Acura MDX Hits the Trails! - Leavitt Lake - Should I Build It Out?

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I was so astonished at how the Hondas performed in Colorado.. just had to get myself one. Unsure of its capability and the VTM-4 system, I didn't want to fully upgrade the vehicle.. only upgrading as I saw necessary. This episode recaps our first trip with the MDX up to Leavitt Lake. The lake was also the perfect temperature for chilling our 805s. Cheers. #mdx #softroading #leavittlake
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Пікірлер: 98

  • @JonDZ_Adventuring
    @JonDZ_Adventuring2 жыл бұрын

    Good video Alan! One thing I noticed is that when you slowed down your voice you sounded like me. I'm going to try to speed up my voice and see if I sound like you! Hhahhhaahhah! This was such a great maiden voyage for your new to you MDX. with only 7.1" of minimum ground clearance, I'm very impressed at how well you did. All the seat time in the Landcruiser 100 and all the experience we have gained doing moderate/difficult 4WD trails in the past year, has paid dividends! You had the skills to get this vehicle through!

  • @BorderlineExplorer

    @BorderlineExplorer

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks Jon! Video editing magic. Hahah. From the Trooper to the Navajo to the LandCruiser and now this MDX I've been making great memories on the trail and at camp. We became rally racers on Racetrack and pushed ourselves in Moab. Life is great Jon! Let's keep adventuring.

  • @alanhirayama4592
    @alanhirayama4592 Жыл бұрын

    I owned a 2001 MDX for many years, had 300K+ miles on it until I was rear-ended and it was totalled. I never went off-roading with it like this, but glad to see it is a cable car. I have a 2009 MDX now, hope to keep it for a while!

  • @Fyourfeelingz

    @Fyourfeelingz

    Жыл бұрын

    Original transmission ?

  • @alanhirayama4592

    @alanhirayama4592

    Жыл бұрын

    @@Fyourfeelingz Right before it was totaled, I had the transmission rebuilt, so it was an especially sad moment!

  • @johnpatalinghug5216
    @johnpatalinghug52162 жыл бұрын

    I'm so happy to see another MDX on the trails. Great job Alan!

  • @BorderlineExplorer

    @BorderlineExplorer

    2 жыл бұрын

    This entire time I didn't know how much fun you were having, JP! Let's go convert more over.

  • @johnpatalinghug5216

    @johnpatalinghug5216

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@BorderlineExplorer I'm always having fun bro even with overheated tranny, broken suspension and more 😆. It always manage to take me home all the time. Let me know if you ever need help with your MDX.

  • @GLICIOUS21
    @GLICIOUS212 жыл бұрын

    We love the MDX 🔥🔥

  • @BorderlineExplorer

    @BorderlineExplorer

    2 жыл бұрын

    🔥🔥🔥 MDX rocks!

  • @erdiemozra4895
    @erdiemozra48952 жыл бұрын

    You are now a legend in my book, good job man and your MDX!!!

  • @RobbieHerrera
    @RobbieHerrera2 жыл бұрын

    Very Nice! Totally didn’t expect the MDX and I’m glad to see it can do the job. It’s always nice to see a variety of vehicles on the trip.

  • @BorderlineExplorer

    @BorderlineExplorer

    2 жыл бұрын

    Hahaha! Caught you off guard?! I'm not sure if this will be the adventure vehicle but it provides so much enjoyment taking it on trails.

  • @alleycatraf
    @alleycatraf2 жыл бұрын

    Great video of the MDX!!! I'm building one myself, 2001!!! I have a lot of fun running mine!!! Added a roof rack, LEDs, 1.5 inch spacers and a new set of Falken Wildpeaks!!! I still have more plans for it!!!

  • @pathwaycampers
    @pathwaycampersАй бұрын

    This video gives me hope. About to start my 2006 MDX touring build! It’s got 209k and the same seat tear 😂

  • @miltonshand9177
    @miltonshand91772 жыл бұрын

    I just picked up a 2005 MDX yesterday for a daily & to go camping. I didn't consider trying Over-landing with it. Great job handling the trail & great video!!

  • @duanebartlett4885
    @duanebartlett488520 күн бұрын

    Great underwater beer cam!😁👍

  • @hgfdksk17
    @hgfdksk172 жыл бұрын

    Can’t wait to see the mdx modded

  • @asegereolamilekanadebayo3152
    @asegereolamilekanadebayo31522 жыл бұрын

    I think I'm gonna get this Acura MDX. What a wonderful ride.

