Gold Rush Adventure

I consider everything I do with Gold Rush to be an Adventure,
from adding accessories to modifying systems, and all the places I will travel.
Follow along here by reading my Adventure Blog.

Lensum 100 W Hood Solar Panel

I enjoy being able to (at any time 24 hours a day) open my rear driver-side door, slid out the SetPower DC cooler and grab a cool drink or something to eat.

When I combine this benefit with the fact that I am retired from my full-time job and my truck may set undriven for any number of days, or I may be out camping and not drive Gold Rush for many days, then I have to be concerned about the charge state of my auxiliary batteries. For this reason, I installed a Lensum 100-watt solar panel on the hood of Gold Rush. This helps keep the batteries charged up, or at least from draining completely.

Electrical System Upgrades

The time came for some upgrades to Gold Rush's electrical systems. This included a new starter battery, hood mounted solar panel, new dash camera, a new alarm system, and checking of all electrical connections to make sure everything was good and solid.

Sometimes what you have is working fine, but there are benefits to be had by upgrading to better components with better features. And sometimes things just aren’t working right and need a professional touch. That was the case with Gold Rush's auxiliary electrical system. I tried doing it myself, but things seemed a little sketchy and electrical is not an area you want to take lightly.

So, I took Gold Rush to my trusted guy, James at Las Vegas Overlanding Company, "LasVegasOverlanding.co".

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Mormon Well Road

I've heard a lot of good comments from many local off-road enthusiasts about a popular off-road trail named "Mormon Well Road". It begins a little north of Las Vegas. I've wanted to drive it for a while but wanted to do it with a group. So, I waited until the time was right. The opportunity finally presented itself and I joined a group ride sponsored by SNOT (Southern Nevada Off-road Trailers).

I met members of the SNOT group at the Smiths Marketplace near Skye Canyon Park Drive and North Grand Canyon at 10am for a driver meeting. This put me about 14 miles from my home near West Sahara and Buffalo. There we had the opportunity to gas up and purchase other supplies if needed. One of the items mentioned at the meeting was that we would be able to communicate with each other using GRMS channel 15. I found it helpful to comment or ask questions while traveling on the trail.

My First Recovery with SNORR

I finally went on my first SNORR recovery with Gold Rush. This was one of those rare recoveries that did not need to be completed as soon as possible. So it was rescheduled for early the next morning. It was for this elderly man who got his Silverado 4x4 stuck when he ventured off onto an seldom traveled dirt road that turned into a wash. The sun was setting when he hit a large rock that stopped him. He didn't know about the rock and kept trying to go forward. But this just caused his tries to dig large holes lowering the truck down to the frame.

Treading Lightly

I recently enjoyed a trip that took me out of the Las Vegas heat (109 degrees) to the nearby Mount Charleston area. I stayed at the Blue Tree Group Campground. While on this trip I consciencely exercised the Tread Lightly principles.

Blue Tree Campground

The summer heat continued here in Las Vegas, and for one reason or another I had yet to get out of this heat with my truck and trailer. It was now nearing the end of August (Monday the 26th to be exact) and the temp was hovering above 100. I decided it was a good time to get away without going too far.

I readied my 10x6 v-nose CTC (that's "Cargo Trailer Conversion"), hitched it up to Gold Rush and headed north 37.5 miles to Mount Charleston, NV. I took Nevada 95 to Lee Canyon Road which led me to the Blue Tree Group Campground. This was my first time visiting there.

Auxbeam Switch Panel

One thing I want to do when I venture far off-road deep into the dark of night is to… LIGHT IT UP! I want to be able see clearly the trail ahead of me and to the sides. Searching for troublesome areas, obstacles, rocks that could cause damage. I don't want any surprises. I want to enjoy a night drive without getting stuck, causing damage to my truck, or worse.

Modified Air Compressor System

I like having a portable air compressor in Gold Rush for airing up my tires after an adventure off-road. But, it seems like a lot of work to use. I have to get the compressor out of where I have it stored, unbag it, open the hood, attach the power cables to the starter battery. Then unfurl the air hose and go to each tire one at a time, bend down, attach the air chuck to the valve stem, and check the air pressure with a gauge multiple times until I reach the desired pressure. Then repeat that process with each tire.

