has anyone ever rented an SUV or jeep that can be legally driven in dirt or gravel roads such as those in Death Valley? If so, which rental company and location did you use? thanks.
Posted by Dan Truong on December 5, 2007 at 7:00 AM
Not me.
A ranger in crater lake who just transfered from there told me the
roads were very rough, and people blew tires, cut brake lines or
even boiled their suspensions on them.
That kind of surprised me as I've been in Africa on dirt roads, including
driving fast on wasboard, and none of this ever happened to us. The only
tire punctures were related to nails on bridges (we did have 4x4 tires, but they were
not even radials). So I think what he said was over the top. Having impassable
roads would worry me more:
Other friends told me that they did some a road north there, and that parts of it had
collapsed on the cliffsides, and they were pretty scared when they passed those
spots using stones to fill gaps. Also they could not U-turn.
So if you go, bring an electric pump and a tire repair kit with tools solid enough
to not snap in 1/2 at the 1st use. Of course, also bring water, gas, cloth and camping gear, and check with the rangers on road conditions, and if you can let someone know where you are it's better.
By all means check in with park rangers as to which roads will be OK for your vehicle. If you are not experienced in off-road driving, I strongly suggest that you choose those roads that are easily negotiated and well traveled. Death Valley and the other valleys nearby are very unforgiving. If you decide to venture forth, see if you can find someone who will dirve another vehicle, and use the 'buddy system'..
Dan's advice regarding preparation is vital, and absolutely let someone know where you are going, the route you will take, and when you expect to return.
If you decide to head out to the racetrack, you can smooth out the road by driving fast, but you do greatly increase the risk of a flat. I have seen many vehicles with flats on that road and I am sure speed was the cause. I have gotten two flats on the road to the Patriarch grove in the White Mt.s, driving fast to smooth out the washboards (with beefy off-road truck tires). One tire was not repairable and added some $$ to the cost of the trip.These days, I let some air out of the tires and drive much slower. It is not as smooth, but I get there.
Posted by Dan Truong on December 7, 2007 at 3:32 AM
Yes, driving fast on washboard to hit the right frequency will avoid the uncomfortable rattle. However OK only on fairly straight lines with clear visibility as you have much less control and poor traction, and it really sucks when you slow down as you hit the resonant frequencies.
There's a classic 1953 B&W french movie about washboard driving (with nitro in the back ta-tadaah!!!): Wages of Fear. :) Quite a few famous french all star actors cast of way back including Yves montand, a french singer who got some fame in the USA for dating Marylin Monroe.
Posted by Warren Xato on December 8, 2007 at 5:59 PM
You will have to read the contract. The contracts are more and more restrictive on the types of road you can drive on and be within the terms of the contract. They used to say regularly driven roads and lots now limit the roads to just paved roads (lots of good that will do you in DV!). Also lots of them disconnect the drive train for the front differential if you rent a 4x4. Make sure to get one with a regular spare and not the skinny fake tires. In case of a nail hole, take one of those cans of flat repair--these work great for simple punctures and cost less than $10. As for the rangers' cautions, they are sick and tired of rescuing people who get stuck in the middle of nowhere for people who have no idea what they are doing so take this into consideration before listening to the rangers. That said there are plenty of dangers over the passes when it snows and of course the heat in the summer. Those who took that road that had collapsed sound like Lippincot Pass (from the Racetrack to Saline Valley). Someone did some repairs last year so it wasn't so bad. At this time of year there is too much snow and ice for the passes so avoid them. Hope this helps.
That's great info. I read a recent article on CNN about rental cars that talked about the various (and legal) fees they attach to contracts. So, whether one is renting a car to drive in downtown Modesto or Death Valley, be sure you read and understand the contract and ask questions about the fees.
-PB
Posted by Dan Truong on December 10, 2007 at 5:21 AM
and rent with a gold or premium credit card because they have damage waiver coverage.
I remember we messed a truck when I moved a long time ago, making a tight turn around a right angle wall and made a vertical mark on it. with credit card coverage, we just walked away without worrying, otherwise you'd be charged all kinds of fees.
Discussion
7 replieshas anyone ever rented an SUV or jeep that can be legally driven in dirt or gravel roads such as those in Death Valley? If so, which rental company and location did you use? thanks.
A ranger in crater lake who just transfered from there told me the
roads were very rough, and people blew tires, cut brake lines or
even boiled their suspensions on them.
That kind of surprised me as I've been in Africa on dirt roads, including
driving fast on wasboard, and none of this ever happened to us. The only
tire punctures were related to nails on bridges (we did have 4x4 tires, but they were
not even radials). So I think what he said was over the top. Having impassable
roads would worry me more:
Other friends told me that they did some a road north there, and that parts of it had
collapsed on the cliffsides, and they were pretty scared when they passed those
spots using stones to fill gaps. Also they could not U-turn.
So if you go, bring an electric pump and a tire repair kit with tools solid enough
to not snap in 1/2 at the 1st use. Of course, also bring water, gas, cloth and camping gear, and check with the rangers on road conditions, and if you can let someone know where you are it's better.
By all means check in with park rangers as to which roads will be OK for your vehicle. If you are not experienced in off-road driving, I strongly suggest that you choose those roads that are easily negotiated and well traveled. Death Valley and the other valleys nearby are very unforgiving. If you decide to venture forth, see if you can find someone who will dirve another vehicle, and use the 'buddy system'..
Dan's advice regarding preparation is vital, and absolutely let someone know where you are going, the route you will take, and when you expect to return.
-PB
There's a classic 1953 B&W french movie about washboard driving (with nitro in the back ta-tadaah!!!): Wages of Fear. :) Quite a few famous french all star actors cast of way back including Yves montand, a french singer who got some fame in the USA for dating Marylin Monroe.
That's great info. I read a recent article on CNN about rental cars that talked about the various (and legal) fees they attach to contracts. So, whether one is renting a car to drive in downtown Modesto or Death Valley, be sure you read and understand the contract and ask questions about the fees.
-PB
I remember we messed a truck when I moved a long time ago, making a tight turn around a right angle wall and made a vertical mark on it. with credit card coverage, we just walked away without worrying, otherwise you'd be charged all kinds of fees.