Schrader Labs
Automotive Filmmaker since 2016
2004 STi. 2004 Forester XS
Owner at Flat 4 Offroad
06/06/2026
CV axles are one of the most talked-about topics when it comes to lifted Subarus.
In this week's video, we're diving into why CV axles start clicking, what causes them to wear out faster on lifted vehicles, the best upgrade options available, and what you can do to help avoid problems in the first place.
If you've ever heard that dreaded clicking noise or are planning a lift for your Subaru, this one's worth a watch!
Is Your Lifted Subaru's CV Axle About to Fail? That clicking sound on hard turns isn't something you should ignore...
Axles.... one of a lifted Subaru's worst enemies!
06/03/2026
Spring in Alberta is something else...
We've had mud, we've had snow, and last week we got both at the same time, so naturally we took the Forester out on one of our local trails to see what it could handle.
This trail is an easy cruise in the summer. In mud and snow? A little more of a fight. But it didn't beat us, the Forester handled it, just had to work a little harder than usual.
If you're wondering whether the trails are still worth hitting right now, yeah, you're still good. Just be ready for it.
Watch the full video here: https://youtu.be/woLSHQXV4ag
Drop a comment if you're in Alberta or anywhere else dealing with this spring nonsense. What are the trails like in your area right now?
Sometimes all it takes is a little more momentum!
05/30/2026
Spring weather has turned the trails into a muddy mess, which makes it the perfect time to see what the Forester can do!
Did This Mud Hill Beat My Subaru Forester? Three attempts on the same hill.A steep mud climb in Ghost Wilderness, loose on top, rutted at the base, and slippery enough that the first run didn't stick....
Sometimes slow and steady doesn't win the race... especially with the trail as slick as it is!
05/25/2026
Spring in Alberta, two steps forward, one step back.
We had another snow come through this week, which is not exactly surprising, but it does mean the trails are in rough shape right now. I stopped by a local trailhead while I was out at an event and took a look at what we are working with heading into the season.
The short version is that if you are thinking about getting out for the first time this year, it might be worth giving it another week or two. The mud is deep, and with fresh snow on top of it things are pretty slippery out there. Doable if you know what you are getting into, but not ideal for a first outing of the season.
For the full conditions breakdown I put together a video covering what the trails are looking like right now. Worth a watch before you head out: https://youtu.be/iwFk9DBdXtM
Are you itching to get out there or waiting for things to dry up a bit? Let us know in the comments.
It is a little muddy out there, but worth it!
05/23/2026
Anyone else assuming the trails are clear by May?
Went out to the Ghost Wilderness this week and the conditions were not what I expected. New video breaking it all down, snow, mud, and whether it's actually worth the drive right now.
Why May Is the Most Dangerous Month to Camp Near Calgary Everyone thinks spring camping season is open in May, but camping in snow is still the reality on trails near Calgary tell a very different story. Snow up to...
It’s May and the trails near Calgary still look like this!
Snow up top, mud everywhere else, and at this point I think the tire and the ground have officially become one.
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