Recent content by armyRN

What happened to your Arizona trip?

Looks like a fun one! Wish I could go. Engine grenaded in my TJ 500 miles from home, so am in the process of getting a rebuilt put in.

Ok... we've kinda gotten sidetracked from the original intent of this thread, to it now becoming a solo vs. group trips debate. And I've fed into it too. I think we can all agree not everyone is suited or wants to do a group trip. And that's fine - I'm not trying to talk anyone into doing...

Yup. And that's why I try and put everything up front, so you fully know what you're getting into. Hopefully it weeds out folks that aren't like minded (and that's the intent - these kinda trips aren't for everyone and that's fine). Planning, organizing, and trying to run and lead a group is...

The important thing is that you're getting out there and having adventures. Group trips aren't for everyone - sounds like you're used to going solo. Don't be afraid to join up with a group sometime though and see how it works for you. You might like it. Some folks do appreciate having some...

Excellent! Know what you're getting into before you consider signing up. And if it isn't for you or not to your liking, then don't sign-up. Group trips aren't for everyone, or maybe sometimes but not for other trips. I enjoy group trips, but sometimes I just want to be out there on my own.

Fortunately the overlanding trips I organize and lead average a week or more in length, and aren't that technically challenging (we're not rock crawling). More along the lines of the TAT or a BDR run. But I do put out vehicle and gear requirements (along with convoy procedures, etc.) ahead of...

Yup - that's why it drives me crazy when folks are wanting to drive too slow (and I don't consider myself a fast overlanding driver). They figure if their vehicle has a granny gear, they're going to use it - forgetting the fact they're the weak link in the group and are holding things up...

I really try and emphasize that we stick together (I truly believe in safety in numbers, especially when way off the beaten path). I put out on the OB Rally point list of rules & guidelines and such (call me a control freak or a drill sergeant if you want) that if you decide to "drop out"...

Commercial break... The next trip I'm planning is to do the Oregon Back Country Discovery Route (ORBDR). It is a new one coming out from the BDR folks on 4 Feb 2023. Link: Oregon Backcountry Discovery Route (ORBDR) - Backcountry Discovery Routes (ridebdr.com) This one is going to be for...

Thank-you for taking the time to put your thoughts into words! Nice to know I'm not the only one. I guess I keep doing it because it is fun, and I get to introduce folks to overlanding, or get to take folks on trips they otherwise wouldn't do on their own. A lot of this I think boils down to...

I totally depend and rely on my tailgunner. I can't see what's going on behind me, so I'm counting on him (or her) to be the eyes in the back of my head. I've had some excellent ones over the years - I got kinda spoiled sometimes. We work together as a team. One less thing for me to worry...

#5. Deciding we're going too slow. a. Yes, when going with a group, you're not going to be able to travel as fast as if you were going solo or with just another vehicle or two. So decide you're going to break off and take a couple of other vehicles with you so you can travel faster. You're...

#4. Not keeping up with the group. a. Usually I'm one of the slowest vehicles (4-cylinder TJ towing a trailer), so I figure we're not going too fast. It isn't a race - we want to enjoy the journey and not damage our vehicles in the process. But at the same time, our time is not unlimited...

#3. Not having the required equipment, or the wrong equipment. a. On my runs, a full-size matching spare tire and rim are mandatory. Buy hey - you just put 40" tires on your Jeep, and not only can't you afford a matching spare, your tailgate can't handle the weight. So try and convince me a...