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Dusy Ershim Trail

6K views 33 replies 11 participants last post by  mountainguyed67 
#1 ·
#3 ·
No one can know what the condition of the trial is until they open it. It changes a little each year. Typically there are usually trees down, ect., that need to be cleared. Then we must get the permission of our wonderful forest service as to when the trial officially opens.
Snow pack was light this year... but that doesn't mean much as to when the trial opens.
You can keep an eye on this web site, as they maintain the trial.
http://www.4wdcfresno.net/

edit note: if you've never run the trial before... extra gas is recommended.

WRM
 
#7 ·
yes but they were moved to 16-18 aug. In Az Forum the title/header is for a week earlier. But in the details it shows the final dates. I'll will be there on the 15th. Been in contact with Big Ed from Fresno 4 wheelrs at the AZVJC group. So we should get the latest news when its open. Being a week later than I intended first gives a little more time to be sure its open and fits a vaction time better.

we have it listed now as a Bullhead4wheelers of AZ run too.
 
#9 ·
:thumbsup: We are counting the days. I have this trip listed in our AZVJC forum and. Its a Internet based club for Az. Huge group but have not had much luck. Ran the Rubicon last year with a few on them. But the good thing is Big Ed from the Fresno 4 wheelers joined the thread. Dusy is their "adopt a trail". He has posted his pics and some good info. go to their site for trail opening dates, tips etc.
 
#12 ·
Well it is a very long drive for you for sure. Maybe next season. remember the trail ONLY opens from Aug 1st through nov1st oct'ish. it is closed all other months.

When you get a party to do this trail be sure contact "Big Ed" from the fresno4 wheelers. This is their adopted trail. He will have all the tips you need to make this a fun run and is very nice guy to work with.

:tea:
 
#14 ·
U might be smelling some smoke! Lol.

Would like to have joined you; but grandson coming down that weekend has priority. Will b doing Swamp the weekend after tho. :cheers:
 
#18 ·
Until Doc can post some pics... here are some from a few years ago just for the halibut...










WRM :cheers:
 
#19 ·
WRM, you got me salivating with those pics. Heading up there next week. Hope Doc posts some pics and a report. Curious about trail conditions, fire restrictions, stuff like that.

Counting down the days...
 
#20 ·
I've seen a couple other threads, so as far as I know, trail conditions are typical this year... meaning it is still hard! :rofl:

Actually, this thread has some pics and video to check out.

http://www.wranglerforum.com/f55/dusy-ershim-253502.html

I do believe there are fire restrictions now. Which means no campfires! Suks! :( Surprisingly, first I've heard of this in our neck of the woods, so to speak. We've never had them before that I know of, but I've seen a couple signs on other trails and as we all know it is a dry year. But we've had dry years before and still had campfires, so I dunno... changing times I guess???
So best bet is to call the USFS Station in Prather and pick their brain. Was just up there this last weekend and wood cutting areas are open, but not so sure about campfires??? Either way you'll need a permit.

What are you dates/times/plans? Trying to talk the wifey into going camping up there this weekend. If so, maybe set up a time/place to say 'hey'. If that doesn't pan out, you're welcome to swing by the house to say 'hi'. I'm sorta kinda on the way if you have the right directions. Just shoot me a pm if interested.

WRM
 
#21 ·
WRM... I'd really like that. :cheers2:

The date is set for leaving here next Wednesday. I'll talk to my buddy and see if we can work something out for a beer or at least a handshake. We are towing our jeeps down but have a basecamp to leave our trucks. I'll send you a PM before then and let you know what's what. :thumbsup:
 
#23 ·
The Dusy is one of the most beautiful trails I have ever seen. Big Ed and the Fresno 4x4 are some of best people you will meet. But for me the trail ended at 8.3 miles Just past dinky creek and the start of Thompson Hill. Up to that point the trail was AZ 2-3 at most, but again the views are amazing

. At about 5miles in just before Dinky and going by Ed's group, we had a airbag fault light go off. Nothing new I figured as this 2012 has been setting Mill lights before. We checked the seat belts. Figured its a Jeep. at about 8.2 miles we were stopped and talking to my tail gunner on the CB. There was a group in front of us and I wanted to hold until they cleared away a bit so we don't get in a, clustered up. The trail looking harder since its up hill and rocks do not want to be behind people to much. The last Jeep was a Bronco when it cleared enough to move I said on the Cb to the tail gunner, clear to go. I was still in gear its an auto in low range in Rubi low 1st, locked. I just was starting to let off the brake and was turning right with my left arm leaning forward to see to line up my line only moved a few feet. I mean I was moving less than 1mph, airbag explodes. Well my arm saved my face they say. The left arm was broke and bruised like I blocked a base ball bat. Even my right thumb was dislocated.

At first all I knew is I was on fire as that air bag was pouring out some kinda gas. I was stunned like a flash bang. Reached for the seat belt and that is when I knew my thumb was pointing funny. I tried to set it with my left hand that's when I knew my left arm was broke, but I set the thumb anyway. My wife sitting next to me heard me saying I was on fire and started dumping water on me, good thing she did not have fire extinguisher on hand:laugh:. I tried to open the door but that's when I really knew my left arm was broke. By then the tail gunner was on me hearing Fire and seeing the smoke and heard and seen it from behind. What he said sounded like a big gun went off the witness of it only 30 feet behind me. He opened the door and I slip out. well, first aid kits and a splint a few more pics for posterity. Then, question go on, its 2 more days out? I was willing to do it then, all voted against it and talked out of it GOOD thing too next day I was not in great shape.

