tools are somewhat different per model. As a rule I carry very few tools other than what is required to change an idler or pitman arm, tie rod, half shaft, tire, fuel pump, etc. If you don't have the spare you don't need the tools to change it. I used to carry everything when I had the 97 wagon, I had the room. For H1s I carry the following spare parts:
1 left front half shaft
1 right front half shaft
1 rear half shaft
2 upper ball joints
2 lower ball joints
2 complete tie rods
1 radius rod
1 idler arm
1 pitman arm
2 CTIS line and valve set ups
1 fuel pump
1 fuel filter
1 Half shaft limp home kit

When I was wheeling a TD truck I also carried a spare PMD. Sometimes I carry a spare starter. Usually when I wheel a long way from home I carry a few extra parts like the ABS module, CTIS module, a spare ECM, various bulbs, a center link and sometimes even a steering gear box. I can post up a list of tools I carry later.

 

[3Hummers]

Equipment I normally carry would include the following:

Standard scissor jack
12 ton bottle jack with wood base
DeWalt 300# torque impact cordless wrench
At least one and usually two fire extinguishers
Blanket to lay on
Tire plug kit
Arb winch line dampening blanket
Snatch block
Two 30,000# tow straps
Gloves
Tree saver
2 spare Clevis rings
1 Spare CB radio
1 Hand Held HAM radio
Heavy duty collapsible shovel


Probably more, this is from memory. I'll add to this later.

 

[cbetts]

A lot of trail ratings really depend on the truck as stated earlier. This is why I like to prerun my trails and take my time noting difficult areas and try to gauge how various models will do. We are fortunate since we really only need to really know four different models (H1, H2, H3, H3T). Yeah, lift kits and larger tires make it more, but I base everything on stock tire sizes. I also like to publish the likelihood of pinstriping for those that are meticulous about keeping their truck looking nice.

 

[Mb30sdl]

So then we need to post a list of most common parts per model and tools needed, plus supplies.

 

[3Hummers]

Yep

 

[Kurt]

I'll start out listing tools/sockets for various tasks, I got so many duplicates of sockets and wrenches over the years, I'm making small tool folders labeled with each task so I can just grab a small pouch with everything I need to pop the UCP off an H1 vs fishing around a tray for various odds and ends.

 

[f5moab]

Hitachi torque impact cordless wrench
One fire extinguisher
Blanket to lay on
Tire plug kit
Arb winch line dampening blanket
ARB 9000 Snatch block
Snatch and tow straps
Hi lift chains
Gloves
Tree saver
4 spare Clevis rings
Collapsible shovel
Front drive axle shaft
Inner/Outer tie rods
Full set (all metric since that is all that is used on the H3) ¼”, 3/8”, and ½ inch sockets, ratchets, extensions
½ torque wrench (for those big items)
Misc. screwdrivers, pliers, channel locks, Loctite, Gorilla tape, tie down straps and I'm sure if I look, I'll find some dog biscuts