My Son & I Travel Deep Off the Grid - Bradshaw Trail

[@TrailRecon]

Thanks for everyones recommendations about what could possibly be the source of my sons Tacomas burning smell. We have spent the last few days trying to figure it out with no luck. And of course when we are now out driving on the road the smell is gone. If we find the culprit, we'll be sure to follow up. Safe travels everyone!

[@johnnykoba_on_the_road]

It can be so tricky!! I say run it until you meet your deductible! Then he can get a JEEP

[@Stuka87]

What ended up causing the flat? Was it just a slice from a rock, or random piece of metal or something?

[@joedicso6503]

What shape are the taco's shocks in? The very first thing that came to my mind about the burning smell was a shock overheating. Aging or inferior quality shocks will overheat on extended rough roads especially at speed over rougher terrain and then be fine back on asphalt. Could be your mystery problem.

[@jfunkist]

What about your front diff fluid? Often goes overlooked….

[@dogmanXR600]

when i get my raptor hot from offroading in 4wd it makes a smell but otherwise never does it in normal conditions i think its a front diff thing or heat from the engine thing

[@billwallace7531]

My dad loved the desert. I miss him and the amazing travels we had 4 wheeling. So I'm a little jealous of the journey you and your son are starting.

[@ryanaustin2617]

I carried an impact wrench with plenty of batteries just in case the lug nuts are too tight. I also have a long, light weight aluminum pipe to get some leverage if the wrench fails. So far, the wrench is doing fine.

[@Suen]

Not 100% sure with the Tacoma, but with the Toyota Prado, you’ll have to press and hold the Traction Control button until you get 2 indicator lights for it to completely turn off. We love your videos! ❤

[@americonoffroadadventures8132]

Good trip with son. Always lessons to learn. Plug kit, colby valves, 4 way or breaker and if room an impact are a must. Just encase. Thanks

[@coryfrandsen2421]

The time lapse of the sunset 👌

[@CaptainKirk17012]

Was wondering why Jordan didn’t go with the Ford Bronco?? I thought I heard him say he quite liked it when you had yours. Fun stuff, really enjoy your trips and family. Thank you.

[@desmondgarcia8630]

Cant wait to see how my 2019 Tacoma does on some trails like these. I have to change stock tires an wheels first and a front lift for starters then i should be ready!

[@sandralutz-rodriguez2864]

what a rad adventure and outing for you both! Bummer about the suspicious smell. hopefully you can sort it out ASAP and it is not too bad. the sceneries and that sunset were amazing!

[@TrailRecon]

Thanks! Truly, that sunset was one for the ages!

[@BucksMom218]

This is such a beautiful place! Thanks for sharing! Hope Jordan finds the answer to the odor… looking forward to seeing what is next! 🥾🥾🥰

[@aikidragonpiper71]

Awesome video. Have y’all ever went overlanding in Arkansas. It’s a beautiful and often overlooked state.

[@JohnLloydPhoto]

I had a burning smell on my 2011 Tacoma kinda like that and the front main seal(crank seal) was seeping down the front of the engine block a little bit. Longer trips or driving harder would trigger the burning smell. You'd never see dripping oil cuz desert dust would help it cling to the engine and frame. It's an easy fix and you can replace the harmonic balancer while you're at it!

[@TrailRecon]

Will have to look a little closure, thank you for that!

[@J.Young808]

That’s why I bought a Garmin Overlander as it’s satellite based and not reliant on cell signal.

[@TrailRecon]

I'm seriously considering something similar....

[@jsang9601]

who else wants to see sync'd side by side screen edits instead for when brad's on the radio with other vehicles

[@edgarsarmiento5448]

Can you do a video on how you set the cyclones up as chase lights? Trying to do the same thing but having a hard time figuring out how to clearly run the wiring.

[@TrailRecon]

Its a bit of a Jerry Rigging honestly....

[@clubdinousa8700]

At time stamp 3:54 you can see that the 392 is displayed in 4-Part Time. I hadn't figured out when I would use it. Isn't that a stop gap to engaging lockers? I've wondered when I would want to lock the prop shafts but not the axles.

