BajaNomad

Full Size PU down to MSM

roverdude - 7-16-2008 at 10:43 AM

So my buddies 84 Range Rover is not running reliable enough to take to Baja for 6 days. So he was thinking of bringing his 2006 Dodge Ram 2500 4X4 Mega Cab. My question is, will he be able to get in and out of the trail at Mission Santa Maria?

TMW - 7-16-2008 at 06:13 PM

There has been some speculation as to whether a full size crewcab type truck could get into and out of there. I've only taken my 93 Toyota extended cab in and the only problem I had was what David K calls the widow maker hill coming out. I couldn't get the front end down quick enough near the top to grap a footing, the rear was in loose rocks spinning. It took me 4 tries. I'd say go in and when you get to the big down hills get out and walk it and decide if you can. I believe the widow maker is close enough that you can walk to the mission if you decided to.

TMW - 7-16-2008 at 06:20 PM

Also if you don't have a winch pick one up at Harbor Freight or where ever they are sold. You can get a 5000lb dead weight/15000lb rolling weight portable for $100-150 on ebay. A block tackle will double the pulling power. The cheaper ones are rated at 2000lb dead and 6000lb rolling weight. If you have one you won't need it. If you don't have one you'll need it. Murphy's Law.

David K - 7-16-2008 at 06:27 PM

Personally, I would say no... unless body/ under carriage damage is okay with you.

Please review our trip in last year (my Tacoma and Roy's LR-3): http://vivabaja.com/msm

The Widowmaker is just over 1 mile from the mission, should you care to park at the top (as many others do) and walk in.

Some photos from the top of the widowmaker... and creeping down (wondering how or if you will make it back up!):
2007:












2003:






1999:



[Edited on 7-17-2008 by David K]

scan0011r.JPG - 48kB

roverdude - 7-17-2008 at 08:47 AM

Thanks. The only time I went was in a heavily modified Land Rover Discovery and it was no sweat. But couldn't remember how tough it was. I do remember an off-camber turn near the top and was thinking that would be the hardest spot for a long long wheel based PU.

We do have two other trucks. One a Defender with a winch.

How far are the pools from the mission? Didn't make it last time.

[Edited on 7-17-2008 by roverdude]

[Edited on 7-17-2008 by roverdude]

David K - 7-17-2008 at 09:32 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by roverdude
Thanks. The only time I went was in a heavily modified Land Rover Discovery and it was no sweat. But couldn't remember how tough it was. I do remember an off-camber turn near the top and was thinking that would be the hardest spot for a long long wheel based PU.

We do have two other trucks. One a Defender with a winch.

How far are the pools from the mission? Didn't make it last time.


[Edited on 7-17-2008 by roverdude]

[Edited on 7-17-2008 by roverdude]


It is in the web page.... http://vivabaja.com/msm

specifically on page 6: "About a mile past the mission, the road reaches the sandy arroyo. Up the arroyo (left turn), Roy showed us this oasis where we made camp."


and the road log is on page 10 (here's two lines):

14.4 MISION SANTA MARIA

15.4 Road enters sandy Arroyo Santa Maria, after very steep downgrade.

It was difficult to reach the pool because of boulders in the arroyo (and palms)... but the Land Rover and Toyota made it.









Of course the coolest thing was to have guests come to our camp, the next morning!



SEE http://vivabaja.com/msm


[Edited on 7-17-2008 by David K]

CG - 7-17-2008 at 09:52 AM

The next time I go, I plan on taking "The Love Truck":yes:

It's a 78 Ford Extended Van on 37" tires with a locking differential in the back...





[Edited on 7-17-2008 by CG]

David K - 7-17-2008 at 09:58 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by CG
The next time I go, I plan on taking "The Love Truck":yes:

It's a 78 Ford Extended Van on 37" tires with a locking differential in the back...



[img]http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=43888&stc=1&d=1196638988[/img]

[Edited on 7-17-2008 by CG]


Looks a bit LONG! The MSM road needs to be done in a shorter wheel base rig or it will get high centered or not make the tight turns between boulders...


Now that SUV in the front of that new photo would be fine!

[Edited on 7-17-2008 by David K]

roverdude - 7-17-2008 at 10:48 AM

Duh, thanks.

BajaGringo - 7-17-2008 at 10:53 AM

Great pictures and story guys...