SW Idaho Overlanding Adventures
- Thread starter ghcoe
- Start date
Wolfgang92025
Senior Member
- Joined
- Apr 18, 2008
- Posts
- 1,128
George
Just me and the dogs.
See you Friday
Just me and the dogs.
See you Friday
It was brought to my attention that I had two trips back to back. Dates for the St Anthony trip have been moved up a week. Check your calendars for the date change.
Running a bit late for posting up dates for the New Year, but finally they are here.
Feb 1 - Winter Wonderland VIII - 116 Miles Grandview to Grandview
A winter day out in the desert again. If weather permits, we will travel a old trail/road that follows near the Bruneau River. This route starts at 2400ft and slowly rises to 5100ft. If there is snow, like all the other winter wonderland trips, we will continue until we can't. Of all the Winter Wonderland trips we have taken so far, we have been slowed down, but never stopped by snow or mud. Can we make it this time? Join us and find out...
April 17-20 - St Anthony - 270 Miles Rupert to Arco
Starting with 170 miles of desert driving pleasure and then a sand pit to play in. It will be early in the year so the desert should be showing it's spring colors. The first destination is in the title, then a trip over for some exploring near Howe, Idaho. This trip will have a 206 mile distance between fuel stops, without playing in the sand, so make sure to have plenty of fuel.
May 2-4 - Mordor V10.0 - ?
Continuing the Mordor tradition, we head back into the desert for some more exploring fun. This trip will be a base camp type trip. Two nights at the same spot with a day of adventure on the nearby two tracks. Don't miss out on the fun.
Sep 13-14 Bennett Trails - 76 miles Glenns Ferry to Gooding
Last trip of the year is a overnighter. Heading out into the Bennett hills to see what there is to see. There will be some short hiking if time permits. Only 76 miles, but they could be some rough ones. Time will tell See you on the last trail of the year!
Well, hope you guys are as excited for the year as I am. I hope so see some of you on one of these trips.
And as usual, these are not guided tours and all who attend are ultimately responsible for their own safety. I am not responsible for damage, injury and or death. You partake under your own free will knowing the dangers of such activities.
See you on the trails! George.
Running a bit late for posting up dates for the New Year, but finally they are here.
Feb 1 - Winter Wonderland VIII - 116 Miles Grandview to Grandview
A winter day out in the desert again. If weather permits, we will travel a old trail/road that follows near the Bruneau River. This route starts at 2400ft and slowly rises to 5100ft. If there is snow, like all the other winter wonderland trips, we will continue until we can't. Of all the Winter Wonderland trips we have taken so far, we have been slowed down, but never stopped by snow or mud. Can we make it this time? Join us and find out...
April 17-20 - St Anthony - 270 Miles Rupert to Arco
Starting with 170 miles of desert driving pleasure and then a sand pit to play in. It will be early in the year so the desert should be showing it's spring colors. The first destination is in the title, then a trip over for some exploring near Howe, Idaho. This trip will have a 206 mile distance between fuel stops, without playing in the sand, so make sure to have plenty of fuel.
May 2-4 - Mordor V10.0 - ?
Continuing the Mordor tradition, we head back into the desert for some more exploring fun. This trip will be a base camp type trip. Two nights at the same spot with a day of adventure on the nearby two tracks. Don't miss out on the fun.
Sep 13-14 Bennett Trails - 76 miles Glenns Ferry to Gooding
Last trip of the year is a overnighter. Heading out into the Bennett hills to see what there is to see. There will be some short hiking if time permits. Only 76 miles, but they could be some rough ones. Time will tell See you on the last trail of the year!
Well, hope you guys are as excited for the year as I am. I hope so see some of you on one of these trips.
And as usual, these are not guided tours and all who attend are ultimately responsible for their own safety. I am not responsible for damage, injury and or death. You partake under your own free will knowing the dangers of such activities.
See you on the trails! George.
