Off Road Adventure

1 Truck, 4 Freinds and 9,500 Miles

Paul — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 04:04:07 +0000

Sound familiar… Four college students, The Durango Drifters: Amy, Billy, Tricia, and Kristina are readying for their cross country adventure. On May, 26th 2010 the friends plan on piling into a Dodge Durango for 37 days to drive from from one end of the country to the other and back again. Along the way they [...]

This story was brought to you via Off Adventure Road Trip blog where you will find 4x4 adventure stories, rig mods, pictures, videos as well as rants and raves from the road less traveled.

1 Truck, 4 Freinds and 9,500 Miles

And They Call It Vendor Love…

Paul — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 09:34:44 +0000

With all the mods on the rig we’ve had to work with a number of 4×4 shops and after market vendors. And as you know some of them are better than others. So what makes one vendor better than another? Certainly some vendors produce higher quality gear than others, but not everyone wants or needs [...]

Reflecting On The Detours…

Paul — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 07:36:05 +0000

I can’t believe another year has passed on this wild adventure. Thanks to all of you the Last Great Road Trip continues to be the web site destination for those who take the wheel and driver rather than letting life pass them by. Looking back over that last three years, I have to smile when I [...]

We’re Big In Japan

Paul — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 05:20:01 +0000

Remember our Rubicon 4×4 Adventure, the “2009 Metal Tech Invitational”? I know you do… Cause I don’t want to hear we do all this for nothing… Ok maybe not for nothing… We do have a blast! Well one of the members of the team on that off road adventure was Yoshi, a photographer and writer for [...]

From A Land Down Under

Paul — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 02:43:13 +0000

Can I get a hot shower in the bush… Who is behind 4WD TV… How did the “Drive 4 Life” turn out… Is there a good one woman tent out there… Can a pig really drink beer… And what are the crazy Aussies up too… The new ARB Newsletter Summer 2010 showed up in our in [...]

2010 FJ Cruiser Still Going Strong

Paul — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 01:53:00 +0000

The 2010 Toyota FJ Cruiser continues to be one of the top selling SUVs. The rig has not changed much over the years and continues to stay true to its rugged 4×4 adventure roots and long land cruiser heritage. The most notable change are the new engine updates that now delivers 260-horsepower @ 5,600 rpm [...]

Training Day (aka this side of youth)

Paul — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 05:28:48 +0000

If a mid-life crisis is about recapturing your youth than there is one sure fire way to do it… No it is not getting a big Harley, driving a fast sports car or dating younger women… Sure those all seem like good ideas and definitely worth a try, but if you want to recapture your [...]

If You Race The Hammer You See Nails Everywhere

Paul — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 06:54:46 +0000

Every once in awhile, ordinary guys (gender neutral non-specific term use) get an extraordinary off road adventure opportunity. King Of The Hammers is an off road race that balances speed, rock crawling and drivers skills against some of the most difficult trails anywhere. This year the driver of Camo’s Buggy #4407 is up for grabs The [...]

4×4 Adventure BBC Style

Paul — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 01:24:59 +0000

Awhile back our friends at Metal Tech were approached by the BBC to help them with a Toyota FJ40 they were taking on a 4×4 Adventure from Bolivia to the Pacific Ocean. And true to Top Gear antics, it was not your average off road adventure. Mark and LT spent time in the jungle, the [...]

Smile, I’m On Hidden Camera

Paul — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 19:24:40 +0000

The great thing about going on the trails with a bunch of friends is that these days, everyone has a video camera. Turns out when we weren’t looking one of the guys in the group caught us going through a few obstacles in the Tillamook State Forest ORV Park. Since I’m usually behind the [...]

Trail Tracker

Paul — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 05:17:40 +0000

Every think that you need a place to keep track of the trails you’ve run so you can share them with others? Ever wonder where you could go to find trails in other locations that you want to explore? Well wonder no more… As Toyota makes a push to show the world its new 5th generation [...]

Black Friday Off Road Adventure

Paul — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 05:16:53 +0000

Can I drive… no. Really, Can I Drive… No. Come on… Can I Drive… NO! Oh #$%^@… Never mind, I don’t want to drive. You take 1 part rocks, 1 part mud and 2 parts gravity shake them all together and you have the 3rd annual Black Friday run. Every year the Northwest FJ Cruiser Club (NWFJCC) holds it [...]

