Equipping your FJ for first-time Summit attendees.

[Kent]

If you live at a lower altitude may I suggest getting a perscrpition for Acetazolide [ Diamox] to prevent symptoms of altitude sickness. I didn't take any last year. I was alright the first couple of days, by the third day I was a mess. I had to have some one else drive my FJ off the mountian and take me to the emerg clinic in Teleride. Ater that it was 2 soild day of barffing my guts out. What saved my arse that day way all the good FJ folks that were on the mountian that day. It was a group effort. I'm hoping that they will be at the next FJ Summit so I can thank them in person.

[MJSFJ]

I've been toying around with the idea of coming to the "West coast" summit. I mapquested it the other day, and it's a 24 hour drive one way. I think we need an East coast summit.

[Dragon]

Why didn't anyone mention beer?

Great list, Steve

[RoverGGM]

targa88 previously said:

Just curious why GMRS/FRS two way radio could not be used to substitute for the CB?

Generally CBs are going to be more universal among the whole group. I used a handheld (thanks Matt) and it was fine.

When we took the Last Dollar to Telluride we ran into a CO road crew and they were complaining about the use of FRS radios interfering on thier frequencies.

You may find a few folks to have a conversation with, but the CB will be much more useful.

[LandCruiserSteve]

5280FJ previously said:

I almost always agree with you 100%, however, even though I think you were trying to alleviate peoples fears of having to spend $3000 on winch/lift/tires, I still think you went a little overboard. Using the "middle" of the range you listed, all the items come to about $450.

First of all, 5280FJ, I enjoy being disagreed with. (That's what keeps things interesting around here and makes it a true "forum." )

But, you're right . . . . one of my intentions was to squelch the fear and apprehension that one doesn't need to shell out $3k or more to build a trail rig just to attend events like the Summit.

And, perhaps with a bit of cost-cutting, someone could get the total price down to a couple hundred dollars or so.

5280FJ previously said:

The organizers should have some sort of check list to make sure either the group leader, or other in each run have this sort of equipment.

Not only that, but many organized events like this (i.e., Cruise Moab) have a mandatory vehicle and equipment inventory inspection for all participants. However, yes, provided that the group leader and/or tail-gunner have the necessary gear for their group, that could suffice as well.

[volhoo]

LandCruiserSteve previously said:

Matter of fact, the above shown Midland hand-held comes with a convertor kit that allows you to make it a temporary vehicle-mounted unit, with connection capabiltites to a magnetic roof-top antenna.




EDIT: Flying Brick just beat me to it.

Anway, you can buy a combo kit from Amazon that inlcudes both the Midland hand-held and a Cobra magnetic mount antenna.


Amazon.com: Midland 75-822 Handheld CB Radio with Vehicle Adapter: Electronics

Hey Steve,

This is what I use connected to my 4' firestick out back on my Bandi mount.

Works great for me, and I can pop on the battery pack and hick to the top of the hill as well.

[AF Chief]

great list without going over the top.

[nic1010]

This is an excellent post Steve! Thanks...

We've had a good number of FJers in our area that have asked us about the requirements/necessities for both making this trip and wheeling in Ouray. I'm surely now going to send them a link to this post to help them get ready for the trek.

Will you be doing another beginning off-roading/101 class this time around? It was very very well worth it. Thanks for that again.

The only thing I can add as a necessity is taking LOTS and LOTS of bottled water on the trails. This is especially true for those of us that live out in the flatlands. The altitude can kick your ass if you're not careful and staying hydrated is crucial. We even went so far as to add Pedialyte (unflavored) to a few bottles of water, just in case.


This is an amazing trip that is so very well worth it! Just be prepared and be safe. My two cents...

nic

[w5wi]

LCSteve,

As usual you provided excellent advise and suggestions!!!

I can only add two points...

1. As I recall, The Toyota Trail Team required several of your "suggested items" which may have been part of having the USFS permits for groups.
They also did a general vehicle inspection to ensure batteries were clamped down and folks had some essentuals, including CB's. I did relay for a couple of folks who had either 2m ham radios or the Family channels which worked out fine.

2. Hot Coffee... Especially in the mornings... ha ha

dale

[LandCruiserSteve]

AF Chief previously said:

great list without going over the top.

Thanks, Chief!!