***We came back to this trail a year later (June 2022) so that the Owner of the White Ridgeline could get some redemption*** Here's the new video: ua-cam.com/video/LLNjy9sN_9Y/v-deo.html ***WATCH Continuous trail footage of the 1/4 mile rocky section HERE*** ua-cam.com/video/GUzalDgQV0U/v-deo.html
I go up to Coyote once a weekend to help out people there is always somone getting stuck up there, I live in Bishop lots of fun trails around here. Hope you had fun.
Cody Barker thanks! I had a good time up here. It’s so beautiful! I only went to funnel lake but I didn’t get to see much more. I’d like to head back sometime to see where the flat heads to. It seems like such a big area! I can totally imagine that every week someone is having issues up here. I don’t think many video’s go over the trail difficulty, so I really wanted to cover it.
R E D E M P T I O N Putting that recovery strap on the rear this time! Awesome vid man, like the edits! It went from a harsh climb to beautiful flats & lake. Love it.
Thanks Alan! We need to make our way out here! Also need to thank Nori for all the wheeling lessons lately! The learned skills really came in handy here!
Wow. Way to go! That is one of my favorite spots but it is pretty spicy to get up there at points. I wouldn’t have believed this if I didn’t see it. Great job.
GX Overland thanks! I researched this trail before I did it. The week prior, I did 3N06A Cold Water Canyon, so I thought the Coyote flats was going to be easy in comparison. The trail to funnel lake was much harder than expected.
Damn, those Honda cars are at/beyond the limit of their design, especially the Ridgeline. However, great job forcing the round peg through the square hole and getting them up there! We just did this trail last weekend, was like driving miss daisy in our jeep. Hopefully ridgeline guy doesn't need a new trans within the next year.
Chris R Carraher the Passport didn’t really struggle. I think I broke traction once here. Still, considered a moderate/difficult trail by Trail Recon. Now... I’ll release a video of ColdWater Canyon 3N06A in a month or so. That was truly at/beyond the limits of the Passport. I’ve been thinking of adding a trailhawk badge to the back of my Passport. I basically drive a Fat Jeep Renegade with a V6 and a rear LSD. We have the same transmission and axle ratios. The only difference is the Renegade trialhawk calls 1st gear 4 low. I guess I’m trail rated? Nah, prob not. No way my passport would make it through stock, so you are correct about this trail being beyond the limit of its design.
You have an awesome machine! I love the GX460 with the 6 speed transmission! He wanted to trade in his vehicle for a used 4x4 and I talked him into the GX460!
Did the trail in July of 2020. My 2018 4Runner transmission also began to overheat in that exact stretch. I let it cool down while I had a beer and then threw it into 4LO for the rest of the steep switch backs during that initial climb. All was well from there. Look forward to going back with my Power Wagon!
Wow, now THAT was a trail! Those rocky roads like that look great on film but suuuch a PITA to drive, LOL. Beautiful reward at the end though! Nice work as always Jon!
Donald, when you come down here, you need To tour the Eastern Sierras with me 😃. Really too bad I couldnt make it out to Oregon, but like you said, you never found the main group anyways. Like they say, everything happens for a reason. The wife approved the trip here because it was only a 270 mile drive.
Thanks for your very informative video. Went up there a couple of weeks ago with our stock 2019 Tacoma all terrain tires and OMG the last portion really had me taking deep breaths. We actually almost quit. Thankfully we stuck to it and 15 min later we were all alone at the very small and quiet lake :)
Good job! The trail is a bit of a rough one, so good on you for sticking it out. It’s rare that you’ll have the lake all to yourself, but sounds like an excellent reward. You must have built up a lot of experience from this trail to better prepare you for even more adventures! Where to next?
@@JonDZ_Adventuring Back to explore more of highway 395. California just has so much to offer :) Who knows maybe you'll run into the soccer mom Tacoma lol. Safe travels
@Leonardo Lopez I 100% agrree, and I vowed to make sure I reported back. It can be very difficult for youtube creators to not talk about trail difficulty. We even had a Jeep Grand Cherokee WK1 overheat on this trip. His vehicle's electronics died and has been left out in Bishop, CA! An Acura MDX overheated, and of course the Ridgeline. People need to know! This place is really remote and an unprepared day tripper can die out here. Okay, maybe I'm getting too over dramatic, but... it can happen :P
This trail is extremely difficult for a stock 4wd vehicle and inexperienced driver. I ran this trail solo oct 2019. The rock gardens are very hard to traverse.
Luis Perez ha! I owned a 2015 Subaru Forester XT before I bought my Passport. My Honda is still AWD but has some extra goodies to help get it through a trail like this. It has a 9 speed automatic transmission with a 20:1 crawl, and a true rear high biased LSD.
@@JonDZ_Adventuring I took my wifes 2012.MDX to the Playa and down Titus canyon in death valley and it was fine. Just gotta be careful! Love my FJ though! Thanks for showing my current trail conditions I might go up there in july or August. 🤙
The coyote flats is a large area with multiple places. Funnel lake is one of those areas. We took the south route which had the rock gardens. I would highly recommend 11 inches of ground clearance (my Passport has 11.25”, and as you can see, I made contact a few times). There’s a north route, but I don’t have any experience taking it. With all that said, I would not recommend a stock AWD vehicle here.
This video is awesome. I've got a Honda Element AWD that I do some pretty tough trails on, but I could definitely use a Ridgeline for the hauling I do.
JonDZ Adventuring that’s a lot of miles!!! wonder if there are more lakes up there to explore. would be awesome to set up camp, fish for dinner, eat and enjoy...
Vince C nice!!! I actually was editing part 2 of this trip and remember seeing your Jeeps! I think I was the only AWD vehicle that was at funnel lake that day. Part 2 of my video is just POV trail footage of the 1/4 mile of rocky trail leaving funnel lake. Your Gladiator makes another appearance!!!
Thanks @AntRam! I don’t get to post up all my trips. This was actually an invite from someone else. But I plan to post up trips that I organize on the “crossoverlanding (event hub)” facebook page.
Just got back from funnel lake/coyote flats. Took the route you took out, but took the big pine to funnel lake route in. I do not advise taking the big pine to funnel lake route without ample ground clearance and lockers.
Joshua Hahn I watched so many videos of the Coyote flats, but I think only trail recon took the hard trails. I heard of how incredibly difficult the other trails so I made sure to stick to entering and exiting from the north 😃. Thanks for the info and comment!
I am thinking of selling my 18 WRX and getting a Forester or Outback. But, after watching several of your difficult ventures and checking out a '20 Passport this oast weekend I am seriously considering notes. I appreciate your comparisons and sharing what mods you've done and providing useful links. Keep up the quality videos!
Roger Chen thank you 🙏. I use to own a 2010 WRX, oh how I miss that vehicle! Good times in that car! The way I see the passport is it would be a good compromise between the FJ cruiser and the WRX. It would be the love child of the two vehicles. Not as fast or nimble as the WRX and not as capable as the FJ cruiser. The 2015 FXT I used is not as fast or capable as the Passport and in a smaller package. I’m highly contemplating adding a Lexus GX460 to the driveway. The wife would daily the Passport, I just don’t know if I could daily the GX. Now that I’m older, I have less of a need for speed. I test drove my friends GX, but it has a modified suspension. I wouldn’t be able to do it. Will be test driving my friends 2016 GX460 today. I really want to like the Lexus, but if it doesn’t work out, I’m fine with the Passport, and the wife can get a used 2019 Rav4 or something.
Roger Chen I mean, I could but I might not want to. As you could imagine, going from a WRX to a truck will take getting use to. I’ve been there, I went from a FJ to the WRX and just prefer a unibody. Onroad handling is too important to me. I just got back from a trip to Nevada. 600 miles driven and 25 of that was offroad. 96% of my trip was onroad, and I enjoy every second behind the wheel of the passport. It’s a nice place to be. I drove my friends 2016 GX460 today with non adjustable air suspension. It was a quiet and luxurious ride. The newer GX runs on 91 octane fuel and has 6 gears. In stock form it’s actually decently fuel efficient on the highways. It can get 20 mpg at 85 mph. For me, it really comes down to onroad handling.
@@JonDZ_Adventuring I wish I can explore as much as you have in your videos. I hope to get out more. Recently it's been camping near Payson with another planned with a friend that lives up there. I agree, I'm leaning more towards a vehicle that is good on roads
You got the Rig for it, in 4 low you won’t have issues! Anything I can do, you can do better. I love inspiring people with capable rigs to get out there 🤙
Me and my friends thinking about doing this. You are the first one on the search engine list 👏👏. Trying to see if my friend Montero 2.5 can handle this trail.
Hey Kevin! I’d imagine any 4WD with an experienced driver behind the wheel should be good to go. It’s rated moderate/difficult. Left foot Braking is highly encouraged.
When you absolutely have to dump heat from the engine compartment, a heater core can be an effective piece of equipment. Just turn the heat and fan settings all the way up and sweat . . . your ride will thank you, and might live long enough to come through for you when you really need it.
I don't think that website is talking about your modified passport, probably more towards awd subarus sedans that think they can go anywhere... you have some great mods to put you over many stock awd sedans, crossovers. Those websites usually steer more towards conservative side so they don't get folks into trouble. Thanks for sharing i need to try out this trail, looks really scenic.
@HuskyNoob well said! I think that article was a low key BFG KO2 advertisement: www.outsideonline.com/2089311/coyote-flat-coolest-4x4-camping-destination-summer
Great vid, love all your vids! You saved me from buying a Subaru thanks to all your comparison vids. Mind if I ask what your combined MPG is during normal driving with all those mods? Thanks
That’s a good question @ps2stony. I really don’t believe in combined MPG, there’s just too many variables. I think a better representation of MPG would be “Wife’s MPG” and “My MPG”. My wife’s MPG is much much better than mine. She’s able to get 19 mpg city. I typically get 15 mpg city. As far as Highway well both get anywhere from 21-24 mpg doing 70 miles per hour. I actually got 21.8 mpg driving up 270 miles from Los Angeles to this trail head! That’s 0 ft in elevation to 4200 ft. Elevarion
10:00 She got the 3 wheel motion... I didn't hear it mentioned but did the Ridgeline have the A/C on? I'm sure you know but blasting the heat is essentially an additional miniature radiator if in an overheating situation. It might have been enough to keep it from overheating as often as it did.
It was mentioned in text towards the first overheating. We tried blasting the heater, but since it was such a hot day we thought having the climate control, even set on “Hi” was making things worse. We noticed faster cooling after turning it off. We also utilized more momentum (instead of slowly crawling up a steep grade).
I'm trying to decide between a passport and a ridgeline. I know the newer ridgelines have the 9-speed transmission, but I don't know if they are geared any lower. Really, I just wish they would make a jacked-up, awd Odyssey with off road gearing! 😝
They are geared the same. Get what ever fits you best! I like the SUV form factor because I like to sleep in my vehicle. It’s a perfect way of seeking shelter during my ski trips. I just lean my seat back and slide to the rear to sleep. If you have a family, and you want to rock a rooftop tent, the Ridgeline would make a lot of sense.
