Need advice for kitting up for a Death Valley 6 day run (1 Viewer)

[Nardulli]

I really need some help here. I agreed to go on a six day death valley run with some guys from Southern California. I have no problem getting my cruiser ready mechanically. My issue is I’ve actually never done anything like this. It’s been a bucket list item for sure.
For those of you that I’ve done this, would you mind sharing your load list with me?
I’ll need to start from scratch. I need advice on everything from carrying extra fuel and water to basic necessities. I know that’s kind of a big ask so thanks in advance for any shared wisdom.

 

[Godwin]

I really need some help here. I agreed to go on a six day death valley run with some guys from Southern California. I have no problem getting my cruiser ready mechanically. My issue is I’ve actually never done anything like this. It’s been a bucket list item for sure.
For those of you that I’ve done this, would you mind sharing your load list with me?
I’ll need to start from scratch. I need advice on everything from carrying extra fuel and water to basic necessities. I know that’s kind of a big ask so thanks in advance for any shared wisdom.

Have the other guys done a multi-day Death Valley run? If so, start by asking what they bring.

 

[TahoeZ]

What area? Saline Valley?

Water, water, water
Food
Fuel
Good Spare tire
Tire patch kit
Compressor
Shovel
Tools and spare parts for your rig
Recovery gear
Sleeping/camping stuff
Having someone with a HAM radio license and radio is a good idea, but less of a necessity if traveling in a group

Running out of water and getting flat tires are the top issues people have in that area.

 

[vipergrhd]

What area? Saline Valley?

Water, water, water
Food
Fuel
Good Spare tire
Tire patch kit
Compressor
Shovel
Tools and spare parts for your rig
Recovery gear
Sleeping/camping stuff
Having someone with a HAM radio license and radio is a good idea, but less of a necessity if traveling in a group

Running out of water and getting flat tires are the top issues people have in that area.

What I would add.
More water, I had almost 20 gallons of water on our last trip unless you will make a stop at the hot springs, extra food canned or frozen if you have a fridge/freezer also firewood and a good jacket. We woke up one night and it's 28* at 6 a.m then it poured heavy rain around 10 a.m and then some flooding.

 

[GerLC100]

We’re typically traveling alone, did two DV trips. Adding to above.

Depending on what exactly you want to do Gas might not be aaaas critical. You can get gas in multiple places… not everyone needs to carry a Jerry from my point of view, but fill up on a regular base and have 2-3 people in the group carry one (perhaps also for someone else who’s happy to meet your group with gas… )

New iPhone? So you got satellite comms, if not 2 people with a Garmin or similar make sense.

Offline maps like gaia gps, download google maps in addition for that area.

Air compressor, tire patches for side wall (trail to Racetrack!!!) and the regular plugs. Spare tire, Jack and all tools to change a tire.

OBD Reader, all sorts of fuses, ign coil, sparks plug.

Something to pinch a brake line in case you hit a line.

Fill up windshield washer fluid.

When you’re in trouble, open the hood of your vehicle to show this from far away! This is the sign you’re not just camping there

Watch out for mules! Take it easy and calm down.

And most important:
Bring time and relax, enjoy the nature, be alone and listen to the sounds!

 

[toy_tek]

If your route takes you through Panamint Springs, Stovepipe wells or Furnace Creek, you’ll be able to top off w fuel/water and perhaps food. Other than that, as mentioned, the usual stuff. The area can be tough on tires, I’ve had 2 blowouts there and witnessed numerous others. Also keep an eye out for storms, even something 20 miles away can cause flash flooding pretty quickly.

 

[Jerzywerzy5]

If your route takes you through Panamint Springs, Stovepipe wells or Furnace Creek, you’ll be able to top off w fuel/water and perhaps food. Other than that, as mentioned, the usual stuff. The area can be tough on tires, I’ve had 2 blowouts there and witnessed numerous others. Also keep an eye out for storms, even something 20 miles away can cause flash flooding pretty quickly.

