Protector II
- 8,868
- First Name
- Dave
- Last Name
- Addington
- Member #
-
10123
- Ham/GMRS Callsign
- KN6BKH
Hey AnthonyGreat forum you all have here! I'm an avid outdoor enthusiast with an 11 year old son that's been car camping with me since he was 3. We often find ourselves up on hwy. 108 in developed campgrounds. When there we spend our days swimming and fishing in Pinecrest Lake.
I finally was able to afford a truck last year so we can get off the beaten path and away from the crowds. I feel he's old enough now to take him into some majestic spots in the Stainislaus Forest back country. Already have a few places mapped out after speaking with some locals last year while floating on the Clavey River. Looking forward to the process of turning my truck into a self sustained overlander.
2) Location (General area is fine)
Santa Cruz, California.
3) Rig (Year, Make, Model, etc.)
2003 Chevy Avalanche 2500. My son named it Twilight. He knows nothing of the movies. I call it Twilight The Black Hole. As it sucks up all my resources. Including gas with the thristy 8.1L. I didn't intend on getting a 2500. Was looking at the 1500's. But the deal was impossible to pass up. Try finding a low mile avalanche for less than 14G's. Not going to happen in my location. Besides the hit on gas I'm very happy I have a full float 14 bolt rear axle and gobs of torque. I'll definitely be investing in Rotopax fuel cans!
2nd owner and 98K miles on it. Rebuilt the transfer case, new water pump, and fresh fluids. Pretty sure the spark plugs were originals from 2003!
Plan is to add 33" MT Baja Boss for now and a 2" key lift with Bilsteins. Change the 3.70's to 4.56's and lockers. Not going to waste my money on a 6" bracket/knuckle lift that provides no increase in wheel travel. Plan is to put in a SAS kit from WFO in Auburn eventually.
4) Overlanding Experience Background (Novice or Experienced, you're welcome here!)
None. Other than 4 wheeling most of my life on well traveled trails. Does that count? Though I was a Boy Scout back in the 80's. Loved it. I've had several rock crawlers over the years but just not into it much anymore.
I am the Bay Area member rep and I can help connect you to meet ups that are happening near you. In Pleasanton CA there is a meet up on the second Sunday’s of the month and it has a great regular turn out and active. The Tri-Valley (Pleasanton) group had a big year with 7 trips and have 2021 all planned out!
March 13th we are doing a day run up to do some snow driving and our next meet up will be March 14th, 1-3pm. Below is a link to the meet up page and thread with information.
This is the regular meet up info
US West - Tri-Valley Monthly Meet Up- Pleasanton CA