US East Running the Trans America Trail (TAT) from WV to the OR coast

[T. Stanley]

The other day I set up my whole “camp” for my friends grandkids and they were checking out every inch and asking questions about everything on my truck/in my truck and in my camp setup and 4 year old Isabel came and stood right in front of my chair and looked me in the eye and said “Tim when it rains, where are you going to cook your hamburgers?” Well they say “out of the mouth’s of babes” and at that very moment, I discovered I had not thought of every scenario and little Isabel was right, Tim’s burgers would not be all that good all waterlogged and nasty, so I got online and found an awning in stock. This was my second choice for awnings, my first choice was a 23Zero 180 and no one had one in stock and I couldn’t get one until after our TAT trip so I went with plan “B”. Overland Vehicle Systems Nomadic 180 awning. It got delivered this morning while I was at church (yes in my area FedEx delivers on Sunday) I started to work on mounting this awning about 5 pm and I was done just before 8pm. I am so happy I got this awning, little Isabel is going to come by tomorrow to see where I will cook my hamburgers when it rains.

 

[NØMAD]

Hi everyone - quick checkin on my set-up for the trip. Recently added a Bajarack rear ladder to access roof-top gear & perhaps spare fuel mounting point. Also, added Apex Overland front recovery points in-case I need pulled out safely. A few pics to share...see you all next month, God willing!

 

[DEADBEEF]

Hi everyone - quick checkin on my set-up for the trip. Recently added a Bajarack rear ladder to access roof-top gear & perhaps spare fuel mounting point. Also, added Apex Overland front recovery points in-case I need pulled out safely. A few pics to share...see you all next month, God willing!
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Hey funny, we were just at Apex Overland’s shop in NC getting some suspension upgrades to our Gx470. Found out Josh the co-owner is a certified Toyota mechanic too. They did a great job. I like the red our new coil overs are red too.

 

[DEADBEEF]

We did add a lunch table to the GX470, it will come in handy for prep etc. We borrowed it from the Jeep folks but it does fit nicely on the LexOR. A simple thing but it’s an accomplishment with prep time counting down. Going through a similar process...we keep doing “use cases”, do we have what we need for the basics covered...

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[Over the Crown]

This sounds really cool. I'm currently based in Oregon, maybe if possible I could join in on the end of the trip. Not sure if this type of vehicle is allowed, although I do have a 5 inch lift and 30.5 inch tires, with my winch being installed this Wednesday.

Just saw that there were 18/20 people signed up, I think I'll wait just in case someone else wants to run the full thing. Regardless, the trip sounds awesome and I hope the people attending have a good time!

 

[Darunner]

Overthecrown ..... you should join us from the start of the trip ! It will be cool to have a “police” escort :)
Very nice setup you have looking forward to see you in any part of the trip

 

[Over the Crown]

Overthecrown ..... you should join us from the start of the trip ! It will be cool to have a “police” escort :)
Very nice setup you have looking forward to see you in any part of the trip

Hopefully the stars will align for that! Sadly I got my manager mad at me so I wasn't scheduled to work for 2 weeks..... because of that I can't afford to go cross country right now. If it fills up with 20/20, would I still be welcome on the end? I don't want to take up a slot on the trip if I'll only be there for a few days as where someone might be there for a few weeks.

 

[Darunner]

Overthecrown ..... you should join us from the start of the trip ! It will be cool to have a “police” escort :)
Very nice setup you have looking forward to see you in any part of the trip

Hopefully the stars will align for that! Sadly I got my manager mad at me so I wasn't scheduled to work for 2 weeks..... because of that I can't afford to go cross country right now. If it fills up with 20/20, would I still be welcome on the end? I don't want to take up a slot on the trip if I'll only be there for a few days as where someone might be there for a few weeks.

Even if it got filled up from the start , not all will finish to the end but ArmyRN (the captain) will advise

 

[Over the Crown]

Overthecrown ..... you should join us from the start of the trip ! It will be cool to have a “police” escort :)
Very nice setup you have looking forward to see you in any part of the trip

Hopefully the stars will align for that! Sadly I got my manager mad at me so I wasn't scheduled to work for 2 weeks..... because of that I can't afford to go cross country right now. If it fills up with 20/20, would I still be welcome on the end? I don't want to take up a slot on the trip if I'll only be there for a few days as where someone might be there for a few weeks.

