Rock Crawling 101 For Overlanders - Toyota 4Runners Overlanding

[@Christopher-vf6kx]

Love this! Deeply appreciate the quality of focused detail, and examples in such a short video. Editing must have taken some time. Killed it. 👍

[@OverlandPNW]

Thanks so much! Yep, the editing was a bit of a marathon but I do it in the evenings instead of watching TV. Big thanks for the nice comment!

[@DpuckFishingandOutdoors]

Wow, that is incredible. You were practically vertical there. You put that 4Runner through some off-road warfare. 💪

[@OverlandPNW]

Definitely having fun with the 4Runner ha ha!

[@claytonwilliams4273]

This rock crawling guide is spot on correct! Big thumbs up from me!

[@OverlandPNW]

Thanks! 👍

[@scottalpine]

That was some great driving and spotting. Wow those tires took a beating and kept on rolling, definitely glad I’m running the same.

[@OverlandPNW]

Big thanks and loved you View of Rainer video!

[@OverlandPNW]

I've been very happy with the K02s!

[@scottalpine]

@@OverlandPNW Thanks, I appreciate you checking it out.

[@maxdexpeditions]

Good tips! We always go solo, and our vehicle build is conservative, so we try to avoid these as much as possible. But it’s good to know stuff like this. I remember when my wife tried to spot me for the first time, I Did not trust her at all. Man, that wasn’t a good day 😂 but we are so much better now, and I no longer get out of the vehicle to verify. I agree. A front camera will make things easier! Good stuff, keep ‘em coming!

[@OverlandPNW]

It definitely risky when you are solo. I am pretty conservative when I am out solo as well. Big thanks for comment! Cheers!

[@turboleggy]

Gladiator has a front camera...huge benefit on the trail.

[@turboleggy]

Also gladiator won't break your thumbs lol ....esteering

[@bgt595]

Another great video....Oh and you brothers are hilarious together!!

[@OverlandPNW]

Thanks and yeah he's a good brother!

[@aired-downoverland9239]

It’s always good brother time; he’s a good brother too 😄

[@RevN3]

This whole video gave me an anxiety attack :) I'm a lot more confident in places I would have never gone a few years previous but this stuff is all beyond my ability with my daily driver. Great video as always!

[@OverlandPNW]

Yep lifts, suspension and armor is a must for obstacles. But, then again, I saw that sand hill you went down in the intro to Part 3 of your Memorial Day series...just saying ha ha!

[@TheAngryCamper]

Not ready to rock crawl yet but soon... great vid as always, just searched you out on IG and followed you earlier today!!

[@OverlandPNW]

I like the "but soon..." Thanks for the IG follow. I follow everyone back so I should be following you as well. If not, let me know and I will for sure!

[@aired-downoverland9239]

Often times you’re not ready, but the situation presents itself, then your brother pressures you into doing it 😄

[@TheAngryCamper]

@@aired-downoverland9239 ha ha ha, well much better than him pressuring you into taking drugs ha ha ha hah a

[@OverlandPNW]

@@aired-downoverland9239 I completely agree. That happens to me all the time.

[@yesode4201]

I like how after the spotter sent him into the tree he still looks for his help.

[@adventuretrails1ato]

Amazing introduction I'm just starting to watch the video.

[@OverlandPNW]

Thanks so much for that great comment!

[@LikeOnATree]

Wow! Great video on overloading! Thanks so much for making it!!

[@OverlandPNW]

Big thanks for that comment! Cheers!

[@Glenn.Cooper]

Another fantastic video with some great suggestions. I haven't seen much like this out there. And since I'm 2 weeks into a '23 Tacoma OR that I plan to set up as an overland rig your content is very well tailored to my needs - thanks again!!

[@OverlandPNW]

So glad you liked the video! That was definitely a fun day!

[@MudducksTouringAustralia]

Some great advice there mate. Cheers Steve

[@OverlandPNW]

Big thanks for that comment! Cheers!

[@NasTimeAdventures]

A great guide to help keep people safe. Well done buddy.

[@OverlandPNW]

Thanks! I see you are doing shorts now. Cool 👍

[@NasTimeAdventures]

@@OverlandPNW Created from existing videos to bring new life to them hopefully. Enjoy.

