Ray - the hub blew on #3, we got to #4. #1 and #2 was kinda easy - they was dry. #3 had the soft spot, that raised up the front end (and I was powering through), #4 had the only dry spot - on the side that had a blown hub.
Already having body damage makes tank trap easier. It's rated at triple black diamond at Hollister - that's why it's part of the top truck challenge.
waist high is about right for that spot. But, it's not a ledge - it's about 60 degrees up.
Kevin has videotape of the whole thing rick - and he said he was going to send a copy of it. Includes the loud snap of the hub going, and ray ducking. Also includes the truck on it's driver side, and us winching it back over onto it's side.
In looking back, tank trap was kinda fun, scary, and probably a good lesson. In not doing something so difficult!
Matt - in going down that trail, make sure that your front end is always pointing down. If you feel your rear end sliding around, try to get the front end down. Also, roll down your front windows. If you do tip over, you won't break the glass then (it's protected inside the door.) Your mirrors will bend in more too that way (the mirror will break the glass if you don't roll it down.)
My other tips for a rolled explorer - the oil will leak down, and hydrolock the engine. Just wait 5 to 10 minutes - engine will start. You will get a ton of smoke - just let it idle. about 20 minutes later, it will be gone. Check your air filter. Check your oil level, and power steering level (mine lost some in Tank Trap, and it was whining badly.)
Oh, and having tow hooks on all four corners help - it gives you a point to hook up and winch back over from. The frame is really tight against the body near the rear bumper.
And no, I don't like rolling the truck on it's side. It's getting to be expensive ($125 for the mirror that shattered in tank trap)
