John Wang
Name: John Wang
Vehicle: 2012 Range Rover Autobiography; 2004 Discovery 2
Range Rover Modification: Sliders, skid plate, Front steel bumper w/Superwinch, RIGD hitch tire carrier, LifePO4 4Kw battery system with solar and 24/7 SetPower Fridge, Starlink!, RTT and OVS 270 awning, 2” Merku lift with 32” Baja Boss AT tires, and other useless overland mods!
Disco Modifications: 3” OME lift, Tactical4x4 armor (sliders, diff guards, and rear bumper), cheapo front bumper w/Superwinch, 33” Baja Boss MT tires on 16” steelies, Lucky8 Front sway disconnect and skid plate, rear Detroit lockers, TerraFirma (shock tower, fuel tank armor, heavy duty steering bars), Carrs4x4 coolant tank, Tom Woods front drive shaft, EBC brakes, Ultra Gauge, Restored interior and exterior trim
About Me:
In late 2021, I sold a 2020 GMC Sierra Denali pickup truck during the height of Covid pricing and decided to purchase a neighbor’s mall crawler – a 2012 Range Rover fully speced Autobiography. It was in perfect cosmetic condition. I soon got the bug to offroad as I joined SCRC for a trip to Santiago Peak and was peer pressured into trying out the ruts in the play area. Surprisingly, the RR just crawled up the little hill. In May of 2022, I decided to put sliders on the RR and join some friends and their Toyotas in Diablo Drop-off, Valley of the Moon and then Gold Mountain – they were shocked how well my mall crawler made every obstacle look so easy. No matter how hard of a trail I threw at the RR, it just kept going albeit with some damage here and there. Hence the Lucky8 front steel bumper and sawed off rear bumper. After 3 flat tires on trails, I finally upgraded to a hitch carrier to allow for 32” Baja Boss AT tires and haven’t had a flat since. Although the RR was perfect, I always wanted to have a more capable and sturdy rig for tackling the likes of John Bull, Pinyon Mountain Trail, etc. In spring of 2024, I got the chance to buy a Disco 2 from a fellow SCRC member that had moved to Costa Rica. I transformed the nearly stock Disco into a capable off-roader. My OCD forced me to restore the interior and exterior as well LOL. I finally tackled Pinyon Mountain trail during Rover Rendezvous 2024 and enjoyed every scratch and dent that made its mark on the Disco.
Having tackled many trails in 2022-2024 along with extensive overlanding experience, I decided I wanted to become a trail leader to bring some of my experience and joy of off-roading, camping, and weekend wrenching to fellow members. Feel free to reach out to me if you need any help. I am not a mechanic, but I feel like I am.
Favorite Trails:
Too many to name, but I go nearly every weekend if I am able. The most challenging trails I have taken in the Range Rover include VotM, Gold Mountain, Old Pilot Road, Cleghorn (offshorrts), Little John Bull, and Monache Meadows. But others include Alabama Hills, Trona Pinnacles, Palomar Mountain, Calico, Oriflamme, Big Bear trails, Idyllwild trails, Anza Borrego, Joshua Tree, and Quartzsite, AZ.
Why I love SCRC:
I am always trying to improve my lines and 4x4 knowledge through YouTube videos, in-person observations (John Bull), and of course first-hand experiences. Nothing beats the thrill of doing something you don’t think you can accomplish. But, at the same time, I am extremely cautious. When I spot, I make sure I try to provide the best lines to avoid damage and provide the safest path given the vehicles capabilities. Having both a RR and a Disco2 has expanded my ability to help my fellow Land Rover owners, and I look forward to helping each and every member enjoy this club and its wonderful activities.