Help Bring The Shack Back to Burning Man

Major Sugar and I are working to bring The Shack To-Hell-U-Ride from Tucson back to Burning Man this year, and we need help from our community to make it possible.

The Shack is a one-of-a-kind mutant vehicle designed to look like an old miner’s cabin traveling across the playa with its roof on fire. Inside, it is a warm and welcoming gathering space filled with music, lights, vintage details, and plenty of room for new friendships and unforgettable adventures.

Bringing The Shack to Burning Man is an incredible honor, but maintaining and transporting an art car of this size is also a major financial undertaking. The nearly 2,000-mile round trip from Tucson requires a dedicated heavy-duty tow vehicle, a large trailer, commercial insurance, maintenance, repairs, and a substantial amount of diesel fuel—which is significantly more expensive this year.

Last year’s burn was especially hard on The Shack. A major electrical failure damaged the starter and affected nearly the entire starting and charging system, including the alternator, wiring, starter solenoid, and ignition system. The batteries that power the LED lighting have also reached the end of their life and need to be replaced.

Before The Shack can safely return to Black Rock City, it also needs:

* A complete tune-up and general mechanical maintenance

* Repairs to a transmission leak that has gone unresolved for two years

* Cooling-system service and fresh antifreeze

* Possible replacement tires

* Electrical and lighting repairs

* Sound-system and generator maintenance

Our tow vehicle and trailer also need substantial work before they can safely make the trip. The trailer needs brake and wiring repairs, maintenance, and likely new tires. The truck needs fuel-system work, electrical diagnosis, air-conditioning repairs, routine maintenance, commercial insurance, and fuel for the journey.

Our goal is to raise $6,000 to help cover these repairs and transportation expenses.

We understand that Burning Man is built around self-reliance and gifting. We have always contributed as much of our own time, labor, and money as possible.

Once The Shack reaches the playa, it belongs to everyone who climbs aboard, dances beside it, shares a conversation inside, or watches its flaming roof move across the darkness.

If you have ever cruised across the desert with us at night, ridden The Shack at Saguaro Man or Burning Man, been part of one of our camps, or enjoyed any of the art and experiences we have shared over the years, please consider helping us bring that experience back to the community.

Every donation, no matter the amount, helps us get one step closer to bringing The Shack safely back to Burning Man. Sharing this fundraiser is also an enormous help.

Thank you to everyone who has ridden with us, worked on The Shack, offered support, or helped keep this strange and wonderful piece of art alive.

We hope to see The Shack glowing—and burning brightly—on the playa again this year.

With gratitude,

Gonzo and Major Sugar