  • @cormegastarks8815
    @cormegastarks88152 жыл бұрын

    Never doubt the multi demensional luxury sport jeep ...MDX I have the 06 wouldn’t get rid of it fr nothing...

  • @BorderlineExplorer

    @BorderlineExplorer

    2 жыл бұрын

    Hahaha it might be a bit unconventional actually trailing the MDX but you're right. Wouldn't get rid of it for anything!!

  • @JeepSheepTV
    @JeepSheepTV2 жыл бұрын

    Sweet video, great work. I am actually looking at one of these as a potential daily driver. Seems like a solid / practical platform. Not sure if it would be more fun than my supercharged Wrangler on the trail but adventure is more about the mentality than the vehicle.

  • @omarleerojas
    @omarleerojas2 жыл бұрын

    Install a transmission cooler and pusher fan and you'll be golden

  • @BorderlineExplorer

    @BorderlineExplorer

    2 жыл бұрын

    I either want an oversized one or two of them!

  • @bradenb
    @bradenb2 жыл бұрын

    Looks like a great time. Nicely done!

  • @BorderlineExplorer

    @BorderlineExplorer

    2 жыл бұрын

    I'm so glad these fun times were captured on camera. Thanks, Braden. Hope you enjoyed the vid!

  • @vrod1a
    @vrod1a2 жыл бұрын

    Very nice vehicle 👍 Make sure you replace the timing belt, water pump, idler and tensioner

  • @dattong715
    @dattong7152 жыл бұрын

    It was quite difficult on the way up. love your content, and planning on all your routs . looks like you have great time. be safe

  • @BorderlineExplorer

    @BorderlineExplorer

    2 жыл бұрын

    Aha yup! Transmission stalls are quite hard on the system. I'm glad the MDX made it up without too much worry.

  • @billhall3465
    @billhall34656 ай бұрын

    As an MDX owner I am impressed. Keep up the good work!

  • @hukmai
    @hukmai2 жыл бұрын

    Shoot this inspires me to hit the trails

  • @achavesbarrantes
    @achavesbarrantes2 жыл бұрын

    Nice vid! Will be a nice project car 👌🏻👏🏻

  • @mefirst5427
    @mefirst54272 жыл бұрын

    Love my 03 MDX with 197k miles still going strong. Took many road trips over the years, Utah, AZ, Vegas, Tahoe, Shasta. One year in Tahoe during heavy snow, my friends Suburu had spin out, my MDX handled very well, VTM-4 lock in low gear is impressive

  • @tsmitherz21
    @tsmitherz21 Жыл бұрын

    Yup then tell me all about it. Sobi can donit too! 😊 good luck man

  • @mannycrisferrer8298
    @mannycrisferrer82985 ай бұрын

    To the 1st Gen Mdx owners consider installing a transmission cooler with Fan and a switch. it helps the transmission from overheating when climbing so far haven’t seen warning sign from atf when i installed it.

  • @bassamaann
    @bassamaann2 жыл бұрын

    I've taken mine to the pits a few times, mines also an 06, 330,000 miles, even the same color, I've just been running it stock and it does amazing

  • @jd646

    @jd646

    11 ай бұрын

    Original transmission?

  • @Away907
    @Away9072 жыл бұрын

    Very nice lake, love it. Gratz on reaching it with only 7.1 inches of ground clearance! I did this trail with the stock brand new VW Atlas last September. No single touch with the undercarriage. It was quite stressful on the way up, as I did it in complete darkness after 11pm and without any assistance.

  • @Away907

    @Away907

    2 жыл бұрын

    ... and it's stocked with very nice trout!

  • @BorderlineExplorer

    @BorderlineExplorer

    2 жыл бұрын

    Taking your brand new Atlas up there?! The world belongs to you!

  • @Away907

    @Away907

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@BorderlineExplorer Yeah it was a little bit crazy idea. It was the only place available for overnight stay, while other lakes were closed due to forrest fires. Hope will see you on the trails, I visit these places almost every other week.

  • @aaronemblem266
    @aaronemblem266 Жыл бұрын

    This video proves to an extent that you can buy driving skills buy having a bigger 4x4 vehicle…that being said I now firmly believe the mdx is more capable than even you showed it to be and can’t wait to buy one

  • @BernonCars
    @BernonCars2 жыл бұрын

    I love these!! Subbed!!