I'm a Chevy guy, but curious if there are aftermarket gear kits for the differentials?? Seems like that would compensate easily for transmission, loads, and larger tires.
I’ve gone to funnel lake 4 times in my Jeep Jk with no issues. The north entrance is more rocky then the south side. Did you guys turn off the stability and traction control? Sometimes the system could be constantly freaking in the dirt without you knowing and drag the brakes. This could cause more strain on the drivetrain that could contribute to the overheating.
got to the trailhead here a few years ago at 11:30PM driving up to the campsite and being unfamiliar with the trail made it super sketch but the location just cant be beat
Great video and narrative. My grandfather used to do large cattle runs in the 1960s to Coyote from his ranch between Big Pine & Bishop via horseback each summer. You didn't see a tiny, 1 room dilapidated cabin up there did you?
@Subie Style thanks for sharing that story! The funny thing is when I was searching google earth I saw an old metal cabin towards the southern trail to Funnel lake. However, I didn’t see it in person.
@salsanacho that was the plan. Also since I have the same wheelbase width as the Ridgeline, I thought it would be a good idea for him to see the lines I took.
Yep. Pretty much anything without 4low will overheat on a trail with 800ft elevation gain in 1 mile. Exception would be aggressively geared single speed transmissions like the Passport or Jeep trailhawk Versions of the renegade and compass. This trail is no joke!
Vanisshen on this same trip, we had a Jeep Grand Cherokee WK1 with the 4.7L overheat as well as an Acura MDX carrying lots of weight. Another friend tried to take a Subaru Crosstrek up here, he said he had to wait 1 hour for the CVT temp light to go away. The good thing is that not many trails are like this in California.
@JonDZ Adventuring And here I am in Maryland with a 4Runner and no trails to go... Videos like this are the only means to satisfy my offroading desires. Keep up the good work!
May not have anything to do with your issue but I was pulling a toy hauler with my Ford F250 diesel truck not offroading. We were climbing steep hills but it was cool outside and my truck transmission overheated. Brought to a recommended transmission shop and I was told there is a type of thermostat that restricts flow to the trans cooler so it will warm up faster. That was the issue with my truck was replaced no problems after wards. Did not check it out but there may be aftermarket upgrades for this problem for real offroading.
Daniel Bauer that’s totally related, so thank you for sharing! I’ve met a Ford Diesel tech, he said the stock thermostat’s don’t turn on the fans until later, so for heavier use he recommends installing a thermostat that turns on quicker. At least that’s what I remember him telling me.
@@JonDZ_Adventuring There is also a restriction in the fluid line to the transmission cooler similar to your engine thermostat for coolant, not related to the cooling fans. That is the issue I had.
Was there a few months ago. If I can recall, the bypass (left side) at 9:18 didn't exist when I went up. A lot of folks were driving over the vegetation there to avoid the mud on the right :/. Also, a few folks say the northern trail into Funnel lake is more difficult. I actually found the southern route more difficult due to the rocks lol
Kevin Do thanks for the info! I wondered about the north road. Although it looks like the roads converge right before the tough section where you have to squeeze between the tree’s. There’s also a really loose steep descent with large rocks sticking out. I can only imagine how bad this place would be if it was muddy or snowy. I wonder if people drive up here in the winter.
@combat Cowboy I have given that trail zero thought! Not unless I either Buy or Rent a Jeep Rubicon Wrangler 🤣! Thanks though! That’s super flattering! My heads going to swell up and explode 🤯
@@camaroman101 If a stock cherokee trailhawk with 29 inch tires and only 8.7 inch ground clearance can make it, I think his can as long as he knows his vehicle and lines he wants. I feel like his Honda would be closely related to the renegade as they don't have a low range, just lock 1st gear, but he has more power and torque. Plus he does have improved approach and departure angles from his mods. Look at the Subaru that recently did MOAB, they have CVT which cuts power, but he was still able to do the trails.
@@4x4nerd80 whose cherokee do you know that made it through? As far as moab goes I've seen a crown vic running on some trails there. Rubicon is a whole other beast.
camaroman101 I did get a chuckle from that crown Vic, the Cherokee was featured when it was first released on the Rubicon, plus the badge of honor has a few cherokees on there. I’ll be hitting it up in July, but I’ll be similarly modified to what JonDZ has. Stacking will probably be required though, I’m realistic lol and scrapes are expected.
I didn't realize how much a struggle it was for other vehicles, I drove up in the power wagon in 2wd, the limited slip/locker helps alot along with 37s. But the Passport is a really impressive vehicle, the Ridgeline just isn't suited for some of these trails
@Joe Kerning I was out in Westminister for some Sunday Dimsum a little over 2 weeks ago. I remember someone giving me the thumbs up, that was very cool of you!
Everyone that overheated needs an external transmission cooler. They are pretty cheap and easy to install. Added one to my 4runner and it definately made a difference!
I can’t argue with that advice! Unfortunately, the Ridgeline comes with a factory heavy duty transmission cooler and I hear the connections aren’t standard. They may not be compatible with aftermarket trans coolers
The Only Space Invader thanks for the words of encouragement. Actually, the engineer and owner of the skid plate company I’m using (Nolo Designs) has came up with a way to rig up a dual fan externally mounted transmission cooler.
Cool! Imma have to review the footage to find ya! I remember seeing a gang of Lexus GXs and a pristine looking Range Rover. It was a lot to take in once I reached funnel lake. That place is breath taking.
When we first saw you was at funnel lake in the morning. The next time we saw you was when you passed us on the way down when one of the rigs broke a bolt. I was talking to one of your friends Ernie in the taco.
My wife's Rav 4 Trd off road has a cooled radiator transmission line for towing 3000 plus pounds. I bet it would work great up in that situation. I forget about the low speeds less airflow hitting the radiator heating things up. Gotta stop and cool down or haul balls for airflows
Yeah, you’ll just have to give it a go. The reason the Ridgeline overheats and my Passport doesn’t is because of gearing. The Ridgeline comes with a cooler but it’s geared 14:1. My Passport did NOT have a cooler but it’s geared 20:1. The Rav4 is geared 16:1. (For reference, a 4runner in 4 low 1st gear is at 33:1) There’s many factors, and the Ridgeline was also carrying more weight. Definitely get a dedicated transmission monitor. Imo, coolers can give a false sense of security. Case in point, my buddy with an Acura MDX had a rematch with this trail, but this time with a gigantic Hayden 678 transmission cooler with dual fans operated via switch. He got much further, but eventually succumbed to the steep grade. I actually just had an OEM Honda cooler installed on my Passport today! I’m looking forward to see how much of a difference it makes. Combined with the ZF9 transmission, I hear it works great!
@@JonDZ_Adventuring Got it. Basically It's the steepness combined with gearing . I would never take the Rav 4 up there. Thanks for the info sounds like you know what your talking about. That's why I bought my side by side no bs no getting stuck or overheating just drive it like you stole it .
Thanks! Did you hear about the bad news? The USDA Forest service is shutting down access to the forest starting today until September 14 :( sierranewsonline.com/usda-forest-service-temporarily-closing-all-california-national-forests/ Sucks ;(
That looks relatively flat terrain at the 16 minute mark, is the high altitude causing it to loose a lot of power? Or is the transmission not getting down to first for some reason?
I have a Honda Pilot with the 9 speed. When you off road do you keep the transmission in 1st with the paddle shifters to keep torque the up? The Jeep renegade trail hawk has an all wheel drive system with a 4lo button, all it does is keep the transmission in first to accomplish the same thing. Also do you use sport mode off road? Seem like it would keep more rpm up as well?
Christopher Scott good question. It all depends. First of all, you don’t want high RPM’s, traction control is optimal between 1200 to 1600 RPMs. When navigating through the rocky section, you can hear my engine wasn’t revving too much. I put the Passport into Mud mode, it lets me feather the throttle more easily. I was light on the throttle and my left foot was on the brake. Do I keep the transmission in 1st gear? For the most part, I just leave it in drive. The Passport seems to be smart enough to where I don’t need to. But man, it’s so dumb we have to go into sport mode to hold a gear. That’s why mud mode is so important to me. It’s not prone to over revving the engine in sport mode. For steep downhill, I ALWAYS use 1st gear. Again, excellent question.
So many negative comments in regards to driving the Honda's up there... one does not need to have a cool looking lifted vehicle with racks steel bumpers, and a winch to go out and have fun. I am taking my stock Tundra and Subaru Outback up here with my family; I expect to get to funnel lake no problem.
No wonder FJ got Trans temp high driving in 2WD on this type of trail. Wonder if he was trying to show off "I did in 2WD where the Honda's struggle even with AWD". Bad choice. Yes an AWD is no match for a 4x4 but never use 2wd in this type of trail to showoff.
Lion Runner none of us were losing traction, it was just steep uphill. He also has 35 inch tires. Everyone was surprised at how hot our vehicles were getting, and the Ridgeline and FJ both got heat warnings. The Ridgeline had a trans temp warning and the FJ has the oil lamp warning. My Honda didn’t struggle 😃. I think the trans heat warning comes on at 250 Fahrenheit, and I was at 230. After turning off my A/C it was at 218, and by the time we were in the rock gardens it was at 204.
@@JonDZ_Adventuring you would get oil warning if you are really low on oil or near vertical angle. FJ could be low on oil, this is no where near for that kind of angle. Def should check oil level after oil change. Though you don't feel loosing traction, the traction control system should be working really hard on loose rock. Doing this in 2wd could have got his rear diff oil go bad too. In the past i've done this and could be a reason I had to change my rear diff oil at 25K miles vs front diff was looking new. Here in mile high Colorado 5000-6000ft is city elevation. We climb really high on trails and if use 4wd nowhere you get warnings. There was a time at Pikes Peak I was out of breath / not comfortable breathing and had to come down quick. (No I'm not joking.) As for the Passport and Rigdeline you could fit an additional oil cooler in front right? I've seen some members in FB Pilot group doing that mod and it seem to keep the trans temp low.
Lion Runner A week before this I was up in Lytle creek, California going up a 2.2 mile trail. We had a Jeep JK Wrangler going up in 4 high, and half way up he overheated (not sure if it was engine or trans). Anything is possible. By the way, off topic, I remember you and have watched your video’s, so I’m familiar with your 4 runner. But continuing on, I was just going off what the driver of the FJ said, which was that he had a oil temp light on. I’m sure he’ll get it sorted out. As for the Honda Passport, it has a 9 speed transmission with a 20:1 crawl ratio. With my larger tires it’s at 18.7:1. Still a more aggressive ratio than mostly all vehicles in 2low. So, doing this 10k climb, I was pleasantly surprised at how the Passport performed. I may get a OEM transcooler just for the heck of it though.
