PNW Offroad Challenges feat. Xterra, Frontier & Tacoma

Overland Expo PNW has come to a close, but my week in central Oregon is not over yet. In this episode, I head out on an adventure with the crew from ASFIR 4x4, along with some new friends who also run ASFIR skid plates, ‪@MoLeisureXventures‬ and Cristin/Badass Brunette. Our goal: explore, camp, and shoot with the super talented photographer ‪@WelcomeToTheOutdoors‬
ASFIR 4x4 - Reut & Ofri
www.asfir.com/
/ asfir_offroad
BADASSBRUNETTE - Cristin
/ badassbrunette
/ badassbrunette
MOLEISUREXVENTURES - Enoch & Delia
/ moleisurexventures
/ moleisurexventures
WELCOME.TO.THE.OUTDOORS - Braxton
/ welcome.to.the.outdoors
/ welcometotheoutdoors
Some of the gear I use:
Jackery Explorer 1500 Power Station:
www.jackery.co...
Alldogs Offroad/Koni 2" lift kit:
www.alldogsoff...
ASFIR 4x4 skid plates:
www.asfir.com/...
MAXTRAX MKII recovery boards:
adventure-impo...
Yankum Ropes:
yankum.com/?af...
(use code SOFTROADINGTHEWEST for 5% off)
Breakfast thanks to Grizzlies:
www.grizzliesb...
(use code SOFTROADING for 15% off)
Diode Dynamics SS3 LED pods
amzn.to/341SWv2
Claymore 3 Face camp light:
amzn.to/2wo2sKq
de Buyer 9½" carbon steel frying pan
amzn.to/3iwQlky
Thermacell mosquito repeller:
amzn.to/3AJLhz9
My cheap camp knife
amzn.to/2ZvWUfL
Coleman Woodsman II camp chair:
amzn.to/38ZfcIo
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases made after clicking one of my Amazon links, even if you ultimately choose another product. This costs you nothing, but the small commissions earned on referrals support the ongoing creation of content for this channel. Thank you!
--------------------------
If you enjoy my work and would like to more directly support my efforts, consider joining my Patreon page with a small monthly contribution. Patrons receive access to exclusive extra content and other benefits:
/ softroadingthewest
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MUSIC CREDITS All music fully licensed via artlist.io
Restless - by Sunriver
Beer House - by Alex Grohl
Into Thin Air - by Hans Johnson
The Ride - by Itamar Doari
Orange - by Marc Robillard
Clouds - by Veaceslav Draganov
Image - by Veaceslav Draganov
Living for the City - by Ikoliks
Voyager - by Vis Major
Sunday Morning - by Stefano Mastronardi
Only This - Elad Perez
Homemade Apple Pie - by Jamie Bathgate

[@om617yota8]

Man your production and editing is perfect, just a textbook example of exactly how it's supposed to be done. Several pro KZbinrs should be watching your channel to see how it's done. Audio at perfect levels the entire time, music that contributes well and doesn't distract. Perfect transitions between segments, nothing jarring or disjointed. Phenomenal. Can't imagine how long it takes to edit and put together these videos. It's definitely noticed, and we appreciate it so much.

[@softroadingthewest]

Thank you, I appreciate that. 🙂

[@ericnunn8856]

I’ll second this statement!!🤙

[@gibbhoose6654]

I'll third it Gibby

[@PinPeatHD]

Love your Xterra!! Awesome rigs!! I got Pro-4X also. Amazing video. Thanks for sharing!!

[@zackdemundo]

Great vid of the shelf roads - especially the extra rocky ones begging for a slide. Great to see the Xterra tell the trail who’s boss.

[@agentorange1556]

What a great community to be a part of! That’s gotta be one of the best thing about finding a common interest is the camaraderie amongst all of you.

[@valaxus8491]

Great video Donald. Nice to see a fellow X on the trail!

[@jimmyjones5216]

Amazing video Donald! One of your better in my humble opinion. Thanks for posting. Glad you got to meet up with other like-minded adventurers. Keep them coming!

