Trip to Coronado National Forest and Memorial

[DesertRat19]

A few weeks ago, I took a journey into southern Arizona for a couple of days of hiking and off roading. I departed Phoenix and headed to Tombstone for some sightseeing (a disappointment) and then Bisbee for a quick food break. A tip from a local sent me to Lowell for a cool view of some restored vintage cars and I couldn't help myself to parking in the vintage gas station for a photo. The buildings were also pre-50s, so they provided a fitting backdrop for observing the cars.

After that I hit up Coronado National Forest and camped near Ash Canyon. I only drove a few miles of dirt road, but it was nice having the Badlands to not worry about any of the terrain. I also didn’t want to get too far in as I didn’t have much light left and the elevation change would lead to some chilly temps. It was a restless night as the wind gust were rocking my tent furiously. After a brief stint of astrophotography, I tried to get some rest but was woken a couple hours later by a prospector making checking out my camp to judge whether I was plundering his mining claim.

I then headed to Coronado National Memorial and drove up to the Coronado Peak Trail and Border Monument trail. The road was not challenging but was a bit narrow and step. I cannot imagine driving up while a construction vehicle is coming down. After hiking I got to chatting with a local and he suggested driving down the other side of the mountain to Lociel. The dirt road was easy but incredibly scenic and would strongly recommend. Having the Badlands allowed me the confidence to take some spur trails for which the clearance and bash plates came in handy. After some exploring, I then heading into another section of the Coronado National Forest and again took some side trails to find my second night of camping. There wasn’t a soul around. After spending the past two days driving, I decided to head back. There were plenty more miles of dirt roads to explore and would love to go back. Nothing seemed overly challenging but having the Badlands, also provided the leeway to takes some risks on unknown roads.

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[DesertRat19]

A few photos...

 

[Mark S.]

Wow. Just wow. Keep posting those pics!

 

[DesertRat19]

thank you!

 

[Uncle Buck]

Great photos! I especially like the one where you got the shadow of the cemetery sign. Great eye!

 

[NMhunter]

I worked on the Coronado NF for 11 years, and loved it. You'll find your Badlands will handle most of the roads you'll encounter. If you want to do a bit more, I'd recommend a skid plate under the driver's side and one over the catalytic converter. I ripped the carpet off the driver's side on my first offroad trip. I find that on rutted roads, the center of the road drags on your catalytic converter. I just got a 1-1/2" lift, but haven't had a chance to take it off road yet.

 

[DesertRat19]

Great photos! I especially like the one where you got the shadow of the cemetery sign. Great eye!

Thanks!

 

[Dude]

Prior post stated: (for Badlands) “I'd recommend a skid plate under the driver's side and one over the catalytic converter.”

Under the felt on the Badlands drivers side is a metal plate to protect emissions stuff or whatever is running along there. Not sure how thick the metal is or if all Badlands have the metal plate.

I believe bronco sports have two catalytic converters.

The primary catalytic converter for the 2.0L is on the Turbo downtube and is followed by a secondary catalytic converter located under “metal” covering. The primary cat (which some may want to steal) is difficult to get to.

The one you are referring to is called a secondary cat or some other similar name. It’s not as expensive but I agree no one wants to damage it. On the Badlands I’m not sure how thick its “metal” covering is or if all Badlands have that covering.

Remember… not all Badlands are built the same and the above info is what I saw on mine (but I didn’t look to see what is under the drivers side felt) while most of the info is what other Badlands owners have posted (some with pics). For best results, a Badlands owner should verify what’s under their Badlands if knowing is of material interest to the owner.

 

[DesertRat19]

Prior post stated: (for Badlands) “I'd recommend a skid plate under the driver's side and one over the catalytic converter.”

Under the felt on the Badlands drivers side is a metal plate to protect emissions stuff or whatever is running along there. Not sure how thick the metal is or if all Badlands have the metal plate.

I believe bronco sports have two catalytic converters.

The primary catalytic converter for the 2.0L is on the Turbo downtube and is followed by a secondary catalytic converter located under “metal” covering. The primary cat (which some may want to steal) is difficult to get to.

The one you are referring to is called a secondary cat or some other similar name. It’s not as expensive but I agree no one wants to damage it. On the Badlands I’m not sure how thick its “metal” covering is or if all Badlands have that covering.

Remember… not all Badlands are built the same and the above info is what I saw on mine (but I didn’t look to see what is under the drivers side felt) while most of the info is what other Badlands owners have posted (some with pics). For best results, a Badlands owner should verify what’s under their Badlands if knowing is of material interest to the owner.

Thanks for this info. I was thinking of getting the oil changed before a potential big off-roading trip in June. I was wondering if the dealer would let me take a peak when they have it lifted. I can kinda get under the sport when it's parked but given my age/fitness, it's a lot harder to shimmy under tight spaces these days, lol.

 

[Ford Motor Company]

A few photos...

Wow, gorgeous!! Thanks for sharing your trip with us!

 

[DesertRat19]

I worked on the Coronado NF for 11 years, and loved it. You'll find your Badlands will handle most of the roads you'll encounter. If you want to do a bit more, I'd recommend a skid plate under the driver's side and one over the catalytic converter. I ripped the carpet off the driver's side on my first offroad trip. I find that on rutted roads, the center of the road drags on your catalytic converter. I just got a 1-1/2" lift, but haven't had a chance to take it off road yet.

What lift kit did you instal? Did you also keep stock wheels and Wildpeak tires?

 

[Dude]

Thanks for this info. I was thinking of getting the oil changed before a potential big off-roading trip in June. I was wondering if the dealer would let me take a peak when they have it lifted.

While you are waiting for the dealership sneak peek, have you seen these? I cannot vouch for their accuracy. I don’t remember which but one or more shows the underside of the Badlands. And I think all of the videos have something to say about skid plates.








At this link, look at related parts which will show the pic below.
https://parts.ford.com/shop/en/us/body/sheet-metal-under-body/deflector-13291875-1

 

[NMhunter]

I got the HRG Offroad 1.5" lift. I still have stock steelies and Falken tires. I'm happy with the lift so far, but I first ordered the 2.5" lift and the mechanics said they weren't comfortable installing it. HRG charged me a 20% restocking fee, which was excessive. I won't buy from them again.

 

[sajohnson]

I got the HRG Offroad 1.5" lift. I still have stock steelies and Falken tires. I'm happy with the lift so far, but I first ordered the 2.5" lift and the mechanics said they weren't comfortable installing it. HRG charged me a 20% restocking fee, which was excessive. I won't buy from them again.

I don't blame you. Most "restocking" fees are a rip-off. A money grab, and a way to "punish" customers that have the temerity to return something.

They may not be illegal, but they usually cannot be justified. At a minimum, companies that charge restocking fees should be required, by law, to notify prospective customers -- using the same font and color that they use to advertise "FREE SHIPPING!" "20% RESTOCKING FEE" should be right there beside it. Instead, it is typically hidden somewhere.

That said, I can understand that companies want to minimize returns. Most people are not in the habit of buying and then returning piles of merchandise. Rather than spanking customers with outrageous restocking fees, one way to handle the problem is to treat each customer like an individual. Give each customer X free returns per year. If they exceed that number, THEN start charging them.

As it is, most return policies punish everyone, including the majority of customers that do not take advantage.

I will not be buying from HRG.

 

[JeffryXX1]

Nice photos !

Kodi​

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