@@JonDZ_Adventuring without a doubt the 1st gear in 9spd is really good. For sure a oil cooler is best for the longevity and can just forget about the trans temp after that. I'm showing your videos to my Pilot friends and trying to get them to off-road. Of cause been responsible for not damaging the vehicles and killing the fun.
Enjoy your videos. Question-How much gas was used? I have 3rd gen taco that I'm trying to figure out if I can safely go up and back with almost full tank? Thank you
Peter M the 4 runner on this video filled up in the town of independence. By the time he was done with the trip to funnel lake, he was really low on fuel. As long as you fill up in Bishop, I think you’ll be just fine. The trailhead is 4 miles from Bishop and funnel lake is 18 miles from there.
Thanks. We all aired down at the trailhead. I went down to 20 PSI, which is a good match for my tires with 7 inches of sidewall. Less sidewall, I wouldn’t be able to air down as much.
Honda OEM part # 06255-5EZ-316 for the cooler. I don' recommend aftermarket. It's about 300 bucks and installs in the hols on the vertical bar in front of your radiator. Trans guards are always a pain to install but worth it.
Christopher Moritz the Passport never got an overheated warning, but can’t argue getting a trans cooler, they are good to have. All Ridgelines come with one, and unfortunately, it didn’t help too much. This trip got me to thinking about a more robust transcooler.
Good deal Jon! I am thinking of getting a Passport. Not doing those kind of trails though. I'll be riding my Super Tenere or Beta in that kind of rugged stuff. Thank you for sharing. You are a good young man and very helpful to the fellow drivers that tag along with you.
Looks like a super nice place to go with my 2020 Suzuki Jimny. I would love to see the reactions 🤣 it is like a little goat, small but strong and stubborn 🤣. Great work with a Honda. They are very good cars and if Honda really want probably can create a serious off-roader no doubt.
Humberto Rubi I wish they still had the Suzuki Samurai (Jimny) here. Off-road camping is so popular here in America (USA) and it would be a perfect time for the new Jimny! Unfortunately, Suzuki stopped their car/truck sales here in 2009. I’ve watched the Jimny do incredible things! What country are you from?
JonDZ Adventuring hello there! Yes it was a shame that CR said that bunch of lies about samurais. This was the beginning of the trust mining for the brand there. Anyway small cars are not that attractive in USA. I’m from Costa Rica, we are really fortunate here as we have a huge variety of different brands and models options. We still can go and buy a 2020 Toyota 70 series with a 4.5 liter twin turbo diesel V8 or a new Isuzu Dmax, a hilux with turbo diesel variable geometry turbos, in mid size pick ups we have around 10 different brand models, and even the New Land Rover Pretender... sorry I meant the new Defender. The US brands are here too but aren’t very popular because of mpg and reliability. Toyota is the king and then are the other Japanese brands. I have seen recently several ridge lines here and lots of Pilot suv. I have been looking at your channel because is pretty interesting to see what happens if you try to off-road and Honda. I use to drive (my cars and work fleet) a 2016 diesel Hilux, a 2019 Mitsubishi Montero sport, a 2002 Pajero, an 2014 expedition, the brand new Jimny and also have a 2018 Mitsu outlander. I found its AWD system to be very capable but the angles and flex don’t help. Now regarding the Jimny it is amazing in terms of what can do and the smiles it puts on your face. Keep up the good work!!!
CamboLanders Adventures I only broke traction one time here. Does your 4runner have A-trac? I’d say there’s a good chance you’d make it. 2L and traction control might make it just fine, just make sure it’s not wet.
JonDZ Adventuring I have LSD. I got to Monache Meadows with stock tires. Recently put on a leveling kit for better clearance and plan on slapping on 285.
CamboLanders Adventures coyote flats is much more difficult. I believe Monache is rated at a 3/10, funnel lake would be about a 5.5/10. But, I do think you’ll have a good chance to make it because of low range and all that articulation.
I wanna do this run I have a 2016 grand cherokee limited 4x4 I think I can make it do you have plans on doing this run again any time soon? great video
@solano760 there will definitely be another trip out here! Please join the crossoverlanding (event hub) facebook group. That's where we will post up future trips. I actually saw a JGC-WK2 out there. It will be very helpful to upgrade ground clearance, he had to turn around during the chunky rock section. I'd say 10 inches or so would be the minimum. 11 inches recommended.
How about a video (or part of one) on where and how you mount your ScanGauge II and what 4 settings you think are most useful to track on a Passport? The device looks very fun and useful and I'll likely get one but mounting is a concern.
Love the Honda capability, its great to see it take on something so challenging. Part of the fun is just not being like all the other cars in a place like this.
I felt pretty special when I rolled up in a sea of 4runners, Tacomas, Wranglers and gladiators. Lots of Lexus GXs, and although there was a lone Nissan Titan, there were no other AWD vehicles ☺️.
Question for you and maybe you can cover in a video? When you are traversing difficult terrain do you shift the transmission into and hold 1st gear? Does the Passport have paddle shifters? Maybe you can talk about your technique for difficult roads. Thanks.
Jim DePaul I made this video that goes over some of the iVTM4 drive modes, but the video title may throw some people off. “Off-road Unicorn Subaru? Passport to the Calico Mountains” I mostly off-road in “mud mode”. It offers the best throttle input precision, especially for rocky terrain. I then use my left foot to brake, so as I’m cresting over a rock I feather the brake to gently float down. I recently learned how to do this by the way, so it’s a work in progress, but I’ve been getting better. To be honest, the trails in my previous video’s weren’t this rough and I’ve never had to use the “two foot technique”. The Passport has paddle shifters. It will only hold a gear if you place it in sport mode. Since this makes the gas pedal overly sensitive, I find myself just relying on “D” to get around offroad. For difficult steep terrain where a shift in gears would be very problematic, I’ll shift it into first and I’ll utilized iVTM4’s most aggressive mode “Sand”. It turns up the rear LSD to high biased and clamps down on it 50/50 side to side as much as possible. I’ll link the video below. You’ll see where sand mode makes a huge difference on a difficult obstacle.
I highly recommend. For an AWD the vehicle is capable, but it's good to know how hot you're getting. Here's an amazon link. I've seen these go for as low as $99, but right now I'm showing $125. It looks like the MSRP has risen to $159 (before they were $139) so it might be a good time to buy. amzn.to/3dCTlpv You'll have to enter a program code to monitor your transmission temp. here's a link to the code: www.scangauge.com/xgauge/transmission-fluid-temp-f-acura/
Good question! I use Gaia GPS. It’s compatible with Apple car play. There’s a high learning curve, so I highly recommend you watch my video about “things you need to know” before using Gaia”. ua-cam.com/video/wLDSsk6PTJA/v-deo.html Basically: 1.) you need to pay ($45 for for 5 years with a discount) 2.) youll need a computer or laptop to plot your routes 3.) there’s no automatic off-road navigation? youll actually need plan your routes on a computer or laptop. The reward is that you’ll be able to navigate without cell reception. You’ll be able to drop “bread crumbs” so you’ll know where you’ve already been. It’s like a journal for where you offroad. Also, some trails aren’t publicly marked, so the record feature is a great way to build up your map.
@Dusty Davis there's an optional "Heavy Duty transmission cooler", I don't believe he has one. This is the first time his vehicle has overheated and it has more to do with the steepness of this trail. We had a Jeep Grand Cherokee WK1 overheat on this trail in 4 low.
Good question! The safety features are still functional. I heard on the forums that Honda sensing can be calibrated and that some vehicles are off from the factory. I haven’t had needed a recalibration though.
@@JonDZ_Adventuring That’s good to hear. I’m shopping for semi off-road vehicles with space and was all for the 4Runner until seeing your channel and definitely leaning towards the Passport now because it seems like the best of both worlds. I’m by no means an extreme off-roader, and the Honda makes more sense. Thanks for the response. Keep up the great content!
@ivy Zilla there’s a “heavy duty transmission cooler available” it’ll definitely help, but not sure if it will prevent overheating. This is the first time he has overheated, and it’s simply because this was a steep climb to 10K feet. The only other place you’ll find trails like this is Colorado.
@@JonDZ_Adventuring Have you checked out cerro gordo in lone pine, that's another steep climb but might be eaiser then this. The cooler should definitely help.
Thanks for this video, I am now sending DM's to my ridgeline friends telling them not to invite me on their off-roading nor high altitude lake camping this year or ever.... 😂 looks like it took like 4-6 hours more to your final destination. He needs a bigger transmission cooler, I would just trade it in for a 15 year old GX like the white one that passed you guys.
Ha! It wasn’t only the Ridgeline, there was a Jeep Grand Cherokee WK1 4.6L that couldn’t make it either. It literally died on this trail and had to stay in town for 3 weeks to get repaired. Basically anything without 4 low should not come out to a trail like this. We actually made another attempt with an Acura MDX that had a large transcooler (same Honda 6spd transmission) and he eventually overheated as well. Quite honestly, if the Passport didn’t take breaks due to other vehicles overheating, I think it would eventually overheat as well. Not too many high altitude trails in the lower 48.
@@JonDZ_Adventuring thanks for the update, I now have to DM my WK1 friends and tell them the same... hahahaha just kidding, I really appreciate the videos you make. I like the detailed explanation of the trail. I have a WK2 and it almost overheated on me in Utah going up hill on 98 degree weather with the AC on for my wife and dog haha (things we do to keep them happy and smiling on the trail) but really awesome videos. Thank you!!
@@JonDZ_Adventuring I hope I get to join you guys one day and put my Summit EcoDiesel WK2 to the test. We just recently came back from Moab and did a lot that I never though my Grand Cherokee can do so I’ll keep myself apprised with where you guys will be and see if I can join one day. Happy thanksgiving!!
@@M5verdriver happy thanks giving as well. The eco diesel sounds so awesome! What MPG’s are you getting? I put up a facebook page so people can organize events. In my latest video I sent out a last minute trip to Gorman and there were 9 of us that showed up 🤣. If you go on www.crossoverlanding.com there’s a link to the FB page.
@@LightsAndBikes I’m the wrong guy to ask, and the Passport is even more modified now with a 4-3/4” lift with 33” tires and 1300 payload. My city MPG is around 15, and 18.5 at 65-70 mph. For reference, the way I drove my old 2008 stock FJ cruiser I’d get 8 mpg city and 13 mpg at 65-70.
@@JonDZ_Adventuring holy cow you’ve really done a lot with it haha. That’s awesome. I’m considering getting one and just adding slightly taller tires to it, that’s it. Nothing crazy, just add a little ground clearance and that’s it, I dont off road, just want a great all around suv, that if I feel a little adventurous with, I don’t need to be scared for, and this car really seems to hit that nail on the head.
