Awesome guys, I always like meeting new people, and trails can be rearranged to suit the group easily enough.
Look forward to getting out...like I said I'm out every Sunday barring any serious breakdowns, although I don't miss too many Sundays...like to fix my shit right away.
Nanaimo would probably be a better option, lots in this area that we can run without a winch and 2 lockers...most of the trails I know in the Timberlands area require 2 lockers and a winch. Why you ask? Because you will need them.
Let me know...If you don't want to come to Nanaimo then we can still do Timberlands just be prepared to not get very far and take a lot of time doing it.
I'd be happy to take you out sometime....I'm in Nanaimo but travel down to Timberlands area quite often....I know some good trails in the area.
How capable is your Yota? do you have lockers? Winch? There's always potential for body damage, all trails are doable without body damage but if you can't pick a good line you may end up with a dent or 2, you ok with that?
I'm out most Sundays, PM me if and when you want to come out.
I should clarify just a little bit on the welding.
It is not "illegal" to weld on the frame, but if a CVSE or RCMP see that you have welded to the frame, to them its an indication of repair, which will 100% of the time get you a VI.
Here's what the book actually says.
"Frame — The frame of a motor vehicle or a motorcycle shall not flex, be cracked, welded or have fatigue points to the extent that these defects indicate the frame has suffered structural damage and constitutes a hazard."
So to answer your question "Is welding *anything* to the frame on a DD considered a "thats a paddlin" as you put it?" No, you can weld to the frame but if it looks like a patch job or you have big boogery welds, it will catch the eye of an inspector / DOT / RCMP and potentially be taken off the road. Most vehicle frames are heat treated and welding on them changes the integrity of that hardened steel.
Also if you're just looking for tree protection, I suggest making something removable out of 1 1/4" Sched40 pipe, much lighter but offers enough protection from trees and rocks.
I find most people that have exo-caged their vehicle have gotten past the point of no return and trailer it, you can build a removable exo-cage using sleeves which works really well. If you're not building your rig to survive a couple barrel rolls than really what's the point of spending the money.
If you don't plan on rolling your rig over there are ways to have some protection by building an "Exo" without compromising vehicle structure, leaving the front bar off from across the front windshield and not welding it to the frame and it can be claimed as a boat rack, it would just have to be removable.
As for your other question, there is nothing stopping CVSE or RCMP from ordering a VI anytime they like. If you get one today, you most certainly can be given another tomorrow, next day, next month, next year. Even if you passed one yesterday, you can get one today. It's a stupid system and should be like a OOP/MVI where the inspection is good annually or semi annually
Awesome guys, I always like meeting new people, and trails can be rearranged to suit the group easily enough.
Look forward to getting out...like I said I'm out every Sunday barring any serious breakdowns, although I don't miss too many Sundays...like to fix my shit right away.
Nanaimo would probably be a better option, lots in this area that we can run without a winch and 2 lockers...most of the trails I know in the Timberlands area require 2 lockers and a winch. Why you ask? Because you will need them.
Let me know...If you don't want to come to Nanaimo then we can still do Timberlands just be prepared to not get very far and take a lot of time doing it.
I'd be happy to take you out sometime....I'm in Nanaimo but travel down to Timberlands area quite often....I know some good trails in the area.
How capable is your Yota? do you have lockers? Winch? There's always potential for body damage, all trails are doable without body damage but if you can't pick a good line you may end up with a dent or 2, you ok with that?
I'm out most Sundays, PM me if and when you want to come out.
I should clarify just a little bit on the welding.
It is not "illegal" to weld on the frame, but if a CVSE or RCMP see that you have welded to the frame, to them its an indication of repair, which will 100% of the time get you a VI.
Here's what the book actually says.
"Frame — The frame of a motor vehicle or a motorcycle shall not flex, be cracked, welded or have fatigue points to the extent that these defects indicate the frame has suffered structural damage and constitutes a hazard."
So to answer your question "Is welding *anything* to the frame on a DD considered a "thats a paddlin" as you put it?" No, you can weld to the frame but if it looks like a patch job or you have big boogery welds, it will catch the eye of an inspector / DOT / RCMP and potentially be taken off the road. Most vehicle frames are heat treated and welding on them changes the integrity of that hardened steel.
Also if you're just looking for tree protection, I suggest making something removable out of 1 1/4" Sched40 pipe, much lighter but offers enough protection from trees and rocks.
I find most people that have exo-caged their vehicle have gotten past the point of no return and trailer it, you can build a removable exo-cage using sleeves which works really well. If you're not building your rig to survive a couple barrel rolls than really what's the point of spending the money.
If you don't plan on rolling your rig over there are ways to have some protection by building an "Exo" without compromising vehicle structure, leaving the front bar off from across the front windshield and not welding it to the frame and it can be claimed as a boat rack, it would just have to be removable.
As for your other question, there is nothing stopping CVSE or RCMP from ordering a VI anytime they like. If you get one today, you most certainly can be given another tomorrow, next day, next month, next year. Even if you passed one yesterday, you can get one today. It's a stupid system and should be like a OOP/MVI where the inspection is good annually or semi annually