Our Offroad Heaven family compound & Tiny home builds

[brgrcru]

You know Bob Kerz and group out at JV.

 

[WhatExit?]

When you get out there each time do you go through each container and “clear it” to ensure there aren’t any uninvited “guests?”

 

[Deckin Around]

What does the rolled berm do? Erosion control, wind break?

It causes the Lucerne Valley Tweakers to roll their 1996 Ford Exploder tweakermobiles as they approach the property to try and steal anything made of metal.

Ding Ding Ding-AND FIREWOOD! It's kind of a thing to do there. #respecttheberm. Fences are expensive and this is an easy way to clearly mark your area and keep traffic from riding by or driving right up to your house. It won't keep people or ATV's out, but a 4' berm will stop most vehicles and cause them to have to cut a gate lock. I currently have (3) openings in the berm with 12' chain link gates but now that we have the wood fence done also.

I see your adjacent to BLM land. I am curious what are the rules or restrictions on riding on public land? ( in any) The reason I ask is there are extensive restrictions on forest service land here in Eldorado county. We can only ride on labeled roads of which the majority are not. Plus extensive seasonal closures

JV has always been an unregulated place on our end of the valley. No rules or restrictions about going off trails or vehicle speed. The green bushes (Creosotes) are considered weeds so there isn't any plants to protect. That's also why there are no grading permits required there for clearing. I have seen 1 small turtle in 38 years. JV gets a little less rain that surrounding areas and doesn't have as much wildlife and no Yucca/Joshua trees.

BLM Rules for JV

• Camping is allowed anywhere within the riding area that does not block travel on a road; limited to a 14 day stay.
• Draining of holding tanks, littering and trash dumping is prohibited. Pack It In, Pack It Out!
• All vehicles must have a muffler or spark arrester and must be registered, either with a license tag or a California "green sticker" OHV registration (CA. Residents only),
• Vehicles being operated at night must have head and tail lights.
• Helmets are required on all ATVs! Also, there are no passengers allowed on ATVs.
• The desert tortoise is a federally protected species. Please do not handle or disturb these animals; Look but don't Touch!
• It is illegal to damage or destroy archeological sites or remove artifacts.

There is NO enforcement there other than KOH week. KOH week is just like Havasu on a holiday with the Havasu PD, sheriffs, Indian cops, coast guard etc...... EVERY law enforcement agency will be there. CHP, SBSO, Forest Rangers, BLM Rangers, National Guard, fuckin GI-Jo's and Storm troopers I'm sure. The marines are out in force along their border too. KOH is the 2nd biggest land use permit in the country only second to burning man.

How long to Slash X?

45ish miles each way depending on the route. It's not time but a gas issue for most toys. We are basically in the farthest part of JV from Slash X. There are a few good cafes to ride to back toward Landers and then in Pionertown

That grey trailer in the posted pics looks very nice. Glad I took that off your hands

Tell us more about this KOH RDP event?

ROB!!! If you ever sell it call me first. If I had no kids, I might have kept that trailer forever, it was so perfect for our jeep. It i$ now turning into tiny home$. I saw that you got a beautiful new tow rig and it looks like you are enjoying it. KOH is coming fast. I think I can get you pre-approved with our HOA

So your compund is with the Brenthels? I have been friends with jonathan and jordan for years, i was gonna stop by there and check it out new years weekend but never made it over there

Well, I figured some people would know them but I don't usually post names or face pics of other peeps even though they have almost 90,000 insta followers. I've known Jonathan since we were kids, wives are besties, in each other's weddings etc. etc. If you ask J or J, they will tell you that I am the reason they are in the offroad industry at all. That is my 1 claim to fame, or sometimes claim for them to blame. I'm not sure anyone is more proud of their success.

Since I am posting pics, I help out with parking on the property sometimes too

Fun starts at 15sec

Bubba Rope Kinetic energy so you can get a moving start

When you get out there each time do you go through each container and “clear it” to ensure there aren’t any uninvited “guests?”

I don't risk it, we just toss in a flash-bang tear gas grenade every time j/k
Really I just drive around the containers and see if any doors or windows have been tampered with. The game cameras alert me to movement around the containers also so I should know if someone is/has been inside our berm area around the containers.

 

[j21black]

Isn't this similar to how the Branch Davidians got their start?

Just kidding man - Terrific idea and nice work! I have a 20' out back I am trying to decide what to do with.

 

[69hondo]

This is an awesome thread. I am out riding in Johnson valley quite a bit.

