Sprinter 4x4 Adventure Van Takes on the Shafer Trail, Moab, Utah

Exploring the Shafer Trail in Canyonlands National Park, Utah in a 4x4 Sprinter van. A Moab classic trail through some of the most gorgeous scenery in the southwest USA. It's a tour that gets better and better as you climb up to the rim of Islands in the Sky. If you are scared of heights, this might not be the trip for you with sheer drops while driving on the edge of massive cliffs. Just hope another truck isn't coming in the opposite direction, as its just one lane for much of the most exposed sections. But with all this aside, it's the most awe-inspiring views and the backdoor into a great National Park. Let me know in the comments if this trail is for you?
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Peter- / peterholcombe
Abby- / adventurous.miss
Winnebago Revel 4x4 Sprinter Van
www.winnebago....
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[@cnevle]

Sweet!

[@Famagogo]

Thanks for watching!

[@Vikilauter]

Great video🚐🚐🚐

[@Famagogo]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@johnnyc8722]

Inspiring, great work!

[@Famagogo]

Thanks for watching.

[@Jason-ms4gb]

10 ply tread. Not sidewall.

[@MOAB-UT]

Nice video. Great to see you still digging it after 30 years. I've been 6 times and thought that was a lot. Going back soon- so 7! Be careful getting too close to the edge in that big truck. That famous Moab red dirt/mud is often very wet just underneath the surface. Sometimes you can brake but keep sliding. I try to never get closer than 15 feet unless it is an incline, then I can push it to 5.

[@Famagogo]

Thanks for watching. Have a great trip!

[@MOAB-UT]

@@Famagogo Thanks and we always do. We hit up Death Valley, Zion and Moab earlier this year. Next year it will be Teton National Park>>Moab. Maybe Glamis, CA.

[@brianwhidden]

Awesome video Peter.

[@Famagogo]

Glad you enjoyed it, thank you!

[@tridentadventure3022]

What camera and lens are you using for your travel photography?

[@Famagogo]

Hello, I use Sony Alpha cameras (A7R4 and A9) and the G-Master zooms 16-35, 24-70, 24-105, 70-200.

[@sonny1597]

Great video .. been on the Shaffer a number of times and it's always breathtaking. Your KO2's .. those are 10 ply rated but only 3 ply on the sidewall. Check the little info tag .. I'm running them on my 2001 Explorer and 2021 Crosstrek. My normal road pressure for both rigs is 30 psi and I run the Ford down to 12 lbs in the rough stuff .. the Trek down to 15 lbs. I'm on my 4th set of KO2's! Been considering RV's 🤠

[@Famagogo]

Ahh yes. Thanks for that.

[@Lt184]

What an amazing sight/ drive, thank you for sharing. Curious on the climb did you notice the van bog down/ loose power to make it worrisome? I only ask as we own a 22’ sprinter and there are times on 6% grades where we notice the van struggle to keep the pre set cruise control of 70 and fall below 60mph and even the truckers start to pass us.

[@Famagogo]

Thank you! The van will drop out of cruise control on big climbs. It's just a lot of weight to keep going uphill for the computer. I find a Peddle Box can help keep the RPMs up. But on the Shafer Trail, it's just a slow crawl up the grade. I didn't have any issues with getting bogged down on the Share Trail.

[@Lt184]

@@Famagogo thanks for the reply, we are at dead horse point state park, we think going your direction up is optimal for us and our first attempt. Just need to find our way to Potash rd and the start 😉

[@Famagogo]

Awesome, how did it go?

[@Lt184]

@@Famagogo well it was a amazing drive to say the least, though it ended up our first experience of it was from top to bottom. The van did wonderfully our next trip out we will do it going up. Everyone that has the ability / capability to do this should. All the vistas were amazing from the different parks, but to have seen and then actually go down and experience it all again but from the bottom was truly the crown jewel for us and our trip.

[@Famagogo]

Thats great, way to go! It is such a fun tour. And I love that you want to do it again going the other way. It is a whole new experience. Congrats!

[@mdkamrulislam8458]

Nice videos

[@Famagogo]

Glad you like them! Thanks for watching!

[@trixie2010]

It’s a lot easier if you do it in reverse. Start at the top of the hill and go toward potash.

[@Famagogo]

Yep, working with gravity... I like it both directions. Just depends on where I'm coming from. Thanks for watching!