[@traviseggl3794]

Reminds me of training at NTC.

[@J.Young808]

Brad and his percolated coffee. 😊😂

[@Devastator123]

You need a better Jack system

[@max7143]

That Tacoma needs Won Tons and 4D’s. Welcome to the dark side!

[@TheWilliambinder]

Hopefully that tire was repairable!

[@timm6438]

Step on the tire iron for extra force. Your legs are stronger than your arms.

[@willienillie6337]

What caused the flat on the jeep?

[@TrailRecon]

Appeared to just be a side wall hit from those jagged rocks, which can happen when you're off-roading as much as we are. I've got a lot of off-road miles on this set, so its probably time for some new ones.

[@DirtLifestyle]

Looks like a great father son adventure 🙌

[@TrailRecon]

Appreciate it buddy! Love seeing you and your son out there as well!

[@samvigil9835]

I appreciate that you show the difficulties of overlanding and camping. And I'll probably take my wife and dogs out there sometime too. Great videos, I watch faithfully and take a lot of inspiration from your travels!

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you! I think it's important to show that things don't always go perfect, but that doesn't mean you can't still have an amazing time.

[@GoneBroke]

Brad this Jeep and Taco episode with your son was great and definitely will be a good memory. Will be nice to see further episodes of your son Jordan's Taco build. One day I hope to travel out that way from here in Alberta, Canada.

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you! More adventures to come and hope you are able to make it down here, you'll love it!

[@hodad200]

Wait the gadget king doesn’t travel with an electric impact? And relies on a scissor jack?

[@kg0311]

Mechanical reliance

[@yuzeyang8847]

Haha, trail is too easy, I wouldn't carry impact as well

[@sdericmonty]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@oscar.paz93]

I think brad puts a big emphasis on size & weight. Much less space needed to carry a lug wrench rather than a cordless impact.

[@91Bronco]

Lmao. I was thinking the same thing. But probably wasn't expecting much going out on this easy trail!

[@jimmyj5099]

That's so cool Jordan was able to go out with you in a stock taco 🌮👍. Goes to show you that if you want to get into overlanding just use the vehicle you have. Great father and son video.

[@TrailRecon]

Thanks! Exactly, you don't need a crazy built vehicle or a ton of gear to get out there.

[@suesunder]

Thanks for keeping it real! We appreciate seeing the challenges and the successes! Mapping/navigation has been one of our biggest challenges!

[@TrailRecon]

I think it's important to share when things don't go perfect. It's all about attitude, embracing the challenge and having an awesome time.

[@robert5712]

I have a Jeep and my son has a Tacoma. We also travel into the outback. As Brad knows having your son as a partner in adventure is an ultimate privilege. Great video that we very much enjoy and keep them coming.

[@TrailRecon]

Absolutely blessed that my sons still want to come out with me.

[@markw365]

Add that milwaukee M18 impact to your trail gear, or get an 18 or 24" breaker bar and the right socket for the jeep. Or better yet a set of flip sockets and breaker bar.

[@jeffmuth6504]

I have had over 10 flat tires from small gravels over the years, so to lessen that from happening as often I started running the tires with the most plys. Looked like a great place to explore!

[@jimotten6206]

Carry an electric portable impact gun with you, it makes tire changes on the trail easy

[@robthompson6991]

One of the main reasons I have a breaker bar in all my vehicles, even the sedan. Dealerships, and even me, over torque with the impact gun. Great stuff and excellent vids.

[@JustinKingOffroad]

took my 22 bronco out for its first trail ride this last weekend. the newness that burns off these things is impressive. i suppose running around in 4 low really works things. obviously the tacoma isn't brand new, but i know the smell game. it sucks!!

