BajaNomad - What do you drive to Baja?

What do you drive to Baja?

Pages: 1 2

Ken Cooke - 12-22-2005 at 10:04 PM

Please post a picture of yourself with your Baja rig that you take or took south of the border.

Ken Cooke - 12-22-2005 at 10:09 PM

Currently, I drive an '03 Rubicon to Baja. No complaints, breakdowns, or worries so far... I promise to stay far away from Fords when in Baja!

[Edited on 12-23-2005 by Ken Cooke]

elgatoloco - 12-22-2005 at 10:35 PM

Ken, beautiful rig you have. Loved checking out your photos!

Please let me know when they come out with a model with a queen size bed, 3-way fridge, two burner stove, 12,000 btu heater, dining table, 12 galllon fresh water tank, stainless steel sink with electric pump and 12 volt porchlight with room for kayaks, surfboards, fishing gear, BBQ, lounge chairs, e-z up and 156 quart ice chest.

Hope to see you in Baja!

Mateo
:biggrin:

ps. we can provide base camp at bottom of the widowmaker :lol:

elgatoloco - 12-22-2005 at 10:40 PM

...and maybe a Tommy Gate on the back.

Ken Bondy - 12-22-2005 at 11:06 PM

My ride

David K - 12-22-2005 at 11:41 PM

Okay, me and my truck the first day I had it, in Baja (La Bocana beach near El Rosario)...

[Edited on 12-23-2005 by David K]

Neal Johns - 12-22-2005 at 11:51 PM

Marian Johns says: Here is what I drive on the Pole Line Road's Basketball Hill on Ken Cooke's 2004 run:

Neal Johns - 12-22-2005 at 11:55 PM

Marian Johns says: Here is what happens in Baja when I let hubby Neal Johns drive:

David K - 12-23-2005 at 12:03 AM

Oh what a feeling! Ouch!!

OK, here's the old 89 Bronco on Shell Beach...

Mexray - 12-23-2005 at 12:20 AM

...in '04'. It's hard to beat these old rigs as economical 4WD vehicles. If you want to get off road in 'cheapo' mode, look around for a Bronco...they quit making them in 1996, so they are usually a good buy.

To be sure, I've spent a few bucks to upgrade/refurbish the old machine, but it's still in the 'low bucks' region when compared with todays 4WD 'iron'...not that I wouldn't like to have a nice 1-ton Super Duty, etc., etc....but you know the drill - I don't have any of those monthly payments! :smug:

I've updated my old 89 this year with 4.10 gears, a rear locker, and a limited slip up front...might even make it up the widow maker by itself, now...

David K - 12-23-2005 at 12:37 AM

Oh, okay... here's my previous ride on Shell Island... :light:

You can see it in the background in Mexray's picture too.

[Edited on 12-23-2005 by David K]

Diver - 12-23-2005 at 06:37 AM

Betcha couldn't catch the FORD, eh DK ??

I just traded the old '94 F250 diesel for an '04 F350 crew as the kids got too big for the supercab back seat. We carry a pick-up camper, boat or camp trailer depending on where we're headed.

Not only is it comfy, good mileage and goes about anywhere but there have been many less fortunate in Baja over the years who have been thrilled about my ride when I pulled them out of trouble !
Gotta love that diesel power !!
.

Around town

bajajudy - 12-23-2005 at 07:24 AM

Dogs to the beach

bajajudy - 12-23-2005 at 07:25 AM

On the road

bajajudy - 12-23-2005 at 07:26 AM

bajajudy - 12-23-2005 at 07:29 AM

Grover
I think that you are sandbagging us :biggrin:

Ken Cooke - 12-23-2005 at 07:31 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by elgatoloco
Please let me know when they come out with a model with a queen size bed, 3-way fridge, two burner stove, 12,000 btu heater, dining table, 12 galllon fresh water tank, stainless steel sink with electric pump and 12 volt porchlight with room for kayaks, surfboards, fishing gear, BBQ, lounge chairs, e-z up and 156 quart ice chest.

Unfortunately, my Ford Ranger cost me several thousands of dollars in maintenance and upkeep. It was my daily driver, and it had cost me a fortune. That is what convinced the wife that buying a Rubicon would actually save us money in the long run. Here is the Ford Ranger that I still ache over selling for a mere $2,500.00...

