Southern California Club Xterra

Southern California Club Xterra => SCCX Xcursion Pictures => Topic started by: JFanaselle on February 02, 2019, 06:43:41 PM

Title: Arizona Expedition w/ Rogue Overland - 1/25/19 - 1/28/19
Post by: JFanaselle on February 02, 2019, 06:43:41 PM
Last weekend, Jayrat, CAWoody and myself traveled to Wickenburg Arizona to meet up with a larger group and embark on the Rogue Overland Winter Expedition. We met early Friday morning at "Vulture City," which is an old town surrounding a (still active) gold mine south of Wickenburg. We were treated to a private tour of the grounds, complete with visits to all of the awesome buildings on the property (including the old town brothel) and even more amazing stories from our tour guide.

We departed and took a convoy of 28 rigs through Wickenburg and north into Box Canyon, which was a really awesome trail that basically ran through a semi-dry riverbed. We camped for the night near Constellation, AZ and had an awesome pot luck dinner.

Saturday morning, we departed camp as a group and took the Wickenburg Mountains trail east toward Lake Pleasant. It was a long but very fun day of wheeling amidst some amazing Arizona scenery. We even paid a visit to Isaac Bradshaw's grave, who was one of the two brothers behind the infamous Bradshaw Trail (the gold road to La Paz). We camped on the north side of Lake Pleasant, and enjoyed a raffle of goodies donated by many sponsors. I am happy to say that I won the grand prize - a Yeti 20 cooler!

The next morning, we broke camp and did a little pavement driving around the south end of Lake Pleasant and then northeast until we caught I-17. From there, we headed into the little town of Rock Springs and stopped for some amazing pie and cinnamon rolls. Jayrat said his goodbyes to the group and departed for home to ensure he'd make it before sundown, and a few others departed for home from this location as well. The remainder of the vehicles proceeded a bit more north to the start of the Turkey Creek Trail. This was one of the coolest trails I've ever been on! It was technical and challenging with some rock crawling sections, but was full of epic scenery and crossed over a river about 8 or 9 times. The one main obstacle on the trail was gnarly (the photos do not do it justice), with a major curved and off-camber tilt over a rock garden, right next to a 15 foot drop off down into the creek. It ended up taking over one hour to spot the entire group of rigs through the obstacle, but everyone made it through OK with no mishaps (even this massive Chevy 2500 Duramax rig that was part of the group).

We ended the day in Cleator AZ at the Cleator Bar and "Yacht Club." We were originally supposed to stop here for a drink, but continued on because we had spent several hours longer on the trail than anyone had expected. We aired back up and the group was supposed to take highways down to Apache Junction and camp for the night, but because of the loss of time, they pulled an audible and decided to head north toward Sedona instead. Several more folks (including Woody and myself) said our goodbyes and departed from the group, taking I-17 back through Phoenix and catching I-10 toward home We all got home late Sunday evening (I think I pulled in around 10:40 pm), while others arrived back at their respective destinations of Vegas and beyond. The remainder of the group camped Sunday night and spent Monday morning running the Broken Arrow trail before departing back to their respective destinations.

It was an amazing trip, and I am so honored to have been part of it. There were a few hiccups each day (a broken steering box on a rig on day 1, an overturned trailer and Woody's rig briefly becoming stuck on day 2, and a flat tire on day 3), but the group was so prepared and overcame each challenge pretty quickly. If you're unfamiliar with Rogue Overland, I'd recommend that you follow their social media pages and check out their YouTube channel, which is full of awesome videos. Such a classy group of folks that know how to put on a hell of a trip! Here are some photos from day one:

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Title: Re: Arizona Expedition w/ Rogue Overland - 1/25/19 - 1/28/19
Post by: JFanaselle on February 02, 2019, 06:46:33 PM
Some shots from day 2 along the Wickenburg Mountains trail

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Title: Re: Arizona Expedition w/ Rogue Overland - 1/25/19 - 1/28/19
Post by: JFanaselle on February 02, 2019, 06:46:54 PM
A couple more photos from day 2 once we got to camp. Those Arizona sunsets are so amazing!