[@andydurner5174]

I cant wait to see the Taco build. I bought my first Jeep tj after watching your channel and it has it's purpose but in the dust, the soft top is awful...I love my 2012 tacoma...keep up the good work and thank you both for your service to this great country .. every thing I know day to day is a result of my father's impact ..good work Gents

[@obeyydexx4213]

Amazing sunset! Try looking into the DJI drones. Pretty adorable amazing quality. Got mine today and it works perfect. Awesome Video!

[@LaddGardner4]

Jordan's a great guy, a chip off the old block. Sunset was stupefying, and the chow looked great. First time I've seen KM3s fail on the trail. Great work, Brad, although I wish I'd been there to help with my Safe Jack Sarge bottle jack and a cordless DeWalk impact wrench. Love to the whole family.

[@johnathanargueta1354]

Tacoma owner and gazelle tent owner here! Really nice setup, good choice👍🏼

[@joapps8135]

I carry a 4-5 ft long metal pipe (about 1" dia.) in the back... insert handle of socket wrench on one end and then easily utilize leverage to loosen those lug nuts

[@joapps8135]

and it doubles as a weapon :D

[@theeddorian]

And there is the aspect of my Tacoma that I miss the most driving my JKU, the tail gate. The tail gate is useful even in the driveway when a neighbor wanders by and you want a quick place to sit.

[@bluesagebrett]

I have 5 different gps, I still carry the paper maps

[@TrailRecon]

Paper maps are great, I was just disappointed all the work I put into marking a bunch of waypoints weren't transferred over.

[@edbittner480]

Did you feel the wheel and wheel hubs for excessive heat? It could be the brake calipers are not fully retracting causing the rotors to get hot. It’s not that uncommon for the brake calipers to do this.

[@TrailRecon]

At the time we didn't think of brakes, but something we are now going to keep an eye on. Thanks!

[@trailrunnah8886]

Good call! I had that issue with my forerunner after driving in the mountains, I stopped and let the brakes cool, and luckily it never occurred again. I've since replaced the pads and rotors, as well as the caliper on that side. Taco has rear drums though, so it could be a little different. Maybe they were just out of adjustment and slightly dragging.

[@edbittner480]

@@trailrunnah8886 I suspect it is the front left caliper. I’ve had it happen on many different vehicles through the years. You usually have to either rebuild the caliper or just buy a rebuilt or new one. Sometimes you can just re-grease the guide pins after cleaning them. It will be interesting to see if Brad and his son isolate the problem.

[@reyflores4606]

My 2nd Gen Tacoma had an 18 gallon fuel tank. That was one of the few thing I didn't like about it. My 3rd gen has a bigger tank but a smaller engine. I'd take your engine and trans combo over my newer one.

[@trailrunnah8886]

Nice thing about having a pickup is at. It's not too difficult to throw a couple extra 5 gallon cans in the bed. I wish it was that easy with my 4Runner.

[@ajfarson]

You guys gotta come up to Reno in September and join us for our "Overland Legacy: Black Rock Desert" trip. It is about 185 all offroad miles over four days. We hit the beautiful and green highlands, Soldier Meadow hot springs, drive "mad max" style across the playa, and hit the Applegate/Lassen trail toward the end of the trip and travel through High Rock Canyon. Let me know if you are interested and I'll send you info.

[@TrailRecon]

Sounds like my kind of trip, I'll have to look into that a little more. If you have a url link, would enjoy checking it out.

[@J.Young808]

Which do you like better, Gazelle or Shift Pod?

[@TrailRecon]

I like the shift pod best, but both solid tents.

[@TLOverlander]

They always use the least skilled, dumbest tech, newbie apprentice to do wheels and tires. He obviously impacted the SH*T outta those lugs. I'd be making a call to that dealer..... 😔🤡😡

[@michaelgroeger1749]

Hey Brad, let Jordan know that if he holds the traction control button down for 5 seconds, it will turn it off. Even over 30 mph. Hope you figure out where the smell is coming from 🤞

[@TrailRecon]

Good knowledge, thank you!

[@andysolorzano4126]

Great father/son adventure, even with the challenges. Hoping to get my grandsons and sons in law out there for at least an overnighter! Thanks for the videos and inspiration.

