Vehicle Requirements

In order to maximize everyone’s safety and everyone’s fun, Rising Sun requires all vehicles to go through a technical inspection to qualify for our trail runs. In general, we use the same guidelines as TLCA (printed below) with a few additional qualifications.

Before attending Cruise Moab…

Your vehicle should be in sound mechanical condition with no leaks or known problems. We recommend that your vehicle should have some miles on the odometer in its current build so you can work out the gremlins before you hit the trails around Moab.

Licensing and Insurance

All drivers of vehicles on the trails need to have a valid drivers license. All vehicles need to have valid insurance to operate on public roads as required by state in which they are registered.

All vehicles are required to have an FRS or GMRS radio.

  • We will not be using CB radio as the communication method on the trail at Cruise Moab.
  • The latest FRS handheld radios are entirely sufficient for communicating on the trail. Plus they are cheap and easy to buy, require no set up, and the batteries last a good long while.
  • We’ve had good success with the Midland T51 and T71 FRS radios (but any brand/model is fine so long as it works).
  • FRS radios are essentially good “walkie talkies.” They do not require a license from the FCC to use.
  • GMRS radios are acceptable as well, but not required. These radios operate on the same bands as FRS radios and can broadcast with more power. However, please note:
    • You must have a license from the FCC to operate a GMRS radio (now only $35 for a 10-year license).
    • GMRS radios are usually a bit more expensive than FRS radios.
    • GMRS is great, but it’s not required for Cruise Moab.
    • Our new radio sponsor is Rugged Radios. They offer a nice handheld GMRS radio and are offering a discount to Cruise Moab participants. Here are all the details.

Please note: If you have a Ham radio, you also must have at least a hand-held FRS radio, since many trail leaders will not have Ham. (We love amateur radio, but we recognize that only a small portion of our attendees will have it).

TLCA VEHICLE REQUIREMENTS

Vehicles registered for participation in a TLCA, or TLCA sanctioned, event are subject to a ‘Vehicle Inspection’. And though TLCA makes no representation as to the impact of such an inspection upon ‘safe’ participation in an event, failure to pass such an inspection will disqualify the vehicle from participating in the event.

All determinations pertaining to the ‘Vehicle Inspection’ shall be at the sole judgment of the event committee, and/or its designates, responsible for such inspections. If a vehicle fails to pass an inspection, correction of any deficiencies may be attempted and the vehicle reinspected … provided such correction and reinspection can be conducted without impact to event schedules.

Minimum Vehicle Requirements

The following are minimum vehicle requirements which, if not met, disqualify a vehicle from participating in an event:

  • Vehicle Registration: Must be current.
  • Insurance Coverage: Must be current, and meet applicable governmental requirements.
  • Service Brakes: Must be able to stall engine when idling in 2nd gear (1st gear if 3 speed).
  • Parking Brake: Must be able to stall engine when idling in 3rd gear (2nd gear if 3 speed).
  • Brake Lights: Must be functioning properly.
  • Tires: All tires, including spare, must have at least 2/32″ of tread. Spare tire must be properly inflated.
  • Roll Bar: Any open vehicle must have a roll bar firmly attached to the vehicle.
  • Seat Belts: Required for driver and each passenger.
  • Fire Extinguisher: Must show full charge on gauge and/or have seal intact.
  • First Aid Kit: Recommended to be as complete as is reasonably possible.
  • FRS Radio (REQUIRED for Cruise Moab)
  • Antenna Length: Not longer than 54″, unless both ends are firmly attached to the vehicle

Evaluated Items

The following are evaluated items which, depending on severity and/or quantity of deficiencies, may disqualify a vehicle from participating in an event:

  • Headlights
  • Running Lights
  • No excessive fluid leaks.
  • Exhaust System: Must be intact. No open exhaust, excessive noise or excessive smoke
  • Steering: No excessive play in moving parts.
  • Windshield: No dangerous cracks
  • Wiper Function
  • Horn Function
  • Vehicle Jack: Hi-Lift type recommended
  • Tow Strap, Tow Rope and/or Chain

Items to Consider

The following are recommended items which TLCA encourages you to consider:

  • Winch
  • Tools
  • Fan Belt, Radiator Water, Battery Cables
  • Tire Gauge, Tire Pump, Tire Patch Kit
  • Rags, Hand Cleaner, Litter Bags
  • Axe, Shovel
  • Flashlight, Spare Batteries, Spare Vehicle Key

ADDITIONAL VEHICLE QUALIFICATIONS FOR CERTAIN TRAILS

The above guidelines are our minimum standards to run ANY trail during the Cruise Moab event. However, some of our trails require equipment and capabilities beyond what’s listed above (bigger tires, locker(s), winch, etc). To determine what level of trails you might want to consider signing up for, visit our Trail Rating System page.

FIREARM POLICY

Cruise Moab is a 4WD event, not a shooting or gun event. While guns are not prohibited, we ask that you keep them safely stored in your vehicle or otherwise concealed at all times unless a legitimate situation arises in which a firearm is needed. Open carry of firearms is expressly prohibited for all participants in order to maintain a family friendly environment.