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Thinkin about Moab this year

IslanderOffRoad

IslanderOffRoad

NAXJA Forum User
NAXJA Member
Location
Houston, Tx
With the new job I've taken taking up much more of my weekends, I'm left less time to wheel in the Spring and Summer. I'm looking to make some of that up by using my vacation time for an awesome wheeling trip in October... and well, this fits the bill perfectly.

But I feel that my Jeep isn't quite ready for Moab. What mods should I focus on between now and October to make my Jeep Moab-Ready? Nothing extreme, as my budget isn't huge, just what is necessary above what I've already got (see signature)

Thanks.
 
I would shoot for a 4:1 in the tcase....that should take care of burning clutches.

A locker in the rear would take care of any traction issues.


I wouldn't worry though....there are plenty of trails there that you can run comfortably on 31's


Most importantly, make sure your safety and recovery gear is up to snuff.



I will be driving stright through Saturday morning if you want to follow someone there. (but I drive slow)
 
Actually, considering that the first time I was in Moab, I was in a stock 5 speed with a D35 Trackloc on 235's and still had a pretty good time on trails like Hell's Revenge, Wipe-Out Hill and Poison Spider (no Pritchett though) - I'd say you'd have no problem with what you already have!!!

By the last trip I'm up to a HUGE 4.5" lift, 32's, an Auburn D44 rear and Lockrite Front, and a custom "XJeeper" Bumper and have gone through Moab Rim, Golden Spike, and most of the others (still no Pritchett of course - I know my limits! :D) - I'd still say you're in pretty good shape to join the party just the way you are.

Your list doesn't show armor though - I'm assuming your skidplates and rockrails are there, right? They certainly help us average joe's through slickrock (and PA granite) country.

Mike in NJ :patriot:
 
1st trip to Moab was stock. Prior to going I did install Rocker protection, front tow hooks, transfer case and fuel tank skids. I left California with a 5 gallon jug of coins that I turned in at a casino change machine to get the money needed to drive beyond Reno. It was well worth it.

Don't miss this event, I'll probably un-employed in October, and strapped for cash, but bit's on my must aattend list.

Tom
 
I would say the most important thing is to make your rig as reliable as possible so you know you can make it there & back. Last year was our first year & it was a blast, well worth the drive. Like others have said, there is something for everyone from Mild to Wild. As far as mods, rock rails are usally the 1st mod, then I would look at a traction device.

Rob $.02
 
Israel did Hell's Revenge, Cliffhanger, Fins and Things, and Steel Bender in a stock ZJ with open diffs and no rocker protection.

He even tried Potato Salad Hill, but didn't quite make it.

So your rig is ready. But I would get rock rails, as everyone has said.
 
Mike in NJ said:
Your list doesn't show armor though - I'm assuming your skidplates and rockrails are there, right? They certainly help us average joe's through slickrock (and PA granite) country.
Click to expand...

I am ashamed to admit, I don't have armor yet. Should that be the priority then? Rock rails and skids, and rear recovery points?

Rear 8.8 has an LSD, so should I lunchbox the front or fully lock the rear?

My Jeep has been as reliable as top so I'm not horribly concerned, will likely get a mechanic to check it over a few weeks before going.

I'd likely leave on Sunday to head out.

Would I be insane to tent camp? No idea what temps are up there.
 
I would expect temting it to be pleasant (temperature wise at least)

If you're LSD'd in the rear, definetely spend the money on skids instead.

Skids will do you more good than any other single upgrade.
 
IslanderOffRoad said:
I am ashamed to admit, I don't have armor yet. Should that be the priority then? Rock rails and skids, and rear recovery points?

Rear 8.8 has an LSD, so should I lunchbox the front or fully lock the rear?

Would I be insane to tent camp?
Click to expand...

I agree - the armor should be a priority - it will really suck if you punk a hole in your gas tank out on the mesa. The rails and Tcase skid will also protect your vitals. And recovery points are NAXJA mandatory anyway.

If you have any extra $$$ though, a lunchbox up front would be nice, of course - but not absolutely necessary. No need to go nuts in the rear. As I mentioned before, my first trip was with a humble TrashLok. Granted, I like my Auburn much, much better, but unless you're going for the real (optional) hardcore stuff, I don't think you have to fully lock the rear, your LSD will be OK. "Slick"rock is actually very, very sticky - you'll be amazed.