 

[Lavey5150]

Love JV.What an incredible opportunity you have created w/ that compound.Congrats!

 

[LakeBeard]

So cool!

 

[HB2LHC]

This is so cool.

 

[DrunkenSailor]

A little early but this is going to have a strong chance as thread of the year.

 

[outboard_256]

nice, I would love to setup something up like this. Came close a few times at cal city but just to hard to to by myself and my friends are too flaky for a long term venture like this. How close are you to laser town, been following those guys and they are doing a lot of work on their compound. I'll be out at KOH cruising around.

 

[Deckin Around]

You know Bob Kerz and group out at JV.

Yep One of the Neighbors about a mile from my parents place. I haven't been around much over there other than the T-Day poker runs but My cousin Thomas rides with "Beer-Bob" regularly.

Thanks for sharing your build. I have known and wheeled with Cody for years and have watched your build from afar. Neat what is being done out there.

Cody's Place the Lasernut Compound has been getting some big improvements. The pond and trees are bitchen
This is a neighbor Cody's property he calls Lasertown. Cody is a KOH racer.

Isn't this similar to how the Branch Davidians got their start?

I keep telling people I am the only true messiah but so far no good.

How close are you to laser town, been following those guys and they are doing a lot of work on their compound. I'll be out at KOH cruising around.

He is right on the dry lake. We call that the dustbowl
Cody is the green deal left center and the very start of Hammertown building is in the center right over the jeep

Hammertown gets a little bigger than that. This was 2016, it's definitely bigger now

This is every jeep ride

 

[LAVEYNICK]

Place looks badass. We camp there right off of Boone Rd. We love it and will be out this weekend.

 

[sintax]

This is every jeep ride

Thats exactly why I had to park my jeep, its a snooooooooze fest.

I just enjoy the dirt bikes I guess.

 

[Meaney77]

This is a GREAT Thread!!

 

[Meaney77]

We were camped out there off Ghost rode over Thanksgivng in 2014 - I remember you posted something about it here and I think that was your 1st poker run. I remember seeing a huge group of people and also the Tommys Truck.

To give everyone an idea how big “ giant rock” is...

 

[LAVEYNICK]

Dam that laser town place was blowing up some heavy shit sunday night. Any idea what it was?

 

[outboard_256]

Dam that laser town place was blowing up some heavy shit sunday night. Any idea what it was?

I think it was their daughters bday.

 

[Deckin Around]

Dam that laser town place was blowing up some heavy shit sunday night. Any idea what it was?

Tannerite https://tannerite.com/ ...A lot at a time


Another Awesome RDP member Marcus (YZ450mm) came to visit yesterday to help move some sand with his shiny new rig. He got a bunch of the old kids track berms out and the area flattened for more rigs. We have space so it isn't going to be a big deal for KOH but it basically connects our two cleared areas. Marcus we will see you at KOH if I don't see you when you are back before then

I took advantage of another day trip and brought some more new and old cabinets and finally cleaned a bunch of metal Fab and paint trash out.
Keep in mind this is all before wall panels and the inset insulation

There will be a bunch of these queen bunk beds in the containers

Coyote vs Chevy on the way home now a slight biohazard situation on the trailer

 

[MohavValley]

Very cool, hope your kids enjoy growing up out there as much as you did.

 

[HNL2LHC]

Amazing project you have going there. That is such a great place for the families to enjoy. I know my wife has fond memories of having this type of property available through her childhood years.

 

[Cole Trickle]

awesome place!

 

[Cole Trickle]

Any updates a year later?

 

[Singleton]

Any updates a year later?

josh is most likely @ Hammers.
Might get some updates next week. He built a track for his kids to race last I saw

 

[RiverDave]

So Then and most recently: The cleared compound we had was not big enough for everyone + friends with all the trucks, trailers and toys..... not even close.
One of my best buds and fellow owner builds offroad race trucks/cars and is actually one of the 30 drivers picked to race in the new King of the hammers Trophy Truck race next month for $100k. He and his brother and their team have some sick rigs and travel all over the US and Mex so they are not going the container home route at this point.
Enter Phase 2 land clearing and RV setups they are expanding for their customers/team/family. This was done last month in preparation for KOH.

To be continued.

King of the Hammers is less than a month away Feb 1-9.
I have been trying to get RD out to Johnson valley for years and well,,, RD Sux. DAVE! KOH, just guys and no kids, bring the beer wagon- Just DooooooIt

I’ll come out next year for the weekend.. I promise. Maybe I can get out there before it gets too hot.