Not all AWD vehicles are created equal 😃. In the Jeep Renegade trailhawk they call this system a 4x4, and they call first gear 4 low 🤣, but let’s be honest, it’s an AWD system. What the renegade trailhawk doesn’t have is a high biased rear LSD and a 3.5L V6.
Of course… I bought the 6speed RL in 2019. Smh. Just my luck, the next trim up had the more capable transmission. I don’t think I have the internal power to let go of my RL to get a more capable truck. @jondzadventuring video is kind of discouraging. But I enjoy all your videos. You tell it like it is. I too am in SoCal. All these trails are with in reach.
Hey, you can always upgrade the transmission cooling. Install a giant Hayden 679 transcooler and install fans. Or heck, even look at running two of them! Monitor everything with a Scangauge 2.
@@JonDZ_Adventuring lol. I entered in to your scan gauge give a way. And I didn’t win. Lol. So I went out and bought one. Gives me some piece of mind knowing when to back off and not over work the tranny. Coincidentally I just got back from camping at Whitney Portal. We drove thru Alabama Hills. 84° outside my temps stayed around 206°. Not bad, but those trails are nothing compared to the trails you explore. I’m living my adventuring dreams thru your videos! Lol. I wish I can be your camera man, or join you one time! Keep those videos coming!
@@Op-gj3hf awesome! The Scangauge 2 is so incredibly important. Don’t be ashamed about hitting 206F at the Whitney portal, it’s very very steep. I’m sure people take their vehicles beyond 240F on that road, because they don’t have a trans temp monitor.
A couple questions on the Ridgeline. Did he have the transmission on L or D? Did the Ridgeline have the stock transmission cooler or a bigger aftermarket cooler? What size tires was be running? Thanks.
MAP74 he was in L, but after more overheating we tried another strategy that worked pretty good. Since slowly crawling up stresses out the transmission, we put the Ridgeline in drive and tried to maintain 7-12 mph. That worked really good! Carrying momentum before a very steep section = less stress than slowly crawling up. This Ridgeline did not have the Honda OEM heavy duty transmission cooler. He has 245/70R17 falken wildpeak AT3W and they were aired down to 27 psi.
MAP74 I’ll also add that if a Ridgeline driver was to become more adept at using momentum, he could have gone farther (he almost made it btw!). I think after all the overheating the clutch plates of his transmission were probably slipping, leading to quicker transmission stall. Check out his Honda Ridgeline go up a level 4 Jeep trail. Old Dale Road in Joshua Tree, CA. He did not have any issues. Off-road comparison: [Uni-body vs. Body on frame] on a lvl 4 Jeep trail (Joshua Tree NP) ua-cam.com/video/vV5q51uAjA8/v-deo.html
Thanks for the quick reply. I thought all AWD ridgelines had the transmission cooler. The cooler is a joke in my opinion. It is very small. I installed a Hayden 679 cooler in my wifes Durango. It it runs a little cooler than with the stock cooler that I bypassed. Since the Ridgeline only uses that small external cooler (no radiator cooler) I think I may just install the same one. I'm planning on running the Scangauge for a while first to see how warm it gets with the stock cooler.
MAP74 great thinking going with the scangauge II first! It’s best to “diagnose” before prescribing a vehicle with a tranny cooler! You’re thinking like a Doctor 🥼
@@JonDZ_Adventuring I definitely know there is an issue. Last fall my Ridgeline had this weird surging at around 30k+ miles.. This was supposedly caused by degraded fluid caused by it running too hot. This was a TSB. They did 3 drain and fills and applied some software update. There is only so much software can do. Im very curious to see how hot the fluid gets. The fluid change did eliminate the surging. ATF fluid change on these might be a 30k mile maintenance item.
Kevin C they’re definitely a lot more grippier. Even driving around the streets of Los Angeles, these dig into the cracks of the road and spit out gravel. They don’t handle onroad as well, but since I’ve been doing more difficult trails as of late, I’m glad I have them. The Coopers are a great all around tire. I kinda miss them, and kinda don’t.
Yeah, it’s pretty amazing. Basically the same vehicle. Now I understand why some of the old school off-roader guys say a low gear transfer case is what separates AWD from 4WD. That’s because most single speed transmissions aren’t geared aggressively enough. The Passport and Jeep Renegade/Compass trailhawks are a little special.
So was that ridge line in 4lo?? Here in hawaii the highest elevation we can drive is mauna kea 13,803’ from sea level and air is super thin my taco made it to the top no problems but on the way down 4lo crawling for awhile super steep hill
No 4 low for the ridgeline, it doesn’t have a low gear transfer case. Just a 14:1 crawl ratio. For 2020, they get the same 9 speed transmission as my Passport.
Thanks @Vincent Windels ! I’m getting better at this stuff! So, if the passport has 8.1 inches of clearance In theory the 2 inch lift and 2.5 inch taller tires should bump the clearance to 11.35”. After installing the skid plate I lose a little bit, and after airing down to 20 psi my front skid plate is at 11 inches. I also carry a bit of gear, so my rear diff is also at 11 inches. (I’ll be doing a video about this later). Now, the lowest point of the passport are the rear lower control arms, which are at 8.5 inches at the lowest point and 10 inches at the highest point, but since they’re at the axles, with proper tire placement, it won’t matter too much.
It would be just like my Passport. The only difference between the 2020 model Ridgelines is a 14 inch longer wheel base. Also, the Ridgeline does have tougher suspension parts. Not sure why Honda didn’t give the Ridgeline the ZF9 to begin with. Welp, better late than never.
@@JonDZ_Adventuring LOL that would be the ideal but there would probably be a lot less guilt taking a cheap used frontier straight to the trail to wheel 🤣
***We came back to this trail a year later (June 2022) so that the Owner of the White Ridgeline could get some redemption***
Here's the new video: ua-cam.com/video/LLNjy9sN_9Y/v-deo.html
***WATCH Continuous trail footage of the 1/4 mile rocky section HERE***
ua-cam.com/video/GUzalDgQV0U/v-deo.html
I go up to Coyote once a weekend to help out people there is always somone getting stuck up there, I live in Bishop lots of fun trails around here. Hope you had fun.
Cody Barker thanks! I had a good time up here. It’s so beautiful! I only went to funnel lake but I didn’t get to see much more. I’d like to head back sometime to see where the flat heads to. It seems like such a big area!
I can totally imagine that every week someone is having issues up here. I don’t think many video’s go over the trail difficulty, so I really wanted to cover it.
Hey Cody! Last year we took the roughest trail to funnel Lake. What an experience.. nerve wracking! heard there is an an easier trail?
Your videos are always so peaceful. Thanks for the upload.
Thanks for the comment @David Lopez !
The 4Runner is sitting back there, thinking, "dude, what the hell?" :-)
John H. Moore haha! Not going to lie, I was too 🤣. The 4runner driver is a good dude. Felt bad for his Wife and 9 year old son though.
I was thinking the same thing. Lol
R E D E M P T I O N
Putting that recovery strap on the rear this time!
Awesome vid man, like the edits! It went from a harsh climb to beautiful flats & lake. Love it.
Thanks Alan! We need to make our way out here! Also need to thank Nori for all the wheeling lessons lately! The learned skills really came in handy here!
Great video. Beautiful scenery! No issues for the Passport as usual!
I was able to improve my two foot braking skills, and it showed in this trip. I still have a bit more work to do before I master it.
Wow. Way to go! That is one of my favorite spots but it is pretty spicy to get up there at points. I wouldn’t have believed this if I didn’t see it. Great job.
GX Overland thanks! I researched this trail before I did it. The week prior, I did 3N06A Cold Water Canyon, so I thought the Coyote flats was going to be easy in comparison. The trail to funnel lake was much harder than expected.
JonDZ Adventuring ironic. I’m heading to cold water canyon yp #18 tomorrow.
I’ve really enjoyed these videos
good work
Thank you very much for the kind words 🙏
Damn, those Honda cars are at/beyond the limit of their design, especially the Ridgeline. However, great job forcing the round peg through the square hole and getting them up there! We just did this trail last weekend, was like driving miss daisy in our jeep. Hopefully ridgeline guy doesn't need a new trans within the next year.
Chris R Carraher the Passport didn’t really struggle. I think I broke traction once here. Still, considered a moderate/difficult trail by Trail Recon. Now... I’ll release a video of ColdWater Canyon 3N06A in a month or so. That was truly at/beyond the limits of the Passport. I’ve been thinking of adding a trailhawk badge to the back of my Passport. I basically drive a Fat Jeep Renegade with a V6 and a rear LSD. We have the same transmission and axle ratios. The only difference is the Renegade trialhawk calls 1st gear 4 low. I guess I’m trail rated? Nah, prob not.
No way my passport would make it through stock, so you are correct about this trail being beyond the limit of its design.
A stock Jeep is way more capable than these vehicles.
Really enjoy these vids. Got me a stock gx460 and getting inspiration from all your adventures!
You have an awesome machine! I love the GX460 with the 6 speed transmission! He wanted to trade in his vehicle for a used 4x4 and I talked him into the GX460!
Sick run man! I can't imagine keeping track of 30 minutes worth of final cut videos. Great work!
Thanks for all your info! It really helped out on this trip!
Did the trail in July of 2020. My 2018 4Runner transmission also began to overheat in that exact stretch.
I let it cool down while I had a beer and then threw it into 4LO for the rest of the steep switch backs during that initial climb. All was well from there. Look forward to going back with my Power Wagon!
Looks fun! I've yet to take my truck through any intense off-roading.. Look at that 4runner just handling everything
Wow, now THAT was a trail! Those rocky roads like that look great on film but suuuch a PITA to drive, LOL. Beautiful reward at the end though! Nice work as always Jon!
Donald, when you come down here, you need
To tour the Eastern Sierras with me 😃. Really too bad I couldnt make it out to Oregon, but like you said, you never found the main group anyways. Like they say, everything happens for a reason. The wife approved the trip here because it was only a 270 mile drive.
Thanks for your very informative video. Went up there a couple of weeks ago with our stock 2019 Tacoma all terrain tires and OMG the last portion really had me taking deep breaths. We actually almost quit. Thankfully we stuck to it and 15 min later we were all alone at the very small and quiet lake :)
Good job! The trail is a bit of a rough one, so good on you for sticking it out. It’s rare that you’ll have the lake all to yourself, but sounds like an excellent reward. You must have built up a lot of experience from this trail to better prepare you for even more adventures! Where to next?
@@JonDZ_Adventuring Back to explore more of highway 395. California just has so much to offer :) Who knows maybe you'll run into the soccer mom Tacoma lol. Safe travels
Excellent video. Especially discussing the altitude climb.
Thank you @Average Alice! The steep climb at the beginning of the trail was so underrated.
I wish I can do these places, but I got the real grocery-getter! 2017 awd crv. Great video. Thumbs up for the teamwork.