St Anthony
Thursday April 17-Sunday April 20, 2025 (April 17-20, 2025)
Time: 10:00 am in Rupert / Carvan from Boise 7:00 am
Meet Place: Valley Wide Country Store, 910 S Oneida St, Rupert, ID 83350 / Carvan from Boise meetup location On The Run Travel Center, 10026 S Eisenman Rd, Boise, ID 83716
Destination: Snake River Plain
Estimated Duration: 4 day
Estimated Distance: 270 miles Rupert to Arco. 206 miles between fuel stops.
Comms Channels: GRMS=17, CB=13
Starting in Rupert, Idaho (Check carefully for caravan meetup location and time above) we will attempt to cross the Snake River Plain to St Anthony Sand Dunes. I expect a 2 day trip since there will be a late meetup time in Rupert. If anyone is interested in going onto the sand dunes be aware any vehicle on the dunes MUST have a flag that is at least 8 feet off the ground with a 6"x12" orange or red flag. There will be limited access points to the dunes at this time as well since the area around the dunes is closed for winter wildlife protection still.
After the Dunes we will start to head east to Howel, Id where we will try and find old Petroglyphs and a iron door in the mountain to finish off the trip.
This trip will be mostly two track and 3/4 season roads. The two track portions could be tight with sagebrush. Road conditions could be muddy, wet, dry, or a combo of all or some.
Be prepared for cooler weather it is still spring time in the desert. It can be nice or quite cold, again hard to judge this time of year. Better to be prepared than not.
Some camp spots may be pretty bare and open to the elements. Bring good tiedowns!
This is not a guided tour and all who attend are ultimately responsible for their own safety. I am not responsible for damage, injury and or death. You partake under your own free will knowing the dangers of such activities.
Hope to see you there! George.
Thursday April 17-Sunday April 20, 2025 (April 17-20, 2025)
Time: 10:00 am in Rupert / Carvan from Boise 7:00 am
Meet Place: Valley Wide Country Store, 910 S Oneida St, Rupert, ID 83350 / Carvan from Boise meetup location On The Run Travel Center, 10026 S Eisenman Rd, Boise, ID 83716
Destination: Snake River Plain
Estimated Duration: 4 day
Estimated Distance: 270 miles Rupert to Arco. 206 miles between fuel stops.
Comms Channels: GRMS=17, CB=13
Starting in Rupert, Idaho (Check carefully for caravan meetup location and time above) we will attempt to cross the Snake River Plain to St Anthony Sand Dunes. I expect a 2 day trip since there will be a late meetup time in Rupert. If anyone is interested in going onto the sand dunes be aware any vehicle on the dunes MUST have a flag that is at least 8 feet off the ground with a 6"x12" orange or red flag. There will be limited access points to the dunes at this time as well since the area around the dunes is closed for winter wildlife protection still.
After the Dunes we will start to head east to Howel, Id where we will try and find old Petroglyphs and a iron door in the mountain to finish off the trip.
This trip will be mostly two track and 3/4 season roads. The two track portions could be tight with sagebrush. Road conditions could be muddy, wet, dry, or a combo of all or some.
Be prepared for cooler weather it is still spring time in the desert. It can be nice or quite cold, again hard to judge this time of year. Better to be prepared than not.
Some camp spots may be pretty bare and open to the elements. Bring good tiedowns!
This is not a guided tour and all who attend are ultimately responsible for their own safety. I am not responsible for damage, injury and or death. You partake under your own free will knowing the dangers of such activities.
Hope to see you there! George.
Bennett Hills
September 13 (Saturday), 14 (Sunday)
Time: 6:00 at On The Run Travel Center10026 S Eisenman Rd, Boise, ID 83716. 7:30 at South Side Market 412 E 1st Ave, Glenns Ferry, ID 83623
Meet Place: The Run Travel Center10026 S Eisenman Rd, Boise, ID 83716 Or South Side Market 412 E 1st Ave, Glenns Ferry, ID 83623
Destination: Bennett Mountains
Estimated Duration: 2 days
Estimated Distance: 76 miles Glenns Ferry, Id to Bliss, ID
Comms Channels: GRMS=17, CB=13
Hot days of summer will be over, time to hit the trails again!
