Tips to avoid trail stripes / pinstripes when off-roading?

[Mr Bacon Jr]

I think you're okay at 40 degrees. And there shouldn't be trauma at 30 for a short while, but long-term cold, especially when combined with water, ice, or snow will be a problem. My impression of Texas is that it's not loaded with heavy brush, but you know your state better than I do.

Big Bend NP and SP trails are mostly old mining roads that are lined with cat’s claw. It will definitely leave a mark…

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[timhood]

We need a third-party company to invent robotic arms that attach to the modular bumper that support mini electric chain saws or hedge trimmers. The lead car clears the way for everyone.

 

[Mr Bacon Jr]

We need a third-party company to invent robotic arms that attach to the modular bumper that support mini electric chain saws or hedge trimmers. The lead car clears the way for everyone.

I support this idea. And have a flamethrower option to clear ice off ledges in the winter (fresh on my mind as I did Top of the World on Saturday- ice everywhere.)

 

[AZ_Craig]

I support this idea. And have a flamethrower option to clear ice off ledges in the winter (fresh on my mind as I did Top of the World on Saturday- ice everywhere.)

Excuse my completely off topic response, but how's the condition of that trail these days? It used to be rated moderate but I think has gotten a lot worse...

I ran it with a Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon way back in late 2012 and was surprised at how rough it was at that point (seemed like UTVs had led to a lot of additional paths being created and generally tore up a lot of stuff). I imagine it's gone further down hill in the last 10 to 12 years. Some of the ledges at that point were already getting really tricky.

 

[Mr Bacon Jr]

Excuse my completely off topic response, but how's the condition of that trail these days? It used to be rated moderate but I think has gotten a lot worse...

I ran it with a Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon way back in late 2012 and was surprised at how rough it was at that point (seemed like UTVs had led to a lot of additional paths being created and generally tore up a lot of stuff). I imagine it's gone further down hill in the last 10 to 12 years. Some of the ledges at that point were already getting really tricky.

It is definitely rutted with plenty of trail widening by UTVs. Ledges were a bit tricky in spots; would rate the trail a 7. Took about 90 minutes to get from trailhead to just below where the trail splits. We turned around as the section of ledges right before the split was completely iced over. Probably could have spent a bit of time and figured it out, but did not want to risk damage. FWIW, we were the only rig out there..

 

[AZ_Craig]

It is definitely rutted with plenty of trail widening by UTVs. Ledges were a bit tricky in spots; would rate the trail a 7. Took about 90 minutes to get from trailhead to just below where the trail splits. We turned around as the section of ledges right before the split was completely iced over. Probably could have spent a bit of time and figured it out, but did not want to risk damage. FWIW, we were the only rig out there..

Gotcha, thanks for the info. Kind of want to get back there at some point in an upcoming Moab trip as the top truly is amazing.

I remember taking the alternate path out on the loop at the top and there was a particularly nasty ledge you had to climb back out of. One of the few times I remember legitimately needing my front locker on my Rubicon. There were some folks with a stock Nissan Xterra up there who seemed like they were majorly in over their heads also.

We went in expecting a moderate trail also, so it was quite a surprise.

 

[Mr Bacon Jr]

Gotcha, thanks for the info. Kind of want to get back there at some point in an upcoming Moab trip as the top truly is amazing.

I remember taking the alternate path out on the loop at the top and there was a particularly nasty ledge you had to climb back out of. One of the few times I remember legitimately needing my front locker on my Rubicon. There were some folks with a stock Nissan Xterra up there who seemed like they were majorly in over their heads also.

We went in expecting a moderate trail also, so it was quite a surprise.

Definitely one of the better examples of how one person’s rating of 4 is another’s 8. Saw one review that said to expect 10 hours to do the trial. How is that possible?

 

[AZ_Craig]

Definitely one of the better examples of how one person’s rating of 4 is another’s 8. Saw one review that said to expect 10 hours to do the trial. How is that possible?