Sick Suspension

Paul — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 09:05:52 +0000

Sick is how 4WD Toyota Owner described our rig and the Total Chaos 2″ long travel kit after they published our article on the install Metal Tech did for us a while back… If you liked the on-line Total Chaos 2″ Long Travel Install video and story, you’ll love this article. While we didn’t make the [...]

Veni, vidi, vici

Paul — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 19:11:32 +0000

We came, We saw, We Kick Some Off Road Ass… If you follow our off road adventure and please tell me you do, than you know we recently returned from the Rubicon trail. And I’m sure you read the stories and saw the pictures… Right! So if a picture is worth a 1,000 [...]

You Want Me To Do What! Really… REALLY….

Paul — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 23:56:24 +0000

So how do you become an internationally recognized off road driving, winching and safety trainer? Well if you are Bill Burke you start with a resume that looks like: One of 2-person team to represent America in the Camel Trophy, a grueling 1200-mile rally across Africa (1991) Developed and presented Camp Rover West, now known as “On [...]

Surviving Rubicon… Out The Other End

Paul — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 08:33:42 +0000

So you want to run the Rubicon Trail… And who wouldn’t… But what does it mean to survive the Con? For us it meant two long hard days on the trail with some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. It also meant a little carnage, a lot of fun [...]

Oh My Hell… This Is Rubicon!

Paul — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 06:56:05 +0000

100 yards into the trail and we’re breaking out the hi-lifts… Welcome to the Con! We’d heard tales, read about it on-line and seen pictures… But until you are facing down the Rubicon, it is hard to understand the knot that wells up in your stomach as you realize… this is wheeling… on the big stuff. Until [...]

It All Begins At Loon Lake

Paul — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 08:04:59 +0000

After a night in Sacramento, CA. it was time to get started and that meant driving out to the trail head. This had to be the longest drive ever… Although it only took an hour or so, it seemed like days as we wound past places named Coloma, Georgetown, Placerville, and Ice House up through [...]

The Gang Is Mostly Here

Paul — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 09:07:15 +0000

Today was the day the gang (or at least most of them) came into town. Bernd is joining the group from Portland along with his son. I met Bernd a couple of years back in Ouray, Co. at the second annual FJ Summit. Since then I’ve had a few opportunities to run trails with him including [...]

I-5 All The Way…

Paul — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 22:24:58 +0000

Like a kid on Christmas Eve, I slept about an hour, double and triple checking my mental list of gear for the big Rubicon off road adventure. As soon as the clock ticked 9:00 a.m. i was out the door and racing to Metal Tech to meet Mark and caravan down from Portland to Sacramento. View [...]

For The Love A Good Woman

Paul — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 09:24:21 +0000

The day started out perfect… one of those beautiful crisp sun shinny fall Seattle days that mark the start of school and have you forgetting the cloud covered drizzle that you will soon be immersed in as the price for living in God’s country. Parked on Western below Pikes Place Market like thousands of times [...]

The 4×4 Gourmet

Paul — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 04:31:32 +0000

Getting ready for the Rubicon adventure has us going in all directions… meals on the trail is one of them… Rule #1 on the trail… everything, even cardboard rehydrated with sweat and seasoned with dirt, tastes good after a long day wheeling on the trail…. but don’t let rule #1 get in the way of [...]

Oil Can Betty…

Paul — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 03:07:00 +0000

One of our friends, Beau Jaramillo, from Amsoil, sent us a care package that included: Ea Oil Filters Signature Series 0W-30 100% Synthetic Motor Oil Ea Air Filters Engine Flush Severe Gear 75W-90 Series 2000 Synthetic Racing Grease With the Rubicon off road adventure coming up, this was the perfect time to change the oil. Engine oil has the primary functions [...]

It’s My Blog and I’ll Ramble If I Want Too

Paul — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 07:06:31 +0000

Those of you who follow the Last Great Road Trip know to expect: FJC How To articles, 4×4 adventure stories, Hula Betty off road videos, diversity discussions and the occasional rant or rave on whatever it is that we feel like ranting about… Well since I had time to think on a trip out to Hurricane [...]

Whooo Hooo! Blue Bunny on the CON!

