Honda Element Stream Crossings

[CLynn85]

Well a friend of mine recently picked up an AWD element and me being into off-road asked if I can show him around some dirt roads in the area. I've been sitting around trying to think of where some fairly soft roads are that I can take him down in the element. Just something to wet his appetite but not places he could scrape up the underside of his vehicle. One of which comes out in a place that you have to cross a shallow stream several times to make it back out to the highway. Note I said stream, not river. It's a carlength or two wide but wasn't over my sidewalls on the Jeep except in a few places. I'm hesitant on this one though because a) I'm not sure where the air intake is located and b) it has 7" of ground clearance, and I don't want him floating off or taking on water. This is a road where people live and have to go through these water crossings daily to get to work (many of which drive scooby roos). I'd just hate to go all the way in on a forest road and then have to back track and not make the loop due to the crossings. I haven't actually seen the thing yet so I may back out on it all together and stick to gravel roads.

On a side note, is there a spacer lift out for these or sway bar disconnects so it doesn't look like a pissing dog all the way down the road? I've been trying to get on nomad-explorer's site but it seems to be down.

[CLynn85]

You know when I sat back and read that I think I pretty much answered my own question. I'll pick a different route. Not worth chancing something he/his rig might not be ready for.

[jim65wagon]

Well a friend of mine recently picked up an AWD element and me being into off-road asked if I can show him around some dirt roads in the area. I've been sitting around trying to think of where some fairly soft roads are that I can take him down in the element. Just something to wet his appetite but not places he could scrape up the underside of his vehicle. One of which comes out in a place that you have to cross a shallow stream several times to make it back out to the highway. Note I said stream, not river. It's a carlength or two wide but wasn't over my sidewalls on the Jeep except in a few places. I'm hesitant on this one though because a) I'm not sure where the air intake is located and b) it has 7" of ground clearance, and I don't want him floating off or taking on water. This is a road where people live and have to go through these water crossings daily to get to work (many of which drive scooby roos). I'd just hate to go all the way in on a forest road and then have to back track and not make the loop due to the crossings. I haven't actually seen the thing yet so I may back out on it all together and stick to gravel roads.

.
Just where, pray tell, might this be? I may need to be schooled on the local roads in this area but I have a hard time finding a gravel road, let alone anything with even a minor water crossing. We need to get out some weekend.

[CLynn85]

Just where, pray tell, might this be? I may need to be schooled on the local roads in this area but I have a hard time finding a gravel road, let alone anything with even a minor water crossing. We need to get out some weekend.

I wish I was talking about stafford Jim. I'm back down in Blacksburg now. I'm back in forest road heaven.:truck:

All our local wheeling spots we used to hit up in high school are blocked off and posted. All the power lines and pipelines are off limits now. I've pretty much given up on wheeling during the summer because there's no good legal spots around. But yeah, we'll have to head up to GWNF some time next summer. Hopefully be full time at Dahlgren and find a place in KG to live so I wont have to pass emissions anymore lol.

[Scott Brady]

The trail sounds great for an Element. I think they are more capable than given credit for.

There are no easy lifts or disconnect for this vehicle.

My only recommendation is to air ONLY the rear tires down to 20 psi to cause the front and rear axles to spin at different speeds, allowing the AWD to engage faster.

PLEASE take lots of pictures and share your impressions. I would love to get more info on the E's capabilities. (I should probably just call Honda and get one for a few weeks).

[+ d]

I bet paulj would have some input on the capabilities of the Element... Based on his posts in this thread (http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=797&highlight=element) he seems to get around pretty good

[+ d]

oops, double post!

[paulj]

but I haven't gone wading - at least not in anything close to the door sills.
paulj

[bootzilla]

Too bad there is no lift for an Element - that would be cool to see one raised up with some meaty tires underneath - like some T/A KO's!

[paulj]

T/A KOs are available in the stock Element size (215/70/16, about 28" diameter). 225/75/16 also fits, 235/70/16 has the potential of rubbing on strut tower. Bridgestone Revos in the 235 width are a popular 'upgrade' for the Element. I am using 225/70/16 Cooper ATRs. Using larger tires adds up to half an inch in ground clearance, but rules out the use of chains, and may add problems if you need to use the compact spare tire.