I don't look forward to the process every time I want to go driving off-road. So I decided to create a system that would make the entire process much easier and quicker.

Auxiliary Power System

When I head out on the dirt trail with a group of friends from my local off-roading club, I want to have my mobile phone and my navigational tablets plugged in and charging, I want my mobile GMRS radio turned on and pointed to the group channel. When we stop along the trail to check out a site, I want to be able reach into my dc refrigerator and pull out a cool drink, when the sun sets and darkness comes upon us, I want to be able to light up the night with a variety of off-road driving lights. And when the ride on dirt is over, I want to be able to power up my air compressor and air up my tires. All this take power, and I don't want to risk draining my starter battery, that is why I built an auxiliary power system.

New Wheels & Tires

One of the first exterior mods I wanted to make to my truck was a set of custom wheels and larger tires. These two items were to give Gold Rush a bolder, more custom look. But appearance is only one reason I wanted to add larger tires and wheels.

The vision I had from the beginning was to build my truck for a specific purpose. That purpose was off-roading, overlanding, camping, and to bring others along on my adventure. So, the truck was to "be" the part and "look" the part of a capable off-roading vehicle.

Men's Conference

Feels good to get away from home, be with friends, meet new people. I got the chance to do just that when I signed up for a men's conference being held at the Calvary Chapel in Saint George, Utah.

I attended the conference along with over fifty men from my home church, AwakenLV in Las Vegas. This also gave me the opportunity to visit with a friend I hadn't seen in many years, go on a hike with some of the men from my church, and camp out in my trailer, both at the conference and next to Lake Made on my way home.

Midland MXT275 Mobile GMRS Radio

When exploring off-road with your buddies, there is lots to see and watch out for. That beautiful lake off in the distance, the water crossing up ahead, or the group of dear that just ran across the trail. Or there's the deep ruts, the large rock in the center of the trail, or the tree that has fallen across your path. Being able to communicate in these situations, whether you're sharing experiences or warning of trouble, increases the enjoyment of your off-road adventure.

Tozalazz Portable Air Compressor

Driving off road can be a hard and bumpy ride. One way to ease that is to reduce the air pressure in your vehicle's tires. This also widens your tires footprint on the ground providing increased traction. So, a standard procedure for many off roading enthusiasts is to "air down" once they are on dirt before starting a trail, and to "air up" at the end of the trail before hitting pavement again.

Miolle Recovery Gear

So, you're excited about getting together with a buddy and heading out into the wilderness and explore in your off road rids. While no one wants to get their vehicles stuck in soft sand or mud, this could happen depending on just how adventurous you and your buddy are.

If you are the very adventurous type who like to venture into challenging terrain (or even if you're not) it's a good idea to have recovery gear with you. In addition to tractions boards mentioned in the previous article, you should be carrying Recovery Ropes. Tow Straps, and associated gear. This can include a Kinetic Recovery Rope, Static Tow Strap, Bridle Rope, Soft Shackles,

Continuing Reading

ActionTrax Traction Boards

One item every person venturing off road should have in their vehicle are Traction Boards. Traction Boards can aid in self-recovery in the event that your vehicle gets stuck in soft sand, mud, or snow. There are many companies marketing a variety of traction boards. I did some research and purchased what I felt was a good product.

If you plan on doing any off-road traveling at all, I highly recommend a set of traction boards. Even if only an inexpensive set. But if you are at all serious about going off road, go with a high-quality set of boards, maybe even two sets.

Leveling Kit

Most every modification I will do to Gold Rush will be for a specific purpose. One beneficial modification for any vehicle destined for off road travel is higher ground clearance. This is primarily accomplished by adding a suspension lift to raise the frame of the vehicle, and adding larger tires to raise the axles.

Three Simple Mods

I live in Las Vegas, Nevada. If you've ever been here in the summer, you know it gets HOT! And that heat can reck havoc on a vehicles dash. So, I purchased a Dash Mat off of Amazon. The color very closely matches the interior color of my truck. It looks really nice.