[@WheretoNextOverland]

Love this video! This is going to help a lot of people (myself included). One of my biggest struggles with doing stuff like this is trying to judge, from the outside, how big the rocks / obstacles are. Often times I find that they look super intimidating when I'm walking a trail .... but then I just roll right over them, no big deal. But it leads me to taking a conservative approach .... which I suppose is better than doing it with reckless abandon! 🤣

[@OverlandPNW]

Thanks! I like your approach. I sometimes have the opposite problem. When I walk the route, the obstacle looks totally doable but when I try it I get in trouble ha ha!

[@WheretoNextOverland]

@@OverlandPNW and that, my friend, is why YOU make the rock crawling videos....and I don't. 🤣

[@DocWrangler]

great video! pushing that 4Runner through its paces!

[@OverlandPNW]

Thanks! It is definitely fun to give the 4Runner a workout ha ha!

[@EatCarbs]

Very cool.. and a lot of great information. Thanks for the video

[@OverlandPNW]

Thanks and loved the Spaghetti and Meatballs video!

[@EatCarbs]

Thank you

[@maximumoverland]

The thumb comment was so true !! I got both thumbs on one obstacle early in my learning phase😡😡🥵🥵

[@OverlandPNW]

Oh man, those kind of thumb injuries hurt so bad. Mine was a sprain but my hand was useless for a while ha ha!

[@maximumoverland]

@@OverlandPNW lol and mine was both so I looked like Mr.Roboto 😂

[@Colorado4x4]

What a great video buddy!!!! I really liked this. Great job!

[@OverlandPNW]

Big thanks for that comment! I saw some nice driving over rock obstacles in you shelf road video! Cheers!

[@Colorado4x4]

@@OverlandPNW cheers! Keep it up!

[@maximumoverland]

Loved it !!!!!! Good teaching methods for sure 🙏💪🏼

[@OverlandPNW]

Big thanks for that comment! Cheers!

[@maximumoverland]

@@OverlandPNW always 🙏

[@FreeSpiritsDubai]

Excellent and useful! You guys make a great team to watch - all three of you ♥️. Keep them coming

[@OverlandPNW]

Big thanks for that comment and congrats on you first year anniversary!

[@SirJazzMaster]

Y’all’s videos are rock solid.

[@OverlandPNW]

Big thanks for that comment!

[@darthtyranus7683]

Also been a good practice for me and for everyone driving is to keep the lights on regardless of day or night on clear or winding trails

[@OverlandPNW]

That’s a great point. We do the same thing!

[@wyomingjeepers]

As always... an outstanding video loaded with information. You gave very good tips to keep folks out of trouble. I really like the tip where it seems like there is a lot of room and then your vehicle leans and all that room is gone! Anticipate the lean and whatever else your vehicle might do... You guys made your overland rigs look like rock crawlers. :-) Thanks!

[@OverlandPNW]

Thanks! It's definitely fun to give the 4Runner a workout. Will you be posting any video of your fan trips?

[@wyomingjeepers]

@@OverlandPNW Yes we will... We are posting the first fan trip video in a day or two... Just ironing out the final tweaks. As you know, it takes a lot of time to put these together right! :-) Speaking of editing, I love the blow-up circle thing you do to highlight a spot on the video you are pointing out. Very neat! We will also do a video of the next fan trip we do on the 17th of Sept... Not sure when it will come out as we have a lot of trips recorded, just not edited. Again, Love your videos!

[@LimitlessOverland]

Amazing video! These tips are great! Definitely need some bigger tires with my long wheel base to clear some of these rocks #overlanding #offroading

[@OverlandPNW]

Thanks! Wish I had some bigger tires as well but additional mods would be required that I'm not sure I want to tackle ha ha!

[@LimitlessOverland]

@@OverlandPNW Same, I will have to do the fender flare kit in order to put 35’s on.

[@Top.Mallorca]

Nice car! Greetings from Mallorca Spain! Like 👍

[@OverlandPNW]

Greetings!

[@dynamicphotography_]

Awesome video! I can't believe the lines you guys tackle! 💯 Doesn't look easy!

