Havasu to Primm UTV ride Nov 5-7

[FishSniper]

I have it mapped out from bunker bar, it’s 85 miles round trip

Let me know if/ when you are gonna do this one looks like would be a good ride.

 

[Bpracing1127]

Let me know if/ when you are gonna do this one looks like would be a good ride.

I was planning on doing it thanksgiving but my ankle may put a damper on that. I’ll know more Monday/Tuesday

 

[Bpracing1127]

So finally the write up. Sorry for the delay I have been in a lot of pain with my broken ankle.

Scott put this on and I have had this mapped out (Havasu to primm) for years now. The exception was we were also going to Kingman and through the Hualapai on day 3. So after some gps work and getting the files right due to some cliffs and gates and what not we had it right 98%. We also had a. Expierinced guide @DLC who has done the northern part of the peace trail 4 times. So navigating from bullhead to kingman and through the mountains we had a level of reassurance. However, from Fort Mohave to Primm and Primm to Bullhead no one in our group had been so it was up in the air.

After many texts and back and forth about the miles/day and accommodations we had it all set.

We were to meet up at Lowe’s at 8:00 am to get rolling however already delayed due to my late arrival and not getting my bag and extra beer to the chase truck. So we waited for about 45 min so I could do that. During that time @LargeOrangeFont dialed in everyone’s GPS and radios. We had a quick “drivers” meeting about waiting for the car behind you and using the radio and trusting the GPS.

We buckled in and away we went. Headed East from Lowe’s and scheduled to go behind the airport and pick up the trail and cross 95 to go through to needle mountain road. Well that didn’t actually happen. Missed a turn to go behind the airport and went in front of it instead. No big deal I have been around that area a lot and knew we could get around. Pick up the trail now on the west side of the 95 and boom a locked gate….. well shit we were 10 miles into our 155 mile day and already 2 turn arounds. So Scott took the lead and now I am last out of 8 cars (4 rzr (2 turbo S, 2 n/a cars) 4 can am (4seat)). Another 10 miles later we missed another major turn and I got everyone on the radio and we picked it up. Wow 20 miles in and it’s been 2 hours and already a bote load of navigation issues. We were in for a longggggg day. Got on the right track and moving again. Now we’re finding the rythem. Crossed the train tracks and another navigation error by me. That’s ok I found the way easily this time up a giant sand dune where we put to test @LargeOrangeFont racing slicks.

We now are where most have not been and about 30 miles deep into our 150 mile day. Headed north on the power line road just east of golden shores highway. The first 10 miles of this road suck!!! Very rocky and steep. Just as I was about to stop for our first beer break about 40 miles in we had our first mechanical problem. @LargeOrangeFont rzr blew a fuel pump O-ring. He had spares and knew how to change it. Scott and I waited for him at the top of the hill. 30 min later we were on our way again.

This time the group really started to spread out as we went 30 more miles to lower bullhead or the road where Avi casino was for our first gas stop. Two guys can ams were set on kill abs only got 70 miles a tank of fuel. I was still on half a tank. We all made it for fuel and lunch at Avi casino.

After 70/80 miles or so we were fueled up and the cars were gassed up and ready to tackle the unknown. Next stop searchlight. We were to head north west out of Avi and find a power line road parallel to highway NV/Ca 95. That section was really fun smooth (no washboard) uphill sand section with little turns and high speed. We quickly put 20 miles behind us and we’re mostly back on time schedule to get to Primm. Another quick beer stop before heading into searchlight power line road. 15 miles on constant uphill at 50-60 mph. This put a lot of stress on my belt temp running at 225. After pulling into the chevron at searchlight and fueled up for our last fuel stop before Primm we knew we were in NV. As there is a “casino” and smoking inside the “Terribles” gas station. The sounds of vegas were getting closer lol.