[@TrailRecon]

Challenges just make the adventure more memorable sometimes. Hope you guys are able to get out there while the weather is nice!

[@marklundeen1025]

Love watching your adventures. Need to see a marlin crawler lift on that toyota.

[@Wolf4wdadventures.576]

Awesome desert scenery, that sunset at camp with salmon Burger's for dinner, that's what camping is all about... Pity about the flat tyre. But more importantly the odd smell of smoke in the Tacoma is a bit concerning...hope you find out what that was.👍🇦🇺🚙

[@explore_off_road]

It'll be interesting to see where Jordan goes with this. I may be a Jeep guy, but I dig seeing what folks do to their rigs, no matter what make it is ... or what they do. It's your rig do what you want, not what comments say... even if they don't like it.

[@gremlinoff-road8203]

I always carry a battery powered Impact wrench on trips for my tires and Skid plates. Saves time and energy.

[@backwoodstherapy]

I got some Ryobi electric tools and it's great. An electric wrench for taking off sway bar links, electric air pump for airing back up, electric chainsaw for small trees that fall across the path. All run off the same battery. Bring a couple spare batteries and a charger to plug into the power outlet and you're golden.

[@harrynelson9203]

Maybe the smell is just hot sand caught up near the exhaust manifold and is coming through the air vents/air filter, it looked very dusty when you popped the hood, if it was electric believe me, your son wouldn’t be driving his truck back home ❤️🇬🇧

[@Wklambert]

Impact guns on lug nuts are bad. Especially when the tech doesn't know how to NOT hammer the things on. I had that happen once, and it broke my lug wrench. I went off on the shop when I finally got it fixed. From now on, I specifically request that they do NOT use impact to tighten my lugs. Secondly, on my 2015 Tacoma, the oil filter is on the top of the motor. There is almost no way of preventing some spillage when changing oil filters. One trick I have been doing, I take a nail and pop a hole in the top of the filter. That way, when it drains, it gets the oil out of the filter too.

[@soaringbob]

Next time you guys and gals pass through Banning on the I-10, stop by the Gilman Ranch Museum for a looksee. There is still a remnant of the original Bradshaw Trail on the property, as this was one of the stage stops along the trail. Museum hours seem to be hit or miss, but Saturdays seem to be the best time to find them open. I'm sure they can fix you up with books and info about the Bradshaw Trail!

[@cjleon1104]

Wow, that time lapse sunset was neat to see, I'm sure more impressive in person. Keep the adventures coming Brad!

[@TrailRecon]

It was! The cameras never do it justice.

[@realitytunnel]

Burning smells you can't trace back are a real bummer. If it's not electrical, could be an exhaust part, or something dripping onto a hot exhaust, or maybe a brake binding or a friction lining of some kind? Lastly the actual cabin heater could be reaching the end of its life? Whatever the case, you guys have to get back out there, it was such a cool place to camp! Loved this adventure, despite the small issues you had!

[@peten6445]

Knock on wood but I never had issues on my Fj’s or gx460. But one day I want to buy a jeep. Cross my fingers on the cyber truck.😂

[@TravisFanning]

Hey Brad! What rear amber lights do you have mounted? Thanks!

[@mfcmm47]

When changing tires, I like to use the breaker bar the other way so I’m pulling up on it. You can put way more power into it, instead of bouncing your body weight on it. I was nervous watching thinking you might hit your knuckles into the ground… Anyway, thanks for sharing your adventures!

[@Malc664]

Yeah the torquing of wheel nuts is a big issue and started a big conversation on Mad Matts's channel. Never trust a tyre fitting workshop and check your own vehicle, know your own vehicle especially in the outback

[@jeffmorris739]

the problem with all of these GPS software programs is you have to manually download the map, waypoint, tracks, and routes. It needs to be simplified. I had the same thing happen to me last weekend in the Cherokee National Forrest. The only way I know to do it safely is after downloading what you think you need, put the phone in airplane mode and turn off the wifi. Check it again. If it's there then you are golden and if not back to downloading. I don't like this. It has bit me more than a few times.

