Knowing When to say NO.

DrTARDIS · 12-28-2009, 04:33 AM

For those of us that love getting our E dirty, there seems to be an issue of how far to take it. We all know the E is not a rock Crawler but other than that when do you look at a trail and decide that is it too severe?

Sprunch · 12-28-2009, 08:22 AM

Gas tank scraping ruts and big rocks.

Twilightzero · 12-28-2009, 12:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sprunch

Gas tank scraping ruts and big rocks.

Pretty much the same here. And after getting stuck last year and having to get dragged 100 yards backward through the mud by a 4WD dually tractor, I added "in a low area near a creek in the spring"

rojogan · 12-28-2009, 12:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sprunch

Gas tank scraping ruts and big rocks.

That's pretty much my guide, too!

paulj · 12-28-2009, 12:33 PM

Clearance is the biggest issue. I have stopped to remove rocks from the roadway. I have also stopped and examined the ruts, with an eye for 'can I straddle them'.

I have turned back at big mud holes; but I have also made a run for it, hoping that momentum (and RT4WD) will carry me through (so far, I've been lucky).

Other cases I have put the front wheels into the slippery spot, and backed up a bit to test whether the rear ones still have traction.

In another case I encountered a spot of muddy construction. As soon as I felt the tires loose traction, I stopped and scouted, finding out that the mud, while not deep, was very slick, and sticky. Fortunately I was able to back on to solid gravel.

More often than not, I turn back when I encounter old snow. I learned my lesson in the RAV4 that trying to power through an old drift is a good way of getting stuck, with all wheels off the ground. Also in old snow it is hard to maintain directional control. So I don't risk snow on mountain shelf roads.

Another consideration - where can I turn around. It is better to stop and scout on foot where I can turn around, rather than have to back up a long ways. Fortunately the E has an amazing turning circle, so it doesn't need much of a widening to make a 10 pt turn.

Twilightzero · 12-28-2009, 12:39 PM

Oh yeah, and be SURE to turn off VSA when you're going to be driving through mud/snow! The loss of momentum when you start to spin and it cuts your power will kill you on the spot!

MikeQBF · 12-28-2009, 12:58 PM

Obvious mud deeper than 4-6", esp. when it gets deeper as you move along. A too-frequent find on country backroads here in the Midwest. I've always managed to make the decision just in time to still be able to back out of the muck.

BraveLittleToasterLX · 05-20-2011, 02:54 PM

I love this thread.

My latest escapade got me stuck up to the [H] sign in the front in LAKE MUD.
I wasn't about to take Shark-E through THAT much mud, until my friend though it would be "cute" to put all his weight on my right leg, which the connected foot was on the gas pedal. :0 thank God for Chevy trucks and rednecks that will just laugh at you and pull you out of the stick. :(

ReaperZune8 · 05-20-2011, 10:48 PM

been there done that... see my pics from when i got hi centered on a culvert... btw that was ALL clay mud... Thank god i was back home with plenty of farmer friends to yank my sorry *** out

12-28-2009, 04:33 AM	#1
DrTARDIS EOC Rank: Helium 2006 4WD EX AT Satin Silver Metallic (SSM) Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Peoria, AZ Posts: 171	Knowing When to say NO. For those of us that love getting our E dirty, there seems to be an issue of how far to take it. We all know the E is not a rock Crawler but other than that when do you look at a trail and decide that is it too severe? __________________ There's something you better understand about me, 'cause it's important and one day your life may depend on it. I am definitely a madman with a box! “There’s no point in being grown-up if you can’t be childish sometimes." Tom Baker

12-28-2009, 08:22 AM	#2
Sprunch EOC Rank: Hydrogen 2003 4WD EX AT Eternal Blue Pearl (EBP) Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Detroit Rock City Posts: 91	Gas tank scraping ruts and big rocks. __________________ 03 Element mods:Home Cheapo grille, a/c shut off, AMSOIL, Bosch wipers 09 Impreza 03 Genuine Stella 150cc 74 Vespa Rally 200 66 Sears Blue Badge 150cc 64 Lambretta 200cc 58 Allstate 150cc

