Out of Gas and Turning Back on the Pony Express Trail

[@JustinBMcBride]

Tell me about an adventure that beat you!

[@OverlandUnderBudget]

Funyn actaully i headed out to meet up with Ken in utah as well and burnt up my transmission! haha new trans is installed and im ready to try it again.. sounds like i need to try this pony express thing out!

[@asaleemeadows]

Trip out to Moab, on trail and my TPMS (fuse box) shorted out. Jeep was in limp mode and couldn’t start it without a jump start. Having to limp up a razorback ridge with steep drop offs on each side really put a damper on the trip :(

[@NorthBoundExpeditions]

“Almost impassible?!” Sorry but that cracked me up... check my video called Trail From Hell. That one almost beat me. You’ll see where I’m coming from lol. Would definitely like to take this one on some day.

[@brucesinclair9628]

@@NorthBoundExpeditions Would be fun to get a bunch Canadians down there to run that trail, but does look like we would be picking dust out of out "jeep parts" for months after though... LOL

[@NorthBoundExpeditions]

@@brucesinclair9628 yeah that would be an awesome trip. Dusty for sure. Still I would pick dust over mud any day!

[@freereveller3099]

When you learn that adventures are not about reaching your goals or being all prepped, but how to mentally deal with unexpected situations and keep a positive outlook no matter the problem. Thanks for sharing the reality of adventuring Justin. Been there too when driving India for a year on a motorcycle.

[@JevenDovey]

Crazy how different the trail was from this trip to the one we just finished. Different challenges for sure! Glad you called me up to try this one a 2nd time.

[@JustinBMcBride]

For real man! Definitely a night and day difference!

[@WolfPacOutdoors]

@@JustinBMcBride Mid May or June I'll be setting off at my second attempt of the Pony Express, and creating an Adventure Documentary which will showcase my adventures across 3 National Historic Trails. I'd love to have you meet up with me for some trail time. I sent you an email about it.

[@osielalvarado1921]

Once you accept they’re just scratches you’ll enjoy yourself more

[@LukeHopkin]

Gave up worrying about scratches 20 years ago.

[@paulscarlett2028]

I took my Jeep JKUR down a wild track with just 2500km on it, I didn’t want to scratch it up, but did. we buy these rigs to get out and enjoy life not to keep them hermitically sealed. Get out, enjoy, and show off the scars as trophies and great memories.

[@rothandre6497]

The first scratch is always the most painful.

[@markcarpenter3600]

I can't stress how important it is to really know your vehicle. A few short trips before undertaking such a large trip would have allowed you to get to know your vehicle and work out the kinks. everything must be tested and tested regularly, even the most mundane task like refueling your vehicle. A new suspension may need to be re-torqued several times, I was horrified to think you were going to start on such a long desolate trip with a new untested suspension. AJ's fuel situation, that's a serious lack planning! You should know all fuel points along your route even ones that are off of your route. You need to know what your worst case rate of burn is and plan for that! In the west you can easily drive yourself out of range of a fuel. If you know you have a fuel problem its time to stop and reassess the situation, especially once you approach half of your available fuel! In the United States and most of the world except Australia, diesel isn't the best choice for an overland vehicle, unless you can hold a large amount of fuel. Diesel can be hard to come by in remote locations of the western United States. If you take modern diesel to third world countries 'Ultra low sulfur diesel' may be impossible to obtain, this will rapidly clog your particulate filter. These roads put a lot of stress on vehicles and parts will break, that's why your carrying the tools that are specific to your vehicle. Doing your own work on your vehicle goes along way in obtaining the knowledge needed to make repairs and knowing what tools are necessary and NOT necessary. Weight can be saved by not duplicating tools between vehicles. Pin-striping, dust, sharp rocks, dirt, silt, mud, clay, sand, wind, sun, rain, light snow, dust storms that may cause sand-blasting are part of the fun, enjoy it!

[@Scottie_Do]

The drone shot with you plowing through the soot looked deft, I appreciate that. thank you

[@JustinBMcBride]

Right? I love that shot.

[@cdnjeepoverland]

That was painful watching AJ try to fill his tank. We’ve all been there at some point, but a good reminder to test everything out and know your mileage before heading out to the middle of nowhere. Stressful! Thanks for sharing Justin.