Nice video and trail explanation. Most videos I've seen of this trail don't show the difficulty. I guess since most videos I've seen are of Rubicons.
@Leonardo Lopez I 100% agrree, and I vowed to make sure I reported back. It can be very difficult for youtube creators to not talk about trail difficulty. We even had a Jeep Grand Cherokee WK1 overheat on this trip. His vehicle's electronics died and has been left out in Bishop, CA! An Acura MDX overheated, and of course the Ridgeline. People need to know! This place is really remote and an unprepared day tripper can die out here. Okay, maybe I'm getting too over dramatic, but... it can happen :P
@@JonDZ_Adventuring Not at all. I'd rather know. I was thinking of trying it, based on other videos I've seen. Not anymore.
This trail is extremely difficult for a stock 4wd vehicle and inexperienced driver. I ran this trail solo oct 2019. The rock gardens are very hard to traverse.
I appreciate you posting this, i have to share this with my Subaru Friends who seem to think awd and 4x4 is the same thing :)
Luis Perez ha! I owned a 2015 Subaru Forester XT before I bought my Passport. My Honda is still AWD but has some extra goodies to help get it through a trail like this. It has a 9 speed automatic transmission with a 20:1 crawl, and a true rear high biased LSD.
@@JonDZ_Adventuring I took my wifes 2012.MDX to the Playa and down Titus canyon in death valley and it was fine. Just gotta be careful! Love my FJ though! Thanks for showing my current trail conditions I might go up there in july or August. 🤙
Luis Perez the FJ in our group got an oil temp light, but not only was he in 2wd high, but the dude is rolling on 35’s 🤣.
Big props for the Hondas going places they're not suppose to.
Ha! Thanks!
JonDZ Adventuring were u able to complete Coyote flats? Was there an alternative route? I have a stock Lexus NX 4wd.
The coyote flats is a large area with multiple places. Funnel lake is one of those areas.
We took the south route which had the rock gardens. I would highly recommend 11 inches of ground clearance (my Passport has 11.25”, and as you can see, I made contact a few times). There’s a north route, but I don’t have any experience taking it. With all that said, I would not recommend a stock AWD vehicle here.
This video is awesome. I've got a Honda Element AWD that I do some pretty tough trails on, but I could definitely use a Ridgeline for the hauling I do.
Nice! Great video! Really showing all the challenges!
Thanks Gabe!
I bet funnel lake was so worth the trip!!! Wish I had joined... next time! 🙌🙌🙌
It was a good trip @SCTPASS ! I'd love to go back! There's 2200 miles of trail out there! Lots to explore!
JonDZ Adventuring that’s a lot of miles!!! wonder if there are more lakes up there to explore. would be awesome to set up camp, fish for dinner, eat and enjoy...
That’s me and my buddy with the Jeeps as you get to funnel lake. The gladiator is mine. Props getting the Honda up there.
Vince C nice!!! I actually was editing part 2 of this trip and remember seeing your Jeeps! I think I was the only AWD vehicle that was at funnel lake that day. Part 2 of my video is just POV trail footage of the 1/4 mile of rocky trail leaving funnel lake. Your Gladiator makes another appearance!!!
Woot!!! Your Honda rocked it!
Thanks for the kind words Jen! I really look forward to future trips with you and Justin!
@@JonDZ_Adventuring My pleasure! Future trips would be great!
Great video as usual. Hopefully I can come out with you guys when you do a shorter run in the future.
Thanks @AntRam! I don’t get to post up all my trips. This was actually an invite from someone else. But I plan to post up trips that I organize on the “crossoverlanding (event hub)” facebook page.
Just got back from funnel lake/coyote flats. Took the route you took out, but took the big pine to funnel lake route in. I do not advise taking the big pine to funnel lake route without ample ground clearance and lockers.
Joshua Hahn I watched so many videos of the Coyote flats, but I think only trail recon took the hard trails. I heard of how incredibly difficult the other trails so I made sure to stick to entering and exiting from the north 😃. Thanks for the info and comment!
I am thinking of selling my 18 WRX and getting a Forester or Outback. But, after watching several of your difficult ventures and checking out a '20 Passport this oast weekend I am seriously considering notes. I appreciate your comparisons and sharing what mods you've done and providing useful links. Keep up the quality videos!
Roger Chen thank you 🙏. I use to own a 2010 WRX, oh how I miss that vehicle! Good times in that car! The way I see the passport is it would be a good compromise between the FJ cruiser and the WRX. It would be the love child of the two vehicles. Not as fast or nimble as the WRX and not as capable as the FJ cruiser. The 2015 FXT I used is not as fast or capable as the Passport and in a smaller package. I’m highly contemplating adding a Lexus GX460 to the driveway. The wife would daily the Passport, I just don’t know if I could daily the GX. Now that I’m older, I have less of a need for speed. I test drove my friends GX, but it has a modified suspension. I wouldn’t be able to do it. Will be test driving my friends 2016 GX460 today. I really want to like the Lexus, but if it doesn’t work out, I’m fine with the Passport, and the wife can get a used 2019 Rav4 or something.
@@JonDZ_Adventuring Couldn't daily the GX 460 because low mpg? Is the on-road feel, sound level & handling better than a 4Runner?
Roger Chen I mean, I could but I might not want to. As you could imagine, going from a WRX to a truck will take getting use to. I’ve been there, I went from a FJ to the WRX and just prefer a unibody. Onroad handling is too important to me. I just got back from a trip to Nevada. 600 miles driven and 25 of that was offroad. 96% of my trip was onroad, and I enjoy every second behind the wheel of the passport. It’s a nice place to be.
I drove my friends 2016 GX460 today with non adjustable air suspension. It was a quiet and luxurious ride. The newer GX runs on 91 octane fuel and has 6 gears. In stock form it’s actually decently fuel efficient on the highways. It can get 20 mpg at 85 mph. For me, it really comes down to onroad handling.
@@JonDZ_Adventuring I wish I can explore as much as you have in your videos. I hope to get out more. Recently it's been camping near Payson with another planned with a friend that lives up there. I agree, I'm leaning more towards a vehicle that is good on roads
on-road like the Passport and can still go on types of terrain that you have demonstrated. Keep up the great content@
Awesome. It gives me hope to try this out in 2007 taco TRD, now to just get the confidence
You got the Rig for it, in 4 low you won’t have issues! Anything I can do, you can do better. I love inspiring people with capable rigs to get out there 🤙
Sick video! My dad and I charged hard s few times in a Jeep Cherokee. Place was unbelievable.
Good times! Let's roll out again!
@Alex Kim Main Yes please! Let’s do it!!! The trip was really fun! It’s too bad we got split up for quite some time.
Me and my friends thinking about doing this. You are the first one on the search engine list 👏👏. Trying to see if my friend Montero 2.5 can handle this trail.
Hey Kevin! I’d imagine any 4WD with an experienced driver behind the wheel should be good to go. It’s rated moderate/difficult. Left foot Braking is highly encouraged.
Damn I feel bad for the ridgeline! Ur buddy almost seems like he shouldve gotten the passport!
@Evol M3 I think he’s going to get a Taco 🌮, or maybe we can talk him into a Landcruiser!! 😃
@@JonDZ_Adventuring or maybe a PASSPORT!!
Let him check out the colorado zr2 diesels. They come standard with front and rear diff locks!!
You no need no stinkin lockers! Says the guy with lockers. Lol
When you absolutely have to dump heat from the engine compartment, a heater core can be an effective piece of equipment. Just turn the heat and fan settings all the way up and sweat . . . your ride will thank you, and might live long enough to come through for you when you really need it.
We actually tried that! Someone mentioned to pop the vehicle into neutral to quickly cool the transmission, we haven’t tried that yet.
Tell the dude with the Ridgeline to change his transmission oil and get an additional trans cooler.
@RTI yep! I did 😃
I don't think that website is talking about your modified passport, probably more towards awd subarus sedans that think they can go anywhere... you have some great mods to put you over many stock awd sedans, crossovers. Those websites usually steer more towards conservative side so they don't get folks into trouble.
Thanks for sharing i need to try out this trail, looks really scenic.
@HuskyNoob well said! I think that article was a low key BFG KO2 advertisement:
www.outsideonline.com/2089311/coyote-flat-coolest-4x4-camping-destination-summer
Great vid, love all your vids! You saved me from buying a Subaru thanks to all your comparison vids. Mind if I ask what your combined MPG is during normal driving with all those mods? Thanks
That’s a good question @ps2stony. I really don’t believe in combined MPG, there’s just too many variables. I think a better representation of MPG would be “Wife’s MPG” and “My MPG”. My wife’s MPG is much much better than mine. She’s able to get 19 mpg city. I typically get 15 mpg city. As far as Highway well both get anywhere from 21-24 mpg doing 70 miles per hour. I actually got 21.8 mpg driving up 270 miles from Los Angeles to this trail head! That’s 0 ft in elevation to 4200 ft. Elevarion
I think Tony just wasn’t ready for that kind of drive 😂
10:00 She got the 3 wheel motion...
I didn't hear it mentioned but did the Ridgeline have the A/C on?
I'm sure you know but blasting the heat is essentially an additional miniature radiator if in an overheating situation. It might have been enough to keep it from overheating as often as it did.
It was mentioned in text towards the first overheating. We tried blasting the heater, but since it was such a hot day we thought having the climate control, even set on “Hi” was making things worse. We noticed faster cooling after turning it off. We also utilized more momentum (instead of slowly crawling up a steep grade).
What I couldn’t explain was at the 16 minute mark. It was relatively flat terrain and the transmission overheated trying to crawl through the rocks.
That Ridgeline should have packed it in and went home after the second or third transmission overheat.
Absolutely agree @adam polselli! 6:12
I'm trying to decide between a passport and a ridgeline. I know the newer ridgelines have the 9-speed transmission, but I don't know if they are geared any lower. Really, I just wish they would make a jacked-up, awd Odyssey with off road gearing! 😝
They are geared the same. Get what ever fits you best! I like the SUV form factor because I like to sleep in my vehicle. It’s a perfect way of seeking shelter during my ski trips. I just lean my seat back and slide to the rear to sleep. If you have a family, and you want to rock a rooftop tent, the Ridgeline would make a lot of sense.
I'm a Chevy guy, but curious if there are aftermarket gear kits for the differentials?? Seems like that would compensate easily for transmission, loads, and larger tires.
Thanks for making me appreciate I bought a 4runner
Chester Gavarrete it’s a good ride
I’ve gone to funnel lake 4 times in my Jeep Jk with no issues.
The north entrance is more rocky then the south side.
Did you guys turn off the stability and traction control? Sometimes the system could be constantly freaking in the dirt without you knowing and drag the brakes. This could cause more strain on the drivetrain that could contribute to the overheating.
