🛠️ Member Build OT+ Off-Road Build

[Rocketmandb]

The build is almost complete at Dissent. Unfortunately, they couldn't quite get it done on Friday and I'm traveling through Wednesday, so I'm going to have to wait until at least Thursday.

Here's a video of it almost there - note that those aren't the final wheels/tires.

 

[Rocketmandb]

I posted this pic in another thread and wanted to post it here too.

Took the GX up to the Sonora Pass in the Sierras for its first "light" shakedown cruise. We decided to find a hike to do and just do some real light-weight driving on Forest Service roads.

The hike we chose was to a place called Cooper Cabins, which is an 8-mile round trip to these two cabins (built in the 1800s for housing Chinese immigrant labor) in a valley way back off the main road. The cabins are at 8400' (same as trailhead), but have roughly 1000' of elevation gain (and associated drop) each way.

After the hike back, we went to another valley as the sun was going down (where we took the first pic). The one below had no filters applied to get the streaks - straight off the iphone.

On the way in:

EDIT: I'm working a pretty cool build video talking through the reasons behind the vehicle choice, mods, tires, etc.

 

[S SUBERI]

Yes, would like to know more detail

 

[Rocketmandb]

Yes, would like to know more detail

I think you'll like the video - at least I hope you will. Of note is that I'm learning a lot about what the vehicle is capable of:

• First and foremost, compared to my Jeep, the GX is AMAZINGLY more smooth off of paved roads. I mean, there is no comparison. If there were speed traps on Forest Service roads, I'd be in trouble.
• What I don't know about the above is how much of the "smoothness" is attributable to the base suspension vs. the Icon Stage 8. Regardless, the combo of the two is amazing and I'm beyond happy with the result.
• I didn't expect to be on any remotely difficult roads to travel to the trailhead. Looking at the map, there were two ways to get to the trailhead: the short way, and the long way. We took the short way. As it turns out, the short way included about a portion that is designated as "4x4 trail" on the OnX map. It was decently technical.
• Since we didn't expect any difficult roads, I didn't air down at all. Even at full tire pressure, the vehicle performed.
• My main concern with getting the vehicle was the departure angle - let's face it, stock, it's horrible. But I got the Icon suspension and upped the tires to 35". As the image below shows (taken from a video), in one dip, I barely touched the tow hitch receptacle while climbing out. I was in this same spot about a month ago with my Jeep (2" lift + 33") and it cleared it easily.
• Primary reason for the trip was to road test a bunch of things.
• I need to better secure my tool bag against the interior molle panels (it fell out with my current method of securing).
• The 4-gallon Rotopax fits very well inside the ladder swingout. I filled it and had no issues. I am only connecting it with one mount (top) because of the nature of the swingout design.
• If the pics don't convince you, the lights are freaking awesome. Driving at night across small, varied-terrain roads was easy.

 

[BoostedGX]

Is this your first Wrapped Vehicle?

 

[Rocketmandb]

Is this your first Wrapped Vehicle?

First one wrapped in PPF.

 

[BoostedGX]

First one wrapped in PPF.

good move on the PPF wrap...ive got my roof wrapped in PPF and its much better than the traditional vinyl but just know those times they say it lasts for is super deceptive and purely dependent on sun exposure... and also watch where those rain gutters as my PPF likes to lift there. i say this since you have that roof rack

 

[BoostedGX]

First one wrapped in PPF.

If you have an Instagram that your posting on let me know what it is

 

[Rocketmandb]

Here is the teaser for the build video I'm working on:

 

[Groovywhale17]

Here is the teaser for the build video I'm working on:

Exciting!!!!