Did Gold Mountain, John Bull and Holcomb Creek recently over Labor Day weekend and had a blast. Excellent trails, though we did Holcomb west to east, and your video does a great job sharing the experience and challenge of these great trails.
Watching this sure brings back memories. I used to live in So Cal. and went off roading just about every other weekend into the San Bernardino mountains. A bunch of us would tackle John Bull, Dish Pan, Gold Mountain, Holcomb Valley and had a blast doing it. Thanks for the video's. I really enjoyed seeing that place again. I live in Northern Arizona now and there are some pretty good trails here as well but the San Berdo mountains hold a special place!
Just finished watching part 1 and 2 and all I can say is WoW! Great videography and music! Lots of grinding over the rocks action just fantastic! I am so enjoying your channel just wanted to say thanks for all your efforts, great stuff!
Oh Man! after watching video after another of your trips you really encouraging me to visit the US with my JK. Although its a big trip to do and needs a tons of preparations, patience and lots research but am absolutely sure that it you be WORTH IT!
Great video Brad! Amazing how adding a little water adds a whole new level of complexity. For me, Holcomb seemed the more challenging of the two. Also was a little uneasy watching those young kids walking that closely behind one of the rigs. I've always instilled in my kids that unless you have a reason to be back there, you stay where the driver can see you. Their attention is typically focussed on the spotter, not on what's going on behind them. :0)
I have to agree, I thought Holcomb was more challenging than John Bull... we were split about 50/50 among the group on which one was more challenging. You make a very valid point about kids on the trail, safety first! I will say they were all being watch closely and they always look closer than they actually are in video.
I can't wait until an oil pan and Diff covers are the "upgrade" I am concerned about. Right now it is "tickticktickticktickticktick" Melling rockers and lifters in the mail... 2014 2dr Rubicon Stock suspension 33" KO2's Dana 44's front and rear 4.10 gears Gets me there. I can't imagine how much easier it would be with a 3" lift and 35-37's. Some of those lines are show...and not necessary.
How does that ZJ fair compared to the longer wheelbase of the JKU? Love those unibody jeeps! I was thinking about a WJ 4.7 just for the cheap entry cost and then building it up. People have a strong love/hate for them. great seeing a ZJ on the trail,
Hey Brad! First time commenting on any of your posts. I love what you do here! Thanks for sharing with us! So I love jeeps, haven't got my first one yet, but have tons of ideas. However I am still debating between a gladiator or a wrangler. How would a long base Jeep perform on a trail like that? Thanks
Another great video. Liking the story telling, one of the great up and coming adventure/off-road channels on UA-cam. Did that harder section have a wild fire come through at some point not long ago?
I think there was a fire a while back, but a large fire came though the week after we were on the trail, not sure what it look like out there now. Thank you for the compliment!
Wish you would have covered the ZJ a little more but otherwise great video like always. I had a ZJ with a lot of work done and it turned more heads and earned more Jeep waves than most JKs on the road...they deserve some love!
had the time, would love to do the trail with my 5 ton 6 x 6 bmy,, year ago we did some of this, angle fire, nm, to red river,, all most turned over a duce ( 2 1/2 ton 6 x6 army truck.. 8 hr.s to do 6 miles.. no jeeps even tried this trail.. was a bad ass trip,, only atv used this trail.. an most by passed the big stuff.
Awesome video as always! I was wondering if you used the Karma Grip for the footage when you walk beside the Jeeps? The quality of the footage is very good and I'm also considering the Karma to add some interesting angles to the footage from the camera on the rooftop. Greetings from Nevada, Chris
That looks super fun! Just out of curiosity what size tires are you running and how much lift are you running? Just trying to get an idea if I can handle it with 35's and a 3" lift?
Most of the Jeeps on the video run 35s and around 3-4 inches of lift. The red TJ is running 34s. Me and two others are running 37s. With the lift and tires you have, you should be good to go. The one section, where we waited for the other group to go and we stacked rocks is the hardest section, as far as getting hung up. Because the tires are wet, you end up sliding off of the boulders. The ending rock garden, which would be the gatekeeper if you ran it opposite looks imposing, but the line is pretty easy to see. Based on the conditions of the trail, I think running it opposite of the way we did it would be easier, as you would be going down most of the rock gardens.
Just Q I did hear that the red Jeep was running 37's but that was the only one I caught. Is there a huge difference in capability between a 35 and a 37?