Paul — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 09:09:12 +0000

That was the the message I received back after I let Mark (those of you who remember the tail of the Blue Bunny understand Mark’s affection for the nick name) know I would be able to join him on Metal Tech ’s Rubicon Trail adventure planned for the end of summer. The Rubicon Trail is perhaps [...]

The CPR Run To Blue Lake

Paul — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 23:01:44 +0000

I drove the legend that started it all… more on that in a minute, but first… Picture yourself in the middle of nowhere, cell coverage is non-existent, the stars are beginning to poke through the night sky and your group is settling in for an evening around the camp fire when across the way you hear [...]

An Off Road Adventure Down Memory Lane

Paul — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 03:10:52 +0000

Growing up in Portland OR, my formative high school days as well as my heavy drinking college years were spent chasing one thing… Ok maybe two things but the one I’ll write about was the chance to go out, explore and get lost on the logging roads above Estacada OR. I would drive my old Baja [...]

And The Winner Is…

Paul — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 02:43:03 +0000

First of all I would like to thank the academy, my parents, my friends, all the readers, the guy who cuts my hair, the kid down the street who mows the lawn, our mailman, my favorite sister-in-law, Hula Betty and all the people who work so hard behind the scenes to make this web site [...]

Michelangelo Never Painted In The Rain

Paul — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 05:09:55 +0000

Art is amazing… It inspires, confuses, questions and touches people is ways they can’t explain. Some seek out their art in churches, others in museums and galleries and some in private collections. On my road trips and adventures, I look for it outside, on the road and away from the crowds. Whether it is [...]

Toyota ‘10 Model Year FJ Cruiser

Paul — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 07:33:24 +0000

There appears to be an encore year for the FJ Cruiser… the rumors of its death may have been premature as Toyota releases it’s “What’s New ‘10 Model Year” lineup notes. And would you believe it… the FJC is in the line up. With more horse power, little better gas mileage and a [...]

Big Breath, Hold It… Hold It…

Paul — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 06:30:43 +0000

Ok, Let it out… and breath. When your rig can’t draw in the fresh air it needs, your engine runs less efficiently, gas mileage plummets and horse power evaporates. The easiest way keep your engine running at peak performance is to regularly check the air filter and change it when it becomes filled with dirt and debris. How [...]

What’s In A Word

Paul — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 21:38:48 +0000

Sometimes we cling to words like a drowning man to a straw… Some people find comfort in their familiarity, some use them to comfort others and help. However, some use words to feel superior while others wield words like a knife to cut down anything different. This point was driven home to me the other day… [...]

The Wheels On The Rig Go Round And Round

Paul — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 22:03:19 +0000

Yup, I’m talking beadlockers. IHRA Pro Stock cars, CORR trophy trucks and vertical wall scaling rock crawlers all use them. But how exactly do they work and what does it take to install them. When an IHRA Pro Stock car travels down the quarter-mile in under eight seconds or an off road rig airs down real [...]

Get The Lead Out (it is all about balance)

Paul — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 16:40:17 +0000

No more shakes and shimmies, better gas mileage and longer tire life what’s not to like… Spinning tires wobble if they’re not perfectly balanced. To avoid having your rig shimmy and shake while bombing down the back roads, usually means taping lead weights on the sides of the wheel until a bubble level reads top dead [...]

Off Road Trail Bonus

Paul — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 09:10:17 +0000

Remember the Lady’s Off Road Adventure? I know you do… it was the previous post… While the women grabbed the spotlight, one of the moms got a surprise when she looked back and it was her son in the drivers seat of another 4WD rig coming up the trail. And Mother like son, he did [...]

Silly Boys Off Road Adventures Are For Girls

Paul — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 00:10:12 +0000

Who ever said off road adventures were for guys never met the women of the Northwest… If you hang out on any one of a dozen FJC forums you probably ran across MrsCheweys post that started the whole thing : “Hey Ladies, are there any of you who love to ride in the rig while the boys [...]

15 minute Gadget Wire-Up

Paul — Fri, 29 May 2009 16:42:31 +0000

I love all the gadgets available these days that make getting to your off road adventure a breeze. But I hate wires dangling all over, getting in the way and generally creating a big spaghetti mess. Sure you can hard wire the gizmo into your rig’s electrical but than you can’t easily move it to [...]