[@kebob2150]

Another great video, Brad. This one makes me miss the trips on the trail with my son. I experienced an unknown smell on one trip that turned out to be the alternator overcharging the battery and a frying the computer. Hope you find the source of the burning smell soon. Happy trails!

[@scottymac5174]

4WD Tacomas come stock with BFG tires, but a lesser grade than the true BFG All Terrains/Mud Terrains.

[@royfreitas7583]

These are definitely my favorite videos you do! Bummer about the Tacoma, sure you’ll get it figured out. Look forward to the next time you go out there again.

[@henrikhkarpynskyi8712]

When I had problem with burning smell on my JK it end up being break calipers, one of them was getting stuck from time to time. Didnt figure it out untill it started smoking at some point :(

[@coltin4803]

Goat milk is amazing as crazy as it sounds its far easier on the digestive track but that trip looks absolutely amazing! Definitely a bit of ASMR with that sunset

[@cristiancastrillon3035]

Comgratulation... Hooha !🇺🇸🥇1️⃣🔥👍🤝💪🤜🤛👍

[@kevinhamer2230]

What was the large storage box in the back of Jordans Tacoma? That looks like a good fit for the back of any overlanding pickup.

[@AmboyChamblis]

Ive ran this trail many times, solo & small groups. When solo i never do this run in the summer heat🥵, just to play it safe. Fun trail to run to the river. Lots of side trails to explore are amazing.

[@classicrocker81]

Hit the nail right on head Brad! 2nd gen Tacomas are indeed a 21 gallon tank from factory! Looks like a fun trip!

[@paulvalenzuela5847]

Brad this was great. I literally said to myself. I can't wait to do this with my son. Keep us tuned on the suspected Tacoma smoke.

[@buddyknotts4553]

Awesome Father - Son time together. Thank You for sharing with us. So Blessed..

[@chuckmerkins1631]

As much as you go, I'm surprised you don't have better tools, jacks, impact wrench...with 512K subscribers I'm sure there's lots of sponsors that will jump on board...

[@TrailRecon]

That's fare. I realized I have tool in one Jeep and not the other on this trip.... I'm working on duplicating things.

[@LRD90]

Sorry you had to cut your trip short, hope it’s nothing serious, great video with some beautiful shots. It’s great to see you both out on the trail again (father son beautiful).

[@richardpedersen9189]

Looks like "re-wire time" to me. Get rid of that crap you don't know anything about 🤣

[@andresg9241]

Dude idk what’s with jeep but they always over torque the tires. I’ve had to break two lugs after the dealer touched them

[@steve-wu7jp]

Good video, i would never hang out with my father so consider yourself lucky to have a good relationship

[@mejkkg]

I'm out here in Utah camping in the snow with no breakfast and that burrito looks amazing!

[@TrailRecon]

Stay warm!

[@mainebumpkin1795]

What an incredible sunset and evening. Having just spent a very cold and windy night on Mojave Rd (Thanksgiving) I can honestly say I was a bit envious 😉What happened with the flat, sidewall cut?

[@TrailRecon]

Ya, those tires have a lot of hard off road miles on them, one of those jagged rocks got a bite out of the sidewall. Just apart of adventure

[@wheel1775]

I kept thinking a Goose Gear seat delete with a RedVision power manager and fridge would be perfect for the back of your sons Tacoma. Especially now since RedArc has a smaller 10 AMP power manager control box.

[@TrailRecon]

The Goose Gear setup as really helped to make my storage system more organized. I'm interested in the new Redarc box.

[@NightFall_Rubicon]

all that gear and you don't have an upgraded kit for changing a tire!? C'mon TR!! lol

[@rileymckenna369]

Happy you and Jordan can wheel together again! Excited for him and his build!

[@leocaballero6984]

Jordan what muffler are you running. I too have a 2015 with many gadgets

[@toniperez5406]

We hung a flag on that pole on the tracks a few months back and walked across from one end to another, wonder if that’s the same flag?

