Tips for Offroading at Rausch

ReDkK · **Joined:** Mon Dec 13, 2010 9:31 pm **Posts:** 91

This is gonna be my first time going off roading. Were going to rausch, doin mostly greens maybe some blues. A little nervous. Not sure what to expect. It would be great to hear some tips from people especially with stock KKs who have been to rausch before. What kind of tools should I bring or anything you recommend to have? Feel free to post pics of ur jeep at rausch.

At The Helm · **Posted:** Mon Aug 15, 2011 1:15 am

Never been to rausch but i think i can help.

1.Dont go alone
2.Communication is good. Cb radios, but i've never used them.
3.Spot each other by standing in front of the vehicle using hand signals to guide over obstacles and stack rocks if necessary. More capable rigs should be in the front and back.
3. Learn how to use recovery straps. There is a difference between a recovery strap and tow strap. Recovery straps stretch and dont have hooks on them. Be carefull as there are dangers involved with vehicle recovery.
4. Your kk isn't set up to run the king of the hammers. GO SLOW.
5. Completely understand how to use your 4wd system. Your not in 4low if the 4wdlow light is flashing.
There is a lot more to it, but i guess those are some of the basics

Tools/equipment/supplies:
water
Shovel
Gloves
Flashlight
Emergency food
Bottle jack/ 2x4 scraps/ jack stand
Recovery straps

Tools: its endless, but what i at all times carry are:
10,12,13,15,18,21,24 mm 3/4" sockets and ratchet some of those shallow and deep well
Adjustable wrench
Needle nose pliers
Channel lock pliers
Screwdrivers
Electrical tape and some spare wire
Fuses
Torque wrench
Pry bar
Rope
Duct tape
Utility knife
Multitool

remdawg · **Joined:** Fri Nov 12, 2010 2:05 pm **Posts:** 204

I just went to Rausch for the spring trip, it was my first time off-roading and I was stock. I'd definitely echo the fact of taking your time. When I first started off I was slamming down on some rocks and then I learned to ease up a little and maneuver over the bigger rocks with your tires. Also for hill descent to work you need to be in 4-lo as well (I didn't know that before). Make sure you watch the person in front of you to get a good idea of how to take on the terrain ahead. Have fun! :mrgreen:

Also it's good you have skid plates. I didn't and wish that I did lol :JEEPIN:

cat001kk · **Joined:** Tue Jul 12, 2011 4:20 pm **Posts:** 20

take it nice and easy and only do what your comfortable doing. "as slow as possible, as fast as necessary". when you go over rocks, fallen trees, bumps, or any other obstacle control your axial compression on the way down. dont just go over the obstacle and think thats it. letting the tire back down from the obstacle is just as important. let it down nice and easy and then be on your way to conquer the next rock or log. you'll have a blast. a stock kk can do more than you think.

ReDkK · **Joined:** Mon Dec 13, 2010 9:31 pm **Posts:** 91

Thank you. This is all extremely helpful. I really appreciate the info.

infernicus · **Posted:** Mon Aug 15, 2011 4:00 pm

We expect lots of pictures when you return!

ReDkK · **Joined:** Mon Dec 13, 2010 9:31 pm **Posts:** 91

remdawg wrote:

I just went to Rausch for the spring trip, it was my first time off-roading and I was stock. I'd definitely echo the fact of taking your time. When I first started off I was slamming down on some rocks and then I learned to ease up a little and maneuver over the bigger rocks with your tires. Also for hill descent to work you need to be in 4-lo as well (I didn't know that before). Make sure you watch the person in front of you to get a good idea of how to take on the terrain ahead. Have fun! :mrgreen:

Also it's good you have skid plates. I didn't and wish that I did lol :JEEPIN:

Did you disconnect your sway bar?

remdawg · **Joined:** Fri Nov 12, 2010 2:05 pm **Posts:** 204

No but jeepin_it_real helped take my front air dam off before we went out... I suggest you do that too.

ReDkK · **Joined:** Mon Dec 13, 2010 9:31 pm **Posts:** 91

remdawg wrote:

No but jeepin_it_real helped take my front air dam off before we went out... I suggest you do that too.

Yea I will.

ReDkK · **Joined:** Mon Dec 13, 2010 9:31 pm **Posts:** 91

Did anyone's truck get damaged at rausch? Or flat tires?

ReDkK · **Joined:** Mon Dec 13, 2010 9:31 pm **Posts:** 91

Did you go on J trail?

2 wranglers that I'm going with think that I shouldn't take the kk and I should just be a passenger. Apparently one of the wranglers led a kk on green trails at Rausch and it was bad news. they said the kk messed up the bumper on J trail which is supposed to be one of the easiest. They think I'm gonna be bringing my bumpers back in my trunk. From what everyone says on here kk's seem to do fine at Rausch. To me I think there underestimating kks. What does everyone else think? Should I take the kk or be a passenger? If I take the kk will they be right? Will I be coming back with damage?

remdawg · **Joined:** Fri Nov 12, 2010 2:05 pm **Posts:** 204

I think you'd be fine... when we went in the spring it was pouring rain the whole time so you couldn't even see the rocks/ground in front of you on parts of the trails (flooded) and nobody had any issues. I think my muffler took the most damage (which I've replaced since then). I think that the J trail may have been too flooded when I was there though to go on so I didn't get a shot at it.

Tips for Offroading at Rausch

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