David K. can speak volumes of how much trouble this pickup got me into down in Baja... :yes:

Also, my handsome face is featured in case you need a positive I.D. when getting that mighty rig pulled out of trouble. :lol:

David K - 12-23-2005 at 12:46 PM

I like the Rubicon because you get the big tires and locking diffs, but I fear the Jeep reputation having once owned a Jeep... and my mentor Neal Johns would bite my head off if I got something besides Toyota! HA!!!

Here's Ken and Suzanne on Shell Island camping with my kids and I, and Hotschott & Val...

there's that Ranger! (just let more air out and anything can drive on that sand)...

heres a picture of my new Baja rig...

eetdrt88 - 12-23-2005 at 02:02 PM

just needs a little work :lol:

[Edited on 12-23-2005 by eetdrt88]

How could we forget 'Nicki', near Catavina...

Mexray - 12-23-2005 at 02:53 PM

...She stopped for a 'ride' on the old VW Bus, several years ago...and yes, we liked her 'shoes', M...

Cincodemayo - 12-23-2005 at 03:08 PM

Elgatoloco...What an awesome picture with the Cardons!

Phil S - 12-23-2005 at 04:28 PM

I don't remember seeing "Nicki" by Catavina. And I think I would have recognized her via this picture you've posted!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

Driving test question.....

Cincodemayo - 12-23-2005 at 04:44 PM

Legal or not legal

jerry - 12-23-2005 at 06:32 PM

i dont think you could stay behind that bike for very long befor your eyes would begin to water from the smell of burning hair :?:

still worth a chance have a good one

Land & Water rigs

Don Jorge - 12-23-2005 at 07:04 PM

bigboy - 12-23-2005 at 07:26 PM

I'm with Mexray......I too have a '89 Bronco! It's been all over Baja's back country as well as our California deserts. It's never let me down and has over 240K miles on the clock.
I also have a V10 Excursion 4X4 that I use to drag my 7000# boat in Baja. As you can see, I love Ford my Ford trucks!

TMW - 12-24-2005 at 10:40 AM

My first 4x4 at Malarrimo beach. Gave the truck to my son last year.

TMW - 12-24-2005 at 10:44 AM

My 2nd 4x4 still in use on the tight trails of Baja. Here I'm getting ready for the Pole Line Rd run.

TMW - 12-24-2005 at 10:46 AM

My 3rd 4x4 04 GMC Z71. Note stickkker on rear side window from DK.

TMW - 12-24-2005 at 10:49 AM

My company truck after crashing into trees coming down the mouintain and the steering broke. $13,000 to repair. Never was the same again. Got rid of it this year. I drive a company Tahoe now.

Desertbull - 12-24-2005 at 10:49 AM

The Desert Tank has ----- 285,000 miles on it ---- well documented miles as most know. Keeps on ticking with lots of love and care after adventures in the land of Baja.

We tend to run the back roads sometimes in the night --- why? Haven't figured that out yet...nothing like running Calamajue Wash in the pitch black dark for a good time!

Earlier this year we custom fabricated a flatbed that has a secure location for all your "stuff" tires, jack, tool box and of course the FridgeFreeze for the icy Tecate/Pacificos --- no more "stuff" being strapped down in the bed of the truck and flopping around for miles of endless washboard near Bufeo's Casa ---- we can fit two Honda XR650R's on the bed strapped down and still run a decent pace ----

And now thinking about it - it'd be a great platform/table for Nikki or that bicycle gal to perform that dance called ---- wait I can't remember ---- Oh, it's come back to me - A Table Dance! LOL

[Edited on 12-24-2005 by Desertbull]

[Edited on 12-24-2005 by Desertbull]

[Edited on 12-24-2005 by Desertbull]

TMW - 12-24-2005 at 10:51 AM

In the winter I use this on the mountain. I thought of taking it to the sand dunes, maybe.

