Trip Report Billings Canyon, Colorado in the new TJ

Greg

Make RME Rockcrawling Again!
Admin
Got the Speed Goat out to one of our local trails for it's first trail run after hauling it home just over a week ago! Billings is pretty damn challenging, lots of big boulders, big ledges and difficult lines. On top of that, the 2-3" of snow we got a couple days ago has been melting off, making for a muddy mess.

I was supposed to meet up with a friend just to be safe, but after waiting for 30 min beyond the time we had planned, I said screw it and headed out solo. I ran into a few guys that were also headed to Billings, in a 4Runner on 35's and an LJ on 35's also. They were kind of struggling and said they were good, so I kept motoring on up the trail. I didn't see them after the first 1/4 of Billings... lol.

The tires were muddy and the dirt was wet, so that made line selection impossible at times. The Red Label Krawlers did pretty damn well, despite the mud and moisture.

The TJ can get a little funky at times, seems like the engine isn't always happy crawling and will almost die, then increase the RPM to recover and get a little jumpy. The coilovers squeak a lot, the air bumps and limiting straps get a little jerky at times. But, the thing works so well... I love the boatsides and lack of body mounts, perfect for these boulder-filled trails. I got hung up on the belly a couple times, raising that would help a lot on the trail. The suspension is actually very compliant, it works great so far! I heard a link joint in the front popping when I got it loaded up, so I'll take a closer look at them soon. Also, the PSC steering cyl is weeping a bit. Some work to do, but pretty happy with it overall!

Ran Billings in less than 2 hours, solo and wet... that's pretty damn good in my opinion! I've spend long days on this trail in the past!

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Greg

Make RME Rockcrawling Again!
Admin
I KNOW that felt GOOD!

- DAA

It was great to get out and run a hard-core trail, it's been far too long. Had to kind of relearn how to select my line and drive again! I may have ran the front axle right into a couple smaller rocks, accidentally.

I have some work to do, but this thing rocks how it is.
 

TRD270

Emptying Pockets Again
Supporting Member
Location
SaSaSandy
Some day I’ll have a rig again. Getting out with the mad cow has given me the itch. That damn buggy of his just makes everything too easy though. Nice solo vid work
 

Greg

Make RME Rockcrawling Again!
Admin
Some day I’ll have a rig again. Getting out with the mad cow has given me the itch. That damn buggy of his just makes everything too easy though. Nice solo vid work

Yeah, those portal rigs are ridiculous... the lines they're taking at Sand Hollow are insane!

Thanks, I missed some footage after a camera screw up so just 3 clips from the day. Been using a DJI Osmo and sometimes track the Jeep, but it's not always reliable.
 

Greg

Make RME Rockcrawling Again!
Admin
While I was at the trailhead for Billings, I walked up to Hard Nox! It's a legit, buggy-only trail... the boulders are massive and the pics don't do it justice. The entrance itself is about 40*, it's incredibly steep. If anyone is looking for an insane challenge, the trail is right off the parking area for Billings.

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Pile of parts

Well-Known Member
Location
South Jordan
Hoping for a spring trip to Montrose. Ran Billings and part of 21 road last Labor Day weekend - until I punched a hole in my oil pan goofing around on 21 road. We walked Hard Nox while we were at the Billings parking area. Looks nasty! Is the Cutoff the extended exit on Billings? That part was a lot of fun!
 

Greg

Make RME Rockcrawling Again!
Admin
Hoping for a spring trip to Montrose. Ran Billings and part of 21 road last Labor Day weekend - until I punched a hole in my oil pan goofing around on 21 road. We walked Hard Nox while we were at the Billings parking area. Looks nasty! Is the Cutoff the extended exit on Billings? That part was a lot of fun!

Sounds like a normal 21 Road trip! 😆

I believe you're correct on the Cutoff, I've yet to run it.
 
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