by "Eberle-Hills-Cop" (Eberle-Hills-Cop)
Published 08/07/2017 at 14:41
by "Eberle-Hills-Cop" (Eberle-Hills-Cop)
Published 08/07/2017 at 14:41
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STARS: 13
Finally getting around to writing up a little post about a small trip I took a few weeks ago with the Northeast Mitsubishi 4x4 Club. We spent 3 days in Vermont traveling & exploring the large network of Class 4 roads there. Many of which were routes from last years Vermont Overland Rally that some of us attended.
We had 5 vehicles total this trip, A short wheelbase Dodge (Mitsubishi rebadge) Raider, a RHD diesel Shogun freshly imported from the UK, a Japanese import Delica Van, my Nissan Xterra, and on the last day we had a friend try out the trails in his crewcab Silverado (which was interesting for sure.)
It was pretty awesome seeing the Delica handle the trails with little drama beyond skidplate scrapes, and I’m definitely going to need a 2 door raider in my life at some point. They are so much cooler than Jeeps.
Moral of the story is I highly recommend Vermont if you are thinking about some backwoods exploring & trails in the Northeast.
"Nothing" (nothingatalluseful)
08/07/2017 at 14:48, STARS: 0
That looks like what I used to bomb around in my ‘69 Bronco. Mud, trees, water. My favorite memory in that truck was driving around, top and doors off, in the rains of Hurricane Dennis (or Floyd, they were back to back). Lots of water and mud to play in.
All of those vehicles look pretty fun. The Silverado looks a little sunk. I’ll agree with you on the Raider, too. Neat little vehicle.
"SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie" (sidewaysondirt)
08/07/2017 at 15:00, STARS: 0
Where did you drive the Delica from and when? I’m like 90% certain I saw that particular one on the road relatively recently when I was driving my new MR2 down to Florida from New York and back a couple of weeks ago.
"Highlander-Datsuns are Forever" (jamesbowland)
08/07/2017 at 15:54, STARS: 0
I’m always a bit surprised how far folks are inspired to push a 4wd full size truck, they are capable but are just terrible if they get stuck.
"gmctavish needs more space" (gmctavish)
08/07/2017 at 16:13, STARS: 0
Yess more Raider content
"Eberle-Hills-Cop" (Eberle-Hills-Cop)
08/07/2017 at 18:38, STARS: 0
The owner is from Massachusetts.
"Eberle-Hills-Cop" (Eberle-Hills-Cop)
08/07/2017 at 18:39, STARS: 1
Oh it definitely got stuck once or twice. The owner is also a Mitsu-nerd but his raider is broken so he brought what he had!
"Eberle-Hills-Cop" (Eberle-Hills-Cop)
08/07/2017 at 18:41, STARS: 1
I’m forever surrounded by Raiders. I’m friends with the guys that do the Auto Off Topic podcast and between the two of them I think there are at least 4 raiders/monteros kicking around.
"Highlander-Datsuns are Forever" (jamesbowland)
08/07/2017 at 18:42, STARS: 0
I get really careful in the 1-ton ford, I’m not going to be able to dig that out as easily as my 1990 Isuzu, where the Isuzu is basically the same size as a wrangler.
"BJ" (benjamin-bignell)
08/10/2017 at 00:05, STARS: 0
Good stuff. Those Delica vans are so cool.
I was at VOR last year as well, and I have a spot for this year, hopefully I’ll be able to make it. I love the Vermont backcountry.
"Eberle-Hills-Cop" (Eberle-Hills-Cop)
08/10/2017 at 07:03, STARS: 0
Awesome i’ll be there again as well, if you see the white Xterra with the THOR license plate say hi.
"BJ" (benjamin-bignell)
08/10/2017 at 07:07, STARS: 1
Will do! I’ll be the guy in the white 4Runner with Quebec plates.
"xplorn" (eshelbyk)
08/10/2017 at 17:57, STARS: 1
Ancient roads! I did VOR a few years ago with a friend in a JK. There are some great routes throughout the state.
It was also fun to educate (sometimes with the help of state police unfortunately) the local land owners that ancient roads are legally public accessible roads. Sometimes turning around was better than confrontation too. ;)
There was some record rainfall just prior to when I ran trails so there were interesting challenges including a winch slog from tree to tree up a steep hill trail through at least foot-deep mud.
There was a a huge Ford in the event.. like a F350 crewcab or an Excursion, but he was an expertly skilled driver and made it through some tough sections others couldn’t. We saw a new LR3 or 4 bash both rockers in enough to prevent doors from opening, and a newly imported 70 series get banged up pretty well. Our carnage was a steering stabilizer shock that got bent on a rock.
"Eberle-Hills-Cop" (Eberle-Hills-Cop)
08/11/2017 at 09:17, STARS: 0
#1 rule of VOR is do not engage upset locals! Learned that one at a gas station of all places.
"ChrisPy" (chrispytlarz)
01/08/2020 at 20:57, STARS: 0
Do you have an email I can contact you at? I’d really like to know the route you took. I’m from PA and my friend and I are trying to plan a trip up there.