VX only run

[Kenny]

Excerpt from my guide:





Probably should have blacked out some text so as not to scare anyone..

Just pick the right line.

[nfpgasmask]

Ummm, yeah, like you should have blacked out the bit about "body damage", and the bit about "high ground clearance, skid plates, and rocker panel protection", all of which I do not have....

I'm not saying I'm scared, but their ain't no way I am putting my VX into a hazardous position that it is not suited for...

So is this guide exagerating a tad or should I start getting worried?

The only non-stock mod I have that might help are my BFG A/Ts. No lift, no skid plates, nada.

Bart

Excerpt from my guide:

Probably should have blacked out some text so as not to scare anyone..

Just pick the right line.

[Triathlete]

I would say most of those books OVERRATE the trails a bit. This trail has been done as the VX run before and had STOCK VX's with road tires do just fine. If you trust your spotter and pick the right line you'll have no problems. If you are unsure...I recomend you follow other vehicles set up like yours and watch the line they take. Elephant hill is rated a 3.5 which equates to intermediate. HERE is a great place for tril descriptions (including elephant hill) and ratings.
Keep in mind you can get damage on even the easiest of trails if you are not paying attention...but as long as you pay attention, pick the ears of those with experience, and have a little faith in your driving skills and your VX you will be just fine.

[nfpgasmask]

Cool, I am perfectly patient when it comes to negotiating tough spots, and I have no problem taking those spots slowly and carefully. I just don't want to hurt my baby (and my only means of transportation).

The trail sounds awesome and I cannot wait to take in some of the scenery. I need to get my spare and roof rack asap.

Other than that, I pretty much have all the gear I need!

Bart

I would say most of those books OVERRATE the trails a bit. This trail has been done as the VX run before and had STOCK VX's with road tires do just fine. If you trust your spotter and pick the right line you'll have no problems. If you are unsure...I recomend you follow other vehicles set up like yours and watch the line they take. Elephant hill is rated a 3.5 which equates to intermediate. HERE is a great place for tril descriptions (including elephant hill) and ratings.
Keep in mind you can get damage on even the easiest of trails if you are not paying attention...but as long as you pay attention, pick the ears of those with experience, and have a little faith in your driving skills and your VX you will be just fine.

[Locomigo]

I got one word for ya buddy....

RELAX!

Chuck Wells errs on the WAY conservative side as to not get people in over their heads.

Most of these guys have done this trail before, and all you need to do is enjoy yourself, listen to the spotter and watch what the VX in front of you does and you will be fine.

Are there possibilities, YES absolutely, this is an assumed risk activity and things can and do happen. Does it happen frequently? No.

Ive been out there doing these runs for several years, this one makes seven. Often times twice a year in Moab (May/Novemeber). Through all that time, I dont recall more than a double handful of instances for damage through a standard trail run. Some of the more catastrophic failures are attributed to more hardcore trails, and taking more risk with some of the more nutty guys. I do not see that in this group.

Feel free to bounce questions off of me.

[Kenny]

Ummm, yeah, like you should have blacked out the bit about "body damage", and the bit about "high ground clearance, skid plates, and rocker panel protection", all of which I do not have....

I'm not saying I'm scared, but their ain't no way I am putting my VX into a hazardous position that it is not suited for...

So is this guide exagerating a tad or should I start getting worried?

The only non-stock mod I have that might help are my BFG A/Ts. No lift, no skid plates, nada.

Bart

It's probably a bit exagerated, but also is refering to other stock trucks with 20" wheels and low ground clearance. I don't really consider the stock VX in the same category as other stock trucks like Jeeps and Toyotas.

Last year I was same as you, no armour - no lift, scared to death of body damage, and came out clean.

You'll be fine, the common advice is; listen to the trail lead, accept advice, follow another VX that is similarly equiped to you, and don't rush.

Last year's VX run included Gold Bar Rim, it has a similar diffuculty rating.


Take a scan through this post to see other trails from 2006...
http://www.vehicross.info/forums/showthread.php?t=8822

[nfpgasmask]

Thanks again fellas....im excited.

Bart

[biju]

Kenny, kenny, kenny... don't scare folks! geesh.

Elephant hill is cake. bust out the wine and cheese, and put in a DVD of your choosing and let the VX do its thing!

-biju.

[Anita]

Elephant Hill is great! Many of us did that trail with stock tires and no lift. No problem!!

[nfpgasmask]

Now these are the kind of replies I was looking for!!!

Bart