[@acupof_joe]

do you think 4x4 is an absolute requirement? i have a winnebago solis 59p i want to take trough here

[@Famagogo]

It’s really hard to say as the route changes conditions with every rain. I’d want high clearance, and quality AT tires as a minimum. See if you can get more recent trail conditions report and make a call based off of that. But know that a tow out will be very costly.

[@Marcin_Siemcio]

Thank you for video. I have a question, do you think it is possible to drive this road with 170WB sprinter 4x4 ?

[@Famagogo]

Hi Marcin, Yes, I think it is possible. The only slight tight spot that I can imagine will be a few (1 or 2) of the switchbacks that are tight turns. You should be able to swing it wide enough to pass normally but might need a little maneuvering (3 point turn). Just watch for oncoming traffic and take your time. Thanks for watching! Have a great adventure.

[@chuckneese1282]

Great video Peter. Last year I rode the same route on my Yamaha TW200 and it was one of my most memorable rides. The White Rim was as well. Keep making incredible memories!!!

[@Famagogo]

Thank you. I enjoyed it in my van, and I'm looking forward to returning with a bike. Keep exploring!

[@FatTireVanVentures]

Is it comparable to the Moki Dugway?

[@Famagogo]

It's definitely a step up in challenge from the Moki Dugway. Rougher road (in places), tighter switchbacks and more remote.

[@FatTireVanVentures]

@@Famagogo Sounds all fun and games till someone else is coming the other way lol would be a great one way!

[@jeepinwithjulia]

I have this trail on my schedule for gone Moab, but man, those drop offs are not for me. I have sweaty palms just from watching! Easy road for my Jeep, but not for my fear of heights.

[@Famagogo]

Yes, it does have some exposure. Thanks for watching!

[@VancouverTV1]

Wow great ! nice work !! Is the trail possible with a 2wheel sprinter ?

[@Famagogo]

I think with proper tires a 2WD sprinter would do fine. I never put my Sprinter in 4wd for this whole tour. So the only difference is the ground clearance. And for the most part it’s a well graded road. You can go from the top to the bottoms too so that might help also. The switch backs would be easier in a 144. Just use your own best judgement.

[@3651sim]

Great video. Do you think Sprinter 170 Ext will make Shaffer rd too?

[@Famagogo]

Thanks for watching! It's really hard to say for sure as conditions change often. But the long rear hangover could be a challenge crossing some of the steeper washes if they have recently flooded. Sorry, I can't give you a more confident answer.

[@hannahbooher6014]

Get video. Headed to Moab in our van next week. Any problems with the tire pressure monitoring system when running low pressure? We have a 2017 sprinter. Thanks

[@Famagogo]

Hello, Hannah, you will get the warning message on your dashboard. But it’s nothing more that a little annoying. Make sure you air back up before driving a highway speeds and/or on pavement. Have a great trip!

[@donnalubong8845]

Do you think a Winnebago Solis can make it on the trail?

[@Famagogo]

The ground clearance of the Pro master could lead to dragging and scraping in a had full of spots. I wouldn’t say it’s impossible for it to make it but you would be risking damage to the plumbing fixtures and underside of the van. It’s just not designed for such offroad driving. You can rent a Jeep in Moab and have a wonderful tour and keep the Solis safe.

[@brianflynn7148]

Could this ever be done in a 170 WB sprinter. I’m asking because I am on the fence between a 144 and a 170.

[@Famagogo]

Hi Brian, yes, it would be fine in a 170 Sprinter. There might be one or two of the hairpin turns that you would need to make a three point turn on but it wouldn't be bad. Lots of larger full sized trucks do this all the time. The 170 has a few limitations, one being turning radius. But it can make up for it big time with living space and a larger North-South bed.

[@tomjones8790]

Hi Peter, thanks for the great video with plenty of information driving the shaver trail with a sprinter van. I understood you drove a lot without 4*4. Did you drove as well the switchbacks up without 4*4. I am asking you, because our sprinter van (length like yours) has only Rear wheel drive. We would like to drive the same tour on a dry day. 🤟

[@Famagogo]

Hi Tom, conditions are always changing on routes like the Shafer trail. But, if you have good AT tires (like BFG KO2), and the ability to air down I think a 2WD Sprinter would be fine in the conditions I had. It’s a great tour.

