Alpine Coach Association--2019 Desert Rat Rally

[Old Scout]

Its unbelievable--only 15 days until Thanksgiving, 47 days until Christmas, and most important, just 70 days until once again, we gather in the desert outside Quartzsite AZ for Desert Rat! Alpiners sure know how to throw a party and the 2019 edition of DRR will be no exception. After all, this is ACA's 18th year of holding DRR--so we must be doing something right. Our wagon masters are working hard to make sure everything is ready when you arrive on January 17th. And yes--we have the tent again so sunshine or not, we are prepared to have a good time. The catered meals are planned, 4-wheel drive romps in the desert are mapped out, our nearly famous "Gearhead" technical session will again be a crowd pleaser, and live entertainment is on the schedule. So come hungry and bring your desert dancing shoes [hiking boots?]. The attached registration form is provided for your consideration.


PS--If you want, consider inviting a friend or two to join the party--the price is the same for all attendees and there is always room in the tent for old friends to meet and new acquaintances to be made.

[Old Scout]

So, what exactly do Alpiners do in the desert with no power and no water??? Simple--we take full advantage of our Alpine's awesome features and large tanks to live comfortably for a week off the grid! The attached agenda provides a list of the activities, meals and entertainment you will enjoy while at Desert Rat. See you all in January!!!!!

[Sco70ttie]

I sent in my registration today. I hope to meet you there!

[Old Scout]

Absolutely--see you in the desert!

[whalepirot]

Originally Posted by Old Scout

see you in the desert!

Seriously pondering this, primarily for the Gearhead Session, as I learn and sort out issues.


We have no TOAD, yet; a serious limitation?


New to Alpining; other recommendations for this dry camp (link?)

[Old Scout]

Alpiners are a generous lot--we make friends quickly and are ready to help them. Don't see lack of a toad as an issue--just ask for rides, someone always steps up. Our Alpines are well-suited for dry camping but some prep is required to spend 6-7 days in the desert. Proper genset, inverter, and battery function is very important. Come to the camp site with empty sewer tanks, and full fresh water and fuel tanks [propane and diesel]. Make sure your fresh water tank isn't siphoning. Even then, some water conversation is necessary. Depending on model of Alpine and what sort of heating, most desert campers plan on cool nights [but not freezing] and moderating day temps. So limited heating at night is the rule--bring blankets, comforters or un-zip your favorite sleeping bag. DW can be an excellent source of heat but don't count on it--have an alternative [smile]. Other Alpiners may have more ideas.

[RVPioneer]

Originally Posted by whalepirot

Seriously pondering this, primarily for the Gearhead Session, as I learn and sort out issues.


We have no TOAD, yet; a serious limitation?


New to Alpining; other recommendations for this dry camp (link?)

We have a 2013 Scion xB that we've towed for 2 years. It's a 5 speed manual with 41K miles and 4 new tires. The lovely wife couldn't live without a Grand Cherokee any longer so that is our new toad. Car is currently in So Cal, tow bar and accessories are in Oregon with coach. PM me if interested.

[EngineerMike]

Definitely going to Quartzsite. Definitely.
For those who are intimidated by dry camping , this is the perfect outing. Lots of friends w/the same coaches so you can get up to speed on the routines.


If you are Toad-less but want something to drive around on your own schedule, make the run toward Quartzsite and reserve a rental car at the last stop before (like maybe Blythe, CA?) and run w/two drivers for the last few miles; there might be rental cars in Parker AZ as well. Likely tho that there'll be friends heading to the big tent, heading to Tyson Wells, heading to Desert Bar, heading jeeping, heading to golf, heading to...


See y'all at Qzite!

[Gary Arnold]

We will be there and are bringing 3 other new Alpine owners to the Great Desert Rat Rally.

Good times will continue!

[rrthor]

Originally Posted by Gary Arnold

We will be there and are bringing 3 other new Alpine owners to the Great Desert Rat Rally.

Good times will continue!

Excellent !!

[Old Scout]

….way to go Gary!!!!

[paul65k]

We are planning on making the trek all the way from Lake Havasu City....all of 75 minutes...lol

On a serious note really looking forward to meeting other Alpine owners and getting up to speed on our latest WRV product!

BTW.....looking to replace the shocks and saw a note from someone a few years ago about having them done at Quartzsite.....do you think that will be an option this year as well?

[Old Scout]

….sure you can... shocks and about anything else you might need....service at the camp site is somewhat limited due to recently revived BLM rules on commercial services on their property...however, ACA has a long-standing "relationship" with Redlands Truck/RV Service...they have a substantial service operation at the RV show in Q-site each year. IMHO, they have a very good reputation for doing quality work but they may be a bit proud of the fees they charge. Also know that Q-site has an additional sales tax that may impact on the prices you pay for anything while in town. Other Alpiners will know for sure. Look forward to meeting you....

[DrDaveMA]

I had Redlands replace my front shocks when we were there in ‘17. They are not the least expensive, but as Dean says they have a good reputation and can do just about anything you want done in their Q shop, you will be shocked (pun intended) at what they can do in the desert. Shocks, tires alignments, etc., give them a call and set up an appointment just to be sure they have the right parts for you. Their sticks and brick shop is just a couple of hours away, but if they know ahead of time, they will have all the parts there waiting for you.