Off road stories

[stanaka1]

I took the Telluride to Cleghorn Rd (in Southern California off the 15 Frwy) and came away with this thought. A lift kit would be nice. Cleghorn is classified as Easy and it is a graded access road, but there are some sections that are rutted out and some that require some pre-planning and side roads for the more capable. I put on Falken A/T Trail tires, 255/50R20 and that's about it. The tires (aired down to 30psi) and the AWD system worked well enough to get me up the loose dirt. I put it in lock twice when approaching a steep incline with some rocks. Otherwise, no issues with traction. The biggest limitation is the approach angle. With only 17 degrees, it would force me to choose a line that put me into the bushes. If you look at the Kia press cars for off-road, they've removed the black air dam, for good reason. I'm sure it can handle steeper hills and worse terrain, but to get there would mean bashing in the front fascia. Wheel articulation isn't the greatest either. I had several instances when I had less than four wheels on the ground. But momentum and AWD saved the day. Ride was comfortable and squeak/rattle free. The surround view cameras were very helpful with wheel placement. Not having recovery hooks or a full size spare was also a nagging thought in my head as I picked my lines.

I came off the mountain with some scrapes under the front bumper and same brush "pinstriping". I've also uploaded the entire 3.5 hour trip from by dashcam to YouTube. Being a complete novice to off-roading, the Telluride got me up and down without any issues. The other 90% of the time that it's on pavement, it still is the best bang for the buck.

Cleghorn Rd 6/21/2020

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[alexdrums]

Your tires look pretty beefy, but I am wondering if 18” wheels with taller tires would improve off-roading a bit?

 

[Nas4atu10]

That looks like so much fun! Awesome to hear how capable it is off-road with little to no modification. But damn...those scratches, lol, that’s all I would be thinking about.

 

[Familyman20]

Offroading in the SX! Love it

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[mdineen]

Those scratches should buff right out, right? If not......yikes!

 

[Kwim]

These scratches can be removed by 2 steps polishing.
the bushes need to be circled, bushes scratches clean coat.

 

[stanaka1]

Your tires look pretty beefy, but I am wondering if 18” wheels with taller tires would improve off-roading a bit?

It would, but there is a monetary reason why I didn't go that route.
1. It would cost at least another $1000 to buy 18 inch rims.
2. Ride quality off-road would improve, but at the expense of handling on-road where I spend most of my time. I have no complaints with the comfort of the 20's. Off-road, I'll just drive slower.
3. 18's would provide better grip when aired down because I'd be able to air down more, down to 15psi. I would feel comfortable going down to 25psi with my 20's before worrying about losing the bead, pinch punctures, or damaging the rim or sidewall. However, it would have to be much rougher terrain for that extra grip to matter...which brings me to my 4th point.
4. To get to the rougher terrain, I would have to improve the approach angle and clearance. That means a lift kit. Again, more money, loss of on-road handling and a hit to my MPG. It would also add additional wear and tear on the tie rods and such (future costs). It would be like me wearing stilts to play basketball. Sure I could dunk, but I'd still suck at everything else.
5. If I'm going in, I have to get out so, other stuff would have to be bought. If I'm going to that rougher trail, I'd want to invest in some skidplates, recovery boards and straps, a rear tow hitch for recovery (which I might get anyway), and a full sized spare.
So I'd be spending thousands of dollars on an SUV that has a front wheel biased AWD system, no low range and a suspension and drive system that probably isn't as robust as a Jeep or 4-Runner to tackle the rougher terrain. I got the Telluride for it's best in class comfort and features with going to the ski slopes or dirt road camp ground in mind and I have to remain realistic to the truck's limitations.
Still, no regrets.

 

[alexdrums]

Thank you for your reply. I am sure you’ll have tons of fun with those tires you got, so enjoy the off-roading!

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[T_ride]

Fair price for this lift. I'm gonna get this and A/T next year

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[stanaka1]

Blue Ridge and Guffy campgrounds are open in Wrightwood for those of you in Southern California. Unfortunately, they get filled up fast so these pics are from the FAA repeater tower. Easy drive, I saw several Prius' up there.

 

[Familyman20]

Looks like a good time! Is Jersey Mike's popular out there? I grew up minutes from them in Pt. Pleasant NJ.

Also what size tires you running? Look good on the SX wheels. Make them look wider

 

[stanaka1]

I'm actually using the stock tire size. I probably should've gone up to 265, but traction hasn't been an issue yet. With the approach angle being so low, I can't get to the hard trails anyway. Jersey Mike's is getting around. Much better than Subway.

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[Familyman20]

Must be the dust that makes them look wider to me then. Thanks Yea Jersey Mikes over subway any day.

 

[ohmykia]

Blue Ridge and Guffy campgrounds are open in Wrightwood for those of you in Southern California. Unfortunately, they get filled up fast so these pics are from the FAA repeater tower. Easy drive, I saw several Prius' up there.

beautiful pics

 

[stanaka1]

So I guess I can't learn from previous experience. Took the Telly to a campground (Holcomb in Big Bear) via well maintained fire road. There was a nice mud puddle that was calling. My 7 year old son was egging me on. We all had fun, but it cost me the silver "skid plate" trim. Hopefully it's not too expensive to replace. Looks like it just clips in to the lower facia. I did get a headlight flash of recognition from a Wrangler driver on the way home, so...worth it? BTW, if anyone finds that trim piece near Holcomb Valley campground, please let me know.

 

[T_ride]

Think you need that truxx lift lol

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[Tobstertx3]

So I guess I can't learn from previous experience. Took the Telly to a campground (Holcomb in Big Bear) via well maintained fire road. There was a nice mud puddle that was calling. My 7 year old son was egging me on. We all had fun, but it cost me the silver "skid plate" trim. Hopefully it's not too expensive to replace. Looks like it just clips in to the lower facia. I did get a headlight flash of recognition from a Wrangler driver on the way home, so...worth it? BTW, if anyone finds that trim piece near Holcomb Valley campground, please let me know.

Love that pic with the scenery. The Telluride looks awesome!

 

[stanaka1]

So I got the skid plate replaced. I ordered from kiaparts.com on Aug 21 and I got it today (Aug 29). Cost $9 plus $4 shipping. It does mostly clip in, but there are two screws in the bottom corners I couldn't get to without dropping the entire bottom panel. Seems pretty secure for now. A bunch of those push clips have broken off, so I'll ask the dealer to replace them and the screws when I take it in for an oil change in the coming weeks. Maybe I'll even replace the valance one day.