About Micki LeCronier

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So far Micki LeCronier has created 77 blog entries.

ARE ROOFTOP TENTS WORTH IT?

They spent 6 nights in the desert to find out. Article by Kai Burkhardt of CNN Underscored June 28, 2023 Kai is a long-time tent camper who wanted to know: Rooftop tents “promise a more comfortable sleep experience and ultimate convenience, however, with a price tag of thousands of dollars ... Are rooftop tents worth it?” He mounted a Thule Approach M to his vehicle, drove from Boulder to Moab and camped in the desert to find out. He begins his review by explaining the general advantages of rooftop tents: They’re engineered to handle highway speeds. You sleep ‘up and away’ from the ground. They’re often easier to set up and take down. He discusses soft-shell vs hard-shell rooftop tents and ‘what to consider’ before clicking ‘add to cart.’ HIGHLIGHTS: WHAT HE LIKED ABOUT THE THULE APPROACH “Assembling my ground tent took 7 minutes 20 seconds while the rooftop tent only took 2 minutes 25 seconds.” “It was the best sleep I’ve ever had while camping. The Thule Approach and all other rooftop tents have a built-in mattress that you just can’t compare to an inflatable sleeping pad.” “Another thing I loved about the Thule Approach was just how big its interior was… since it folds out past the roof of your car, there was tons of floor space. I slept in there with my partner and our 45-pound dog.” “Taking down and packing up my traditional tent took 5 minutes 18 seconds and the Approach also took just a bit over 5 minutes.” WHAT HE DIDN’T LIKE “What I didn’t love about the Approach and rooftop tents, in general, was having to haul any gear you wanted in the tent up its ladder. If [...]

2024-02-04T00:27:46-05:00June 28, 2023|

‘CUSTOMER TOOK HIS JEEP SWIMMING’

13-minute YouTube video by Matt's Offroad Recovery May 6, 2023 Matt reports a Jeep was 'taking a bath' on the Horseshoe Bend area of the Pipeline Road. Jaymie tags along expecting a super exciting recovery. “I had to come see.” IT’S A TIGHT SQUEEZE GETTING OUT THERE IN THE WRECKER Tom is on the left, Matt’s in the middle and Jaymie is in the driver's seat; Lizzie is OUTSIDE ON THE TOOLBOX. Jaymie gets “a little frisky on the throttle.” She calls out - “You OK Lizzie?” Tom pipes up “I don’t think you could throw Lizzie if you wanted to.” "THIS THING IS BURIED UP TO THE WINDOWS IN WATER" The customer sent Matt a picture. “It looks bad.” Rhett follows in a support vehicle, wearing swimming trunks - ready to get in the water and hook it up. "It's cold!" 'HOW DID IT HAPPEN?' “My grandson said, ‘Drive it in the water Grandpa!’ I thought ‘That’s 16” deep … it was closer to 16 feet!” “Someone already tried to kinetic it out, broke the back window and the light.” Compared to a similar incident, Matt declares “George, somebody’s outdone ya I think! This is deeper!” Rhett and Tom endure a soggy ride back to the yard. Climbing a hill, Tom notes “The Morrvair would have struggled on that, but the wrecker just crawls up this stuff.” Matt slips away for a ‘hair appointment’ as his crew handles another recovery. ENJOY THE COMMENTS One viewer writes “I don’t think there are any words to describe how versatile that wrecker is. It’s amazing.” Another says “Matt's gone Hollywood on us! Misses a recovery because of a ‘hair appointment.’” https://youtu.be/JD0dstGsPco?si=6a3HfAJb0OBJki5T  

2024-02-04T00:09:46-05:00May 6, 2023|

TRAILRECON DRIVES JEEP CONCEPTS AT MOAB!