Chris thanks for confirming the north is more rocky than the south. I’d imagine a Wrangler would make easy work of this stuff.
got to the trailhead here a few years ago at 11:30PM driving up to the campsite and being unfamiliar with the trail made it super sketch but the location just cant be beat
Can’t wait to go back. Actually, we may make a trip out here mid September. The Ridgeline owner has a lifted Taco now and wants some redemption.
JonDZ Adventuring nice upgrade from the ridgeline to a taco
JonDZ Adventuring you have to go to the store that’s right next to the stream it’s amazing
Great video and narrative. My grandfather used to do large cattle runs in the 1960s to Coyote from his ranch between Big Pine & Bishop via horseback each summer. You didn't see a tiny, 1 room dilapidated cabin up there did you?
@Subie Style thanks for sharing that story! The funny thing is when I was searching google earth I saw an old metal cabin towards the southern trail to Funnel lake. However, I didn’t see it in person.
Good strategy too... keep the wounded vehicle in the middle. The 4Runner didn't look to have any issues and was a good sweeper vehicle.
@salsanacho that was the plan. Also since I have the same wheelbase width as the Ridgeline, I thought it would be a good idea for him to see the lines I took.
Nice video! I never knew climbing can be this challenging for some transmissions.
Yep. Pretty much anything without 4low will overheat on a trail with 800ft elevation gain in 1 mile. Exception would be aggressively geared single speed transmissions like the Passport or Jeep trailhawk Versions of the renegade and compass. This trail is no joke!
Vanisshen on this same trip, we had a Jeep Grand Cherokee WK1 with the 4.7L overheat as well as an Acura MDX carrying lots of weight. Another friend tried to take a Subaru Crosstrek up here, he said he had to wait 1 hour for the CVT temp light to go away. The good thing is that not many trails are like this in California.
@JonDZ Adventuring And here I am in Maryland with a 4Runner and no trails to go... Videos like this are the only means to satisfy my offroading desires. Keep up the good work!
Vanisshen thank you! 🙏
May not have anything to do with your issue but I was pulling a toy hauler with my Ford F250 diesel truck not offroading. We were climbing steep hills but it was cool outside and my truck transmission overheated. Brought to a recommended transmission shop and I was told there is a type of thermostat that restricts flow to the trans cooler so it will warm up faster. That was the issue with my truck was replaced no problems after wards. Did not check it out but there may be aftermarket upgrades for this problem for real offroading.
Daniel Bauer that’s totally related, so thank you for sharing! I’ve met a Ford Diesel tech, he said the stock thermostat’s don’t turn on the fans until later, so for heavier use he recommends installing a thermostat that turns on quicker. At least that’s what I remember him telling me.
@@JonDZ_Adventuring There is also a restriction in the fluid line to the transmission cooler similar to your engine thermostat for coolant, not related to the cooling fans. That is the issue I had.
Daniel Bauer ah, I see! Again, thanks for the info. I love hearing about this stuff.
Was there a few months ago. If I can recall, the bypass (left side) at 9:18 didn't exist when I went up. A lot of folks were driving over the vegetation there to avoid the mud on the right :/. Also, a few folks say the northern trail into Funnel lake is more difficult. I actually found the southern route more difficult due to the rocks lol
Kevin Do thanks for the info! I wondered about the north road. Although it looks like the roads converge right before the tough section where you have to squeeze between the tree’s. There’s also a really loose steep descent with large rocks sticking out.
I can only imagine how bad this place would be if it was muddy or snowy. I wonder if people drive up here in the winter.
@@JonDZ_Adventuring yea we went in south and exited north. I believe theres a bypass to that hill on the left!
Have you thought about attempting the Rubicon Trail, I think you might stand a good chance since you have a good feel for your vehicle.
@combat Cowboy I have given that trail zero thought! Not unless I either Buy or Rent a Jeep Rubicon Wrangler 🤣! Thanks though! That’s super flattering! My heads going to swell up and explode 🤯
No way, stock wranglers rubicons with 33s scrape constantly.
@@camaroman101 If a stock cherokee trailhawk with 29 inch tires and only 8.7 inch ground clearance can make it, I think his can as long as he knows his vehicle and lines he wants. I feel like his Honda would be closely related to the renegade as they don't have a low range, just lock 1st gear, but he has more power and torque. Plus he does have improved approach and departure angles from his mods. Look at the Subaru that recently did MOAB, they have CVT which cuts power, but he was still able to do the trails.
@@4x4nerd80 whose cherokee do you know that made it through? As far as moab goes I've seen a crown vic running on some trails there. Rubicon is a whole other beast.
camaroman101 I did get a chuckle from that crown Vic, the Cherokee was featured when it was first released on the Rubicon, plus the badge of honor has a few cherokees on there. I’ll be hitting it up in July, but I’ll be similarly modified to what JonDZ has. Stacking will probably be required though, I’m realistic lol and scrapes are expected.
I didn't realize how much a struggle it was for other vehicles, I drove up in the power wagon in 2wd, the limited slip/locker helps alot along with 37s. But the Passport is a really impressive vehicle, the Ridgeline just isn't suited for some of these trails
When you roll on 37s, the world is flat 😃
I would totally try this route with you. Let's see how toasty we can get my CVT! 😂😭
It's been a while @Rob G. ! Any reason to get out on a camping trip will be a good reason! Lets go!
Think I saw you on the road, not everyday I see a lifted Passport with the bells and whistles. On Trask? Gave you a thumbs up 👍 love the videos
@Joe Kerning I was out in Westminister for some Sunday Dimsum a little over 2 weeks ago. I remember someone giving me the thumbs up, that was very cool of you!
Everyone that overheated needs an external transmission cooler. They are pretty cheap and easy to install. Added one to my 4runner and it definately made a difference!
I can’t argue with that advice! Unfortunately, the Ridgeline comes with a factory heavy duty transmission cooler and I hear the connections aren’t standard. They may not be compatible with aftermarket trans coolers
Anything can be done with a bit of imagination! Dont let it stop you!
The Only Space Invader thanks for the words of encouragement. Actually, the engineer and owner of the skid plate company I’m using (Nolo Designs) has came up with a way to rig up a dual fan externally mounted transmission cooler.
My ram has one it comes factory with the bighorn package. I take my truck on trail every week
very impressive for the honda's!
Saw you guys up there. I was in the black 1st gen taco.
Cool! Imma have to review the footage to find ya! I remember seeing a gang of Lexus GXs and a pristine looking Range Rover. It was a lot to take in once I reached funnel lake. That place is breath taking.
When we first saw you was at funnel lake in the morning. The next time we saw you was when you passed us on the way down when one of the rigs broke a bolt. I was talking to one of your friends Ernie in the taco.
Oh yeah! Now I remember! The group was wondering where Ernie went, haha!
JonDZ Adventuring yeah I told Ernie that you guys were still back that. I ended up talking to him until we saw you guys.
My wife's Rav 4 Trd off road has a cooled radiator transmission line for towing 3000 plus pounds. I bet it would work great up in that situation. I forget about the low speeds less airflow hitting the radiator heating things up. Gotta stop and cool down or haul balls for airflows
Yeah, you’ll just have to give it a go. The reason the Ridgeline overheats and my Passport doesn’t is because of gearing. The Ridgeline comes with a cooler but it’s geared 14:1. My Passport did NOT have a cooler but it’s geared 20:1. The Rav4 is geared 16:1. (For reference, a 4runner in 4 low 1st gear is at 33:1)
There’s many factors, and the Ridgeline was also carrying more weight. Definitely get a dedicated transmission monitor. Imo, coolers can give a false sense of security. Case in point, my buddy with an Acura MDX had a rematch with this trail, but this time with a gigantic Hayden 678 transmission cooler with dual fans operated via switch. He got much further, but eventually succumbed to the steep grade.
I actually just had an OEM Honda cooler installed on my Passport today! I’m looking forward to see how much of a difference it makes. Combined with the ZF9 transmission, I hear it works great!
@@JonDZ_Adventuring Got it. Basically It's the steepness combined with gearing . I would never take the Rav 4 up there. Thanks for the info sounds like you know what your talking about. That's why I bought my side by side no bs no getting stuck or overheating just drive it like you stole it .
Might take my 08 3500HD Silverado this weekend with some Jeepers n others. Nice video
Thanks! Did you hear about the bad news? The USDA Forest service is shutting down access to the forest starting today until September 14 :(
sierranewsonline.com/usda-forest-service-temporarily-closing-all-california-national-forests/
Sucks ;(
@@JonDZ_Adventuring yeah man. I'll be staying home working on my rig. 😜
Great video! Do you happen to know the lift height and tire brand/size on the Ridgeline? Apologies if I missed it in the video.
@The Darkness I actually didn't list it :P He has a 2 inch lift kit front and rear and has 245/70R17 Falken Wildpeak AT3W tires
JonDZ Adventuring Cool! You all have inspired me. Definitely getting a lift.
That looks relatively flat terrain at the 16 minute mark, is the high altitude causing it to loose a lot of power? Or is the transmission not getting down to first for some reason?
Altitude will tax a vehicles engine, but I think it’s just that the Honda 6speed only has a 14:1 crawl ratio so the transmission was just stalling.
I have a Honda Pilot with the 9 speed. When you off road do you keep the transmission in 1st with the paddle shifters to keep torque the up? The Jeep renegade trail hawk has an all wheel drive system with a 4lo button, all it does is keep the transmission in first to accomplish the same thing. Also do you use sport mode off road? Seem like it would keep more rpm up as well?
Christopher Scott good question. It all depends. First of all, you don’t want high RPM’s, traction control is optimal between 1200 to 1600 RPMs. When navigating through the rocky section, you can hear my engine wasn’t revving too much. I put the Passport into Mud mode, it lets me feather the throttle more easily. I was light on the throttle and my left foot was on the brake.
Do I keep the transmission in 1st gear? For the most part, I just leave it in drive. The Passport seems to be smart enough to where I don’t need to. But man, it’s so dumb we have to go into sport mode to hold a gear. That’s why mud mode is so important to me. It’s not prone to over revving the engine in sport mode. For steep downhill, I ALWAYS use 1st gear. Again, excellent question.
So many negative comments in regards to driving the Honda's up there... one does not need to have a cool looking lifted vehicle with racks steel bumpers, and a winch to go out and have fun. I am taking my stock Tundra and Subaru Outback up here with my family; I expect to get to funnel lake no problem.
jcberb have fun out there!
Did you ever do a workaround the start stop system or just turn it off everytime?
This entire trip I forgot to turn it off. Luckily it didn’t bother me this trip.
No wonder FJ got Trans temp high driving in 2WD on this type of trail. Wonder if he was trying to show off "I did in 2WD where the Honda's struggle even with AWD". Bad choice. Yes an AWD is no match for a 4x4 but never use 2wd in this type of trail to showoff.
