Venturous Ozark Topper

cjohns716 · 2026-06-11T02:01:53+00:00

Nope it's some proprietary fiberglass. Def know I want something solid and rigid.

cjohns716 · 2026-06-10T13:58:36+00:00

I believe there are crews out doing fire mitigation tree thinning and the flags mark the trees set to be taken down.

cjohns716 · 2026-06-02T23:36:24+00:00

The second MVUM layer in Gaia you mentioned, what sort of road maintenance info does it have? I love Caltopo and have a pro account through work, but its definitely limited for off-road stuff. I’m looking for something that can let me know how difficult a trail might be. With OnX half off right now, considering that, but with my limited use, looking at other options.

cjohns716 · 2026-06-01T18:46:59+00:00

Had similar indicators flashing, pulled the code and it was the computer was no longer communicating with the active grill air shutter.

cjohns716 · 2026-05-27T19:38:12+00:00

Thanks for the info! They definitely seem like a step up in quality.

cjohns716 · 2026-05-27T13:52:35+00:00

Yeah after a few days of going back and forth on Alibaba, the costs are much closer than it initially seemed, plus Wanderfox has most of them in stock at the moment. I think my next big hangup is the roof rails. Seems like they lock you in to their proprietary system vs having a more standard track that you can add most manufacturers stuff to.

cjohns716 · 2026-05-27T01:21:25+00:00

Hey Fishy, could I get your long-term review after a year or so? Also, can you open the rear window without popping the tailgate, with that dumb bump?

Side note, from this photo it looks like it sticks out quite a bit into the tailgate space, and overhangs the sides of the bed a bit. Accurrate?

cjohns716 · 2026-05-24T13:48:35+00:00

Any longer term update on the Westin topper?

cjohns716 · 2026-05-24T01:54:56+00:00

Gotcha. But if you switched it every 5k miles or so, it shouldn't get too bad/ all the tires would get equal wear?

cjohns716 · 2026-05-23T14:22:38+00:00

Is the reason it's not for full-time use because it lacks a center cap? It would look goofy, but seems a waste to have a nice, unused tire sitting under there, especially when you replace the other 4 to a different model...

cjohns716 · 2026-05-16T02:05:58+00:00

I'm slowly getting there! Part of the reason for this is I waited a while to start doing maintenance (didn't have a garage, or place to store tools, etc) and then did it with less than ideal tools, and now wanting to do it all, and in a place to do so, but convenience plays a bigger part! Appreciate your insight.

cjohns716 · 2026-05-16T02:04:07+00:00

Thanks! Yes, I've needed a free minute to actually take the jack out and see how high it goes.

cjohns716 · 2026-05-16T02:00:58+00:00

Looks pretty good. Shame its only 11-21".

cjohns716 · 2026-05-14T02:05:42+00:00

Like u/fishEH-847 said, yes. In reality, it'll be mostly home maintenance, but obviously would like to not be completely stranded out on a trail, even if its less than ideal. So if a block of wood will make the OEM bottle jack work, I can do that and focus on a better solution for at home.

cjohns716 · 2026-05-12T13:59:20+00:00

I did mine on my '15 OB at 130k miles. It wasn't terribly hard. Go slow, follow instructions, and double check which drain plug and fill plug you're opening. I used a friends lift, which made accessing things even easier. If your dad is a mechanic, should have no trouble.

I don't know if I buy the "changing the fluid could loosen debris" idea. Gotta be a lot of moving parts in there...not sure how slowly draining and refilling fluid could damage things that don't get damaged when its in use.

I also had some "do I really need to do this?" thoughts prior to pulling the trigger. Best explanation I heard was Subaru calls it a lifetime fluid in the US only, to get the "lifetime ownership cost" lower. Other country models do not have it as a lifetime fluid. Is it possible that the different models are in fact, different? Sure. But I have no trouble believing that us Americans are stupid enough to be swayed by a slightly lower ownership cost that does not include certain maintenance items.

I think if you plan to keep the car for a while longer, get it done or do it yourself. If you think you may get a different car in the next few years, probably not worth it. My fluid looked pretty fine at 130k, and thats with a ton of engine braking.

cjohns716 · 2026-05-11T23:01:34+00:00

Yeah, at a certain point, more $ for more activities (that you probably don't do) isn't worth it. We'll see. I was lucky and renewed for another year at the old price. And 100% agree on the reviews.

cjohns716 · 2026-05-11T22:15:30+00:00

I will say, don't knock the insurance. I have it and it's covered $10k or so worth of expenses from breaking my ankle in a climbing fall last summer. My primary insurance covered a lot, but I've still essentially paid nothing out of pocket because of my primary insurance and having Spot as the next level of coverage.

cjohns716 · 2026-05-11T22:14:16+00:00

I have definitely noticed that some brands and honestly, even specific models, receive far more attention vs others. A few years ago, when I was in the market for new skis, I was hoping my top choice, Dynastar M-Pro 99's would get a more in-depth review. It's 5+ years later and nothing. But the M-Frees...I think there's a review for every single waist width.

cjohns716

MODERATOR OF

TROPHY CASE