Greenie from Phoenix Area!

[srotier]

Hello everyone. Excited about diving into the forum and getting questions answered. I'm ready to soak up as much info as I can along the way. Not sure why it's taken me so long to "discover" overlanding? I am an auto enthusiast and outdoor adventurer, just never thought to put the 2 together and get out to the more remote areas. I have a 2021 Bronco on reservation and I'm impatiently waiting for my chance to go and order at the dealership! In the meantime, I've been tagging along with friends to local trails and getting passenger seat time and helping with navigation. I drive a 2017 Dodge Durango GT which is AWD. I'm always looking for easier trails to add to the list of spots I'll feel comfortable taking it off pavement. Are there any other Durango owners that have done mods to get their rigs a little more off-pavement capable? Early internet searches don't bring much up on the topic.

 

[Sandpoint Steve]

Welcome aboard! Feel free to join us on the 20th.
Rally Point details can be found here. Link to Rally Point

-Steve

 

[Kent R]

Hello everyone. Excited about diving into the forum and getting questions answered. I'm ready to soak up as much info as I can along the way. Not sure why it's taken me so long to "discover" overlanding? I am an auto enthusiast and outdoor adventurer, just never thought to put the 2 together and get out to the more remote areas. I have a 2021 Bronco on reservation and I'm impatiently waiting for my chance to go and order at the dealership! In the meantime, I've been tagging along with friends to local trails and getting passenger seat time and helping with navigation. I drive a 2017 Dodge Durango GT which is AWD. I'm always looking for easier trails to add to the list of spots I'll feel comfortable taking it off pavement. Are there any other Durango owners that have done mods to get their rigs a little more off-pavement capable? Early internet searches don't bring much up on the topic.

I hear the Bronco is pushed back a couple of months due to Covid.
You might ask your Durango question here;
Overland Vehicle Build Threads

 

[srotier]

I hear the Bronco is pushed back a couple of months due to Covid.
You might ask your Durango question here;
Overland Vehicle Build Threads

Yeah, I'm not concerned with the amount of delays, I actually expect there to be more delays. I wouldn't be surprised if they just scrap the 2021 model year altogether due to delays. There are just so many moving parts to begin with, then to add all new moving parts for a new vehicle is crazy I'm sure! I've done some searching on the build threads but haven't found much info about Durangos. I've learned that the Gen 3 Durango (2011-present) are built on a "stretched" Grand Cherokee (WK2) platform, so I might have more luck looking that direction. Dodge really was targeting on-track enthusiasts more than the off-road community. I'm sure that has a ton to do with FCA having the Jeep line-up and not wanting to blur the lines there. Thanks for the input!

 

[G & J]

The Phoenix area has a ton of awesome trails! We lived in Mesa for a year and spent the weekends roaming the backroads and trails. The stuff up around Sedona is fantastic too.

 

[MarioT'sCJResto]

Hello everyone. Excited about diving into the forum and getting questions answered. I'm ready to soak up as much info as I can along the way. Not sure why it's taken me so long to "discover" overlanding? I am an auto enthusiast and outdoor adventurer, just never thought to put the 2 together and get out to the more remote areas. I have a 2021 Bronco on reservation and I'm impatiently waiting for my chance to go and order at the dealership! In the meantime, I've been tagging along with friends to local trails and getting passenger seat time and helping with navigation. I drive a 2017 Dodge Durango GT which is AWD. I'm always looking for easier trails to add to the list of spots I'll feel comfortable taking it off pavement. Are there any other Durango owners that have done mods to get their rigs a little more off-pavement capable? Early internet searches don't bring much up on the topic.

Welcome to the Team,

I just left AZ, moved back east after 26 years in Dante's Inferno (By bad - The Valley of the Sun)
If you find yourself near Mesa AZ; stop by 4wd.com off Country Club Rd for great tips and deals. Right down the street closer to Alma School you'll find another 4x4 specialty shop.
Now I'm sure you're going to have a blast hitting the trails in AZ the only question that comes to mind here - will you Wrap your new Bronco to protect the paint from pinstripes? Happy Holiday's and most of all Stay Safe and Enjoy.