Don't let only 76 miles fool you. Often the short trips are the most interesting. I have certainly found the Bennetts Mountains a very interesting place to check out and this area does seem to be interesting...
This trip will be a mix of two track and 3/4 season roads. I am not really sure what to expect on the two track portions. It looks like there could be a couple of technical areas. Maybe some tight areas in some small tree areas, maybe a creek crossing (if flowing this time of year) just don't know till we get there. If time permits, we will visit a old homestead (1/4 mile hike), Petroglyphs (1/2 mile hike) and a aircraft crash site.
This should be a great trip to end the year with.
This is not a guided tour and all who attend are ultimately responsible for their own safety. I am not responsible for damage, injury and or death. You partake under your own free will knowing the dangers of such activities.
Hope to see you there! George.
September 13 (Saturday), 14 (Sunday)
Time: 6:00 at On The Run Travel Center10026 S Eisenman Rd, Boise, ID 83716. 7:30 at South Side Market 412 E 1st Ave, Glenns Ferry, ID 83623
Meet Place: The Run Travel Center10026 S Eisenman Rd, Boise, ID 83716 Or South Side Market 412 E 1st Ave, Glenns Ferry, ID 83623
Destination: Bennett Mountains
Estimated Duration: 2 days
Estimated Distance: 76 miles Glenns Ferry, Id to Bliss, ID
Comms Channels: GRMS=17, CB=13
Hot days of summer will be over, time to hit the trails again!
Don't let only 76 miles fool you. Often the short trips are the most interesting. I have certainly found the Bennetts Mountains a very interesting place to check out and this area does seem to be interesting...
This trip will be a mix of two track and 3/4 season roads. I am not really sure what to expect on the two track portions. It looks like there could be a couple of technical areas. Maybe some tight areas in some small tree areas, maybe a creek crossing (if flowing this time of year) just don't know till we get there. If time permits, we will visit a old homestead (1/4 mile hike), Petroglyphs (1/2 mile hike) and a aircraft crash site.
This should be a great trip to end the year with.
This is not a guided tour and all who attend are ultimately responsible for their own safety. I am not responsible for damage, injury and or death. You partake under your own free will knowing the dangers of such activities.
Hope to see you there! George.
Well, it is time to post the years trips up that I plan to take. Anyone is welcome to join if they think their vehicles are prepared for it. Just remember, this is not a guided tour and all who attend are ultimately responsible for their own safety. I am not responsible for damage, injury and or death. You partake under your own free will knowing the dangers of such activities.
With that let the adventures begin!
Feb 7 Winter Wonderland IX: 60-80 miles Grandview, ID to Grandview, ID
Time to hit the trails for 2026! This is what the Winter Wonderland Trips are all about. I have two routes planned just in case we get snow or more snow. Depending on snow depends on what route we will be taking. Lots of snow will probably result in a bit shorter route, 60 miles. If the snow is light then we will attempt to do the second route, 80 miles. The routes overlap so there are options for us if things are a bit icy out there.
I have driven some of these roads, but others I have not. I would suspect, in general, basic 2 track roads. Probably going to be mud, snow, rocky sections. Not expecting anything too technical. Of course, mud and snow can cause slick areas and possible places to get stuck. We'll keep a eye out on the weather and see what pans out!
Mar 6,7 Homestead #1: 168 miles Marsing, ID to Marsing, ID
This trip will visit a old ranch on the Owyhee River and then a planned night at a interesting place. I was across the river from this homestead a few years ago so now is the time to actually visit it.
After visiting the homestead, we will head over to a place to spend the night in a area I have been wanting to check out for some time. Next day we will drive along some lava and visit Jordan Craters, might be some other stops if we have time.
