Hybrid on long road trip with 17 mile dirt road?

[Alvin23]

I am seeking if anyone has taken their hybrid to dirt road. We are going on a 2.5K mile road trip to the valley of the gods and monument valley in May and taking the mav to the 17 mile dirt loop road. Have AT tires installed

also any safety equipment i should bring on the road tip, that will be great.
Thanks.

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[bgn]

What size are your new tires? Does your spare match?

I like keeping a tire patch kit and a tire inflator under my rear seat.

 

[Montana]

Possibility of losing cell service? Either way, my list is not taking getting stranded lightly:

• Tire patch kits/tire inflation device
• Recovery rope
• Shovel (folding e-tool)
• Battery jumper
• Flares/chemlights & something high vis/reflective
• Blankets food and water (hand warmers)
• Fire source(s)
• Spare fluids (maybe distilled water for coolant replacement and washer fluid). For longer trip like yours I carry all fluids including coolant to avoid any need to dig into a potential emergency water supply, including coolant, washer fluid, distilled, oil, brake and tranny fluid. I'd even throw in a spare oil filter just in case especially with the Hybrids composite or whatever material felt that is for the skid plates.
• Bottle jack w/ a wide bottom stand
• General tool box with all your normal stuff (hammers, pliers, screwdrivers, tapes - electrical and duct at minimum- knives, etc etc)
• Wet wipes
• First aid kit (something decent not just band-aids - and inspect it open anything that needs to be open to access quickly)
• Gloves
• Fire extinguisher
• Spare cables for charging anything you have that might need power
• Medicines (any spares you need and stuff like ibuprofen/advil
• Flashlights/headlamps
• Spare batteries
• Water

Yes, it'll all fit.

Check your spare before you go. Drop it entirely, check the psi and condition.
If you have the tire inflator don't be afraid to air down your tires a bit when you reach the dirt roads if you really need to. Even a small amount can help pretty basic tires avoid some punctures. Personally I go down to about 30 on some roads around me but 25 isn't a stretch for others. If you feel your tires are not up to par - don't risk it. Get out, stop, and inspect the area you are planning on driving through before commiting. In the military we also had a thing called 5's and 25's. Look down then out, scanning. You never know what creatures might be right under your feet.

Never underestimate nature. Be prepared.

Sounds like you got plenty of time and I hope you have a great trip! Take pics to share with us. I love that whole area.

 

[TOMCATFIGHTER]

I drive on 5"-8" rock roads all the time. And miles of dirt roads. No problem with about 19k miles on stock tires. Back in the off road wheelin days I would do as Montana said even in the icy conditions. But my everyday driver maverick ain't getting inflated and deflated daily. I just go slow on big rock. Gravel roads with potholes I just drive posted speed and weave around the potholes. So far no issues.

 

[Red Ryder]

The only vehicle that ever stranded me was the Maverick Hybrid, with the potential for more events had I not mitigated it with a jump start device. The Noco GB40 has my endorsement.

 

[TOMCATFIGHTER]

The only vehicle that ever stranded me was the Maverick Hybrid, with the potential for more events had I not mitigated it with a jump start device. The Noco GB40 has my endorsement.

Good Call...I have the GB70 under my backseat. Check charge once a month. Great device emergency charge and flashlight. I haven't needed it myself but I have helped multiple people out. Great advice from RedRyder
I got mine at flash deals on Amazon

 

[toddhunter64]

The only vehicle that ever stranded me was the Maverick Hybrid, with the potential for more events had I not mitigated it with a jump start device. The Noco GB40 has my endorsement.

Wondering if the Noco GB40 was long enough to reach from the positive battery terminal post, to the negative grounded bolt recommended in the owners manual for jump starting ? Thanks for your help.

 

[Builder]

Wondering if the Noco GB40 was long enough to reach from the positive battery terminal post, to the negative grounded bolt recommended in the owners manual for jump starting ? Thanks for your help.

The GB40 wire clamps are plenty long enough to reach the engine bay charge points. The connect points are closer than you think.

 

[Red Ryder]

The GB40 wire clamps are plenty long enough to reach the engine bay charge points. The connect points are closer than you think.

Yes, I agree wholeheartedly. No issue at all.

 

[The Real Maverick]

I was on that road a few years ago.
It was summer but there were lots of people. I think "First Nation" police/rangers on the roads too.
It's not that isolated. You'll be fine.
There will be help if you need it.

 

[Montana]

I was on that road a few years ago.
It was summer but there were lots of people. I think "First Nation" police/rangers on the roads too.
It's not that isolated. You'll be fine.
There will be help if you need it.

That's what they all say

 

[Scott Asheville]

This video on overlanding really caught my attention, and it seems relevant to this thread...

 

[CD_SM]

Water, water and more water.
1 gallon per person per day, and add a couple days to your expected trip length.
Also you might Google "ten essentials". It's typically used for backpacking and especially for Boy Scouts, but it is a useful list anytime you're away from civilization.

 

[CD_SM]

Also, I'll be in desert wilderness in western Arizona this weekend, checking out the Kofa National Wildlife Refuge, also with plenty of dirt roads for my 24 XLT hybrid.

 

[The Real Maverick]

Water, water and more water.
1 gallon per person per day, and add a couple days to your expected trip length.
Also you might Google "ten essentials". It's typically used for backpacking and especially for Boy Scouts, but it is a useful list anytime you're away from civilization.

Is 3 hours on foot maximum away from help with well defined roads and numerous tourists really away from civilization?

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