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Am I just a wussy baby man, or was I smart (or at least cautious?)

JAsh1967

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Had been planning to go down a seasonal road / ORV trail in Michigan, OnX Offroad rates it as a 2/10 technical trail (so presumably, bit worse than a dirt road.) But, a few things gave me pause:
  • I can count on one hand the number of times I've had my Jeep off road and have 4 fingers left over
  • That one time was at a south-east Michigan ORV park (Holly Oaks) and in an "Off-roading 101" group for beginners
  • I'm currently up here solo, no passenger (the wife's working,) no friends, nothing. So getting in trouble, I'm on my own...
I've got a near-stock Sport S, I do have a steel bumper with a winch, but no lift and I'm on street tires.

So was I just being cautious as I don't know MY limits yet, or am I a wuss and I should go back tomorrow and tackle the trail?
I'm also planning to stop into a local Jeep performance shop, might ask the proprietor about the trail and see what they think...

Hit me, I can take it! LoL
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Mr._Bill

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You may be overly cautious, but that's not a bad thing. You need some sort of backup plan, especially when going out alone. At a minimum, leave a note with where you're going, when you'll be back, and what to do if you don't return.
 

Gvsukids

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Had been planning to go down a seasonal road / ORV trail in Michigan, OnX Offroad rates it as a 2/10 technical trail (so presumably, bit worse than a dirt road.) But, a few things gave me pause:
  • I can count on one hand the number of times I've had my Jeep off road and have 4 fingers left over
  • That one time was at a south-east Michigan ORV park (Holly Oaks) and in an "Off-roading 101" group for beginners
  • I'm currently up here solo, no passenger (the wife's working,) no friends, nothing. So getting in trouble, I'm on my own...
I've got a near-stock Sport S, I do have a steel bumper with a winch, but no lift and I'm on street tires.

So was I just being cautious as I don't know MY limits yet, or am I a wuss and I should go back tomorrow and tackle the trail?
I'm also planning to stop into a local Jeep performance shop, might ask the proprietor about the trail and see what they think...

Hit me, I can take it! LoL
What's the trail?
 

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Gvsukids

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Looks sandy and will be doable. Come from the south, and the trail will be downhill.
 

smlobx

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I tend to agree with the hive but also caution you to listen to your gut and don’t get goaded into doing something you’re not comfortable with, particularly if you’re alone.
 

Phil_R

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Wait until you have another guy or gal in another Jeep with you just in case one of the vehicles become stuck or inoperable. You did the right thing and you are not a wussy by any means. Just try it sometime later with a backup there!!!
 

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AmishMike

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I agree, bring a friend.
My biggest worry is the street tires. They can be soft and thin, easily cut on a rock. If @Gvsukids says the trail is sandy then you should be okay. Rocks and even pointy roots can cause a problem.
Be safe and not a YouTube subject.
 

Bjeepz

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Go into the trail and check it out! I don't know how your ratings work but 2 sounds like Honda Ridgeline territory.

One thing you can do to dramatically improve your off road performance is to unbolt one your sway bar links. You will be very surprise at the extra improved feel and peformance.

Get rid of the stock tires when you can!!

As for your caution, safety 1st!!! Better safe than sorry!

If you find a rough spot ask yourself this; is there a winch point available if needed.
 

rr11

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A stock S is more capable than many give it credit. I have a 2020 S with the exception of Rubicon take off tires my Jeep is mainly stock. I normally run on the beach and a few trails, that said if you pay attention you should be fine. A second vehicle would be great, but I normalcy go alone.
 

bd100

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For a sandy trail you may want to air down the tires to 20psi or so. Thus the need for a nice air compressor. Get one which clamps onto the battery posts, not one which plugs into and blows the cig lighter fuse. And bring a second manual compressor (foot pump style) for backup. And the spare tire. And some tire plugs. Safety Seal, or whatever you can source quickly for now.

Bring clothing, food, water to stay the night if necessary. Or a backpack for the food and water in case you need to hike out. Check cell service area maps for your provider. If cell gets spotty, get a Garmin Inreach or the like if you do this often. You can text for help by satellite to https://offroadportal.org/.

If you do this in colder weather some day then bring blankets and hats and gloves and such as well.

A 2x6 or thick ply wood pad to place under the jack on the sandy soil. Shovel to help dig out of a hole. Big hand winch (More Power Puller) in case you have to go backwards, but try shoveling out first. A Pull Pal land anchor in case there are no trees around. And you need the shovel to dig the land anchor out when you are done! If in a forest you may want a nice axe and folding or bow saw.

Don't go quickly through deep standing water. You don't know what tree stump or rock might be in there.

If you get hooked, get some LT tires for better durability, a basic aluminum skid plate to protect the engine and trans lines from sticks, logs, rocks, a slide-in trailer hitch skid plate, and the little skids for the shock absorbers and controls arms. Bonus points for a sway bar quick disconnect.

All the above are smallish dollar items which can provide big returns. The satellite comms alone can be well worth it just in peace of mind alone, both you and the family. And LT tires can save you from multiple flats.

Do the trail. You have a Jeep. If nervous then find a bypass or turn around.
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