Exciting Updates for the 4th Annual Quartzsite Desert Dust Run-January '26

Andy Meshel
Nov 12
4 min read

Greetings all!

We hope that everyone has had wonderful summer adventures and are enjoying autumn travel. Ellyn and Andy are leaving in the next couple of weeks to cross the country . At the time of this publication, we have 35 rigs registered and 21 rigs have paid the $100 fee. We are on track for having another great rally.

New for this year are our website www.quartzsitedesertdustrun.com and we also have a presence on Facebook with a link on our website. Please see details for the rally at the website including present itinerary, boon-docking tips, FAQs and ability to register online. Please join the event on our Facebook page and share with any potentially interested attendees. Also, please respond with your comments and photos on the posts within our Facebook Page to boost interest in the event. As always All types of rigs and manufacturers are welcome.

We hope to have Rocky return to perform on Thursday night 1/15/2026, health permitting. Pat, his wife, has offered to find an acceptable substitute, if necessary.

We have added some new speakers since last year:

Todd Padgett at SkyMed to discuss air transport options.
We are extremely lucky to have secured Mike Neighbors to discuss national pre-Medicare and Medicare options. We have heard him talk at major rallies and he is an extremely knowable asset in navigating the complex health care options.
Hughes Autoformers will be sending someone to discuss their new products.

Returning speakers:

Ed and Kassandra Davis from An RVer’s Friend with multiple products that are useful for our rigs.
Jay Mack will be discussing inverter HVAC units ( and no Jay, Andy didn’t break your AC so you had to research this topic!) A number of our rigs have Penguin AC units and these units are no longer available. Due to the unavailability of these units, Jay has been researching alternatives, ask him how he knows.
Diesel Dave will perform diesel engines checks. Brian at Solar Energy Systems will discuss solar/lithium batteries/inverters and inter-connectivity of these systems.
Magne Shade will also be present, as in previous years. The representative will discuss their sunshades, tire covers, mats, awning extensions and will scan onsite for custom cockpit mats.

Seminar speakers will continue to be updated once confirmed. Please follow the website's Event Schedule for any changes.

Braceletets

Layne and Kitty will be doing a jewelry /scrubby seminar on Thursday afternoon. They will teach a session on how to make bracelets, for those interested.

Movie Night

JD & Heather are graciously bringing a 20’ x 30’ Tent and 10’ inflatable Screen. For movie choices, we have Top Gun 1 or Top Gun 2 with Tom Cruise or our third choice is Last of the Dogmen with Tom Berenger and Barbra Hershey. We will vote that night to determine the winner. Popcorn will be provided .

Diverse Trails for Jeeps and 4x4s: From Easy Rides to Extreme Adventures

Steve, JD and Andy are planning on two or three different trails with outings for Jeeps and 4x4 street legal vehicles. There will be a separate group for off road vehicles and side by sides. The trails will vary from less challenging trails to extremely sketchy trails.

In addition, on Wednesday 1/14/2026, we will be heading to an abandoned mine in Swansea, which will be accessible by all types of vehicles. On Sunday 01/11/2026, we will have a brief drivers/navigator meeting with a briefing on what to do/not to do and how to be safe.

Action Item

We are always looking for extra trail leaders and tail-gunners to help break the groups down to a manageable size. If interested, please drop an email to quartzsite.desert.dust.run@gmail.com

Bring your Boots and Hiking Sticks

There will also be a group that will be hiking to local sites.

Dining

We are planning on 3 breakfasts, 4 provided dinners and 3 potlucks. There will also be a group meeting for lunch at the Desert Bar/Nellie E Saloon on Saturday 1/17/2026. This bar is powered strictly by solar energy. Great burgers and merchandise 5 miles down a compacted dirt road near Parker AZ. Multiple bands perform daily. Only cash is accepted.

$ Important Date $

For those attending the event, we need the rally fee up front by 12/15/2025 for Zelle payments. Unfortunately, the deadline for mailing checks has ended. See website for details on the Zelle payment option. Please make sure that you register on our new web site/ portal as it greatly helps us with our planning and back office details.

Radio recommendations :

The group will be running on the GRMS frequencies. If you presently own a walkie talkie that can receive and transmit on the GRMS frequency then you will be compatible. For the greatest compatibility between units, we will operate on a chosen channel for the day with the code lock turned off (some unit’s coding are not compatible with other units). For example, we usually operate on Channel 3 and the lock frequency is set to 00 (no code lock). I own 9 units for when Ellyn & I volunteer at the EAA Oshkosh Air show. I can lend those out for anyone who does not want to purchase a unit. The unit I found on Amazon is waterproof and dust proof with a 16 hour battery. I purchased a set for $89 and received 2 units, 2 charging bases & usb chargers. Retevis makes 3 units but only the plus and the pro are compatible with GRMS frequency. The basic unit runs on a different frequency FRMS which will not work for this application.