12-28-2009, 12:33 PM	#5
paulj EOC Rank: Nitrogen 2003 4WD DX AT Satin Silver Metallic (SSM) Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Seattle Posts: 6,261	Clearance is the biggest issue. I have stopped to remove rocks from the roadway. I have also stopped and examined the ruts, with an eye for 'can I straddle them'. I have turned back at big mud holes; but I have also made a run for it, hoping that momentum (and RT4WD) will carry me through (so far, I've been lucky). Other cases I have put the front wheels into the slippery spot, and backed up a bit to test whether the rear ones still have traction. In another case I encountered a spot of muddy construction. As soon as I felt the tires loose traction, I stopped and scouted, finding out that the mud, while not deep, was very slick, and sticky. Fortunately I was able to back on to solid gravel. More often than not, I turn back when I encounter old snow. I learned my lesson in the RAV4 that trying to power through an old drift is a good way of getting stuck, with all wheels off the ground. Also in old snow it is hard to maintain directional control. So I don't risk snow on mountain shelf roads. Another consideration - where can I turn around. It is better to stop and scout on foot where I can turn around, rather than have to back up a long ways. Fortunately the E has an amazing turning circle, so it doesn't need much of a widening to make a 10 pt turn. __________________ Cargo/camping platform, Yakima roof rack, Basketcase, Sidekick, Aiwa HU, Pioneer speakers, Cooper H/T 225/70/16 Picasa photos Tire Size Calculator

12-28-2009, 12:39 PM	#6
Twilightzero EOC Rank: Sulfur 2007 4WD LX MT Tango Red Pearl (TRP) Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Madison, WI YAY CHEESE!! Posts: 10,228	Oh yeah, and be SURE to turn off VSA when you're going to be driving through mud/snow! The loss of momentum when you start to spin and it cuts your power will kill you on the spot! __________________ Twilightzero, International Man of Debauchery "Always use protection, be it latex or legal" -Twilightzero Join Cap'n Twirate's EOC Bucanneers! Mods: ASA JS6 rims, Nokian WR-SUV tires, DIY roof rack, DIY Dog Platform, Curt Class III trailer hitch, Char Griller Super Pro Trailer Hitch Grill, Infinity 6022si Speakers, Shen's Side Marker Turn Signals, Leather shift boot, K&N filter, RoadRunner 34/78 Monster Battery, Home Depot Grill

12-28-2009, 12:58 PM	#7
MikeQBF Moderatorium 2008 4WD EX-P 6MT Galaxy Gray Metallic (GG) Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Downstate Illinois Posts: 6,415	Obvious mud deeper than 4-6", esp. when it gets deeper as you move along. A too-frequent find on country backroads here in the Midwest. I've always managed to make the decision just in time to still be able to back out of the muck. __________________ Posting, and You: http://www.albinoblacksheep.com/flash/posting.php Help Vampires: http://slash7.com/2006/12/22/vampires/

05-20-2011, 02:54 PM	#8
BraveLittleToasterLX EOC Rank: Hydrogen 2006 4WD LX MT Atomic Blue Metallic (ABM) Join Date: May 2010 Location: Waco, Texas Posts: 26	I love this thread. My latest escapade got me stuck up to the [H] sign in the front in LAKE MUD. I wasn't about to take Shark-E through THAT much mud, until my friend though it would be "cute" to put all his weight on my right leg, which the connected foot was on the gas pedal. :0 thank God for Chevy trucks and rednecks that will just laugh at you and pull you out of the stick. :( __________________ CC sports a Atomic Blue Metallic (Grey Panels) 2006 Honda Element LX 4WD/AWD; Sharkie. Tricks: 12" light bar inside top nook above glovebox, various mud spots, Igloo Koolmate 36 MiniFridge, Backseat mat from a Mitsubishi Eclipse (Eclipse trunk mat fits great!), Stinky hockey skates and quads in clam-shell trunk.

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