White Rock / La Madre Springs Loop

If you were to travel approximately 18 miles west of the Las Vegas Strip on Charleston Avenue, you would come to the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. This beautiful area offers a nice visitors center at the beginning of a 14-mile one-way scenic loop. Along this loop you will find a number of pull-outs for viewing the beauty of the desert or exploring its many trails and rock formations.

DC Cooler Box

My plan from the beginning was to remove the rear seat and build a platform in the extended cab portion of the truck that would allow lots of room for equipment, supplies, and a DC operated cooler. After building and installing the platform, and placing the cooler on it, I decided I would benefit from being able to store items on top of the cooler. So I built a box with a sliding tray.

Extended Cab Platform

For the 20 years I owned my Ford Explorer I seldom had passengers in the back seat. So, when I purchased my extended cab Silverado, I did so having a plan to remove the rear seat and better utilize that space by building a platform in its place.

I removed the rear seat by taking off. All the nuts that were holding it down. there were quite a few. The seat back folded forward making it a large one-piece unit. Removing it from the truck by myself was a bit of a challenge but I managed to get it out. After that I removed all of the seatbelt hardware. With a large cleared out area it was now time to build the platform.

Tread Lightly

Supporters of Tread Lightly! practice responsible outdoor recreation and demonstrate their conviction with steadfast adherence to the Tread Lightly! Principles. The Tread Lightly! Principles are a philosophy which provides suggestions and standards of responsible recreation.

Complete the Tread Lightly online course and become a more educated and responsible user of the great outdoors.

Mint 400 Desert Clean-Up

Held on March 4th was the annual Mint 400 Desert Clean-Up. A volunteer event held in preparation of the Mint 400 off-road race being held the following weekend.

The event was held a short distance north of Jean Nevada, east of Las Vegas Blvd. on Liteweight Road. At the staging area were seven very large blue Republic Services commercial trash receptacles, and two large rear-load trash trucks. To my surprise, they were all needed for this event. Also on the site were tents set up representing the Mint 400, and a few other local organization that promote the enjoyment and upkeep of the outdoor areas.

SNORR Recovery 101 Class

I recently took the Recovery 101 class offered by SNORR (Southern Nevada Off Road Recovery. SNORR is an all-volunteer non-profit organization located in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The class location sometimes changes, this class was held at the Apex/Nellis Dunes Area, a short distance north east of the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. We met at a predetermined location next to the Gas line road. There we aired down our vehicle tires, and together drove about one mile out into the dunes.

Garmin Mini 2 Dash Cam

For years I have thought about how valuable it would be to have a dash cam in my automobile. I've heard the stories; I've seen the YouTube videos showing the evidence when a traffic incident was not the drivers fault. I've seen how it can turn the officer's attention to the real cause of the mishap, and possibly preventing you from receiving a ticket. And, how it can direct the insurance company to put blame for the claim where it truly lies, saving you a raise in rates.

Black Velvet Canyon

My first off-road drive with Gold Rush was not a long one, but I was anxious to get off the paved roads and onto some dirt. I chose a place I know of not too far from my home. It was a short drive west of Las Vegas on Blue Diamond Road toward Pahrump. There is a well-known pull out named "Late Night Trailhead". This is a part of the Cottonwood Valley Trail System and is a well-used starting point for hiking and mountain biking. The area includes a paved parking lot and rest rooms (with pit toilets).

An Example of How God Works

I had been searching for well over a year for what I thought would be the best used truck for me.

I knew just what I wanted, a 03-06 Silverado 2500HD extended cab short bed 4x4. Truck prices across the board were running high. Trucks meeting this description were hard to find and usually had high miles on them. I would often think of other types of vehicles, but always came back to this one.

My New Truck

I enjoy camping, exploring, hiking, and being out in the wilderness. Now that I have retired from my steady full time job after 30 years, I want to do more of it. For the last five years I have been pulling my 10x6 CTC (Cargo Trailer Conversion) with my 1999 Ford Explorer. It has worked fairly well, but the six-cylinder engine has some difficulty pulling the trailer, as small and light as it is, up hills. It was time for a newer, more powerful vehicle.