We now were to head west out of searchlight to a town called Nipton from search light elevation 3500’ to over 5200’. I knew this was going to be mostly uphill the entire way so I took it easy and was in 3rd leaving searchlight. Scott in the lead took us on our way and 5 min into missed the turn and headed to a locked gate that I knew was there. I made the sling shot pass and went on the outside of the property line and boom back in first no dust. After weaving our way around the property we are now on a very tight high speed trail with a lot of cactus saguaros and yuccas. Plus a lot of Joshua trees. After passing Scott and about 10 min later. Boom I blew a belt…. That’s ok I had 2 spares and have changed it before. We had it changed in 20 min and now I went to last to break in my new belt. That’s ok turn up the music and eat dust. We crested the mountain and now we were in scenes from breaking bad with meth labs everywhere. After getting separated cars 6,7,8 from the group we quickly regrouped and got back on trail. This time taking a off shoot from the highway and heading north. Still in last I let them go. After missing the turn we turned around and tried to find it. After going a mile down a wash we realized it’s simply not there. So group decision turn around and take the highway into nipton and pick up the gps from there into Primm. After just entering the highway Scott says he has a flat and pulls over so we could change it. Not wanting to Jack up we used the human Jack and leaned the car over while the tire got changed. 2 miles later we were in Nipton.

As we approached Nipton there was a black and white car sitting on the side and it’s scared the shit out of me as we were in CA no helmets. On the pavement and a open beer in the cup holder. It was a dud. Thank god!!! And now headed north east into a Primm. This trail had several lanes and I was in 3rd behind Ashley. After reeling him in I made a sweet pass on him as the lanes merged into 1. It was clean and bitchen. 20 min later we made it into Primm 1/2 hour behind schedule. Not too bad considering we had 1 flat, 1 belt, 1 fuel pump. And a bunch of navigation errors. @DLC can share is dinner story too.

 

[Bpracing1127]

Day 2 in a bit

 

[Mikes56]

Awesome so far Ian, thanks!!!

 

[Bpracing1127]

Day 2 started out with waking up early and getting going for another 150 mile day. This time we were to head North out of Primm and then East then South into Searchlight for fuel. From Searchlight we would head south for a bit then East into Laughlin and continue East into Kingman for the night. As with day 1 most of this ride was not ridden by anyone in our group and would be totally new. Day 2 happens to be my favorite day in terms of riding. It was Epic!!!

we were to meet at McDonalds @ 8:00 am to get started for the day. After getting gas @ $5.42/gal and crappy McDonalds we were on our way. Something to note for about 15 miles we were directly heading into the sun and it was blinding in the morning. We were on a older part of the Battle at Primm course so it was rutted with lots of sharp rocks. I thought for sure we were to have another flat 15 miles into the ride, but as luck would have it we didn't. We continued on this time heading North in the direction of Boulder City, however would turn East well before that. During this trek we encountered the main Mint 400 course. For those of you who think a SXS is fast in Whoops, go here. We were at a crawl heading into the whoops going uphill. These are the Trophy Truck versions of SXS washboard. 40" tires and 1000 horsepower give you 3-4' high whoops spread out 4-6'. Some of them you could park a rzr or VW bug in them and you wouldn't even see. I bet some were 5-7' deep. Luckily this part was only about 15-20 miles. @riverroyal I bet you would have walked lol. We got on a pole line road where we passed a tweaker doing who knows what, but we were way out there at this point. Our group was extremely spread out. I would say over 10 miles. As leader, I could see that we were headed to a top of a mountain where we have full visibility and radio contact of the valley floor below where we just came from. I parked up there for our first stop of the day. This stop was about 40 miles into our 150 day.

This stop is where my Trip really went south for me personally, albeit I didn't let it effect me too much other than being the hobble monster the rest of the weekend. I slipped and fell (only first beer of the day) on some loose rock and learned later I broke my Fibula. The group ace bandaged my leg, gave me some pain killers and taped a bag of ice around my ankle and off we went.

