V6E5: Adventure on the Mojave Road

This episode is all about a single primitive track across the California desert - The Mojave Road. I spend the week traveling this popular, 140 mile overland route, from west to east, and stop to explore many points of interest along the way. Mud, sand, and water take their toll on the Jeep as I push through the desert toward Nevada.

[@martyjouett9949]

I love the silence in your videos when you show sunsets and the vastness of the places you travel, tires crunching the gravel etc. Another wonderful video, thank you.

[@grega.4556]

Thanks so much for the quiet in this video.

[@EvergreenOG]

Hello Chris, So my routine is; wake up early Saturday mornings (5am) with a cup of coffee while watching your videos. It’s a great way for us weekend warriors to start the weekend...

[@chriskuempel1025]

KN4RUF KN4RUF I do the exact same thing.

[@EvergreenOG]

Chris Kuempel we need more chill and adventure in our lives. I have been building my Jeep for a couple months for a trip from Florida to Colorado in July.

[@Offshore1977]

Gino KN4RUF Nice. Where in Florida? I’d love to drive my Jeep from Fl to Colorado. Especially to Ouray

[@EvergreenOG]

LSanti from Sarasota area,

[@LivingOnCash]

What I really enjoy about your videos besides the amazing scenery and great photography, is that (unlike many other KZbinrs) you don't feel the need to have blaring background music. It is so nice to be able to hear the wind blowing, mud falling off your Jeep, crackle of your camp fire, even the sounds of your footsteps. It gives me such a peaceful feeling and makes the video seem more realistic, like we are actually here with you. I also appreciate the effort you put in as I can imagine how much of a pain it must be to have to set up your camera and then walk or drive back just so you can get the shot of you going by. If you're ever in northwest NV my property backs up to BLM land so there is plenty of camping spots.

[@bryanseverino3674]

I have a whole new appreciation for Jeeps, after watching this video. Thanks for sharing!

[@prestond]

Your vlogs remind me of the nature segments on CBS Sunday Morning with Charles Kuralt that I would watch every week as a kid. The silence, the sounds of nature. Your minimalist approach to narration. A true delight. I'm a Jeep owner who one day hopes to take a few journeys of my own.

[@frankansley7941]

The old railroad beds and your hand drawn pictures were interesting. New vehicle? JEHUMMER ? You videos are fun to watch. Man what a muddy mess on your Jeep. Thanks for taking us with you. Have Fun. Don't forget to check the tomatoes out in the grocery stores. She may be there!

[@TheArkwhaler]

“That weird Pokémon thing” LOL

[@natedawgg99]

Kangaroo rat. Get them in camp all the time when south of Quartzsite for hunting. Have no issue coming right up into your business, getting shooed away, and coming back for more. As brave as they are adorable and quirky. And much prefer them to the various rattlers, sidewinders, and scorpions that wander their way into camp.

[@TheArkwhaler]

natedawgg99 when you live in the Eastern US it is easy to forget the diversity of plants and wildlife in a country this big. Thanks for sharing.

[@JeffDavis73]

The are seriously some of the best videos on KZbin for 4x4, overland, campings, etc.

[@rb30athorn]

Thanks for the ride, I think that weird pokeman thing was a kangaroo rat!

[@Riverrockphotos]

Reflections can freak you out.

[@JohnMason-Hill]

Chris, you are killing me. I wish I was out doing what you’re doing. I have a year and a half before my kids are all in college and gone, then I can take off and see this great country of ours. Thanks for the vids!

[@Sachinthakur-ss]

Good video 👍

[@MotoringAdventures_KE7SAI]

I’m amazed that you bring a pen, a sharpie and paper with you while overlanding. 😂

[@Clark3406]

I love your videos man.

[@richardsanders2794]

Another great week, excellent, thanks Chris.

[@discovering_adventures]

Another interesting video - thanks for sharing. Enjoy the rest of you adventure

[@msemmahale4608]

Love the large panoramic frames, well actually, the whole shoot was fantastically scenic. Great video, Chris.

[@daisuke8872]

Another great journey! Love it!

[@BarrieCollins]

Opening shot is gorgeous, as is 3:06 and 12:10, really all of it. You frame/compose video like it is a photograph, which I've always appreciated in cinematography.

[@TKD0610]

The illustrations are just plain awesome!

[@donnieglover2031]

Loved your Mojave Road episode. You have inspired me to get out and start a little over landing. I have to start from scratch. Just a Ford F-150 FX4. I have watched all your episodes from the start. I admire your GRIT.

[@charleneestelle2349]

I love your videos.... i just got my jeep and need to learn so much - thank you for explaining the sway bar button..... :)

[@sandyj8222]

I bought a 2016 Wrangler Sport about 2 months ago. I absolutely love it! And I’m really enjoying watching your videos of all your travels! Safe Travels!!👍🏽😬

[@sdcarey9407]

Look forward to catching up on your adventures each week, really appreciate how you tell the story!

