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BB Tech Inspection

DustinK5

DustinK5

1/2 ton status
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I have an idea for the Tech inspection

What if we slect "Tech Inspectors" from each region or state? The TI would do the inspection of vehicles prior to traveling to Moab. For example: There is usually a significant group from AZ. So we could set up a day 1mo out and then 2wks (or whatever) We could plan a meeting place where thoes from AZ would be required to show up for the Tech Inspection. (This would be about a month out) If they fail then they would come back to the final inspection 2wks out. Before one could register for trails they'd have to pass the inspection. Also at this time the TI could judge witch trails a particular rig would be allowed to register for. This would be based on how many lockers, tire size, winch or even driver's experience etc.

Tech Inspection would be a real ball buster I know. But I think we're starting to see that it's a nessesary evil in the very near future.

What is done as far as TIs for the Jeep Safari?
 
I don't know as that would be a good idea. You're going to have friends inspecting friends rigs, they're just going to say "yep, you're good" and not even look at the truck.

Plus, I don't know as any of us are qualified to make the call of what trail you can run just on an inspection. Driver skill plays into this a lot too. One of the biggest delays ever was my steering knuckle break on Pritchett Canyon. That wouldn't have ever been caught in a tech inspection, unless you're going to require upgraded knuckles for anyone running high steer/hydro assist.

Last year on trifecta we had numerous delays, power steering problems, bent track bar, broken track bar mount, bad starter, busted hub lock, busted spiders on 3 lockers (2 on one jeep). I think that was it. Of those problems, the broken track bar mount is the only one that might have been caught by a tech inspection (rusty). Granted that was one of the longer delays and he went on to bust the spiders in both of his axles (but still drove off the trail).

I see tech inspections maybe picking up one or two trucks a year, but not resolving the majority of the issues. It also comes down to the fact that people are spending a lot of money and time to come out to blazer bash. Personally I make sure my sh*t is put together as best as possible, I want to wheel every day and I don't want to break on the trail.
 
You both have good points and ideas. Obviously this isn't an easy thing to work out and I appreciate all the input in the matters. Not only are the thoughts/ideas helpful, but it also helps to give us perspective on how everyone feels about the subject.
 
If an "inspector" clears a rig for said trail and the rig fails holding up the group, is the inspector to blame?:dunno:
 
Kjunky5 said:
If an "inspector" clears a rig for said trail and the rig fails holding up the group, is the inspector to blame?:dunno:
Click to expand...

Of course not :rolleyes:. The truck is and remains the responsibility of the owner/driver.
 
But the inspector might be whipped with a wet noodle.
 
r3dd0g said:
I don't know as that would be a good idea. You're going to have friends inspecting friends rigs, they're just going to say "yep, you're good" and not even look at the truck.
Click to expand...


I'm your friend, are you implying that if I were an inspector I'd lack integrity? You douche.:haha:
 
Would you have told Jason he couldn't run Behind The rocks with 1/2 ton axles? :popcorn:
 
Jason, would I have told you you couldn't run Behind The rocks with 1/2 ton axles?:popcorn:
 
It is a valid question whether to even bother with a tech inspection (which is time-consuming, requires effort, and is likely to raise at least some bad feelings...) when there is a low probability of detecting those issues with a truck that had the most negative effects on trail run.

One could in fact argue that the issues that cost the most time on the trail are those that are completely unexpected, and probably undetectable - case in point is the knuckle in Pritchett. Carburetors not running right is another situation that's not easily found out at TI - those issues typically come to the forefront only when on the trail (and no, I'm not referring to this year...).

On the other hand, we had situations (in '06, I believe) where an inspection might have helped a lot - tow hooks held on with a single bolt, tack-welded spring perches. Two different vehicles, by the way; the tow hook issue made a recovery attempt interesting (although it was successful). Flimsy battery hold-downs (or actual lack thereof...) made for an interesting experience in Pritchett in '03...

Personally, I've found that the tech inspection at CruiseMoab keeps everyone on their toes, and to have the inspector in person go through the checklist with the driver seems to be working well to identify issues. Sure, there are ways to cheat, e.g. lockers come to mind... who's gonna check for that (at least those of us with the blue lines can point to something...), but it seems that making a written record in the form of a check sheet has a slightly sobering effect and keeps people honest.
 
would this then require a rulebook?

To run an easy trail you need XXX equipment.

To run a moderate trail you need XXXXX equipment.

To run a Difficult trail you need XXXXXXX equipment.

To run a Storm Trooper trail you need ?????:whistle:

:D:waytogo:
 
what about a "self tech" check list. Something that has all variables and all equipment listed on it. It would cover the mild to wild builds. Something that would make each owner/driver aware off lots of possible issues, ones they may not know could even be an issue. We've all had different things fail. Perfect example like the one about Spring perches, tow points, we had a guy on trifecta saturday lose an oil filter! Who would have ever though they may need that on a trail? A nice vehicle check list, with safety and durability in mind, and maybe a section on "what to carry" like spare parts, fire extinguisher, water, etc.. It could be a goal to get all checked off well before they show up to the event. Hell, they'll have a year if we start now. Sorry for the rant, I just feel this way we could do it with no rush and have a better understanding of things that need to be checked/addressed on our rigs to save time and prevent misunderstandings and unpreparedness (sp)

I've been making a list since I got back from Moab of issues I saw that made me think "I'll make sure I check that" "I'm gonna make sure I've got a spare one of those" I also got a lot of good ideas from what others had already done or had with them.
 
POORBOYK5 said:
what about a "self tech" check list.
Click to expand...

Not a bad idea because that also lends to the mentoring process teaching people new to the hobby what kind of stuff they should be looking for anytime they hit the trail. In particular a 3-day wheelin' marathon like Blazer Bash.
 
how about a buddy system. since most people come with friends and run the trails together everyone is required to buddy up with someone and if they have a problem the buddy/s is expected to stay behind and help while the rest of the group can continue forward progress?
 
It also takes the feared "REQUIRED" out of picture. for me it gives me a type of goal to be proud of when I show up. " yep checked everything off on the list:thumb:" Being confident in your rig is a big plus, better than being worried "did I check that? is that going to hold up? Is there enough gear oil in my Tcase?" If this is agreed upon, we'll all start listing what we think should be on it??

Edit: scott, now That I've got official COcrew stickers, I'd be your buddy!
 
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