Mammoth, CA Laurel Lakes-Trip Report
- Thread starter cellularsteve2
- Start date
cellularsteve2
Adventurer
Thanks Redline! Your advice and 24HRS really helped.
Wow, 4' longer than a Ford e-350 RB van?
I was pretty close to the edge as it was. My wife said on my downhill approach I had about 3-4'. On the way up I took a different line and had about 1 1/2 feet.
I think Redline or 24HRS towed a trailer and made it. Maybe they can weigh in.
steve
bat said:
Wow, 4' longer than a Ford e-350 RB van?
I was pretty close to the edge as it was. My wife said on my downhill approach I had about 3-4'. On the way up I took a different line and had about 1 1/2 feet.
I think Redline or 24HRS towed a trailer and made it. Maybe they can weigh in.
steve
Redline
Likes to Drive and Ride
I have an old '96 F350 that has gone & goes lots of places. Stock suspension w/ 255/85R16s, worn limited slip rear diff, and I would take it up there. There will be some multi point turns in a couple spots, but nothing crazy or difficult in my opinion if your know your rig and consider yourself 'a driver'. On the last tight switchback you could make a multi point turn, but I would consider backing down it like I did with the trailer. On the way back up and out you have to decide if you want to back uphill or make a multipoint turn. The road is wide enough, with good towing mirrors, I would rather reverse a crew-cab long-bed than my 4Runner and trailer, particularly uphill.
Look at Steve's picture above of that switchback, there is a lot of extra runout room at that tight switchback.
Look at Steve's picture above of that switchback, there is a lot of extra runout room at that tight switchback.
bat said:
24HOURSOFNEVADA
Expedition Leader
Very nice write up. I'm glad we did not misguide you. It is a beautiful spot indeed.
VikingVince
Explorer
Steve,
Nice report...Laurel Lakes is on my short list...no excuse for not getting there being in SoCA!
Is that a porta-bote on top of your SMB? If so, what size? How has it worked out for you? Set-up, stability, ease of use, etc. I've looked at them for a number of years and have considered buying one but have never gotten first-hand feedback. Thanks. (great lookin' rig, BTW)
Nice report...Laurel Lakes is on my short list...no excuse for not getting there being in SoCA!
Is that a porta-bote on top of your SMB? If so, what size? How has it worked out for you? Set-up, stability, ease of use, etc. I've looked at them for a number of years and have considered buying one but have never gotten first-hand feedback. Thanks. (great lookin' rig, BTW)
cellularsteve2
Adventurer
VikingVince said:
Vince,
Yes it is a 12' PortaBote. This was only the 3rd time I used it and I really like it. First off, as you see it folds up and stows right on the roof. Alternatively they make a carrier that you can bolt on the side of your truck so it is easier to load. I estimate it to be 60 lbs empty so I just tilt it up on the roof and then push. 2 people is easier. I have a Nissan 5HP motor 4stroke that came with it. Surprisingly it works well. Nearly as stable as an aluminum boat except it has a bit weird feeling since you can feel the water beneath your feet (has a rolling effect). It is fine for 2 people and I use it to fish. For a smaller lake it is just fine. Even with some chop it felt stable enough.
I bought it used on Craigslist for a good price. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it and if you can find one used you could always buy it and resell it if you don't like it. I am fairly certain I could get what I paid.
steve
VikingVince
Explorer
Thanks for the feedback Steve...one more toy to add to the list!
Overland Hadley
on a journey
cellularsteve2 said:
Great photos, thanks for posting the trip report.
What is the folded thing on your roof? Is it a folding kayak? I think I saw something like it on a sailboat in the harbor today, but nobody was on board, so I was not able to ask them.
Thanks.
24HOURSOFNEVADA
Expedition Leader
Overland Hadley said:
See post #24
It's a Portaboat.
Overland Hadley
on a journey
24HOURSOFNEVADA said:
Thanks.
Not sure how I missed that, as I have looked at this thread a few times over the last couple of days.
BoxCar
New member
I went to Laurel Lake last weekend. It was as great as everyone said it would be. I planned to cruise around the lake in my inflatable kayak but it was 43 degrees and windy at three o'clock in the afternoon. There is still some snow above the lake. The day before it was in the mid 80's.