Now on the move down hill headed East still, we crested the hill and encountered washboard where my ankle hurt like hell. Nothing to do but put my foot in it and haul ass. Luckily that was only 5 miles or so of washboard (looking back on it, the washboard was light compared to standard wash) We then hit a major graded dirt road with speeds excess of 60 mph. Leading has its disadvantages sometimes. We hit a jump that we checked up for not knowing how the lip and landing was. After catching a little air we quickly radioed back to the group "pin it and let it sail" I'm pretty sure Scott aired it out because we wouldn't stop talking about it for hours after. Now heading South into Searchlight we were still on pole line roads with speeds in excess of 50 mph when we hear on the radio another belt is gone. This was good for me because my ankle was killing me. I popped some more drugs and just sat in the car while the group diagnosed the problem. After sitting there about 5 min along came Boulder City PD in a jeep. His first statement to me was "why would you park in the middle of the trail?" I said sorry sir ill move. Before I finished my sentence he drove around me as I gave him the finger. Prick! Soon after the belt cover was off we realized that the belt was "fine" this is because they didn't have the EZ tool to change a Turbo S belt lol. We let all the belt temps cool a bit. Outside temp was 90+ at this point. I could feel the drugs kicking in so away we went. another 40 miles to Searchlight to go.

This part of the trip was hauling ass on powerline and gas line roads. We clicked off 40 miles in 55 min. That was hauling ass for the can am guys!!! lol We met the chase truck and got fuel in Searchlight yet again and relaxed for a bit too. I figured we were 100 miles still to go and it was only 11:30 am. Plenty of time left in the day. I knew that the next 20 miles would be hauling ass again downhill into Laughlin. We took another trail different from the same 20 miles up. This trail was tight with a ton of built in jumps. @LargeOrangeFont proceeded to take an alternate route and ended up in front of me lol ( that's only because we had a oncoming group of can am's ( they are always slowing people down)). After a quick break we resumed on our way to a tight slower section of the ride but the views were incredible!!! and the riding was even better. We were coming down the hill into Laughlin and could see the casino's and Lake Mohave and Katherines landing. This trail was mostly 10-20 mph and graded but still rough ish with the rocks. One of the best if not the best routes in the ride!! hands down!!!. We stopped atop a hill overlooking Laughlin and the river for a beer break and just enjoyed the views. Once rolling we ended down the mountain this time in another race course for Rage @ the river. I believe they are called "Moon Bumps" not as big as Primm but way more spread out. These threw you from side to side and and you floated some thus the name and feeling weightless like being on the moon. We then crossed the river where AZ's finest had the intersection closed down for some broken glass lol. We then ate lunch at Carl's Jr (it was disgusting BTW) and relaxed in the AC. At this point we had another 60 miles into the hotel to go and it was only 2:00 pm. We were still on track.

 

[wishiknew]

Question what do you do for security in hotels sent2trucks to Fresno last week stay at best western we had secondary locks so could not get in 2 of our trucks locks punched 6 other company’s trucks robbed

 

[Bpracing1127]

Question what do you do for security in hotels sent2trucks to Fresno last week stay at best western we had secondary locks so could not get in 2 of our trucks locks punched 6 other company’s trucks robbed

Primm was a bit a sketchy but some of the people who went had rooms over looking the rides. We removed as much as we could and cable locked them together. In kingman we parked in front of the walk in and I didn’t feel uncomfortable there at all.

 

[wishiknew]

Primm was a bit a sketchy but some of the people who went had rooms over looking the rides. We removed as much as we could and cable locked them together. In kingman we parked in front of the walk in and I didn’t feel uncomfortable there at all.

Thanks

 

[stephenkatsea]

Enjoying your report. FWIW - We had breakfast, with some reluctance, at the Denny’s in Searchlight a couple weeks ago. And surprisingly it was really very good. The place was well staffed, friendly, clean, both our breakfasts were correctly cooked and the service was very good. So much better than that McDonalds where we’ve stopped many times before. And actually not much more $$ than McDonalds. We’ll definitely be back.

 

[stephenkatsea]

Believe I saw a hand drawn layout of the run from Havasu to Alamo previously on this thread. It wasn’t GPS Lat/Lon way points. But, it was clear and gave a basic description. Can’t find it now. Was it deleted?

