I have been over the WRT (White Rim Trail) with my buddy, Dan, in his M38 Jeep. The WRT is wonderful in a Jeep. From that experience, I believe a good 2WD pickup with a limit slip differential might make the WRT in dry weather, except I would worry about climbing Murphy’s Hogback and coming back out of Lathrop Canyon. My 2WD truck has a manual transmission. I don’t believe it is geared low enough for these areas. However, I do think a well set up 2WD truck could do it. Opinions on this would be greatly appreciated. I have decided to not try the WRT in with my 2WD/Keystone and I have been looking at new trucks with 4WD.
I want to take my long time camping partner on some dirt roads in Utah, including but not limited to WRT. I have looked at diesel 4X4 pickups, gas 4X4s, Toyotas of various specifications, and others. The more I look, the less I want to give up the nice ride and road performance, gas mileage, etc. of my 2WD truck. If I change to a 4X4, it would be a new one because good deals are to be had with the high gas prices. However, I am about to conclude the best solution for me is to keep my 2WD, camp in Moab, and rent a jeep for running the off-road Canyonlands trails. We would be comfortable taking a tent in the rental jeep for a few nights in the outback, and use our Keystone as a base of operations in town. We could take the 2WD/Keystone on easier dirt roads in the BLM areas for remote camping too.
In my opinion, true 4WD drive roads take a toll on any truck, including a 4WD. I am asking myself why abuse my truck unnecessarily when there are jeeps to rent in Moab. Opinions on this approach of renting a jeep for the tough trails would also be greatly appreciated. I have seen many pictures in this forum posted by members who have taken their campers over the WRT. Therefore, I am sure we have solid well informed opinions.
I have posted a picture of my buddy’s M38. It was great fun to take a 1953 stock military jeep over the WRT. We used 9 gallons of gas in 4 days on the trail, Moab to Moab. –John D
I want to take my long time camping partner on some dirt roads in Utah, including but not limited to WRT. I have looked at diesel 4X4 pickups, gas 4X4s, Toyotas of various specifications, and others. The more I look, the less I want to give up the nice ride and road performance, gas mileage, etc. of my 2WD truck. If I change to a 4X4, it would be a new one because good deals are to be had with the high gas prices. However, I am about to conclude the best solution for me is to keep my 2WD, camp in Moab, and rent a jeep for running the off-road Canyonlands trails. We would be comfortable taking a tent in the rental jeep for a few nights in the outback, and use our Keystone as a base of operations in town. We could take the 2WD/Keystone on easier dirt roads in the BLM areas for remote camping too.
In my opinion, true 4WD drive roads take a toll on any truck, including a 4WD. I am asking myself why abuse my truck unnecessarily when there are jeeps to rent in Moab. Opinions on this approach of renting a jeep for the tough trails would also be greatly appreciated. I have seen many pictures in this forum posted by members who have taken their campers over the WRT. Therefore, I am sure we have solid well informed opinions.
I have posted a picture of my buddy’s M38. It was great fun to take a 1953 stock military jeep over the WRT. We used 9 gallons of gas in 4 days on the trail, Moab to Moab. –John D