[@mikepierson3097]

Great video, Donald. I’m glad you’re getting some sponsorship love.

[@user-un7pk7jm8o]

I can’t believe how good the frontier performed in this, I went and bought one because of this video

[@swidahooverlanding2867]

Those certainly looked like some fun roads! Thanks for sharing the ride with us. See you next time! George.

[@madcratebuilder]

Those $60-80 jumpers are great for flat batteries. Mine holds a charge for a year or better and I've gotten 4-5 jumps before recharging (Topping off). I do not carry jumper cables anymore. That trail looks like a blast.

[@softroadingthewest]

I have a jump box I can use if I’m out by myself but my jumper cables are (usually) easier to get to and fast & easy if I’m with other people.

[@salemk.3098]

what brand and where did you get it? i need one badly

[@kennb.3389]

Thanks Donald. Beautiful ,well done.

[@brandtdaniels]

I love that shot where you have the most awe inspiring scenic backdrop ever and everyone has their heads buried in their gadgets

[@crisikingful]

Always nice see the second gens Going strong

[@midnightadventureswa]

Good afternoon Donald what a great video and very good content looks like you all had a great time on your trip and seeing you take your rig threw some of those trails you all did outstanding job this is definitely a memory to talk about down the road over campfires thank for sharing

[@richardburguillos3118]

Wow, that was amazing. Special times. Great videography and edit. Thanks for sharing.

[@asfirltd]

That was fun :) Great video Donald!

[@softroadingthewest]

Thank YOU for pulling this trip together. I had a blast, and it was nice to spend some time hanging out with you guys beyond an Expo booth. :-)

[@marshallrodgers1878]

Now that's what vacation looks like to me! Great post!

[@KrokemOutdoors]

Looks like a great time with an awesome group of people 🤙

[@softroadingthewest]

Thanks Edward, it was a good trip with good people for sure. I really need to spend more time exploring this area. Seems like it would be pretty easy for someone from Vancouver to meet me there too. :-)

[@KrokemOutdoors]

@@softroadingthewest yes, yes it would! Just let me know when! 🙌🍻

[@rodwspoon304]

Man!!! I love it , perfect for you my brother. You’re gonna make great memories with that camper seems to be the perfect size for your truck and for yourself safe travels👍🏾

[@Robin-kf1yz]

Exceptional.

[@bhunter3850]

You have some awesome adventures!! Thanks for sharing and keep up the good work!!

[@bryancamden7752]

great vid. looks like a great trip. Nice to see a few different rigs and setups!

[@ryanb2182]

Love seeing the video come out after seeing the teasers on all of the IG pages. Well worth the wait.

[@danielcargill8019]

The Tacoma made it look easy, but all of you did well,my prius would make it just a little up trailhead. Awesome adventures.

[@nickolasmiller2808]

Great video, looks like a lot of fun

[@4x4addiction3]

very cool and unique experience...building memories

[@camiloherrera7546]

Love the content and the nissans keep it up Donald

[@grey-adventures]

Why in this day are you still using jumper cables. Please go get a lithium powered jump box and convert your lights to LEDs.

[@softroadingthewest]

@@grey-adventures I have a jump box I can use if I’m out by myself but it’s packed fairly deep. Jumper cables are super fast & easy if I’m with other people.

[@softroadingthewest]

@@grey-adventures Oh and the lights are inaccessible because the canopy is sealed to the truck bed or I would have pulled those bulbs long ago.

[@MrKeenaz]

Truely entertaining Donald. Thank you for sharing that adventure. Regards Mario. 🇦🇺

[@BorellaFamilyAdventures]

Definitely love my ASFIR skids on my Pathfinder!

[@gibbhoose6654]

Views are something else Gibby

[@tangledline]

5:02??!!! Wut thats just crazy...Its a good thing you had backup. I invested in a Zeak 3500lb winch ($80) for stuff like this. You dont need any fancy connects. Just a good jumper cable type clamp and a d ring mount/trailer hitch mount. Good stuff!