Desertbull - 12-24-2005 at 10:56 AM

TW -

Great photos - the tracked vehicle would be great on Shell Beach - Go anywhere at anytime -

But could you imagine if you ever got that think stuck - Holy *****

:cool:

Careful readers of this forum will remember that this one LOVED running around the desert,

vgabndo - 12-24-2005 at 02:19 PM

but flew apart and seriously stranded me on the pavement. '96 Sidekick, 16's and a 3" lift...and for sale cheap!

Bought it in early '95

Tucker - 12-24-2005 at 03:23 PM

Towed it home, worked on it a while and brought it to La Paz. Climb anything but a tree, pass anything but a gas station.

Finished the '95 Baja 1000 (although I didn't start it), David K co-drove it in '01 (for a mile or so), beach launched a few boats, or one boat a few times.

Made six or eight trips to the US, as far north as Port Orchard, WA and down to CSL.

Now it's happy to go to the dump every month or so.

All that for $1700.

Bob and Susan - 12-24-2005 at 03:36 PM

...and $95,000 in gas :lol:

Tucker - 12-24-2005 at 03:41 PM

Probably half that if I only drive it to the dump. Actually I keep it as a back-up since I live on an unpaved street and it does occasionally get muddy.

David K - 12-24-2005 at 04:48 PM

A sticker that says 'David K once drove this' is in the works!! :spingrin:

2004 dodge ram 4x4/HEMI

BAJACAT - 12-24-2005 at 07:10 PM

Hey guys I can post my bajarig picture I need some assistance please :?:

Hohoho

Sharksbaja - 12-24-2005 at 11:56 PM

here is mine:

[Edited on 12-25-2005 by Sharksbaja]

U gotta be kiddin'

Sharksbaja - 12-25-2005 at 01:20 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
A sticker that says 'David K once drove this' is in the works!! :spingrin:

Isn't that a little over the top? If others put that on their rig, I'll tip my hat. :lol:

Neal Johns - 12-25-2005 at 01:48 AM

Here is why I married Marian! She already knew how to four wheel drive! She had a CJ-5 but I convertered her to Toyotas. Here she is going down the last hill on the Pole Line Road - and Ken says it is tough, shucks, even an old ladyl can do it Ken. :lol:

Ken Cooke - 12-25-2005 at 06:57 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Neal Johns
Here she is going down the last hill on the Pole Line Road - and Ken says it is tough, shucks, even an old ladyl can do it Ken. :lol:

Neal, that eroded hill is no joke. Neither is that trail. The Rubicon Owners of California have deemed this trail, "Too Extreme" and will not sanction nor sponsor this event for its members. Notice the webpage, and the absence of its' mention to our club members. There will be 3 club members attending this extreme/remote run however (me, Anita R., & Paul F.). The current conditions also make this trail something your wife may or may not be able to handle. Remember, its not the trail as much as it is the vehicle... :light:

roverdude - 12-25-2005 at 11:27 AM

2000 Land Rover Discovery
Most miles this past year were in Baja

TMW - 12-25-2005 at 12:19 PM

Rover I like your rack, looks Baja tough.

David K - 12-25-2005 at 05:14 PM

Good photo of the road to Mision Santa Maria... about 3 miles from the mission it looks.

bajaxplorer - 12-25-2005 at 07:59 PM

Here is my rig.
BX

[Edited on 12-26-2005 by bajaxplorer]

Yah Ta Hay?

Sharksbaja - 12-25-2005 at 08:48 PM

:lol:

Oil drums? Boiler plate?

David K - 12-25-2005 at 08:48 PM

Looks like chitty chitty bang bang!

Frank - 12-26-2005 at 08:24 AM

Baja soapbox derby car

MICK - 12-26-2005 at 08:42 AM

Hey that's My ranger. Ken Tw and I will be trying to hook up with you guys on Friday. See ya in Baja
Mick

David K - 12-26-2005 at 09:46 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Sharksbaja

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
A sticker that says 'David K once drove this' is in the works!! :spingrin:

Isn't that a little over the top? If others put that on their rig, I'll tip my hat. :lol:

Yes, I was joking... :rolleyes:

Fatboy - 12-28-2005 at 07:58 PM

Here is the TJ...

