A BACK DOOR into JOSHUA TREE NP: BERDOO CANYON ROAD (off-road, camp, and a hike to a stone house)

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Hey all, at 8:26 I test out an upgraded roof top tent mattress. I just wanted to update you all that it didn’t work out. Once the mattress is inflated, it’s very hard to compress and stow away. I actually had to use a high power mattress pump to “suck” the air out so that I could close my roof top tent. I have switched back to the original foam mattress and added my old thermarest neo air duo “air only” under it. It’s a very comfortable combination.

[@joemzd]

Those kids are the greatest! What a testament to the parents, Angie and Jae!

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

I agree, great kids and parents. Good people. One thing I forgot to take footage of is how we hiked in the dark for 30 minutes and it didn’t affect our attitudes at all 😃

[@jkonquer3853]

Thanks! It always helps that we have an awesome and patience group. Thank you all.

[@jg.4x4]

Your videos are always so good to watch Jon !

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Thanks for the kind words Jose!!! 🙏 I really appreciate it!

[@Hondo21435]

I agree those shift pods are sweet and it was nice to see the newest version. Stay safe brother 🤙

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Yeah good design. The gazelle tent is nice, but high winds interact with the rain fly in a bad way. I was thinking of sewing 🪡 the rain fly so it’s flush on my gazelle.

[@Hondo21435]

@@JonDZ_Adventuringnot a bad idea for your gazelle. The insulation on those shift pods looks like it would keep some of the cold out

[@todaEK4]

Love your content. Very informative and wholesome.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Thank you for the kind words 🙏

[@petervoong]

I live in your neighborhood! I've seen your Passport. Just recently got interested in exactly this kind of stuff in the past year.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Well Howdy neighbor 👋!! Are you Peter the guy I have already met? Or a different Peter? For the past 2 years or so, I seen a lifted Lexus GX, is that you? Hehe

[@4WDisLife]

that sound effect when the ladder hit you is a great edit!

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Haha! I’m going to milk that scene as much as I could, and I’m always block my face when I pop up the root top tent now 😂

[@sfshilo]

Most of the newer tranfer cases come with an AWD mode called 4A. It is really nice since you can turn and drive in AWD and not worry about binding.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Ah, I see! Are these the transfer cases in the 392 Jeeps?

[@bruceyyyyy]

I was just thinking that space tent would be great for winter stargazing and then you showed a great night shot. Single digit temps here this week!

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

There's so many nice things about that shift pod. I also like how the floor has a tough trap built into the bottom, and how there's a bottom foot flap that allows for taking off shoes without the need for a floor mat. Running a cargo platform with a tent strapped to the roof makes alot of sense.

[@Libroer]

Great vid, loved it all. That place you got to is so crazy! So wild with all the dishes etc. there. Somebody used to actually live there, and then one day, stopped. And there it lays. Practically an archaeological place.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Yeah, I can’t believe how pristine the place is. Adventurers before us have really respected this little slice of history. No initials carved into the wood, no graffiti, just an outdoor time capsule.

[@popeyerubi1981]

Shift Pod is awesome! Nice video, Jon!

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

I’m a fan!!! On one trip, Jae and Angie’s old Gazelle tent got blown in by high winds. This shift pod is aerodynamic and stout.

[@popeyerubi1981]

@@JonDZ_Adventuring for the price, it has to be. LOL!

[@suzettecalleja3122]

Great adventure John. Nice to see your wife too.❤😊

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Thanks Suzette!! It’s nice to have the Wife come out more.

[@MrPiimpslap]

This is the way I go to avoid the crowds in the park. Ever since Covid, I think attendance has tripled no matter what part of the year you go.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Also, now all the campsites are "reservation only". With no reception in Joshua Tree, I was staring at these empty camp sites with a note saying "No Walk-ins, reservation only". Taking the back roads and camping out in BLM is the only option for walk in campers. The owners of the Lexus GX planned to renew their National Park Pass, but since we entered Berdoo and left Joshua Tree at night, they didn't need to spend the money to renew the pass, haha!