Now I get to drive out 8.3 miles and home 9 hrs, broken arm. One thing good about a broken bone you get sleepy at the wheel just try a turn of the wrist will set you right straight for hours.

first night at Trapper camp ground.


Courtright from the dam.


looking the other way down the dam, great spot. Think I found where my ashes go.


Just past the gate, wife was slow on draw.

real Jeeps





Chicken rock just on the right




Looking back at Courtwrite




This tree is cool












First part that even rated Az. 2+ we are in about 7miles




Thompson hill lower section I guess


here is where we waited. The right turn of death:cheers2: AZ3 at most


right after that air bag went off I moved up of that right and we made way parked here why I licked my wounds.


So Now I have to remove the air bags. No way will I go through that again for nothing. In some ways I miss my 66 or my 47. None of them have pyrotechnics in the steering wheel. The dealer confirmed and the air bags are on all the time. even in low off road. I have seen Video of a Tj having the same thing happen. But at least he was in what looks at least 4-4.5Az rock field at least at the looks its rough. We only rate trails to 5 and Jeeps like most people have never do them. Its just not going to make it long, you need a Buggy to play with the big boys.
 
#34 ·
here is where we waited. The right turn of death:cheers2: AZ3 at most


right after that air bag went off I moved up of that right and we made way parked here why I licked my wounds.
222doc now knows this is a couple miles before Thompson Hill, just wanted to clarify for others that might see this. It's not unusual to find trip reports with people mistaken about where they are, it's a whole lot of trail to learn and keep track of.
 
#24 ·
222Doc... fantastic pics.

"REAL jeeps".... :laugh:

About your arm: Man, that sucks. Big time. You got big ones for making it back in those conditions. Look at it this way, you got lucky. True story.... a close relative recently had an airbag go off in a 5 mph fender bender, split her arm from thumb to elbow down to the bone. Just like a butterflied lobster tail, I kidd you not. Luckily, she is healing well, against all odds.

Air bags are great for 65 MPH head-ons, not so much for slow hits with your arm across the wheel. Google "air bag injuries"--- they are not for the squeamish.

Hope you heal fully and completely. :thumbsup:
 
#25 ·
Airbags are not safe at all. I would rather have a 4 point and call it a day. I need to figure out how to get that other air bag out though.
I know I can add a resistor in line to fool the SrS system. Or live with the light on. I am going to order the stuff tonight. Weld in the cross bar
behind the seats from synergy and some tabs. 5 link belts . the stock JK seat belts have issues too off road if you get vertical and stuck. If you
remove the belt it retracts and at steep angles it locks in the upright position. Now you are belt less. Stupid

Had that happen last year on this. on the big ledge I was belly on a 2d and winched off the buggy. no way in a 2d on 35"s,

going off that should have set off the bags then.

we rate this only 4.5 Its less than a few miles but like this it takes half a day



Az 5's are just way to hard for Jeeps with skin. Or very dangerous. Its going break something almost every time out. Our Jeep only runs at the most 4"s I did that 4.5 but winched in a few spots

A 5 I would hate to end up in that cactus.

 
#27 ·
Thanks for the pics, Doc. Hope the arm is healing well. :cheers2:

Went up just this last weekend and camped @ Trapper, also. Lake is much lower now.

Any plans to try it again next season/? I know it's not an AZ 5, but it's plenty for my leaf sprung under YJ. lol. :laugh:


WRM :cheers:
 
#29 ·
Sorry to hear your long awaited trip was cut short due to poor over engineering. That sucks! It's too bad they don't have a programer to turn that crap off. Or at least disable it when in 4low. Nice pictures though ,absolutely beautiful scenery. We hope your healing well.
 
#31 ·
There is a REAL flaw in all Jk's and the driver airbag.
I have done the research:

As of May this year ALL jk's RHD(RIGHT HAND DRIVE) are recalled. Trw the part makers found after the Ntsa got involved. That the Clock Spring will not tolerate DUST or water. Dust being the main issue. The part in question is open in design and coated with Grease, yes grease on what are Tape wires. The grease colletcts dust and cause the wires to bend in "unnatural ways". I can say that is true as I saved mine and it looks like a reels "birds nest".

The Ntsa said that since the Jeeps RHD were failing in a percentage that was over what ever they spec. for safety. IT DOES not effect exported RHD or LHD since they are not used like the " mail jeeps".

Now get this they did not redesign this part it used in many Chrysler cars. They made some sort of "Dust cover for the Clock spring" to get the NTSa off their case. I cant find the part # or even know if it will fit a LHD. Fact is at this point I do not care.

WTF^^^^^^ we have a defective part they wont fix because most jeeps are MALL crawlers... Dust........ good god....

So I put a new clock spring in as I like my cruise control. Removed all seat belts and air bags all of it. Putting in new 5 point and seats and Caribou seats.

top it off...... I just got her back from heart surgery Left head went bad the pent tick of death. took them a week to fix that and I must say it sounds so much smoother on that side. know I can here the right that sounded the least now sounds like poop.

2012 Jeep may end up as a franken jeep after all, what next a 5.3 checy and a 6L80e transplant?

If I did not love jeeps as much, I would have traded this in. But in this horse way to much to put here down.

Lets go wheeling weather is looking good my cast come off today
 
#32 ·
Wow, sorry to hear your about your trip and arm. I was a Chrysler master tech for many years before I started teaching. Ironically, for the airbag to go off it needs to see difference in wheel speed sensors, crash sensor, inertia sensor, or a short in the clock spring. I purposely light off airbags for students so they can see the force created, I can attest to how much energy is there. Sorry to hear about your misfortune. I know how much you were looking forward to the trip. Well, have horse will travel and at least you survived to ride again. Again, I'm really sorry to hear about your misfortune.
 
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