 

[Riley1]

Day 2 started out with waking up early and getting going for another 150 mile day. This time we were to head North out of Primm and then East then South into Searchlight for fuel. From Searchlight we would head south for a bit then East into Laughlin and continue East into Kingman for the night. As with day 1 most of this ride was not ridden by anyone in our group and would be totally new. Day 2 happens to be my favorite day in terms of riding. It was Epic!!!

we were to meet at McDonalds @ 8:00 am to get started for the day. After getting gas @ $5.42/gal and crappy McDonalds we were on our way. Something to note for about 15 miles we were directly heading into the sun and it was blinding in the morning. We were on a older part of the Battle at Primm course so it was rutted with lots of sharp rocks. I thought for sure we were to have another flat 15 miles into the ride, but as luck would have it we didn't. We continued on this time heading North in the direction of Boulder City, however would turn East well before that. During this trek we encountered the main Mint 400 course. For those of you who think a SXS is fast in Whoops, go here. We were at a crawl heading into the whoops going uphill. These are the Trophy Truck versions of SXS washboard. 40" tires and 1000 horsepower give you 3-4' high whoops spread out 4-6'. Some of them you could park a rzr or VW bug in them and you wouldn't even see. I bet some were 5-7' deep. Luckily this part was only about 15-20 miles. @riverroyal I bet you would have walked lol. We got on a pole line road where we passed a tweaker doing who knows what, but we were way out there at this point. Our group was extremely spread out. I would say over 10 miles. As leader, I could see that we were headed to a top of a mountain where we have full visibility and radio contact of the valley floor below where we just came from. I parked up there for our first stop of the day. This stop was about 40 miles into our 150 day. View attachment 1066041

This stop is where my Trip really went south for me personally, albeit I didn't let it effect me too much other than being the hobble monster the rest of the weekend. I slipped and fell (only first beer of the day) on some loose rock and learned later I broke my Fibula. The group ace bandaged my leg, gave me some pain killers and taped a bag of ice around my ankle and off we went.
View attachment 1066042 View attachment 1066043 View attachment 1066044 View attachment 1066045 View attachment 1066046 View attachment 1066047 View attachment 1066048 View attachment 1066049 View attachment 1066050
Now on the move down hill headed East still, we crested the hill and encountered washboard where my ankle hurt like hell. Nothing to do but put my foot in it and haul ass. Luckily that was only 5 miles or so of washboard (looking back on it, the washboard was light compared to standard wash) We then hit a major graded dirt road with speeds excess of 60 mph. Leading has its disadvantages sometimes. We hit a jump that we checked up for not knowing how the lip and landing was. After catching a little air we quickly radioed back to the group "pin it and let it sail" I'm pretty sure Scott aired it out because we wouldn't stop talking about it for hours after. Now heading South into Searchlight we were still on pole line roads with speeds in excess of 50 mph when we hear on the radio another belt is gone. This was good for me because my ankle was killing me. I popped some more drugs and just sat in the car while the group diagnosed the problem. After sitting there about 5 min along came Boulder City PD in a jeep. His first statement to me was "why would you park in the middle of the trail?" I said sorry sir ill move. Before I finished my sentence he drove around me as I gave him the finger. Prick! Soon after the belt cover was off we realized that the belt was "fine" this is because they didn't have the EZ tool to change a Turbo S belt lol. We let all the belt temps cool a bit. Outside temp was 90+ at this point. I could feel the drugs kicking in so away we went. another 40 miles to Searchlight to go.
View attachment 1066052 View attachment 1066053
This part of the trip was hauling ass on powerline and gas line roads. We clicked off 40 miles in 55 min. That was hauling ass for the can am guys!!! lol We met the chase truck and got fuel in Searchlight yet again and relaxed for a bit too. I figured we were 100 miles still to go and it was only 11:30 am. Plenty of time left in the day. I knew that the next 20 miles would be hauling ass again downhill into Laughlin. We took another trail different from the same 20 miles up. This trail was tight with a ton of built in jumps. @LargeOrangeFont proceeded to take an alternate route and ended up in front of me lol ( that's only because we had a oncoming group of can am's ( they are always slowing people down)). After a quick break we resumed on our way to a tight slower section of the ride but the views were incredible!!! and the riding was even better. We were coming down the hill into Laughlin and could see the casino's and Lake Mohave and Katherines landing. This trail was mostly 10-20 mph and graded but still rough ish with the rocks. One of the best if not the best routes in the ride!! hands down!!!. We stopped atop a hill overlooking Laughlin and the river for a beer break and just enjoyed the views. Once rolling we ended down the mountain this time in another race course for Rage @ the river. I believe they are called "Moon Bumps" not as big as Primm but way more spread out. These threw you from side to side and and you floated some thus the name and feeling weightless like being on the moon. We then crossed the river where AZ's finest had the intersection closed down for some broken glass lol. We then ate lunch at Carl's Jr (it was disgusting BTW) and relaxed in the AC. At this point we had another 60 miles into the hotel to go and it was only 2:00 pm. We were still on track. View attachment 1066054

