Anyone a good mechanic in NOVA? Looking to install some Bilstein 6112's on the front of my F150, but don't feel like paying dealer service rates. Going to do the 5100's on the rear myself.
US East Northern VA / MD Monthly Meetups
- Thread starter MA_Trooper
- Start date
Member III
@Landsat8 your post is a little unclear...... are you looking for recommendations for a shop? Or a member’s assistance?
Many of us were wondering the same and had created a thread on this topic specifically. Check out
Northern VA garage reviews
I'm in Woodbridge, VA and so far only decent offroad/overlanding/4x4 garage nearby I could find is this place in Alexandria: https://www.yelp.com/biz/overland-4x4-alexandria Anyone have any experiences with their work? Anyone know any other places in this area that I could get some work done?
Pathfinder I
Wow that thread is a blast from the past! That was before we met at MAOF! Since then I've learned suspension and already changed and replaced mine myself. Forgot all about that thread.Many of us were wondering the same and had created a thread on this topic specifically. Check out
Northern VA garage reviews
I'm in Woodbridge, VA and so far only decent offroad/overlanding/4x4 garage nearby I could find is this place in Alexandria: https://www.yelp.com/biz/overland-4x4-alexandria Anyone have any experiences with their work? Anyone know any other places in this area that I could get some work done?www.overlandbound.com
This ^^^ I would recommend replacing suspension yourself. It’s an awesome learning experience. Or a horrible one.
Uberland
Rank VII
Influencer I
Hey there...new guy here. I went back a few pages to see if anything regular was occurring in the DMV area...did I miss something, or is it all impromptu? Thanks!
Pathfinder I
Welcome!
Right now it's mostly impromptu, however lately there was an initiative [started by me I think] to meet for early AM breakfast at least once a month. Sadly that has not been consistent because I haven't kept consistent. I've been focusing free time on working on my house.
Really though I think we should set up a recurring time and if you can make it, great, if not, you catch the next one. At those meets we can chat more about scheduling an upcoming trip and follow up here etc.
Right now it's mostly impromptu, however lately there was an initiative [started by me I think] to meet for early AM breakfast at least once a month. Sadly that has not been consistent because I haven't kept consistent. I've been focusing free time on working on my house.
Really though I think we should set up a recurring time and if you can make it, great, if not, you catch the next one. At those meets we can chat more about scheduling an upcoming trip and follow up here etc.
Member III
As @geekyadam said, we’ve been mostly impromptu, but have talked a few times about something more reoccurring.
I’m in the midst of a move to Alexandria, from Arlington, then I’ll see about getting something on the calendar.
We’ve done meetups in the past at Mission BBQ in Alexandria, Silver Diner in Springfield, and a MYOB (Make your own breakfast) at a local park.
Uberland
Rank VII
Influencer I
Traveler III
@Uberland, how are ya? Definitely stay in touch with this thread and the Rally Points. Anything that's an official calling for a day trip, weekend event, etc will get posted. As @geekyadam and @NovaBound mentioned, they do end up being very impromptu at times, simply due to everyone's schedules.
Now, to answer your question for a local /weekend trip. Yes....head out to Peters Mill Run, just west of Front Royal by about 20 minutes, in an area called Fort Valley. It's a designated, legal off road trail system that runs through the George Washington National Forest. It's not technical at all, but it is rocky. You will have zero problems in your rig, and won't need a spotter. You will need to purchase a pass to enjoy the trails. Grab a pass at the Fort Valley Country Store on Fort Valley Rd. They're $5 for the whole day. You'll come across a few other vehicles, and probably numerous motorcycles and ATV's. There's generally enough room for everyone to pass each other safely. There's a couple of spots where it does get tight, but you'll be fine.
In that same vicinity there's tons of Forest Roads with dispersed camping as well. There's also Elizabeth Furnace Campground, and Camp Roosevelt, both off of Fort Valley Road. You also have Little Fort Campground directly next to Peters Mill Run-a small'ish campground, generally pretty packed on the weekends, as it only has about a dozen sites.
There will probably be a weekend trip coming up fairly soon out to that area, which will get posted here.
Uberland
Rank VII
Influencer I
My wife and I spent a couple of nights at Elizabeth Furnace this weekend, and can’t recommend it enough. It’s $16 per night but you shouldn’t have too big of an issue finding a spot Friday night or Saturday if you want to camp. It’s a great launching point to explore all of GWNF.
I’d say that’s my family’s favorite camping spot TBH. Except for the fact that I’ve gotten both poison ivy and chiggers on two separate occasions. The one negative to that campsite is how difficult it is to gather firewood.
Influencer I
We posted another new video! Virginia Traverse Trailer II
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
Pathfinder I
Speaking of finding camping spots, has anyone used HipCamp before? We recently booked a site via HipCamp and stayed last weekend. It was pretty solid. HipCamp is like AirB&B for camping sites. Our site was a large yard/field area next door to a woman's house. As a bonus, she had an RV parked on her area so we had access to a bathroom. Didn't need to drop trowel in the woods, which was nice. We went with a few friends from Richmond, whom don't camp much so we didn't plan anything too extreme. And the site was like 15 minutes from Old House winery/distillery/brewery, which is where we spent most of Saturday. Had a great time, just didn't get off-road at all. But HipCamp may be a good way to find Basecamp sites near trailheads etc, rather than needing to find a site within a national park etc.
Member III
Contributor II
Subscribing to this thread, hopefully i can make a meetup or trail ride soon. (Sneaking in from WV)
Traveler III
Definitely my favorite campground, and has been for decades. I can vouch for that poison ivy, and snakes, and bears too hahah
Member III
More than welcome Heathen! ;)
There is also a monthly meetup out in the Roanoke area: US East - Reoccurring Western Virginia Roanoke Meet-up *****Next Meet-up 7/14/19*****