CB Talk For Your Off Road Adventure

Paul — Tue, 26 May 2009 16:07:53 +0000

Every once in a while we get to share advice from real experts. This time, Andrew Youderian from Right Channel CB Radios helped to explain some of the basic components that make up a complete CB package for off road communication. So give this a read and don’t hesitate to let Andrew know you appreciate [...]

Asking The Right Question – Off Road Lift Kit

Paul — Fri, 22 May 2009 19:19:29 +0000

Seems like a reoccurring question I hear from new FJC guys is “What lift should I get”? Not that I’m an expert on all the lifts available but I thought it was time to address this question in a bit more public forum. The question is not necessarily wrong, but it is incomplete. The question should [...]

Off Road Adventure Shelter – Kelty Carport Review

Paul — Tue, 19 May 2009 06:00:58 +0000

Off road adventures can be for a day, a week, a month… And at some point you need to stop for the night. Options abound for overnight accommodations ranging from a tarp on the ground to roof top tents with changing rooms and a luxuriously padded floor. In between is just about everything else. We [...]

Metal Tech 4×4 Off Road Tube Bumper

Paul — Fri, 15 May 2009 00:53:12 +0000

So why did we say good bye to our tried and true off road adventure ARB Bumper? How else could we try out and review Metal Tech’s (MT) front tube bumper? If you haven’t heard about MT and their products for Toyota Cruisers (FJ40, 60, 80, C) than you probably don’t spend a lot of [...]

ARB Bumper – Long-Term Review

Paul — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 01:26:08 +0000

It has been about two years since we first installed ARB’s Bull Bar on our expedition based Toyota FJ Cruiser. In the early days of the FJC, our choices were limited to only a handful and ARB was there in the beginning. These days FJC owners have a wide array of the options [...]

Off Road Adventure Recovery Made Easy

Paul — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 16:00:24 +0000

4x4 off road adventures can put you in some sticky places and the last thing you want is to get your 4WD truck stuck. We tested out a recover system (aka sand ladders) from Maxtrax out of Australia to find an easy one man means for getting unstuck.

Adventure Puzzles For Your Mind

Paul — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 18:58:42 +0000

Puzzled about how to get out on the trail, need a break from the day to day grind… or just looking to kill time between meetings? How about attempting one of our puzzles. On the road (in the airport this time) I’m always looking for something to kill time so thought folks might enjoy [...]

4×4 Adventure On “The Slab”

Paul — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 01:11:08 +0000

Let me start by squelching the rumors that I’ve got an IFS dark cloud circling over head… But more on that later… (high quality video means big files. Sorry if it takes a while to load but we believe quality is not the place for compromise) 4×4 Adventure on “The Slab” from Hula Betty on Vimeo. A while [...]

The Press Can’t Stop Complementing The FJC

Paul — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 19:47:58 +0000

Seems like this year which is probably its last, Toyota’s FJ Cruiser has received more press than ever before. Take for example “FJ Cruiser does its off-road namesake proud, Toyota’s rock-crawling mud eater is the real deal in an era of phonies” on the Edmonton Journal site. Like most of the reviews, it talks [...]

How To Install Rear Lower Control Arms

Paul — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 16:06:30 +0000

Sooner or later anyone who spends a little time on the trail will hear a story from someone they know who bent their rear lower control arm (LCA). On FJ Cruisers the stock rear LCAs are not the strongest in the world and the first time they get dragged over a rock or log, they’ll [...]

Show Your Support

Paul — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 04:42:57 +0000

A friend asked if she could add the Last Great Road Trip banner to her signature. I didn’t know anyone would want to, but how could you deny a request like that. So on the off… way off… chance anyone would like to jazz up their email or forum signature here you go. Every email client [...]

The Return of Scuba Steve

Paul — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 21:06:37 +0000

When we last left our hero, Scuba Steve had just saved the orphans from the waters of the 100 year flood and was riding off into the sunset to wheel another day. Scuba Steve’s rig had barely dried off when a cry for help came over the CB. Dastard Dobbs, Scuba Steve’s arch enemy, had [...]