I’ve met and talked to our resident BC Wrangler cop quite a few times. Never has he given me a reason to flip him the bird.

Most people don’t know just how much of the desert above searchlight is Boulder City.

 

[stephenkatsea]

There’s a sign on 95 saying “Entering Boulder City” long before you approach the 11. It’s not far from the turnoff to Nelson. That must be one big friggin’ city limits.

 

[Riley1]

There’s a sign on 95 saying “Entering Boulder City” long before you approach the 11. It’s not far from the turnoff to Nelson. That must be one big friggin’ city limits.

Largest geographical city in Nevada.

And Closed!!!

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

No @Bpracing1127. Doug and I executed the pass BEFORE you hit oncoming traffic

That side trail was killer, we passed 3 cars over there

Great recap.

 

[DLC]

@Bpracing1127 must be slightly delusional due to the pain the the foot pain he has going on!
it was a good pass & the Funny thing is He had no idea we passed him!

And he’s lucky we stopped for refreshments !!

day 2 was the best day! I’m not going to say anything about the Secret Pass…..

 

[beerrun]

So wife and I really want to do this but don't have a car yet. What is the minimum the car would need to go on these trips? Spare tire race radio Spare belts. Is basically stock car able to do these trips ?

 

[beerrun]

I know where there is a 2015 4 seater built for these trips with everything but its a none turbo car can it keep up?

 

[Bpracing1127]

So wife and I really want to do this but don't have a car yet. What is the minimum the car would need to go on these trips? Spare tire race radio Spare belts. Is basically stock car able to do these trips ?

Stock car can do it, but your asking for trouble here. Radius rods and suspension work highly recommended for comfort and safety

 

[Ziggy]

Epic run...other than a 20mi rock section, and the last 5 miles, it was a blast.

Gonna make some tweaks but the next run is gonna be one you don't want to miss. I'm bringing a photographer next time.

@Mikes56 @LargeOrangeFont @Bpracing1127 @DLC thanks for joining!

@spark2678 I'd love for you guys to come again! Glad you made it through everything!

Just like Ashley said, Primm Valley Resort is an absolute SHITHOLE!!! I did clip them for $1,900 so I'm not that mad about it!



Base of Hualapai Mtns just outside of Yucca (Directly East). We are gonna ride from Havasu to Goldfish pond on Thanksgiving or New Years week.

We rode up from Yucca to the summit and were the first to sign the trailhead sign-in sheet new years 2021. Spent hours exploring the mine and goldfish pond.

100% Bitchen day.

 

[Ziggy]

I know where there is a 2015 4 seater built for these trips with everything but its a none turbo car can it keep up?

Absolutely it can and does.

 

[Bpracing1127]

day 2 continued.....