[@JustinBMcBride]

Thanks for watching and I agree with you! Life lessons are often learned through trial alone.

[@asaleemeadows]

Yeah what was his mileage with the diesel in those conditions? Figure he had 22 gallons with a full tank + 4 roto. What was the total miles you guys went?

[@eliteinventor]

I think we all got to see a piece of history , thanks for making the adventure .

[@JustinBMcBride]

Thanks for watching.

[@1111Overland]

Our family loved watching this together, such great cinematography! I know exactly what you mean by stress driving. Add to that the concern about running out of fuel and it almost blocks you from enjoying the scenery around you. One suggestion for your videos, especially as you do long trips like this: keep showing us those map shots. We love seeing where you are as you go along. Keep up the great work, we love the channel!

[@tadjohnston4883]

I was on the Pony Express trail twice last summer also. And both time my truck broke down and of course 2 hours one way to parts store. So I feel your pain.

[@JustinBMcBride]

I swear that trail has a curse on it.

[@asaleemeadows]

The shot you got with the horses was beautiful. Seriously if couldn’t tell if that was a Ford Mustang or Bronco commercial. Great quality!

[@JustinBMcBride]

If ever a Bronco ends up in my garage, I’ll definitely be doing this trail again.

[@HoglundOverland]

Man seeing your video let’s me relive the trail all over again. The views along that trail are simply amazing. A bit of a bummer to get that far and not be able to finish the trail but I’m glad you were able to go back and do it again. Definitely looking forward to next weeks video. The landscape looks amazing in the winter.

[@JustinBMcBride]

Oddly enough it’s better to tackle in the cold, I think we got lucky with a light snow year. I’m excited for nest week’s episode too!

[@cameronknudson8746]

We did the Pony Express in October as well but we started in Virginia City, Nv and went to SLC. The silt beds were crazy but the whole trip was awesome! We used the route you did for Ken and Mateo as a starting point in planning our route. Love watching your videos! Can't wait to see your January trip across the desert!

[@rocklander.project]

Great video Justin! Some of these comments have me rolling though. it’s your trip on your birthday with your friend and if things get frustrating, filthy and tiring and you want to head home and re group that’s your right.. Some of these people are acting like they didn’t get their mail because you didn’t finish the trail🤣

[@johnnyrocker73]

Cool video. Can’t wait to see part 2. You met my dad at Smith Creek Ranch so I’m hoping you’re going to include some video of the Pony Express Station he restored. He was pretty impressed with your journey.

[@dustanner]

Justin, this is how is goes! Thanks so much for this honest representation!

[@christurner68]

A lot of complaining there buddy....... this the lifestyle when you chose to get off the beaten track😉

[@sentineloffreedom]

Was thinking the same exact thing...

[@KDNels]

That's tough. I hate it when you get into one of those situations, it leaves a feeling of incompleteness. Glad you continued your pursuit and look forward to seeing the "winter" edition!

[@jaredinark]

Thanks for sharing, glad to be able to learn from others lessons. Excited to see the trip with Jeven, have been following him for a while now!

[@sdrichm1737]

Man, I feel for you. Great video though, it shows that not all adventures turn out perfect. My wife and I had the same experience this summer when we attempted the Shadow of the Rockies trail in Colorado. Everything that could go wrong, went wrong along with my wife getting horribly sick and we finally called it quits vowing that we’d be back.

[@JustinBMcBride]

It’s been nice to hear that others experience the same stuff. I’ve put off publishing this because of the failure of the trip, but I’m happy to see it’s relatable.

[@jamesdbrot]

This is such a huge accomplishment to get this far! Don’t feel bad about having to abandon. Always awesome content!!!

[@shawnlindsey_]

It was still really epic, thanks for documenting it. It’s great to watch prior to doing this trail. Great content as always!

