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Dodge Destruction and Outings => Dodge Destruction Details => Topic started by: KeystoneSmooth on June 12, 2016, 09:59:20 AM

Title: MOAB
Post by: KeystoneSmooth on June 12, 2016, 09:59:20 AM
The time is coming for a Moab adventure. Tow rigs and trailers are coming together, our vehicles are stronger than they have ever been, and Hidden Falls will continue to become more challenging and add more wear and tear. Thus, I propose maybe one lead up outing, but all in an effort to truly make it to Moab after Easter Jeep Weekend in 2017. Immediate thoughts and availability?

For me personally, I believe we can camp each night, or if we have a large enough group, have a good long train going and drive at night, especially at the start of the drive through Texas to capitalize on cooler night temps and to drive slower. 

Title: Re: MOAB
Post by: ProjectPW on June 12, 2016, 10:06:35 AM
I am ready...
Title: Re: MOAB
Post by: ProjectPW on June 12, 2016, 10:10:04 AM
IF all goes well I think 3 days wheeling will be awesome ... about 18-20 hours each way.... leave on a sunday and get back late saturday would be doable :)
Title: Re: MOAB
Post by: ProjectPW on June 12, 2016, 10:59:27 AM
http://ramchargercentral.com/ram-jam/moab-trip-2017/
Title: Re: MOAB
Post by: ProjectPW on June 12, 2016, 03:40:12 PM
I am thinking the first week of May will be a good date..... It would be nice to get the date pinned down quickly... details soon
Title: Re: MOAB
Post by: rjtx667 on June 15, 2016, 02:29:23 PM
Lets figure it out. It will be hard to take a whole week off work, but I can work remotely.

My kids could not go but I can work that out.

Maybe I will have my cummins back by then :-(
Title: Re: MOAB
Post by: ProjectPW on June 16, 2016, 01:34:33 PM
Quote from: rjtx667 on June 15, 2016, 02:29:23 PM
Lets figure it out. It will be hard to take a whole week off work, but I can work remotely.

My kids could not go but I can work that out.

Maybe I will have my cummins back by then :-(

good news is your drive will certainly be shorter than ours. I am already trying to figure out camping/lodging when we get there. It will probably be best to get that reserved fairly quickly..... No backsies outsies LOL
Title: Re: MOAB
Post by: KeystoneSmooth on June 20, 2016, 11:20:25 AM
Suggesting the first week of May 2017.
Title: Re: MOAB
Post by: ProjectPW on June 22, 2016, 12:40:01 PM
Quote from: KeystoneSmooth on June 20, 2016, 11:20:25 AM
Suggesting the first week of May 2017.

Yep that should be the best time.

This spot has been suggested for camping/cabins:

http://www.highwaywestvacations.com/properties/canyonlands/accommodations
Title: Re: MOAB
Post by: KeystoneSmooth on June 22, 2016, 12:52:05 PM
So in more research, the true test it appears will be the first jaunt, where most of the elevation change occurs. a 4k+ foot change from here to Albuquerque, and it actually drops 1k feet at Moab.
Title: Re: MOAB
Post by: rjtx667 on June 22, 2016, 01:32:48 PM
I am thinking it would be best to try and travel in a group if possible. Thats a long drive and there is bound to be an issue or two come up.

camp ground looks good.. they have cabins :-D lol
Title: Re: MOAB
Post by: ProjectPW on June 23, 2016, 08:22:45 AM
Quote from: rjtx667 on June 22, 2016, 01:32:48 PM
I am thinking it would be best to try and travel in a group if possible. Thats a long drive and there is bound to be an issue or two come up.

camp ground looks good.. they have cabins :-D lol


Yep we should certainly try to travel together. It has been recommended to make reservations waaayyy early for camping or cabins. I am not sure if we are tent camping yet....we may do a cabin or possibly bring Scotty....
Title: Re: MOAB
Post by: rjtx667 on June 23, 2016, 02:53:04 PM
have we decided when in may we are attempting this?
Title: Re: MOAB
Post by: KeystoneSmooth on June 24, 2016, 12:05:34 PM
I personally need to look into the requirements of getting something road worthy in order to travel from camp to the trails.
Title: Re: MOAB
Post by: ProjectPW on June 25, 2016, 09:39:54 AM
Quote from: rjtx667 on June 23, 2016, 02:53:04 PM
have we decided when in may we are attempting this?

