Monument Valley Utah

Tiger4x4RV wrote:
My Tiger is not lifted. Just stock Chevy Silverado. I liked that it is not has high off the ground as a stock Ford and that I do not need any slippery shin-banging foot stepper thingys to get into the cab.

No mechanical lift (that raises the body with respect to the frame) in a 4X4 is what I prefer too.

The kind of lift I prefer in a 4X4 is the lift that comes with larger diameter tires - only. This lifts everything low on the vehicle for improved ground clearance ... including differentials and suspension components ... but does not shift upwards as much the center of gravity and cab step up heights.

garyhaupt wrote:
Phil...I don't really know if a lift kit is an absolute requirement for a 4x4. I don't think Scotty's are lifted. Mine was done to suit the original owner. A miner. And in truth..I like it. Takes the worry out of getting close to things on the ground. I used to use it as a girl-friend tester...

Plus, one can get those cute foot steppers uppers put on.


Gary Haupt

My Tiger is not lifted. Just stock Chevy Silverado. I liked that it is not has high off the ground as a stock Ford and that I do not need any slippery shin-banging foot stepper thingys to get into the cab.

I have driven VOG twice, Moki Dugway once. No clearance problems.

pnichols wrote:

bka0721 wrote:
With this, comes the decision in how far your basecamp can be taken off road. Don’t make the mistake that many do, and their videos are on YouTube.

What are your thoughts on using one of these in the Southwest for exploring away from a basecamp (we're rockhounds)? Overkill? Too slow? Etc.? Traction with this 2X2 motorcycle would obviously be off the charts:

http://www.rokon.com/

I'm wondering about carrying one of these on the front of our 24 foot E450 Class C for riding double with myself and the DW, as we hate towiing, and I don't want any weight leveraged off the rear.

There has been some discussion on these bikes, in the different forums. One of the people to talk with, is a poster named; DJ. You can find him in the Truck Forum or do a search and send him a PM.

The big issue I woiuld have, is the weight on the front of your vehicle and having a hitch and carrier stout and safe enought to carry it. While the bike will do what you wish, you might need to go from 2 up, to 1 up, on many hills, but that would not discourage me. But if you were to pull a trailer I would go with a sidebyside.

This is the reason I carry two different types of dirt bikes, so I can attack different terrain.

b

bka0721 wrote:
With this, comes the decision in how far your basecamp can be taken off road. Don’t make the mistake that many do, and their videos are on YouTube.

What are your thoughts on using one of these in the Southwest for exploring away from a basecamp (we're rockhounds)? Overkill? Too slow? Etc.? Traction with this 2X2 motorcycle would obviously be off the charts:

http://www.rokon.com/

I'm wondering about carrying one of these on the front of our 24 foot E450 Class C for riding double with myself and the DW, as we hate towiing, and I don't want any weight leveraged off the rear.

Phil...I don't really know if a lift kit is an absolute requirement for a 4x4. I don't think Scotty's are lifted. Mine was done to suit the original owner. A miner. And in truth..I like it. Takes the worry out of getting close to things on the ground. I used to use it as a girl-friend tester...

Plus, one can get those cute foot steppers uppers put on.


Gary Haupt

The Valley of the Gods, Moki Dugway, trails down to the San Juan River, Natural Bridges and the many back roads to Moab all is a wonderland to explore. When I visit, I just bring what I need to enjoy the area in so many ways, whether hiking, mnt biking, motorcycle riding, paddling and star gazing and just reading a book. All can be done without the crowds or hum of nearby campers and their generators. With this, comes the decision in how far your basecamp can be taken off road. Don’t make the mistake that many do, and their videos are on YouTube.



One of many basecamps in the VOG




One of the many things I bring to explore southern Utah and the VOG

b

Here's a typical view out our motorhome's window while driving the valley floor loop in Monument Valley:

profdant139 wrote:
Yes, 2Gypsies is (are??) right -- Goosenecks would be a disappointment if you are hoping for lots of neighbors to talk to -- it can get kind of lonely out there. That is my trailer hunkered down on the edge of the cliff, a long way from anything else:

Our kind of boondocking!

rv2go wrote:
Gooseneck State Park. Just down the road a bit.

I second that! That's on our bucket list - to boondock here! Fabulous views all around.

thanks for the tips and that's a GORGEOUS PICTURE!!

bka0721 wrote:



I concur with many here, don’t go into the Valley of the Gods, pulling a trailer the length you pull.

This is a good way to scrape off your steps or dump pipes. There are many locations with areas that you will be high centered on, like pictured above, will be difficult to negotiate without dropping a wheel, or two, on the trailer. Then you have a water crossing at the north end. If you want, come in from the west end, but would have a difficult time turning around and heading back out the west side (Moki Dugway side).

Goosenecks is a beautiful area, but it is a campground and a fee for using this area. But, there is great possibilities for you to find here. Since you asked for boondocking locations, I tend not to recommend campgrounds in a Boondocking forum.

Just like with my rig, I know when to stop and not go any further, I suspect you are the same. There are many locations in and around the Monument Valley area. But be aware this is Indian Nation and many locations are heavily restricted. The best thing to do, is just ask. Stop in Monument Valley and check for additional locations. There is a spot, I use every time pass through, just 5 miles north of the prime viewing area. But you would not be able to get back there, pulling a trailer your size. This is a location that is often used for staging movie companies, while in the area for filming. I found out about it just by talking to one of the crew, one day.

Have fun and it is a place not to be missed!

b