Lion Runner none of us were losing traction, it was just steep uphill. He also has 35 inch tires. Everyone was surprised at how hot our vehicles were getting, and the Ridgeline and FJ both got heat warnings. The Ridgeline had a trans temp warning and the FJ has the oil lamp warning. My Honda didn’t struggle 😃. I think the trans heat warning comes on at 250 Fahrenheit, and I was at 230. After turning off my A/C it was at 218, and by the time we were in the rock gardens it was at 204.
@@JonDZ_Adventuring you would get oil warning if you are really low on oil or near vertical angle. FJ could be low on oil, this is no where near for that kind of angle. Def should check oil level after oil change.
Though you don't feel loosing traction, the traction control system should be working really hard on loose rock. Doing this in 2wd could have got his rear diff oil go bad too. In the past i've done this and could be a reason I had to change my rear diff oil at 25K miles vs front diff was looking new. Here in mile high Colorado 5000-6000ft is city elevation. We climb really high on trails and if use 4wd nowhere you get warnings. There was a time at Pikes Peak I was out of breath / not comfortable breathing and had to come down quick. (No I'm not joking.)
As for the Passport and Rigdeline you could fit an additional oil cooler in front right? I've seen some members in FB Pilot group doing that mod and it seem to keep the trans temp low.
Lion Runner A week before this I was up in Lytle creek, California going up a 2.2 mile trail. We had a Jeep JK Wrangler going up in 4 high, and half way up he overheated (not sure if it was engine or trans). Anything is possible. By the way, off topic, I remember you and have watched your video’s, so I’m familiar with your 4 runner. But continuing on, I was just going off what the driver of the FJ said, which was that he had a oil temp light on. I’m sure he’ll get it sorted out. As for the Honda Passport, it has a 9 speed transmission with a 20:1 crawl ratio. With my larger tires it’s at 18.7:1. Still a more aggressive ratio than mostly all vehicles in 2low. So, doing this 10k climb, I was pleasantly surprised at how the Passport performed. I may get a OEM transcooler just for the heck of it though.
@@JonDZ_Adventuring without a doubt the 1st gear in 9spd is really good. For sure a oil cooler is best for the longevity and can just forget about the trans temp after that. I'm showing your videos to my Pilot friends and trying to get them to off-road. Of cause been responsible for not damaging the vehicles and killing the fun.
Really good video
Thank you 🙏 @DJ Hobbies / Overland
When I finally finish my rig updates and a few other things I hope to catch up with you guys for a weekend
Enjoy your videos. Question-How much gas was used? I have 3rd gen taco that I'm trying to figure out if I can safely go up and back with almost full tank? Thank you
Peter M the 4 runner on this video filled up in the town of independence. By the time he was done with the trip to funnel lake, he was really low on fuel. As long as you fill up in Bishop, I think you’ll be just fine. The trailhead is 4 miles from Bishop and funnel lake is 18 miles from there.
@@JonDZ_Adventuring great thank you JonDZ
Great Video. Thank you. What was your starting tire pressure and what did you end up driving on?
Thanks. We all aired down at the trailhead. I went down to 20 PSI, which is a good match for my tires with 7 inches of sidewall. Less sidewall, I wouldn’t be able to air down as much.
I can't remember if you mentioned it but I recommend adding a Trans cooler. Honda has a factory one for the passport.
Honda OEM part # 06255-5EZ-316 for the cooler. I don' recommend aftermarket. It's about 300 bucks and installs in the hols on the vertical bar in front of your radiator. Trans guards are always a pain to install but worth it.
Christopher Moritz the Passport never got an overheated warning, but can’t argue getting a trans cooler, they are good to have. All Ridgelines come with one, and unfortunately, it didn’t help too much. This trip got me to thinking about a more robust transcooler.
Good deal Jon! I am thinking of getting a Passport. Not doing those kind of trails though. I'll be riding my Super Tenere or Beta in that kind of rugged stuff. Thank you for sharing. You are a good young man and very helpful to the fellow drivers that tag along with you.
Christopher Moritz thanks for the kind words
Looks like a super nice place to go with my 2020 Suzuki Jimny. I would love to see the reactions 🤣 it is like a little goat, small but strong and stubborn 🤣. Great work with a Honda. They are very good cars and if Honda really want probably can create a serious off-roader no doubt.
Humberto Rubi I wish they still had the Suzuki Samurai (Jimny) here. Off-road camping is so popular here in America (USA) and it would be a perfect time for the new Jimny! Unfortunately, Suzuki stopped their car/truck sales here in 2009. I’ve watched the Jimny do incredible things! What country are you from?
JonDZ Adventuring hello there! Yes it was a shame that CR said that bunch of lies about samurais. This was the beginning of the trust mining for the brand there. Anyway small cars are not that attractive in USA. I’m from Costa Rica, we are really fortunate here as we have a huge variety of different brands and models options. We still can go and buy a 2020 Toyota 70 series with a 4.5 liter twin turbo diesel V8 or a new Isuzu Dmax, a hilux with turbo diesel variable geometry turbos, in mid size pick ups we have around 10 different brand models, and even the New Land Rover Pretender... sorry I meant the new Defender. The US brands are here too but aren’t very popular because of mpg and reliability. Toyota is the king and then are the other Japanese brands. I have seen recently several ridge lines here and lots of Pilot suv. I have been looking at your channel because is pretty interesting to see what happens if you try to off-road and Honda. I use to drive (my cars and work fleet) a 2016 diesel Hilux, a 2019 Mitsubishi Montero sport, a 2002 Pajero, an 2014 expedition, the brand new Jimny and also have a 2018 Mitsu outlander. I found its AWD system to be very capable but the angles and flex don’t help. Now regarding the Jimny it is amazing in terms of what can do and the smiles it puts on your face. Keep up the good work!!!
Do you think I’ll be able to make it with a 2wd 4runner?
CamboLanders Adventures I only broke traction one time here. Does your 4runner have A-trac? I’d say there’s a good chance you’d make it. 2L and traction control might make it just fine, just make sure it’s not wet.
JonDZ Adventuring I have LSD. I got to Monache Meadows with stock tires. Recently put on a leveling kit for better clearance and plan on slapping on 285.
CamboLanders Adventures coyote flats is much more difficult. I believe Monache is rated at a 3/10, funnel lake would be about a 5.5/10. But, I do think you’ll have a good chance to make it because of low range and all that articulation.
JonDZ Adventuring thanks buddy love your videos! I just want to get to coyote flats not funnel lake.
CamboLanders Adventures oh! Yeah, I don’t see an issue whatsoever if you just want to get to the main hub of the coyote flats
I wanna do this run I have a 2016 grand cherokee limited 4x4 I think I can make it do you have plans on doing this run again any time soon? great video
@solano760 there will definitely be another trip out here! Please join the crossoverlanding (event hub) facebook group. That's where we will post up future trips. I actually saw a JGC-WK2 out there. It will be very helpful to upgrade ground clearance, he had to turn around during the chunky rock section. I'd say 10 inches or so would be the minimum. 11 inches recommended.
How about a video (or part of one) on where and how you mount your ScanGauge II and what 4 settings you think are most useful to track on a Passport? The device looks very fun and useful and I'll likely get one but mounting is a concern.
Chris M that’s a good idea! I’ll tell ya... it was a struggle. I have an Instagram story about it, and I spent a week finding a home for it.
@@JonDZ_Adventuring Not all of us do Instagram :-(
Chris M will add to the to do list 😃
Can I cross trek with a 2 inch lift and ko2 run this
This video and the trail cam from Part 2 will give you enough information to make that determination for yourself.
Love the Honda capability, its great to see it take on something so challenging. Part of the fun is just not being like all the other cars in a place like this.
I felt pretty special when I rolled up in a sea of 4runners, Tacomas, Wranglers and gladiators. Lots of Lexus GXs, and although there was a lone Nissan Titan, there were no other AWD vehicles ☺️.
Question for you and maybe you can cover in a video? When you are traversing difficult terrain do you shift the transmission into and hold 1st gear? Does the Passport have paddle shifters? Maybe you can talk about your technique for difficult roads. Thanks.
Jim DePaul I made this video that goes over some of the iVTM4 drive modes, but the video title may throw some people off.
“Off-road Unicorn Subaru? Passport to the Calico Mountains”
I mostly off-road in “mud mode”. It offers the best throttle input precision, especially for rocky terrain. I then use my left foot to brake, so as I’m cresting over a rock I feather the brake to gently float down. I recently learned how to do this by the way, so it’s a work in progress, but I’ve been getting better. To be honest, the trails in my previous video’s weren’t this rough and I’ve never had to use the “two foot technique”.
The Passport has paddle shifters. It will only hold a gear if you place it in sport mode. Since this makes the gas pedal overly sensitive, I find myself just relying on “D” to get around offroad. For difficult steep terrain where a shift in gears would be very problematic, I’ll shift it into first and I’ll utilized iVTM4’s most aggressive mode “Sand”. It turns up the rear LSD to high biased and clamps down on it 50/50 side to side as much as possible. I’ll link the video below. You’ll see where sand mode makes a huge difference on a difficult obstacle.
Here’s the video:
ua-cam.com/video/0Uk3gBZ3udU/v-deo.html
Thanks! Figures, one of the videos I hadn’t watched yet.
Transmission temp guage...may I ask for this info to see about getting one. Thanks. I have a 2019 passport.
I highly recommend. For an AWD the vehicle is capable, but it's good to know how hot you're getting. Here's an amazon link. I've seen these go for as low as $99, but right now I'm showing $125. It looks like the MSRP has risen to $159 (before they were $139) so it might be a good time to buy.
amzn.to/3dCTlpv
You'll have to enter a program code to monitor your transmission temp. here's a link to the code: www.scangauge.com/xgauge/transmission-fluid-temp-f-acura/
If you have instagram, you can message me so i could share little video clips to show you how to program it.
Is that a scan gauge your using for temps?
Yes it is! Such a super important thing to have
Hi, what's the app you use for navigating off-road? You showed it in this video for a moment. Thanks
Good question! I use Gaia GPS. It’s compatible with Apple car play.
There’s a high learning curve, so I highly recommend you watch my video about “things you need to know” before using Gaia”.
ua-cam.com/video/wLDSsk6PTJA/v-deo.html
Basically:
1.) you need to pay ($45 for for 5 years with a discount)
2.) youll need a computer or laptop to plot your routes
3.) there’s no automatic off-road navigation? youll actually need plan your routes on a computer or laptop.
The reward is that you’ll be able to navigate without cell reception. You’ll be able to drop “bread crumbs” so you’ll know where you’ve already been. It’s like a journal for where you offroad. Also, some trails aren’t publicly marked, so the record feature is a great way to build up your map.
@@JonDZ_Adventuring thanks a lot for the comprehensive response, I will definitelly take a look on the video.
Is that ridgeline even equipped with the factory transmission oil cooler?
