Can the Suzuki Carry Mini Truck survive the 4x4 Alpine loop in Colorado?

Summary

In this thrilling adventure, a 1992 Suzuki Carry mini truck takes on the rugged Alpine Loop in Colorado's San Juan Mountains, testing its ability to four-wheel with more powerful vehicles. With only minor modifications, including a lift kit and larger tires, the truck tackles the challenging 63-mile loop, crossing 12,000-foot mountain passes and navigating tough terrain. Despite its small size and 45-horsepower engine, the mini truck surprises with its agility and durability, offering a unique perspective on off-roading. This journey celebrates the charm and capability of miniature 4x4s while embracing the beauty and challenges of the wilderness.

Takeaways

• 😀 The 1992 Suzuki Carry mini truck is put to the test by taking it on the Alpine Loop in the San Juan Mountains of Southern Colorado.
• 😀 The Suzuki Carry is a miniature 4x4 vehicle with a 657 cc 3-cylinder engine, a 5-speed manual transmission, and a low-range granny gear, designed for urban use but modified for off-road capabilities.
• 😀 The mini truck has been significantly modified with 25-inch tires, a 2-inch lift, upgraded suspension, muddy bottom shocks, a roll cage, and various utility additions like a bumper, rack, and lights.
• 😀 The Alpine Loop is a 63-mile route through rugged terrain with 12,000-foot passes that require high clearance, 4x4 vehicles. The mini truck was prepared to handle the challenge with only its modifications.
• 😀 The team was joined by Scott Anderson, who provided support with a Mitsubishi Delica, and the journey also involved preparations like packing minimal mechanical gear and tools.
• 😀 The mini truck faces struggles on steep climbs, especially above 11,000 feet, due to altitude and the vehicle's small engine, but its light weight and small size contribute to its agility and success.
• 😀 Tire pressure adjustments (from 25 psi to 18 psi) made a significant difference in the ride quality and helped the mini truck handle difficult sections of the trail.
• 😀 At Engineer Pass (12,800 feet), the mini truck demonstrates its surprising capability despite its small engine and altitude challenges, successfully completing the climb with the right technique.
• 😀 The mini truck’s agility and nimbleness allow it to handle rougher terrain better than larger vehicles, with an emphasis on careful driving and throttle control.
• 😀 The journey was both a test of the mini truck's mechanical limits and a personal journey for the driver, who connected emotionally with the vehicle and its underdog nature, symbolizing overcoming the odds.

Q & A

What is the primary goal of the mini truck test in the Alpine loop?

The primary goal is to test whether the 1992 Suzuki Carry mini truck can successfully navigate the rugged terrain of the Alpine loop, a demanding off-road trail in the San Juan Mountains, while only relying on the modifications made to the mini truck.

What is the Suzuki Carry mini truck's engine specification?

The Suzuki Carry mini truck is powered by a 657 cc three-cylinder engine, paired with a five-speed manual gearbox that includes a low-speed granny gear, reverse rear lockers, and 4x4 capability.

What modifications were made to the Suzuki Carry mini truck for the test?

The modifications include a two-inch lift, upgraded suspension and springs, muddy bottom shocks, 25-inch tires, a roll cage, a custom bumper for protection, skid plates, and various utility enhancements like a rack, lights for snow plowing, and FAA-legal lighted grips for runway crossing.

What challenges did the mini truck face during the trip up the Alpine loop?

The mini truck faced challenges related to the thin mountain air at high altitudes, which caused performance issues, particularly with the engine flooding due to its sea-level tuning. Additionally, the vehicle struggled with the rugged and rocky road conditions, requiring careful throttle control and tire adjustments.

What role did the Mitsubishi Delica play in the journey?

The Mitsubishi Delica, driven by Scott Anderson, was part of the support team, helping with mechanical assistance and providing backup for the mini truck. It also served as a comparison point for off-road capabilities during the trip.

Why did the team reduce tire pressure during the trip?

Tire pressure was reduced to improve the ride quality and traction on the rough, rocky terrain. Lowering the tire pressure from 25 psi to 18 psi helped the mini truck handle the more challenging sections of the trail.

What was the significance of Engineer Pass for the mini truck?

Engineer Pass, at an elevation of 12,800 feet, was a major milestone on the journey. It presented a significant challenge due to the high altitude and steep terrain, but the mini truck managed to reach the top after some careful driving and throttle management, demonstrating its off-road capability.

How did the mini truck compare to other vehicles on the trail?

The mini truck, being much smaller and less powerful than typical off-road vehicles, was still agile and nimble. It lacked the clearance and power of larger vehicles like side-by-sides or 4x4 trucks but excelled in versatility, allowing it to maneuver through difficult sections of the trail that larger vehicles struggled with.

What were some of the emotional and philosophical reflections shared during the journey?

The journey inspired reflections about feeling out of place, both personally and with the mini truck, which didn't quite fit in with traditional off-road vehicles. Despite its shortcomings, the mini truck's ability to succeed and its unexpected strengths were celebrated, with an emphasis on appreciating the journey and the natural beauty of the mountains.

What was the overall outcome of the mini truck's performance on the Alpine loop?

The mini truck performed beyond expectations, handling the rugged terrain and high-altitude passes surprisingly well. Although it wasn't the most powerful vehicle on the trail, it proved to be highly capable in terms of agility and maneuverability, completing the challenging loop and surpassing the expectations of the driver.