I made this trip a Friday, Saturday trip since Saturday will probably be a long day on the trail.
Apr 10,11 Hoodoos II: 57 miles Bliss, ID to Bliss, ID
This is going to be a overnight in and out trip. We missed part of the Bennett Hills trip last year because of mechanical issues. So, this trip will take in the part we missed and include another section I've driven before a few years back. These trails will be rough. Good tires and a small lift or naturally high clearance vehicles will be recommended. Want to know how rough? Check out this video to give you a good idea what we are in for.
This trip is only 57.1 miles, but they will be miles well earned.
Mordor V11.0: June 5-8
This will be a base camp type trip. We'll post up the location, and you can come out when you can. There will be trail rides planned for the 6th and 7th. Stay in camp or come go out with us for a day adventure, the choice is yours. Routes have not been planned yet. Generally, stock 4x4 vehicles can navigate most obstacles out there.
Dayville the Hard Way: June 26-28 336 miles Vale, OR to Vale, OR (Half the miles are return highway miles)
Have you ever been to Dayville, Oregon the hard way? Me neither! Well, we will attempt to get to Dayville a different way. What to expect? I don't really know. Should be pretty straight forward well-maintained dirt and paved roads. Maybe a short section of rougher stuff but we won't know how rough, if at all, till we get there. I would assume stock vehicles will be fine. We can always reroute if needed.
This area is a area I have been wanting to get into deeper than just highway views. Lots of private property so that is why it is mostly good roads. Sometimes we need just need a easy trip. I allowed 3 days, but it might only be two long days. This is also the last trip before shutting down for the hot part of the year.
East West Idaho Overland Route (EWIOR) Route Verification #1: Sep 24-27 ? miles Grandview, ID to ?
Yup! You read that right. The East West Idaho Overland Route (EWIOR), not to be confused with the West East Idaho Overland Route (WEIOR), has begun and we need to start validating some of the roads. Due to road limitations on the west side of the state, I have pretty much driven all of that, so I know what to expect. There are however many miles of road I have not traveled so here we are, going on a verification run. Starting in Grandview, Idaho we will hit the EWIOR within a few miles. Then it will be 3 days of driving, and we get as far as we can. I allowed one day for the return trip so take that into concertation if interested in driving this route with us.
The EWIOR, for the most part, is not as isolated as the WEIOR but this route will cover the most remote portion of it. Road conditions like the WEIOR route will vary drastically especially for the section we are covering. How rough can it get? I don't really know, I would guess stock high clearance vehicles would be fine and mildly lifted vehicles as well. Good all terrain tires would be good too. Two speed transfer case as well. There are lots of miles of good roads but there are some short stretches that could be problematic to vehicles that are not prepared.
Homestead #2: Nov 14-15 154 miles Grandview, ID to Grandview, ID
Well, we had Homestead #1 this spring so we will finish off with Homestead #2 this fall. This might be the beginning of a new series!
Heading down south again we will visit and hopefully camp at this homestead along the Bruneau River. This will be a in and out overnighter. From what I know of this route it should be good for a stock 4x4 vehicle. Could be cold this time of year so be prepared.
This will be the last trip of the year. The Holiday season will be close by time we get done with this trip.
Well, that is it for this year. Seven trips should make for a full year of adventure. Keep your eyes open here for more detailed descriptions of upcoming trips and any date/time changes. All posted information is subject to change in a moment's notice. Check back often for updates.
This is not a guided tour and all who attend are ultimately responsible for their own safety. I am not responsible for damage, injury and or death. You partake under your own free will knowing the dangers of such activities.
See you on the trails! George.
With that let the adventures begin!
Feb 7 Winter Wonderland IX: 60-80 miles Grandview, ID to Grandview, ID
Time to hit the trails for 2026! This is what the Winter Wonderland Trips are all about. I have two routes planned just in case we get snow or more snow. Depending on snow depends on what route we will be taking. Lots of snow will probably result in a bit shorter route, 60 miles. If the snow is light then we will attempt to do the second route, 80 miles. The routes overlap so there are options for us if things are a bit icy out there.
