Moab Black Sheep Week -March 31-April 5, 2013

[HIROLA]

Good to know, thanks!

 

[SummitUp]

Verizon has even been good on may of the trails for me. I am never really off work do when I am there I get a lot of calls. Usually I have coverage more outside town than other providers

All things considered I'd have to say Verizon gets the nod especially when considering coverage (or lack of) on the trails where it really counts. A good example is the last time we were having lunch break on the flats between the Monitor and Merrimac buttes (Sevenmile Rim trail) AT&T's signal was non-existent while those with Verizon had a good signal and could make & recieve calls.

 

[LagunaH1]

I don't mean to be argumentative but I have had coverage on at&t in that very location on my first trip to moab.... so much so that i could receive a call from my dentist reminding me on an upcoming appointment....

Edit: I should add that my work phone is Verizon because I had far, far too many dropped calls on at&t when I used them for work out here in california

sent from outer space

 

[f5moab]

Have to remember a lot depends on the phone itself. Some phones have better antennas and radio systems so they can pull in a signal. Also, out in the desert or up in the mountains, five feet one way or the other might mean you do or do not have service. Tried a Samsung SG2 a few years ago, and tried it just past Hurrah point...no signal. Sent it back, got a Moto Droid; not only could I make a call from that same location, I was able to send a photo via 3G. (I have heard the newer Samsungs have better reception, and have heard a few software updates made the SG2 a lot better.)

At Monitor/Merrimac a verizon phone will be pulling off of the tower on the ridge, southeast of Green River not sure if it can pull off the tower at Danish Flats and for sure cannot pull off the tower in downtown Moab.

A few years ago, Royce invested in some heavy money to increase the range of the AT&T system in the area. In some areas AT&T might be better as in some areas Verizon might be better. But generally speaking, if you are talking cell phone coverage (and 3G) your best bet is Verizon. Not sure I know of anyone out here who uses anything but Verizon, and in the office; the issued phones are all Verizon.

 

[HIROLA]

Thanks for the reminder about the dentist. I have to reschedule my appointment since I plan to be in Moab at that time!!

 

[06 H3]

holy ****! I just realized spring break is the week AFTER easter and not before which means I wont have school. I am putting in my time off request for work tomorrow. I should be good to go.

 

[jakesz28]

I really want to make it out for this. I need to see what is around for camping. I think I will bring a pop up. Just need to find a place to stay that has showers. I will be bringing my family but leaving my wife and 2 year old behind on most days. Don't want a baby to hold up a group. I would like to take them on some easier trails with some nice scenery though.
I think its time to get serious with finding a 4 to 1 transfer case. I have ucp, OEM rock rails, and will add a rear locker. Any thing else I should get for this?

 

[Green 1]

The 4-1 tcase is a good upgrade. Good tires help more than just about anything. There will be days many will run easier trails if not everyone. Usually the first formal trail is on Sunday and Doug F5 leads us on a senic trail that may have a few interesting things but it is mainly a warm up. Hope you make it we have a blast.

 

[jakesz28]

Im running the nitto trail grapplers. 315/75r16's. So I'm good there. My 11 tear old has spring break then. He will miss a few extra days of school. But I'm making plans for this now. Glad I checked this section.

 

[alrock]

While you don't "need" this book, I highly recommend getting it so you can read about the different trails out there. http://www.funtreks.com/index.php?o...ductdetails&virtuemart_product_id=6&Itemid=32

I think you'll be well set up, equipment-wise, once you add the locker and (maybe) add the 4:1. Note that I did Moab several times w/o either one, though it did limit me on some trails. It's always good to have tools and spare parts, including tie rods and a half shaft. You don't even need many of the other normal trail things like a compressor, as we air down on arrival and air up several days later just before we head home. GPS isn't necessary as we'll all be in a group. Recovery gear is even a bit optional as most carry it, though of course always helpful to have handy.

 

[jakesz28]

Well I'm really fairly well equipped. I will have on board air, a 9500lb winch, recovery gear, I have two spare racks w/ tie rods, half shaft.
I guess since I'm driving it that far I'm just a little worried. For a new person in the Hummer world I have most of the common up grades.