[@OverlandPNW]

Thanks! Just trying to see how reliable a Toyota really is ha ha! I'm looking forward to your next video!

[@OneFlewOver1776]

Good Job guys... love it.

[@OverlandPNW]

Thanks so much!

[@OneFlewOver1776]

@@OverlandPNW ..On another note...you running 4.88s or 5.29s..or stock? Also did you install your ARB and if you didn't who do you recommend?

[@OverlandPNW]

@@OneFlewOver1776 Both Steve and I run 4:88s which seems to be perfect with our 34 inch tires. I had my gears and air locker done by Nitro Gear & Axle. They are near Leavenworth, WA in a town called Cashmere. Steve had his done in Oregon by Mule Overland Outfitters.

[@ZaynMusic555]

Really appreciate the effort has taken....Keep doing, keep growing.🧡🧡🧡🧡

[@OverlandPNW]

Thanks for that comment. We will keep doing, hopefully the growing will follow!

[@adventuretrails1ato]

Really solid information! I can see this information helping out a lot of people that are getting started or even experienced off-roaders! I would agree with every statement on the obstacles you showed on the trails!

[@OverlandPNW]

Big thanks for that comment! Your 800 watt hr battery is legit! Cheers!

[@sheerwillsurvival2064]

Always great information andvideo showing it 👊🏻👍🏻

[@OverlandPNW]

Big thanks for that comment! And totally agree with the tools and guns comment ha ha! Cheers!

[@ptrd5945]

Learned so much from your videos!!

[@OverlandPNW]

Awesome and big thanks for that comment!

[@KimHyder]

I just found you today and have been binge watching! Thank you! Thank you for answering the questions us new to it, are afraid to ask sometimes. I'd love learn from you if you ever do any clinics.

[@OverlandPNW]

Thanks for that comment! We don't have any clinics planned but that is definitely a fun idea. From time to time we've been asked about group events but we haven't managed to get one off the launch pad. Busy schedules and not enough play time ha ha! We are hoping that will change relatively soon.

[@dad_wagon1976]

Great video 👍🏼

[@OverlandPNW]

Big thanks for the visit!

[@imzackson]

great show!!!!!!

[@OverlandPNW]

Big thanks for the great comment!

[@rogue109]

Thanks again for an amazing detailed look at spotting and crawling. Where was that?

[@OverlandPNW]

Big thanks for that comment! This was filmed in Central Oregon at an OHV area. Cheers!

[@alihsas]

Thank you from KSA.

[@OverlandPNW]

Welcome!

[@ADVwithRoscoe]

Great tips

[@OverlandPNW]

Thanks and great driving-on-the-beach video you posted!

[@UrbanOpsOffRoad]

Man I love your videos guys!!! 🙌🏻

[@OverlandPNW]

Thanks man!

[@SkyLine-hi5iy]

Excellent skill buddy

[@OverlandPNW]

Big thanks for that comment!

[@rogueyota]

Really useful breakdowns! Thanks for taking us through each one of those topics. I'm beginning to do excursions with some of the same people, and the info is really helpful, especially since we're not super familiar yet with one another's specific abilities and limitations (rigs and drivers); this makes your instruction about spotting really valuable. I shared your vid with the others.

[@OverlandPNW]

Thanks Dan! If you Google "Trail Spotter - Hand Signals - The Ranger Station" an article will come up that has photos of the basic hand signals from Jim Allen's book The Four Wheelers Bible." These would be good to share with your group. There are only seven basic hand signals. You can get through just about anything with just those seven. Cheers!

[@chef_fatmah]

Like 153 and full watched ... well done and thanx for sharing

[@OverlandPNW]

Thank you too

[@overlandinganglers]

If I’m ever up in your neck of the woods I’d love an in person lesson. You should come down to Oklahoma though!

[@OverlandPNW]

Maybe one day! That would be cool! Your last short with the "we got chaos to spread! was great!

[@BigBluePile]

Super fun!!! Where is this?

[@OverlandPNW]

It is an OHV area in Central Oregon but most of the Oregon OHV areas have some good rock routes. Cheers!

[@BigBluePile]

@@OverlandPNW oh gotcha! I forget y'all are farther south!