 

[Bpracing1127]

I’m going to Johnson valley Presidents’ Day weekend

 

[yz450mm]

KOH weekend 2020

Sent from my SM-G975U using Tapatalk

 

[Deckin Around]

Any updates a year later?

Not really much you can see. I need to take more pics. We have functional toilets, a sink and heat so I sold our toyhauler and we have spent many nights there already. Most trips have been with family not working. The time I have out there working has mainly been spent on the infrastructure; A Battery bank and power inverter with backup generator and fuel cell, electrical panel + all interior/exterior wiring, water pump, electric/propane hot water heater, all interior & exterior water lines, gas lines, wall heaters.
I have all my appliances, most cabinets but need to finish my insulation and wall panels to install the kitchen. 250 propane tank coming

The whole 40 acres now has either a 6' berm or 6' fence on all sides. The second compound parking area has all it's hookups and berms done and the partners had a few awesome tracks made for kids and adults.

Hammertown view on Wednesday before the maddness. You can see the cantilever pully and my basket I built with a 2000lb winch to haul stuff upstairs. Like a dumwaiter

"Superbloom" was amazing this past year with all the rain, The whole valley was purple and yellow

Took my little buddy to Chocolate Thunder the first weekend of KOH... might not do that again until he's 25 lol

He drove the entire 45 mile Thanksgiving Weekend poker run alone in his RZR170 and won the trophy for youngest driver at 6years old.... proud dad

 

[Deckin Around]

Dafuck is this stuff?

The rides up Rattlesnake Canyon down to Pioneer town were epic for New Years

Standard bonfire with a tee-pee filled with 25 Christmas trees (Free trees at home depot and Lowes after Christmas)

some trenching

Standup shower 3x3 added to the bathroom upstairs

Concrete porches

Battery Bank and Inverter that I wired 24v without killing myself.. That is Fire rated plywood- yes that is really a thing.

Some Plumbing started for the upstairs and a metal stud ceiling track going in to cover the pipes and wires and install insulation. That is all completed now with studs 16"oc on both levels for the ceiling. I still maintain an 8' ceiling

Cool KOH view last week, we are top right-ish

 

[Meaney77]

Pretty awesome set up you guys have out there!!

 

[WhatExit?]

Fun to read about and see what you've built out in the desert. I can't help but think about how some a-hole tweakers or others and what they might do the place. Since I assume you don't have someone there 24/7/365, how do you keep the place and all you've built secure? (Last thing I want to read is another, "Thieves suck" or "tweakers suck" thread.

 

[jetboatperformance]

Great thread love the creativity and ingenuity

 

[rivermobster]

First time seeing this thread. Very cool!!

 

[Brobee]

Not really much you can see. I need to take more pics. We have functional toilets, a sink and heat so I sold our toyhauler and we have spent many nights there already. Most trips have been with family not working. The time I have out there working has mainly been spent on the infrastructure; A Battery bank and power inverter with backup generator and fuel cell, electrical panel + all interior/exterior wiring, water pump, electric/propane hot water heater, all interior & exterior water lines, gas lines, wall heaters.
I have all my appliances, most cabinets but need to finish my insulation and wall panels to install the kitchen. 250 propane tank coming

The whole 40 acres now has either a 6' berm or 6' fence on all sides. The second compound parking area has all it's hookups and berms done and the partners had a few awesome tracks made for kids and adults.

View attachment 843509
View attachment 843545
View attachment 843546
View attachment 843547



Hammertown view on Wednesday before the maddness. You can see the cantilever pully and my basket I built with a 2000lb winch to haul stuff upstairs. Like a dumwaiter
View attachment 843519

"Superbloom" was amazing this past year with all the rain, The whole valley was purple and yellow

View attachment 843520

Took my little buddy to Chocolate Thunder the first weekend of KOH... might not do that again until he's 25 lol
View attachment 843521

He drove the entire 45 mile Thanksgiving Weekend poker run alone in his RZR170 and won the trophy for youngest driver.... proud dad
View attachment 843522

Sorry to hijack the thread, but what kind of wheels and tires are on your sons 170? I have a pretty close clone and want to change from the kind of blingy ones on there now to something a little more functional. Feel free to pm me to keep this thread on track. Thank you.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Spudsbud]

Very impressive Sir. Please keep posting. I'm green with envy for your kids!

