Recovery & safety gear for Death Valley trip

[4Rager]

I'm heading to Death Valley in about two weeks and I need to get together/purchase the recovery gear I will need. I have tow straps/shackles, but I will be the only vehicle, so those will have limited usefulness.

Here is my list so far. Anything I'm missing (I'm not including things like food and water and camping gear)?

-Full size shovel
-Spare tire (stock + I will bring an extra one of my old Trail Edition wheels/tire as a 2nd backup)
-Air compressor
-Jack
-Maxtrax type recovery boards (also to be used for supporting the jack if necessary)
-Basic tools: Ratchet set, screwdrivers etc.
-Extra fuel (thinking of the skinny Rotopax to be mounted flat on the roof)
-First aid kit

I don't expect our route to be too strenuous so a random flat tire would be the most likely problem. Anything major that I'm missing?

 

[v_man]

what trails do u plan on doing ? I like to take extra electrical like fuses , wire , multimeter etc. for electrical issues . I also carry extra radiator/coolant hoses , and some clamps in my tool kit . I carry spare belts , but on my truck the alternator and fan belt are easy to get to and change .

Other than that , coolant , oil , brake fluid , and gear oil .

Lastly I always bring a "walk-away" kit . As in a back pack with a small tent , sleeping bag etc., in case something mechanical does happen and I have to walk away from the vehicle to find help for myself....

 

[Ron4RNevada]

Death Valley this time of year won't be any more dangerous than what you will find north east of Reno Sparks area.

When out near Nightingale, Sahwave, Trinity Mountains you see no people or other vehicle all day long. On the other hand in Death Valley there are people everywhere in the spring.

 

[redkat]

1. A weapon. I prefer a pistol with some loaded mags for personal protection.

2. A telescoping ski pole, the Mojave Greens are out.

3. Heavy leather gloves.

4. Tire pressure gauge and some deflators.

Have a great time/adventure. Post some pics when you get back.

 

[CrazyNorwegian]

Go buy an inexpensive ham radio. It can be your lifeline in an emergency. Either that or a spot gps device.

 

[4Rager]

Here is a gigantic map of our proposed route. I left it huge on purpose so you can actually see what's on it. The only unknown at this point is where we will camp on the second night. Suggestions?

 

[CrazyNorwegian]

Not planing where to camp can be a good thing. It makes a better adventure. If you find a place that's nice, flat, and off the trail it is perfect.

 

[JD914]

Rather than doing all that backtracking, why not head up Dededecker(sp?) canyon, over to Saline Hot Springs, down to Lippincot Rd east and then up to the racetrack and the crater from there? You'd miss Hunter Mountain, but I think that's the least exciting of all the trails in that area.

 

[4Rager]

Rather than doing all that backtracking, why not head up Dededecker(sp?) canyon, over to Saline Hot Springs, down to Lippincot Rd east and then up to the racetrack and the crater from there? You'd miss Hunter Mountain, but I think that's the least exciting of all the trails in that area.

Mostly because my friend really wanted to camp at Eureka Dunes. With the way the timing works out, we will arrive at the dunes in the afternoon. I've heard Dedeckera Canyon is a cool drive, so we're just gonna go up and back in the afternoon. I've also heard that after Steel Pass which is just past Dedeckera it's slow going with lots of miles of baby heads and rocks.

Not planing where to camp can be a good thing. It makes a better adventure. If you find a place that's nice, flat, and off the trail it is perfect.

That's what I was thinking. Not too concerned.

 

[4Rager]

What is the campfire situation in DV? Is it in designated pits only, or can I make my own fire pit if we decide to camp in a random spot?

 

[CentCalKid]

No, you cannot make a fire anywhere you want. Fires must be in an established fire pit. Also, while you can have firearms with you, you cannot shoot them, period. Best keep the firearms out of sight or some gun hater will get the Feds on you.

 

[boyfester]

So how did the trip go?

 

[CentCalKid]

Yeah....how'd the trip go? And next time you go, like in the mid-Autumn, let me know. I have a 4Runner and lots of free time.