Someone tried to put spacers at the top of the strut tower mounts. This worked for the front wheels, but not for the rear ones. The rear suspension is just too compact to allow the extra movement. On the other hand, that compactness gives room for a low, wide floor.

The breakover angle is primary ground clearance issue. The resonator in the middle of my exhaust system has a nice dent in it. However, by taking care to cross water bars at an angle, I have learned to lessen this problem.

And if the going gets too tough, the Element has a nice tight turning circle - so I am not afraid to make a 3 point turn on a mountain shelf road.

paulj

[flyingwil]

Why not let the owner decide? I think a water crossing might be the highlight of the trip for the owner. If a Subaru can make it the E should have no problem too, IMO.

Like Scott said take a bunch of Pic's and share your thoughts!

[jim65wagon]

Do it! If the owner gets there and is unsure, wade out and walk him through it, then let him drive through it!

[CLynn85]

Well we went for a little pre-run on a more local trail today. I was pleasantly surprised, the element did pretty well. He added side steps that got in the way a little bit in places but not too bad. Couple places were very close and clearance and may have dragged it a little bit here and there. Was a little throttle happy in the holes but got him through alright. Couple of the regulars up there were pretty amazed that a) he was taking it through and b) how well it did. It was pretty crowded so I didn't get to pull off and ride along with him much, was just pacing him through and spotting for him. The holes are all rock at the bottom once you get down through the top couple inches of muck, and a complete lack of rain for the last couple weeks made everything pretty tame. Eventually we got to a good water-filled hole that he didn't want to chance so we spun it around and headed back. Had to get a running start for a couple of the hills but all in all it did fine.

http://filebox.vt.edu/users/johnsonm/images/Element/DSC02738-fixed%20(Large).jpg

[ZooJunkie]

Cool! Post more pics if you got'em!! I like the Honda Element, my mother might get one herself soon.

[Scott Brady]

More pics, more pics :)

[CLynn85]

Unfortunately most of the pics didn't turn out because I accidentally clicked the wheel around on my camera and didn't realize it. So all the action shots of the element came out bad. Here's the few we were able to fix up enough to post.

http://filebox.vt.edu/users/johnsonm/images/Element/

[ZooJunkie]

Thanks for sharing!! That's cool. All he needs to do is to remove the running board and get taller tires!

[bootzilla]

Did the Element make it through that mud with stock tires and those running boards? Not bad at all!

I saw one today on a sound-side beach in the outer banks - it was a pretty small beach that was relatively hard packed, but the owner was confident enough to drive out there by himself, so it must have been doing okay. Cool little cars - I was seriously considering buying one myself - even went to scout out a couple - the only deal breaker for me was that you can't roll down the rear windows for the dog...a must have for me.

I've seen all kinds of cool rigs out on the beach - I'll have to shoot some pics tomorrow when we head out there for a few hours.

[datrupr]

Thanks for sharing!! That's cool. All he needs to do is to remove the running board and get taller tires!

And add a snorkel:p

Sorry, I just read the entire snorkel wars thread and I have snorkels on the brain.

[paulj]

This thread has some of the better pictures that I've seen of an Element on dirt tracks. No mud, but rough enough to lift a wheel. This one has the tallest tires that will fit - 225/75/16.

http://www.elementownersclub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=26937

[Wanderlusty]

paulj,

That element with AT's looks purty neat. Kinda surprising.

I have to admit, though, that on the first Element pics, of clynn's friend, that I don't quite get the need for running boards on that vehicle. Was that a dealer installed item?

[paulj]

There are both Honda made side steps, and one or two after market brands. The installation instructions don't look too hard. Most, I think, get them for the looks, though some do claim they help with entry (especially for less mobile riders), or improve access to the roof.

I don't think they add much to the Element, and may hurt ground clearance a bit. Actually, their mounting arms may not hang any lower than the gas tank or exhaust parts further in board.

paulj

[jim65wagon]

He added side steps that got in the way a little bit in places but not too bad.

Been there; done that! I had to delete mine after I tried to follow my neighbors Unlimited and his buddies Ram (on 35's) over a little bump.