I have driven some of these roads, but others I have not. I would suspect, in general, basic 2 track roads. Probably going to be mud, snow, rocky sections. Not expecting anything too technical. Of course, mud and snow can cause slick areas and possible places to get stuck. We'll keep a eye out on the weather and see what pans out!
Mar 6,7 Homestead #1: 168 miles Marsing, ID to Marsing, ID
This trip will visit a old ranch on the Owyhee River and then a planned night at a interesting place. I was across the river from this homestead a few years ago so now is the time to actually visit it.
After visiting the homestead, we will head over to a place to spend the night in a area I have been wanting to check out for some time. Next day we will drive along some lava and visit Jordan Craters, might be some other stops if we have time.
I made this trip a Friday, Saturday trip since Saturday will probably be a long day on the trail.
Apr 10,11 Hoodoos II: 57 miles Bliss, ID to Bliss, ID
This is going to be a overnight in and out trip. We missed part of the Bennett Hills trip last year because of mechanical issues. So, this trip will take in the part we missed and include another section I've driven before a few years back. These trails will be rough. Good tires and a small lift or naturally high clearance vehicles will be recommended. Want to know how rough? Check out this video to give you a good idea what we are in for.
Mordor V11.0: June 5-8
This will be a base camp type trip. We'll post up the location, and you can come out when you can. There will be trail rides planned for the 6th and 7th. Stay in camp or come go out with us for a day adventure, the choice is yours. Routes have not been planned yet. Generally, stock 4x4 vehicles can navigate most obstacles out there.
Dayville the Hard Way: June 26-28 336 miles Vale, OR to Vale, OR (Half the miles are return highway miles)
Have you ever been to Dayville, Oregon the hard way? Me neither! Well, we will attempt to get to Dayville a different way. What to expect? I don't really know. Should be pretty straight forward well-maintained dirt and paved roads. Maybe a short section of rougher stuff but we won't know how rough, if at all, till we get there. I would assume stock vehicles will be fine. We can always reroute if needed.
This area is a area I have been wanting to get into deeper than just highway views. Lots of private property so that is why it is mostly good roads. Sometimes we need just need a easy trip. I allowed 3 days, but it might only be two long days. This is also the last trip before shutting down for the hot part of the year.
East West Idaho Overland Route (EWIOR) Route Verification #1: Sep 24-27 ? miles Grandview, ID to ?
Yup! You read that right. The East West Idaho Overland Route (EWIOR), not to be confused with the West East Idaho Overland Route (WEIOR), has begun and we need to start validating some of the roads. Due to road limitations on the west side of the state, I have pretty much driven all of that, so I know what to expect. There are however many miles of road I have not traveled so here we are, going on a verification run. Starting in Grandview, Idaho we will hit the EWIOR within a few miles. Then it will be 3 days of driving, and we get as far as we can. I allowed one day for the return trip so take that into concertation if interested in driving this route with us.
The EWIOR, for the most part, is not as isolated as the WEIOR but this route will cover the most remote portion of it. Road conditions like the WEIOR route will vary drastically especially for the section we are covering. How rough can it get? I don't really know, I would guess stock high clearance vehicles would be fine and mildly lifted vehicles as well. Good all terrain tires would be good too. Two speed transfer case as well. There are lots of miles of good roads but there are some short stretches that could be problematic to vehicles that are not prepared.
Homestead #2: Nov 14-15 154 miles Grandview, ID to Grandview, ID
Well, we had Homestead #1 this spring so we will finish off with Homestead #2 this fall. This might be the beginning of a new series!
Heading down south again we will visit and hopefully camp at this homestead along the Bruneau River. This will be a in and out overnighter. From what I know of this route it should be good for a stock 4x4 vehicle. Could be cold this time of year so be prepared.
This will be the last trip of the year. The Holiday season will be close by time we get done with this trip.