Bob and Susan - 12-28-2005 at 08:18 PM

Fatboy

I thought i'd see a Harley :lol:

Now I'll have to imagine "another" Fatboy..yuk :lol:

Fatboy - 12-28-2005 at 10:18 PM

Is that all you think about, Harleys?!?!?!

Maybe, my screen named refers to my Jeep and is in reference to the fact that the thing grenades all the time and it is named after one of the Atomic Bombs used in WWII?

Bob and Susan - 12-29-2005 at 06:40 AM

...I'll try

...but no promises..

"Atomic Bombs used in WWII" I wasn't born then.... :lol:

Compare photos

John M - 12-29-2005 at 09:59 AM

From Roverdude above to this on page 194 of Edward Vernon's Las Misiones Antiguas.

John M

Bob and Susan - 12-29-2005 at 10:38 AM

wow a kodak location..

David K - 12-29-2005 at 05:39 PM

Almost the same spot when Baja Mur and I went to Mision Santa Maria in 1999...

Bob and Susan - 12-29-2005 at 05:48 PM

David

..the desert must look all the same to you... :lol:

That picture doesn't even resemble the other two

David K - 12-29-2005 at 05:57 PM

I would guess the others were taken about a hundred feet past the point Mur took the above photo... The give away is the grove of palms down in the canyon, in the background... The infamous widowmaker grade drops you down into those palms about a mile and a half from this Kodak Moment location...

Bob and Susan - 12-29-2005 at 06:42 PM

i see it now...

Back to what we drive rather than where...

vgabndo - 12-29-2005 at 07:30 PM

I can't wait to introduce this big fella to Baja. (Feb.) On my little 800 mile Christmas jaunt, it got right at twice the fuel milage as my old F-250 on gas. Love that Cummins!

jimgrms - 12-31-2005 at 09:16 AM

I live in colorado and am on my second jeep cherokee ,and as they no longer make them i will restore my 2000, no trick to get 250000 miles just maint a little tlc, they arre cheap ,reliable and economicle, and easy to work on, i don,t modify them and don,t go places like the pole line but have been all over the sea of cortez coast line with them, not saying other vehicles are not as good , but just like my comfort

meme - 12-31-2005 at 10:56 AM

I'm with you jimgrms on those Jeep Cherokees. We have an old 1990 that has lotsa miles but "keeps on running"! Is beginning to get some bad things going on so looking to upgrade but will stay with the Jeep Cherokees! As you say it's a lot more comforts than many off road vehicles!
Ours has been lots lotsa places here in Baja desert!

roverdude - 1-5-2006 at 10:46 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by John M
From Roverdude above to this on page 194 of Edward Vernon's Las Misiones Antiguas.

WOW! Same shrub in front of that guy and my truck.

Sharksbaja - 1-5-2006 at 01:23 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by roverdude

Quote:

Originally posted by John M
From Roverdude above to this on page 194 of Edward Vernon's Las Misiones Antiguas.

WOW! Same shrub in front of that guy and my truck.

I see that white branch...man, things don't change fast in Baja....that is amazing though!

[Edited on 1-5-2006 by Sharksbaja]

marinron - 1-15-2006 at 12:09 AM

Here is a shot of my H2 in Parque Nacional Sierra San Pedro Martir last February. Have made one trip a year to Baja since I bought it. Hasn't let me down yet. 1st post attempt - hope it works.

bajajudy - 1-15-2006 at 07:57 AM

As you can tell from my pix, I too am a Jeep fan. I would say Cherokee but our oldest is actually a Wagoneer(86) and, if truth be known, I would prefer to drive it over the 91. It seems to hug the road, ground, rocks, whatever, better. It was our vehicle on our trip from Lopez Mateos to San Ignacio up the coast road(the word road may be a stretch!) and she(Lucita, burrito) performed admirably. Reminds me of a tank the way she crawls over boulders. Starting to rust out in places but untill she falls apart, we will keep her on the road.

bAJARIG-GRAB LIFE BY THE CUERNOS

BAJACAT - 1-15-2006 at 11:05 AM

fINALLY HERES MY BAJA RIG

2004 DODGE 1500 4X4
5.7 LT HEMMY
AUTO
DAVID'S GOT BAJA :?:

STICKER ON BACK GLASS.
COLOR, BAJA FLAMMING REDDDDDD. :fire:

