17-days in Utah

12-16-2010, 01:04 PM

Hello all,

Heading out Dec 23rd for 17-days to Utah for a holiday Jeep run that focuses on “recovery”, getting unstuck.
http://bb4wa.com/

I will be staying in Cedar City, Moab and Zion. Returning Jan 8th.
The real “goal” of this trip is the Jeep run. It is a well known event in the Jeep community but I can see this year the forecast weather is setting up to be a challenge.

Bottom-line I will be spending about 17 days in the TM in full hookup parks in what looks like rain/snow and freezing temps, sometimes around the clock. My biggest concern is snow build up on the roof and freezing issues. I think I have ways to deal with those issues and time will tell.

I have camped in my 2619 in both extreme hot and fairly cold, one time with an overnight snowfall but nothing like the conditions that I see forecast. I think this trip should be a good test of the TM in such conditions for multiple days.

I will most likely post to the forum during the trip with some images and status.

Cheers!

OneMoBear · 12-16-2010, 03:08 PM

I would strongly suggest a space heater. We have been fine in single digits but were happy to have the additional heat and quiet.

Malinda

12-16-2010, 03:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OneMoBear

I would strongly suggest a space heater. We have been fine in single digits but were happy to have the additional heat and quiet.

Malinda

Thanks Malinda!

I have two 1500w heaters. One with a fan and one oil filled radiator. I hope they help enough to reduce the use of my gas furnace. I am also bringing a good extension cord to run under the TM vinyl seal to the RV park power panel, keeping one heater off the TMs breakers.

This is a longer trip (time wise) compared to what I normally do and most likely in the worst conditions I have ever camped in. I figured while I am there I should spend some time to relax and enjoy the TM in such great locations like Zion. A little snow can really transform places in visually stunning ways.

The biggest problem by far would be a multi-day power outage. That is one reason I bit the bullet and invested in some solar panels. I realize stormy weather isn't ideal for solar power, but it could make a difference as long as there was some sun time or diffused overcast. I tend to overdue it on safety and having backups but feel it's well worth it when times arise that make them useful.

It should be an interesting adventure to say the least.

Thanks again

Barb&Tim · 12-16-2010, 04:31 PM

Have a safe trip Mr Geek! I will be looking forward to reading about your adventures

Tim

12-16-2010, 06:07 PM

I wouldn't be real concerned while camping, sounds like you are prepared, I would be more worried about towing on nasty roads. Hopefully you won't have to deal with bad roads. Have fun, I love camping in Utah (usually around Moab) so I'm jealous!

12-16-2010, 06:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Redhawk

I wouldn't be real concerned while camping, sounds like you are prepared, I would be more worried about towing on nasty roads. Hopefully you won't have to deal with bad roads. Have fun, I love camping in Utah (usually around Moab) so I'm jealous!

I agree, that's a big concern. I am basically driving short distances and staying multiple days in Cedar City, Moab and Zion each. I won't risk it, if things are bad I will sit and enjoy my TM, appreciating it's hard walls and creature comforts. If I miss the Jeep ride, that's fine.

If chains are needed I won't be towing. I have them but only to get out of trouble.

I completely agree about the Moab area, it's magic in so many ways. I usually go in October for the Jeep Jamboree, fall leaves and maybe a nice snowfall or a good rain to darken the rocks really bring the beauty out of the place. This trip will be in the dead of winter with some healthy weather systems forecast to pass through. I enjoy stormy weather so this is a plus to me BUT safety comes first. I don't like towing in the rain, let alone the snow or icy roads...we will see.

Also, nice photo of Delicate Arch (I think) in your Avatar!

I usually spend more time with a camera in my face in Utah, so I am sure I will be posting a few throughout this trip.

Mr Geek.

12-18-2010, 08:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr Geek

. I enjoy stormy weather so this is a plus to me BUT safety comes first.
Also, nice photo of Delicate Arch (I think) in your Avatar!

I usually spend more time with a camera in my face in Utah, so I am sure I will be posting a few throughout this trip.

Mr Geek.

Thanks, it is Delicate Arch. Some of my best ATV rides have been in Moab in nasty weather....the Red Rocks are stunning with snow on them.

Enjoy your trip and keep us updated. I'm STILL jealous. LOL

countrygirl · 12-16-2010, 06:12 PM

I am looking forward to also reading about your adventure! I am jealous every time I see the photo of you Rubicon and TM. I also drive a Rubicon and know I cannot tow my 3124KS with it. But it is always cool to see your pic.

12-16-2010, 06:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by countrygirl

I am looking forward to also reading about your adventure! I am jealous every time I see the photo of you Rubicon and TM. I also drive a Rubicon and know I cannot tow my 3124KS with it. But it is always cool to see your pic.

Ah a Jeep girl, very nice and nice Jeep too! It's hard to go wrong with a Rubicon for all things Jeeps do.

Another person I used to work with who also goes on these Jeep runs tows his Jeep with a big diesel pusher. I wouldn't mind doing that but going that route adds a lot of $$$ I just don't have.

So I did it the other way around, towing an RV with my Jeep. The 2005 Unlimted has a longer wheelbase which raised the TC to 3500. Overall I am very pleased with the Jeep and RV combination. My Jeep works hard, like a little locomotive in towing the 2619, works its butt off, but well within it capabilities. I have found Jeeps are very strong vehicles and my 2005 has really earned my respect over the years. I try to be smart with transmission use, braking and all and I am so thankful to have found the TM 2619 matches up so well with my Jeep.

I like your setup a lot, a nice powerful TV and nice big 3124KS. I don't imagine you have much trouble towing with your rig and you must have tons of room in your TM. Having the 4 x 4 must be nice once you get to where you camp. I considered all my options with the requirement that I had my Jeep with me when I got to where I was going. It really came down to two options. Spends lots of $$$ on an RV that will tow my Jeep or find a lightweight TT I could tow. After some research I found Trailmanor and the rest is history. My Jeep is not the best TV, but has worked out better than I expected, it's a real workhorse and handles great while towing, very stable, straight and true.

Bottom-line I truly enjoy my TM and all it makes possible. From reading through this forum it seems most people feel the same way about their TMs. I hope to be using mine for years to come.

Bob.

scrubjaysnest · 12-17-2010, 05:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr Geek

So I did it the other way around, towing an RV with my Jeep. The 2005 Unlimted has a longer wheelbase which raised the TC to 3500. Overall I am very pleased with the Jeep and RV combination. My Jeep works hard, like a little locomotive in towing the 2619, works its butt off, but well within it capabilities. I have found Jeeps are very strong vehicles and my 2005 has really earned my respect over the years. I try to be smart with transmission use, braking and all and I am so thankful to have found the TM 2619 matches up so well with my Jeep.

Bob.

Glad to see this set up works. The only thing we use the '90 YJ for is to move the TM around in the yard. Jeep used to have a 25 square foot frontal area limitation besides the TC rating. They still have that?

Ken