Maiden Off-Road Trip in Bronco (photo heavy)

raqball

Apr 14, 2024

I finally have everything needed for a solo off-road and overnight camping trip. I generally wheel solo and do not go out unprepared to 'unstuck' myself if needed. Winch, recovery gear, air down tools, air tank to air back up, etc..

The weather looked good so off I went.

Got to the trailhead and aired down to 20psi..

My ultimate destination: (more on that later)

Along the way:

Back after a short hike down a small trail to investigate:

The Bronco in all it's glory!

Spent a few hours on the 1st day investigate the trial and a lot of side trails. Got to my intended destination, the lake area, late and all the good dispersed camp sites I found were either taken or full of widow makers so I doubled back to one I had found earlier. Got there right before dark and set the tent up as fast as I could. Before i knew it, it was dark so I passed on cooking and ate a tasty MRE for dinner..

Woke up next morning and brewed up some coffee (read: Life Support Juice).. Plowed down 2 cups, and off I went. Spent a lot of the day just investigating side trails and small hiking trails I'd find in my general camp area.

I was debating staying a 2nd night but noticed the wind picking up and clouds forming mid-afternoon so I decided to head back to camp and pack up, then head back home..

Airing back up at trail exit:

All in all It was a great time, and why I purchased the Bronco..

I had some old and crappy air down tools that I used but I doubt they are very accurate anymore so I just kept an eye on the in dash TMPS readings..

When airing back up, the Power Tank was awesome! it took about 1 minute per tire to go from 20 to 38 and that was with me stopping several times to check pressure while filling...

Interior of Bronco, specifically the rear seat area, cargo area and all the gear back there, got a little dusty but that was expected as I am running with hard top off and Bikini only.. The Rain Gear Trail Cover was great (forgot to snap photo of it on, will do so next time). While it didn't rain overnight, it did keep the dew and the critters out of the interior..

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Chief Ron, Bluestreak57

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Apr 14, 2024

Looks like a great maiden trip. It’s always good to get a short shake down trip to make sure you have everything you need. Thanks for the pictures that looks like an amazing place.

BN 1100, Desert Sand Everglades. Reservation 7/30/20. ordered 1/22/21, reordered 10/15/21 dropped tow and hard top, reordered 3/9/22 changed to Everglades. production date 9/7/22 rescheduled 9/14/22 completed 9/26/22, shipped 10/7/22, arrived 10/31/22, delivered 11/03/22

Chief Ron, Laura

Apr 14, 2024

Jakob1972
Looks like a great maiden trip. It’s always good to get a short shake down trip to make sure you have everything you need. Thanks for the pictures that looks like an amazing place.

It was a blast and I am already planning my next trip in a few weeks..

I did find a few things I need or didn't have left over from my Jeep trip days.

Lantern is old and done for. Need a new one
Need a new headband lamp. My old one is a no-go
Tire deflation tools are old and trash. Need new ones
I def need a 5 gallon Jerry Can. While this trip it was not an issue, I am planning on doing the WA BDR one section at a time. There are a few sections (section 1 for instance) that is 122 miles long. Might be a bit dicey making that in a 2dr with the reduced off-road MPG and with investigating side trails..
Might buy a larger tent. I have a small 2 person (think it's technically a backpacking tent) which is great because it does not take up much storage space but I'd like something a little bigger. The problem is most of the 3 person, non backpacking, tents I am seeing are rather large, length wise, when stored and space in the 2dr is at a premium..
Forgot to reactivate the service on my inReach Mini so if something had happened I'da been SOL..
Need a new sleeping pad. My old foam one has reached the end of it's life. I just sleep on the ground with the pad and sleeping bag and don't use a cot or a mattress..

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Chief Ron, Unicorn

Apr 14, 2024

Thank you for posting these great pics and trip report!!

Cheers

Chief Ron, raqball

Apr 14, 2024

Kenneth
Thank you for posting these great pics and trip report!!

Cheers

My photo skills are terrible.. There were a lot of cool shots I should have taken but didn't and the ones I took at my camp site were terrible and blurry. I had my big ole' finger showing in a few of them... LOL

I do plan on going back to that area, maybe on a non-weekend as a few of the dispersed camp sites I found by the lake were glorious! Sadly, they had already claimed by the time I got there..

The lake is easily accessible from a main paved road on the opposite side and there are 2 commercial type camp grounds sites close to it. I am not a fan of commercial camp sites even though I can stay for free at any of them with my Washington lifetime discovery pass..

If you live in WA State and are a Disabled Veteran, Click Here for a Lifetime Discovery Pass that includes free camping It's 100% free!

I think a lot of people don't do the trails and just drive to the lake area via the paved main roads. The dispersed camp sites I found by the lake are not along any rough roads or trails so they are easy to get to even if someone only had a 2x4.

Next time I might start from there, claim my dispersed camp site by setting up my tent etc then head off and hit the trails. Might be the better option..