Just don’t pay attention to the gas prices and you’ll have a great time!

 

[Nardulli]

Just don’t pay attention to the gas prices and you’ll have a great time!

Thanks to all for the sage advice. The group I'm going with has done these trips for years, so I'll definitely have some old hands from which to learn. When I tell you I have no idea about this outdoor / camping / trekking thing, I mean it. I grew up in the city turning wrenches and street racing. Zero camping experience. Fortunately, I'm at a place in life that enables me to throw resources at things. I don't want to be that guy that packs 1,000 things I don't need - so will buckle down and sort it out. I appreciate any and all input.

Dunno about patching a sidewall cut...How's that work?
I have 5 fresh Yoko Geolanders A/T. Buy an additional wheel and mount up another? Carry it where?
I hear you... water, water and some water. Any advice on carrying that / mounting it to...?
The food and cooking thing I feel pretty confident. 17 years in hotel / restaurant / off site catering business...
As for the exhaust side of things (human that is) dig a hole or ???
I will most likely opt to carry gas.

As for the truck:
I've just been through most of the systems (just bought it in July). 134,000 miles. 2001.
I've done:
Timing belt and everything that goes with that
New radiator
all new coils and plugs
all filters - gas, oil, air
Complete trans fluid replacement
T case oil and both diffs
Wheel bearing repack
rotors and pads x 4
Sway bar links
upper and lower trailing arms
Front diff mount
Greased u joints
oil analysis on engine and trans (trans was a bit elevated in wear materials but not alarming - operates fine)
Heater T's
Shocks

Aside from tools and Milwaukee air compressor (love that thing)...
Tire plug kit
Tow straps
Alternator
Battery
Serp belt
some fuses
Multi meter
Odds and ends from my wiring harness box from builds gone by (you never know)
oil (probably won't need it but someone might)
How about driveline parts? Anything that breaks routinely?

I've been told that this is not a rock crawling trip. I frankly wouldn't be into that. But I have a feeling that these guys have a different perspective on what might be challenging. My 100 is bone stock.

That's a lot. Thanks for reading if you got this far.

 

[GerLC100]

I typically carry front and rear driveshaft u joints. And if one breaks and you don’t have one: remove the DS

2nd spare… hhmm. You’re with so many people. Even your vehicle can’t go further you get out. And take it easy when the first one breaks…
So no worries.

You got a jerry can carrier?
I can load 3 cans, one gas two water (plastic jerry cans).
Then I’m opting for regular water gallon packs. With sticker/ plastic wrap = drinking water. Without = washing.
Having 1.5 gallon per day per person has always been more than enough. Keep in mind: you’re max staying a night alone as someone else can go and get help…

Bandaids and enough beer! Hasn’t been mentioned before.
Attached mine at Eureka Dunes with “the exhaust side of things”

 

[Nardulli]

U joints and beer. Check. Jerry can carrier and roof rack being investigated. The second row seat delete /storage / sleep platform looks interesting

 

[Otis]

Dunno about patching a sidewall cut...How's that work?

You can use a bunch of tire plugs to repair a sidewall enough to get you off the trail. Alternatively, you could get a sidewall patch kit such as Glue Thread. They are not cheap but appear to get good reviews and if it gets you off the trail then it could be worth it…

 

[Nardulli]

You can use a bunch of tire plugs to repair a sidewall enough to get you off the trail. Alternatively, you could get a sidewall patch kit such as Glue Thread. They are not cheap but appear to get good reviews and if it gets you off the trail then it could be worth it…

“Today I learned…” thanks.

 

[Nardulli]

Here’s the plan - I’ve watched some YouTube videos of some of these trails and I don’t think my stock 100 is going to have the clearance required. Some obstacles look challenging. What do you think my minimum mods need to be?

