Canyonlands - The Maze (anyone driven it?)
04-08-2010, 09:22 AM
#11
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Assuming by long box standard cab, you mean 8.0' box, the Ford website spec is 146" wheelbase. The SCREW with 5.5' box specs 145" wheelbase, so I should actually have more break over angle clearance and tighter turning radius (just a technicality). Am I missing something?
If you mean 6.5' box on a standard cab, then the wheelbase is 126 and that's a lot better for "bad ***" off-road conditions.
04-08-2010, 09:41 AM
#12
Senior Member
SailorDon
I suppose you are right about the wheelbase.. Like I said most of the area is wide open and 2 wd driving except the switchbacks and from Teapot Canyon on down to the Doll House. There are a couple areas that require 4WD like sections over to Cleopatra's Chair and Panorama Point.
Two things about the wheel base that I am trying to caution about, Not scare just caution.
1) The park service drivers do this all the time and have, at least some, off road experience...maybe even taken classes to help them understand how to pick a line. For all I know this might be your first venture off of anything harder than a dirt road.
2) They aren't as worried about the body work of their trucks as you would be.
Heck I saw a Subaru Outback that came down the switchbacks and full size 4WD vans that run support for mtn bikers.
Like I said it is perfectly doable with your truck you just got to be careful.
You won't regret going. For those that like solitude this is a great trip to make. The first time we went, we had 4 trucks, and saw 6 other vehicles or so in the 6 days we were there.
If you like this run take a look at doing the White Rim trail in the Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands. Another "must see" if you ask me.
DT
I suppose you are right about the wheelbase.. Like I said most of the area is wide open and 2 wd driving except the switchbacks and from Teapot Canyon on down to the Doll House. There are a couple areas that require 4WD like sections over to Cleopatra's Chair and Panorama Point.
Two things about the wheel base that I am trying to caution about, Not scare just caution.
1) The park service drivers do this all the time and have, at least some, off road experience...maybe even taken classes to help them understand how to pick a line. For all I know this might be your first venture off of anything harder than a dirt road.
2) They aren't as worried about the body work of their trucks as you would be.
Heck I saw a Subaru Outback that came down the switchbacks and full size 4WD vans that run support for mtn bikers.
Like I said it is perfectly doable with your truck you just got to be careful.
You won't regret going. For those that like solitude this is a great trip to make. The first time we went, we had 4 trucks, and saw 6 other vehicles or so in the 6 days we were there.
If you like this run take a look at doing the White Rim trail in the Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands. Another "must see" if you ask me.
DT
04-09-2010, 10:39 AM
#13
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Scratch and Dent
I have backed out of more than one dirt road (like the one below) when the bushes and tree limbs come too close together leaving a path narrower than the width of my truck.
After I backed out, a full size dually 4WD went barreling through. It had more scratches than paint.
I've noticed that the hard core 4WD off road guys on this website are proud of their custom by "scratch and dent" body work. Maybe I'm just an off-road "wimp", but "scratch and dent" is not on my agenda.
04-09-2010, 11:53 AM
#15
Senior Member
Thread Starter
But it's a pickup truck! 
My F-150 Platinum is going to get bumped and scratched sooner or later.
Got my first stone chip in the windshield yesterday. Also have my first dent in the fender from backing up a trailer at midnight in the dark. (Not the smartest thing I've ever done.)
I am trying to make this truck last a long as possible and still have fun with it.
My F-150 Platinum is going to get bumped and scratched sooner or later.
Got my first stone chip in the windshield yesterday. Also have my first dent in the fender from backing up a trailer at midnight in the dark. (Not the smartest thing I've ever done.)
I am trying to make this truck last a long as possible and still have fun with it.