  • @BorderlineExplorer

    @BorderlineExplorer

    2 жыл бұрын

    The story begins... at a random Craiglist used car search. 😆

  • @halfwaydecentvehicles
    @halfwaydecentvehicles Жыл бұрын

    Cool I'm looking for one

  • @ayosmokey3997
    @ayosmokey3997 Жыл бұрын

    Anyone know what the green truck is? Looking at a mdx for a new daily and saw that beauty

  • @shosaleen
    @shosaleen2 жыл бұрын

    The mdx is pretty capable I have an 04, and I also have a 7.3 powerstroke on 37s

  • @andrecoleman4886
    @andrecoleman48862 жыл бұрын

    what size tires did you go with?

  • @dewholdingsllc1050
    @dewholdingsllc10502 жыл бұрын

    The 06 Touring I have came with a tow package, did yours?

  • @benvasilinda9729
    @benvasilinda9729 Жыл бұрын

    What size tires did u put on?

  • @gh___
    @gh___ Жыл бұрын

    What size tires are you running in this video? Please

  • @yunamoua4098
    @yunamoua40982 жыл бұрын

    Anyone know if the road will be closed in the end of November to early December??

  • @god-likesystems985
    @god-likesystems985 Жыл бұрын

    Build it!!!!!!!

  • @andrewmshuff
    @andrewmshuff2 жыл бұрын

    Love seeing this kind of action. Makes me think maybe I can get my awd journey on more than just these 100 series forest service roads around me!

  • @BorderlineExplorer

    @BorderlineExplorer

    2 жыл бұрын

    Glad you enjoyed it, Andrew! Hope you have lots of fun on your AWD journey as well 👍

  • @andrewmshuff

    @andrewmshuff

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@BorderlineExplorer it is a journey and quite literally an AWD Dodge Journey. We will see what it's up for in the near future. Look forward to more videos from you.

  • @VeryCoolJeep
    @VeryCoolJeep2 жыл бұрын

    I am still working on mine! Hahah

  • @BorderlineExplorer

    @BorderlineExplorer

    2 жыл бұрын

    I'll be sure to check it out 👍

  • @SP.Family
    @SP.Family2 жыл бұрын

    Nice vid👍😁

  • @BorderlineExplorer

    @BorderlineExplorer

    2 жыл бұрын

    🙏 glad you enjoyed it!

  • @mobkojsiabkawg5062
    @mobkojsiabkawg50622 жыл бұрын

    You didn’t use the factory rear differential lock when in 1 or 2nd gear to use all 4 wheels. Just FYI

  • @DanielGriffo
    @DanielGriffo2 жыл бұрын

    I have one myself, would LOVE to know what roof top tent that is! Care to share pretty please?:)

  • @sammylopez8577
    @sammylopez85772 жыл бұрын

    Did you ever get that lift?

  • @esticolis
    @esticolis4 ай бұрын

    Good stuff! Is this a Maggiolina RTT? What size?

  • @yunglee4278
    @yunglee42782 жыл бұрын

    i have a 22 MDX, i;d to join yours for such a wonderful road trip

  • @byfaithalone3529
    @byfaithalone3529 Жыл бұрын

    👍

  • @alkapro8024
    @alkapro80242 жыл бұрын

    What's the green machine.

  • @MailDeliverySystem-xw6hh
    @MailDeliverySystem-xw6hh2 жыл бұрын

    OK. 1st order of business is to Frankenstein an external Transmission cooling system. Other than that, a good little overlander!

  • @BorderlineExplorer

    @BorderlineExplorer

    2 жыл бұрын

    You know it! Stopping so often to cool down the transmission is not all too fun.

  • @ChannelAHHA
    @ChannelAHHA Жыл бұрын

    What did you with the MDX?

  • @user-gc5oo2eo8p
    @user-gc5oo2eo8p Жыл бұрын

    Mdx👍💪💪💪

  • @CH-zu7fn
    @CH-zu7fn Жыл бұрын

    Let's see what she can do.

  • @kristentovar644
    @kristentovar6442 жыл бұрын

    Thinking about getting a used smaller RDX as a daily driver and adventuring, any opinions?

  • @BorderlineExplorer

    @BorderlineExplorer

    2 жыл бұрын

    I'm still rather green in the Acura world but that first gen RDX with the turbo isn't what I'd imagine as ideal for mpgs. The 3.5L in the second gen gets my vote. SH-AWD for light off-roading and adventuring should work better than my VTM-4 button.