[@TrailTape]

What about using traction boards to create a ramp up onto or, more likely, down from boulders? Is that a legitimate strategy to avoid smashing in a stock rear bumper? Excellent tips and I loved the Sydney compilation. She sure seems to like riding on the trails!

[@aired-downoverland9239]

Traction boards are a good option if they’ll remain in place, which is tricky on rocks. They also make good gap bridges, especially when doubled up.

[@OverlandPNW]

I've used traction boards a couple of times as ramps. It can work but Steve is right it can be tricky. Just depends on the particular situation. Your Offroad Oasis video was cool. I like the GoPro set up you used back by the gas cap with the long arm.

[@TrailTape]

@@OverlandPNW Thanks for the reply and for watching! I think that's become my go-to view but I probably need to switch it up more. I worry if I spend too much time setting up to film my better half won't be as excited to go on adventures haha. Gotta slowly work up to better setups inspired by yours!

[@OverlandPNW]

You are a wise man.

[@tire26]

The way I view it, imagine a path that doesn't exceed the vehicle's capabilities. That means the flex of the suspension and ground clearance. Oftentimes taking the harder initial line makes the rest easier or at least possible. I don't know if this makes a lot of sense but hopefully it does. You can practice on just an uneven dirt road with no threat to your vehicle as the principle is the same. Which line will minimize my yaw / provide the smoothest ride? It becomes second nature quickly.

[@OverlandPNW]

That makes perfect sense. Great way to visualize it! Thanks!

[@ronniehampton7416]

Awesome video! Thanks for taking the time to put together a very informative video. What mount are you using on the A-pillar for your light control panel?

[@OverlandPNW]

Thanks! Man I wish I could tell you what that mount is. It is a solution a shop came up with for me. I went out and looked at it but cannot see any brand names.

[@ronniehampton7416]

@@OverlandPNW thanks for checking. Looks like a pretty good setup.

[@OverlandPNW]

What kind of vehicle do you have? If it is a 4Runner, my brother uses a very nice light switch panel that he got from SwitchPro that custom fits the 4Runner. If you have a 4Runner, we can send you a link to it.

[@ronniehampton7416]

@@OverlandPNW I drive a 5th gen 4runner. I’d appreciate the link. Thanks!

[@OverlandPNW]

@@ronniehampton7416 It is an SDHQ Offroad panel with a SwithPro. It is a very clean looking set up. Here's the link: sdhqoffroad.com/collections/10-current-toyota-4runner-electrical/products/10-current-toyota-4runner-sdhq-built-switch-pros-9100-keypad-mount?variant=6918479347747

[@jofreruck2814]

Great video

[@TheInternalwisdom]

This is insane!

[@OverlandPNW]

Thanks for that comment!

[@shunchangames_ch]

very nice videos from japan

[@OverlandPNW]

Thank you very much!

[@thuthanh3654]

Rock Crawling 101 For Overlanders - Toyota 4Runners Overlanding

[@OverlandPNW]

👍

[@bearburrell6104]

Great video! Do your Forerunners come with rear diff e-lockers but not A-trac (manual) or Crawl Control (auto)? And, that's why you added an ARB front locker? Also, are you worried about Sidney's leg getting caught in the rock sliders? We are worried with our two dogs and I'm looking for a solution if there are recommendations other than welding panels to cover the voids? thanks!

[@OverlandPNW]

Yes, my 4Runner came with a rear e-locker and A-TRAC/Crawl Control. There are some advantages to the air locker that I like. It can be engaged in 4WH (not just 4WL) and according to ARB, its air locker can be engaged at any speed as long as both wheels are spinning at the same rate. If one wheel is spinning faster than the other, what is called “crash locking” will occur and can cause damage to the internal gears. So, in practice, I've never done it going over more that 45 mph but it comes in handy going over snowy mountain passes. I also re-geared my 4Runner to 4:88s. So, the diff was open and it was a convenient time to install the air locker. The A-TRAC and Crawl Control Systems are both still fully functional so I have a lot of tractions options now. Sydney seems to effortlessly navigate the rock sliders. She hops right up and down without missing a beat. She can jump up to into the cab without using them too. So, I haven't had cause to worry. But, since you brought it up I will watch her closely and keep and eye on it.