Even if it got filled up from the start , not all will finish to the end but ArmyRN (the captain) will advise

Gotcha. Guess I'll wait for him to reply and see what he has to say!

 

[Triple B]

This sounds really cool. I'm currently based in Oregon, maybe if possible I could join in on the end of the trip. Not sure if this type of vehicle is allowed, although I do have a 5 inch lift and 30.5 inch tires, with my winch being installed this Wednesday.

Just saw that there were 18/20 people signed up, I think I'll wait just in case someone else wants to run the full thing. Regardless, the trip sounds awesome and I hope the people attending have a good time!
View attachment 197080

Are you the same crown vic that runs moab trails?

 

[Over the Crown]

This sounds really cool. I'm currently based in Oregon, maybe if possible I could join in on the end of the trip. Not sure if this type of vehicle is allowed, although I do have a 5 inch lift and 30.5 inch tires, with my winch being installed this Wednesday.

Just saw that there were 18/20 people signed up, I think I'll wait just in case someone else wants to run the full thing. Regardless, the trip sounds awesome and I hope the people attending have a good time!
View attachment 197080

Are you the same crown vic that runs moab trails?

No, I haven't had the chance to go to Moab yet.

 

[armyRN]

Gotcha. Guess I'll wait for him to reply and see what he has to say!

We may have 18/20 signed up, however....

1) I just have a feeling there will be at least a few (or more) who at the last minute aren't able to attend for whatever reason (stuff happens... that's just how it goes; at least based on my experience running these things). That's why I put the limit at 20 (which is actually a very large number for this kind of trip). If anyone out there signed-up but now unfortunately you find yourself not able to attend, I would appreciate it if you removed your name from the attending list on the Rally Point.

2) We have some folks who will be starting in Ripley, but will only be able to do the first few days, or the first week, or the first two weeks; so as the trip progresses we'll have fewer participants. And that's ok; better to do some of the TAT than none at all! I'm curious to see how many of us make it all the way to the OR coast from start to finish.

3) We do have a couple folks who plan on joining us somewhere along the line. Again, great! Better do do some of the TAT (and run with us for a little while) than none at all. But based on the nature of this kind of trip, there's no way I can predict when we will get to a certain spot on the TAT. So you'll have to follow our progression to know when we're getting close to your jump-in spot. I'll have my cell phone too of course.

4) So yeah, even if it is "filled-up" at 20, if you show up in Ripley on the 12th, you will be gladly welcomed. If you do plan on it though, post on this thread with an introduction. Normally a requirement is having 4WD, but I'll make an exception for something totally out of the ordinary and we'll see how it goes (that's a lot of front overhang on that Victoria). However, all other vehicle requirements apply (i.e. tow points front and rear, full-size matching spare tire, etc.).

5) It'll be interesting. It'll be an adventure. I'm getting excited.

 

[Over the Crown]

Gotcha. Guess I'll wait for him to reply and see what he has to say!

We may have 18/20 signed up, however....

1) I just have a feeling there will be at least a few who at the last minute aren't able to attend for whatever reason (stuff happens... that's just how it goes; at least based on my experience running these things). That's why I put the limit at 20 (which is actually a very large number for this kind of trip). If anyone out there signed-up but now unfortunately you find yourself not being able to attend, I would appreciate it if you removed your name from the attending list on the Rally Point.

2) We have some folks who will be starting in Ripley, but will only be able to do the first few days, or the first week, or the first two weeks; so as the trip progresses we'll have fewer participants. And that's ok; better to do some of the TAT than none at all! I'm curious to see how many of us make it all the way to the OR coast from start to finish.

3) We do have a couple folks who plan on joining us somewhere along the line. Again, great! Better do do some of the TAT (and run with us for a little while) than none at all. But based on the nature of this kind of trip, there's no way I can predict when we will get to a certain spot on the TAT.

4) So yeah, even if it is "filled-up" at 20, if you show up in Ripley on the 12th, you will be gladly welcomed. If you do plan on it though, post on this thread with an introduction.

5) It'll be interesting. It'll be an adventure. I'm getting excited.

Awesome, I mainly do doordash right now so I can come in on the end whenever that may be. I posted an introduction last night, hopefully it was adequate lol. Excited to attend a group trip, as I've never done so before. I'll have to remind myself to keep myself in the loop about this trip. Is there a good way to stay updated? Group chat or something?