Lift?
33’s LT Tires?
What’s the tallest suitable tire that will fit at stock height?
Mine does not have auto height

Death Valley

Saturday- leave about 7pm (Barry/Jim/Jeff/Bruce)
Beatty NV- motel

Sunday
Meet Lone Pine (gas)
11am
Cerro Gordo, Salt Tram Transfer Station

Backside trail to Saline Valley
Camp Saline Valley Hot Springs (clothing optional except for Jim)
Miles- 100

Monday
SVHS to Steel Pass, Eureka Dunes, DV Road to Ubehebe Crater
Camp Mesquite Spring
Miles- 75

Optional gas run down to Stovepipe

Tuesday
Racetrack, Hunter Mtn to Panamint Valley Resort
Showers, hot food, gas
Miles- 100
Wednesday
PVR to Ballarat to Barker Ranch, Striped Butte
Camp Geologist cabin area
Thursday
Warm Springs Rd to Hwy
Tourist day- Badwater, Zabriske etc
Echo Cyn to Inyo Minę
Camp around Inyo Mine

Friday
Echo Cyn to Hwy 95 to Beatty
Gas + food

Titus Canyon (time permitting)

Finish at Stovepipe

 

[TahoeZ]

33s and skid plates. Load range E tires have a much more durable sidewall but the ride isn't as smooth on the road and they are louder as they wear.

GlueTread patches are worth the cost.

 

[peesalot]

I would take a nice straw hat & an easy up. No new iphone or garmin, get a starlink.
Sunblock, after sun lotion, a few gatoraides or similar, good socks or if a sandal/flip flop person just remember to check your feet, the desert is rough on feet, sweat, friction, sand/dust can take a toll and people often overlook hydration, skincare, & footcare. The sun in the desert can take you out very quickly, manage your exposure.

 

[Nardulli]

33s and skid plates. Load range E tires have a much more durable sidewall but the ride isn't as smooth on the road and they are louder as they wear.

GlueTread patches are worth the cost.

Have you sourced a good tire and wheel combo?
I’m looking for plain steel black wheels and 33’s. The wheels seem to be a unicorn. I looked up the glue tread patches - ordered. Impressive I didn’t know they existed.

 

[45Kevin]

I took a stock 1998 Suburban (29" tires) from the crater to the Racetrack, down Lippincott road, up the Warm Springs road and through Steel Pass to the Eureka dunes.
No problem.
I did put a rock through my tire on the northern east west road on my way to Scotty's castle though.
Too big to take plugs so I used my spare.

I also took a Chev Express van AWD with 2" lift (31" tires) through Titus canyon, again no problem.

There were a couple of steps that required rock piling to get over.

I'm sure your stock 100 will do fine.

The biggest challenge to all the DV roads/trails I have been on is the never ending washboard and dust.
Hence the compressor as you will be aired down most of the time.

You will enjoy the hell out of DV and want to go back.

 

[OGBeno]

Stock 100 will do fine on all of it.

 

[TahoeZ]

Have you sourced a good tire and wheel combo?
I’m looking for plain steel black wheels and 33’s. The wheels seem to be a unicorn. I looked up the glue tread patches - ordered. Impressive I didn’t know they existed.

My favorite tire is the Falken Wildpeak in load range E. Relations Race Wheels is making some wheels for the 100-series and that would be my first pick if I was buying new wheels. I have always had good experience with Method myself.

45Kevin mentioned washboard; that is a great point to consider. My first time through Saline Valley I blew out all four shocks. The endless washboard is relentless. Next trip I had Kings with reservoirs and no issues, but the shocks would be too hot to touch after stopping.

 

[Live to Ski]

I echo 45kevin & Beno: stock lc will pull you through.

If you do encounter what looks like an ify situation (as far as trail condition is concerned), minor body damage will get through (don't ask me how I don't know ).

w/r water, the general consensus is 1gal/person/day unless hightened exertion (excercise), then double that.

You are in a good position here as you have backup w. others w. experience.

course, all bets are off if traveling solo in middle of summer, which you are not.