[@TonyStark-or3er]

Too bad Nissan stopped producing the Xterra, it was a great little (and ver capable) SUV.

[@danhiggins8733]

Great video, Donald. I've only explored a bit around that (awesome) mountain but I've been to the "dispersed camping/posing" area many times and it seems each time I go the water channel is following a different course! You all did a great job handling the rocks. As for the trees, a tree-saver trap or 2 and a couple of "pulleys" might be handy to have along so you can pull from a different angle. As for the first bit in Central Oregon that is fairly near home so I know I have been on some of those roads. (Thanks for clearing the trees for us! LOL)

[@yooperdog]

Nice job guys and gals.

[@BadassBrunette]

What a fun video! Great edit as always. Some really killer shots were captured.

[@softroadingthewest]

Thanks Cristin 🙂

[@rael6_4wd]

Beautiful scenery! 🔥

[@louiskudlak2241]

Bloody stunning country ❤️love it Donald

[@bryankramer2240]

Well done. Thank you.

[@ThatOneDudeNick]

woohoo, Xterra action

[@johndej]

Great video!

[@oldmillrd8153]

Thanks for the ride along. Looks like your truck handled everything really well. Well, except for needing a jump start in the morning. I carry a small portable pwr pack about the size of a large cell ph. Cost less than $60 and can't tell you how many times I have used it at trail heads, parking lots, the back country, and home. It's got black pen marks all over it for each jump. Essential for being off road by yourself.

[@softroadingthewest]

I have one, it’s just more buried than my jumper cables. 😄

[@menssupplyco.3970]

Thanks for not giving away this “primitive rocky campsite” we go there almost every weekend and enjoy seeing the many photographers come and go to get their shots.

[@softroadingthewest]

For sure. I never include location specifics, although this is spot is preeeeetty easy to stumble upon. :-)

[@andrewinaustintx]

Easy peasy remedy for the bed lights - pull the bulbs and stash them if desired in the glove box.

[@softroadingthewest]

Except it’s not easy-peasy or I would have done that long ago. The canopy is sealed to the truck bed rails (and the bulbs are not accessible from inside the cab). To remove the bulbs, the canopy has to get lifted off, all the adhesive weather sealing removed and then replaced to re-seat the canopy. The simpler solution has been to just be careful, and I’m usually fine. 🙂

[@mercurials54]

Amazing visitas! Wheeling my house 😻

[@lweleven3423]

Great experience/ trail I do miss my 4x4 days tho nothing really like this in the Uk . ( there are always Critics the main thing is safely and enjoyably you use the tools you have )

[@zr2dad5]

nice stuff. it's good to see how many people use the falken wildpeak at3w tires and they do so well. i have a set and love them. i also have a set of super swampers and they are on another level. loud as you know what but super is appropriate.

[@davesheber5134]

Hahaha, my Frontier died at the Expo as well. Love that bed light:(

[@TrashPandaGarage]

Looks like fun. I recently ordered some Asfir4x4 skids for our '22 diesel Colorado. I haven't installed them yet, but they sure look impressive coming out of the box!

[@kevinnorwood7355]

Personally I wouldn't worry about what someone says on Instagram you have to be able to adapt when things come up unexpectedly. Sure the rope might get damaged but it can be replaced. And there are going to come times that it might not be the safest way to do something bit that's a part of being out there. And as always great video!!

[@solosaga5091]

It's puling in reverse that's the problem. Potentially VERY bad for the diff. I learned the hard way, sheared some teeth off a ring gear.

[@kevinnorwood7355]

@@solosaga5091 I can't remember seeing any places to turn around. I get what your saying but they had no choice from the looks of it.

[@jaygonzales7198]

awesome time

[@mtnbound2764]

great video!

[@kronan77]

Great video 👍

[@outdooradventureswithcindy3580]

Excellent show my friend

[@softroadingthewest]

Thanks Cindy! Great meeting you this weekend!