[@MrPiimpslap]

@@JonDZ_Adventuring I tend to get reception in the park north of the Cholla gardens.

[@davidb.turknett4447]

I was trying to watch. Airing down for the trail is one of the first things you learn. And then have the means to air up your own tires after the trail. That first obstacle should be a piece of cake.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

I typically do, but because we were pressed for time and didn’t think we needed to, I made sure to mention that I didn’t. On the first obstacle, 3 tires were caulked. I did a little baby bump and got through after realizing individually braking my front wheel wasn’t working. No other long hiccups, on the 2nd obstacle.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

There’s also something I’ve been meaning to test out. I have a theory that airing down, decreases my trail range. I typically drop to 20 psi, so I want to repeat the 130 mile Mojave road trail and do it at 35 psi and see how much fuel I have left. No one has ever mentioned airing down and how it relates to trail range.

[@davidb.turknett4447]

@@JonDZ_Adventuring I know that I'm running a 245/65/16 tires on my 05 TJR and I air down to 12lbs. I get that sometimes you get busy and with other people, you have to accommodate. I have to remember there's other perspectives.

[@LexusGX460-OFF-ROAD]

You don't need to air-down for this trail. We've done this in a stock GX460 on street tires at stock 32psi. Airing down is frankly misunderstood. Mud, soft sand, air down if needed. This trail has neither ❤

[@OverlandOverloaded]

That was my old home, and I use to park my wagon in front of it.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Interesting.....

[@Michael_Tran]

Seems like it's more rutted now...I should go see this trail again. Nice job Jon!

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Last time I was in Berdoo, the 1st obstacle was completely covered in sand. We then proceeded to the Brooklyn mine and that was one rocky trail and I wonder if it’s worse condition nowadays

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

By the way, we still have to get on a trip together 😉

[@Michael_Tran]

Yes let's do it @@JonDZ_Adventuring

[@solarinsocal6025]

Yo, let me know when you go next time. That cabin/cave looks cool. I need to go drink with my buddy Jae too. Lol

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Oh wut? I thought you were in Korea/Japan? Grace loves hanging with you, so I regret not reaching out. You leaving the country anytime soon?

[@solarinsocal6025]

@@JonDZ_Adventuring I got back last week. I might be taking off in March again, but I'm here for now. Tell Grace I said hello!

[@jkonquer3853]

I’ll get my costco bottle ready. Lol

[@jmanyoyoyo]

The first min and half is some real stuff man! I had an RD1 CRV build that i called our adventure mobile - people hate and say you cant take hondas off road well dih im not doing black diamond jeep trails but we still have gone all over the country camping and hiking.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

There’s a lot of driving between points of interests. That 1.5 minute struggle on the first obstacle, didn’t phase me 😃. I’m thankful for the comfortable Honda. I’ve been on so many trails across my home state of California, and then Arizona, Nevada, Utah, Colorado that I’m starting to run of places that “I want to visit” (I don’t just want to go somewhere for the sake of going somewhere new). To the core, I love the outdoors. I like all sorts of outdoor activities, and quite honestly, I’d be so bored of just driving long distances on the highway and spending a long time behind the wheel on a trail. I need to stretch my feet, get on a hike, ride my snowboard and bike, paddle my kayak, and visit new national parks. If it was just going off-road, I’d be bored by now 😃.

[@dixy2k]

JT is awesome.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

I agree! After the first visit I thought I saw all that JT had to offer, but now that I've been here more than a dozen times, I'm discovering more and more. I'm looking foward to more hikes and finding more secrets.

[@dixy2k]

@@JonDZ_Adventuring Seeing the Milky Way at night is worth it by itself.

[@dkucharek]

Makes me miss wheeling my Outback. I have a JKU Wrangler now, and while it's far more capable, the Outback felt more engaging due to the added difficulty!