35-minute YouTube video by TrailRecon Imagine being invited to take one-of-a-kind concept vehicles out on the trails. This video features conversations with Jeep Senior Vice President Jim Morrison, TFL Creators and Mark Allen, Jeep Head Designer. DAY ONE - “A VERY SPECIAL TRAIL RIDE” It begins with the Jeep Heritage Concept Drive. They’re on Porcupine Rim Trail driving the 2018 concept “Four Speed” – “one of Jeep's previous year concept vehicles that's super lightweight thanks to being stripped down and flanked in carbon fiber.” Porcupine Rim is “Bumpy and lumpy but it’s a fun little trail.” ON DAY TWO they’re at (Brad’s third) Jeep Concept Reveal, where they test drive 2023 Jeep concepts at Moab’s Wipeout Hill. After an inspiring introduction, they "turned us loose and let us take ‘em out on the dirt." VEHICLES INCLUDE: Sublime Green 392 Wrangler concept w/470 horsepower V8 Hot Pink Wrangler Rubicon 4xe w/AccuAir suspension Grand Wagoneer Overland rig w/new 3.0-liter Hurricane Twin Turbo 510 engine Wrangler Rubicon 4xe "Departure" concept w/innovative Mopar rear tube gate Gladiator "Sideburn" Concept in "Solar Flash Yellow" w/added storage Magneto 3.0 w/20% increased useable energy and range and 900 lb-ft of torque And Brad's favorite: “The 1978 Jeep Cherokee 4xe concept” complete with 8-track, ‘beverage kit’ and Gremlin gas cap. “AND IF THAT WEREN’T ENOUGH” Brad gets “the privilege of taking the wheel of a Jeep with a rich history, one that traversed the wilds of South America and the infamous Darien Gap...and it still bears the dents and scratches from that iconic adventure as badges of honor!” https://youtu.be/u6Vw8K_66bU?si=sRYLRFGzkXe-TLtY  

2024-02-04T00:01:07-05:00April 29, 2023|

AT KOH PREPARING FOR THE WRECKER GAMES

39 minute YouTube Video by Matt’s OffRoad Recovery (Event dates were March 9, 10 & 11) Pre-preparation … CAVING TO PEER PRESSURE Matt drove the wrecker to and through an RV. “Stupid I know, but it was fun. My work here is done. It’s off to Hammertown.” Video shows ‘not-so-solemn’ judges preparing for the event in their own special ways. LIZZY EXPLAINS THE WRECKER GAMES “Each contestant is going to pull an Isuzu Rodeo behind their tow truck going up the Triple 7 Trail.” She gives a shout out to Ballard Auto Wrecking for donating cars and gets to the hard work of preparing them. ROLLING INTO HAMMERTOWN Matt - “We just found out that the trailhead was further than we had fuel for. Don’t judge us.” Caught up with the group around 6:44. Tom - “I know it seems strange we’re out testing our rig the very first minutes at King of the Hammers. We were just making jokes about how we don’t stage recoveries.” Matt pipes in - “We’re about to stage a recovery.” SOMETHING BREAKS AT 14:42 “Matt, you’re leaking something.” He responds - “I’m very disappointed, I’m very sad, I’m upset, I’m chagrined. What are some other things I am?” After a successful recovery “I just ruined that with this. Winch me backwards.” Color drains from the video, mournful music ensues. They put a blast out on Instagram for necessary parts and headed to Hammertown to wait. The part Matt needs “isn’t super common anymore.” So they went shopping for other stuff they needed. “The parts are supposed to be here in the morning. We’re making progress, we just need to be patient.” Video goes to Adam’s Drive Shaft in Las [...]

2024-02-03T23:52:10-05:00March 4, 2023|

2023 WINTER 4X4 JAMBOREE

Presented by Desert Roads and Trails Society – Desert RATS 9 minute YouTube Video by Casey’s Off Road Recovery February 12, 2023 Casey joined the last day of Jamboree to guide the Toquerville Falls loop. “There’s a big group today – 20 or so rigs… We’ve got crisp cold air this morning after that snowstorm yesterday.” And plenty of wind. TOWER ROAD “The Tower Road is pretty torn up this morning … really, really wet with lots of clay.” He wants to get the group off the tower before the frozen mud and clay starts to defrost. He’s looking forward to showing them the sights from ‘up top.’ “LOOK AT MY OFFICE” Casey’s Off Road Recovery frequently finds themselves at this location. They’ve hauled ‘dozens and dozens of Jeeps and side by sides and VW cars and you name it out of the Toquerville Falls Road.’ It was a nice change to be there for a leisurely trip with a group. “These Southern Utah Jeep events are something we have been involved with as a family for over 25 years.” THE WINTER JAMBOREE EXCEEDED EXPECTATIONS Desert Roads and Trails Society is grateful for the support of volunteers, sponsors and participants. “This year we will be donating $45,000 to Utah public land alliance $15,000 to Search and Rescue $12,000 to Utah 4 wheel drive association, $3,000 to blue ribbon, and $14,700 to an upcoming project on Sand Mt. ohv area.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5buUb50dH0