[@GATORADDAM]

Now that ain't right.... A Jeep and a Toyota hit the trail and the Toyota is the one with an issue? Oh the shame! Lol. Great video! Jordan is a great addition to the adventures! Can't wait for the Tacoma build.

[@trailrunnah8886]

They're not perfect, haha. Some buddies of mine went out on a trail ride with a couple Toyotas and some Land Rovers, it was one of the Toyotas that broke. Busted CV axle, not uncommon.

[@bwofficial1776]

When TrailRecon posts a new video, I hit like before I hit play because I know it's worth it. I wasn't wrong. I wish we had land and trails like this out East. Looking forward to see the Tacoma build come together. If you ever want to try something different, try getting a Subaru and building it into a light overlander. They're more capable than you'd expect and could handle roads like these with a slight lift and skid plates. People have even done light rock crawling in them. There's a good aftermarket for off-road parts. It could be a fun budget build, just don't get one with a CVT or head gasket issues.

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you so much! I've seen some nicely built Subaru's out there.

[@hillrunner2]

Great footage of vehicles and the landscape of the desert, and also great advice on traveling and condition of environment.

[@ElCOMPAEDDIE]

I live right here where u guys went in north shore would be great take a pic with you guys

[@BlackShadow233]

Can you make a video where to place the scissor jack for the jeep wrangler thanks

[@joshuatyson3497]

I have the exact same Methods Racing wheels on an all white JLUR, love the color

[@DavidPascoe-pw2ov]

Patton's WW2 training ground was between this trail and Joshua Tree. Trails are through those hills to the north and very scenic and interesting. There is a museum up there on the highway as well.. The trail from there down to the Bradshaw was quite worthwhile.

[@soaringbob]

This area was actually just a small part of the world's largest (in history) land based military training center during WWII. Early in the war General Patton became the first commander of what is called the Desert Training Center, which stretched from the outskirts of Los Angeles and east past Bouse, Arizona, and from the Mexican border on up to southern Nevada. My dad was at Blythe, CA for a little training with his bomber wing before heading across the pond to help Hitler change his bad judgement!

[@autotek7930]

My son is gonna be 3 in July. He's already been enjoying the trail with just me and him going out, he looks out the window and loves every bit of it. Even when we're off camber or going up a step hill he laughs and tells me go faster, i got an xj thinking it would be more comfy for him. Can't wait to take him camping for a week

[@TrailRecon]

Those are the memories that you'll be smiling at for the rest of your life. Enjoy your time with you boy, they grow fast!

[@johnjoseph911]

Great film. You know you have a good life when your kids still want to take a break with you! Brad all the best from the UK.

[@TrailRecon]

100%!

[@sinoble]

Great trip! So fortunate to have your kids enjoy activities that you do.

[@ramoneortiz]

Great video as always Brad. You are a great storyteller. Too bad you had to cut it short because of the mysterious smell coming from the Tacoma and the flat tire. Good to see that all turned out fine in the end. Can't wait for the next adventure.

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you! We'll be back out there again soon!

[@richardbelcher4836]

I just found your channel yesterday and love watching the adventures. What is an economical way to get into overloading, vehicles etc??

[@TrailRecon]

Welcome aboard! You don't need much to get started, a dependable 4x4, some basic camping gear and the adventure spirit.

[@overlandready]

Re the wheel nuts, whatever the gun is set at max, Moan at them and get them to retorque with a torque wrench before you leave the dealership, also worth telling them that if you have to call recovery, they are paying as they will be the recovery... It works.

[@overlandready]

Oh, fresh Goat's milk is no real difference to Cow's milk, after a few days it gets a fairly strong flavour, some people don't like it. Goat's milk is best straight out of the Goat and cooled, then milkshakes or in the tea or coffee is great. I would actually pick Goats over Cow's milk if there was a choice. :-)

[@nativetexson]

You guys had a great weekend despite the issues with the Toyota and the flat tire. Did you find out what was causing the burning odor?

[@TrailRecon]

Thanks! Still investigating