Just Curious about the CA owners

[4x4Pinz]

Do you or have any of the CA owners run with this group. They seem to go to some interesting places. I have been contemplating an outing with them but wanted to know more about the individuals of the group.
http://www.justruns.com

[krick3tt]

When I lived in San Diego I went on quite a few outings with this group. Read the 'Got to have' (required) items carefully.
The stock pinz tow cable is not acceptable as it has metal ends. Even if there is no possibility of them coming off. I got a
yellow one to carry with me, you won't need it, they will. Most of the stuff is very common sense and is good to have.
CB communications are used, IIRC.
The folks in the group are very good people and once you get to know them it will be lots of fun. Most of them run Jeeps
but there are a variety of vehicles. When I had my Mog I went on one outing and because it was so tall it was named the
German shade tree as it cast such a big shadow. The pinz was looked at very skeptically till they saw what it could do. I was the only
pinz they had ever seen. Several said...'do you think you can keep up? I did.
I did not have to carry spare parts like the Jeeps did. No boiling over in the desert. I was not so good in the deep sand.

Go, enjoy.

[berger]

Very thorough site! I am just curious, based on their trail ratings, where would you guys classify the Pinz? Slightly modified, Modified?

http://www.justruns.com/files/dif.htm

[4x4Pinz]

I will usually argue up to and including 35" tire requirement. I will show that I have just as much ground clearance as any of the 35" guys and with full lockers all the way around I have no issues keeping up. I am a little more aggressive when driving the pinz then some. I would think that as a "general" rule of thumb the pinz is capable of doing any 3+ trail and most 3.5 trails with a more experienced driver. Once you get into 3.5 and above it really depends on what caused the trail to get these ratings. Some 4.0 trails are very easy in a pinz while some 3.5's are nearly impassable.
Know your driving limits and comfort levels in the pinz.

[undysworld]

based on their trail ratings, where would you guys classify the Pinz? Slightly modified, Modified?

Depends on what you're willing to risk, in my opinion. I've taken my non-modified Pinz up to Holy Cross. Here's a link to some video of the road: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ph1bKd4VXU0

But I punched the oil pan plug into the pan doing it. (Those rocks in the river!) I've also set it on its' side once. But it's always gotten me home.

There are definitely places where a rock-crawler will outdo a Pinz. But I think a Pinz will take you into most places and back again.

Like I said, it depends a lot on what you're willing to break.

[krick3tt]

I have done some of the 3+ trails that the club went on. Just like everything in these adventure prone groups, there are those that have no desire to bust up their rigs and others that
could care less. ...its only money...as they say.
Get the Wells book on Southern CA Backroads and trails and make your decision.
I classed my pinz as stock. So I guess slightly modified would be the label.
Had no issues with 33's as the pinz has far more clearance than a Jeep with 35's. We just can't match the HP of those vehicles.

edit: I still have a copy of the Wells SoCA book and if you were closer I would give it to you. Probably won't go back there andI have favorite places to go anyway.

[pinzinator]

Here's a site with a similar name, funny as can be-

http://www.stillruns.com

[TechMOGogy]

Very thorough site! I am just curious, based on their trail ratings, where would you guys classify the Pinz? Slightly modified, Modified?

http://www.justruns.com/files/dif.htm

#5 is funny - I would agree unless you show up in a Mog

[4x4Pinz]

I have the wells so cal book also. Looks like some interesting areas, just would be nice to have a guide.

[krick3tt]

4x4pinz,

I really wish we used real names here, it would be so much more friendly...but anyway.

There is another book you might check out. 'CALIFORNIA DESERT BYWAYS by Tony Huegel, 2nd edition. It is sort of a family friendly travel book. Trails are noted as easy, moderate and difficult. Things
that are not an issue for a pinz but are capable for a stock 4 wheel vehicle with all terrain tires and with a transfer case with high and low ranges.

Morris

[4x4Pinz]

Thanks Morris, I will look into that book also. Like having lots of offroad books. I use the "backcountry Adventures" book for Arizona. They advertise as "the ultimate guide to the arizona backcountry for anyone with a sport utility vehicle"

Actually Morris we have met. I facilitated Brad's purchase of the trailer (you would not recognize it now).

Mike

[krick3tt]

Mike,

I have a few books left over from CA living. I have spent so much time out in the desert there that I got very familiar with some places but,
there is always another one to explore.

Thanks for the help with the trailer. I am glad it went to a family that will use it. Occasionally I do miss it.

Hey, Send me a pic, I would really be interested.

If you are going to the RMP Treffen we'll have a beer and chat a bit. If not ... Happy trails.

Morris

[4x4Pinz]

I'll try to get a picture. he stripped the trailer and filled all the holes, then raised the tent up to clear the large medical boxes, bed lined the inside and painted the exterior to match his pinz (still an od green). He has been using it but with the summer temps not as much as he would have liked. I am sure fall and winter will bring lots of trail time for it though.

Unfortunately we are not going to make the RMP treffen this year, first time since '05. I have a few overland trips planned for my pinz in the upcoming year now that it is set up for such trips. Hoping Brad will make a couple of them but we will see.

say Hi to all the folks up there for me.

Mike