I started to write this thread a little over a month ago, but never got around to it... so here it goes!

Early December some buddies and I took an off-road camping adventure that will never be forgotten. To set the stage, I took my 2001 King Ranch Off Road 4x4, another buddy rode with me (but owns a 2003 Supercrew 4x4 XLT), another with his Z71, and several others with various models of Jeeps. We went to Barnwell Mountain Off Road Park in Gilmer, TX where we spent a Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. I was very nervous as I have never been off-roading before and found myself taking the most beautiful truck on the road, off the road. I did have my friend (and fellow firefighter) who was very experienced in the ways of 4x4'ing to coach me along.

First trip in the KR. We took a very easy trail to build a little confidence. Nothing to it. Now, Barnwell Mountain rates their trails by diamonds. Easy=1 diamond ... Needing Ford's Bigfoot=5 diamonds. I believe the first trail was a 2 diamond.

Second trip. We hit a little more technical type of a trail that required a little more skill and a lot more nerve. It was kind of a steep hill with twists and few rocks. Not much to it... for a 3 diamond.

Third trip out. Riding behind all the Jeeps, we took a 3 diamond trail that we all felt everyone could make. Not a problem at first, then we got separated. It was me and my buddy in the KR, and my other fireman pal in his Z71. We took a wrong turn. I don't remember the name of the trail, but it involved passing a very tough ravine. No diamond marker on this one. With much perseverance, lots of coaching, and slow crawling, both the Z71 and I made it through. I was honestly amazed at what these trucks could do!

(stupid) Mudding trip. "I dare ya to hit the mud pit" was the last thing I heard before taking a sprint to my KR. As you can tell in the picture below, I didn't get very far. So much for saying I've never been pulled out by a Chevy. Somewhere deep in my mind, I knew I couldn't make it, I just let the testosterone get the better of me.

The final trip (at night). Now before I go on, we took several other trips riding along in the Jeeps on some real hairy trails. I never knew how much fun 4-wheelin' was! OK, back to the story. The trail's name was Omega. It showed to be a 3 diamond. No problem right? Wrong. The trail started out very easy. There was a few spots where I had to pull the mirrors in just to barely fit through, and places where I had to make some 7+ point turns. The end was in sight - only one last hill to make, and wouldn't you know it was littered in rocks. BIG rocks. Big running board damaging rocks. I betcha it took me 45 minutes just to make it through these rocks. Everyone there tried their best to help me along without any damage to the King Ranch, but it was inevitable. Both sides of the running boards sustained heavy damage with tears and nicks. There goes $700. Oh well, it DID make it through there, no one got hurt, and now I have this wonderful story to tell.

The guys at work still give me grief about (almost) ruining a $40K truck. I have to tell you though, I did buy it with 4 wheel drive to use it. Not only on a have-to basis, but for play as well. I can tell you this... The slogan holds true - Built Ford Tough!

Now enjoy a few pics, more in my gallery under “KR in Action.”

 

Very Cool!

Don't fret on the boards, just watch ebay for a set -- they're on there all the time pretty cheap (plus freight).

I'm going to copy this down to the OFFROAD special interest thread too... Looks like a helluva good time!!!

-RP-

 

Hey,
So far, my only real gripe with the KR has been those running boards anyway. Why Ford took this beautiful truck and put boards made out of recycled shopping bags on it, I'll never know. I have not yet seen what I will replace mine with, but if it is soon, I will keep you in mind and contact you, as these will no doubt be on the block.
Right now though, let me just say that you are my hero! Those are some *@$^+!x photos. (we are not allowed certain words in this forum!) Hope you had a blast. Ride her hard and put her away wet.

 

Running boards do serve a purpose on a truck, you can wreck them them before you wreck the body of the truck, nurf bars are way better and stronger....but limit ground clearance on a stock truck.

 

Interesting story, cool pics.

 

Thanks for the story! I can tell you had a blast, and I must say, you have more hanging between the legs than I do! I love to 4 wheel, been out in friend's jeeps lots of times, even took my old Z71 out every once in a while.

But the KR? I might do a "1 diamond" or even a "2", but some of those pics you've posted scare the crap out of me! I have to admit, the KR cramps my 4 wheelin' style a bit but I pick up style in other ways. I got my KR with 4WD more for "just in case" than anything else, probably like a lot of other folks on here.

Thanks for sharing!

 

It looks like you had a blast. I took my Tomas to the sand dunes in Michigan when he was only 500 miles old. I too bought a 4x4 for a reason not just to sit higher then everyone else.

 

Did you get the seats all muddy?

 

Nope, I had some seat covers purchased online enroute to the house before the trip, but they did not arrive in time. I used some old bedsheets for covers. Although the cleanup from all the East Texas red dirt took forever to clean off the dash, consoles, etc. It was well worth it, and we've started to plan another trip to Barnwell Mountain as soon as the burn bans are lifted!

 

Dude....you're crazy....but that's something I'd probably do also....