[@RebelViking912]

Great Video. Thanks for sharing your adventures.

[@garygiles63]

Another great watch, thanks for sharing.

[@evolution2ride]

The lava tube looked really cool! Great side adventure!

[@bryantyler7456]

Awesome. Definitely on my bucket list. Thanks for bringing us along. A rock and a frog are a must from what I hear.

[@jcxj-yy6dx]

Those little drawings 😂 loved it!

[@timberdogz]

That looked pretty amazing.... great road! Sorry to see the mechanical problems, hope you get them all worked out soon. Look forward to your next episode!

[@gordonhatusupy2224]

Always excited for your video! Clicked that Like button instantly!

[@mhartsook]

Mojave Road is a great trip. I recommend everyone who has a chance to do this. Thanks for your coverage of this iconic road. There is so many little hidden gems out in the Mojave along this road they need exploring. Note: The Soda Dry Lake bed where the travelers mound is located contains some corrosive salt mix that will do unexpected unwanted damage to your under carriage if you do not clean it off thoroughly.

[@jeepinjohnny2898]

yo - venture. another fine trip. thanks (and for the natural sounds instead of background racket (music?)).

[@Photojeeper]

I find that so annoying.

[@fwdadventuresza254]

Super vlogs! Love these older Vlog style vids!

[@venture4wd]

Glad you like them!

[@oalturky]

Nice adventure , I really like it 🔶🔷

[@joelfisher69]

Thank you Chris. Reminds me of another time in my life Thank you.

[@mariodesmo]

You spent my birthday on one of my favorite places on earth! The Mojave. Glad you made it through the "dry lake" since it is a real disaster if you get stuck out there. Which happens often with Mojave newbies when it's recently rained there. A few yards either way off the main tracks and you'll end up stuck up to your axles in mud. Looking forward to next week! As for the sway bar gizmo, I installed a Currie Antirock sway bar. Love it! Works great on the road and off road, and you don't need to mess with disconnects. Look into it!

[@commonsense6050]

Sway bar - Some will tell you the electronic sway bar is junk and you should replace it. However, for your use it is a nice feature. They can last a long time if they don't get water past the gaskets and inside. Not just the electric part, but the mechanical part. Try to save yours. Open up the mechanical portion and check for water or corrosion. Clean it out and re-grease it. It will probably work again. Good luck. Also, make sure you get all that mud from the lake washed off. It is salty and corrosive.

[@Photojeeper]

As much as my manual sway bars are sometimes, I prefer them. 1990 YJ.

[@Queensizemusic]

I loved this episode. Keep on going, man. I know you’ve been thinking of putting down roots, but you’ve got a full blown channel now. Keep it going!

[@kenmarapese9085]

Beautiful scenery, love the Mojave!

[@mojavewanderer7719]

I recently found your channel, and have been enjoying watching your videos. And then I see that we just missed each other at the Mojave Road Mailbox! I signed at the top of the page where you signed, at 12:45 in the video. Too bad, I could have started watching your videos months ago. Best of luck in your travels, and keep up the good work!

[@jacmens]

Nice trail to ride these Mojave road... love the landscape overthere.... Greetings fom Europe

[@bryanmcnutt8391]

Enjoyed your adventure thanks for the road trip

[@jeffwarren392]

Another great video. Love the attention to detail in your drawings. Seven slots!

[@kwmoore3464]

If your adventures ever bring you to the East side of the Sandia Mountains in New Mexico. Find SR-14, the Turquoise Trail, about 4 miles up the road off of I-40 you'll find Trail Rider Pizza. It's a family owned place you might like I'll buy you a pie if it works out.. Your drawings & explanation on the swaybar disconnect were great.

[@hermit6208]

5:27 LOL. Interesting historical reference you made me aware of. Boraxo hand soap, vintage, Twenty Mule Team. A blast from the past. Amazing.

[@MANUELGARCIA-ok3xe]

great video like always!

[@murphtahoe1]

Spray those connectors with WD40 followed by blowing them out with air from your compressor, connect them (put some dielectric grease around the connectors if you have it) and disconnect your battery for a hard reboot and your sway bar disconnect issues should be over. Had it happen to my buddy’s JK and I had it back in business in about 15 minutes.

[@kirk189]

Great video 👍🏼👍🏼

[@gilvietor1918]

Ya, we totally saw you on 95, awesome.

[@gapo6675]

Awesome. I became so caught up in the views and the story that I forgot you were recording this. It felt like I was there

[@xDarthRio]

Patrolling the Mojave makes me wish for a nuclear winter... Just found you channel and I absolutely love it, keep up the great work.

