Mojave Road by Turtleback

[Lifestyle Overland]

Hey folks, sorry for the radio silence! Been so super busy with the new job...

Anyhow, finally got some new content rolling out on our YouTube channel! Here's the latest:


Thanks for all the likes and subscriptions!

 

[The Klumps]

Enjoyed the video.

Sent from my XT1254 using OB Talk mobile app

 

[toxicity_27]

Watched it last night. Really enjoyed it.

 

[Lifestyle Overland]

Enjoyed the video.

Sent from my XT1254 using OB Talk mobile app

Watched it last night. Really enjoyed it.

Thanks for watching!

 

[VCeXpedition]

Watched your vid this morning. It was fun to watch, having traveled that road a number of times, i thought you did a good job of the history and highlighting your favorite spots (Camp Phallus contemplation?) and the sequence of events was not particularly important as the casual traveler will always have a different experience and stay in different places.

I was waiting to see your crossing of Soda Dry Lake knowing that it was probably impassible at that time, as well as the very last water crossing.

I sub'd to your Y/T channel, can't wait to watch more of your stuff.

I just bought a different type of trailer and I'm particularly interested in the way I need to change my style to accommodate a trailer, this was good to watch and interesting to see the benefits of living out of a trailer.
I'm not sure if I would have done that water crossing with my trailer...


Dan.

 

[Lifestyle Overland]

Watched your vid this morning. It was fun to watch, having traveled that road a number of times, i thought you did a good job of the history and highlighting your favorite spots (Camp Phallus contemplation?) and the sequence of events was not particularly important as the casual traveler will always have a different experience and stay in different places.

I was waiting to see your crossing of Soda Dry Lake knowing that it was probably impassible at that time, as well as the very last water crossing.

I sub'd to your Y/T channel, can't wait to watch more of your stuff.

I just bought a different type of trailer and I'm particularly interested in the way I need to change my style to accommodate a trailer, this was good to watch and interesting to see the benefits of living out of a trailer.
I'm not sure if I would have done that water crossing with my trailer...


Dan.

Thanks for watching! Glad you enjoyed it!

Yes, Soda Lake was impassble so we were a bit bummed about that. Looking forward to getting back out there and seeing more of it.

Our style really hasn't changed much with our Turtleback Trailer. We pretty much take it wherever we want (within reason) and it takes whatever we can dish out. In fact, we love the trailer and the company so much that I recently left my job and started working for them!

 

[SGT.]

Very nice great video. I want to explore there. I think I need trailer.

 

[VCeXpedition]

Thanks for watching! Glad you enjoyed it!

Yes, Soda Lake was impassble so we were a bit bummed about that. Looking forward to getting back out there and seeing more of it.

I'd like to go again in November. Meet you there!

Dan.

 

[SGT.]

I'd like to go again in November. Meet you there!

Dan.

I would be up for it. Would love to tag along. Just have to get a weekend off

 

[Lifestyle Overland]

Very nice great video. I want to explore there. I think I need trailer.

Thanks! It's an incredible area to play in. Our Turtleback Trailer has been the best purchase we've ever made, hands down. Total game changer.

 

[Lifestyle Overland]

I'd like to go again in November. Meet you there!

Dan.

I would be up for it. Would love to tag along. Just have to get a weekend off

Sounds like the makings of a group run!

 

[SGT.]

Sounds like the makings of a group run!

Sounds good to me.

 

[ChuckB]

Thanks! It's an incredible area to play in. Our Turtleback Trailer has been the best purchase we've ever made, hands down. Total game changer.

I have been doing some preliminary research into trailers as I'm quickly running out of space in my vehicle due to occupants.

I fully understand there are pros/cons to every setup. I really like the flexibility a trailer can provide, as well as being packed and ready to go all the time. Also, like removal of gear/weight out of the tow vehicle.

I'm curious what everyone's real world experience has been with regard to any restrictions the trailer has placed on your maneuverability? What are the biggest negatives/drawbacks in your opinion? Of course, I'm not talking about rock crawling here... I think I know what the answers are going to be, just looking for some discussion. If I'm hijacking this thread I will move my question elsewhere. Thanks!

 

[Lifestyle Overland]

I have been doing some preliminary research into trailers as I'm quickly running out of space in my vehicle due to occupants.

I fully understand there are pros/cons to every setup. I really like the flexibility a trailer can provide, as well as being packed and ready to go all the time. Also, like removal of gear/weight out of the tow vehicle.

I'm curious what everyone's real world experience has been with regard to any restrictions the trailer has placed on your maneuverability? What are the biggest negatives/drawbacks in your opinion? Of course, I'm not talking about rock crawling here... I think I know what the answers are going to be, just looking for some discussion. If I'm hijacking this thread I will move my question elsewhere. Thanks!

I totally understand your concerns about maneuverability, I went through the same thought process when I was mulling the trailer options a couple years ago. What I've found is that I miss out on about 1 - 2% of the sections I would otherwise drive if the trailer wasn't connected. Since so much of our travel is non-rock crawling the pros of having all the amenities with you far outweighed the few nasty trails I would have traveled.

That being said, I've taken this trailer places I probably shouldn't have and it has performed beautifully. You just have to learn your parameters and work within them. It will slow you down about 10 to 25% on the roughest stretches but again, it's worth it to have a kitchen, hot water, shower, stove, and tons of storage.