[@Vincent-gt3gx]

Interesting Trip, I am from Canada and with my Jeep Wrangler JT I went from Toronto to Vancouver then up to Alaska it took 4 weeks to do the trip and I did not carry half the stuff you did. A lot of the driving was down gravel roads and a few trails but it was nothing to write home about. You should do more small trips first since you are having so many small troubles that are getting you down then advance up to the more longer trips once you figure out what you need and what you do not. Last of all every detail counts even doing an oil change. On my trip I did 4 oil changes on the road, meaning I did them myself such as in parking lots and along the side of the road. So all details are important and they can snowball into larger problems. So Good Luck with your travels.

[@eddie1v]

Learn to love the suck indeed! Good on you for showing the positives and the negatives

[@JustinBMcBride]

Just keeping it as real as I can. Not every trip is a success.

[@paulahre382]

Great Documentary!!! I'll plan this trip after I move out of California and install the auxiliary fuel tank. Too many restrictions on the west coast... Ok, who makes the double pocket button down shirt you're wearing? Love your channel! Take care JBM.

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

Sorry it did not work out as planned. We get that silty ultra fine dust here in Colorado too end of the summer. Would love to hear how both Jeeps faired regarding the air filters since you guys don’t have raised air intakes.

[@BackroadExploration]

Awesome video! After doing the Utah portion a few years ago I’ve been dying to do the rest. Excited to see the second attempt.

[@AnthonyRaynor]

Thank you for sharing and love your video with @JevenDovey

[@BrandonCooper1]

Well, that sucks overall. But I have to say you showed a lot of honest insight here. You were frank about what didn't work, and it seems as though you learned a lot. I wish you the best of luck in all your future endeavors.

[@DangerousDaveKincaid]

I think you made a good call. I know how bad that silt is raced Vegas to Reno several times one time in silt hit a stuck truck taking us out of the race and sending me on a helicopter ride back to Vegas. Now I have my Jeep love the slower pace. Would love to do this trail sometime. Dave...

[@bryathlon]

So awesome to see you make a tough choice like that to stay safe and even more awesome to see you come back to the trail again later with more knowledgenand different conditions. That is a staple is mountain climbing but less common in offroading. P.S. I am not a camera guy but your footage makes me want to learn more. Awesome work.

[@toddgirard391]

I love the shots and what a great video

[@AggiePhil]

A Jeep didn’t make it all the way?? Tell me it ain’t so! 😂😂😂In all honesty though man, props to you for uploading this. Shit happens but there's always another trip and another day.

[@ajsap8160]

Medano trail here in Colorado. It's by the Great Sand Dunes, drove about a mile into it and the sand got super deep. Sank to the frame (didn't air down), alone, mosquitoes, getting dark, and zero supplies other than some water and a sandwich. My Jeep is 2011 JKU manual and I was burning the clutch trying to drive out, so I ended up digging a trench by hand all the way to the hard packed sand, threw it in reverse. Finally I was out and decided to just drive back home, i'll be revisiting it here soon though now that I'm a bit more experienced and my jeep has grown up a little. I thought I could check it out a bit and see if I could find some camping sites and turn around, but hey now I know haha

[@wvoutdoorsman5326]

Love some of your drone shots. I see you picked up a rock chip on your windshield. We got one in Phoenix last year on our cross country trip. We had ours repaired for now. Waiting on the next chip and then gorilla glass most likely. Enjoyed the adventure 😊👍 0lllllll0

[@darksideemt]

Man I feel bummed for you guys. You stayed safe and that is the main thing and didn't get stranded out there on the trail.

[@BULLION79317]

Pony Expess trail is awesome , havent been in years gonna do it in 2021 !

[@JesseRizo]

Badass dude

[@EnjoyFirefighting]

12:30 driving a trail in these conditions, and having the experience with both the Wrangler and Bronco now, which one would you rather recommend as perfect balance between daily ride, comfortable for long distance road trip (on road) and offroad / trail capable? I want to get away from my current SUV with rooftop tent. It has rather good offroad capabilities for only being a SUV, but I wouldn't dare to take it on a trail like that. Dirt roads, fields paths and forest roads is about as much offroad I'd put the SUV into

[@87toyhighlux]

Looking forward to the next video where you completed the trip. Hope it’s out soon

[@JustinBMcBride]

Ran into a few editing snags! But pushing to drop it in the next few days.... #adobeissues

[@HoglundOverland]

@@JustinBMcBride bummer ... been checking back too hoping to find it up.