1ST WEEK OF MAY
Title: Re: MOAB
Post by: KeystoneSmooth on June 27, 2016, 05:05:15 PM
http://www.discovermoab.com/fourwheel.htm

Helpful layout. I also have a note in to the info center there about "overlanding" and / or camping on the trail, as well as availability for the parking of tow rigs at the trail entrances.
Title: Re: MOAB
Post by: rjtx667 on June 29, 2016, 09:36:11 AM
some of us don't really have the option to drive from camp to the trail. unless its not far away... my 35-40 mph limit would not allow me to get there very fast.
Title: Re: MOAB
Post by: ProjectPW on June 29, 2016, 10:00:59 PM
Quote from: rjtx667 on June 29, 2016, 09:36:11 AM
some of us don't really have the option to drive from camp to the trail. unless its not far away... my 35-40 mph limit would not allow me to get there very fast.

We will plan for no more than 5-10 miles from camp.... not sure if it is possible but we will see... regardless your RC will be fine we will all be around 40-50mph tops and the locals are used to 4x4s on the road
Title: Re: MOAB
Post by: KeystoneSmooth on June 30, 2016, 10:39:42 AM
Agreed. I will continue to ask about drop off spots, as to be honest, getting Keystone in "inspect able" condition may be cost prohibitive as opposed to more effort in terms of getting to a from camp.
Title: Re: MOAB
Post by: rjtx667 on June 30, 2016, 11:04:23 AM
inspectable condition is not that hard to do really. its old enough you don't have to worry about emissions... my 93 ... hmm I might barely be out of the emissions requirements I think its 23 years!!!

But mainly its lights, brakes, and parking brake. I need to tweak my parking brake a bit more otherwise I won't have an issue.

Y'all might think I am crazy, but anytime I go off roading I put liability only insurance on the 93 for a month. Just in case I have issues and damage something besides my truck. Better safe than sorry. It will certainly have it for the whole time we are on the trip.

as soon as we figure out the exact dates and where we want to stay I will be sure to call and book a cabin
Title: Re: MOAB
Post by: KeystoneSmooth on July 03, 2016, 09:11:04 PM
I unfortunately will probably just shoot for towing Keystone to the front of each trail, unless divine providence steps in; going to try and focus on actually surviving the trip.
Title: Re: MOAB
Post by: ProjectM880 on July 03, 2016, 11:25:46 PM
Quote from: KeystoneSmooth on July 03, 2016, 09:11:04 PM
I unfortunately will probably just shoot for towing Keystone to the front of each trail, unless divine providence steps in; going to try and focus on actually surviving the trip.

Set it up for a tow bar.
Title: Re: MOAB
Post by: ProjectPW on July 05, 2016, 07:28:10 AM
Quote from: KeystoneSmooth on July 03, 2016, 09:11:04 PM
I unfortunately will probably just shoot for towing Keystone to the front of each trail, unless divine providence steps in; going to try and focus on actually surviving the trip.

maybe a very large drone....???
Title: Re: MOAB
Post by: KeystoneSmooth on July 06, 2016, 10:06:05 PM
Very neat elevation route calculate attached.

Used it to check the ideal route. It looks like it would be Texas to Albuquerque, and then to Moab. I calculated lots of options. Its the shortest on time, distance, and the easiest with concern to elevation.
Title: Re: MOAB
Post by: KeystoneSmooth on July 06, 2016, 10:35:34 PM
Check out the attached PDF
Title: MOAB Travelling Itinerary Suggestions
Post by: KeystoneSmooth on July 15, 2016, 11:45:10 AM
For those that are truly serious about this trip, it will certainly involve more than our 4x4s and tow rigs.