[@nutthrower4415]

Some tough going there, nice to have company if in need of a hand

[@chownzi2461]

That Xterra is a beast

[@softroadingthewest]

It is!

[@thewhaleylife3013]

Wish we could rally together and convince @nissan to make you an ambassador for the new Frontier.

[@AllOverOverland]

Ruth loves her Hungarian coffee.

[@darrylk808]

How about Braxton gets up real early and the rest of the group meets up with him after 9am? :) Donald, you know you've made it when the scammers 'whatsapp' your channel.🤣🤣

[@softroadingthewest]

I’ve been scrambling all evening to remove all that. PITA for sure.

[@sagebrushbob2321]

So this is what all the drama was about, eh? If you had just bought a jump starter pack... 🤣🤣😇

[@softroadingthewest]

Haha! :-)

[@LostFozz_OverLand]

You need to buy a yuccapac camper for your frontier!!!!! I’ve followed all your Subaru stuff I’m in a fozzy rn but was looking at these! But ya yuccapac campers and blindman overland

[@therussmccurdy2602]

Ahhhhhh, the Nissan tire inflation light is on..........so it is always on on my Xterra too.

[@softroadingthewest]

Well, I was aired down, so that's normal. It actually switches back off when I re-inflate to the proper pressure. How old is your Xterra? My understanding is that the TPMS sensors don't last forever and have to be replaced eventually.

[@therussmccurdy2602]

My X is a 2007 and the tpms light is always on. I've had new tires put on and new tpms things put on and the light cleared, but it always seems to come back on a couple days later.

[@frankansley7941]

Great job I enjoyed the video. I thought you had a battery jumper that a manufacture had given you about a year or so. Did you give up on it and switch to battery cables? Glad you were with other campers when battery went dead. Take care and be safe!!

[@softroadingthewest]

I do still have the jump starter, it's just packed well away. I can dig it out if needed in a solo emergency, but I always (usually) also carry jumper cables and they're just much easier to get to. :-)

[@sierramantrvlnus]

Yay!

[@sierramantrvlnus]

Spamanator!

[@markbielawski]

That looked like an awesome adventure! 👌 Those trails made me wonder... About how much of the time would you say the trails would be passible with your old Forester (not necessarily including this trip)? I just wonder if a Forester would get you to 50%... 80%... of the places you go with the Frontier? Clearly there were some serious challenges on this trip. Cheers!

[@softroadingthewest]

I’d say the Forester would go to 95% of the places I have since gone with the Frontier. It’s rare that I encounter truly gnarly bits where the low range and larger tires of the Frontier make a difference, at least in Oregon. Obviously I’m more focused on backcountry exploration than “wheeling” so I don’t go seeking gnarly stuff like some people do. But when I DO encounter something tricky, it’s sooooo nice to drop into low range and slowly, calmly climb right up. 🙂

[@camwasastealat20]

wait your from central oregon? i just bought my frontier and i live in C/O off the lot its a 2014 pro 4x and ive been watching your page to learn more about my frontier

[@softroadingthewest]

I'm in Eugene, but often travel over to central Oregon.

[@IcyReaper]

Donald, are you still loving those Wildpeaks?

[@softroadingthewest]

So far so good! No complaints, they've done great on the trail and seem a little nicer on the highway than the KO2s.

[@crackerjackcreek]

What about pulling the head liner in the cab out to unplug the 3rd tail light plug from the inside.

[@softroadingthewest]

Not worth the trouble. It's only a problem if I sit in camp for 3 or 4 days, which I almost never do, and usually I can even manage that by simply remembering to switch that light off most of the time. I had too many distractions here and it got away from me. :-)

[@utahjohnnymontana3373]

Lookin' good Donald. Mt Hood: very impressive.