Day 2 Tonight We Bowl

Paul — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 10:33:47 +0000

The last run on the dunes was scheduled to go into the wee hours running a jeep trail known as 430 route from Horsfall up to Spinreel. One of the coolest sights is a long line of FJCs driving down the road like pretty maids all in a row. The trail for Horsfall is south [...]

Day 2 Morning In The Dunes

Paul — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 00:53:21 +0000

Ok, let me start by putting this out there… While most of the club is camping out by the dunes enjoying the great outdoors, I’m ruffing it in the local Holiday Inn. And sure I gave up the pit toilet for running water and a hot shower, sleeping on a leaky air mattresses for a [...]

Day 1 On The Dunes

Paul — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 08:52:34 +0000

The first run on the Oregon Dunes in the morning brought out the sun… or at least less clouds and no rain. After meeting up with the NWFJCC club and airing down, we headed out into the Umpqua Dune area. This area is marked by wide open sand along with the biggest dunes of the [...]

Day 0 Night Before The Dunes

Paul — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 09:08:44 +0000

Like a kid waiting for Christmas day I’ve been looking forward to the club’s run at the Oregon Dunes just out side of Florence for a number a weeks now.. To ready the rig, I greased it up, checked all the fluids, torqued the wheels, examined belts and hoses as well as going over [...]

Loose The Shirt – Win The Battle!

Paul — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 21:32:31 +0000

It’s funny how friendships develop. You never really know until it is too late and you’ve gone and made a new friend. One such friendship was struck up purely by accident. A couple of years ago when we started to build up the rig for expeditions, I went looking for a shop that focused on [...]

Finding Your Way

Paul — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 15:12:34 +0000

You may have noticed a new tab up top that links to our newest Map page. Maps are invaluable on the trail and in planning your trip. How do you get to the trail head. Where are the closest roads if you have to hike out or medical attention is required and you [...]

Boys Night Out

Paul — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 15:46:36 +0000

The sun began to dip below the tree line as we came over the last hill into Government Meadows at 4800-ft elevation, where the Pacific Crest Trail crosses the Naches trail (. Way back when off road was all there was, the Naches trail saw wagon trains searching for a pass through the Cascades. [...]

Land Cruiser’s Heritage

Paul — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 15:45:30 +0000

Browsing the web you find all sorts of good stuff that is fun to share. I’m not talking about the winner of the Darwin Award or the staged picture of little kids whacking dad with a bat in the…, well you know. I’m talking about cool interesting stuff you can store away in you mental [...]

FJ Summit 2009

Paul — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 19:10:36 +0000

If you’re an FJ Cruiser enthusiest, it is hard to participate in an on-line forum or read the FJ news flying about and not have heard that the FJ Summit for 2009 has just opened up for resgistration. This will be the third gathering of FJC Owners and supporting vendors in the little town of [...]

People Of Conscience Speak UP

Paul — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 15:30:06 +0000

Growth is rarely easy and personal growth is often painful to achieve. It takes courage in order to break down the walls of prejudices or speak up when you catch yourself, a friend or co-worker saying something like “that’s so gay”. You know it is wrong but it makes you uncomfortable and feels awkward saying [...]

Ten Things, Don’t Leave Home Without Them

Paul — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 22:29:58 +0000

As I’m readying for the next run it occurred to me there are certain things I wont go without. Some of these are practical, some are personal but for me these things make all the difference in the world when it comes to dealing with issues I may encounter and adding to the fun. First on [...]

Cool Rigs, Big Tattoos and Smart Women

Paul — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 16:01:51 +0000

One of my friends put it best when he said “who knew your (my) midlife crises could be so entertaining”. And as everyone knows you can’t have a midlife crises without fast cars, younger women and cool tattoos. So I’ve decided to come clean with everyone following along on this adventure… It all began in November [...]

Power Block Goes Digital

Paul — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 00:34:48 +0000

I don’t know about you but when I can’t get out on the trail or work on rig, I’m still looking for something power oriented to do. Around here, Saturday mornings are filled with Power Block TV. While I’m checking email, picking up the room or making breakfast, Power Block is on in the back [...]

To All FJ Lovers

Paul — Sat, 14 Feb 2009 23:42:06 +0000

Happy Hallmark Holiday Those who know me, know that I hold fast in my belief that Valentines Day was created by card and candy shops aiming to compensate for the business lull separating Christmas and Easter. However, if nothing else Last Great Road Trip stands for diversity and the tolerance of the beliefs of others. So on [...]

