Xcursion Guidelines

[11Pro4X]

Xcursion Guidelines

RESPONSIBILITY:

AZXC is a gathering of folks who share a common interest in the Xterra and exploring off road.  All participants in runs or other AZXC activities are responsible for their own safety and the well being of themselves and their vehicle.

AZXC, its Board of Directors, trail leaders, and other participants, are not responsible for any injuries or damage which may occur.

All drivers should be 18 years of age or older, or be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.


EQUIPMENT:

Seeing what works for other people is one of the best ways to figure out what to bring on an Xcursion, For a first trip, at a minimum you should have with you at least the following:

-   Full size spare tire, in good condition and preferably of the same size and type as the other tires.
-   Jack capable of lifting the vehicle & tool capable of removing lug nuts (including key for any locking lug nuts).
-   First Aid Kit, and any personal medications that you require. The kit that comes with the Xterra is a good start, many have added to theirs with extra items they feel appropriate.
-   Extra food and water, even if only out for a day trip.
-   FRS Radio, with extra batteries / Or a CB (preferably). See below for Communications Protocol.
-   Vehicles should be in good condition, and be well maintained and in conformance with highway safety standards.
-   All vehicles should have recovery points front and rear. Most Xterras have a front tow hook standard; for the rear a Class III receiver hitch can accept a shackle that makes an acceptable tow point. Receiver hitch shackles can be found at most off road supply outlets. A tow hitch ball is not acceptable.
-   Tow strap (no metal hooks).
-   Map(s) of the area.
-   Fire extinguisher.
-   If camping, adequate equipment and food. Even if you don't plan to camp you should always carry what you might need in case it gets colder than expected or you need to spend the night. A blanket or two is always a good idea to have on hand.
-   Flashlight(s) and extra batteries, knife, matches/firestarter, mirror, whistle.
-   Air compressor. Many of the runs in Arizona are to areas where airing down tires can make a big difference in both traction and comfort, and can also aid in avoiding flats. You’ll want a way to re-inflate your tires at the end of the trail. Serviceable compressors can be found for as little as $50 at Costco, for example. Avoid anything that plugs into the accessory outlets inside the vehicle, they won’t have the output you need.
-   Above all, bring a sense of adventure and a desire to go exploring.

Other things that are nice to have:
-   Sturdy work gloves.
-   Shovel.
-   Extra clothing.
-   Minimal camping equipment, even if only out for a day trip (you never know when you might have to spend the night someplace).
-   Folding chair(s) come in handy at lunch stops and in camp.
-   Basic hand tools and supplies.
-   Camera.


ETIQUETTE:

-   We generally wait at the Meet Spot for 30 minutes, to give everyone a chance to roll in. If you know you are going to be late please call someone, it may be possible for you to meet the group at an alternate point.
-   It’s a good idea to have the cell phone number of at least the trail leader, in case of a change of plans. If you’ve posted that you’ll attend and then have to cancel at the last minute, a phone call to the run leader or someone else who is in attendance will be greatly appreciated.
-   Please show up at the meet spot with a full tank of fuel, or if the meet is at a gas station, allow enough time to top off when you get there.
-   Members of AZXC follow the guidelines of Tread Lightly, and are expected to set a good example of responsible off roading. Please stay on established trails, and pack out all trash.
-   No illegal drugs.
-   No Alcohol on the trail. Responsible alcohol consumption in camp only, after all driving for the day is done. Many of our members bring their children along on runs, please try to set a good example.


COMMUNICATIONS PROTOCOL:

CBs are the primary way of communication between vehicles.  AZXC typically uses channel 17, ask your trail leader for the channel for the day!

[Hammer (Avi)]

Guidelines Addendum

Members have asked whether or not all equipment is required for every X'cursion, meeting, or event and the answer is no.
  
To make attending events easier for everyone we have decided to use the Trail Ratings as a guide for what equipment is needed.  All events will be given a Trail Rating and for our purpose, we will require the Equipment section only for all trails rated 3 or higher.  Exceptions may be made on specific trails where there are bypasses and easy road access, feel free to PM the trail leader or post in the forum if you have further questions.    