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

I used to drive a 2015 Forester XT. It probably would have squeezed through much of this trail because it’s slimmer track width. Subarus have made it through this trail, but there’s definitely risk for trail damage. The Honda has a rear LSD, good traction control and about twice the gearing as an older Outback. So my experience going from my Subaru to Honda is substantial, but not nearly as substantial as going from Subaru to Jeep. You went up several levels, and my observation is that a solid front axle Jeep is even leagues beyond something like a Toyota 4Runner.

[@trippinwithdumas1382]

Sweet. I'm modifying my cx30 trippin or the entire month of July, east and west kootenays forestry roads camping.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Well if you ever visit Joshua Tree, there’s a lot more than meets the eye. Lots of hidden points of interests. It’s a wonderful place to visit, but not in July. Fall, winter and spring are the best times.

[@trippinwithdumas1382]

@@JonDZ_Adventuring nice living man, I like it.

[@thekolbeez3636]

I've done the berdoo canyon entry into the park coming from Dillon rd. in Indio a few times on my dual sport. Super melo trail but there are a few spurs like you said off the main trail for something a little more challenging. But nothing super technical that I can recall. Can't say I've ever encountered folks camping on berdoo. But I usually run up berdoo, do a lap on geology tour road loop and head back down into Indio before dark.

[@LuisGonzalez-ot5cg]

How long does it take to go from dillion to joshua tree or 29 palms

[@RobbieHerrera]

Those lower control arms 🔥

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

I'm excited!!!

[@RobRoyRoadie]

Pretty sure Touaregs have had center diff locks since at least 2004 or possibly earlier, with the first decade or so a manual lock and later versions either electronic or Torsen. A locking rear diff was also available for years.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

First gen Touaregs and Porsche Cayennes were 4WD with option locking rear differentials. Not AWD 😃

[@computerguru70]

so it sounds like there is a make shift shooting range near by, thats good to know for practice

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Yes, BLM land and a lot of back stops in the canyon. Also, as you drive in, there’s a large flat target shooting area.

[@RandomGuy-qm3mg]

Another interesting video! Just curious if the GX rans with the center diff lock on the whole trail or just for obstacles? thanks

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Knowing my friend Jae, probably just for the obstacles

[@jkonquer3853]

Yeah, just on the first obstacle.

[@Sergiop4x]

The shift pod is a mansion!

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

It’s really big! It’s about 50% longer than Jae’s old Gazelle T8 though, so it maxes out the length of the roof platform. HAPPY BIRTHDAY BTW!!!

[@Sergiop4x]

@@JonDZ_Adventuring thank you 🤘🏻

[@Pennychaser1]

Enjoy your content! How many inch lift on the GX? I like how GX isn't all cut up and keeps the side step

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

He has a 2.5” lift

[@edgarandreasyan521]

Very nice, makes me wonder if my stock car can make it through that rock trail you guys went through. Awesome video ! 14:20 what if you went high left and out your driver tires on the rocks?

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

We drove through that first obstacle 14 months ago, but the flash flood completely covered it up. I wonder how the obstacle gets unearthed 🤔, maybe the wind blows the sand away? Off-road clubs dig it up? Anyways, the line I took made the most sense to me at the time. It looks like I had the front and rear driver tires and well as rear passenger caulked on rocks 🪨. High left may have worked.

[@darrylk808]

You're still not eating better. Pizza for breakfast? Get rid of that microwave. 😁

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

You're not wrong! Haha! My Sister gave those pizzas to me after our December snowboarding trip. I ate them all, and I won't be repurchasing.

[@LexusGX460-OFF-ROAD]

​@@JonDZ_Adventuringit OK... enjoy your life 🍕 ❤️

[@brohammer]

It’s also a cardinal sin to microwave pizza 😢

[@Sergiop4x]

First. Yay.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Haha! Awesome job!

[@vladimirvegaiii5470]

Any suggestions to make a 1st gen Chevy traverse awd more off-road worthy? The awd works really well in dirt, mud, snow.

[@mm8436]

Bro, how do you find all the time to go camping and overlanding lol

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Im a medical Xray tech that works 10 to 12 hour shifts, so I work 3 to 4 days a week. On this trip, I worked 6 days straight and had 7 days off while still working full time. The 9-5 M-F is a sucky schedule and I wish more Americans could move to a 4x10hour or 3x12hour schedule.