2024-02-03T23:41:34-05:00February 12, 2023|

SEARCH AND RESCUE AFTERMATH

24-minute YouTube video by Matt's Offroad RecoveryJanuary 21, 2023 THE PREVIOUS NIGHT “We had 18 kids up there at 2 a.m. last night.” These are the people who got stuck in the dark. “It was slick. It was a mess. It was super bad.” “Getting them all off the hill was an ordeal but we got ‘em off perfectly fine.” GOING BACK FOR THE JEEPS They have a long drive and don’t exactly know the way. So imagine … what’s about the worst that could happen? Tom confesses “We don’t have keys for any of the Jeeps. They’re all back at the shop.” A PILE OF KEYS THE SIZE OF A SOFTBALL They need a cell signal to coordinate assistance; they arrange to meet someone halfway with the keys. Matt explains where the keys are; ‘There’s a pile of keys the size of a softball’ - and explains the driver should drive “as fast as you safely and lawfully can; you need to get there." They’ll be about an hour and a half behind. “WE ARE RACING NIGHTFALL” Matt remembers other epic times they didn’t have the keys. It makes him feel a little better. Matt’s vehicle finally reaches the Jeeps. “Yeah, they are blocking the route for sure.” There’s still one more. They go looking for it. LOOKS ARE DECEIVING “I don’t see anything that would be hard to drive up.” They’re in phone contact with Jefe. “He’s getting close. We’re coming to the sketchy part. There’s a trick to it.” It’s steep slickrock, covered with ice and snow. He’s going to walk Jefe through the obstacle so it can be handled ‘without wrecking the Banana.’ “THE PROPER PROCEDURE FOR COMING UP THIS IS [...]

2024-02-03T23:18:58-05:00January 21, 2023|

NEW YEAR, NEW ADVENTURES

Ice, Snow and Mud - 28 minute YouTube Video by #4WDAdventureCrew January 16, 2023 It's been raining for the past few days, but they’re doing Eagle Lake Loop – it’s short but difficult. Another group is out doing a vehicle recovery. They expect to cross paths. "SOME OF THE PUDDLES ARE WAY DEEP" There are six cars in this group. “Should be cold and interesting.” “I was expecting to have a lot more snow here and less water and exposed rocks. I deflated a bit way too much for this kind of road.” “We still haven’t caught up with the group recovering the Jeep.” They catch up with them, just ahead. There is fresh powder – then the lake. "THIS IS CRAZY" "The road is all covered in water.” Then fresh powder with ice underneath. They’re wondering if they’ll be able to cross the river. They arrive at the campground, which is close to the river. They’ll see how passable it is. “YEAH, WE GOT SOME FLOW IN THAT RIVER." "We’ll see where our getting out angle is at.” It’s called Pebble Beach. They’ll have to drive through a deeper spot to get out. They stop to build a fire and start making lunch; then the river crossing is a success. THE TRAIL GETS TRICKY FURTHER ON With challenging ruts. One big puddle and they’re nearly to the highway and groomed road; they cross the river and they’re headed back to Sacramento. ‘This trail is really close to the freeway, you can go in and get out quick; you have cell service the whole way.’ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AhuUkdptxiU  

