This last Sunday we took a picnic trip in the Pike National Forest for fathers day. Living on the west side of Colorado Springs we are lucky to have the national forest right out our back door. Our destination was a sub-alpine park at the base of Almagre called Elk Park. Looking west from the park.…
Other Stuff
Slow Spring
by tomas •
As far as the FJ is concerned it has been a slow spring. I have a few major projects going that are not FJ related and we just got back from 2 weeks in Europe. However, it is time to focus on the FJ and get ready for all the summer adventures; a trip to…
Trip Reports
Recovery and Spotting class with Bill Burke
by tomas •
I spent the weekend of April 24 with Bill Burke in Moab for an advanced recovery and spotting class. This is the second advanced recovery class that I have taken and I really enjoyed the refresher. We spend the first day working recovery scenarios as well as covering correct recovery gear usage. The second…
Other Stuff
Point of View Camera – Moab Strike Ravine
by tomas •
I have been plying around with a Contour HD Point of View camera. Here is a video taken during a Bill Burke training class in Moab last week. My Toyota FJ Cruiser is climbing a section of Strike Ravine trail rated as 4+
Gear Reviews
The Ultimate Camp Kitchen – A first look
by tomas •
While at the Overland Expo I came across a fantastic camp kitchen manufactured by Kanz Outdoors. The kitchen was being previewed at the expo and is expected to be shipping soon. The system consists of two products, The Field Kitchen and the Field Pantry. Both systems are build from quality aluminum panels designed for light…
Electronics, Mechanical
Speedometer Correction After Re-gear
by tomas •
I knew that my speedo was going to be off after re-gearing and changing the tire size on my Toyota FJ Cruiser. During a trip this last weekend I figured the error to be about 10%. Prior to the re-gear modification I had done some research on devices used to correct the speed and found one…
Drive Line
New Shoes for My Toyota FJ Cruiser
by tomas •
I finally have my re-gearing project completed and have new wheels and tires mounted on my Toyota FJ Cruiser. For the wheels I selected Micky Thompson Sidebiters. These wheels have 5″ back space and are 9″ wide. Mounted on these wheels are 295/70-17 E rated Hankook Dynapro ATM tires. The tires are mounted with Counter Balance…
Drive Line, Gear Reviews
Counteract Balancing Beads
by tomas •
Balancing off road tires can be a challenge. The tires are heavy and the tread is easily damaged. When the tires are aired down they can sometimes slip on the rim so the balance point moves. In muddy condition mud can adhere to the inside of the wheel throwing the tire out of balance. The…