Failed Obstacle - Feedback Requested

Best Slope Bronco

Sep 24, 2024

Hey Everyone - I realize a lot will have already seen this elsewhere, but it can't hurt to get more feedback.

We decided to go up Mineral Creek again because we liked it so much the first time, and even considered going back to Poughkeepsie Gulch to try the Wall. However, a failure on this smaller optional obstacle made us reconsider. We got high centered and couldn't make it up, though I felt like I was close to making it over. Luckily, we were able to back down and avoided getting stuck. Instead of Poughkeepsie, we continued on Mineral Creek and up to Mineral Point where we went down another obstacle that challenged us. We made this one, but thought some film study might be helpful.

I realize the video may not have enough of a view to really break down our mistakes, but thought it was worth asking anyway. Do any of you experienced off-roaders have any thoughts on how we could have approached either obstacle differently? We're in a stock Black Diamond, so the easy answer is more ground clearance. However, as I said, I think I might have been close to climbing up and over.

Thanks in advance!

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@BestSlopeBronco?si=A7OuAYbOHEYrcAdV
2023 Black Diamond 2.3 Velocity Blue

Sort by date

Reaction Score

Sep 24, 2024

Don’t beat yourself up - it happens to everyone. Thankfully, you were able to self-extract, didn’t break anything and looks like you had a great day!

To me, this appears to be a combination of 2 factors:
1 - your “line” selection - unless you were purposefully trying to approach this obstacle in the most challenging manner possible, the route on the passenger side appears to much more benign.
2 - vehicle capability - bigger tires, a lift, front locker (doesn’t appear the front is locked however, I believe the rear is) would all help clear the obstacle more effectively.

I appreciate your openness to feedback/critique especially on an open platform like BN. Thankfully, the folks here are helpful and I trust replies will provide additional constructive criticism.

- 2023 Raptor / Shadow Black / MGV (DOB 8/30/23)
- 2023 Heritage Limited Edition / Robin’s Egg Blue / 4dr / (stolen from my dealer 11/15/23)

alyd09, James77

Sep 24, 2024

Bschurr
Don’t beat yourself up - it happens to everyone. Thankfully, you were able to self-extract, didn’t break anything and looks like you had a great day!

To me, this appears to be a combination of 2 factors:
1 - your “line” selection - unless you were purposefully trying to approach this obstacle in the most challenging manner possible, the route on the passenger side appears to much more benign.
2 - vehicle capability - bigger tires, a lift, front locker (doesn’t appear the front is locked however, I believe the rear is) would all help clear the obstacle more effectively.

I appreciate your openness to feedback/critique especially on an open platform like BN. Thankfully, the folks here are helpful and I trust replies will provide additional constructive criticism.

I can't really remember what the other line looked like here, but it might have looked a little more gnarly in the initial step. In hindsight, I didn't get out and really look at the lines beforehand - I just went for it. Normally on something like this, I'd get out and walk it first, but sometimes (like here) I was pretty amped up about trying it. That was a first mistake.

No front locker on mine. The rear one was engaged. I'll remain stock for the time being, and I'll probably never get too crazy with upgrades. I've been really pleased with how capable this thing has been in its current form.

The feedback on the other forum was good, and I appreciate yours. Everyone has been pretty positive. I *did* have a Jeeper on Instagram say "our Jeep did it fine." Course...I went and looked at their Jeep, which has 37s and better clearance.

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@BestSlopeBronco?si=A7OuAYbOHEYrcAdV
2023 Black Diamond 2.3 Velocity Blue

UserError, Bschurr

Sep 24, 2024

My piece of advice is to look at the tire tracks of those who did the obstacle before you and try their lines. In both obstacles I could clearly see a lot of tire tread marks on the side of the obstacle you didn’t take. Also, if the obstacle is two car widths wide you shouldn’t need to scrape or pivot off of trees (tread lightly), which is another clue as to which line to take.

UserError, Bschurr

Sep 24, 2024

I can only repeat the basics.
Air down.
For tire placement your looking for ramps. How to keep the tires equally planted.
The first obstacle was twisted making it difficult.
For ledge's, one corner at a time.
As soon as you spin, stop. Evaluate. (Like you did)
Nice trail.

UserError, Bschurr

You must log in or register to post here.