2024-02-03T23:25:35-05:00January 16, 2023|

SNOW CAMPING AT HOT SPRINGS

34 Minute YouTube Video by 4WD Adventure CrewDecember 25, 2022 “THERE WERE A FEW SKETCHY PLACES.” “This is the California/Nevada border right outside Carson City. The trail is a lot softer with snow on the road.” WORRIED ABOUT THE COLD They’re a little concerned about staying warm overnight, temps are supposed to be in the teens. He’s hoping for mid-20s and looking forward to enjoying the hot springs. They made it to the old ranch house and continued through the fields and into the forest. THE PROBLEM WITH A STEEP INCLINE Going down the steepest incline he notes it could be difficult getting out. “You can see the hill, you can go up right behind the hot spring" – and there’s nobody there. They’ll have the place to themselves. There’s another crossing before they get there. “We’ll see if we break ice as we’re driving across!” No problems. CHRISTMAS EVE WITH FAMILY They chose a bath they could set up next to. The night is cold, as expected; but the water is nice and hot. “It’s better than a Jacuzzi and it’s all natural.” THE NEXT DAY They enjoy breakfast, and clean and restore the site before leaving. Other baths are explored. (Google ‘Carson River Hot springs.’) They note that the further they go upstream, the hotter the water. “Not bad, camping in the winter!" GETTING OUT IS AN ADVENTURE “A day can make a big difference. Today the snow is wet and melting. Hopefully we’ll be able to get up those hills.” “There’s a big deep puddle over here and I AM STUCK! Can’t break through the ice. I need to get pulled out backwards.” “Well, we tried to cross the river” and take [...]

2024-02-03T23:24:11-05:00December 25, 2022|

“WORST DAMAGE EVER” – The Hell Trail

The Hell Trail in Wellsville, Ohio - 31 minute YouTube video by Ohio Offroad December 3, 2022 “Exactly my kind of trail.” Rocks, rocks and more rocks. Ashley claims she was left unsupervised. Jeff makes things look easy. “He's a danged good driver.” Things aren’t so easy for the others. Doors are mangled. In a tricky spot … “It might be OK. Come on slow.” “It’s just a hinge, you’re OK.” Sort of. “Pivot dammit, pivot! It’s going to feel really, really crappy!” “Work it so it can pull itself off; OK, you might be turtled. Yeah, I think we gotta winch ‘em off.” “BIG DROP COMING!” Ashley is accused of ‘ruining the whole jeep.’ She retaliates, claims her spotter led her astray. All in all, “It was a fun time.” ABOUT WELLSVILLE Per Where2wheel dot com, “This is the place to go riding! Otherwise known as Wellsville, Yellow Creek, and the Pitts. Riding is open to all Trucks, Jeeps, Buggies, Quads, and Motorcycles fit for the mud and rocks. The parks are open 24hrs a day 365 days a year. It is a ride at your own risk environment. Off Roading riding areas include creek beds, smooth hills, rough rocky hills, some very hairy hills, and some flat trails.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BM8drvA3eoE  

2024-02-03T23:20:53-05:00December 3, 2022|

THE SNIPER X9 STAND UP CAMPER

‘The Camper that Lives Large’ -  11 minute YouTube video by Playing With Sticks ‘Playing With Sticks’ is all about sharing their passion for small campers. In this video they do a full tour of a stand up camper that fits in the garage. “This is a unique camping trailer that will get you almost anywhere you want to go.” AUSTRALIAN ROOTS The Sniper X9 by Offroad RV is sold in North America but manufactured in Australia. “Because of its origin this micro camper has a different approach to overland and off road travel. Check out the fenders, the sides, and the wheel base of this trailer and you will understand what I mean.” The overall camper is 14’ long and 1,800 lbs. dry, so it can be towed by most mid-size SUVs and small trucks. FEATURES INCLUDE: Fast, easy setup – about three minutes (Side awning takes longer) Plenty of storage Plexiglass windows on both sides for great ventilation 200 watt solar panel Foldable shower enclosure Hot water on demand QUEEN SIZE BED THAT FOLDS OUT OF THE WAY FOR SEATING “The quickest move from a bed to a seating area I’ve ever seen.” Redarc battery management system Articulating hitch AN HONEST ASSESSMENT After the walk-around he shares three things he likes, three things he’s not a fan of – and five other campers you may want to consider. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MTeLE8jWdro

2023-09-21T12:06:03-04:00August 6, 2022|

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