 

[srotier]

Welcome to the Team,

I just left AZ, moved back east after 26 years in Dante's Inferno (By bad - The Valley of the Sun)
If you find yourself near Mesa AZ; stop by 4wd.com off Country Club Rd for great tips and deals. Right down the street closer to Alma School you'll find another 4x4 specialty shop.
Now I'm sure you're going to have a blast hitting the trails in AZ the only question that comes to mind here - will you Wrap your new Bronco to protect the paint from pinstripes? Happy Holiday's and most of all Stay Safe and Enjoy.

Thanks for the input! I live in Queen Creek, so those shops are right in my neighborhood! Pinstriping helps build character, right? I like the Cactus Gray color too much to wrap it. I am interested in some of the aftermarket magnets and such to put on just for trails to keep the pinstriping to a minimum. Like Michael, I don't mind the Desert Pinstripes as much as dents and dings bother me.

 

[MarioT'sCJResto]

Welcome to the Team,

I just left AZ, moved back east after 26 years in Dante's Inferno (By bad - The Valley of the Sun)
If you find yourself near Mesa AZ; stop by 4wd.com off Country Club Rd for great tips and deals. Right down the street closer to Alma School you'll find another 4x4 specialty shop.
Now I'm sure you're going to have a blast hitting the trails in AZ the only question that comes to mind here - will you Wrap your new Bronco to protect the paint from pinstripes? Happy Holiday's and most of all Stay Safe and Enjoy.

Thanks for the input! I live in Queen Creek, so those shops are right in my neighborhood! Pinstriping helps build character, right? I like the Cactus Gray color too much to wrap it. I am interested in some of the aftermarket magnets and such to put on just for trails to keep the pinstriping to a minimum. Like Michael, I don't mind the Desert Pinstripes as much as dents and dings bother me.

Can’t wait to see when you pick it up, now personally I would opt for the clear bra just on the hood and front corners. Did you option for the Sasquatch package?

 

[srotier]

Can’t wait to see when you pick it up, now personally I would opt for the clear bra just on the hood and front corners. Did you option for the Sasquatch package?

No, I'm going with the Badlands Trim, No Sasquatch, 2 Door, Manual. If I wanted Sasquatch I would need to wait even longer, because Ford is making Manual Sasquatch a "late availability" option. The Badlands already has a factory lift included and starts with 33" BFG KO2's. This will be a good start for a newb and once they wear out, I can look at additional lift and bigger rubber, but that's down the road. Badlands also comes standard with Front and Rear Lockers and a front Sway Bar Disconnect. First mods (aside from FAK, Fire Extinguisher and recovery gear) will be an onboard ARB compressor and wait for an after market solution to an integrated front bumper/winch combo (not a fan of the look of the factory winch option).

 

[MarioT'sCJResto]

No, I'm going with the Badlands Trim, No Sasquatch, 2 Door, Manual. If I wanted Sasquatch I would need to wait even longer, because Ford is making Manual Sasquatch a "late availability" option. The Badlands already has a factory lift included and starts with 33" BFG KO2's. This will be a good start for a newb and once they wear out, I can look at additional lift and bigger rubber, but that's down the road. Badlands also comes standard with Front and Rear Lockers and a front Sway Bar Disconnect. First mods (aside from FAK, Fire Extinguisher and recovery gear) will be an onboard ARB compressor and wait for an after market solution to an integrated front bumper/winch combo (not a fan of the look of the factory winch option).

I like it, and it makes sense when you factor the additional time. Besides the Trim package that you have selected has everything you need. My two favorite tires are BFG KO2's for my CJ and Pro Comp A/Ts for the Ram, I couldn't be more satisfied with their performance off-road and on-road. Keep an eye out on LoD, Vice Designs, Expedition One, and Iron Cross to name a few for bumpers. Now depending on how far you want to go, check out Long Range America for an extended gas tank option. My friends back in AZ love to do the off road trip from Phoenix to Yuma.