Well, that is it for this year. Seven trips should make for a full year of adventure. Keep your eyes open here for more detailed descriptions of upcoming trips and any date/time changes. All posted information is subject to change in a moment's notice. Check back often for updates.
This is not a guided tour and all who attend are ultimately responsible for their own safety. I am not responsible for damage, injury and or death. You partake under your own free will knowing the dangers of such activities.
See you on the trails! George.
Winter Wonderland IX
February Saturday 7
Time: 7:00am
Meet Place: Grand View Gas 110 ID-78, Grand View, ID 83624
Destination: Owyhee Foothills
Estimated Duration: 1 day
Estimated Distance: 60 or 80 miles (Grand View to Grand View)
Comms Channels: GRMS=17, CB=13
Holidays are over and it is time to hit the trails again. Winter Wonderland IX, the first trip of 2026.
I have two routes planned and it depends on the weather which one we will attempt. If we have no snow or little snow between now and the trip, we will take the long route which will gains some elevation (6300 feet). The shorter route will stay lower (4000 feet). Or we can combine the two and make it a longer day depending again on weather and if there is a lot of snow or mud. There are some side trips that can be explored if we have the time as well.
I am expecting mostly two track roads for this trip. Roads could be muddy and or snowy, rocky in some places. I am not expecting anything technical. Should be a good time to get out into the field and have fun! g
This should be a great trip to start the year with.
This is not a guided tour and all who attend are ultimately responsible for their own safety. I am not responsible for damage, injury and or death. You partake under your own free will knowing the dangers of such activities.
February Saturday 7
Time: 7:00am
Meet Place: Grand View Gas 110 ID-78, Grand View, ID 83624
Destination: Owyhee Foothills
Estimated Duration: 1 day
Estimated Distance: 60 or 80 miles (Grand View to Grand View)
Comms Channels: GRMS=17, CB=13
Holidays are over and it is time to hit the trails again. Winter Wonderland IX, the first trip of 2026.
I have two routes planned and it depends on the weather which one we will attempt. If we have no snow or little snow between now and the trip, we will take the long route which will gains some elevation (6300 feet). The shorter route will stay lower (4000 feet). Or we can combine the two and make it a longer day depending again on weather and if there is a lot of snow or mud. There are some side trips that can be explored if we have the time as well.
I am expecting mostly two track roads for this trip. Roads could be muddy and or snowy, rocky in some places. I am not expecting anything technical. Should be a good time to get out into the field and have fun! g
This should be a great trip to start the year with.
This is not a guided tour and all who attend are ultimately responsible for their own safety. I am not responsible for damage, injury and or death. You partake under your own free will knowing the dangers of such activities.
Brumasterm01
Member
Hello George, I am enjoying your videos. Thanks for posting. I am quite impressed you seem unhindered in your offroad adventures by the trailer towing behind you.
Just curious. Have you done any modifications to your trailer suspension? It looks like you have upgraded your HF wheels to 15", but I could not find any mention in your build page on the suspension.
I recently completed my build on HF 4X8 heavy duty trailer, but swapped out the leaf springs, wheels and axle. I was looking for a lift and softer ride for off road. I live in Southern California and will use the trailer mostly off road in our local mountains, deserts and occasional trips to see my 3 kids in Boise. I also added a full 2" steel tube backbone bow to stern to reenforce the frame.
After a few trips to the desert, I've now become paranoid about this thing tipping over when I'm off camber. It's narrow wheel base 56.5" relative to it's overall height 73" now has me concerned. The softer ride springs absorb the bumps but the whole trailer sways side to side when cornering or off camber.
My stick build is much heaver than yours. I'm at 1150-1200 lbs. The softer ride springs are rated at 1350 across both springs. I've found similar length springs that are rated at 2K for the pair and considering swapping these out to control the sway. I gave away my HF springs and mounting hardware so that's no longer an option. Also considering doing an axle flip to bring overall height down, but will lose about 3-4" of my 21" frame clearance. I also just added 1.5" wheel spacers to move wheels further apart.