[@HighclassAIM]

I’m doing half of the Mojave road in mid April. Thanks for sharing the depot being closed on Tuesday and Wednesday ...........we’ll be there on Tuesday ugh

[@oldsampeabody]

You should make that second illustration into a t shirt.

[@pra3t0rian]

Too bad no shots of you going through the Mojave River in Afton. I bet you didn’t want to go through it more than once. This year is the deepest I’ve ever seen it.

[@bignaby]

That's not just a movie! It's The Goonies!

[@StoneyOutdoors]

Nice exploration!

[@LiveByItHD]

Chris, I have to ask this question. Have you not watched some of the other Mojave Road Jeep'n videos? Such as Trail Recon or Way of Life, Adventure Overland or such. If not, I would much more recommend them over anything Netflix has to offer :)

[@kevingoza]

Nice. Love the primitive nature of the Mojave Road. Too bad graffiti makes its way to such remote areas. Next week!

[@krasnaludek298]

Nice setup sir; sold my JK & grabbed a JL, so the depletion of savings account begins again. Starting w/ 2” lift & 35s, but you have some good gear that I’ll partially emulate. Does the Rotopax holder on the rear work with the Mopar tailgate reinforcement bracket? Looks like that’s what you have, but can’t tell.

[@kentleclair9939]

As someone already mentioned if your electronic swaybar is toast the Evo manual retrofit works really well. It literally takes 15 seconds to disconnect or connect. Added plus is its cheap. Keep the great vids rolling.

[@JeepsRtheDevil]

Bro...mud is life...jeeps love mud...embrace the mud...sling the mud...dig the mud!!

[@msemmahale4608]

1) electronic sway bar - take it out and apart to clean out muck and grease up (see motocheez video) or get manual disconnects from Amazon $125-175 (JKS or Teraflex). 2) mice - hate peppermint, strobe lights and noise. I have a peppermint spray that I sprayed my wiring with, and I check the air filter from time to time as it’s a favorite nesting spot. Amazon has some devices that emit ultrasonic sound and strobe light under the hood when engine is off (have auto kill if battery goes below certain voltage). Loraffe is one brand.

[@TheKPDX]

ALL AWESOME Info. While I've used the sonic repellers without much success, I'm still game to give it a try for $15. Where did you get Peppermint Spray? I TOTALLY need to put that on my air filters in our cars, which become nests.

[@TheKPDX]

Okay, found it on Amazon - THANKS!!

[@davidviner5783]

I see now how people express themselves in public places. In Europe it's graffiti, in the UK it's litter and in the States it's bullet holes! As an experienced desert traveller I think the SW USA has the most interesting desert landscapes on the planet. Great vid.

[@frankiecalabro2617]

Great episode Chris!!!!! Maybe it’s time for a new Jeep!!!

[@FreedomToRoam86]

Awesome technical diagram of benefits of sway bar! (Coffee)

[@mrkmdz]

IDK if you read these comments, Chris. If you do, my advice would be to disconnect the e-disco harness, let it dry out and wrap it with rubber or silicon tape so no further moisture gets inside. Then either install a manual conversion kit or a standard swaybar and disconnects. I went through two of them before giving up on them. Many others have had the same issues. Worse, there's a sensor inside the connector that can cause random CANBUS errors if it gets junked up (I know one person who actually had to cut-off the connector to get his JK running again). Although convenient when it works, ultimately it's not worth the trouble, especially since it can go haywire and leave you stranded.

[@christophermagrin1492]

"Goonies" still one of my favorite movies.

[@takayama1638]

Good sway bar explanation, I wondered how those things worked, what they did.

[@chriskuempel1025]

Hey Chris, I’ve been binge watching your channel for about 2 months and now I’m all caught up. Your constant coming and going video work amazes me. Just a random question. What size tires are you running? Keep up the great work.

[@gilmeacham8109]

Dangit! We are going the end of March (28th-31st) Thanks for your excellent coverage.

[@amylynnkoch4130]

Great video, Chris. If you want to do more extended off-road trips like this, check out the Back Country Discovery Routes, They are routes through the western states that are mostly off road double track with fuel stops along the way. Designed for adventure bikes but tame enough and wide enough for 4WD's. You can download GPS tracks at ridebdr.com

[@caninphx]

How deep was the water crossing at Afton canyon? I. Went thru Xmas day and it was 42-45”. Judging from the water line on the truck.

[@TheKPDX]

It was notable enough 2 Octobers ago that I didn't want to drive my exBrother-In-Laws Sequoia that I had borrowed through it.

[@larryparker1678]

Great Job

[@ricksandfort8836]

Mohave Road is definitely on my bucket list... nice vid!

[@Photojeeper]

Mojave Road, Mohave is the Arizona spelling, just saying. Carry on...

