Frequently Asked Questions
Why do you restrict your membership to just Wranglers and not allow other model Jeeps?
The reason we restrict our trail runs to Wrangler models only has nothing to do with snobbery — but it is about practicality. Wranglers are extremely capable and ruggedly constructed vehicles, especially designed for off-road. By having all our vehicles similar, we can follow each other’s lines on the trail; and we share commonality with the wheelbase/body size, turning/climbing capabilities, operation, driving techniques, and mechanical features of our vehicles. Expertise can be shared, as well as some parts in emergencies.
Are Gladiators considered Wranglers for the purpose of membership?
We do accept Gladiator pick-up trucks into our club, due to the close similarity not only visually, but mechanically. However, sometimes Gladiators may not be suitable for all of our trail runs – due to their larger wheelbase and extended body overhangs, all of which limits their maneuverability. We always recommend that Gladiators confer with the Trail Leader when signing up to attend a posted trail run, unless specified in the event description.
What is the difference between this website and the Desert Wranglers Facebook Group page? Why have more than one site?
Our Facebook Group Page is well known and has been around for many years. This site is new, and still under construction. Facebook provides a lively interactive DISCUSSION THREAD for active and associate members to use (posting with comment section) that is familiar and easy.
More structured announcements (such as upcoming events) and resource files will reside on this site.
Following our Facebook page does NOT make you an active member of Desert Wranglers; for that, you have to join on this site and submit your dues.
How do you RSVP for a Trail Run or other special Club event?
Some of our posted events have an RSVP button that is actually a link to our Meetup site. Using Meetup allows us to set a quantity limit for RSVP, and then to create a Waiting List for any overflow. Trail Runs are very limited in the number of vehicles that can participate, so this allows us control over the sign-ups. Meetup also allows us more privacy, since event details such as where/when to meet and the ability to RSVP are not accessible to the public. To join our Meetup site, which is free for our members, there is a separate sign-up page that requires approval by our Membership team.
Why do we always have to sign another liability release form on every Trail Run? Isn’t signing one of them enough?
Desert Wranglers requires filling out liability release forms during the drivers meeting that is held at the start of every trail run. It must be signed by every driver and every passenger in your vehicle, and must include your cell phone number and an emergency contact. These forms are kept by the Trail Leader, so that the information is readily available on the trail should the need arise. It also allows us a means to take roll during the run, and maintain records afterwards.
Do you guarantee that the trail runs are safe?
The answer to that is NO. You and your passengers participate in all of our club events AT YOUR OWN RISK. There is always some uncertainty when you go off-roading, because of weather, ever changing road conditions, natural obstacles (rocks, ruts, sand, etc.), fragility of your vehicle, and your driving skills. Cactus and other shrubs will scratch your paint; nasty pointed stones might threaten your tires; and the skid plates beneath your Jeep will earn their keep!
Desert Wranglers strive our best to keep the runs safe -- considerably safer and better organized than some other clubs -- but trail runs are not theme park rides. They are 4x4 off-road adventures. And with any true adventure, there is always some degree of risk.
What kinds of radios do you use on Trail Runs?
Traditionally, all of our members had mounted CB radios with external antennas in their Jeeps. Handheld portables were only used by spotters. However, there are still some large, popular, regional Jeep events that rely on CB. CB radios do not require a license.
These days, a growing number of events are now using GMRS radios, which provide clearer reception. Even the inexpensive ($35), small handhelds work very well for trail runs. Officially, GMRS does require an FCC license ($35 good for 10 years; no written test).
Desert Wranglers use primarily GMRS. It is safe to say that all of our runs have switched over from CB to GMRS. Some of the members carry spare GMRS handhelds, which can be provided to spotters or unequipped newbies.
Our event descriptions will specify whether GMRS or CB is required.
FRS radios are inexpensive, low-powered units and not suitable. HAM radios require an FCC license and a written exam, making them too exclusive for a large club such as ours.
Are tall whip flags (rally flags) required?
Desert Wranglers does not require Whip flags, but they are recommended for increased visibility. Many of the trails will get dusty and hilly, so we encourage members to use these tall flags.
Some dedicated OHV (hilly or dune) areas, as well as large regional events, do mandate flags on all vehicles.
How do I know if a trail is too difficult for my Jeep to handle?
When we post a trail run in our Events section, we will describe as best we can the difficulty level and obstacles of the trail. We will indicate if the trail is “stock Wrangler friendly”, or if upgraded equipment is recommended. When in doubt, please contact the Trail Leader!
Our Trail Leaders are familiar with the trail, and have driven it in the recent past. We also provide the standard trail rating difficulty guides (1-10) – which are explained on this website.
Are your runs scheduled only on weekends?
Dates and times are up to the individual Trail Leaders who organize their runs. Sometimes they could be on weekdays, sometimes on weekends. Desert Wranglers offers a variety, because all of us have different personal schedules, or some trails may be too crowded on certain days.
Similarly, some runs are suited for beginners or stock; other runs may appeal to more advanced drivers with modified rigs. Read the event descriptions carefully.
Remember to join our Meetup site so that you can RSVP for our trail runs and events.
If you would like to organize and lead a trail run, please contact our Trail Masters, or just email us at info@desertwranglers.club
I don’t want to wait for an official club run, but just want to find a Jeeper or two to accompany me out onto a trail.
Desert Wranglers refers to these impromptu trail rides as “fun runs”. The first rule of off-roading is to never go out with only one vehicle; so we encourage members to ask for company rather than head off on their own. You can post your “fun run” on our FaceBook group page or in the discussions forum of this website (currently still under construction).
It is important to understand that these ad hoc “fun runs” are not official Club runs; are not sanctioned, overseen, nor approved by the Club. They are completely independent and not affiliated with us in any way – and you participate in them completely at your own risk. Although you may post and invite others to join you, you must not say nor imply that this is a Club event nor use the phrase Desert Wranglers in your description. Please remember to include a detailed description of the trail difficulty, whether or not this is stock friendly, and what kind of comms you will be using. You may not post your event on our Meetup pages.
What is the difference between the “Leadership Team” and the club’s officers & Board of Directors? Are they the same thing?
The Board of Directors includes the Executive Officers (Pres, VP, Treas, Secy) along with Members at Large. The Board are our official corporate officers and have voting rights at our Board meetings. The Board is empowered to make motions, policies, and to govern the club.
The Leadership Team plays more of an advisory role. It encompasses the Board -- along with committee chairs, Trail Leaders, and other motivated individuals who have expressed and demonstrated a desire to get involved. Anyone who is willing is welcome to play a leadership role!
We extend to these non-Board members a voice in the meetings, but their vote technically does not count towards passing or rejecting a motion. However, it has been our history to let these non-Board members “vote” alongside the Board (more so as a poll). But if a vote were ever close, then only the votes cast by bona fide Board members would actually count. So far, I cannot recall any Board vote that was controversial and decided by a slim margin.
This form of governance provides more members a say in how we operate our club and provides a pathway for anyone who wants to play a valuable role.