Bruce R Leech - 11-13-2004 at 07:11 PM
you can make it if you are carful
David K - 11-13-2004 at 07:12 PM
Hi Woody, I see you asking all over this question. I believe DRIVING SKILL has more power than 4WD. People with no driving skill can easily get a 4WD
stuck... and People with driving skill can take a 2WD where others cannot.
If you are in a pickup, that is better than being in a Mustang!
Ground Clearance is very helpful and 2WD pick ups have a bit more than passenger cars.
Deep sand... really the main thing that limits 2WD access, can be overcome IF you lower the tire pressure (all four) to a point where they buldge
(10-15 psi) and will 'float' on the sand... with momentum. Bring a pump to re-inflate!!!
Steep grades: Add rocks to the rear of the bed to put weight over the rear driving tires... unless your cargo is heavy enough to counter the weight of
the engine over the front tires. You will be surprised what a difference tire pressure and added weight will make a pick up into a 'Jeep'!
Tires: If the tread is less than 50%, then replace them before you leave... On a budget? Pep Boys sells the Futura Dakota series at 1/3 the price of
BFG All Terrains. They are made by Cooper Tire Co. ... They won't last as long as BFG's, but at that price and pro-rated for 50,000 mi. just replace
them at half price at 25,000 mi. which is where mine get low. They have a Mud Terrain look alike too.
Now go and have fun... but let us know if you make it there and back!!!
KurtG - 11-13-2004 at 07:54 PM
Woody,
Its been a couple of years but I remember a couple of spots where I was in 4wd and low range, one was a steep hill exiting an arroyo north of San
Jose. The other bad spot was just south and east of Punta Blanca where there were very nasty silt beds. At Canoas I talked with a local at the fish
camp who was concerned that I was traveling alone out there. He told me to be careful, "there are outsiders here sometimes now." In any case it is
an area where I would suggest traveling with a companion vehicle just in case. I've been out there twice by myself and don't think I'll do that
again. I'm getting a little more cautious than I used to be.
And the u.s.!
jrbaja - 11-14-2004 at 09:26 AM
bajaandy - 11-15-2004 at 02:13 PM
Woody,
Although I drive a 4x4, the last time I did the Seven Sisters run, I never even locked up (except for a side trip to a very remote location). As
others have said, driving skill, clearence and tire pressure are key elements. And although I have done the entire run solo, I doubt I'll do that
again. The big question mark in my mind is the weather. If you get any rain at all, then the silt beds and tidal flats become so very slippery that
even with 4x4 they can be dicey. The long and short of it is, how much adventure do you want? Just my $.02.
Woody
FrankO - 11-15-2004 at 08:16 PM
when are you heading south. I know there are some OBceans that head that way every other T-day or so.
2wd
bigzaggin - 11-17-2004 at 10:33 AM
woody -
Been there 4 times. Posted some info on the other Canoas' thread.
suerte.