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-

 

Not bad my friend. running boards tend to get damaged off road. they do help to keep rocks from the body i guess

 

Fo Sho Thats Nice

 

good place for 1st hand expeirence on the trail haha glad u and ur truck made it through

 

Awesome story!!! Thats why I dont have running boards...

 

Running boards and exhaust tips out the back are not good for off road for sure. Time for a set of nerf bars!

 

Time to yank the running boards alltogether, and time for some halfway decent tires.... those tires are decent for some light off-roading and sand, but that's about it.

Alltogether now!!!

B-F-G!!! B-F-G!!! B-F-G!!! B-F-G!!! B-F-G!!! B-F-G!!!

-Joe

 

BFG's are girls who think they have real tires. real men have pitbull tires (google it), so keep the bfgs on the 'burban

 

In general, I agree, but for a daily-driver, a real mud tire is worthless. BFG All Terrains are a good compromise for those of us that still have to drive 'em on the road and want the tire to last more than 6 months.

-Joe

 

I'm still trying to convince the other half to let me put a 3" suspension lift on with 35's... Tires are definately in my future though!

 

Thats cool man.

Once you go wheeling in your truck and you can see what it can do you get addicted to wanting to go back. I remember the first time I went with my other rig a 5" lifted rodeo. It was more for show originally but once she was offroad I couldn't quit going. Luckily there is a decent ORV park around where I live. They actually hold some national events here.

THE BADLANDS

 

great story....looks like it was fun...

glad you dont baby it like RP...

 

I have a set of the lighted tan running boards that came off my 2001 KR.
let me know if you want them.

PS I have some pics of some pretty cool trails in my gallery (see below)

 

Weezell, Nice truck and great pics!

Tell me about your modifications - What kind of lift do you have? Did you do it yourself? Are those different front fenders, they look aftermarket.

Hey, shoot me an email concerning your boards if you would, I'm interested... fireman1949@hotmail.com and, did you get rid of your wheels?