[@mattgert8152]

Thank you for your content. As regards lockers, I've heard some say that ATRAC is a form of front and back locker. What's your take on that?

[@OverlandPNW]

Yes, that is true. A-Trac mimics a locked differential. It applies brakes to the tires with no traction allowing the axle to send power to the tires with traction. It is an excellent system but does have some inherent limitations. A-Trac is not designed to be an active driving system. It is intended to get you started from a dead stop or through a very short obstacle. The brake actuators will overheat and the system will deactivate if it is used too long. We have had this happen. It also deactivates if you exceed about 4 mph. Multi-Terrain Select is Toyota's system that is intended for more active driving and a little longer obstacles. It has a variety of terrain setting that allow for selection of how much slippage you want. However, it only has one setting that functions in 4WH and MTS deactivates at about 7mph. Both A-Trac and MTS come back on line if you slow down within the set speed parameters. So, A-Trac and MTS are excellent systems for casual off-roaders that occasionally encounter difficult obstacles. If your style of off-roading leans more toward constant hardcore stuff, then lockers would be a good choice. We have done extensive testing of A-Trac and MTS in sand, snow, gravel, moguls, etc. and have a dedicated video on the topic if you are interested.

[@randys3010]

Excellent video. The linked rock crawling tire article is pretty lame though.

[@OverlandPNW]

Sorry you didn't like the linked article. If you have a better reference, please share and I'll link it. Thanks!

[@azzy9532]

What's the front camera that your brother is using?

[@aired-downoverland9239]

It’s called the Anytime Backup camera, though they make one for the front as well.

[@OverlandPNW]

I already have one ordered ha ha!

[@raymondgaczewski4333]

What suspension setup/kit are you guys running?

[@off-roadingexplained8417]

Aren't you far more likely to have the wheel spin and hit your thumbs if you have a front solid axle versus IFS? IFS has less bump steer.

[@OverlandPNW]

That is correct, bump steer is more directly associated with solid front axles. But, I have had a badly sprained thumb that wants to argue the point ha ha!

[@off-roadingexplained8417]

@@OverlandPNW yeah I was wondering if that was with IFS or a different vehicle with solid axle. Good to know !

[@MosheVainer]

What is this trail? There isn't much in the way of rock crawling in WA that i can find?

[@OverlandPNW]

It is an OHV area in Central Oregon but if you are looking for rock crawling, every OHV area in Oregon that I have been to have some good rock routes. Cheers!

[@WW-wf8tu]

Belfair has a very aggressive rock garden at the start of the trail. (primary parking for 4x4 trailhead) There are a few places in Elbe Hills that have some rock crawling spots. You just have to explore. But you are correct in the fact that we are not noted to be a bolder garden state. lol

[@sheerwillsurvival2064]

Can’t use my wife as a spotter. She hits too many curbs in her Camry 😂

[@OverlandPNW]

Our wives may have similar driving styles ha ha!

[@TheWanderTaco]

Newly subbed!!! Great content. Appreciate you checking my videos out too! I’ll need to make a PNW trip soon!

[@OverlandPNW]

Thanks for the sub!!

[@Bananahammock88]

ko2 sucks man. They are tough, but in snow, ice and rocks, they are skates. A softer compound is better for offroading. Yes, maybe a little less miles out of them, but its definitely worth it.

[@longfoot_overland369]

Stopped watching after the nonnsense about spotters. Must be a toyota thing

[@OverlandPNW]

Checked out your McGrew Trail videos. Kept watching. Watched both.

[@Hutch_Davenport]

It is rough watching you stiff bodied low articulation overlanders on big rocks. But hey, if you are having fun more power to you! Enjoy the hobby fellas!

[@OverlandPNW]

I feel the same way ha ha! There are so many times I wish I a build more suited to rock crawling!

[@Hutch_Davenport]

@@OverlandPNW You could always throw together a Cheep Cherokee. The old one are such great off roaders. You guys have great rigs, I just hate thinking of the damage. I was cringing a lot! It's easier to see damage done to a beat up old Jeep than it is your nice overlanders. Maybe I will get to my Toyota Sequoia project going eventually and start overlanding. It looks like a blast!

[@optomm]

Great video