Rating 0: Maintained road
Description: City street that is maintained.  
Vehicle & Equipment: Passable by any passenger vehicle.
Example: Baseline Rd.  

Rating 1: Improved Dirt Road
Description: Dirt road that is clear and in good condition.
Vehicle & Equipment: Passable by most high-clearance 2-wheel drive vehicles.
Example: Most Forest Service roads.

Rating 2: Unimproved Dirt Road
Description: Potholes, minor wash outs, medium sized rocks and mud holes. Higher ground clearance helpful.
Vehicle & Equipment: Passable by most stock 4x4 vehicles.
Example: Box Canyon, Gas Pipeline, East side of Table Mesa

Rating 3: Challenging Trail
Description: Loose gravel, large pot holes, steep inclines, 12-24" rocks.
Vehicle & Equipment: 4-wheel drive required, 33" tires with aggressive tread & lowered tire pressure helpful, rear traction device suggested.
Example: Log Corral Trail, Raw Deal, Upper Woodpecker, Martinez Cabins, Broken Arrow, Sunflower Mine

Rating 3.5: Difficult Trail
Description: Some rocky sections, bypasses at most major obstacles. Body damage possible for inexperienced or careless drivers. 16-28" rocks
Vehicle & Equipment: Upgraded bumpers (Useable as a hi-lift point), sliders, skid plates, Hi-Lift, 33" Tires, Rear locker.
Example: Judgement Day, Upper Terminator, Lower Terminator, Predator, Rocker Panel Pass, Martinez Canyon (not Cabin)

Rating 4: Moderate Rock Crawling Trail
Description: Frequent ledges, crevices, large boulders, steep inclines & off camber situations. Body and/or tire damage likely. Spotters may be needed for some obstacles. Lower tire pressure required. Possible component breakage. 18-36" rocks.
Vehicle & Equipment: 33" tires, 1 traction device, Upgraded axles, lower gear ratio, transfer case gear reduction (w/ manual transmission), winch, recommend spare axles, recommend spare steering parts
Example: Axle Alley, Bad Medicine, Highway to Hell, Lower Woodpecker, Lost World, Payeatt Draw, Squeeze Rock, Upper Firebird

Rating 4.5: Hard Rock Crawling Trail
Description Same as a 4.0 rated trail but the obstacles are bigger, tighter squeezes and bigger risks to body & mechanical components. Few bypasses if any. Longer wheelbase vehicles may have problems with breakover angles, short wheelbase vehicles may have to use a winch or strap on some obstacles. Large vehicles will damage sheet metal. Spotter may be needed for all major obstacles. Rollovers possible. Plan for common component breakages (vehicle specific).
Vehicle and Equipment 35" Agressive off-road tires such as Swamper/Bogger/MTR, D44 or better axles, source for on-board air, flexible suspension, wider than stock track width.
Example Anaconda, Landslide, Overdose, Woody's Wash

Rating 5: Extreme Rock Crawling Trail
Description: Same as a 4.5 rated trail but the obstacles are bigger, tighter squeezes and bigger risks to body and mechanical components. No bypasses. Body damage guaranteed. Spotters needed for most of trail. Rollovers likely. Some obstacles may require a winch for larger vehicles. Trail may be impassible when wet. Plan for major component breakages.
Vehicle & Equipment: Realistically these trails should be run with rock buggies. 37" Aggressive off-road tires such as Swamper/Bogger/MTR. Transfer case gear reduction (w/Automatic transmission). Remove all unneeded body parts.
Example: Annihilator, Collateral Damage, Die Hard, Matrix, Skullcrusher, Twisted

Rating 5.5: Insane Trail
Description: This type of run is pushing the outer limits of what is (currently) possible. This is the same as a 5.0 rated trail except all of the obstacles are bigger. Constant spotting required, vehicles will get hung up frequently, undercarriage will catch rocks. At some point a winch will be required to support the full weight of the vehicle. Skinny pedal will get a work out.
Vehicle & Equipment: Rock buggy on 39" sticky tires
Example: Asylum