@Dusty Davis there's an optional "Heavy Duty transmission cooler", I don't believe he has one. This is the first time his vehicle has overheated and it has more to do with the steepness of this trail. We had a Jeep Grand Cherokee WK1 overheat on this trail in 4 low.
fun trail when your truck can do truck things
Is there any transmission cooling mod that possible to do on both 6 & 9 speed trans?
It might be really helpful having a beefier cooling
Febrian Adjie yes there is. Honda offers a “heavy duty” transmission cooler.
Great video!
Do the mods mess with any of the Honda smart safety features?
Good question! The safety features are still functional. I heard on the forums that Honda sensing can be calibrated and that some vehicles are off from the factory. I haven’t had needed a recalibration though.
@@JonDZ_Adventuring That’s good to hear. I’m shopping for semi off-road vehicles with space and was all for the 4Runner until seeing your channel and definitely leaning towards the Passport now because it seems like the best of both worlds. I’m by no means an extreme off-roader, and the Honda makes more sense. Thanks for the response. Keep up the great content!
do you think his ridgeline would not over heat as much if he upgrades his transmission cooler I know the stock ones are crazy tiny
@ivy Zilla there’s a “heavy duty transmission cooler available” it’ll definitely help, but not sure if it will prevent overheating. This is the first time he has overheated, and it’s simply because this was a steep climb to 10K feet. The only other place you’ll find trails like this is Colorado.
@@JonDZ_Adventuring Have you checked out cerro gordo in lone pine, that's another steep climb but might be eaiser then this. The cooler should definitely help.
Nice! What PSI were you running in the tyres?
I run my 255/70R18’s at 20 Psi
Thanks for this video, I am now sending DM's to my ridgeline friends telling them not to invite me on their off-roading nor high altitude lake camping this year or ever.... 😂 looks like it took like 4-6 hours more to your final destination. He needs a bigger transmission cooler, I would just trade it in for a 15 year old GX like the white one that passed you guys.
Ha! It wasn’t only the Ridgeline, there was a Jeep Grand Cherokee WK1 4.6L that couldn’t make it either. It literally died on this trail and had to stay in town for 3 weeks to get repaired. Basically anything without 4 low should not come out to a trail like this. We actually made another attempt with an Acura MDX that had a large transcooler (same Honda 6spd transmission) and he eventually overheated as well. Quite honestly, if the Passport didn’t take breaks due to other vehicles overheating, I think it would eventually overheat as well. Not too many high altitude trails in the lower 48.
@@JonDZ_Adventuring thanks for the update, I now have to DM my WK1 friends and tell them the same... hahahaha just kidding, I really appreciate the videos you make. I like the detailed explanation of the trail. I have a WK2 and it almost overheated on me in Utah going up hill on 98 degree weather with the AC on for my wife and dog haha (things we do to keep them happy and smiling on the trail) but really awesome videos. Thank you!!
@@M5verdriver I think the Hemi 5.7 WK1 would have been just fine. I’m not sure if the 4.6 actually has a real 4 low.
@@JonDZ_Adventuring I hope I get to join you guys one day and put my Summit EcoDiesel WK2 to the test. We just recently came back from Moab and did a lot that I never though my Grand Cherokee can do so I’ll keep myself apprised with where you guys will be and see if I can join one day. Happy thanksgiving!!
@@M5verdriver happy thanks giving as well. The eco diesel sounds so awesome! What MPG’s are you getting? I put up a facebook page so people can organize events. In my latest video I sent out a last minute trip to Gorman and there were 9 of us that showed up 🤣. If you go on www.crossoverlanding.com there’s a link to the FB page.
What’s the actual around town/ hwy mpg you were getting compared to how it was stock?
@@LightsAndBikes I’m the wrong guy to ask, and the Passport is even more modified now with a 4-3/4” lift with 33” tires and 1300 payload. My city MPG is around 15, and 18.5 at 65-70 mph. For reference, the way I drove my old 2008 stock FJ cruiser I’d get 8 mpg city and 13 mpg at 65-70.
@@JonDZ_Adventuring holy cow you’ve really done a lot with it haha. That’s awesome.
I’m considering getting one and just adding slightly taller tires to it, that’s it.
Nothing crazy, just add a little ground clearance and that’s it, I dont off road, just want a great all around suv, that if I feel a little adventurous with, I don’t need to be scared for, and this car really seems to hit that nail on the head.
Great video. Good you are tackling trails with AWD and not a full blown 4wd
Not all AWD vehicles are created equal 😃. In the Jeep Renegade trailhawk they call this system a 4x4, and they call first gear 4 low 🤣, but let’s be honest, it’s an AWD system. What the renegade trailhawk doesn’t have is a high biased rear LSD and a 3.5L V6.
Of course… I bought the 6speed RL in 2019. Smh. Just my luck, the next trim up had the more capable transmission. I don’t think I have the internal power to let go of my RL to get a more capable truck. @jondzadventuring video is kind of discouraging. But I enjoy all your videos. You tell it like it is.
I too am in SoCal. All these trails are with in reach.
Hey, you can always upgrade the transmission cooling. Install a giant Hayden 679 transcooler and install fans. Or heck, even look at running two of them! Monitor everything with a Scangauge 2.
@@JonDZ_Adventuring lol. I entered in to your scan gauge give a way. And I didn’t win. Lol. So I went out and bought one. Gives me some piece of mind knowing when to back off and not over work the tranny. Coincidentally I just got back from camping at Whitney Portal. We drove thru Alabama Hills. 84° outside my temps stayed around 206°. Not bad, but those trails are nothing compared to the trails you explore. I’m living my adventuring dreams thru your videos! Lol. I wish I can be your camera man, or join you one time! Keep those videos coming!
@@Op-gj3hf awesome! The Scangauge 2 is so incredibly important. Don’t be ashamed about hitting 206F at the Whitney portal, it’s very very steep. I’m sure people take their vehicles beyond 240F on that road, because they don’t have a trans temp monitor.
A couple questions on the Ridgeline. Did he have the transmission on L or D? Did the Ridgeline have the stock transmission cooler or a bigger aftermarket cooler? What size tires was be running? Thanks.
MAP74 he was in L, but after more overheating we tried another strategy that worked pretty good. Since slowly crawling up stresses out the transmission, we put the Ridgeline in drive and tried to maintain 7-12 mph. That worked really good! Carrying momentum before a very steep section = less stress than slowly crawling up. This Ridgeline did not have the Honda OEM heavy duty transmission cooler. He has 245/70R17 falken wildpeak AT3W and they were aired down to 27 psi.
MAP74 I’ll also add that if a Ridgeline driver was to become more adept at using momentum, he could have gone farther (he almost made it btw!). I think after all the overheating the clutch plates of his transmission were probably slipping, leading to quicker transmission stall. Check out his Honda Ridgeline go up a level 4 Jeep trail. Old Dale Road in Joshua Tree, CA. He did not have any issues.
Off-road comparison: [Uni-body vs. Body on frame] on a lvl 4 Jeep trail (Joshua Tree NP)
ua-cam.com/video/vV5q51uAjA8/v-deo.html
Thanks for the quick reply. I thought all AWD ridgelines had the transmission cooler. The cooler is a joke in my opinion. It is very small. I installed a Hayden 679 cooler in my wifes Durango. It it runs a little cooler than with the stock cooler that I bypassed. Since the Ridgeline only uses that small external cooler (no radiator cooler) I think I may just install the same one. I'm planning on running the Scangauge for a while first to see how warm it gets with the stock cooler.
MAP74 great thinking going with the scangauge II first! It’s best to “diagnose” before prescribing a vehicle with a tranny cooler! You’re thinking like a Doctor 🥼
@@JonDZ_Adventuring I definitely know there is an issue. Last fall my Ridgeline had this weird surging at around 30k+ miles.. This was supposedly caused by degraded fluid caused by it running too hot. This was a TSB. They did 3 drain and fills and applied some software update. There is only so much software can do. Im very curious to see how hot the fluid gets. The fluid change did eliminate the surging. ATF fluid change on these might be a 30k mile maintenance item.
I went up there on my bike. I overheated as well around 9K feet. The air is so thin that it doesn't provide much cooling.
How’s these tires holding up compare to the Cooper’s AT?
Kevin C they’re definitely a lot more grippier. Even driving around the streets of Los Angeles, these dig into the cracks of the road and spit out gravel. They don’t handle onroad as well, but since I’ve been doing more difficult trails as of late, I’m glad I have them. The Coopers are a great all around tire. I kinda miss them, and kinda don’t.
can't believe how that 6spd and 9 Spd differs
Yeah, it’s pretty amazing. Basically the same vehicle. Now I understand why some of the old school off-roader guys say a low gear transfer case is what separates AWD from 4WD. That’s because most single speed transmissions aren’t geared aggressively enough. The Passport and Jeep Renegade/Compass trailhawks are a little special.
So was that ridge line in 4lo??
Here in hawaii the highest elevation we can drive is mauna kea 13,803’ from sea level and air is super thin my taco made it to the top no problems but on the way down 4lo crawling for awhile super steep hill
No 4 low for the ridgeline, it doesn’t have a low gear transfer case. Just a 14:1 crawl ratio. For 2020, they get the same 9 speed transmission as my Passport.
That was some very nice driving/crawling ! With the mods all together, how much ground clearance do you now have ?
Thanks @Vincent Windels ! I’m getting better at this stuff! So, if the passport has 8.1 inches of clearance In theory the 2 inch lift and 2.5 inch taller tires should bump the clearance to 11.35”. After installing the skid plate I lose a little bit, and after airing down to 20 psi my front skid plate is at 11 inches. I also carry a bit of gear, so my rear diff is also at 11 inches. (I’ll be doing a video about this later). Now, the lowest point of the passport are the rear lower control arms, which are at 8.5 inches at the lowest point and 10 inches at the highest point, but since they’re at the axles, with proper tire placement, it won’t matter too much.
I wonder if the new 9 speed Ridgeline would've overheat like the 6 speed.
It would be just like my Passport. The only difference between the 2020 model Ridgelines is a 14 inch longer wheel base. Also, the Ridgeline does have tougher suspension parts. Not sure why Honda didn’t give the Ridgeline the ZF9 to begin with. Welp, better late than never.
The little Ridgeline that could! 💪
It was rough @jerry Leung but he pushed on! The guy’s a Marine and like they said, they don’t know the meaning of quitting.
@@JonDZ_Adventuring you sir have patience on another level.
At 10:06 the rosary shows how steep a hill climb it actually is. Crazy steep for the ridgeline.
Haha! That’s really observant @anthony Durling! The section before that where his engine is revving like crazy is the steep part.
Time to buy a used frontier for the ridgeline owner to thrash around?
Maybe a Brand New Taco? 🌮
@@JonDZ_Adventuring LOL that would be the ideal but there would probably be a lot less guilt taking a cheap used frontier straight to the trail to wheel 🤣
I love my ram I have taken that thing through some shit...I only have 33" tire's and I have been impressed