[@eugeneenslow8563]

Good thing no mud got slung on the passenger side 😁

[@Disconnectedoffroad]

Welcome to the sway bar light club. If you haven't already figured it out, make sure to check if you are stuck connected or disconnected. If the electrical connection is shot from water, the Evo manual disconnect is the cheaper solution.

[@88mtb88]

Great work

[@amx19733]

Always Great!!!

[@insaynbcr]

If the electronic disconnect motor itself didn't bonk out, you may be able to clean up the electronics parts by rinsing really well with 99% isopropyl alcohol and blow it out really well, then let it evaporate out overnight. If you get it working again, dab some dielectric grease on the contacts to repel moisture.

[@msemmahale4608]

There are some good videos addressing the electronic sway bar disconnect issue. The internal mechanical parts can get all gummed up with dirt/mud and fail to function. Taking it apart and giving it a good clean, and grease has worked for others. Apparently, it’s a thing with this piece of equipment on the JKUR. Good luck with it! kzbin.info/www/bejne/nKObloOrgtZ5rqM

[@99bounz]

The most clever vlog on Earth (limited competition on that though), love you. Btw (long time wondering) are you armed or how do you keep yourself and the jeep safe? How often are you worried over your camp site? I'm from Sweden, therefor asking. Amazing drawings and clarifications about swaybars, but what's the electronic box regulate, must be some mecanical adjustment I guess, so so I can google. See you next week and drive safely. PS Love pizza too, and pokemons... DS

[@TheKPDX]

While lots of people carry weapons, the reality is they are rarely necessary if you just use good judgement. Chris has some newbie challenges, like exploring the Meth Trailer in the PNW. Bear Spray is an excellent defense device for both bears & people.

[@zachwilson6365]

Killer sunset by the dunes!

[@michaelsmith9308]

LOVE THE JEEP:) AND THE TENT-LOOKING INTO A 4 door also! Trying to wait for the diesel , however, if the price is too high anything from a 2007 to current as i will have a URSO minor top put on, along with a good winch (just in case) I have never roughed it before down to a crosstrek awd, but the clearance on this crosstrek is nice 8.9 inches until i get my new jeep. Been jeeping since 1990:) Your definitely an explorer! Speaking of that my youtube channel is Shameless Xplorer.

[@tonywright5371]

I have traveled on this road when I lived in California. When I came to that pile of rocks , it had a historical sign there. That said " At this exact location in 1898, nothing happened". Did you not see it there?

[@woof3598]

another good episode, looked chilly, thoughts on the new heater over just letting the jeep run at night ?

[@johnganshow5536]

How many miles on the Rubicon now? Looks like it's holding up pretty well. Thanks...

[@steveem7032]

If you get into Lake Havasu we can show you some great trails after getting all that mud off. And gas is only $2.45. We also have a great independent Jeep expert to take a look at that sway bar disconnect.

[@cowboydavesadventuretime3893]

Hi Chris. I really appreciated this document. I want to run this road and now I’m going to. I’m curious - how do you get KZbin to take you movies? We’ve downloaded a few, but my first was over 15 minutes and it wouldn’t take it until I shortened its run time. I’d like to know how you get around this. All the best!

[@consaka1]

Oh wow! I found this old video I started to watch and got distracted or something. Found it when trying to thin out the 500 some tabs I have open. For a bit I thought that tire was yours. whew that didn't look good at all.

[@zac5722]

The frogs are freaking me out. Nightmares tonight. On the disconnect, seems every Jeep in my club that goes through water has the auto disconnect fail, and it's not a cheap part. Mine is not Rubicon, so I have the JKS quicker disconnects. It doesn't care what you go through, but unfortunately you have to get under a muddy dripping Jeep to put them back when you're done. Sure would be nice to hit a button...

[@robertt6668]

THX FOR SHARING !! BE SAFE

[@ntsms69]

Jeep covered in mud. Exactly as it should be.

[@ipaddlemyowncanoe.7441]

Good one 👍👍🇨🇦

[@rugburnzz]

I personally don't worry about sway bars. Usually when I get a vehicle the first thing I do is take off the sway bars and beef up the suspension in other ways. I find they are more of a nuisance than anything.

[@RVingwithG]

SWEET, I have been here!

[@christiand6768]

Do you never get loonely? I love going on ventures and off roading but feel it is good to be two vehicles if one break down oryou get really stuck.

[@thomasrsunday8945]

Highlight of my Friday’s 🤲

[@aaronfrench8322]

Incredible shot at 9:16!!!!

[@mesquitoful]

I’d like to meet the evil Jeep engineer who designed the front wheels to direct a focused spray of mind onto the front door handles.

[@christineayres5339]

Pokemon running around the dunes lol 😂