[WA_Pass21]

Hi All,
Building up as best as possible with the limited accessories available.

Ordered Truxxx 2" suspension spacer to "level" things out. Waiting for the delivery.

Been pouring over tire sizes and if it all works out I'll now be getting new 255/65R18's (31.1 × 10) in the hope of gaining a little height without rubbing. I think staying a little narrower will help gain a little more height instead of maximizing height and width...

For the time being today I had used 265/60R18 Dean Back Country tires (picked up yesterday) mounted on lightly used Ridgeline wheels (picked up a few days ago). When I rolled the stock 2021 wheel/tire combo up next to the current set I found the "larger" 30.5 inch tire is the same size as the "smaller" 29.6 inch stock tire.

Before:

After:

What i noticed afterwards:
1. Softer ride - actually absorbs harshness.😎
2. Louder - hums from about 20-55 mph. May be normal or from improper care. They did balance quickly on the Ridgeline wheels. Not the best all around tire IMO (used and somewhat of an off brand sold exclusively at Les Schwab). New they're as pricey as BFG's, Cooper, Falken, etc...
3. Great traction in the dirt, gravel and mud (no deep mud)🤠
4. Now I can fly down dirt and gravel roads. I can even air down. 😱
5. They are not taller, like they're supposed to be. Maybe because about half the tread is gone? 🙃
6. Wider feel from tires (10.4" vs 9.6" stock) and a little more prone to start to step out or break loose in the rear around corners on wet paved roads.


Here's from today:

 

[kslu_wa]

Hey, did you find any trails at Evans Creek doable in your Passport? Most offroad parks have gates and are way over Passport abilities. Tahuya is probably the only exception to my knowledge.

 

[ProdGirl]

The silver color wheels are the new ones?
They look great on the silver lunar color!

 

[WA_Pass21]

The silver color wheels are the new ones?
They look great on the silver lunar color!

Yep, 2017 Ridgeline
Thanks

 

[WA_Pass21]

Hey, did you find any trails at Evans Creek doable in your Passport? Most offroad parks have gates and are way over Passport abilities. Tahuya is probably the only exception to my knowledge.

Yep, I went on one in the main area marked "easisest" and another down the path marked... there are some open areas and unmarked trails too. I made it through both of the gates - two metal posts, one on each side, to limit vehicle size(?).

Full disclosure: I was by myself without a spotter and turned around at the end of trail 102 since it ends in a short badly rutted hill with a large 12" tall rock in the middle and a 90 degree turn with embankments. There are two hills to get down and that one seemed better. I may have tried with a spotter but didn't want to risk body damage without rock rails, wide enough tires or proper ground clearance.

I did see a beaver in a flooded area acroos the street from Carbon River afterwards. First time I've seen one. It's in the last pic but only as a brown bump in the water to the right of the dead tree if you zoom all the way in. Its all the way back right before the vegetation and to the right of the long partially submerged log 😁

 

[kslu_wa]

Yep, I went on one in the main area marked "easisest" and another down the path marked... there are some open areas and unmarked trails too. I made it through both of the gates - two metal posts, one on each side, to limit vehicle size(?).

Full disclosure: I was by myself without a spotter and turned around at the end of trail 102 since it ends in a short badly rutted hill with a large 12" tall rock in the middle and a 90 degree turn with embankments. There are two hills to get down and that one seemed better. I may have tried with a spotter but didn't want to risk body damage without rock rails, wide enough tires or proper ground clearance.

I did see a beaver in a flooded area acroos the street from Carbon River afterwards. First time I've seen one. It's in the last pic but only as a brown bump in the water to the right of the dead tree if you zoom all the way in. Its all the way back right before the vegetation and to the right of the long partially submerged log 😁
View attachment 11263 View attachment 11264
View attachment 11265
View attachment 11266
View attachment 11267

Yeah, this gate doesnt look like much of a gatekeeper ( usually gatekeeper is pretty difficult technical entrance). Width seems to be the main criteria for the entry. Was the trail really narrow? It seems like a tight squeeze for the Passport.

 

[kslu_wa]

I found this map and it seems like they have a few options for beginner trails (green). And if width is the only requirement for the entry, it might be worth a visit, even if it is a 2 hour drive.

Evans Creek ORV Area - Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest map by US Forest Service Pacific Northwest Region (WA/OR) - Avenza Maps | Avenza Maps

Evans Creek Trailhead provides access to 40 miles of combined four-wheel drive and motorcycle/quad trails of varying difficulty. For more information, contact the Snoqualmie Ranger District Office at: 450 Roosevelt Avenue E, Enumclaw, WA 98022, by Telephone: (360) 825-6585 or online at...

www.avenzamaps.com

Thank you for sharing your pictures.

 

[tombox]

Looks fun!

 

[WA_Pass21]

Switched out the tires today...

These are definitely taller than stock. 255/65R18, no rubbing lock to lock. Have not tested under full articulation yet, but I think they're good.

 

[REALM]

Impressive and fantastic pics!