Maybe 10 hours if you include time from Moab and stop a ton, but I agree that sounds nuts.

I personally have found very few trails to be in better condition these days than they were 5 to 10 years ago. The whole side by side craze in tandem with a lot of flash flooding in different areas out West seems to have really beat on stuff.

We had a similar experience a few years ago with Pass Canyon outside of Kingman, AZ. We were using Charles Well's Funtreks book and didn't have any particularly recent trip reports. No way in hell that trail was moderate anymore either (actually got hung up in one place with my 4Runner and ultimately needed to use a bypass formed by SxS to get through).

 

[MJ12]

A little trail maintenance with some shears or a hand saw when needed with the thicker branches.

 

[Jwis]

Our previous metalic Chili Pepper Red really showed the small twig/branch scratches. These always buffed out but what a pain. Our current non-metalic white was ordered with offroad paint durability in mind. Why it seems to not show the small scratches is somewhat of a mystery... However, the brush that seems to not show scratches on the paint still scratches our plastic top windows. I know, white is boring but really easier to touch up when necessary.

 

[350vudu]

Realistically the only solutions are:
1 - don’t wheel your rig where it can get scratched
2 - use an on/off product like MagMek or
3 - PPF

I haven’t used MagMek and have wheeled in the northeast for 3 over decades with various rigs and PPF works. Last weekend the TriStateBroncos crew had a great day of donating gifts to a local children’s hospital and then spent the afternoon in the woods. After a quick power wash, there was no evidence or trail rash on my PPF’d surfaces. yes, it’s expensive but, if you want to preserve your paint, it’s the solution.

Where did you guys wheel at?

 

[the poacher]

I had SunTek 11 mil installed on sides and hood. Stuff is amazing.

Hi there, I am no familiar with SunTek. I did a quick google search and came up empty. Any links you might be able to share?

 

[Shrek27]

Big Bend NP and SP trails are mostly old mining roads that are lined with cat’s claw. It will definitely leave a mark…

KofA as well. Definately check the plant life before you try to squeeze by your buddies truck to spot them!

I’m just living with whatever pinstripes stay after washing. Its a shame aluminum doesnt rust so we’ll never get those classic patinas.

 

[Grant3168]

Im in colorado and have a good amount of tight trails Ive been on that you can get alot of pinstriping. These are the things I do:

1) Research the trail. OnXoffroad / TrailsOffroad / etc. If people say its very narrow and there are pictures to back it, I typically avoid them.

2) Pick your line - sometimes this isn't do-able, but let me explain. If you have an evergreen tree to your left and a normal tree with long branches, I hug closer to the evergreen on the left side. I'd rather have the needles from the tree touch my paint versus wooden branches.

3) The buddy system. If you are wheeling with a friend, have them get out and move some of the big branches out of the way to reduce damage. I typically avoid to do trail modifications as its not my place to expand a trail or change it. The only exception is if the trail is impassable from a fallen tree. Don't be a lumberjack and chop down trees without permission.

4) SAS fender flares. This isn't full protection, but its better than the standard fender flares or removing them entirely. Some of the smaller trees and low branches hit the fender first, not your paint. I'd rather destroy a fender versus my paint

5) If you off-road, expect damages, minor or extreme depending on what you do. The simple answer is, if you dont want damage to your bronco, don't take it offroad. Not trying to be rude or anything, but thats the most simple way to say it. I have some pinstriping, scratches, and rashes from the 2 years of ownership with this bronco. I wear it with a badge of honor. You don't get that from the mall parking lot. Personally, I bought this bronco as an offroad utility vehicle and thats how I use it. Go out there and have some fun!

 

[Jmanly]

Hi there, I am no familiar with SunTek. I did a quick google search and came up empty. Any links you might be able to share?

https://suntekfilms.com/na/en/paint-protection-film/ultra-defense/

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