  • @mrgold3591

    @mrgold3591

    Жыл бұрын

    The 07-12 RDX with 2.3T had sh-awd and mpgs of 17-22. The 2nd Gen 13-18 RDX had the 3.5L V-6; but, not sh-awd. The 2nd Gen RDX had the slip-n-grip awd system found on the CR-V. The 2nd Gen RDX was build more for comfort and economy. I would go for a 1st Gen RDX with sh-awd or 07-13 MDX if you need winter beater or off road capabilities.

  • @frankietuned
    @frankietuned2 жыл бұрын

    Definitely make sure your timing belt has been done recently. If not, be sure you replace it.

  • @BorderlineExplorer

    @BorderlineExplorer

    2 жыл бұрын

    Timing belt has been done! We'll have to revisit it in about 30k miles though.

  • @frankietuned

    @frankietuned

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@BorderlineExplorer that's good news! It's never too early to replace it though. Peace of mind is priceless Lol Might I also suggest doing a 3x3? It's way to do the transmission fluid service. 3 drain & fills with 3 quarts of Transmission fluid. Especially, since you do a ton of offroading! Last thing I'd recommend, is to bypass the factory transmission cooler. It's located in the bottom tank of the radiator. This does 2 things for you. First, it eliminates the chance of SMOD aka Strawberry milk shake of DEATH!!!!! Second,it gives you a chance to add a nice large bar/plate transmission cooler. That will definitely help on those long mountain climbs.

  • @BorderlineExplorer

    @BorderlineExplorer

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@frankietuned hold on. Did you just solve all my problems with one comment? Thank you!!!!

  • @frankietuned

    @frankietuned

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@BorderlineExplorer that's hilarious! If I did, I'm glad I could be of assistance. 😂 If you like the MDX enough to lift it and have any questions let me know. I've played with quite a few different lifts on my Pilot. As you know it is the sister car to the MDX.

  • @MrJorgelleras

    @MrJorgelleras

    2 жыл бұрын

    Someone knows, Where I can find a transmission cooler and push fan that fit my mdx 05? I will like to last me long time.

  • @gregboyer3585
    @gregboyer35852 жыл бұрын

    My MDX is a low speed 4 wheel drive not meant to go much over10 mph! On that hill that you ran up right before you were praising her it appears you were going faster than 10 mph it’s 2 years older than mine does it have a high speed 4wd?

  • @calebmenker988

    @calebmenker988

    18 күн бұрын

    No, the 01-06 model mdx's vtm-4 lock all have the same function, they lock up the rear differential in 1st gear below 10 mph, once you go above that it automatically turns off, but 4wd is computer controlled and can be on in any gear at any speed if it decides that it needs it

  • @VeryCoolJeep
    @VeryCoolJeep2 жыл бұрын

    Did you spent like 9 hours on the trail?

  • @BorderlineExplorer

    @BorderlineExplorer

    2 жыл бұрын

    Not at all! The trail was super short and I had to take it with momentum. Most of the time we were just waiting on trail traffic.

  • @xbenture
    @xbenture2 жыл бұрын

    C’mon Alan, do you really need that extra weight on the mdx. I think you have enough space to sleep inside that suv. Lol I just posted a video of my brother’s Honda Pilot, pretty much the same as the mdx. We took it to Monache Meadows and it did pretty darn well.

  • @BorderlineExplorer

    @BorderlineExplorer

    2 жыл бұрын

    As a kid I wanted a treehouse. May all your dreams come true 😆

  • @xbenture

    @xbenture

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@BorderlineExplorer That’s exactly what my rtt feels like, a treehouse. Specially climbing up and down the ladder. But our treehouse when I was a kid had a zip line🤣🤕

  • @bradenb

    @bradenb

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@xbenture Business idea: RTT zip lines. $2500.

  • @xbenture

    @xbenture

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@bradenb Yeah, just market it as an overland zip line. That should sell 😂

  • @djsamples3777
    @djsamples3777 Жыл бұрын

    Turning off the traction control really helps in this situation

  • @chancejensen9324
    @chancejensen93242 жыл бұрын

    Gladiator and Tundra don’t care.

  • @BorderlineExplorer

    @BorderlineExplorer

    2 жыл бұрын

    Just a walk in the park. You notice anything, Hondas? 🥲