 

[LagunaH1]

We do a pretty good job at looking out for each other, especially those who's in Moab for the first time. Of course, everyone is always responsible for their own actions but chances that you'll break something are really pretty small.

 

[3Hummers]

While fairly rare we have installed T cases, transmissions, etc but people don't break often. An occasional tie rod is the most likely repair. Good to see some people that have wanted to come out for awhile ,making this trip. Some of the H1s will be doing Pritchett Canyon this trip so our likelihood of breakage might be a little greater this trip.

 

[alrock]

I wouldn't worry about the distance. As 3Hummers said, we've pulled off some pretty good repairs. Might take some FedEx work to get it into town, not to mention hunting down the delivery driver to save a few hours, but everyone's gotten out of there one way or another.

 

[Mb30sdl]

I am a solid maybe for now.
trying to work out a way to get there, i think ill tow.

 

[Zach]

I am a still possible at this point

 

[3Hummers]

Hope you make it Zach.

 

[Zach]

My situation with my Toyota might have pushed me more towards making it.

 

[LagunaH1]

PTO request has been approved! -Now I just need to get the truck ready.

 

[3Hummers]

Looking like another really good group.

 

[jakesz28]

Not to sound like a total newbie. But are there any registration or vehicle requirements that you need. Just trying to plan the trip. I know a few states make out of state vehicles register for trail or off road driving. It looks like 1200 miles one way and a quick calculation looks like fuel costs will be $850, if not more. I'm checking on line for some camp sites, any one have a recommendation? Not sure of anyone else is camping or not. I will be bringing my wife and two sons.

 

[f5moab]

Utah does not require off-road permits or stickers for road legal vehicles, like Hummers/Jeeps etc. (They do for ATV/UTVs.) No fees involved on 95 percent of the trails. Only exceptions are:

Some trails are accessed via Sand Flats, that is a county run area, and I believe it costs about 10 bucks for a week of access for the entire vehicle. This would be needed if running Hell's Revenge/Fins N Things/Porcupine Rim.

Entering a National Park such as Arches or Canyonlands. A seven day pass is about 10 bucks too. But very seldom does a group run in the Park. If you and your family decide to do Arches while you are here, you will have to pay the entrance fee.

All other travel is basically on Federal lands overseen by the BLM and no fees are required so long as the group remains under 25 vehicles. And that will never happen. Alrock, Neo, Dave, myself and most others know to keep the group smaller.

As for camping....a lot of people camp out at Neo's on a first come, first serve basis. If you want regular campsites, there is one right in town on the river, or the BLM has 500+ campsites in the area that costs between 10-15 bucks per night. No BLM sites have any hookups or running water; they do have vault or pit toilets. There are some commercial campgrounds in town that have showers, etc.



if the group decides to go into a National Park and as a group very seldom happens, or if you, want to take the family on a day trp to Arches (highly recommended, my opinion while you are here) andOnly time a permit is required is if a group of 25 or more vehicles are off-roading as a group and NEO, Alrock, Dave, myself, etc., will make sure that never happens. (Besides, that is too large of a group.)

 

[jakesz28]

Thanks for the info. I may send Neo a pm tomorrow I just feel out of place never meeting him before. My thought on a public camp site is having water, electricity, showers, and maybe some other activities if I have to leave my wife and the baby(just turned 2) behind. I would love to bring them on the trails but I do not want to hold up the group and sometimes little ones don't like riding around and want out to play. So if they have playground equipment and maybe a pool its a compromise. The arches would be great.

 

[jakesz28]

While you don't "need" this book, I highly recommend getting it so you can read about the different trails out there. http://www.funtreks.com/index.php?o...ductdetails&virtuemart_product_id=6&Itemid=32

I think you'll be well set up, equipment-wise, once you add the locker and (maybe) add the 4:1. Note that I did Moab several times w/o either one, though it did limit me on some trails. It's always good to have tools and spare parts, including tie rods and a half shaft. You don't even need many of the other normal trail things like a compressor, as we air down on arrival and air up several days later just before we head home. GPS isn't necessary as we'll all be in a group. Recovery gear is even a bit optional as most carry it, though of course always helpful to have handy.

I ordered that book thanks.

 

[alrock]

Added Reloader and Jeri to the list!

Steve, I promise not to ask you to drive me to Grand Junction again this time