So leaving Bullhead and still heading west we picked up the AZ peace trail into Kingman. This is where secret pass is and even though Kingman is only 30 miles by road to Laughlin this part of the trip seemed to take forever. We got gas just outside of bullhead city and then hit the dirt. The riding around bullhead is exactly like Havasu so i felt really at home with the hills and washboard. Heading East with the sun behind our backs the daylight was shrinking but with 40 ish miles to go I felt confident we could easily make during the day light hours.

along this route we seemed to be able to get lost about 5 times in 5 min. There are a ton of splits and offshoots and its really easy to take the wrong turn. After making several circles we made it. Heading up the mountain the riding is technical and slow. This part of the trip we saw several "rock gardens" that required 4 low in order to navigate. The rocks were white and the dirt was also very light colored with the sun shadows it was very difficult to see, and I was leading!!. There seemed to be 0 wind so the dust behind me had to have been brutal and trying to see anything. I bet it was like driving in a fog. With my ankle pain starting to intensify I was "done" for the day and wanted to shower and sit on a nice comfy bed. Also with the amount of drugs and basically nothing to eat my stomach was in knots.

For those who haven't been Secret Pass is a small 7 mile offshoot of the main trail that is 4x4 heavy and a favorite for jeep dudes. We crested the hill for the "entry" part of Secret Pass and the group didn't sound committed so we continued on another couple miles to the point of no return to head into Secret Pass. As I radioed to the group last chance for Secret Pass I didn't get much of a reply. I asked my co-dawg he said "lets do it so you don't regret it lol." Making a right turn off the trail away we went. At first its seems like any other trail then it gets tighter and rockier. One thing to note, we were now headed West right into the Sun with 0 wind and what seemed like the worst dust of the trip so far. Leading it didn't effect me but I knew visibility was going to be a factor. It was also pushing 4pm at this point as well. We rode along until the more serious rock crawl sections. First one easy, second one we hit hard on the under side the chassis. No biggie its slow and I have some skid plates lol. We came around the turn and boom a 6' waterfall rock crawl. I eased up to it and going down wouldn't have been a problem but going back up might have been. I was thinking that if someone breaks an axle or something like that we will be there all night trying to fix it. So I pleaded my case with my ankle in mind and my stomach in knots and won. We turned around and off to the main trail we went. That 7 mile offshoot too us an hour to do. Luckily once on the main trail Kingman was in view and away we went. Now on graded dirt roads for the remote houses in Kingman we worked our way down to the highway so we could get to Route 66 to get to our hotel. Hauling ass on the graded dirt roads we had a radio call out that a can am was going into Limp Mode and was limited to 15 mph. After grouping back up at a liquor mart we called the chase truck to load him on the trailer so we could diagnose it later and see if he could continue for day 3 in the mountains.

 

[Bpracing1127]

Day 3 coming shortly (after lunch)


Sorry for the delays

 

[Mikes56]

So wife and I really want to do this but don't have a car yet. What is the minimum the car would need to go on these trips? Spare tire race radio Spare belts. Is basically stock car able to do these trips ?

A stock RZR or CanAm would be fine. If you have to slow down for the really rough stuff, who cares. It’s a fun trip, not a race. My car is a X3 Max with just the springs changed out because the stock ones were sagging. You definitely need a radio and intercom. Most of us had a GPS, and I was glad I had good lights. We hadn’t planned on using the lights, but after a couple of breakdowns, we didn’t get out of the sand wash until well after dark.

Im still using the stock wheels and tires that the car came with. I got two flats, both my fault, from hitting rocks when I was sightseeing instead of driving. Several friends have given me their wheels and tires when they upgraded. It doesn’t matter how many tires or wheels I damage because they were all free. A couple of years ago we did 1700 miles down the Baja Peninsula on stock wheels and tires. I got two flats on that trip too, both my fault that time too.

 

[beerrun]

A stock RZR or CanAm would be fine. If you have to slow down for the really rough stuff, who cares. It’s a fun trip, not a race. My car is a X3 Max with just the springs changed out because the stock ones were sagging. You definitely need a radio and intercom. Most of us had a GPS, and I was glad I had good lights. We hadn’t planned on using the lights, but after a couple of breakdowns, we didn’t get out of the sand wash until well after dark.

Im still using the stock wheels and tires that the car came with. I got two flats, both my fault, from hitting rocks when I was sightseeing instead of driving. Several friends have given me their wheels and tires when they upgraded. It doesn’t matter how many tires or wheels I damage because they were all free. A couple of years ago we did 1700 miles down the Baja Peninsula on stock wheels and tires. I got two flats on that trip too, both my fault that time too.

