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Tips and Tricks for MOAB

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Old Mar 29, 2009 | 06:55 AM
  #1  
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From: WI
Default Tips and Tricks for MOAB

Many of us have never been to MOAB but many have.

It would be nice if those who have experience there could give info on trails, things to consider when on those trails and what vehicle are suitable for taking the trails.

So please tell us about a trail, can a stock x or stock rubi make it ok or what should be up graded.

Are there tricks and tips for driving on slick rock.

Please help us unknowing JK'rs so we can be informed in advance and have a good time in MOAB.

Oh yea did I mention I am going to MOAB in late April.
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Old Mar 29, 2009 | 08:29 AM
  #2  
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Hey , first off relax and you will have a great time in Moab. Your Rubi will do fine. There are a couple of good book guides. The best is by Charles Wells.
Moab Ut Backroads & 4 wheel drive trails. You can also get on the red rock 4 wheelers site and review the trails. `anything with a 2-5 rating should be ok with you Rubi depending on your experience 6-7 and higher you really need someone thats been there before. Trails go from scenic to wild. route finding takes some practice. most trails are painted on the rocks some areas you are following little rock stacks to show the route. Slick rock is like driving on sand paper your tires grip like glue. slow and steady is better than spinning.
You will have a great time.
P.M. me if you have any other questions. Hope this helps.

Last edited by capt scotty; Mar 29, 2009 at 08:31 AM.
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Old Mar 29, 2009 | 11:21 AM
  #3  
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Good thread add pics and more info please.

Red
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Old Mar 30, 2009 | 08:43 AM
  #4  
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A Novice Experience:

My wife and I flew our Cherokee to Moab last May to do something I have always dreamed of. Rent a Jeep and "do Moab". While we did not get into any hairy trails (we were running alone), we managed to do a little bit of wheeling, first in a stock 06 with a 4 banger, then with a JK X with a budget boost and 33" tires.

What I found was that climbing around the rocks a bit was a lot of fun, and occassionally dragging a skid plate, while a bit nerve wracking for a pickup guy, didn't hurt a thing. We got to see some incredible scenery, stand on top of arches and otherwise had so much fun that we came home, traded in the Tacoma and bought a JK.

I just did a trip with experienced Jeeper to Virtue Flats in Eastern Oregon. I learned that my mostly stock JK Unlimited (Sahara with 2.5 RC coil lift) was only limited by the stock tires, the plastic running boards and the driver. We finished one black diamond rated trail, and saw a couple of more (by-passed the most difficult part). I was amazed at what the JK would do in pretty much stock form.

I would go with the advice someone else gave me after the VF experience. Go with your Jeep as is, find it's weaknesses for the type of driving you will do, then do the upgrades.

In my case, I don't see me needing a winch or fancy bumpers (want maybe), but I definately need beefier rubber, and probably to lose my Sahara running boards. With just those two changes, I would be ready to do Moab again, and taking on some more difficult obstacles.

Just go as you are, hook up with the knowledgable folks and tell them what you DON'T want to do. Most of the guys will respect that and keep you out of trouble.
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Old Mar 30, 2009 | 11:39 AM
  #5  
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I went to Moab last Fall... drove from Maine. It was a blast. Buy the Moab trail book. It covers the trails in detail. I have a stock JK with OME lift and Rubi tires. It did fine. A cb might be a good idea. Go wheelin with another person. You will find people meet at the store on the main drag to get ice and supplies before heading out. I was forunate to meet a Great couple from Wisconsin, John and Wendy and ended up wheeling with them on a lot of trails over a 3 day period. I aired the tires down to 18 psi which seem to work well. Didn't air back up until I left Moab. Pack a cooler with plenty of water and snacks everyday, you may be out longer than you think... it is addicting! Send me your e-mail and I can forward a bunch of pics.

Be safe... have fun and enjoy...
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Old Mar 30, 2009 | 02:11 PM
  #6  
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Right now my plans are the white rim trail for 3 days. I have read Wells book but I can't decide on what to pick For other trails. The beauty is what is attracting me so those who have gone rate trails on beauty.

Thx
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Old Mar 30, 2009 | 02:47 PM
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Have water with you at all times. Straps/extra food/first aid kit and a another Jeep also. Give mtn. bikers the room they need, always offer them water.
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Old Mar 30, 2009 | 05:26 PM
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I have mountain biked the 105 mile white rim trail. Its nice. Nothing technical but good scenery. Dropping in and out of the canyon walls will probably be an adrenaline rush. I have always wanted to jeep Moab. I am jealous. Make sure to post pics when you get back.
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Old Mar 30, 2009 | 06:25 PM
  #9  
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Great thread! I'll also be making a trip to Moab late April with a bunch of other 4x4's from this area. I'll be running a pretty much stock unlimited x with bfg at's, oil pan skid, evap skid, and rock sliders. So it's good to hear from others what is possible with a stock vehicle out there.
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Old Apr 1, 2009 | 03:59 PM
  #10  
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When in a group let others go first and observe what they and the spotters do, you'll learn a lot by watching and gain confidence to do it yourself. You'll also see the hazards if any and go around those that do not "feel" comfortable. Although, after you've done a few edgy ones you'll want to do more.

Most of all enjoy the scenery, take a camera and lots of memory, bring a video camera, and enjoy enjoy ENJOY!
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