As for tenting - go for it. Actually, I had a tent site on every one of my trips to Utah and the October weather is usually fine, even into the evening. (well, I DID miss the monsoons of the last couple of years. But hey, how many times can it rain in the DESERT???). The only reason I'm not tenting this time around is because I'm old and creaky and wussed out. I want a real bed at the end of the day!!!

MG
 
Temps can be below freezing, I can recall scraping frost from the windshield in September one year, and we were not prepared for that in the tent.

One more vote for rock rails and skids. We were there in August this year in the wife's jeep on 31s, no lockers, and did the Poison Spider, Golden Spike, Gold Bar run in 6.5 hours. Had to use the winch to get across the Crack, and stacked a couple rocks on two other obstacles, but no problems anywhere else...



more pics here http://travel.webshots.com/album/561642625UeOrqJ
 
lesslimited said:
. . . and we were not prepared for that in the tent.
Click to expand...

This from one of the MWC diehards??? The home of WinterFest??? John, I'm so disappointed in you! :D

OK - and it can snow in Florida too. Moab is at altitude, so the weather certainly can be variable, but all that rock soaks up the sun during the day, and early October is USUALLY pleasant. I recall sitting around the campfire in shirtsleeves late into the evening . . . . . then again it WAS after a few :cheers: . . . .

Oh well, just bring an extra blanket or two - tenting is still a reasonable option.

(Don't pay attention to the New England guy below - even if he drove 230 miles he'd still want one of those creaky Slickrock cabins! I only had to go 2000 miles and my closed cell foam pad and sleeping bag were just fine - and no splinters - the tent is great. Like I said, this time I wussed out, I admit it)

MG
 
Last edited:
Mike in NJ said:
The only reason I'm not tenting this time around is because I'm old and creaky and wussed out. I want a real bed at the end of the day!!!

MG
Click to expand...

2300 miles is a long way to go just to sleep on the ground... cabin for me.
 
Mike in NJ said:
This from one of the MWC diehards??? The home of WinterFest??? John, I'm so disappointed in you! :D

OK - and it can snow in Florida too. Moab is at altitude, so the weather certainly can be variable, but all that rock soaks up the sun during the day, and early October is USUALLY pleasant. I recall sitting around the campfire in shirtsleeves late into the evening . . . . . then again it WAS after a few :cheers: . . . .

Oh well, just bring an extra blanket or two - tenting is still a reasonable option.

MG
Click to expand...

Yeah, I think we camped there for 4 days that trip. Froze the first night, then by the last night it was too hot to sleep, even naked. :D

And I wasn't at the early Winterfests, the most I've roughed it was sleeping in the van, with the electric heater...
 
Mike in NJ said:
(Don't pay attention to the New England guy below - even if he drove 230 miles he'd still want one of those creaky Slickrock cabins! I only had to go 2000 miles and my closed cell foam pad and sleeping bag were just fine - and no splinters - the tent is great. Like I said, this time I wussed out, I admit it)

MG
Click to expand...

hey fawker!! for the record i love tenting. but if im that far from home with that much driving i want to be more comfy than my bedroll will give me.

:twak:
 
Good info, thanks guys. With my mummy bag and thermal gear it sounds like I'd be ok tenting it. Unless of course I end up with a trailer between now and then, which is doubtful.
 
Just hope there isn't a torrential downpour, like in '06.
 
After looking what Slickrock charges for a tent site ($20/night) I won't be tenting (at least not there). Thats alot of money to bring my own shelter and sleep on the ground.

Anyone with a cabin looking for a roommate?
 
I could give you some space next to my truck to set up a tent, but you would still have to find room to park your jeep somewhere.
 
Plenty of room in front of the cabins.
 
xjohnnyc said:
He even tried Potato Salad Hill, but didn't quite make it.
Click to expand...

I was sooo close too! I'm thinking of heading back in the spring to see if Derek will spot me up it. There will be no stopping me then! Vengence will be mine!

I'll echo what everyone else has said about the rockrails. There are a lot of ledges to go down on some of the trails that will put you on your belly. Other than that, go as you are and have a blast. Also, don't shy away from the "mild" trails. We seem to get caught up with the need for maximum challenge without realizing that all the trails down there are going to be a lot of fun and offer some of the best scenery you've ever come across. I say when the trail list is posted up, ask for suggestions on what people think you'd be able to handle and go from there.
 
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