Moab trip report, perspective & retrospective (5 Viewers)

[Roody]

Awesome, inspiring write-up. The pictures especially had me daydreaming.

Moab is the dream trip. Has been, probably since I was 13. Finally had a trip booked for the 3rd week of March 2020... flights, hotels, and vehicle all locked in... guess how that went? (It didn't). Had another lined up and some work/life circumstances meant I couldn't make it happen. Hoping that sometime in the next few years I can get out there, ideally via driving but even by flying if need be. @tbisaacs it must be a haul to make that adventure happen from WA... the drive from CT is 2x the miles... but this has been a great reminder that it's doable. That FunTreks book is stashed in my desk but I'll bring it back out for some motivation.

 

[tbisaacs]

Awesome, inspiring write-up. The pictures especially had me daydreaming.

Moab is the dream trip. Has been, probably since I was 13. Finally had a trip booked for the 3rd week of March 2020... flights, hotels, and vehicle all locked in... guess how that went? (It didn't). Had another lined up and some work/life circumstances meant I couldn't make it happen. Hoping that sometime in the next few years I can get out there, ideally via driving but even by flying if need be. @tbisaacs it must be a haul to make that adventure happen from WA... the drive from CT is 2x the miles... but this has been a great reminder that it's doable. That FunTreks book is stashed in my desk but I'll bring it back out for some motivation.

I normally do the drive in 1.5 days but was extra motivated to get home in 1 this year. You should definitely prioritize it—no place on the planet like Moab. There is truly something for everyone.

 

[Roody]

I normally do the drive in 1.5 days but was extra motivated to get home in 1 this year. You should definitely prioritize it—no place on the planet like Moab. There is truly something for everyone.

At least for my first time in Moab, it will either be a solo trip or just with my older daughter (who turns 3 next month). I think once she's 5 she should be able to handle a Moab trip, whether driving or flying there. In an ideal world, I'd get to Moab before then-- but there's not a high likelihood of such, since we have a newborn.

Maybe the stars will align and I can meet you all out there for a MUD mecca.

 

[Knowbuddy]

There is a back way into Arches National Park that I highly recommend that a stock 150 could do. We did it solo in my 200 and saw several stock pickups and SUVs. Nothing crazy or hard but not just a dirt road either. Several options on the route that connect to the paved road in the park. You exit through the main entrance. It was nice and relaxing and allowed us to get to some arches and hike a short way into them that you could not get to from the paved road. DM me and I can send you details.

I have seen over the years those last shelves of this route do intimidate people. They are super easy, but I have in the past helped tourist by driving their new to them 4runner or what have you vehicle up those.

Also looks like you had a good time. Glad you made it down.

 

[Artie]

There is a back way into Arches National Park that I highly recommend that a stock 150 could do. We did it solo in my 200 and saw several stock pickups and SUVs. Nothing crazy or hard but not just a dirt road either. Several options on the route that connect to the paved road in the park. You exit through the main entrance. It was nice and relaxing and allowed us to get to some arches and hike a short way into them that you could not get to from the paved road. DM me and I can send you details.

We’ve driven this road twice now after sunrise in Arches and were surprised both time at the amount of traffic we encountered. Granted, it was probably left than a dozen vehicles but they were either rental jeeps or that o guide outfit that runs those 80 series cruisers. Still, worth the drive as dirt is usually more fun than pavement.

 

[mcgaskins]

Great pics and write up as always! I just spent a week in Utah and it makes me want to go back!

 

[W4632018]

How much of this could have been done with a “stock” f-150 on good 33s and rear locker?

Also a driver with zero experience

I was in Moab last week with my 100% bone stock 200 series (even stock tires) and I did chicken corners, shafer trail, and Gemini bridges without any issues. I’m not inexperienced, but I’m not a professional either. Air down your tires, drive slow and deliberately, and you’ll do great! Please follow trail etiquette and let people pass, and slow down when folks are near.

 

[Heckraiser]

How much of this could have been done with a “stock” f-150 on good 33s and rear locker?

Also a driver with zero experience

Stock F150 would be dragging bumpers and belly a lot in Moab due to long wheelbase and rear overhang. The little chin spoiler thing would get torn off as well. My buddy has a 90's dodge extra-cab pickup with a huge lift and 38's and still installed a little steel caster on his hitch receiver to help him roll off the ledges instead of dragging tail. This is for trails like Hell's, Fins n Things, Kane Creek, so intermediate Moab trails, not the real hard stuff. Even my LX or 80 (both on 35's) lost a lot of bumper paint. I'm sure your truck would get through just fine with help from friendly spotters (people always willing to help in Moab), but you'd have the bumps and bruises to show for it.

Moab is a fun place to learn though. I remember I went on a trip with a new guy (friend of a friend) in his brand new JKU rubicon and he had never wheeled before. At the beginning he was scared s***less, but by the end of the day he was having a grand old time.

 

[clrussell]

Stock F150 would be dragging bumpers and belly a lot in Moab due to long wheelbase and rear overhang. The little chin spoiler thing would get torn off as well. My buddy has a 90's dodge extra-cab pickup with a huge lift and 38's and still installed a little steel caster on his hitch receiver to help him roll off the ledges instead of dragging tail. This is for trails like Hell's, Fins n Things, Kane Creek, so intermediate Moab trails, not the real hard stuff. Even my LX or 80 (both on 35's) lost a lot of bumper paint. I'm sure your truck would get through just fine with help from friendly spotters (people always willing to help in Moab), but you'd have the bumps and bruises to show for it.

Moab is a fun place to learn though. I remember I went on a trip with a new guy (friend of a friend) in his brand new JKU rubicon and he had never wheeled before. At the beginning he was scared s***less, but by the end of the day he was having a grand old time.

Oh I’m taking my built 200 on 35s

It’s their f-150 I’m worried about

 

[TeCKis300]

Stock F150 would be dragging bumpers and belly a lot in Moab due to long wheelbase and rear overhang. The little chin spoiler thing would get torn off as well. My buddy has a 90's dodge extra-cab pickup with a huge lift and 38's and still installed a little steel caster on his hitch receiver to help him roll off the ledges instead of dragging tail. This is for trails like Hell's, Fins n Things, Kane Creek, so intermediate Moab trails, not the real hard stuff. Even my LX or 80 (both on 35's) lost a lot of bumper paint. I'm sure your truck would get through just fine with help from friendly spotters (people always willing to help in Moab), but you'd have the bumps and bruises to show for it.

Moab is a fun place to learn though. I remember I went on a trip with a new guy (friend of a friend) in his brand new JKU rubicon and he had never wheeled before. At the beginning he was scared s***less, but by the end of the day he was having a grand old time.

Spot on.

Interesting enough, a Raptor can fare even worse with their 5-link rear suspensions (versus leafs on the normal F150s). Their trailing links hang really low and brackets often get caught in breakover.