Moab Expedition Trip April 17-25, 2012

[Tbars4]

...All of you guys should come out to Truckhaven in October (down at Salton City)...:biggthump
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=314412

...We set up a base camp for 3-4 days, wheel to your hearts content 24/7, primitive camp but close to town for supplies and we have a drive-in picture show that gets setup for our group in the middle of the desert..

..And I always have a spare seat... but sometimes I got to take a few minutes and unpack it in the Ranger...Just putting it out there but, my spotter rides on passengers lap or usually has here head out the window...

 

[Martinjmpr]

...All of you guys should come out to Truckhaven in October (down at Salton City)...:biggthump
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=314412

...We set up a base camp for 3-4 days, wheel to your hearts content 24/7, primitive camp but close to town for supplies and we have a drive-in picture show that gets setup for our group in the middle of the desert..

Interesting...

It's pretty far away for me (I just mapquested it, looks like a 16 hour drive minimum.) But it sounds like fun. A LOT Of fun. In a part of the country I've never seen before (furthest South in CA I've ever been to is LA.)

Question: The other post said that the run was 23-24 Oct but your post above says 3-4 days? The 23rd is a Sunday, do you actually get there Thursday or Friday (20 or 21) or is the 23rd the start and you go for the week of the 23rd - 29th?

Wife and I are going to Costa Rica in November but there's a small possibility I can get away for this one. I just have to decide whether I want to do 4 days of driving (2 out and 2 back) to get there. I have plenty of vacation time so that's not an issue and late October is nice because gas prices have usually dropped a bit by then. Plus it's hunting season in CO and I didn't draw any tags this year so I'll need something to do...

You know what, Ted - don't consider me a "maybe" just yet but put me in the "definitely interested" category.

Then I'll start working on the Mrs. to see if I can get a "kitchen pass." (that's always the toughest part of any trip planning!)

EDIT: I just checked the thread, looks like most of the 'wheeling is on the weekend (22/23 Oct.) That would mean me leaving Denver on the 20th at the latest and arriving in the evening of the 21st. Then 'wheeling the weekend and maybe Monday, leaving early on the 25th and arriving home on the 26th.

When will you get there, Ted? You're in the LA metro area, right?

 

[Tbars4]

...I live south of LA with Mickey Mouse..

...We start getting out there on Friday...I always try to arrive by noon to miss the traffic but I've also arrived out there about midnight after working on the truck...

...Truckhaven is perfect in October as it takes the edge off of the "jonesing to go wheeling" and will satisfy most till the spring runs.....Or you become addicted and make the monthly runs..:shifty_ey

..We have people who just fly out and ride along in all the different vehicles too but we can discuss more about TH in that thread..

...Hopefully we will get more people interested in this Expedition trip as time gets closer..:biggthump

 

[Tbars4]

...Seven months and Counting..

..just saying..get your stuff ready..

 

[Scott B.]

Let's see...

Small projects on the truck getting done (I will post them up later.)
Engine project off to a very slooooooow start - hoping to pick up speed this week (how many times have I said that?)
Lots of reading to do.
Learn how to use the GPS...
...

 

[Tbars4]

..Did you just recently acquire another GPS or you need to learn your one from last year?

 

[Scott B.]

..Did you just recently acquire another GPS or you need to learn your one from last year?

The one from last year.

 

[Betsy98Sport]

I'm thinking about this trip. However, based on the ideas for itinerary, would a stock Ex make it through?

 

[Scott B.]

You shouldn't have a problem - it's 80% driver skill and 20% vehicle. We have spotters in the group to help with the tight spots.

Make sure you have front and rear tow points (as well as the rest of the safety gear) and you should be fine.

 

[Ritsui]

I'm thinking about this trip. However, based on the ideas for itinerary, would a stock Ex make it through?

x2 on tow points. Given the season, your biggest problem 'might' be lack of traction with stock tires and open diffs. If it's not muddy/snowy, you shouldn't have any trouble at all.

 

[Betsy98Sport]

I was even going to suggest going in May unless you guys are set on this. I know someone mentioned it earlier. I want to get more into Off Road trips, but then again I want to be properly prepared before I undertake something like this

 

[AspenX]

I was even going to suggest going in May unless you guys are set on this. I know someone mentioned it earlier. I want to get more into Off Road trips, but then again I want to be properly prepared before I undertake something like this

We have a big offroad run in Moab every year at the end of May. You might want to check that out. I would get offroad tires if I was you. You can get 30 inch tires without haveing to lift the truck.

 

[Tbars4]

...and you live not that far from Truckhaven which we will be doing a run in September..

..That would be a trip to make also to check out what everyone has done with a similar vehicle like yours..

 

[Martinjmpr]

...and you live not that far from Truckhaven which we will be doing a run in September..

I thought it was October?

 

[Tbars4]

...You are correct sir..It is in October...

...and it can't get here soon enough...

..But don't think TH is more important to me than this Moab trip...All I have been doing on my free time is trying to plan and prepare for this trip...It's not that far off and I've got a ton of things I want to get done before this trip to Moab and Monument Valley..

...Right now I'm even shopping for a miniature pepper grinder...

 

[Scott B.]

Maps

I just got some maps of eastern Utah.

Should be able to do some fairly detailed planning - only 7 months away!

 

[Tbars4]

...Cool..

...and I just got a new hi-tek compass so we are all set...lets get this party started...

 

[Khiori]

Between the maps and compass no one should get lost! Btw, do you think an F250 would make this kind of trip? (just kicking around some ideas with myself...)

 

[Tbars4]

..:scratch:...It could be a bit more interesting than taking Ritsui's truck if we run into some mud and tight squeezes..

...I'm pretty sure the rest of us don't want to take on something similar to Cleghorn or 2n17X in the mud on this trip and if we have an F250 with us I don't see why we can't scout an easier trail for ya..

...Good off road tires and working 4wd should get you thru most of it as long as the rear is weighted down..

..I would expect some pin striping and maybe a new beauty mark or two though.. As we get closer to the trip and a bit better on which way we plan to trek and what weather we will be driving in may help a little better with your decision..

 

[Khiori]

uhhh are you saying there are 2N17X type trails on this trip? (eeps!) I'll leave the F250 @ home though Although I *am* looking into warmer sleeping bags!