BAJACAT - 1-15-2006 at 11:17 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by BAJACAT
fINALLY HERES MY BAJA RIG

2004 DODGE 1500 4X4
5.7 LT HEMMY
AUTO
DAVID'S GOT BAJA :?:

STICKER ON BACK GLASS.
COLOR, BAJA FLAMMING REDDDDDD. :fire:

[Edited on 1-15-2006 by BAJACAT]

another picture

BAJACAT - 1-15-2006 at 11:32 AM

David K - 1-15-2006 at 11:55 AM

Bajacat, keep playing with the size of your photos to make them bigger here!

B-rig

BAJACAT - 1-15-2006 at 10:29 PM

This is my old baja rig this baby took me and my family all the way from national city ca, to cabo san lucas..

I know what you mean D K oh oh what a feeling... you guys know the rest... to ..........................ta

[Edited on 1-16-2006 by BAJACAT]

Neal Johns - 1-15-2006 at 11:59 PM

Here is my first Baja rig (and I):

[Edited on 1-16-2006 by Neal Johns]

Sharksbaja - 1-16-2006 at 12:13 AM

Typically Toyota?

Neal Johns - 1-16-2006 at 12:18 AM

Sure, after 500,000 miles.

Reliable Jeeps

neilm - 1-16-2006 at 03:25 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by jimgrms
I live in colorado and am on my second jeep cherokee ,and as they no longer make them i will restore my 2000, no trick to get 250000 miles just maint a little tlc, they arre cheap ,reliable and economicle, and easy to work on, i don,t modify them and don,t go places like the pole line but have been all over the sea of cortez coast line with them, not saying other vehicles are not as good , but just like my comfort

That was my approach, too, Jim - I got 335,000 on an '89 Comanch p/u... that 4-liter 6 is a helluva engine!

Bob H - 1-16-2006 at 03:31 PM

Camping in Mulege. F250 4x4 V-10 supercab longbed w/Lance cabover camper. Love it!
Bob H

[Edited on 1-16-2006 by Bob H]

Ken Cooke - 1-18-2006 at 06:05 PM

My buddy Chris who lives in Tijuana, his sons friend, and brother-in-law. Everyone including Chris' son Noah fit in the Explorer. His Explorer has 35" Maxxis Creepy Crawlers, McNeil Racing fabbed bumpers, a MileMarker winch, 5" of lift, and lots of KCs

An old ride to Baja....

Pompano - 1-19-2006 at 12:42 PM

In 1974, a Chevrolet El Camino .... for the Camino Real of Baja. We are parked main street in Sta Rosalia. Changed a bit since then.

David K...that hatted gentleman on the far right is Blackjack..(J.W. Black)... Earl S. Gardener's Baja expedition ramrod. That's Blackjack's red buggy...one of his designs, a Grasshopper..parked in front of my El Camino.

[Edited on 1-19-2006 by Pompano]

Cool thread

ursidae69 - 1-19-2006 at 01:07 PM

I like this topic. :cool:

This is my old truck, a 2001 GMC Sonoma ZR2, took it to Baja 3x.

I upgraded to a 2004 Toyota Tacoma. I've taken it into Baja 2x now.

David K - 1-19-2006 at 05:33 PM

Awesome... Go go Toyota!

[Edited on 1-20-2006 by David K]

David K - 1-19-2006 at 05:37 PM

Born to drive among boojums!

Here's a nice 'dream' machine...

Mexray - 1-20-2006 at 01:20 PM

...got to get my order in when I snag the big Calif Lotto tomorrow... :rolleyes:

http://www.sportsmobile.com/

[Edited on 1-20-2006 by Mexray]

and another shot

Mexray - 1-20-2006 at 01:23 PM

cool beach shot....

Mexray - 1-20-2006 at 01:24 PM

Here's the camp mode....

Mexray - 1-20-2006 at 01:27 PM

another Baja ride...

Pompano - 1-20-2006 at 01:37 PM

Hey Mexray...In this 5th Wheel we are using 4 of those 6-volt deep cycle Powerstride batteries you turned us on to in San Diego. I bought 16 of them. Same as Trojan but a lot better price...Thanks again for the tip.