[@RodrigoGarciactg]

Loved the video! Came from jevons video

[@seange4089]

Wow Justine awesome video Great front Jeep driving drone shots Very cool

[@asadulmakki1]

[@joshnasche5495]

You should think about getting the titan trail trekkers for the wanglers it holds 12 gallons of fuel. Can't wait to see more 😁👍

[@JustinBMcBride]

I have the Long Range America Auxiliary fuel tank that adds 17 Gallons. It was AJ who ran out fuel, he has the Diesel JL. At the time of the trip there was no option for extended tanks on his Jeep. Just fuel cans.

[@JSJensen]

What was your longest section with no fuel? How much fuel was carried/needed?

[@hikerstl]

Some things sound like fun, but aren't. I remember some backpacking trips that ended in a steady cold rain and we came out early. That dust was absolutely terrible and would have spooked me out. I wonder if that dust was volcanic ash. I have hiked in some places that had soft volcanic ash like that.

[@terraltyler1622]

What was your fuel distance you were trying to cover on one fuel stop?

[@WilliamAlvarez86]

I have onx offroad and i cant wait for the trail to be on there.

[@andrewfoto]

What kind of MPG and range do those jeeps get? That silt is nasty stuff, when I'm out that way (on the long flat stretches) we usually space out 2-4 miles apart.Even then sometimes you hit a really deep hole of that stuff and it covers the bonnet and windshield for instant zero visibility. Also blowout the air filter daily or when you air up on a trip like that.

[@hikesbikesbrews]

So I watched TacomaBeast's video on this trail and now yours and I assume you have too. While theirs was nicely produced/edited, it seemed overly dramatic and theatrical like in a fake sense. I enjoyed your more direct, straightforward view. Everything on that other video, which I know you were supposed to be a part of, made it seem like a life or death decision/scenario "o if we didn't have this gear, i don't know how we would manage" but again, yours seemed genuine. Excited to watch the second trip on this trail soon

[@marcosuozzi]

This video makes me dream! 🥰 thank you so much! Next time you better bring a vacuum cleaner with you 😂 greetings from a country who you cannot offroading or overlanding.... switzerland.... so sad 🥺😞🤗

[@WaitWhat-jy9ck]

Knowing when to say when! You considered all of the factors and made a sound decision and there's no shame in that. I'm looking forward to the sequel. How long did it take to get Cool Rick cleaned up and out?

[@JustinBMcBride]

It took me a full day, sun up to sun down. And I had to take the whole goose gear system out. It was crazy.

[@Frissdas1207]

I would be EXTREMELY cautious out there. The cartels have been known to quite enjoy that stretch because it's poorly monitored.

[@tracktoysracing]

Better safe than sorry, nothing to hang your head low about though, you guys tackled some rough terrain and went home with a story. The only thing this video did was tell me once again that maybe I should have gotten a Rubicon instead of my Willys :(.

[@poppianejo3856]

I have a Diesel gladiator plan on doing this trip in later Sept, early Oct. Both Months have very little rain at that time period, so that will be good hopefully not turn to mud in the silt. I going west to east 3 possible fuel points on the Nevada side 1st Fallon, 2nd Austin by Simpson park Station, and the 3rd is Ely NV. How much fuel did you carry for the Diesel? I'm planning to carry 20 extra gallons from the Shelbourne Rest area. By my calculations that should make it to SLC. Any advise would be greatly helpful and appreciated. Thank you.

[@JustinBMcBride]

We did this trip the first week in October and AJ was only carrying those extra 4 Gallons. From Eureka you can make it to SLC with as much as 10 extra gallons. If you are planning Austin to SLC then the 20 Gallons you’re carrying should be just enough to get you to the first fuel stop in Cedar Fort, UT.

[@brucesinclair9628]

Hey Justin great video, that didn't look like a hard trail, but man you could see why it was after watching it again !! Question for you how is the light ingress on the GFC tent, being a light color it means your at the mercy of the sun... Thanks

[@JustinBMcBride]

Hey! I go into a ton of detail on this bad boy in my review video. Just cruise back a few videos in my feed.

