Dodge Dually and Saline Valley

[samstu]

Hey all:

My wife and I are taking our 06 Dodge 3500 4x4 diesel dually to Death Valley for 3 weeks in Jan. Driving from Ohio. Will have our NCO 8 Alaskan camper on truck. We are considering going to Saline Valley to check out hot springs. This will be our 5th trip to DV. First with non-rental car.

I only have one spare and I understand route through Saline is not for faint hearted. I do have snow chains. So..

Can or Should I take off outer dual wheels on rear of truck once I get off pavement? Certainly don't need weight capacity of duals and it would narrow track of truck making passage a little easier. Singles should do better in snow and mud. As an added benefit, I would have 3 spares.

Any experience to share??

Sam

 

[SunMan]

Saline Valley Road shouldn't be an issue. Bat Rock Road may be a bit more challenging cutting across the wash depending on its condition, however, RV's seem to make their way out there each year. There are some large rocks in the road on the South Pass from what I've read recently so I would stick to the North Pass, but with likely recent snows I would also monitor Death Valley forums very carefully. Could be challenging getting in during the holidays depending on how much snow and rain has been received. Your vehicle is not ideal but should be able to make it. Hope you have quality off road tires a plug kit and a compressor at a minimum.

 

[pvstoy]

To add... anytime you take dually on roads with possible larger sized rocks you would need to check between tires if you wedge a rock.

 

[BillM]

If you stick to the main routes you should be OK if there are no washouts or big snowstorms. I prefer North Pass myself to avoid the long washboards from the south. However, North Pass has some shaded sections that may be icy if there's been snow. Keep in mind that the county will likely have the roads posted as closed no matter what the conditions so its best if you can get beta from someone who has been in there recently, You should check out Eureka Dunes while you're there, have fun!

 

[craig333]

Width isn't an issue. Its not a narrow road. If the rains haven't washed it out the road is in pretty good shape having been recently graded. I wouldn't go in on holiday weekend but thats just me.

 

[K6ON]

FYI

These photo's were posted on facebook in the last hour by NPS showing South Pass road conditions.
12:00 noon 12/18/14
Looking at the position of the sun, I'd guess they were taken this morning.

 

[Lighthawk]

Thanks K6on. I saw those on FB too. We're planning north pass on Saturday, but south pass may be what we do instead. Those rocks have been on the road for a few weeks. Looks like a dually can make it!

 

[LAWNMOWERMAN]

Andy,I'll be leaving Tucson saturday and plan on heading in southpass.I havent been in that way in 3 years.Probably see you and your better half when I get there.My camper is now on a 2011 Tacoma.
Bob, thanks fo the pics.

 

[Lighthawk]

Andy,I'll be leaving Tucson saturday and plan on heading in southpass.I havent been in that way in 3 years.Probably see you and your better half when I get there.My camper is now on a 2011 Tacoma.
Bob, thanks fo the pics.

Roger that. We are leaving in an hour. Should be some nice looking snow capped Inyo's!

 

[Kolockum]

I would not worry too much about taking the outside tires off. Just watch the edges and frequently check for rocks. I have been in Forest Service duallies on some pretty bad roads, trails and skid trails and never had a problem other than rocks stuck between the tires. A good tow strap and a sharp tug is get the rocks out no problem.