Not All Glitz And Glam

Paul — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 16:16:04 +0000

You may not believe me but driving trails, performing mods and conducting product reviews is not as glamorous as it seems. Take our upcoming article in 4WD Toyota Owner magazine. The first set of action shots for the article showing the Total Chaos front end working on the trail… not so good. That meant I had [...]

Never Say Never, Baja 20??

Paul — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 07:56:26 +0000

The best laid plans of mice and men still depends on luck and it looks like ours is running a little short. Based on the US State Departments Travel alert and some conflicts with team members’ scheduling we are putting our Baja trip on the back burner Hopefully as things settle down we can get this [...]

Best Auto Review’s Top 10

Paul — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 01:43:51 +0000

Best Auto Review recently came out with their TOP 10 SUVs. Unfortunately they did not include any information on what went into their ranking, how they evaluated the rigs against their criteria or even what value their rank carries in the market place. But, we do like their choice for #2 although we might have [...]

IFS Axle Disassembly (Old School)

Paul — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 07:53:31 +0000

It does not happen often, but when you need to rebuild your font axle, its good to know how it all comes apart. Recently Metal Tech upgraded our front end, which involved rebuilding the front axles with longer shafts. While we where there, Mark demonstrated how to disassemble the front axles. [...]

Bill Burke Is Coming To Town

Paul — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 15:52:26 +0000

It is not everyday that you get the opportunity to learn from the best. And when you have that opportunity by all means take it. Bill Burke is an internationally recognized 4×4 trainer who teaches back country driving techniques, winching and extrication methods, vehicle preparation and maintenance, land navigation and woods’ skills. And with [...]

Facebook page

Paul — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 00:29:39 +0000

Those of you who enjoy the social atmosphere of Facebook, and you know who you are, can now show your support for Last Great Road Trip. We now have a Facebook fan page. Although Facebook calls them fan pages, we prefer to think of everyone as friends. Some we know well, some we know a little [...]

Opening New Roads and New Markets

Paul — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 06:53:06 +0000

Anyone who considers them self an overland adventurer knows the name Scott Brady and Expeditions West. He also publishes the Overland Journal which is filled with amazing photos and stories. Scott is one of the lucky few who has turned his passion for adventure into a business and now Forbes has recognized his efforts [...]

2 Pauls, 2 FJs and 1 Great Day

Paul — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 21:16:25 +0000

The great thing about the Internet is that no matter how obscure your obsession, there is someone else out there like you looking to get together and have some fun. Paul sent out a note asking if we (Hula Betty & me) would be interested in exploring the Tahuya State Forest ORV trails in a [...]

Too Much Wheel Travel, Is There Such A Thing?

Paul — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 00:58:57 +0000

As the saying goes “you can never be too thin or too rich”. We’d add, your rig can never have too much wheel travel. To that end we finally took the plunge and threw out the stock independent front suspension (IFS) and replaced it with Total Chaos’ 2″ long travel kit… FJ Cruiser Long Travel Buildup [...]

Guaranteed Not To Turn Pink In The Can

Paul — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 05:19:42 +0000

Step right up, bargains galore. That’s right, you too can be the proud owner of the quality goes in before the name goes on. We got service after the sales, in house service, drive up service! You need shirts? we got shirts, how ’bout a sticker? Something for the little lady, something [...]

Knuckle Buckle Buster (say that fast 3 times)

Paul — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 21:53:06 +0000

Turns out there is a weak spot in the FJ Cruiser’s front knuckles that can give out under the right circumstances. Now those circumstances include speed, suspension extension and brute force, all in the right combination… Since we look for places that set up situations where all those circumstances come together, we thought we would see [...]

How To Clean A Mass Air Flow Sensor

Paul — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 16:10:02 +0000

Today’s sophisticated computer controlled fuel injected engines squeeze a significant amount of horse power out of each combustion chamber. In order to achieve their maximum output, they need precise input. That precision involves 14.7 parts air for every 1 part fuel or 14.7:1. How-to Clean Mass Air Flow Sensor from Hula Betty on Vimeo. In order to [...]

