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Sparetimewanted
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Road from Bahia Tortugas to Malarrimo
Has anyone been on that road lately? How is it? Need high clearance vehicle? I have a subaru forester. Thank you!
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4x4abc
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look at the name of your vehicle
it is good for most forest service roads in rich countries
the majority of Baja roads are not for a Subaru
including the road to Malarrimo
Harald Pietschmann
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mtgoat666
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Quote: Originally posted by 4x4abc  | look at the name of your vehicle
it is good for most forest service roads in rich countries
the majority of Baja roads are not for a Subaru
including the road to Malarrimo |
Subaru will do fine on unpaved roads in baja. Most mexicans drive those roads in toyota corollas.
Gringos and europeans think you needs 4x4 and $25k in accessories to drive an unpaved road that mexicans commute daily in a 2wd econocar.
Btw, my first trip camping in baja was in a datsun b210. We survived in a 2wd low clearance chitbox.
Explore roads as far as your car will take you. Walk or bike the rest of the way, or stay put and enjoy the place you got to.
Woke!
“...ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country.” “My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America
will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man.”
Prefered gender pronoun: the royal we
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Tioloco
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| Quote: Originally posted by mtgoat666 | | Quote: Originally posted by 4x4abc | look at the name of your vehicle
it is good for most forest service roads in rich countries
the majority of Baja roads are not for a Subaru
including the road to Malarrimo |
Subaru will do fine on unpaved roads in baja. Most mexicans drive those roads in toyota corollas.
Gringos and europeans think you needs 4x4 and $25k in accessories to drive an unpaved road that mexicans commute daily in a 2wd econocar.
Btw, my first trip camping in baja was in a datsun b210. We survived in a 2wd low clearance chitbox.
Explore roads as far as your car will take you. Walk or bike the rest of the way, or stay put and enjoy the place you got to. |
Have to agree with 4x4abc here. Tearing a hole in the oil pan or some other unforeseen situation is not what the OP is prepared for in the middle of
nowhere. If he/she was, they wouldn't have asked. Not the right vehicle for carefree cruising way off pavement.
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David K
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Which Malarrimo?
The traditional Playa Malarrimo (beachcomber's paradise) is north from San José de Castro.
The fish camp of that name is reached north from Bahía Tortugas.
That said, 4x4abc knows the road and the best 4x4 advice.
What is the ground clearance under a Forester? Being AWD and no low range is less than ideal. Always have a tire pump because the best traction assist
for ANY vehicle, is to lower the tire pressure (10-15 psi range for sand, 15-20 psi for climbing. When you lower the pressure, you are also lowering
the vehicle, so ground clearance is important if big rocks need to be traveled over.
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jwheel1970
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We made the trip a year ago in two Tacoma's, Jeep and a full size Ford, all 4x4. We made it to beachcombers paradise (Malarrimo) but it was a tough
go. We had one vehicle get stuck and many scrapes and underside bruises. I would not take a Forester, they are great cars, we own one but not for this
trail. It will get you into 95% of the other baja destinations with no issue. Not Malarrimo.
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watizname
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| Quote: Originally posted by jwheel1970 | | We made the trip a year ago in two Tacoma's, Jeep and a full size Ford, all 4x4. We made it to beachcombers paradise (Malarrimo) but it was a tough
go. We had one vehicle get stuck and many scrapes and underside bruises. I would not take a Forester, they are great cars, we own one but not for this
trail. It will get you into 95% of the other baja destinations with no issue. Not Malarrimo. |
What He Said. 
I yam what I yam and that\'s all what I yam.
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AKgringo
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I miss the older version of the Subaru SUV! When they had the low-range option you could get away with tweaking the suspension a bit, trim the
fender wells for improved fat tire clearance, and go places they were never designed to get to!
on my last trip to Baja I tested the limits of a Honda Element. I like the funky little box that rides on a CRV chassis, but the Subarus I used to
have got around better!
I have never been into Malarrimo, so I can't say if a modified Forrester could survive the trip in there. It sounds like it really is "Bad to be
near" for most vehicles!
If you are not living on the edge, you are taking up too much space!
"Could do better if he tried!" Report card comments from most of my grade school teachers. Sadly, still true!
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lencho
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| Quote: Originally posted by AKgringo | | I miss the older version of the Subaru SUV! When they had the low-range option you could get away with tweaking the suspension a bit, trim the
fender wells for improved fat tire clearance, and go places they were never designed to get to! |
I've driven a number of 4-wheel drive vehicles and haven't met one with better traction distribution than a forester I currently own; I've been in
situations where only one wheel had traction, and it pulled me out to solid ground.
Clearance is pretty good if you're careful, just wish it had a low range. The manual trans gearing sucks for off-road.
"I can normally tell how intelligent a man is, by how stupid he thinks I
am."