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Title: Re: Arizona Expedition w/ Rogue Overland - 1/25/19 - 1/28/19
Post by: JFanaselle on February 02, 2019, 06:47:04 PM
Photos from day 3 along the Turkey Creek trail:

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Title: Re: Arizona Expedition w/ Rogue Overland - 1/25/19 - 1/28/19
Post by: JFanaselle on February 02, 2019, 06:54:40 PM
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Title: Re: Arizona Expedition w/ Rogue Overland - 1/25/19 - 1/28/19
Post by: FrankB on February 02, 2019, 08:43:17 PM
Great write up and pictures Joe.  Looks like it was a lot of fun.
Title: Re: Arizona Expedition w/ Rogue Overland - 1/25/19 - 1/28/19
Post by: EJsarus on February 02, 2019, 09:26:53 PM
awesome report! heard about the over turned trailer... bummer
Title: Re: Arizona Expedition w/ Rogue Overland - 1/25/19 - 1/28/19
Post by: RBduffer on February 03, 2019, 02:39:49 PM
What can I say Joe.
 Excellent  bla bla bla beautiful bla bla bla awesome bla bla bla wish I bla bla bla you da man bla bla bla  bla bla bla.
 Thanks Joe.
Title: Re: Arizona Expedition w/ Rogue Overland - 1/25/19 - 1/28/19
Post by: Celt on February 03, 2019, 03:22:23 PM
There were a few hiccups each day (a broken steering box on a rig on day 1.

  Was that by chance one of the Jeeps? Did you happen to notice what they did to fix it?
Title: Re: Arizona Expedition w/ Rogue Overland - 1/25/19 - 1/28/19
Post by: Gunslinger2N on February 03, 2019, 05:48:48 PM
Stunning pictures as usual and great write up..... You had me at BROTHEL!!!!   LOL
Title: Re: Arizona Expedition w/ Rogue Overland - 1/25/19 - 1/28/19
Post by: Celt on February 03, 2019, 06:07:01 PM
You had me at BROTHEL!!!!   LOL

  Quick somebody needs to let the mods know CHUSA has hacked Gunslinger2N's account and is now posting....
Title: Re: Arizona Expedition w/ Rogue Overland - 1/25/19 - 1/28/19
Post by: JFanaselle on February 04, 2019, 09:12:49 AM
  Was that by chance one of the Jeeps? Did you happen to notice what they did to fix it?

Yes, it was the red XJ. The bolts holding the steering box simply sheared off and the box became detached from the frame. It happened during a fairly steep incline when all of the rigs were in a row on a very narrow stretch of the trail, and no one could get around the broken vehicle (which was very close to the front of the pack). They reattached the box to the frame temporarily (I think using a strap or clamp) and were able to get it a few hundred feet further where there was a location to get it off of the trail and let the group through. A couple of the Rogue guys stayed behind while one went back into town and got new bolts. The remainder of the group went on to camp, and the others (including the now-fixed XJ) came rolling into camp a couple of hours later.
Title: Re: Arizona Expedition w/ Rogue Overland - 1/25/19 - 1/28/19
Post by: CAWoody on February 04, 2019, 09:30:51 AM
  Was that by chance one of the Jeeps? Did you happen to notice what they did to fix it?

They couldn't find the bolt with same thread pattern so they ended up enlarging the holes on the steering box and added nuts to the bolts.
Title: Re: Arizona Expedition w/ Rogue Overland - 1/25/19 - 1/28/19
Post by: Celt on February 04, 2019, 09:43:49 AM
Yes, it was the red XJ. The bolts holding the steering box simply sheared off and the box became detached from the frame. It happened during a fairly steep incline when all of the rigs were in a row on a very narrow stretch of the trail, and no one could get around the broken vehicle (which was very close to the front of the pack). They reattached the box to the frame temporarily (I think using a strap or clamp) and were able to get it a few hundred feet further where there was a location to get it off of the trail and let the group through. A couple of the Rogue guys stayed behind while one went back into town and got new bolts. The remainder of the group went on to camp, and the others (including the now-fixed XJ) came rolling into camp a couple of hours later.

I thought it was probably a Jeep as that's a common break on the rocks with them. I bet that owner buys a steering gear box skid housing after that trip. It's cheap insurance.
Title: Re: Arizona Expedition w/ Rogue Overland - 1/25/19 - 1/28/19
Post by: Ghost65 on February 05, 2019, 08:59:07 AM
Impressive...Nick & Alex managing 28 trucks overland and through some serious rock sections.  My trail leader brain is reeling...

Fantastic pics Joe, thank you for sharing.

@Celt...CHUSA doesn't visit brothels...he orders "room service."  ;)
Title: Re: Arizona Expedition w/ Rogue Overland - 1/25/19 - 1/28/19
Post by: Celt on February 05, 2019, 09:03:37 AM
Hahahaha..... Got it!
Title: Re: Arizona Expedition w/ Rogue Overland - 1/25/19 - 1/28/19
Post by: x4dblduty on February 06, 2019, 01:10:29 PM
Awesome pics, Joe! Makes me drool, all those nicely prepped rigs. Thx for sharing!

