2026 SOA Nationals - Event Announcement
- Thread starter Kaiser8
- Start date
- City
- Birmingham
- State
- AL
Is there an “official” camping or lodging location for the group?
- City
- Cleveland
- State
- TN
I think myself and one other are at the Ouray KOA...
- City
- Aurora
- State
- IL
Not this year. We looked for a situation like what we've had in years past in Moab with all of the clustered condos. That doesn't exist in Ouray. We booked our place through VRBO, others have used that and Airbnb. There are a two campgrounds in town and others further north.
- City
- Birmingham
- State
- AL
Reservations made at Ouray Riverside Resort.
Registered for the event.
Days off on the books at work.
Check will be in the mail this week to George!
Can’t wait for July now
Registered for the event.
Days off on the books at work.
Check will be in the mail this week to George!
Can’t wait for July now
- City
- Madison
- State
- AL
Outstanding! Looking forward to seeing you again and very happy y'all will be joining us.Reservations made at Ouray Riverside Resort.
Registered for the event.
Days off on the books at work.
Check will be in the mail this week to George!
Can’t wait for July now
We'll be heading out late in the week prior, aiming for Memphis and then I-40 route all the way to New Mexico where we'll turn right before Albuquerque and head up through Taos and Chama, NM then into Ouray. Probably spending nights in Eastern Ok at a KOA off 40, Tucumcari NM, and Chama. Driving the Scrambler all the way out is the plan.
- City
- Cleveland
- State
- TN
We are leaving the 11th or 12th heading west. Since we are in the MH and towing the '8 on a trailer, plan on getting to CO on the 14th. Staying at Priest Gulch Campground near Dolores for 4 nights then over to Ouray KOA on the 19th, leaving the the morning of the 23rd heading to the Silver Lake Scramble in MI...
- City
- Birmingham
- State
- AL
That’s awesome, Jake. Can’t wait to catch up with you again. I plan on trailering my 8 up there. Arriving on Sunday evening. Then I will depart on Thursday and head back home. I can’t wait!! It’s going to be awesome!!
- City
- Birmingham
- State
- AL
- City
- Birmingham
- State
- AL
- City
- Rockville
- State
- VA
This one looks like a Christmas tree ornament….
- City
- Manassas
- State
- VA
You can send payment to events@cj-8.org via PayPal or pay with a check when you arrive.
- City
- Aurora
- State
- IL
- City
- Aurora
- State
- IL
The following are some tips for getting your Scrambler ready for the trails of Colorado.
Preparing your Scrambler for the trails of the Colorado mountains requires focusing on high-altitude carburetor tuning, cooling system efficiency and reliable braking.
Mechanical & Trail Prep
Preparing your Scrambler for the trails of the Colorado mountains requires focusing on high-altitude carburetor tuning, cooling system efficiency and reliable braking.
Mechanical & Trail Prep
- Engine & Carburetor: Properly tune the carburetor for high elevation (7,000–13,000 ft) to prevent running too rich. Ensure a reliable ignition system.
- Cooling System: Ensure that your cooling system is in perfect condition with new hoses, sound radiator, proper thermostat and new radiator fluid. Steep inclines and thin air will cause over-heating on weak systems.
- Brakes & Steering: Properly functioning brakes are essential for the steep descents typical of the mountain trails. Check condition of pads and rotors, shoes and drums, hard and soft brake lines, master cylinder and the brake fluid itself. Replace, or upgrade, any questionable components before you hit the trails. A properly working emergency brake is a must have. Regarding steering, ensure that all steering linkage is in good condition and greased.
- Tires: While aggressive tires are not typically required for the trails we will be on, they do need to have good tread depth and relatively new. All-terrain tread patterns work well. Also include a good tire gauge that will read single digit pressures. Ideally, this gauge will allow for airing up and down. There will be sections of pavement on trail days so an air source for airing up at the end of the trails would be a good addition. CO2 tanks or portable compressors work well.
- Fluids: Check the following fluids: differentials, transmission, transfer case, power steering, master cylinder and coolant. Now would be a good time to fully service all fluids.
- Recovery: It’s important that you have solid tow points both front and rear. A tow strap, or rope, with a #30k load rating and shackles (hard or soft) should be added to your kit. Tree saver strap. A winch is not required but does make a nice addition.
- Tools/Parts: Bring spare u-joints, axle shafts, belts, hoses, and fluids. A tool kit with wrenches, rachets, sockets, pliers, etc.
- Safety: Pack cold-weather gear (even in summer), sunscreen, and altitude sickness remedies. It is also recommended that you have a full first aid kit in the Jeep and any medications that you are currently taking.
- Communications: We will be using GMRS radios on the trails.
- Food & WATER: Bring plenty of water for all passengers. We will typically be eating on the trails so bring for lunch for you and your passengers. No alcohol on the trails.
- Full Top: The weather can change quickly in the mountains. Rain and even snow can roll in quickly. The ability to quickly add side windows to full soft tops, upper windows to half doors, etc, will keep your passengers warm and dry.
- Misc Gear: Leather work gloves. Flash lights. Charged fire extinguisher. Duct Tape. Rachet straps. Shovel. Nuts, bolts, screw assortment. Fuses and wire. Rain gear for all passengers. Maps or mapping app for phones/tablets.
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