In further reviewing the route and elevation changes, it looks like those from the south are planning on hitting Lubbock, then Amarillo, and to Albuquerque in Day 1. Leaving Friday night, April the 31st 2017, that would probably put us in Albuquerque Saturday in time to find food and sleep. Sunday on to Moab. I was thinking of mixing in a rest / exploring day at Arches State Park which is close. Thoughts? 
Title: Re: MOAB
Post by: inzane on July 16, 2016, 02:54:15 PM
If you guys are going to Lubbock I'd suggest 84 to Clovis and Ft. Sumner, pick up I-40 at Clines Corner and on into Albuquerque. Shaves off almost 100 miles, 263 miles from Lubbock to Clines Corner vs. 350 miles going through Amarillo. Most of it is farm land and plains.
Title: Re: MOAB
Post by: inzane on July 16, 2016, 03:48:52 PM
We stayed at the Holiday Inn Express just off Eubank Blvd, although there are more economical options.
Not knowing the area, we didn't want to come out in the morning and find the stereo gone so we avoided those. Took I-25 N to 550, then up to Bloomfield, Farmington, Shiprock and on up north.
Another 375 miles or so from Albuquerque to Moab. There ain't much of squat up 550 between Rio Rancho and Bloomfield, make sure you have plenty of fuel.
Wish we could tag along, but unless something gives by then there just ain't no way.
Title: Re: MOAB
Post by: rjtx667 on July 16, 2016, 09:04:12 PM
Thanks for the tips inzane
Title: Re: MOAB
Post by: ProjectPW on July 17, 2016, 10:21:06 AM
Tentative route plan... if we cant make it to Abuquerque in one day other possibilties include Fort Sumner or Santa rosa which are approximately half way

<iframe src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m54!1m8!1m3!1d6754208.780407693!2d-103.838579!3d34.24973!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!4m43!3e0!4m5!1s0x865b5fe691a13681%3A0x3f60022d19ddfdfa!2s6651+Purgatory+Rd%2C+San+Marcos%2C+TX+78666!3m2!1d29.9261451!2d-98.1263711!4m5!1s0x86560fd8aabf370f%3A0xd9e18e9d92f7b75b!2sSweetwater%2C+TX!3m2!1d32.470951899999996!2d-100.4059384!4m5!1s0x86fe12add37ddd39%3A0x1af0042922e84287!2sLubbock%2C+TX!3m2!1d33.5778631!2d-101.8551665!4m5!1s0x871cf8d65bfd622b%3A0x8b59e41cc06cc831!2s618+Sumner+Ave%2C+Fort+Sumner%2C+NM+88119!3m2!1d34.4708271!2d-104.2421304!4m5!1s0x87220addd309837b%3A0xc0d3f8ceb8d9f6fd!2sAlbuquerque%2C+NM!3m2!1d35.0853336!2d-106.60555339999999!4m5!1s0x873b8f00ad0c7ec7%3A0xc823b1b63b534e1a!2sFarmington%2C+NM!3m2!1d36.7280583!2d-108.2186856!4m5!1s0x8747e1e59ab82d8d%3A0xb32b17af1d5c42d!2sMoab%2C+UT!3m2!1d38.5733155!2d-109.54983949999999!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sus!4v1468768773865" width="600" height="450" frameborder="0" style="border:0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Title: Re: MOAB Travelling Itinerary Suggestions
Post by: ProjectPW on July 17, 2016, 10:26:59 AM
Quote from: KeystoneSmooth on July 15, 2016, 11:45:10 AM
For those that are truly serious about this trip, it will certainly involve more than our 4x4s and tow rigs.

In further reviewing the route and elevation changes, it looks like those from the south are planning on hitting Lubbock, then Amarillo, and to Albuquerque in Day 1. Leaving Friday night, April the 31st 2017, that would probably put us in Albuquerque Saturday in time to find food and sleep. Sunday on to Moab. I was thinking of mixing in a rest / exploring day at Arches State Park which is close. Thoughts?