So for our rigs, what are the recommended mech spares to bring on these long trips, wheel bearings, cv axles, ??
Title: Re: Arizona Expedition w/ Rogue Overland - 1/25/19 - 1/28/19
Post by: Celt on February 06, 2019, 03:46:05 PM
Awesome pics, Joe! Makes me drool, all those nicely prepped rigs. Thx for sharing!

So for our rigs, what are the recommended mech spares to bring on these long trips, wheel bearings, cv axles, ??

 A lot of it depends upon what type of thing you are doing. I prefer doing more the rock crawling type of wheeling. Spare half shafts are an important item to have. Along with those you need to look at spare seals, the socket to pull the castle nut and the tools to pull the broken piece from inside the R-180. If you are Titan swapped it's a lot easier process however over the years I've seen more Titan swap breaks than R-180's. You mileage on that may vary. Other things that are good to carry are crank/cam shaft position sensors. Lot's of J.B> Quick weld, RTV, Tire plug kit, spare valve stems, radiator stop leak, hose weld tape, fluids, multi-meter etc. Some guys go as far as carrying extra major parts like alternators etc. It's kind of a balancing act between being prepared and hauling more stuff than a Kragen Auto parts store can sell in a month.

  What I have found that works well on some of these trips is to coordinate with each other in the group about spare parts so you can share the wealth and not bring a bunch of extra stuff. Along with that list of parts that I commonly carry is I try and keep a well stocked tool kit, jumper cables, tow/snatch strap and plenty of ratchet straps. Those can fix a lot of broken part issues. You would be surprised on how many different really great trail fixes I have seen and been a part of over the years. I'm sure I have forgotten a few things as others will to be sure chime in. It's all about the learning for sure.
Title: Re: Arizona Expedition w/ Rogue Overland - 1/25/19 - 1/28/19
Post by: x4dblduty on February 06, 2019, 04:30:05 PM
So many good points Celt, thanks!! At this point I'm more worried about my halfshafts and driveshaft CVs at 130K.  I do carry lots of recovery gear already, and many common parts like relays, cats, done already. Next wheel is Anza Borrego this wknd but I don't think we'll get to the Squeeze section of Sandstone.   
Title: Re: Arizona Expedition w/ Rogue Overland - 1/25/19 - 1/28/19
Post by: xxSVxx on February 07, 2019, 03:16:30 PM
A lot of it depends upon what type of thing you are doing. I prefer doing more the rock crawling type of wheeling. Spare half shafts are an important item to have. Along with those you need to look at spare seals, the socket to pull the castle nut and the tools to pull the broken piece from inside the R-180. If you are Titan swapped it's a lot easier process however over the years I've seen more Titan swap breaks than R-180's. You mileage on that may vary. Other things that are good to carry are crank/cam shaft position sensors. Lot's of J.B> Quick weld, RTV, Tire plug kit, spare valve stems, radiator stop leak, hose weld tape, fluids, multi-meter etc. Some guys go as far as carrying extra major parts like alternators etc. It's kind of a balancing act between being prepared and hauling more stuff than a Kragen Auto parts store can sell in a month.

  What I have found that works well on some of these trips is to coordinate with each other in the group about spare parts so you can share the wealth and not bring a bunch of extra stuff. Along with that list of parts that I commonly carry is I try and keep a well stocked tool kit, jumper cables, tow/snatch strap and plenty of ratchet straps. Those can fix a lot of broken part issues. You would be surprised on how many different really great trail fixes I have seen and been a part of over the years. I'm sure I have forgotten a few things as others will to be sure chime in. It's all about the learning for sure.


great list; I'll add, from personal experience, I have one spare front and rear shock I take on any longer excursion....because REASONS.
Title: Re: Arizona Expedition w/ Rogue Overland - 1/25/19 - 1/28/19
Post by: Celt on February 07, 2019, 06:24:40 PM

great list; I'll add, from personal experience, I have one spare front and rear shock I take on any longer excursion....because REASONS.

 HAHAHAHHA................. Haven't heard from you in awhile hope all is well. What did you end up doing with your rear differential?
Title: Re: Arizona Expedition w/ Rogue Overland - 1/25/19 - 1/28/19
Post by: xxSVxx on February 08, 2019, 09:22:31 AM
HAHAHAHHA................. Haven't heard from you in awhile hope all is well. What did you end up doing with your rear differential?

replaced it w/ one w/ 100k mi on it.....still haven't really taken her out since but I'm warming up to the idea....thx for asking Celt :)
Title: Re: Arizona Expedition w/ Rogue Overland - 1/25/19 - 1/28/19
Post by: Rogue Overland on June 09, 2019, 04:06:22 PM
It was a blast having you guys on the trip!  For anyone not on social media the videos from the trip are live and are the top two videos on this page:

http://www.rogueoverland.com/the-adventure