[@scottjensen9504]

Fuel is a super real problem. Would you have felt as dusty if you were on the tracks v. in-town?

[@david05111]

If you were to do it again, would you wrap your Jeep to absorb any of the pinstriping and scratching you ran into?

[@cliffcampbell8827]

Deep and wet alkali dust has been known to swallow 4X4's (along with everything else).

[@JustinBMcBride]

Yeah, nothing but a mess out there.

[@OffRoadOverlandCamping]

When are you going to do this adventure again? I did the PE last year from Carson to Austin, NV. I'd like to do it again. Hi me up on Off Road Overland Camping

[@87toyhighlux]

Looking over you video and those from Tacomabeast, where you turned south for Eureka, just west of there, isn’t that where the trail is closed do, to the mine?

[@JustinBMcBride]

I haven’t watched the Tacomabeast videos. Did they encounter a closed mine?

[@87toyhighlux]

@@JustinBMcBride yes around Mt Hope, the Mt Hope Mine

[@JustinBMcBride]

Oh, yeah, both times I did it we stopped in Eureka for fuel.

[@ramnit0374]

Just a thought, bigger fuel cans next time 🤔😉 good video

[@robertlanzetta]

Great video!👍

[@richardcarrier367]

Another awesome video!!! New to the channel!!! What gmrs antenna and antenna mount are you running?

[@87toyhighlux]

Thanks for the video, planning on this next fall. Where’s the link to onX OffRoad? I normally use Gaia with a Bad Elf GPS, but have the onX app

[@ryanskeete]

Which chase lights are you currently running?

[@JustinBMcBride]

Heretic Studio! The best!

[@benjaminjmace]

Some great shots in here well done. How did you film the talking portion at :40 in? Is that a drone or is someone with you?

[@JustinBMcBride]

Mateo and David from Tacomabeast were with me on that one!

[@benjaminjmace]

@@JustinBMcBride thank you for taking the time to reply!

[@exoplanetnomad]

I would hate to be driving behind you all that time eating all that dust lol ...

[@vaseemnasiruddeen]

Hi Thanks for your interesting videos. Just curious are you still using the stock red shocks with the 35s and did u have any rubbing during the pony express expedition. Asking because i also like to put 35s on my JL2020 without a lift

[@JustinBMcBride]

Hi! I was showing the installation of my new Teraflex suspension at the beginning of the video. However I did run the 35s for a few months on the stock suspension. It works.

[@ctoretto177]

Hey B get that windshield fixed

[@JustinBMcBride]

Done... and then 2 weeks later another chip. It’s a Jeep thing. 😂

[@omarabdullaziz7587]

How did the dirt get inside from the back?

[@JustinBMcBride]

Through the fender liner and then the tailgate.

[@ryanprendergast6408]

8:06... what crossed the road?

[@JustinBMcBride]

Some pronghorn, just pouncing along.

[@jaredbabcock2853]

Where can we find y’all’s route???

[@BlackJeepConvertible]

Are the horses able to run off the trail because they have more ground clearance?

[@ShredGarage]

I think that was a new Bronco..

[@MountainHobbler]

Whoa a Shasta vending machine.

[@JustinBMcBride]

Haha! Right? It was out of order (not surprised).

[@msreiser]

Thank you for the video Justin. What storage units does AJ have on his roofrack?

[@JustinBMcBride]

Those are from Roam

[@SAPPER510]

Do you have grid coordinates or a link for the starting point of the Pony Express Trail?

[@JustinBMcBride]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/j6nSe4mGlsmHqLc

[@SAPPER510]

@@JustinBMcBride thanks for the info.

[@tkrum5231]

How do like the Falcon shocks? What did you set them at?

[@JustinBMcBride]

Love them! I set them to a cushy 3 off road.

[@hittinpure1]

Great video Justin! How do you like the go fast tent? Saw your video on it n thinking about ordering one. Keep up the great work!

[@JustinBMcBride]

It’s a great tent, I’m personally holding out for their V2, but the Superlite is perfect for 90% of car campers/overlanders

[@davidbiren2062]

I always carry more fuel than I think I'll need because I've been burned too many times. Nice to see a video where the truth hurts; you don't always succeed.