Sounds good to me...maybe bring mountain bike??
Title: Re: MOAB
Post by: inzane on July 17, 2016, 10:46:59 AM
Not to get to far off topic, but I see you'd be going past a wide spot beside road called Hermleigh, over close to Snyder. If I give you guys an address would you mind stopping and taking a leak on my ex's front door?
I paid dearly for that door, you have my permission.  Back on topic, watch for popo from Sweetwater to Post if you go that route, they are total jackasses, especially in the Snyder area. Training ground for rookies.
Title: Re: MOAB
Post by: ProjectPW on July 17, 2016, 11:29:28 AM
Quote from: inzane on July 17, 2016, 10:46:59 AM
Not to get to far off topic, but I see you'd be going past a wide spot beside road called Hermleigh, over close to Snyder. If I give you guys an address would you mind stopping and taking a leak on my ex's front door?
I paid dearly for that door, you have my permission.  Back on topic, watch for popo from Sweetwater to Post if you go that route, they are total jackasses, especially in the Snyder area. Training ground for rookies.

LOL ... not sure we will have time  for shenanigans.... thanks for the tips on the trip. We will be running pretty slow. I doubt we will be able to see more than 60-65. Ideally we are shooting for about a 50-55mph average including stops.

Quick question... Would it be advisable to stop in fort sumner for the night or go the extra few miles to make Santa Rosa? I am unfamiliar with the area and as you said earlier a secure location for the night is certainly important.
Title: Re: MOAB
Post by: inzane on July 17, 2016, 02:17:11 PM
Guess it would mostly depend on how worn out everybody is and what time it is, wouldn't you say? That'd be up to you guys. I've always preferred to shut down by 10pm or so.
Takes a couple hours seems like to get everybody situated, grab a bite to eat, get a shower and get in bed. Up at 5 or so the next morning, coffee and breakfast, fuel, vehicle
checks etc., on the road again by 7:30 or 8:00. Run much later than 10pm it can make for short night and a draggin' ass the next day. Should be able to make Moab by 5:00,
but there are some long uphill pulls, some road construction on I-25. 45 uphill, 85 downhill is about a 60mph avg lol.....

Ft. Sumner is a little fart  of a town, about a thousand or so people. I haven't been through there for 20 years. Looks to be three motels there, bound to be a cafe or two.
Santa Rosa is a little bigger, about 2500 people, has a few more motels and is on I-40. Of the two I'd say Ft. Sumner would be the least likely to have anybody messing with stuff,
probably roll up the sidewalks at sundown. But like I said, that will be up to you guys.

When you get to the west side of Shiprock, if you cross the iron suspension bridge over the river you've missed your turn north onto 491 heading up to Cortez. Ask me how I know haha....
Only one gas station on 491, about a half mile past the turn, on your right. Small convenience store about the twice the size of an outhouse, might want to get fuel before you get that far.
Nothing but bare desert all the way to Cortez, but still a neat drive. Tall mesas and Indian shacks, looks like their sheep have eaten everything there is to be had.
Title: Re: MOAB
Post by: ProjectPW on July 17, 2016, 03:02:48 PM
Thanks for the info Inzane. It is nice to have someone who has done this trip giving some advice. I am thinking Fort Sumner will be a good stopping point at the 10 hour mark. i am thinking this will be ideal: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g47037-d2479276-Reviews-Coronado_Motel-Fort_Sumner_New_Mexico.html
it ain't the hilton but it looks decent enough for our our crowd LOL.
Title: Re: MOAB
Post by: ProjectPW on July 17, 2016, 03:03:41 PM
Finally a decent map...