"...they were careful of their demeanor that they not be thought to have opinions on what they heard for like most men skilled at their work they
were scornful of any least suggestion of knowing anything not learned at first hand."
Cormac McCarthy, All the Pretty Horses
"Be kind, be patient, help others." -- Isabel Allende
"My gas stove identifies as electric." Anonymous
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bajatrailrider
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We did that route on Dirt bikes my two cents. Be safe don't try it w Subaru
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David K
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| Quote: Originally posted by AKgringo | I miss the older version of the Subaru SUV! When they had the low-range option you could get away with tweaking the suspension a bit, trim the
fender wells for improved fat tire clearance, and go places they were never designed to get to!
on my last trip to Baja I tested the limits of a Honda Element. I like the funky little box that rides on a CRV chassis, but the Subarus I used to
have got around better!
I have never been into Malarrimo, so I can't say if a modified Forrester could survive the trip in there. It sounds like it really is "Bad to be
near" for most vehicles! |
I owned three Subaru 4x4 wagons (in '77, '80, & '86). I could get them anywhere including Gonzaga Bay on the original road and into Matomí
canyon, plus they were great on the beach. The first two had only high range 4WD with a 1600cc engine. The last one had low range and a 1800cc engine.
When they changed to AWD (no low range), it was a big disappointment and my next 4x4 was a Toyota Tacoma (in 2000).
In March of 1978 on Shell Island (I was 20)
In November of 1979, south of Puertecitos at steep grade (took about three attempts and lost my muffler): I was pre-running the Baja 1000
In Calamajué Canyon, south of Gonzaga, 1979:
In Parral Canyon (Azufre Wash) in 1981, heading to Matomí:
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4x4abc
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I have been in the 4x4 world for a long time
I know my chit
I won't bore you with my credentials
here are the possible 4x4 systems (powering 4 of 4 available wheels)
part time 4WD - needs to operate in 2WD most of the time, can be switched to 4WD (HI and LOW) when on low traction surfaces (part of the time). Part
time 4WD can not be used on pavement.
full time 4WD - an additional differential in the transfer case allows the use of 4WD (HI and LOW) on any surface all the time. Some have a lockable
center differential creating part time 4WD when so chosen. Some versions have an additional 2WD choice.
AWD - is full time 4WD without low range or a 2WD option
automatic AWD - is almost all the time in 2WD. Sophisticated detection systems engage AWD for split seconds to maintain forward movement. Referred to
as "hang-on solution" by many engineers. Kinda AWD hung on to an existing 2WD platform.
this are the 4 possible configurations to power 4 of 4 wheels
this are the terms engineers use
auto makers will put any sticker (4WD on and AWD, 4x4 on an automatic AWD etc) to make their cars more appealing to buyers. The colorful names do not
reflect what's actually installed.
Like in politics, you are constantly been lied to. You rarely get what you pay for.
a note on traction control systems
they can be manual, mechanically automatic or electronically automatic
they are add on features to the various 4WD systems
they themselves do not determine the name of a 4WD system
to reach the full potential of a 4WD system, traction control systems should be added.
Only manual or some mechanically automatic traction control will deliver 100% performance
some of the mechanically automatic and all electronic traction control will assist the driver somewhat - they all fall short under high load
please don't answer with "I have a truck that sends torque to where it is needed" - torque does not come in a plumbing system, it can not be
redirected. That is just advertising talk. Read a physics book.
the best choice for Baja are the first 2. The other 2 will get you to some places
main requirement in Baja is ground clearance. A 2WD with high clearance will outperform a low clearance 4x4 in Baja.
High clearance is defined by a sill line higher than the center of the wheels.
Back to Subaru Forester - they are low clearance automatic AWD. Works on groomed US Forest Service roads. Even a major dirt highway like between Bahia
de los Angeles and El Arco will cause you undercarriage damage. El Rosarito to San Isidro is worse.
as David has shown - older Subaru with real 4WD (part time) and more clearance than the newer models had a fighting change.
[Edited on 3-12-2025 by 4x4abc]
Harald Pietschmann
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4x4abc
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I remember a post in an outdoors magazine
Q "Can I cross the Sea of Cortes in a Kayak?"
A "Yes, you can. But you shouldn't."
Harald Pietschmann
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David K
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Good answer Harald.
May I recommend your website for further knowledge: www.4x4abc.com with many side pages for specific questions, like driving in sand and how deflating tires improves traction, etc.
My son, remembering his youth in Baja, bought a Subaru Outback, Wilderness edition with the top bells and whistles.
Sadly, on his first attempt at driving along a river (mud) it got stuck or hung up below. I wasn't there, just his wife and baby. A local in a big old
truck used a chain to yank him out... damaging the brand new vehicle's undersides. It was still drivable and he got the repairs made. He did have fun
driving in the sand, with ease...
