Mojave trail April 3rd -7th going solo a bad idea? Wanna join?

[ravenplague]

Hey mudders,
just need a little advice and your opinion.
I have been planning this trip for months and my friend recently flaked out. I bought my truck, FJ60,last year with 150 K , rebuilt the hubs, new oils everywhere, new brakes, tires, fuel pump, battery, starter, thermostat, hoses, tune up including valves adjustments, clutch cylinders, 2' Iron man lift, all OEM where possible etc etc! and I have tons of spares including a smog and water pump!
My rig runs and feels solid right now!

I have the mojave book and did my homework like watching videos and inputting gps coordinates etc.. So im ready but the question is, is going solo totally insane?

I am putting the invitation out to anyone that would like to join. I plan on being at mile marker 0.0 either the 3rd or 4th. (hopefully its not raining...)
thanks a ton.

 

[Kofoed]

I've done most of it solo, same situation, buddy flaked out THAT DAY. Anyway, I say go for it with two caveats.

1. Soda Lake. If you can see standing water on the playa, dont even think about trying to cross. Otherwise, wait to see if somebody crosses it coming from the other direction. Ask them how it was. If you see a dust trail coming from vehicles on the lake bed you are in good shape to cross. There are some ruts crossing the road on the lake, so don't go across at 65 mph. If you get stuck out there, start walking, you are done. If you are a wee bit unsure, go around. These ruts also tend to dry out the last, so while the main lake bed is dry, the ruts can be muddy, note all the body plastic laying around.

2. The sand wash in Afton canyon can be treacherous. If it has rained, the sand is firm. Otherwise it is deep. The route markers are a bit hard to find and follow if you are going fast to keep on top of the sand. Air down and go into low range to be sure that 2F engine doesnt bog

 

[ravenplague]

Totally what i needed to hear.
Cheers!

 

[arellanon]

Hey ravenplague I too wish to do the Mojave Trail! Are you still on for those dates? I probably will not have my vehicle by then but please keep us posted and write up a summary for noobs like me?

Kofoed, what time of year do you think is best to do this trail?

Thanks guys!

 

[ravenplague]

Hey ravenplague I too wish to do the Mojave Trail! Are you still on for those dates? I probably will not have my vehicle by then but please keep us posted and write up a summary for noobs like me?

Kofoed, what time of year do you think is best to do this trail?

Thanks guys!

Yeah still planing on going . I live in norcal and it's been raining non stop but the weather down there doesn't look so bad. If you get your rig going, please let me know! I'll keep you posted as we get closer
Thanks

 

[landcrshr]

I recommend taking the hike to see the petroglyphs as described in the book. He's not kidding though when he says you'll need a GPS!
Some of the best I've seen.

The detour over to Hole in the Wall is pretty cool too.

Also note, the gas station/Kwiki-mart outside of the Indian casino sells the kind of fireworks that are illegal off of the reservation.

Have fun!

 

[ravenplague]

Just wanted to let you all know that my girl and I made it through safe and sound! Truck ran great with no issues what so ever. A little slow getting out there from home but once on the trail , it kicked ass. I ran into a fellow with his family and a FJ cruiser who followed me out to the lava tubes, so that was cool. I think he was worried that the fj60 make get stuck through some of the washes which it totally didn't

but anyways If anyone has any questions about the trail IM me!

 

[arellanon]

Awesome to heargue your trip went well. You have any more pictures? ☺

 

[Kofoed]

See?






Arellano, it gets hot out there. I avoid July to early September.

 

[Kofoed]

BTW is that camp site Marl Springs?

 

[ravenplague]

Its Mojave Camp site. Great spot with a great view of the sand dunes in the distance!