1700mi in baja? Horsepower ranch to cabo?

 

[Mikes56]

1700mi in baja? Horsepower ranch to cabo

San Diego border to Cabo, with Off The Grid Expeditions. It was epic!!!! My wife and I still talk about it. They are a great group to go to Baja with. The owner Conner leads and a mechanic follows. Most everyone was in a CanAm XRS X3. They have a car hauler that leapfrogs on the highway and meets you at the hotel most nights. We averaged 250 miles a day for 7 days, spent 3 days in a fancy hotel in Cabo while they transported the cars back to the border.

Off The Grid has a great website, check them out. We just saw Conner at the Sand Sports Super Show.

 

[beerrun]

San Diego border to Cabo, with Off The Grid Expeditions. It was epic!!!! My wife and I still talk about it. They are a great group to go to Baja with. The owner Conner leads and a mechanic follows. Most everyone was in a CanAm XRS X3. They have a car hauler that leapfrogs on the highway and meets you at the hotel most nights. We averaged 250 miles a day for 7 days, spent 3 days in a fancy hotel in Cabo while they transported the cars back to the border.

Off The Grid has a great website, check them out. We just saw Conner at the Sand Sports Super Show.

Thats way cool can I ask what kind of money that trip runs

 

[Mikes56]

With everything for the 11 days, including gas, food, first night hotel in San Diego, the Cabo resort, airfare from Cabo to Tijuana, and the Off The Grid fee, it was $10,500ish for the two of us. It was a lot of money, but worth every penny. We want to go again soon but life is getting in the way.

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

I know where there is a 2015 4 seater built for these trips with everything but its a none turbo car can it keep up?

Yep @Bpracing1127 and my car are both NA 4 seaters. As long as you keep it under 60 on non hardpack surfaces, it will run all day. If you start pushing hard above 60 MPH for 15+ mins straight in silt, or soft washes, you will burn up belts in an loaded up NA car. If you manage the throttle and belt temps the car is fine. The Turbo cars are actually better in this area and have better belt durability.

You need all the RZR durability mods like radius rods, HD clutch rollers, sway bar mount braces, better endlinks, upgraded suspension bushings, fresh ball joints, and a solid prep before the trip. You need all the tools to change a belt, axle, tires, etc.

You don’t have to go nuts with upgrades. My car still has all the stock arms, axles, tie rods and steering on it. I’d spend money on dialing in the suspension as mentioned because the XP1000 and XP turbo cars need it. Radios, GPS, and amber dust lights mounted low up front and an amber chase light are a must. Sun visors might be a good idea too.

If you are gonna run a helmet, get a blower setup.

Comfort is key on rides like this. You are gonna be in the car 7-10 hours a day. I got out of the car every day a little sore In the shoulders from my 5 point harnesses and that was it. @DLC rode with me and I believe he felt the same, just a little raw on the neck from the belts. I have 3” wide 5 point harnesses up front, a little wider than some are used to.

I even have the stock seats in my car with aftermarket lowered and reclined seat bases. I felt no real need to change the the seats after getting the suspension dialed in and changing the seating position for more comfort. Get an aftermarket steering wheel and space it out to where you like it if needed as well.

 

[DLC]

The NA 1000 cars are good to go and get GREAT mileage!! Some if the weak links need to get beefed up but EVERY car has something that needs to be upgraded.
the most important part is if you break something you need to have the ability to fix it, parts /bolts /tools or drive it until it stops running!

I had a great time riding shotgun W/ LOF! We kept our top speed about 55 and on a few occasions got up to 65. His car was comfortable and it didn’t beat you up at all. At the end of the day I didn’t feel worn out. We brought helmets in case we had excessive dust but we used our headsets and with the windshield your not all wind chapped/ burnt out at the end of the day.