I run 37s on "Sidious" and the two white JK 4 doors are running 37s. There isn't a huge difference between 35s and 37s until you get into big boulders and obstacles. I have 1 inch more clearance at the differentials than a Jeep with 35s. Because of my lift and the 37s I have less of a risk of high centering, but it does happen sometimes. The biggest difference in ability will be learning how to find the right lines and controlling your Jeep over obstacles. I use what I call the double foot technique: one foot on the gas holding rpm at 2200 the other on the brake to control the speed. If you listen on the video you can hear that I keep my rpms steady and ride the brake over all of the obstacles.
Just Q thank you so much for the information I'm still learning which is why I ask questions. I think the next thing I need to do is join a Jeep Club to learn more trails and techniques. I've been debating about going with 37's and that's why I asked. About the only down side to 37's I can think of is that you lose some gas mileage when on the highway. If I did go with 37's I would also switch to 488 gears from my current 410.
You will wear out front end parts faster (ball joints, steering, etc) with 37s. It also raises the chance of breaking axle shafts, gears etc, due to the heavier mass of the tires and the leverage they can put against these parts. You will want to at least get C gussets installed. I have been lucky, in that the only thing I switched out was rear axle shafts when I bent a flange. That's with over 100K miles on my Jeep and 70K on the lift and tire size. I do run 4.88 gears and regret not going with the 5:13 that I originally planned on getting. The Jeep struggles to get up long uphills on the freeway.
What jeep do u reccomend for mostly living in a desert? I live close too the border, . For desert and mountain environments would a 2 door or 4 door be better ?
Hey there, I purchased a 13 jku rubi last fall and live in AZ. I go offroad twice a month doing everything from climbing, to overland, to rock gardens. I have a 3.5" lift with 35" bf Goodrich ko2 tires. I air down to 16 psi. I love the setup and I enjoy exploring the trails here in AZ. Hope this helps.
We are waiting on some parts to come that are currently back ordered. We did manage to shoot a video last week that is currently being edited on a very nice product. It should post soon.
Yep, waiting on parts to come in is difficult, but it is really going to be worth the wait! We have seats, lights, air system, suspension, full armor setup, axles, driveshafts and more. It's gonna be epic!
I did that trail on 33's and you will get a lot of damage to your under carriage. 35's and above is optimal otherwise you'll be stacking rocks all day long
Seeing that ZJ just makes me so excited! I've not gotten all of the goodies I want for my girl but I'm excited for when I do get them!
The videos just get better and better. Can't wait for every new upload! Keep it up
Did Gold Mountain, John Bull and Holcomb Creek recently over Labor Day weekend and had a blast. Excellent trails, though we did Holcomb west to east, and your video does a great job sharing the experience and challenge of these great trails.
Watching this sure brings back memories. I used to live in So Cal. and went off roading just about every other weekend into the San Bernardino mountains. A bunch of us would tackle John Bull, Dish Pan, Gold Mountain, Holcomb Valley and had a blast doing it. Thanks for the video's. I really enjoyed seeing that place again. I live in Northern
Arizona now and there are some pretty good trails here as well but the San Berdo mountains hold a special place!
Awesome videos, I love the close up under jeep shots. Those shots really let you see what little clearance you have.
Just finished watching part 1 and 2 and all I can say is WoW! Great videography and music! Lots of grinding over the rocks action just fantastic! I am so enjoying your channel just wanted to say thanks for all your efforts, great stuff!
nice wranglers , there is nothing like it, great video
Lot's of well built rigs were with us this weekend for sure, thanks!
Great video.. Id love to see the geeks from Consumer Reports bring a couple of their "recommended" suv's along the trail...haha
Now that's a video I would love to film!
Oh Man! after watching video after another of your trips you really encouraging me to visit the US with my JK. Although its a big trip to do and needs a tons of preparations, patience and lots research but am absolutely sure that it you be WORTH IT!
great video wish i would have saw you out on trail. after Holcomb we went up to the look out tower. great views.
Loved it!! Thanks for taking the time to upload this video
Thank you! I really enjoy putting together trail videos so folks can decide if they are places they want to explore.
Great video !!! Thanks !!
Thank you!
Yes, another great video Brad! Thanks for sharing your adventures with us!