[@pennmikael]

looks like a long travel 4runner behind the white gx?

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Yes! Very wide stance. Those guys were from Long Beach, CA. Very cool dudes.

[@ltsalamence]

Do you have any exhaust mods done?

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Well, kind of. New Age Performance has been tweaking my suspension and added Bilstein rear shocks. He made the lift a bit taller and had to cut the exhaust so that the lower control arms don't hit it. My exhaust is more noisy under load, but it's quiet when cruising. There's also a little "after fire" when I stab the gas pedal and let off.

[@michaelrichard9201]

Is the gx460 lifted ?

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Yes it is. He has Kings suspension with reservoirs. I don't know the exact lift height, but I would imagine about 2.5"

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

@@LexusGX460-OFF-ROAD I believe it! We got a stock 1st gen Acura MDX through this trail. There was a very experienced driver behind the wheel though.

[@jkonquer3853]

Yes, about 2.5 inches. King extended with external adj. resi, dobinsons rear heavy springs with all the supporting mods.

[@jkonquer3853]

@@LexusGX460-OFF-ROADi saw your old JT videos, great info there.

[@LexusGX460-OFF-ROAD]

@@JonDZ_Adventuring kzbin.info/www/bejne/mZvJan5pn5eFnJo

[@yourchava]

how much is the lexus lifted?

[@notNaB2024]

Your vehicle with all the vast suspension modifications you have made still is no better than any current stock 4x4 vehicle, Tacoma, 4Runners, jeeps and whatnot. Why not just get one of these stock instead and have the 4x4 capabilities and not the current limitations?

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

These aren’t “vast” suspension modifications 🤣, you thinking that just reflects how much you know. That Lexus GX in this video has a suspension system is 2-3 times the cost. Also, those vehicles don’t have the passenger room / comfort and onroad handling and efficiency. I’ve made many videos about this topic, so check out the other videos.

[@notNaB2024]

@@JonDZ_Adventuring my apologies, I forget you are so knowledgeable.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

@@notNaB2024 no need to apologize, just takes a tiny bit more thought to understand why I drive what i drive. I use to drive a 2008 FJ cruiser and a 2015 Subaru Forester. The FJ cruiser didn’t meet my onroad expectations and the Subaru didn’t have enough off-road capability. Both those past vehicles are too small and too slow.

[@colt_walker]

@14:28 this is factually incorrect, while old and uncommon, the Audi 016 transmission used in 4000/4000s/quattro Turbo(80/90) type 81/85 from 1984-1987.5 did feature vacuum actuated center (and rear) sliding dog differential locks. They were later replaced with Torsen style differentials.

[@colt_walker]

m.awdwiki.com/images/th/m/audi-quattro-evolution-1-differentials-lock-button.jpg

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Do any of those center differentials truly mechanically lock the front and rear in rotation with no way to reach a limit and disconnect? If so, I stand corrected. It would be cool if there’s an AWD out there that has a center differential that operates like a G80 locker out of a Chevy truck

[@LexusGX460-OFF-ROAD]

he's practically correct, however... true center lockers were on the original Audis for a brief time... but they are all gone... even out here in SoCal they are nonexistent... in 2024 only Toyota has the true locking center diff/Tosen type C lockable center differential.

[@LexusGX460-OFF-ROAD]

​@JonDZ_Adventuring I honestly don't understand why modern awd can't have true center lockers OTHER THAN manufactures wanting to avoid user-error

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

@@LexusGX460-OFF-ROAD thanks for clearing that up! And if that audi really had that, I guess it’d 4WD with no low gear transfer case. The reason I mentioned that “NO AWD” had a locking center differential is because there’s vehicles like the rav4, Toyotas Highlander and KIA/Hyundai vehicles with the “center diff lock”, but it only means that the center couple is set to engaged to provide power to the rear in vehicles that need front wheel slip detection before that coupler is activated 🤣