http://image.fourwheeler.com/f/99173312+q80+re0+cr1+ar0/2015-easter-jeep-safari---moab-off-road-trails-map.jpg
Title: Re: MOAB
Post by: ProjectPW on July 17, 2016, 03:48:23 PM
Quote from: inzane on July 17, 2016, 02:17:11 PM
45 uphill, 85 downhill is about a 60mph avg lol.....


hmmm....yeah we will have a slow 2nd day
Title: Re: MOAB
Post by: inzane on July 17, 2016, 04:40:46 PM
The traction on the rock at Moab is ridiculous. Like driving on 100 grit sandpaper. I'd look at something and think there ain't no way in hell, and barely squeak a tire going up. Having
said that, if I would make any recommendation for a first timer to Moab in full size rig, beyond the obvious stuff, it'd be a backup camera mounted on the front. We spent a lot of time hanging out a window trying to see something besides a fender, the hood and blue sky. Need to turn left, right, 300ft drop? There are places where it's downright unnerving, no spotter, off camber, looking down in a canyon 3' from your left tires, blue sky in the wind shield and no idea of what's in
front of you. I'm certainly no expert on the place, having only been once, RJ '14 for five days on the trails, but it's a frickin' blast. Everything you've heard and more on the fun factor. 

One more thing before I shut up........Don't try the Dead Horse beer from the Moab brewery. It's aptly named.
Title: Re: MOAB
Post by: KeystoneSmooth on July 18, 2016, 02:47:41 PM
That sounds terrifying.....I like it. Good thing I installed safety doors. A locker for xmas and its go time.
Title: Re: MOAB
Post by: rjtx667 on July 18, 2016, 09:57:41 PM
I am thinking my roll bar/ roll cage needs to come before the trip lol.

and if we need to worry about cops and speed I am sure we will also need to double check trailers and capacities and tow ratings too. DPS love to pull over for that sort of thing.

I have actually been arguing with a  friend about my new trailer. He was convinced I needed a CDL to be able to pull it. But after reviewing and calling DPS I believe I am safe.

What all tow rigs are we going to have on this trip? that is going to determine a lot of how fast we go.

I have drove from Amarillo to Prescott Arizona a few times, but that was without a load and only stopping for fuel. And that was a LONG LONG drive, when I was much younger.  I will agree at least on the sections of I-40 I drove on there are some good up hills that go on and on. I am sure you get on smaller roads and they are worse
Title: Re: MOAB
Post by: KeystoneSmooth on July 19, 2016, 10:56:04 AM
Yes I believe the max gradient for Interstates is in the 7-8% range.

Also, for the trip, we really all must have CB's.
Title: Re: MOAB
Post by: KeystoneSmooth on July 19, 2016, 01:34:34 PM
I personally will be using my new to me 1500HD. From Marble Falls towing exp, I honestly think that the 50-55 range will be what I can safely do over a long period. I will need to be in 3rd the whole time until we start descending into Moab, where I might be able to slip into OD.

I will most likely be the slow dog on the highways if everyone else is running a diesel.
Title: Re: MOAB
Post by: rjtx667 on July 19, 2016, 04:44:30 PM
Quote from: KeystoneSmooth on July 19, 2016, 01:34:34 PM
I personally will be using my new to me 1500HD. From Marble Falls towing exp, I honestly think that the 50-55 range will be what I can safely do over a long period. I will need to be in 3rd the whole time until we start descending into Moab, where I might be able to slip into OD.

I will most likely be the slow dog on the highways if everyone else is running a diesel.


so what you are saying is we are going to take turns having a tow rope hooked to you onto our trailers to help you get up the hills :-D

its that or push you and I don't have a brush guard on my trucks so I am not doing that!
Title: Re: MOAB
Post by: ProjectPW on July 19, 2016, 05:23:34 PM
Quote from: rjtx667 on July 19, 2016, 04:44:30 PM

so what you are saying is we are going to take turns having a tow rope hooked to you onto our trailers to help you get up the hills :-D

its that or push you and I don't have a brush guard on my trucks so I am not doing that!