So, as Harald says... ground clearance is major and even though the Outback has 9.5" of ground clearance (same as my Tacoma), the underside is not all
that high being an independent front & rear suspension. Their impressive sounding AWD didn't get him unstuck:
The standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system in the 2025 Outback midsize SUV is designed to optimize traction in snow, rain, on bad
roads, or even when there’s no road at all. It constantly evaluates acceleration, braking, and cornering in real time to continuously deliver power
to all four wheels. If a wheel slips, power is instantaneously transferred to the wheels that have the most grip.
Flashy talk that makes you think you can get out of any situation! So, with just one tire having traction and the other three spinning, yadda yadda
yadda... does no good if you are stuck underneath because you are too low.
Now, it may been a case of a novice driving off road and not knowing the car well enough to know what it can't do or which traction button to press.
Personally, I wouldn't have driven into a river if it wasn't unavoidable... Like back in 1978, when a flash flood in Matomí Canyon cut off my escape
route, temporarily. Fearing the rising water would take my little Suby away was a real thing!
Lowering the tire's air pressure got me out!
[Edited on 3-12-2025 by David K]
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4x4abc
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The standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system in the 2025 Outback midsize SUV is designed to optimize traction in snow, rain, on bad roads,
or even when there’s no road at all. It constantly evaluates acceleration, braking, and cornering in real time to continuously deliver power to all
four wheels. If a wheel slips, power is instantaneously transferred to the wheels that have the most grip.
as I stated before - that is sales brochure talk
sounds convincing
and yes, it is better than 2WD
but it is not even 30% of what a part time or full time 4WD can do
pay attention to the PR folks - they always focus on how their system makes you FEEL safer
you can feel anything you like
I want TO BE safer
Harald Pietschmann
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4x4abc
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| Quote: Originally posted by David K |
Flashy talk that makes you think you can get out of any situation! So, with just one tire having traction and the other three spinning, yadda yadda
yadda...
[Edited on 3-12-2025 by David K] |
think about it - if one wheel drive could get you out - why would you need four wheel drive in the first place?
Harald Pietschmann
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David K
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| Quote: Originally posted by 4x4abc | | Quote: Originally posted by David K |
Flashy talk that makes you think you can get out of any situation! So, with just one tire having traction and the other three spinning, yadda yadda
yadda...
[Edited on 3-12-2025 by David K] |
think about it - if one wheel drive could get you out - why would you need four wheel drive in the first place? |
In the previous post, I am agreeing with you (about the PR talking points).
On the one wheel drive vs 4WD or AWD, you don't know which one wheel will have traction, so power must be available to all four. Subaru claims that
their system will power that one. I don't know, and it didn't help my son (but, as I said before, I wasn't there and maybe there was something holding
him in place).
My 2010 Tacoma has A-TRAC, a system (you told me you helped develop when you were with Bosch) that uses spin sensors and applies brake pressure to
spinning tires so that the traction tire(s) get the chance to drive you out of the stuck. I saw it work when my truck was fairly new, climbing a
deeply-rutted grade and my tires slipped into the ruts... except the front right tire. The rear locker couldn't help as both rear tires were over the
deep ruts.
I pushed the A-TRAC button and that one traction tire pulled the truck ahead to the top of the grade. A couple months later, I went to Mission Santa
María (as I had with my previous two Tacomas, using their rear locker on the Widowmaker, to make the climb effortlessly. This trip, I did not use the
locker but instead used just A-TRAC (which simulates front and rear lockers, but without affecting the steering). The truck climbed the Widowmaker
with ease.
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mtgoat666
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Most unpaved roads in baja that are in use by residents are just washboarded, and occasionally muddy after rains. Many of the frequently-traveled
roads get bladed occasionally.
2wd sedan is usually fine for these roads.
Even some of the less-traveled roads are fine in 2wd conventional car. Just stop or turn around if the road gets bad.
Woke!
“...ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country.” “My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America
will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man.”
Prefered gender pronoun: the royal we
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bajatrailrider
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The Roads in northern Baja start out nice most always have spots. Your not getting past w 2wd. Living here or like off road good 4x4 is a must . It
is ture Mexicans can get places tourists cant they have 2wd. Front end smashed in they carry pickaxe. five others to push problem is not smart keep
going. You get 20 30 50 miles in then just turn back not smart. At first hint of getting stuck best turn back . Even Main dirt road Santa Tomas to
Erendira then south. You are not going in Subaru no matter what year. Example we drove our SXSs pavement north to little know route .To lighthouse
north we visited rancher decided to run. Main dirt road to south to Erendira. Many places had co pilot lean out one side . To keep from rolling yes
used 4X4 and locker . Be smart be safe
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MulegeAL
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That's a generator in the road. About 40 miles out from Mulege.
Not my generator!
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