Anyways, enough with my paranoia. I built this trailer with the intention of taking it (most)places my jeep can go. It seems I still have a lot of work to get there. Again, I appreciate your videos.
Mark
Just curious. Have you done any modifications to your trailer suspension? It looks like you have upgraded your HF wheels to 15", but I could not find any mention in your build page on the suspension.
I recently completed my build on HF 4X8 heavy duty trailer, but swapped out the leaf springs, wheels and axle. I was looking for a lift and softer ride for off road. I live in Southern California and will use the trailer mostly off road in our local mountains, deserts and occasional trips to see my 3 kids in Boise. I also added a full 2" steel tube backbone bow to stern to reenforce the frame.
After a few trips to the desert, I've now become paranoid about this thing tipping over when I'm off camber. It's narrow wheel base 56.5" relative to it's overall height 73" now has me concerned. The softer ride springs absorb the bumps but the whole trailer sways side to side when cornering or off camber.
My stick build is much heaver than yours. I'm at 1150-1200 lbs. The softer ride springs are rated at 1350 across both springs. I've found similar length springs that are rated at 2K for the pair and considering swapping these out to control the sway. I gave away my HF springs and mounting hardware so that's no longer an option. Also considering doing an axle flip to bring overall height down, but will lose about 3-4" of my 21" frame clearance. I also just added 1.5" wheel spacers to move wheels further apart.
Anyways, enough with my paranoia. I built this trailer with the intention of taking it (most)places my jeep can go. It seems I still have a lot of work to get there. Again, I appreciate your videos.
Mark
Hi Mark, glad you are enjoying the videos!
Yes, I have done some off road improvements through the years. This is the thread starting on page 5 #2 covers the 2"x2" spine, spring upgrades (soft ride), axle (3500lbs), wheel tires (15" trailer tires), as well as some other upgrades. The place I purchased my springs and axle is sadly no longer around and I don't remember what the spring rating where on them.
My trailer weighs about 500-550lbs (guesstimate) dry and probably about 850-900lbs (guesstimate) loaded for a trip. Being a foamie, most of the weight is way down low. I pack everything on the floor and the then the frame and axle, making it have a great low center of gravity. Yes, I do feel very confident with this trailer off road. Often, I feel it is not even there.
Hope this helps you out and good luck with getting it sorted out. George.
Yes, I have done some off road improvements through the years. This is the thread starting on page 5 #2 covers the 2"x2" spine, spring upgrades (soft ride), axle (3500lbs), wheel tires (15" trailer tires), as well as some other upgrades. The place I purchased my springs and axle is sadly no longer around and I don't remember what the spring rating where on them.
My trailer weighs about 500-550lbs (guesstimate) dry and probably about 850-900lbs (guesstimate) loaded for a trip. Being a foamie, most of the weight is way down low. I pack everything on the floor and the then the frame and axle, making it have a great low center of gravity. Yes, I do feel very confident with this trailer off road. Often, I feel it is not even there.
Hope this helps you out and good luck with getting it sorted out. George.
Brumasterm01
Member
Thanks George,
Yes. I must have been looking at different build thread. The link provided answered all my questions.
I too had purchased the "smooth ride leaf spring kit" from Scott at Compact Camping Concepts earlier in the year before he shut down. Sad situation. He was very helpful answering my questions early in my build. I also had followed his instructions for integrating the backbone as described on his forum Tventuring.com. I would have purchased a 3K axle from him if he was still in business.
My trailer now complete is overweight(a re-occurring theme in my life) at 1150-1250lbs. Your build looks to be half the weight as mine. 500-600lbs is super light. With at least half of your weight is in the frame/floor, that's a pretty low CG.
I believe the smooth ride leaf springs were rated at 1350 per pair. I found a set of drop in 31" leaf springs rated at 2200 that I will be installing this weekend that I hope will eliminate some of my sway. I also installed 1.5" wheel spacers last weekend. We'll see if that eliminates my offroad sketchiness. Last resort will be an axle flip.