This rig makes for a nice camp spot boondocking anywhere in Baja. 32' Montana triple slide, sat tv, internet, a/c, genset, belts & whistles pulled by 2500Ram CumminsTurbo 4X4 with XMsat. Margaritas at 4pm... blended or on the rocks?

Pompano...

Mexray - 1-20-2006 at 07:05 PM

...the new rig looks great, Roger. How was it driving that 'tractor/trailer' down Hwy 1? What kind of fuel usage do you get with that combination?

A couple of friends have similar rigs that visit over at Playa Naranjos - and I've looked em' over, nice 'rides'! Just back up to the ocean there on the beach and...enjoy! I like the rigs with the windows in the rear...better views outside when the wind kicks up! My friends use the 2000 Watt Honda inverter gen sets when they need to charge up their batteries - much quieter. I also bought one last year and used it down there - I could recharge my golf car batt's in a couple of hours (I have an 85 amp HD battery charger)!

I saw your post on RV.Net board, and read through the replies...several were very informative as to what to look out for, preferences, etc. How do you like the Montana, so far! Looks like you've got your 'open road' shoes ready to roll!

[Edited on 1-21-2006 by Mexray]

sunshine - 1-21-2006 at 05:12 PM

good ole f-150

Yup..we like this for the Baja Road...and everywhere else.

Pompano - 1-22-2006 at 03:44 AM

Hola Ray, Si, Felipa and I like the Montana fifth wheel and the Dodge 2500 Cummins. Very relaxing and gives you so many choices...how can you go wrong? It's like having your cottage with you. I can't imagine a better way to enjoy a liesurely trip across the continent and down the Baja Road while transporting mucho supplies for our Conception home. By this time next year we will be up to speed on what makes a good Fiver for us.

The truck and rig weighed about 24,000 lbs total at a Flying J truck scale in Montana. (We pack a LOT of gear and supplies.) The Cummins has all the horsepower we need so far and pulling that load is a breeze as long as you realize your braking capabilities. The addition of an engine J-Brake or similiar system makes going down the mountain grades easy. (This was always a white-knuckle event at Diablo Canyon north of Sta. Rosalia, along with Beartooth Pass, Wolf Canyon, Suicide Hill, Desolation Pass, and a few others!)

Driving Baja is not so bad, but then I have become very familiar with all its tricks and dangers. The worst Baja dangers for us were potholes and those damn unmarked topes (speed bumps). The VERY worst for us is LA. Forget that hysterical ant colony..I won't even go close!

We lose a little mpg because of the 4X4 that is mandatory in our Up North neighborhood, but still the rig makes about 20 mpg solo and 12-14 mpg pulling the load. Sometimes we pull the boat behind the Fiver with no noticeable mpg change. This makes us almost 75ft long, which is the maximum limit you can double-tow in any province or state.

We use the super-quiet Honda EX5500 generator and it supplies more power than we need to run AC, microwave, hairdryer, toaster, lights, tv's, satellite internet, etc. That unit can also double as a backup genset for our Baja house. We added 2 100-watt solar panels to the roof, a 2500 watt inverter, and 4 of those Powerstride 6-volt batteries you recommended. This solar power alone generally gives us all the power we need for our style of boondock camping, so we are already thinking of using a smaller genset (Honda EU2000) because we really don't need the big one except for long hours of AC ..and we don't camp in that many really HOT places. With a sat tv and sat-internet dish we are in contact wherever we boondock.

Those 'mountain view' rear windows on our fifth wheel are indeed huge for an RV and offer unlimited vistas wherever you camp. Just point the rear end towards your best landscape, kick back in your recliner, and viola...you are snug and cozy. REALLY great for those windy, cold days..like now. The view windows, along with the cook-friendly U-shaped kitchen helped make up our minds on this model. It has triple slides ..living room, kitchen, and bedroom...which give you tons of room for two people and a basement storage area that surprised me. I look forward to using it for hunting this coming fall..carry all my gear below decks, including decoys, blind, etc. The unit is artic-insulated and good to camp in freezing temps in an elk camp or goose field.