we can bailing wire an old mud tire to your grille... it will probably be the only way
Title: Re: MOAB
Post by: KeystoneSmooth on July 20, 2016, 09:23:05 AM
Russian convoy style. Lets just get some voodoo rope and hook everyone together.
Title: Re: MOAB
Post by: rjtx667 on July 20, 2016, 01:38:20 PM
Quote from: ProjectPW on July 19, 2016, 05:23:34 PM
we can bailing wire an old mud tire to your grille... it will probably be the only way

you know how much my bumper just cost to get painted ? hell no!!!! we can do that to your truck. lol
Title: Head Count
Post by: KeystoneSmooth on August 29, 2016, 04:51:30 PM
Doing another projected head count; will be looking to put a credit card down on space in Moab at least soon.
Title: Re: MOAB
Post by: KeystoneSmooth on September 17, 2016, 09:05:02 PM
Found some good information on the registration and road legal status of vehicles.

http://www.blm.gov/ut/st/en/fo/moab/recreation/motorized_routes/ohv_designations.html
Title: Re: MOAB
Post by: KeystoneSmooth on September 17, 2016, 09:08:25 PM
Bingo. The below site is what I have been looking for the whole time. Detailed instructions on basically every motorized route that we are allowed to take. Based off of the votes for the trails desired, we can then chose which side of Moab would be best to camp, and thus then look for a place to put on hold. Thoughts?

http://www.blm.gov/ut/st/en/fo/moab/recreation/motorized_routes.html
Title: Re: MOAB
Post by: rjtx667 on September 19, 2016, 06:28:30 PM
we might need a weekend outing/ meeting just to meet and discuss the trail options?

lol
Title: Re: MOAB
Post by: KeystoneSmooth on September 21, 2016, 06:21:27 PM
There certainly are plenty. But the good part there that I can see are for those that are certainly not "register-able" / inspection worthy. One or two trails I saw had a designated parking area. There literally are trails all over the dang place.
Title: Re: MOAB
Post by: ProjectM880 on January 15, 2017, 04:06:12 PM
Moab is still on!
All who are interested need to reply so we can better plan.
Title: Re: MOAB
Post by: ProjectPW on January 23, 2017, 12:37:29 PM
OK reservations have been made

http://www.highwaywestvacations.com/properties/canyonlands/maps

we will be there form April 30 - May 5

Time to start wrenching...
Title: Re: MOAB
Post by: rjtx667 on February 09, 2017, 01:26:11 PM
my list is getting way too long, and the only thing it includes for the trail rig is a roll bar and a tire carrier

trailer needs new brakes and repack bearings before I go.
Title: Re: MOAB
Post by: ProjectM880 on February 11, 2017, 07:30:37 AM
My list isn't too bad...
Rebuild ramcharger....
Upgrade un tested tow rig...
Buy a trailer......
.....
.....
I think my tent is good to go though...
Title: Re: MOAB
Post by: rjtx667 on February 20, 2017, 01:55:08 PM
hey as long as the tent is good, thats all that counts !!!
Title: Re: MOAB
Post by: ProjectPW on April 18, 2017, 02:39:05 PM
Getting close...so many things to do
Title: Re: MOAB
Post by: SixGun on April 19, 2017, 06:05:04 PM
I thought you were just gonna lube Top Hand and go as is.
Title: Re: MOAB
Post by: SixGun on April 27, 2017, 05:20:32 PM
Hope you guys have a safe trip.   

Title: Re: MOAB
Post by: rjtx667 on May 08, 2017, 11:08:41 AM
We are all alive, and my understanding all back home.

was a great trip and loads of fun.
Title: Re: MOAB
Post by: SixGun on May 09, 2017, 01:39:53 PM
Someone needs to share that pic of Eric almost tipping over Lol.
Title: Re: MOAB
Post by: ProjectM880 on May 10, 2017, 03:53:04 PM
I had it under control...
Title: Re: MOAB
Post by: SixGun on May 10, 2017, 07:55:20 PM
Maybe but it was still an awesome video.