Trying to get offroad ready for King of the Hammers in early February.
Thanks for your help,
Mark
Yes. I must have been looking at different build thread. The link provided answered all my questions.
I too had purchased the "smooth ride leaf spring kit" from Scott at Compact Camping Concepts earlier in the year before he shut down. Sad situation. He was very helpful answering my questions early in my build. I also had followed his instructions for integrating the backbone as described on his forum Tventuring.com. I would have purchased a 3K axle from him if he was still in business.
My trailer now complete is overweight(a re-occurring theme in my life) at 1150-1250lbs. Your build looks to be half the weight as mine. 500-600lbs is super light. With at least half of your weight is in the frame/floor, that's a pretty low CG.
I believe the smooth ride leaf springs were rated at 1350 per pair. I found a set of drop in 31" leaf springs rated at 2200 that I will be installing this weekend that I hope will eliminate some of my sway. I also installed 1.5" wheel spacers last weekend. We'll see if that eliminates my offroad sketchiness. Last resort will be an axle flip.
Trying to get offroad ready for King of the Hammers in early February.
Thanks for your help,
Mark
Last edited:
The foamie when first built, before off road additions, just body and HF frame weighed in at 372lbs. The HF trailer weight was 253. That meant the entire box weighed 123lbs with 53lbs of that in the OSB floor. Now with the 15' tires/wheels, 3500lbs axle and the backbone the center of gravity is down even lower. Once you go foamie you won't go back! Glad you found the answers in the thread. Have fun at the event! George.
Homestead #1
March 6,7 (Friday 6-Saturday 7)
Time: 7:00am
Meet Place: ATM (I-O-N Truck Plaza) 5644 Buntrock Rd, Marsing, ID 83639
Destination: Owyhee Canyon/Desert
Estimated Duration: 2 days
Estimated Distance: 184 (I-O-N Truck Plaza to I-O-N Truck Plaza)
Comms Channels: GRMS=17, CB=13
This trip will visit a old ranch on the Owyhee River and then a planned night at a interesting place. I was across the river from this homestead a few years ago so now is the time to actually visit it.
After visiting the homestead we will head over to a place to spend the night in a area I have been wanting to check out for some time. Next day we will drive along some lava and visit Jordan Craters, might be some other stops if we have time.
I made this trip a Friday, Saturday trip since Saturday will probably be a long day on the trail.
This is not a guided tour and all who attend are ultimately responsible for their own safety. I am not responsible for damage, injury and or death. You partake under your own free will knowing the dangers of such activities.
March 6,7 (Friday 6-Saturday 7)
Time: 7:00am
Meet Place: ATM (I-O-N Truck Plaza) 5644 Buntrock Rd, Marsing, ID 83639
Destination: Owyhee Canyon/Desert
Estimated Duration: 2 days
Estimated Distance: 184 (I-O-N Truck Plaza to I-O-N Truck Plaza)
Comms Channels: GRMS=17, CB=13
This trip will visit a old ranch on the Owyhee River and then a planned night at a interesting place. I was across the river from this homestead a few years ago so now is the time to actually visit it.
After visiting the homestead we will head over to a place to spend the night in a area I have been wanting to check out for some time. Next day we will drive along some lava and visit Jordan Craters, might be some other stops if we have time.
I made this trip a Friday, Saturday trip since Saturday will probably be a long day on the trail.
This is not a guided tour and all who attend are ultimately responsible for their own safety. I am not responsible for damage, injury and or death. You partake under your own free will knowing the dangers of such activities.
Last edited:
Similar threads
Try RV LIFE Pro Free for 7 Days
- Ad-Free experience on this RV LIFE Community.
- Plan the best RV Safe travel with RV LIFE Trip Wizard.
- Navigate with our RV Safe GPS mobile app.
- and much more...
