MOAB

[ProjectPW]

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??

[inzane]

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.

[ProjectPW]

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.

[inzane]

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.

[ProjectPW]

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.

[ProjectPW]

Finally a decent map...

http://image.fourwheeler.com/f/99173312+q80+re0+cr1+ar0/2015-easter-jeep-safari---moab-off-road-trails-map.jpg

[ProjectPW]

45 uphill, 85 downhill is about a 60mph avg lol.....

hmmm....yeah we will have a slow 2nd day

[inzane]

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.

[KeystoneSmooth]

That sounds terrifying.....I like it. Good thing I installed safety doors. A locker for xmas and its go time.

[rjtx667]

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

[KeystoneSmooth]

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.

[KeystoneSmooth]

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.

[rjtx667]

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!

[ProjectPW]

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

[KeystoneSmooth]

Russian convoy style. Lets just get some voodoo rope and hook everyone together.