Great video Brad! Amazing how adding a little water adds a whole new level of complexity. For me, Holcomb seemed the more challenging of the two.
Also was a little uneasy watching those young kids walking that closely behind one of the rigs. I've always instilled in my kids that unless you have a reason to be back there, you stay where the driver can see you. Their attention is typically focussed on the spotter, not on what's going on behind them. :0)
I have to agree, I thought Holcomb was more challenging than John Bull... we were split about 50/50 among the group on which one was more challenging. You make a very valid point about kids on the trail, safety first! I will say they were all being watch closely and they always look closer than they actually are in video.
Everytime I watch one of these excellent videos I keep saying to myself, "I need to lift the jeep".
Too funny. Thanks for the video. Enjoyed it.
High clearance is essential on a trail like this! Thanks!
If I am not mistaken, that is a 2.5 inch lift. (please correct me if I am wrong) So what size tires are you running?
Good vid. Great trail.
I can't wait until an oil pan and Diff covers are the "upgrade" I am concerned about. Right now it is "tickticktickticktickticktick" Melling rockers and lifters in the mail...
2014 2dr Rubicon
Stock suspension
33" KO2's
Dana 44's front and rear 4.10 gears
Gets me there. I can't imagine how much easier it would be with a 3" lift and 35-37's. Some of those lines are show...and not necessary.
So most were running 37” tires? Looked almost more difficult than the John Bull trail, but fun. Awesome video!
Great videos ,thanks
How does that ZJ fair compared to the longer wheelbase of the JKU? Love those unibody jeeps! I was thinking about a WJ 4.7 just for the cheap entry cost and then building it up. People have a strong love/hate for them. great seeing a ZJ on the trail,
great video really vivid! what gear are you using to film? one day you should come to the east coast
enjoyed it!
Thank you!
Great trail run video~
Like~
Excellent vid. Thanks brother. Anyone know what fender flares were on that white and yellow JKU?
Hey Brad! First time commenting on any of your posts. I love what you do here! Thanks for sharing with us! So I love jeeps, haven't got my first one yet, but have tons of ideas. However I am still debating between a gladiator or a wrangler. How would a long base Jeep perform on a trail like that? Thanks
what did you end up getting?
Another great video. Liking the story telling, one of the great up and coming adventure/off-road channels on UA-cam.
Did that harder section have a wild fire come through at some point not long ago?
I think there was a fire a while back, but a large fire came though the week after we were on the trail, not sure what it look like out there now. Thank you for the compliment!
Wish you would have covered the ZJ a little more but otherwise great video like always.
I had a ZJ with a lot of work done and it turned more heads and earned more Jeep waves than most JKs on the road...they deserve some love!
Great video
Glad you enjoyed it!
What size tires and lift did you have during this??
had the time, would love to do the trail with my 5 ton 6 x 6 bmy,, year ago we did some of this, angle fire, nm, to red river,, all most turned over a duce ( 2 1/2 ton 6 x6 army truck.. 8 hr.s to do 6 miles.. no jeeps even tried this trail.. was a bad ass trip,, only atv used this trail.. an most by passed the big stuff.
Looking for review of the Cooper STT. Are they a great all rounder?
Awesome video as always! I was wondering if you used the Karma Grip for the footage when you walk beside the Jeeps? The quality of the footage is very good and I'm also considering the Karma to add some interesting angles to the footage from the camera on the rooftop. Greetings from Nevada, Chris
Yes, I use the Karma Grip often, love how it keeps things smooth. Thanks!
When are you putting on the new bumpers for the JK? Great video, wish I lived in the
San Diego/ LA area instead of Kansas! Love the rocks!
New bumpers are now on the top of my list, hopefully in the coming month. Thanks!
like all the videos
Awesome video. I loved every minute of it.
By the way, what front bumper is the white JKU running at 4:45? I don't think I've seen that before.
Remi Ramos I am pretty sure it is a Fab Fours front bumper.
Just Q Cool thanks. I'm usually not a fan of Fab Fours designs, but this one isn't bad at all.
Great video! Any trail damage? Hopefully someday soon I can hit some trails out there with you.
Jeep Walk around of the White and yellow jeep
My god that dark red jku is beautiful
That looks super fun! Just out of curiosity what size tires are you running and how much lift are you running? Just trying to get an idea if I can handle it with 35's and a 3" lift?