[@darrengray2309]

You need to get yourself a lithium jump pack pretty small and don't take up much room. I have just got one as I am starting to do a lot more remote outback touring

[@softroadingthewest]

I have a jump pack, it's just buried a little deeper in my truck than my jumper cables (usually) are. 🙂

[@cliffjones1061]

Like others have said you need one of those lithium jump boxes I have one in every vehicle and don't even have jumper cables anymore. Have used it on myself at a trailhead once and at least 10 times for other people over the last 2 years. think I paid $50 for it.

[@softroadingthewest]

And as I replied to the others who said that, I do have a jump pack, it's just buried a little deeper in my truck than my jumper cables (usually) are, so I reach for the cables first when I have friends nearby.

[@baron1c]

Jackery should come out with a car jumper adapter you could plug into your existing unit just in case

[@om617yota8]

Jackery battery isn't designed for that kind of draw, and would be damaged by doing so. One of the capacitor jump boxes, charged off the 12v port of the Jackery, would be a good option.

[@solosaga5091]

I have a set of cables from Jackery, but they're strictly for recharging, not jumping. Presumably because they don't have the rapid discharge rate needed for jump starting.

[@J.Young808]

Is there not a switch like in Tacomas that will keep your lights off? Maybe since you don’t need your Third Brake Light and bed lights you could disconnect/unplug them.

[@softroadingthewest]

I can manually switch them off AFTER they come on, but there's no full off position...I can't completely disable them with the switch, they always come back on next time any door is opened. There is no access to the bulbs or wiring from the interior...the canopy needs to be removed in order for me to do anything about it, and that's an even bigger headache because it is sealed to the truck bed with adhesive weather stripping which would get torn apart and need to be replaced. It's generally not a major issue because I very very rarely camp in one spot for more than one night. It takes three or four days of sitting with that light coming on repeatedly to kill the battery, so I just *try* to remember to switch it off. I just didn't get on it often enough here. :-)

[@yotagang3705]

I just have a portable power bank that I can jump the truck, weighs like 2 lbs. Jackery also sells the jumper cables to attach to the power bank.

[@softroadingthewest]

I have a jump box, it’s just packed fairly deep as a last resort. * shrug * Jumper cables are also fast & easy. 🙂

[@norsefalconer]

I have the Jackery cables. They function as charging cables, not jumper cables. I could.be wrong, but Idon't think the Jackery batteries have enough quick discharge to jump start.

[@Nigriff]

You could have just driven around the fallen tree 🤔

[@Nigriff]

Always bring a working winch

[@Fish_InChips]

Hey! That's one of my favorite spots on Hood! Don't tell anyone how to get there ;)

[@softroadingthewest]

Not to worry, I believe in letting people do their own research and make their own discoveries. :-)

[@kingfish4488]

Great Video--how do you like your new tires?

[@softroadingthewest]

They have performed very well on the trail so far and seem a little quieter on the road than the KO2s were.

[@josevega1836]

What year it’s your frontier

[@softroadingthewest]

2011, though the Frontier was largely unchanged from 2005 to 2021.

[@rfcdgaf]

Subaru comes along and destroys all of these in stock configuration

[@kailani112]

Can this be done with 20s?

[@softroadingthewest]

20s? 20" tires?? All three of our rigs are on 33" tires. Or do you mean 20" rims?

[@kailani112]

@softroadingthewest rims, I wanted a lil more firmer ride since I mostly DD this thing but also want it to keep me from getting stuck in the snow and probably do some light offroading . Plans our 20s with 275/55 or 275/60 . Trying to keep the overall stock diameter.

[@softroadingthewest]

Well generally for best off-road performance, you want to maximize sidewall. This allows you to air down and still have plenty of tire between the rocks and your rims...on that first trail in this video, we were all aired down to around 15 psi, something you could not do with a low-profile tire. It's not strictly _impossible_ to use a lower-profile tire for mild dirt roads, but there's a reason you'll notice most rigs that regularly go offroad tend to have smaller diameter rims, in order to fit the maximum amount of rubber into the remaining space. Most quality all-terrain tires have thicker, sturdier sidewalls than typical highway tires. Aired up, I have no need for them to be any firmer. My truck definitely does not corner like a sports car, but I guess one has to decide what their priority is, or find some kind of middle ground compromise. :-) Good luck!