[@tomjones8790]

@@Famagogo Hi Peter, thanks a lot for your feedback. I agree with you about the various condition, good AT tires and air down. We traveled before with a pickup popup camper, so we are used to offroad in europe. But now with the new Sprinter and our trip next year to the USA / Alaska we are happy to gain information from travellers like you. Because we love to do this trail. Again Thanks and lot's of safe journeys.

[@alexpelon3786]

What about a Sprinter Van on the White Rim Road?

[@Famagogo]

There is one spot with an overhang that is pretty low. I've done the White Rim on a moto and I think this spot would be the crux in a van.

[@TimBarnharts]

Wonder how the Sprekko would do on this…

[@Famagogo]

It always depemds on current conditions. One good rain can totally change it. The two concerns are the lenghth (turning radius-being 170)) for the switchbacks, and the rear hangover when going through dips. These are the two aspects that limit the Ekko the most. But it is pretty capable otherwise. If you added some lift and larger tires that would help.

[@corydoney]

What light bar setup are you running? Doesn't look like the stock Revel fairing. Thanks!

[@Famagogo]

Hi Cory, I’m running a LightForce 40” dual row light-bar on the roof rack. You have a good eye. This is a prototype fearing made by Black River, in IA. It’s worked really well. The light-bar is so awesome, I love ever-time I get to turn it on. On the grill ai also have two Lightforce Genesis also. This combo has worked great in many situations.

[@rozannehakala3034]

How was the drive back down? Scarier? Great video!

[@Famagogo]

Great question, once at the top of the Shafer Trail you join the paved road through the park. You can then drive out on pavement or reverse your way back down the Shafer Trail. I then went over to Dead Horse Point State Park as my next stop.

[@007Knightjp]

Would the Sprinter be able to take on some of the famous trails in Moab?

[@Famagogo]

Sure, depending on current conditions.

[@007Knightjp]

@@Famagogo I assumed that they would be too top heavy and unstable to take on such tracks.

[@craigarons8492]

Nice. what map guidance do you use? Thanks

[@Famagogo]

Thanks, I love maps! I'm using a combo of Google Maps, OnX and Garmin depending what the need of the moment is.

[@craigarons8492]

@@Famagogo Thanks

[@mattching101]

Very dangerous road.

[@Famagogo]

It certain not can be, very scenic too. Thanks for watching.

[@Pat.W1986]

Hi, do you think Sprinter 170 could go up the trail with no problem? I know that you have a 144 just wanted you opinion since you made it up there with no problem.

[@Famagogo]

I think its very doable in a 170. A few of the tight switchbacks might require a three point turn. The extra clearance of a 4x4 could be nice but not critical with good line selection. A tow would be costly so make sure to have good AT tires and spare for the rock abuse. Also not that one storm can change the washes and make it a very different experience. So maybe check with locals who have more current beta.

[@erickirn622]

Brand new subscriber here from Phoenix. Outstanding job!! I just received my new 4x4 Sprinter van this last Tuesday and I am looking forward to getting out "there" with you all!! I have rode the white rim trail on my Husaberg a couple of years ago. I am setting up my van to haul my Husky 690 on the hitch! lol..

[@Famagogo]

Awesome! Thank you! Sounds like a great set up for many more adventures.

[@jupitersurfski4542]

What was your speed?

[@Famagogo]

Pretty slow as I stop a lot to take in the sights and film a lot. It took me most of the day.

[@noahjensen2376]

Decided to do this in the sprinter 4x4 yesterday before the 9 hour drive home. Absolutely worth it!

[@Famagogo]

Awesome! Thats the way to do it. Milk every precious moment out of a desert trip. Congrats!

[@reconeix]

Excellent footage. Almost like being there.

[@Famagogo]

Thank you very much!

[@marasievers]

Breathtaking views, Peter! Thanks for your hard work filming this.

[@Famagogo]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching.

[@hannahelstad]

Moab is also a great place to get married. 😉 Looks like a great place to take the green Jeep!

[@Famagogo]

I’d say so. Thanks for tuning in.

[@PRTEVYBMW]

Very cool! RV on,Cheers;)

[@Famagogo]

Thanks for watching!

[@bobbysnow5478]

Thanks for the video!

[@Famagogo]

You're welcome!

[@naterus]

Hello, just subscribed, have you done any suspension changes? Thank you.

[@Famagogo]

Yes, we have an Agile Offroad RIP kit on our Revel. Thanks for watching.