 

[Deckin Around]

I’ll come out next year for the weekend.. I promise. Maybe I can get out there before it gets too hot

Riiiiiiiiiiiiiight, I won't hold my breath. You live in Havasu......in the desert..... but 2 weeks ago you told me Johnson Valley is too cold, now it might be too Hot?? You're gettin soft Dave. I'm calling you out for an RDP KOH 2021 meetup. I was only there for 2 days this year otherwise I would have been open to allowing any of the members in to camp.

Sorry to hijack the thread, but what kind of wheels and tires are on your sons 170?

The racing kids run a thinner rear tire to help turning so the car doesnt push forward through the turn as much. They work fine that way in the soft sand. We run
4/110 lug pattern Douglas .190 Wheel 8X8 front and rear (stock is a 8x10 rear , 3.0 + 5.0 backspacing (not great but it's basically all that is available in lighter weight wheels). We run 2" spacers front and rear and the wheels flipped in the back to match the stock track width but with thinner tires. That puts the valve stem on the inner side of the wheel

Fun to read about and see what you've built out in the desert. I can't help but think about how some a-hole tweakers or others and what they might do the place. Since I assume you don't have someone there 24/7/365, how do you keep the place and all you've built secure? (Last thing I want to read is another, "Thieves suck" or "tweakers suck" thread.

See post #32 but we do have wifi cameras and 50 db alarms now


I forgot we have flooring now too but no good pics

 

[EmpirE231]

Cool compound!
I wish there was land like this available in Glamis

 

[Luvnlife]

Great compound. Where did you get your containers from. I’m pricing out a 45’ high cube right now. Thanks

 

[Looking Glass]

nice, I would love to setup something up like this. Came close a few times at cal city but just to hard to to by myself and my friends are too flaky for a long term venture like this. How close are you to laser town, been following those guys and they are doing a lot of work on their compound. I'll be out at KOH cruising around.

Friends= Flaky

 

[franky]

Your story provides me awesome motivation. Just finished my solar. I will grab a pic tomorrow

 

[NicPaus]

Great compound. Where did you get your containers from. I’m pricing out a 45’ high cube right now. Thanks

Same here. $2350 for best quality and $1150 delivery to Parker. They have 3 grades of quality located in Wilmington. Was going to drop by and compare the A B C quality difference.

 

[franky]

Same here. $2350 for best quality and $1150 delivery to Parker. They have 3 grades of quality located in Wilmington. Was going to drop by and compare the A B C quality difference.

If "best quality" is a single trip box then that is a SMOKING deal. I will take two. I am guessing that it is just "wind and rain tight" but still pretty good deal. The $1150 has to be a rusty clapped out box. I just paid $2600 for a 20' (my utility bldg) single trip box delivered to Havasu but it is literally like a brand new box.

 

[franky]

Deckin Around, how are you charging the batteries? I didn't see a solar controller....

 

[coolchange]

Cool thread. I've also thought about making a compound. Here's my idea, don't laugh until you thought about it for a minute.
A sailboat.
Remove all the rigging.
Then bury it up to the deck.
Majority of the hull would be surrounded by 65 degree Earth. you could set it up so you almost couldn't see it until you were right on top of it. Everything you need for a long weekend it's built into the boat.
You can get yacht size sailboats for free, just got to figure out how to get it moved.

 

[NicPaus]

If "best quality" is a single trip box then that is a SMOKING deal. I will take two. I am guessing that it is just "wind and rain tight" but still pretty good deal. The $1150 has to be a rusty clapped out box. I just paid $2600 for a 20' (my utility bldg) single trip box delivered to Havasu but it is literally like a brand new box.

I was going to drive by there and check them out in person.

 

[HBCraig]

Is this in the eastern side of Johnson Valley?

Sweet setup dude

 

[RiverDave]

Your story provides me awesome motivation. Just finished my solar. I will grab a pic tomorrow View attachment 850474 View attachment 850475

Franky that looks amazing!! I'm guessing that's north east Havasu?

RD

 

[RiverDave]

Cool thread. I've also thought about making a compound. Here's my idea, don't laugh until you thought about it for a minute.
A sailboat.
Remove all the rigging.
Then bury it up to the deck.
Majority of the hull would be surrounded by 65 degree Earth. you could set it up so you almost couldn't see it until you were right on top of it. Everything you need for a long weekend it's built into the boat.
You can get yacht size sailboats for free, just got to figure out how to get it moved.

What do you do about sewage?

RD

 

[Ivan Dan]

Josh.....the new setup is so badass!

 

[rivrrts429]

What do you do about sewage?

RD

Toss it overboard lol

 

[franky]

Franky that looks amazing!! I'm guessing that's north east Havasu?

RD

Window Rock area behind the Seventh Sister