Most of the Jeeps on the video run 35s and around 3-4 inches of lift. The red TJ is running 34s. Me and two others are running 37s. With the lift and tires you have, you should be good to go. The one section, where we waited for the other group to go and we stacked rocks is the hardest section, as far as getting hung up. Because the tires are wet, you end up sliding off of the boulders. The ending rock garden, which would be the gatekeeper if you ran it opposite looks imposing, but the line is pretty easy to see. Based on the conditions of the trail, I think running it opposite of the way we did it would be easier, as you would be going down most of the rock gardens.
Just Q I did hear that the red Jeep was running 37's but that was the only one I caught. Is there a huge difference in capability between a 35 and a 37?
I run 37s on "Sidious" and the two white JK 4 doors are running 37s. There isn't a huge difference between 35s and 37s until you get into big boulders and obstacles. I have 1 inch more clearance at the differentials than a Jeep with 35s. Because of my lift and the 37s I have less of a risk of high centering, but it does happen sometimes. The biggest difference in ability will be learning how to find the right lines and controlling your Jeep over obstacles. I use what I call the double foot technique: one foot on the gas holding rpm at 2200 the other on the brake to control the speed. If you listen on the video you can hear that I keep my rpms steady and ride the brake over all of the obstacles.
Just Q thank you so much for the information I'm still learning which is why I ask questions. I think the next thing I need to do is join a Jeep Club to learn more trails and techniques. I've been debating about going with 37's and that's why I asked. About the only down side to 37's I can think of is that you lose some gas mileage when on the highway. If I did go with 37's I would also switch to 488 gears from my current 410.
You will wear out front end parts faster (ball joints, steering, etc) with 37s. It also raises the chance of breaking axle shafts, gears etc, due to the heavier mass of the tires and the leverage they can put against these parts. You will want to at least get C gussets installed. I have been lucky, in that the only thing I switched out was rear axle shafts when I bent a flange. That's with over 100K miles on my Jeep and 70K on the lift and tire size. I do run 4.88 gears and regret not going with the 5:13 that I originally planned on getting. The Jeep struggles to get up long uphills on the freeway.
Wish I still lived in Cali, alls we have in Florida is mud filled dirt roads
What jeep do u reccomend for mostly living in a desert? I live close too the border, . For desert and mountain environments would a 2 door or 4 door be better ?
Hey there, I purchased a 13 jku rubi last fall and live in AZ. I go offroad twice a month doing everything from climbing, to overland, to rock gardens. I have a 3.5" lift with 35" bf Goodrich ko2 tires. I air down to 16 psi. I love the setup and I enjoy exploring the trails here in AZ. Hope this helps.
Man, Hercules is like a bull in a China cabinet!
Nice......
Where do you have the switch for your led pod lights?
I have the SPOD system and the switches are above the rearview mirror: ua-cam.com/video/yajCG0ZaACQ/v-deo.html
What's going on with the San Diego jeep club jeep build?
There waiting for you and your Jeep to hook up with them Elias:)
We are waiting on some parts to come that are currently back ordered. We did manage to shoot a video last week that is currently being edited on a very nice product. It should post soon.
I know they are anxious to get it built, but there have been a few delays on parts. More to follow.
Yep, waiting on parts to come in is difficult, but it is really going to be worth the wait! We have seats, lights, air system, suspension, full armor setup, axles, driveshafts and more. It's gonna be epic!
Are the majority of the tires in your club 33's or 35 inch?
Most of the folks in this video had 35's, a couple had 37's.
TrailRecon do you think 33's would work on these trails? Who much clearance would I be giving up with a 2.5in lift with and 33's? Thanks.
I did that trail on 33's and you will get a lot of damage to your under carriage. 35's and above is optimal otherwise you'll be stacking rocks all day long
Was there anyone in a stock JK that made it..?
I wound't take a stock JK on this trail, you might make it, but not without some tow straps, wincing and a lot of undercarriage damage.
NOTHING LOOKS HARD ON FILM....
trailRecon if you see my message would like to know when you are here in san Diego Would like to joining at the group thanks a lot
Check out the San Diego Jeep Club event page on facebook, I'm almost always out there with those guys.
TrailRecon Ok thank you bery much
No landcruiser? Whyyyyy
guys going so slow becouse
they still making payments on their jeeps- hahaha
Mike Nieto
Going slow is the way to make it thru without busting driveline