[@dominicnonnenmacher9260]

Awesome vid man! How’s the wind noise with the superlite? also what are your thoughts about the superlite with a 2door bronco, would a little bit of overhang near the windshield be okay?

[@JustinBMcBride]

I mean, I was doing 60 on the trail and still talking to the camera, so the noise isn’t that bad. As far as slapping it on a 2-door, I say give it a shot.

[@georgegu3374]

the tailgate connector got stuck and out of place due to lack of lubrication. just unscrew it and fix it back home. no big deal

[@JustinBMcBride]

That’s what I ended up doing to mine. Pretty lame that Jeep has that thing wide open to the tire like they do.

[@BlackJeepConvertible]

20:25 take the spare off lol

[@JustinBMcBride]

Nope, that wasn’t it. The bearing system that accepts the limiting arm was full of dust. With the arm removed from the tailgate it still wouldn’t close. So it wasn’t a weight issue.

[@BlackJeepConvertible]

@@JustinBMcBride i meant to work on the tail gate, makes it easier

[@lukegrachek]

You do great work man. But life is funny for all us. As from me on that I feel that nothing happens for no reason. when you make is through the the rough spots in our life's it only helps make us a better person. if you want it to that is or it can make us a lesser person. But anyway great video love the work keep it up.

[@lemaitrethemonk]

What air inflator/deflator are you using? Cheers, homie...

[@JustinBMcBride]

It’s the Indeflate!

[@chilemtn]

Get rid of those rotopax fuel necks. They are the worse things to use. Get the water neck caps and u will thank me later!

[@JustinBMcBride]

Unfortunately, AJ lives in California… the auto-venting spouts are illegal.

[@kirkade]

I did this trail in a 2 wd tundra, its not hard.

[@JustinBMcBride]

Cool.

[@stevel2064]

Is this doable in February?

[@JustinBMcBride]

Maybe? I just saw that the Sierras got over 5 feet of snow. It just depends on the year, it doing it this February probably isn’t smart.

[@stevel2064]

@@JustinBMcBride do you have gps route file for Tahoe to salt lake?

[@VeryCoolJeep]

Do you think i need extra fuel ⛽️ tank for my jeep

[@JustinBMcBride]

If you plan to do the Pony, yes.

[@swashbuckler5539]

I assume you didn’t use 4x4 as much as possible to save in fuel

[@JustinBMcBride]

Correct, just when things got hairy.

[@swashbuckler5539]

@@JustinBMcBride I’m about to do a 2.5 lift and 35s on my JL, always been a dream of mine to complete the pony express trail. Hopefully going to make it a reality sometime this year.

[@sjonathanwilliams]

When I move to Utah, let's be friends.

[@joshleal9811]

God damm. That one was a epic adventure, even that harsh sandi terrain, but you know, I will love to do it too. Lol.. nice very nice 🏆🏆🏆 .

[@1111Overland]

Why was AJ’s Jeep so full of dirt? Did he have windows rolled down?

[@JustinBMcBride]

The fine silt just gets everywhere. He was getting a double duty of it all as the follow-rig.

[@1111Overland]

@@JustinBMcBride Guessing you guys will need to clean out your cabin air filters!!!

[@1111Overland]

@@JustinBMcBride maybe in the future you could do a video about “how to clean up after and overland trip” including everything from washing the exterior, cleaning filters and vacuuming carpet and corners to what kind of checks you should do on your vehicle to ensure you didn’t experience any damage or problems

[@JustinBMcBride]

@@1111Overland cabin air filter and intake filters. I had to take my whole Goode gear system out to clean under it.

[@JustinBMcBride]

@@1111Overland that’s a great idea! I’m adding that to my notes!

[@billbeverly2864]

Imagine running a horse on that trail

[@itchboo6833]

Ahh so you are friends with tacoma beast and the other big guy with tacoma too?

[@JustinBMcBride]

Haha - Mateo and Ken? Yeah! They used my route for their series.

[@itchboo6833]

@@JustinBMcBride theirs is like a documentary film.

[@KMW63]

Nevada wins!

[@SonnyDVids]

Aj actually ruined the trip.... but made for a great video tho!