The 6 P's come to mind as I violated them.... Prior Planning Prevents Piss Poor Performance. LOL

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Chief Ron, Unicorn

Apr 14, 2024

Nice shakedown run. Time to regroup, re-gear and head back out. Thanks for the photos.

21 Badlands, 2 dr, four banger, slushbox, SAS. PERFECT!

Chief Ron, Laura

Apr 14, 2024

raqball
It was a blast and I am already planning my next trip in a few weeks..

I did find a few things I need or didn't have left over from my Jeep trip days.

Lantern is old and done for. Need a new one

Need a new headband lamp. My old one is a no-go

Tire deflation tools are old and trash. Need new ones

I def need a 5 gallon Jerry Can. While this trip it was not an issue, I am planning on doing the WA BDR one section at a time. There are a few sections (section 1 for instance) that is 122 miles long. Might be a bit dicey making that in a 2dr with the reduced off-road MPG and with investigating side trails..

Might buy a larger tent. I have a small 2 person (think it's technically a backpacking tent) which is great because it does not take up much storage space but I'd like something a little bigger. The problem is most of the 3 person, non backpacking, tents I am seeing are rather large, length wise, when stored and space in the 2dr is at a premium..

Forgot to reactivate the service on my inReach Mini so if something had happened I'da been SOL..

Need a new sleeping pad. My old foam one has reached the end of it's life. I just sleep on the ground with the pad and sleeping bag and don't use a cot or a mattress..

Seems like the shakedown helped to clear up a few things, especially the satcoms… 👍🏼

2023 Wildtrak 4D Lux MIC Tow Oxford White

Chief Ron, raqball

Apr 15, 2024

UserError
Seems like the shakedown helped to clear up a few things, especially the satcoms… 👍🏼

It did. Replacements ordered for the stuff that was trash. Saved a little cash as I had $100 in REI member certificates to spend.. inReach Mini reactivated and I am considering this tent. It's a 3 person (read: one person with a little extra room). Says it's only 7"x12" when packed which is perfect and about the packed size of my current 2 person tent.

https://www.blackdiamondequipment.com/en_US/product/hilight-3p-tent/

My plan is to do section 1 of the WABDR towards the end of the month. I'll have one overnight stay somewhere on the trail. That reminds me, I forgot to buy a 5 gal Jerry Can for extra fuel as I will need that for the BDR.

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Chief Ron, Laura

Apr 15, 2024

raqball
It was a blast and I am already planning my next trip in a few weeks..

I did find a few things I need or didn't have left over from my Jeep trip days.

Lantern is old and done for. Need a new one

Need a new headband lamp. My old one is a no-go

Tire deflation tools are old and trash. Need new ones

I def need a 5 gallon Jerry Can. While this trip it was not an issue, I am planning on doing the WA BDR one section at a time. There are a few sections (section 1 for instance) that is 122 miles long. Might be a bit dicey making that in a 2dr with the reduced off-road MPG and with investigating side trails..

Might buy a larger tent. I have a small 2 person (think it's technically a backpacking tent) which is great because it does not take up much storage space but I'd like something a little bigger. The problem is most of the 3 person, non backpacking, tents I am seeing are rather large, length wise, when stored and space in the 2dr is at a premium..

Forgot to reactivate the service on my inReach Mini so if something had happened I'da been SOL..

Need a new sleeping pad. My old foam one has reached the end of it's life. I just sleep on the ground with the pad and sleeping bag and don't use a cot or a mattress..

Dang you are hard core! My sleeping on the ground and tent days are over, I pull a home built teardrop these days.

Chief Ron, Sven

Apr 15, 2024

Glad it went without mishap. My maiden trip was central Utah, and I got three flats on those OEM Goodyears.* Now you know you really need to actually test out all your gear, especially if you'll be distant from services. Check the "Clubs" listings for other Bronco owners near you, and also consider joining regional all-4x4s club. Safety (and wisdom!) in numbers.

All veterans can get a free lifetime pass for all national parks. Now that's a bargain!

*I didn't air down, and rocks worked their way up through the ply. I know better, now--and will be replacing them with KO2 before any major soloing.

Chief Ron, Sven

Apr 15, 2024

#10

BostonBadlands
Glad it went without mishap. My maiden trip was central Utah, and I got three flats on those OEM Goodyears.* Now you know you really need to actually test out all your gear, especially if you'll be distant from services. Check the "Clubs" listings for other Bronco owners near you, and also consider joining regional all-4x4s club. Safety (and wisdom!) in numbers.

All veterans can get a free lifetime pass for all national parks. Now that's a bargain!

*I didn't air down, and rocks worked their way up through the ply. I know better, now--and will be replacing them with KO2 before any major soloing.

Dang, 3 flats? Yikes!

I was in a few different Jeep clubs back in my CJ and Wrangler days and I would go out with them every so often but I prefer to be solo.. For me, the trips are about getting away from everything and everyone...

