LOST JEEPS
http://www.lostjeeps.com/forum/phpBB3/

Death Valley In July--Racetrack Playa?
http://www.lostjeeps.com/forum/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=21&t=82380
Page 1 of 1

Author:  usa591 [ Sun Jun 14, 2015 4:42 pm ]
Post subject:  Death Valley In July--Racetrack Playa?

Hiya,

I'm a CRD owner who's considering heading over to Racetrack Playa in July.

I used to live in Saudi Arabia, so I'm not too concerned about heat affecting my personal comfort. I'm curious about what the group here thinks of my harebrained plan--wise/unwise?

BTW, does anyone know if the NPS monitors Ham radio out there?

Thanks!

Author:  Draco [ Thu Jun 18, 2015 12:25 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Death Valley In July--Racetrack Playa?

usa591 wrote:
Hiya,

I'm a CRD owner who's considering heading over to Racetrack Playa in July.

I used to live in Saudi Arabia, so I'm not too concerned about heat affecting my personal comfort. I'm curious about what the group here thinks of my harebrained plan--wise/unwise?

BTW, does anyone know if the NPS monitors Ham radio out there?

Thanks!

I was there in the spring some years ago in a group of four Jeeps (KJ, JKU, TJ and CJ). My recollection is that the main road includes a very long washboard. It's not difficult, but it shakes the heck out of everything. My roof rack was loaded up with a second spare and hi-lift. It shook lose. The CJ had a tow bar on the front. It shook lose, planted in the dirt and jacked the Jeep in the air. For sure it twisted the frame and there may have been radiator damage. The driver of that Jeep was very experienced.

So the risk of damage to your vehicle is real. Do you want to deal with that if it's 115 or 120 like now?

It's heated up here to over 105 for the last few days and I really notice the difference. My wife had minor heat exhaustion a few weeks ago working too long outside and drinking too little, even though she knows better. She was fine working in the shade for hours, but stepped into the sun and felt sick.

I don't think it's unreasonable to go to DV in the summer as long as you take it very seriously and stay within a safe distance of the more populated areas. Straying very far is asking for trouble.

I don't know if any one monitors a Ham channel. A satellite phone would be better. They can be rented.

The best thing to do would be to call the DV Park Service. They rescue vehicles on a regular basis and can give good advice about what's safe and what's not.

Author:  usa591 [ Thu Jun 18, 2015 4:05 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Death Valley In July--Racetrack Playa?

Thanks for the response & the intel on the road. Yeah, heat safety is important and is paramount in my mind.

Not 100% sure I'm doing the trip, but will report back if I do. I'll be calling the NPS next week to get their opinion.


Thanks, Group!

Author:  Draco [ Fri Jun 19, 2015 10:16 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Death Valley In July--Racetrack Playa?

Here is a picture from my trip to DV some years ago. My KJ setup is different now. I do have a Ham license, but pulled the FT-857D from the Liberty for now. I have an FT-10M in my Wrangler.

Not that this was in MARCH and not July.

Image

Author:  usa591 [ Sat Jun 20, 2015 1:05 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Death Valley In July--Racetrack Playa?

Nice KJ build.

I see that you have a spare on your roof, do you also have the rear-door mounted spare for a total of two?

Author:  Draco [ Sat Jun 20, 2015 1:44 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Death Valley In July--Racetrack Playa?

Normally I just carry the single spare on the rear swing gate. I have the ability to carry a second spare on the roof, as in that picture. I sold my second spare when I switched tires. I wanted to clean up the garage.

Page 1 of 1 All times are UTC - 5 hours [ DST ]
Powered by phpBB © 2000, 2002, 2005, 2007 phpBB Group
http://www.phpbb.com/