The biggest benefit is indeed simply having a unit that is already loaded and ready to roll at a moment's notice. It means you'll get out more and enjoy it more since you're not spending tons of time loading the rig and hoping your remember everything.

 

[VCeXpedition]

@ChuckB , I actually I can't wait to get out and see the impact of dragging a trailer behind me.

I know already that my road MPG is going to be impacted a bit, but with an '80 series, it makes such a little difference I may not care too much.

I'm really happy with the process I used to find the trailer that worked for me. Do your diligence when deciding what works for you, but don't miss out on taking a look at @Anchor Mtn trailers, Justin provides an excellent customer experience and his build quality is very high and the result is a robust trailer that not only fits my needs, but I feel like I could drag it over most everything I'm anticipating going over!

I don't have the full trailer use experience yet, but I do have a good base of a fully loaded (read: overweight) vehicle, and I'm looking forward to lightening my load when doing trail runs without all the weight!

I'll provide more feedback when I get more trailer experience, I'd like to spend some time with those that have pulled trailers a bit and see what changes they've made to their overland style.

Dan.

 

[Smokinjoe]

Mojave Road has been one our favorite runs I run it every year and sometimes twice a year... I started the Jeep Shrine at the Mojave Mail Box with four Jeeps about three years ago when I saw that cool rock with a ledge on it that looks like a trail. This year we started a Barbie tree LOL . It's been so cool to see how the Jeep shrine has grown the Mojave is full of cool things that is waiting for you in our desert if you go out and look.

sj

 

[ChuckB]

First of all, great video! I forgot to mention that in my first post.

Thanks for the input guys. I think a trailer is the next logical step for me. @fj80toyman I came upon your thread last night while reading randomly, just noticed the link here. Good read! Looks like that trailer will work well for you.

My biggest constraint is trying to accommodate 5 people (2 adults and 3 kids). My focus revolves around everything that goes along with supporting that requirement. Luckily I have a very supportive wife who has given the trailer idea a green light.

I'll be lurking around checking out what you guys are doing.

Thanks again!

 

[Lifestyle Overland]

First of all, great video! I forgot to mention that in my first post.

Thanks for the input guys. I think a trailer is the next logical step for me. @fj80toyman I came upon your thread last night while reading randomly, just noticed the link here. Good read! Looks like that trailer will work well for you.

My biggest constraint is trying to accommodate 5 people (2 adults and 3 kids). My focus revolves around everything that goes along with supporting that requirement. Luckily I have a very supportive wife who has given the trailer idea a green light.

I'll be lurking around checking out what you guys are doing.

Thanks again!

Thanks so much!

Hey, having the green light from the wife is a huge plus! Good luck with your choice!

If you ever want to explore the different models and options offered by Turtleback Trailers, I'd be glad to walk you through them. I loved mine so much that I recently left my job in the nuclear industry and went to work for them as their operations manager. I'm a bit biased, but it's with good reason after a ton of research pre-purchase, and actual testing afterwards. Call (extension #4) or email (kevin(at)turtlebacktrailers.com) anytime.

 

[Jmod08]

Great video!

I love that you make time for your family. I have a daughter the same age as yours almost.

We try to use a GoPro and record all of our trips around Europe so family can see them. Also I like that my daughter can watch them later when she gets older.

Watching your channel helped me and my wife decide to keep our 4runner and buy a trailor. We did want either a van or truck with a flatbed camper To see if we would like full timing it.

I kind of felt like we were rushing into a bad decsion coming straight from Europe and back to the states to drop 100k$ on a vehicle. Then we watched your video (and drinking some wine)we changed our minds.

One question, if/when you unload your trailor at a campsite, is there a way to secure it i.e preventing someone from just hooking up to it amen rollig off?

Keep up the videos, we love watching them!

 

[Lifestyle Overland]

Great video!

I love that you make time for your family. I have a daughter the same age as yours almost.

We try to use a GoPro and record all of our trips around Europe so family can see them. Also I like that my daughter can watch them later when she gets older.

Watching your channel helped me and my wife decide to keep our 4runner and by a trailor. We did want either a van or truck with a flatbed camper To see if we would like full timing it.

I kind of felt like we were rushing into a bad decsion coming straight from Europe and back to the states to drop 100k$ on a vehicle. Then we watched your video (and drinking some wine)we changed our minds.

One question, if/when you unload your trailor at a campsite, is there a way to secure it i.e preventing someone from just hooking up to it amen rollig off?

Keep up the videos, we love watching them!

Awesome! We love getting messages like this from other families looking to explore together and make lifelong memories!

The wine may have helped, but the experiences you'll have as a family are totally worth it in the end. We sold our house 2 years ago and have been living in a 5th wheel camper ever since. It takes some adjustment, but you learn what you really need versus the huge amounts of stuff we tend to accumulate simply because we have the space for it. The money we've saved by living in our $29,000, 320 square foot home has gone towards a quality rig, trailer, and the fuel and modifications needed to travel the roads less traveled.

We can't wait to see what adventures your family gets to experience! Maybe we will see you on the trail one day...

As to your question, we have a blank plug and locking pin that goes into the front 2 inch receiver of our trailer for security. All the doors lock, and the tailgate can be padlocked closed too. We've camped in some rough areas before and never had any issues.