[Edited on 1-22-2006 by Pompano]

More Baja ride stuff...

Pompano - 1-22-2006 at 04:32 AM

I had test driven all Big Three pickups.. Ford Powerstroke with their new Tow system ...and the newest GMC/Chev Duramax with that great Allison tranny. (All 3/4 and 1 tonners) This time Dodge got the nod, however, because I think the Cummins is bulletproof. I have a '99 Dodge Cummins with over 250,000 miles on it and it's still running strong. The only change I may go to next time might be a beefier TV with the Allison tranny...like this one.

Add a cow-catcher and we are all set for the Baja Road!

bajataco - 1-26-2006 at 01:46 PM

Fun thread. My Baja ride is a Toyota Tacoma. Our longest trip was when my wife and I lived out of this rig for 4 months while exploring the entire peninsula. It has sleeping quarters in the back, long-range fuel, can get into remote places pretty well, and nowadays has a 12v/120v fridge, camera system, dual batteries, and lots of other toys. More details and trip reports are at http://www.bajataco.com

Ken Cooke - 1-26-2006 at 05:47 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajataco
It has sleeping quarters in the back, long-range fuel, can get into remote places pretty well, and nowadays has a 12v/120v fridge, camera system, dual batteries, and lots of other toys.

I see you have the same tires as Baja Xplorer. Very nice rig indeed. :yes:

bajataco - 1-26-2006 at 06:19 PM

Thanks so much Ken

Actually, BX has Toyo M/Ts on his Tacoma. I am using the (sort of) new Cooper Discoverer STT. I just put them on before the last Baja trip and have been very pleased. They still need a good flogging in the rocks before I can make a final evaluation though. It seems they are an excellent alternative to Goodyear MT/R's

Ken Cooke - 1-26-2006 at 06:59 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajataco

I also like the design of your winch bumper. It provides plenty of clearance and still has that desert styling so many of us on Baja Nomad love so much.

The problem I experienced with the Goodyear MT/R was that the tread chunked so much when I took the tire in the dirt and on the rocks. I am now running the BFG MT/KM and that tire is also beginning to chunk up. At any rate, you've got some killer lighting and coilovers which probably smooth that washboard considerably. Very cool!

bajataco - 1-26-2006 at 07:40 PM

Thanks again Ken. The bumper has been a very interesting piece of the truck that has "morphed" or evolved over quite some time. It works really well, and I am very happy with it.

The Goodyear MT/Rs that I have used held up pretty well and worked super good on the trail. I did have some minor chunking, but nothing too terribly bad. The problem that I had with them is that they were out of round and would "hop" depending on rpm's. It was pretty annoying. These Coopers are nice and round. A good friend of mine is experiencing issues similar to yours with his current set of BFG M/T's. This is the first set that has given him this type of trouble and he has used them extensively over the years on many vehicles. :?:

The coilovers are made by Sway-A-Way and they are pretty sweet. 2.5" diameter shocks, 3" x 14"/625# coils. I also have some custom valved 2.5" Sway-A-Way reservoir shocks on the rear and they work VERY well. For a truck as heavy as mine, the regular 1.5" shocks just don't last long enough. I'm hard pressed just to get these 2.5's warm. :yes:

Thanks again, I really dig your Rubicon too. Those are amazing vehicles. A good friend of mine that I often do trips with has one, and every time I see him do the trails he can do in it

and sleep inside of it at the end of the day, it makes me want one. Not to mention the topless fun-factor.

Ken Cooke - 1-26-2006 at 09:22 PM

'06 will be the last year the retractable tops will be available on Jeeps. The '07 models will have 'panels' which will pop out that you must remove manually. I do love my Jeep. Having the top down in the Spring & Summer sure turns heads and its more fun to drive than the pickup I once drove.

bajataco - 1-26-2006 at 09:41 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Ken Cooke
'06 will be the last year the retractable tops will be available on Jeeps. The '07 models will have 'panels' which will pop out that you must remove manually. I do love my Jeep. Having the top down in the Spring & Summer sure turns heads and its more fun to drive than the pickup I once drove.

Yep, I have seen the '07. I like the look of it.

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