Who Dosen’t Love A Christmas Letter

Paul — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 16:17:56 +0000

This time of year brings out the writer in everyone… Although some should put it back and leave writing to Hallmark. Well, all those annual Christmas letters inspired Last Great Road Trip’s own Girl to throw down this years report down on paper. ———- Greetings from the trailer park that is Kitsap County. Another Christmas quickly (but to [...]

Snowpocalypse 2008

Paul — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 21:26:29 +0000

Knowing what you’re in for and planning to the weather is a big part of winding up with a successful adventure. Currently the Northwest is experiencing cold, snow and ice that is a little more than usual. Before we go out on a trail run we usually check with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [...]

Everyone Was A Noob Once

Paul — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 16:24:03 +0000

Over the last couple of years we’ve had an opportunity to wheel with a number of experienced guys who have forgotten more than most will ever know. And because of those opportunities my abilities have improved. But I am still working on the basics. When I started this mid-life crisis I read and talked to anyone [...]

Long-term Report – K&N Cold Air Intake

Paul — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 18:01:04 +0000

We all get excited by our new mods and tell everyone we know how its the best (fill in product name here) on the market and we explain all the reason we choose product X. But over time does that glowing praise fad, or are you still pleased with your purchase? This report follows a [...]

Don’t Take My Word For It

Paul — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 01:52:37 +0000

If you read this blog and well you must be or you wouldn’t be here…. You know I believe the Toyota FJ Cruiser is a great rig for the type of wheeling we do. We take the rig on overland adventures, moderate level 4×4 trails and explore just about any two track that looks interesting. [...]

Mt. Baker Back Roads Run

Paul — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 04:14:46 +0000

When you grow up in Oklahoma it is hard not to eat, breath and sleep Sooner football. This also means you dedicate Saturday’s to the gridiron and make sacrifices including pushing off wheeling opportunities. Well with Oklahoma positioned for the national championship, it was time to celebrate with trip to the back woods. I’ve long wanted [...]

Almost Famous

Paul — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 15:10:18 +0000

First of all THANK YOU to all y’all (y’all is singular) who read our stories, watch our videos and of course click through a Google Ad or two. We just crossed the 10,000 visits mark for the year. How do we know? Is it through CIA Satellite spy cameras? Are we psychic employing mystical oil [...]

The Lone Gunmen

Paul — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 16:38:14 +0000

Like so many brave whistle blowers before, we have to point out a government conspiracy that effects all our readers. Mulder understood how government sponsored three letter agencies put together backroom deals with corporate giants who would agree to lean on the individual little guy in order to maintain control over their free spirit… That [...]

They Came, They Saw, They Raced Their Ass Off

Paul — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 16:59:09 +0000

Another Baja 1000 (the 41st to be exact) is now complete and as we mentioned before this is the desert race to end all races. This years race set records for the ratio of starters to finishers with nearly 68% of the rigs completing the race. In the coveted 4-wheel class Norman/Roeseler powered their way [...]

How Cares What’s On Your iPod

Paul — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 01:04:37 +0000

On the road to the White House, both campaigns put a list of songs on their candidate’s iPod. These lists, carefully crafted by spin doctors, more focused on poll data than music charts, created play lists designed to make us identify with candidates who have more in common with Pennsylvania Ave. than Main Street. While I’m [...]

Fame And Glory (aka Getting Lost With Purpose)

Paul — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 22:14:57 +0000

Livingston I presume… We have been exploring our world ever since the day we first climbed down from the trees. Some expeditions have been more successful than others. Hilleray climbed high, Cousteau went deep and it cost Scott his life. Explores of the past followed the road less traveled to satisfy their curiosity of the unknown. [...]

Long-term Tire Report – Toyo Open Country M/T

Paul — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 16:15:45 +0000

30,000 miles later we can now give our long-term report on the rubber that took us to the Arctic Ocean, Telluride, Inuvik and around town. Toyo’s Open Country M/T® are an aggressive mud traction radial. Running 295×70x17 on our rig provide sure footed traction and an additional inch of lift over the stock 265s. These [...]

What Goes Up Must Air Down

Paul — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 16:48:47 +0000

If you wheel your rig on the sand, into the mud or along 4×4 trails you realize the advantages of letting a little air out at the start. Lowering your tire’s air pressure, known as “airing down” has a number of benefits including: In sand lower tire pressure increases the tire surface that comes in contact [...]

