Death Valley: January 2013

[trump]

Nice pics and trip! We're looking to do this at the end of March. Looks like everyone made it through Mengal/Steel pass which I presume was the most challenging section of the trip?

BTW, any specs/info on the 4Runner.

Mengel pass was the most difficult part of the trip; however, still pretty mild. Mike could tell you a fullsize with a four-wheel camper adds to the difficulty... That said, It still was no problem for him.

Mitch's 4runner can be found here:

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=57039

 

[ExpoMike]

For those who would like to see our full size going through Mengal Pass, here's the video the Lrypa took (I merged all 5 clips into one).

 

[xjaugie]

Nice job working that full size Dodge through the pass. Thought for sure he was going to high center at one point toward the end. Looks like a great trip. I need to get my East Coast butt back out there.

 

[Dave Bennett]

We had about 3 inches of clearance between rock and sheetmetal there at the end. It was close but no problem. Great example of driver/spotter teamwork navigating successive obstacles.

 

[2025 deleted member]

Nice pics

 

[stioc]

Mengel pass was the most difficult part of the trip; however, still pretty mild. Mike could tell you a fullsize with a four-wheel camper adds to the difficulty... That said, It still was no problem for him.

Mitch's 4runner can be found here:

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=57039

Thank you! I appreciate the info.

For those who would like to see our full size going through Mengal Pass, here's the video the Lrypa took (I merged all 5 clips into one).

Great job getting the full sized Dodge through there!

 

[ExpoMike]

We had about 3 inches of clearance between rock and sheetmetal there at the end. It was close but no problem. Great example of driver/spotter teamwork navigating successive obstacles.

Yep! I trust Dave 100%.

 

[bat]

Yep! I trust Dave 100%

He looks like he was having fun

 

[Glorybigs]

Great trip report, thanks for sharing guys!

 

[stioc]

Great Report!!

FWIW older Auto Club maps list the Saline Valley springs by the name "Palm Spring", a name that I continue to use.

Over the years I've had my '79 Suburban, my '91 Suburban, and 'Patch' my '84 Xcab yota over Mengel Pass - all unspotted. I honestly think the most capable of the bunch, Patch, was the most difficult to navigate the Pass in. I know that off-camber corner well. I suspect that the longer WB's of the Sub's made it easier than in Patch. I guess I'll learn first hand about getting a long bed, ClubCab CTD w/ a Phoenix pop-top through there soon.

That's why I was curious about the 4runner, I had heard the longer wheel base trucks supposedly do better on Mengal Pass. I guess I'll find out first hand in March.

But wow, look what the cat dragged in ntsqd haven't seen you here in a long time!

 

[mkitchen]

Looks like a great trip was had by all

Mo and I have been there once and yearn to return. With any luck, we will be hitting it with out 71 Ford late in March. Hope to get to parts we haven't seen yet (which is most of the valley). A very nice job on the run report.
Mikey

 

[gene]

@russelh, Yes, we have done Mengel Pass many times with a variety of vehicles over the last 20 years. The full size trucks do much better. Thanks to the longer wheelbase and generally lower gear ratios a 3/4 ton will do better than the high geared clutch slipping and bouncing short wheel bases our Toyota's experienced..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dMiVIjvddMs&list=UUBVbiaTERqw0YbJRfnK8EUA&index=10