Doing all the tamest stuff in Death Valley - what do I need?

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usedname

usedname

Joined
Oct 11, 2019
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Location
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Inexperienced offroader with a '06 LX, stock Michelin LTXs. Taking a 3-4 day solo trip to DVNP - not planning on anything hardcore. Mainly looking for grand views and car-camping away from everyone else.


I have:
-recovery boards
-extra gas and water
-portable jumpstarter/air compressor combo
-offline Locus maps on the phone
-planning on getting chains since I'm crossing the Sierras around Xmas


Q1. what do I need to take into account?
-Tire repair of any kind? Those bacon strips or slime?
-Any extra vehicle fluids?

Q2. I ASS-ume that the 'high clearance 4wd' roads (as opposed to the 'rough 4wd') in DVNP will be easy enough if I go slow enough in the LX. Approaching from the north via 395.
Any DV veterans have recommendations for where to go/where to carcamp as long as I don't want to get into too much trouble?
 
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Maybe some more specific Qs - is Steele pass a bad idea?

1734755468040.png
 
I haven't been on Steel but I have been through DV. If you had A/T's on there I'd say sure, go for it. With stock tires and little experience... go at your own risk. Watch out for the silt beds.
 
GTV said:
I haven't been on Steel but I have been through DV. If you had A/T's on there I'd say sure, go for it. With stock tires and little experience... go at your own risk. Watch out for the silt beds.
Click to expand...
Yeah I think I might stop whenever it seems too rough and come back the same way. Looks like Warm Springs to Steele pass is mostly doable. Also Harry Wade Rd. Been through those?

A/T makes a big difference in terms of chances of puncture? Or is it the traction that gets a bigger benefit?
 
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usedname said:
Yeah I think I might stop whenever it seems too rough and come back the same way. Looks like Warm Springs to Steele pass is mostly doable. Also Harry Wade Rd. Been through those?

A/T makes a big difference in terms of chances of puncture? Or is it the traction that gets a bigger benefit?
Click to expand...

Mostly its the fact that many A/T tires are load e-rated and have a 10-ply rating which is helpful in case you encounter sharp rocks, etc.
 
Going solo? Hopefully you're mechanically self sufficient. Have a CB or GMRS radio or some sort of emergency communicator.

ARB has a nice puncture repair kit- this kind of kit ( whichever brand) is a must-have keep with all the times kit. And bring a tow strap.

LTX dont have much sidewall protection so the risk you take puncturing more than one tire on your 4 day journey likely increases; and thats ok if youre on a county road, close to civilization and can get support. But if you need recovery out there for someone to bring you a tire, and then lever it on - if youre lucky to get cell signal, know its gonna a take a while for someone to get to you ( be prepared for that), and its gonna be expensive. Punctures to driving surface are fixable and usually hold air, but sidewall punctures are often very difficult to repair to hold air- it can be easy to use all of your kit to repair one sidewall puncture-(so carry extra sticks). If you run the LTX, air down but not less than 20psi.

Either buy a used tire and throw it on top of the truck ( and know how to de-mount, mount and "trail inflate" [ w/starter fluid] ), buy a used wheel and tire or invest in a set of E rated A/T's with 3ply sidewalls ( they dont really cost much more than single ply).
 
usedname said:
Yeah I think I might stop whenever it seems too rough and come back the same way. Looks like Warm Springs to Steele pass is mostly doable. Also Harry Wade Rd. Been through those?

A/T makes a big difference in terms of chances of puncture? Or is it the traction that gets a bigger benefit?
Click to expand...

I entered the park from the west and made my way up to The Racetrack. I was also pretty inexperienced at the time but I did have good tires. If I had stock tires it would have been a harrowing experience for sure, in terms of traction and puncture resistance. I doubt I would have made it through without some sort of drama. IMO, if you go to DV, come 100% prepared, tires and water are at the very top of the list.
 
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Well damn, it looks like I'm limited by the tires and my inexperience.

I do have a tow strap, will have 7 gallons of water and 5 gallons of gas, but no emergency GPS electronics, and yeah, tires are an issue. Have a 20F rated sleeping bag. And a hot water bottle :D

I can change a tire; can't mount one on a wheel.

I thought about taking the emtb but I wanted to keep things simpler for this trip. Already feel like I've got watch too much stuff for just a couple days out in the backcountry.

I looked at the local costco and america's tire inventory, they don't have any of the frequently recommended A/T tires (toyo open country, bfg ko2, nitto grapplers) in the common sizes... 265/70, 275/65, 285/60... and it might be hard to get in within a day or two to get that all done. So perhaps this trip I'm limited to the most benign roads.
 
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I carry this kit in my truck at all times. You can probably get Ermazern to deliver a kit to you before you take off.

The Michelin LTX is a fantastic tire and even pretty capable on a fire road, but if you're on the stock version, it's likely the weaker sidewall and not E- rated. I run a 33" set for my road driving and they're load range E. Having said that, I was kind of tight butthole driving them on some sharp, puncture-y fire roads last summer. There's something confidence inspiring about armored sidewalls. I've yet to slice a tire on gnarly stuff (MTs), but every tire I've ever seen sliced open has been a BFG KO.
 
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usedname said:
Maybe some more specific Qs - is Steele pass a bad idea?

View attachment 3797285
Click to expand...

I wouldn't want to do Steele Pass without armor (specifically sliders) or a spotter. I don't think it's particularly challenging, but the steps at Dedeckera can be intimidating especially if you don't have a ton of experience. YouTube videos can be helpful to show what you could be getting yourself into. You can also take North Pass or South Pass in which in ideal conditions are doable in a Honda Civic.

FYI - the "warm springs" on that map is referred to as Saline Valley. There is another Warm Springs south (and across a few mountains) that is referred to as "Warm Springs Camp" - just want to make sure you don't confuse people if you run into issues. Saline Valley is absolutely an experience, but prepared for some nudity if that bothers you. Camping is allowed there.
 
That's exactly what it is. The kit comes with pieces of thick rubber to use as a patch as well. You basically glue the patch on top of the sidewall.

I'd also bring a extra jug or two of Toyota coolant. Whether it's premixed or concentrate is up to you. Concentrate will require you to use your drinking water to mix, so consider that. Having a compressor and jump box like you mentioned is good. Basic tool kit for tire swaps if necessary. Hopefully you would turn around before getting in to any potential damage beyond that. If I was still on AHC I'd bring a jug of fluid for that, too. Mineral spirits can work in a pinch.
 
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Live to Ski said:
as long as you stay on the 2 tracks (noted park roads), you should be good.

recommend a satellite (in-reach) commincator, shovel, extra water, and the warmest sleeping bag you can lay your hands on in case you are stranded over multiple days (it is winter after all).
Click to expand...
I take it that means what the park officially classifies as "high clearance 2wd/awd roads"?

Like, gravel or dirt/light sand and not sharp rocks? I guess I'll know once I'm there, did check some YT videos and anywhere that's not deep sand or rocky seems pretty passable and unlikely to cause tire damage.

1734821361441.png
 
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