On Thursday afternoon I discovered I had a crack in my transmission mount on my car (Can am max) so I became beer bitch!!
I’m glad I went, we all had a great time! Met some new friends !!

the 3inch shoulder belts chafed the neck a little bit, but the beers were cold! Sun was shining and the dust was thick!
lol

a few MUST haves are -
radios - intercom & car to car
GPS - mapping
parts gear/ tools / spare tire/ jack / tire plug kit & pump /inflator
amber chase light (rear facing yellow light). This makes following spotting / cars really easy
tow strap & connectors
Extra belts

 

[Englewood]

Like they said a stock car can make it with a few upgrades...However, I strongly recommend suspension upgrades first. It takes a ton of stress off of other parts.

The bare minimums like said above - Radios, GPS, Amber rear chase light, wheels/tires, etc. Out of 8 cars, none of us had a socket big enough to remove an axle. We do now, lol.

Tires: ITP, System 3, Toyo, BFG, Stock CanAm tires all had a flat. I'm switching to BFG KM3 but my ITP got a self-induced flat (had to do some off-trail recon). It's quite an accomplishment to finish that ride without a flat.

We're gonna make some tweaks and it's gonna be even better next year. The first week of November 2022...Mark your calendars, you won't regret it. I'm bringing a photographer next time also.

Our preliminary talks are:
Day 1 Havasu to Boulder City
Day 2 Boulder City - Hoover Dam - AZ side of Lake Mohave to Kingman
Day 3 Kingman - Hualapai Mtns - Havasu

 

[Racey]

Like they said a stock car can make it with a few upgrades...However, I strongly recommend suspension upgrades first. It takes a ton of stress off of other parts.

The bare minimums like said above - Radios, GPS, Amber rear chase light, wheels/tires, etc. Out of 8 cars, none of us had a socket big enough to remove an axle. We do now, lol.

Tires: ITP, System 3, Toyo, BFG, Stock CanAm tires all had a flat. I'm switching to BFG KM3 but my ITP got a self-induced flat (had to do some off-trail recon). It's quite an accomplishment to finish that ride without a flat.

We're gonna make some tweaks and it's gonna be even better next year. The first week of November 2022...Mark your calendars, you won't regret it. I'm bringing a photographer next time also.

Our preliminary talks are:
Day 1 Havasu to Boulder City
Day 2 Boulder City - Hoover Dam - AZ side of Lake Mohave to Kingman
Day 3 Kingman - Hualapai Mtns - Havasu

Crossing Hoover dam will be problematic in a UTV just as a heads up. The big bridge is Interstate-11, and the dam itself no longer has complete road access to the AZ side (road has been abandoned and barricaded on the AZ side) not to mention you have to go through a security check.

You would be better doing boulder to Laughlin via Christmas Tree Pass and then going up through Oatman.

This is a cool spot out behind stateline that we rode out to a couple weeks ago:

Just got home yesterday from a 3 day ride Parker to Yuma on the AZ side, stayed 2 nights Rode the CA side the middle day, then Yuma to Parker the CA side.

19 cars

 

[Mikes56]

Anywhere but the Primm! We’re lucky all of our cars were there in the morning.

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

Anywhere but the Primm! We’re lucky all of our cars were there in the morning.

I think Boulder City would work out great. It is a easy switch mileage wise from Primm.

Also we could skip the rock crawl to Wikiup and either stay in the valley to get to Wikiup, or the chase truck could meet us in Yucca with some fuel jugs to help those running low on fuel. Some of that Wikiup ride was fun, but we didn't need to do the 20 mile rock crawl.

We could have made it to Alamo lake and back home with the time saved had we stayed in the valley going to Wikiup and not gone back up in the mountains.

 

[Bpracing1127]

Version 2 is still in the works

 

[DLC]

Anywhere but the Primm! We’re lucky all of our cars were there in the morning.

I think my credit card got hacked!! Thanks Tow-mas!!

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

I think my credit card got hacked!! Thanks Tow-mas!!

Seriously?

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

Annnnnd we’re back.

 

[DLC]

We need to plan a AZPT - RDP trip!

arizona 800! Start in Yuma or Havasu…. Make the Loop!

 

[Bpracing1127]

Here is a video