[@brandtdaniels]

So what is the best way to pull a tree off a trail?

[@norsefalconer]

They pulled in reverse. That's not good for the differential's ring and pinion. The strength is engineered for forward, they're FAR weaker going in reverse.

[@softroadingthewest]

Wrap the tree with a tree strap, tow strap, chains, etc…anything to not pinch the kinetic rope between tree and the ground.

[@lweleven3423]

I know in the US your mainly Gas , petrol to us lol are many diesel ?

[@softroadingthewest]

I have a few friends with diesel rigs but the vast majority are gas/petrol 🙂

[@lweleven3423]

@@softroadingthewest I much prefer gas but often 15mpg is painful to the pocket 😬

[@J.Young808]

I wish we could get many of the diesel rigs from overseas without having to wait 25 years to import them.

[@lweleven3423]

@@J.Young808 I’m not a big fan of diesel . They always seem noisy . Not as smooth . Seem more expensive to work on yes more MPG more torque but the gas I’ve had never had a problem. Not sure what is going to happen here our government want gas and diesel no longer sold new after 2030

[@Oregontrailblazin]

looks like a yankum rope set up to me ...

[@softroadingthewest]

It was Cristin’s rope, I believe it’s from Deadman Offroad. Not sure how it could be a set up or what possible reason we would have to do so. We were out here on a skid plate photoshoot. I am partnered with Yankum but they strictly forbid any kind of set up using their products. It’s not the kind of thing I do on my channel. I just shoot what actually happens.

[@overlandtowater]

its my rope I will tug it how I want...

[@joecoffee968]

No camp fire?

[@softroadingthewest]

This was July 2022, following a reeeeeally bad fire year in Oregon in 2021. They had kicked the campfire ban into place extra early, in late June.

[@thewiredfox2691]

Dude. Just buy a Noco Jump pack. Awesome, portable, self rescue gear.

[@softroadingthewest]

I do carry a jump box in case something happens when I’m by myself, but it’s packed deep. Jumper cables are also fast & easy if I’m with buddies. 🙂

[@thewiredfox2691]

The Noco Boost is small, maybe the size of your hand. I keep it handy (in a backpack that goes most places with me) and transfer it between my car, my motorcycles, the wife's car, and any fleet vehicle I borrow from work. Had to use it a number of times and love it.

[@devilinbaggypants7320]

I’m shocked the Nissans made the whole trip without over heating or throwing a timing belt.

[@thadlogan51]

In almost all off-road challenges the Nissan beats Toyota off road hands down...but Toyota great trucks too. I'd take either but definitely Nissan for off road... and Nissan trucks are built like tanks I've never seen one overheat... not sure where you're getting that from...

[@devilinbaggypants7320]

@@thadlogan51 from every XTerra or frontier owner that I’ve had to replace their radiator, distributor, timing belt or head for. They along with Disco IIs have kept plenty of shops in business.

[@thadlogan51]

@@devilinbaggypants7320 no different from Toyota transmission and recall issues. I think the are some issues with both trucks but overall they are both very reliable and don't have many issues as a whole compared to other trucks. I have a 2019 pro 4x and live high on a mountain peak. I also regularly take it off road and have never had any of the issues you mentioned... works perfectly.

[@devilinbaggypants7320]

@@thadlogan51 I never said anything about Toyotas being better. They are no longer the legendary 80s hilux. They are countless 3.slows in junkyards.

[@thadlogan51]

@@devilinbaggypants7320 I hear you... they all seem to have issues... but statistically both frontiers and Tacoma's are the most reliable trucks made... around 90 percent reliability. So what trucks are really better than those two in terms of reliability... well probably none... except for the Ford F150... which is supposed to be very well made... but it's also way too big for what I use a truck for... so wasn't an option...