Trail Etiquette
Some basic guidelines (this is all my opinion, so use it as a guideline and not as gospel)
[Trail Boss] [Joining a Run] [Convoy] [Trail Ratings]
Trail Boss
So you're looking to lead a run. What are others expecting of you as Trail Boss? What should you be prepared for?
- Know the trail system you plan to run - its difficulty and vehicle requirements..
- Be able to advise people on what type of run this will be.
- Be prepared and on time.
- Have a drivers meeting before the run to inform all involved of the general plan.
- Vehicle inspection - make sure you are comfortable with the condition and state of each rig in the group. If your run is tough - are they lifted? locked?
- Prepare to break the group up if it gets too big and delegate other leaders.
- Arrange the group in a sensible order (intermix winch rigs)
- Provide guidance and common sense for safety; make people aware of potential problems
- Remain with your group until everyone gets back
Remember - my opinion!
Joining a Run
Especially for newer people.
You hear about a run, either directly or through the grapevine. Common
curtesy generally says
- Contact the Trail Boss. If you have any doubts, tell them what you drive and ask their opinion. Be prepared to wait for the next run if it sounds inappropriate for you.
- Listen to those with more experience and read between the lines. Generally you will not be told 'No' flat out - but there will be hints. Listen for them.
- If you feel uncomfortable with anything STOP!
- Watch only one spotter. Likely you will have many people shouting contradictory tidbits - pick one person that you trust and watch/listen to only them.
- Make sure you understand the spotters hand signals BEFORE you get into trouble.
Remember - my opinion!
Convoy
When out on the trail system, it is very easy to loose people. Thus it is very important (especially if anyone is not familiar with the trail) that participants follow the convoy rules.
- The most important - make sure the rig behind you makes the correct turn at intersections. This may involve waiting for a while.
- Make sure the vehicle behind you is ok, does not get lost or left behind.
- If you dont see the rig behind you for 3-4 mins - STOP! Its not fun being left behind.
- This all applies going in and also coming back out!
Remember - my opinion!
Rating System
There are two rating systems, 1-10 scale and a 1-4 scale. Regardless of the scale, all rating systems are subjective. This one, while based on the 1-4 scale, was proposed by a few people here in the pnw and does not coincide with any other scale.Remember - this is a guideline only - and a subjective one at that.
| 1 | = | Maintained trail, hills, small berms, small rocks, modest ruts, passable by any stock 4x4. |
| 2 | = | Rutted hill climbs, modest mud pits, modest rock ledges, modest rock crawling, loose dirt, difficult for stock 4x4, but doable. Modest lift and tires recommended to avoid possible damage. |
| 3 | = | Stock vehicles will likely suffer damage. LWB stock vehicles will suffer damage. Lift/tires highly recommended. At least one TAD recommended, winch recommended; built vehicles may suffer damage if not careful. Less experienced drivers will likely suffer damage. |
| 4 | = | Large lift/tires required, lockers required, winch required and most likely used, experienced driver required, damage highly likely, trailer at end of trail recommended. |
| 4+ | = | Only highly modified trailer queens will make it through this trail, anything less need not apply. |
Keep in mind that trails change month to month. Trail ratings are a subjective guideline and will vary from vehicle to vehicle (lwb vs swb), current weather conditions (dry/dust, wet/mud, snow/ice).
Note: Your own ability to navigate a trail will be influenced by factors such as weather, current trail conditions, your own driving experience, your vehicle, and some luck.