The Greatest Race On Earth…

Paul — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 20:29:42 +0000

If you’re into desert racing, and who isn’t, you feel me when I start going off on this tangent. You know what I mean… I start waxing about $100K trophy trucks flying through the sand and rocks at break neck speeds, where just finishing is as much an accomplishment as winning, where good times are [...]

Toyota Trail Teams Finish Another Season

Paul — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 08:15:30 +0000

Toyota came up with a great marketing plan… Put together a couple of teams of guys (remember gender neutral term use) in FJ Cruisers, send them out to hold workshops, run trails and give away some really cool swag that can only be had when you attend an event they show up for… Really, you [...]

Can’t Thank You Enough

Paul — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 20:31:37 +0000

Please join us in thanking and paying your respects to the men and women of our armed services. These brave individuals and their families have made tremendous sacrifices which enable us to enjoy the freedoms of this great country. They serve 365 days a year and deserve our gratitude each and everyone of those days. Growing [...]

Wheeling Tahuya 2008

Paul — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 18:22:40 +0000

We hooked up with the club for a run through the Tahuya State Forest. The crew included the likes of seriousactualist, amaintaylor, kurtfriedrich, Marsh, Macleod, conversejohn54, The Shocker, and ropedrag. We all met up in Belfair at the local Safeway. It is amazing what locations become the standard meetup spot and for Tahuya this is [...]

You Get Way More Than You Pay For

Paul — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 06:22:27 +0000

One of the best know names in the outback, ARB, makes cool stuff such as air lockers, expedition fridges, recovery equipment and all sorts of 4×4 goodies. Their new website also has good information on driving, vehicle prep, recovery techniques… The new ARB website I write of is not the bland, sales oriented, mainstream USA [...]

Eyes In The Back Of Your Rig

Paul — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 04:15:53 +0000

Everyone who owns and FJ Cruiser knows how difficult it can be to judge distance when backing up. Little cars that sit below your line of site which are impossible to see make parallel parking hell. Luckily Toyota added a set of backup sensors to tell you when you’re getting close. Awhile back we ran into [...]

No More FJ Cruiser… Rumors

Paul — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 00:20:47 +0000

The Internet has spread more urban legends like no other other media outlet before it. You know what we’re talking about, those stories that continue to surface every year or two, such as McDonald hamburgers are made with worms, 10 foot alligators living in the New York sewers feeding on rats or how Vegas prostitutes [...]

Long-term Mod Report Sway-A-Way Suspension

Paul — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 20:09:58 +0000

Every one loves their mod the first week. The real test is how you feel after a year or more. Would you do it differently, would you spend the money, is it a still worth it? Jumping into the way-back-machine, it was in 2007 that we asked Metal Tech to add a Sway-A-Way (SAW) [...]

Lights… Camera… Action! – The Director’s Cut

Paul — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 06:59:10 +0000

Search You Tube or Vimeo for “FJ Cruiser” and you will find a truck load of videos showing a rig crossing a river, crawl over a rock garden or wheeling up hills. They are great fun to watch and equally addictive, as I usually find myself forced to step away from the computer at two [...]

She Can Make An Honest Man Lie, A Rich Man Beg & A Strong Man Cry

Paul — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 16:28:07 +0000

It didn’t start out that way. She began life as a fabulous dashboard icon. Those who remember back to the Arctic Ocean adventure, recall when Hula Betty joined the team and started appearing in the photos. You may also remember her mysterious disappearance. Although no charges were ever filed, rumors of her [...]

The Hundred Acre Woods Meets Camel Trophy

Paul — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 20:15:22 +0000

As a boy I explored the woods, lakes and creeks around the neighborhood pretending it was the jungle of the Amazon, the deserts of the Sahara or the plains of Mongolia. This spirit of adventure grew when I passed my drivers test and began to explore further out in my Baja Bug, which I held [...]

Bumper Talk

Paul — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 08:00:52 +0000

There are a number of aftermarket products for the FJ Cruiser and the list continues to grow everyday. For us one of the first mods we completed was a bumper swap-out to add protection and support a winch mount. We chose a shell style bumper designed for overland adventures that would allow us to nudge [...]