Desert-Proofing the Roadster

[mikeinsf]

Heading to Burning Man in a month, and I'm not sure how transportation is working for our group yet. I'm considering driving my baby out onto the playa. For those who don't know it's on a northern Nevada high desert flat, many dust storms, alkaline hard-pack clay. Basically the car stays parked the entire time, and is only used for in/out at the beginning and end. I have the BMW fitted cover which would go on immediately. Any other recommendations for playa-proofing the car? I imagine I'd have to change the filters when I get back too.

[Finnegan]

The best way to Desert Proof it is Hertz. I'd recommend renting a car from Hertz and leaving it at that.

I've done that several times for Southwest vacations off into remote areas with dust, wind, and similar conditions and haven't regretted it once. We had alkalai dust in the car, on the car, in the engine bay...I didn't check under the car but given the amount under the rear bumper I'd imagine it was throughly caked under there in every place imaginable.

Taking a trip up the CA or OR coast? Trip to Yosemite or the Sierras? Roadster all the way. Dry lake beds, dust storms, and Burning Man? Hertz buddy, Hertz!

Rentals are like 50-60/day--why risk something happening?

My two cents FWIW.

[beta]

+1 having been to burning man (it's a blast) I'd say leave it at home.

[mikeinsf]

I think I was subliminally hoping people would just talk me out of it. I have other options for getting there that I think I'll pursue.

[DR Z4]

1) That's awesome that you are going to Burning Man. It will be an incredible experience.
2) You would be insane to take your car there.

Have fun!

[esqu1re]

If you priceline it, you can get rentals for less than 30 bucks a day (as long as you return to original rental location). I assuming burning man is where there will be a lot of drunk / high people...around your car... like everyone else said, why risk it? Have fun though. I wish I could go.

[babydevilj]

Originally Posted by Finnegan

The best way to Desert Proof it is Hertz. I'd recommend renting a car from Hertz and leaving it at that.

I've done that several times for Southwest vacations off into remote areas with dust, wind, and similar conditions and haven't regretted it once. We had alkalai dust in the car, on the car, in the engine bay...I didn't check under the car but given the amount under the rear bumper I'd imagine it was throughly caked under there in every place imaginable.

Taking a trip up the CA or OR coast? Trip to Yosemite or the Sierras? Roadster all the way. Dry lake beds, dust storms, and Burning Man? Hertz buddy, Hertz!

Rentals are like 50-60/day--why risk something happening?

My two cents FWIW.

THIS FTW!

[mikeinsf]

Originally Posted by DR Z4

1) That's awesome that you are going to Burning Man. It will be an incredible experience.
2) You would be insane to take your car there.
Have fun!

Thanks!! This is my second year, and I cannot wait. As you probably already know, it's like nothing else on this planet, seriously. The creative energy and work that goes into putting it all together blew my mind. No money, no cell phones, no cars (except art cars), warm people, all contribute to make it something that's entirely different from anything you experience in regular life.

Originally Posted by esqu1re

If you priceline it, you can get rentals for less than 30 bucks a day (as long as you return to original rental location). I assuming burning man is where there will be a lot of drunk / high people...around your car... like everyone else said, why risk it? Have fun though. I wish I could go.

lol.. yeah I looked up cars on Hotwire and Priceline a little while ago, pretty cheap. Actually I arranged to travel in an RV, so all's well. I intend to be one of those aforementioned people, and a nice comfy ride home in an RV bed sounds highly preferable to doing any driving of my own. Exodus happens Monday morning, and I expect to still be recovering into Tuesday.

[bol]

Do not take the car. You will NEVER get the dust from the playa out of the interior of the car if it gets in.

[ANUSTART]

This post further illustrates the greatness of this board. Have a fun time at Burning Man! The idea of a voyage to Burning Man in an RV makes me smile.

[mikeinsf]

Originally Posted by hogzilla

This post further illustrates the greatness of this board. Have a fun time at Burning Man! The idea of a voyage to Burning Man in an RV makes me smile.

I'll be sure to put up an OT thread with photos of my experience this year.
Incidentally, I have family in Berwyn, on Cuyler Ave... my grandma and aunt. My mom's there right now actually.

[ANUSTART]

Originally Posted by mikeinsf

I have family in Berwyn, on Cuyler Ave... my grandma and aunt. My mom's there right now actually.

Quite a small world. Do you know what block of Cuyler? We're at 35th and Wisconsin.

Look forward to seeing the pics. Have had lots of friends that have done Burning Man, but never been myself.

[mikeinsf]

Haha.. You're right across the tracks. They're @ 28th. Small world indeed.

[ANUSTART]

Ha! Very cool!