 

[armyRN]

Awesome, I mainly do doordash right now so I can come in on the end whenever that may be. I posted an introduction last night, hopefully it was adequate lol. Excited to attend a group trip, as I've never done so before. I'll have to remind myself to keep myself in the loop about this trip. Is there a good way to stay updated? Group chat or something?

I'm figuring we'll be posting on this thread as the trip progresses.

 

[Triple B]

Awesome, I mainly do doordash right now so I can come in on the end whenever that may be. I posted an introduction last night, hopefully it was adequate lol. Excited to attend a group trip, as I've never done so before. I'll have to remind myself to keep myself in the loop about this trip. Is there a good way to stay updated? Group chat or something?

Under this forum you can go to your account and under preferences you can setup your notifications. Sometimes I get a notification and sometimes I don't. I normally will keep one received notification in my email to remind me to check into the thread. Also there is an overland bound one app to download to setup to get notifications as well.

 

[Triple B]

Looking for thoughts (is it needed for this trip) and/or recommendations regarding bear spray.

 

[Over the Crown]

Awesome, I mainly do doordash right now so I can come in on the end whenever that may be. I posted an introduction last night, hopefully it was adequate lol. Excited to attend a group trip, as I've never done so before. I'll have to remind myself to keep myself in the loop about this trip. Is there a good way to stay updated? Group chat or something?

Under this forum you can go to your account and under preferences you can setup your notifications. Sometimes I get a notification and sometimes I don't. I normally will keep one received notification in my email to remind me to check into the thread. Also there is an overland bound one app to download to setup to get notifications as well.

Funny you say that, I've been replying in the app haha. I'll save an email for this thread and check it here and there.

 

[armyRN]

Looking for thoughts (is it needed for this trip) and/or recommendations regarding bear spray.

Bear spray. Do you need it?

You don't need it, but it would be a good idea to have a can for just-in-case on this trip. I have a feeling it would be effective on most four or two-legged critters. I carry UDAP bear deterrent. It comes in different sizes (13.4 and 7.9 oz. shown below - they also sell a 9.2 oz. can). These are the ones my wife and I carried when we were out in Montana last fall. I'll have mine with me on this trip. I usually keep a can in my tent when sleeping, and if it isn't on me (usually isn't if I'm mostly just driving), it is usually in my center console cup holder. I definitely recommend it if you're up in western Canada or Alaska.

Link: UDAP Pepper Power

Make sure you get a holster for it (not always included) so you can carry it on your belt or chest. Having a can on you might make you feel better/safer if you're getting up in the middle of the night to hit the restroom, or if on a hike or away from the group.

There are other brands. Just don't get the cheapest "Econo-Bear Spray" you might find (the good stuff isn't cheap like bug spray). If you're in a situation where you might need your spray, the last thing you'll be wanting to think about is "Well I saved ten-bucks on this can - I hope it works".

Link: Best Bear Sprays in 2021 [Buying Guide] – Gear Hungry

 

[bcmedicxj]

RTT ( trailer top in my case ) finally arrived today after a long backorder. Whew....I was starting to worry. Still have a few details to wrap up on the XJ and M416 but should be good to go by late May. My wife and I are looking forward to this expedition!

 

[armyRN]

Since I mentioned going to the bathroom....

If we stop along the trail for a potty break, the men go off to the left (driver's side), and the ladies go off to the right (passenger side).

I've read (recently even) where someone got off the trail to go to the bathroom (this last one was a backpacking group), and they decide to really get off the trail so nobody could possibly see them as they're doing their bathroom thing. And then they got turned around (partly because they couldn't see their group) and they started off in the wrong direction, and in short order they were lost. A few days lost. Search party was sent out, etc. They were found (happy ending I guess). Not fun.

Lets not get anyone lost in the woods. If we think someone is missing, we'll start honking a horn at a regular interval. Figure if you're not at the vehicles when we start honking a horn at a regular interval, we're looking for you. Follow the sound of the horns.

So if you're heading way off into the woods to do what bears do in the woods, along with your little shovel and TP, maybe consider a whistle and your hand-held radio (if you've got a hand-held radio). If you do get lost/turned around in the woods, STOP, see if you can reach us on your radio (if you've got one), and start blowing your whistle three short blasts every few minutes.

And you did bring your can of bear spray with you when you ventured out to go potty?