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Chief Ron, Unicorn

Apr 15, 2024

#11

Jakob1972
Dang you are hard core! My sleeping on the ground and tent days are over, I pull a home built teardrop these days.

It's not really bad but the older I get the more I think about getting a nice cot...

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Chief Ron, Jakob1972

Apr 15, 2024

#12

Beautiful trail; that second pic with the lake in view is everything. Thanks for the report and sharing what you found useful. Dispersed camping (by myself) is my fav too.

~~2021 Oxford White 2-door non-Sas Mid package 2.7L/10-speed Badlands with MIC top~~
2021 Carbonized Gray 2-door Sas High package 2.7L/10-speed Badlands with MIC top
Keeping the Jeeps: ~~stock '89 XJ, 3.5" lifted '00 XJ on 31s and~~ '89 MJ

Chief Ron, Unicorn

Apr 15, 2024

#13

Laura
Beautiful trail; that second pic with the lake in view is everything. Thanks for the report and sharing what you found useful. Dispersed camping (by myself) is my fav too.

I found a few glorious, and I mean absolutely glorious, dispersed camp sites right up on it but they were already snagged by the time I got there. _insert sad face here_

Next time the plan is get there early, claim a sweet spot then hit the trails.. I am def going back as I probably only hit about 20% of the side trails and I passed a few small hiking trails that I'd want to investigate..

I try to get out once or twice a month and generally never stay more than one night but that's enough for me to escape the world and unwind...

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Chief Ron, Unicorn

Apr 15, 2024

#14

raqball
I found a few glorious, and I mean absolutely glorious, dispersed camp sites right up on it but they were already snagged by the time I got there. _insert sad face here_

Next time the plan is get there early, claim a sweet spot then hit the trails.. I am def going back as I probably only hit about 20% of the side trails and I passed a few small hiking trails that I'd want to investigate..

I try to get out once or twice a month and generally never stay more than one night but that's enough for me to escape the world and unwind...

I hear you! A lot of our sites are first come, first served for the off season, and then we can reserve during peak on recreation.gov. But even in the off-season, some of the best sites are always taken.

I got a hammock so I could easily set up camp if I wanted to go north on a whim, but then I realized without a tent, I had nothing "holding" my spot while I went to go do trails. I guess this year I'll still sleep in my Bronco with the hammock but set up a tent to keep my site, unless others have better advice on how to mark it "claimed."

Chief Ron, Sven

Apr 15, 2024

#15

Laura
I hear you! A lot of our sites are first come, first served for the off season, and then we can reserve during peak on recreation.gov. But even in the off-season, some of the best sites are always taken.

I got a hammock so I could easily set up camp if I wanted to go north on a whim, but then I realized without a tent, I had nothing "holding" my spot while I went to go do trails. I guess this year I'll still sleep in my Bronco with the hammock but set up a tent to keep my site, unless others have better advice on how to mark it "claimed."

I am thinking you'd probably need to set a tent up to stake a claim.. I'd buy the cheapest tent I could find, like a Walmart special, and just toss it up to claim the spot. If you are not gonna use it, who cares if it leaks like an Iraqi submarine... LOL

I wonder what overlanders, with the roof mounted tents do to claim a spot?

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Chief Ron, UserError

Apr 15, 2024

#16

raqball
I am thinking you'd probably need to set a tent up to stake a claim.. I'd buy the cheapest tent I could find, like a Walmart special, and just toss it up to claim the spot. If you are not gonna use it, who cares if it leaks like an Iraqi submarine... LOL

I wonder what overlanders, with the roof mounted tents do to claim a spot?

Yeah, sadly, a little extra work may still be in order. I have a little pup tent I used to use, and it's not bad too put up and stake down.
Great question; I wonder too!

Chief Ron, raqball

Apr 15, 2024

#17

How to reserve a camp site:

Seriously, I'm a minimalist: a foam pad and a sleeping bag does me just fine, although I do carry a tent if necessary.

Chief Ron, UserError

Apr 15, 2024

#18

BostonBadlands
How to reserve a camp site:

Seriously, I'm a minimalist: a foam pad and a sleeping bag does me just fine, although I do carry a tent if necessary.

Could also toss up a toxic waste site sign.. LOL

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Chief Ron, Laura

Apr 20, 2024

#19

Found my next adventure area.. It's mainly easy'ish trails with a few moderate'ish ones mixed in. Looks like it'll be a blast! Also looks to be a lot of side trail to explore and I love side trails! It's only about a 40 minute drive from my home as well so that's a win!!!!

Green= Easy'ish (1-3 trail rating) and Blue is Moderate'ish (4-6 trail rating)

I was going to do section 1 of the WABDR next but a recent trail report claimed it's permanently closed.. I highly doubt that so I'll need to call the Ranger station next week to see what's going on. Either way, I'll do that maybe towards the end of next month, assuming it'll be open.

Update: Section 1 of the WABDR is temp closed due snow levels. I'll plan it for the end of next month..

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Chief Ron, Laura

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