Who has done the Rubicon!!!!

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Permalink Reply by potatomutato on April 19, 2009 at 2:27am

There are a few folks here who have done it. Go into it expecting body damage. If you are ok with that mindset and potential outcome, you'll be halfway there.

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Permalink Reply by Boss73 on April 19, 2009 at 3:36am

Yes what tater said Body damage, just expect it.. I did It last year in a 40 but saw Anne and Mark with the trail teams. I would strongly suggest that you go with someone who has been there before. Rubithon is a great event to go on. The trail teams are not going this year but I believe that Sol and Jason D are leading a group in this year. It really is the best way to do the trail for the first time. Contact one of them to see what requirements they have for rigs to go with them. I hope you make it out this year. I will not be going cuz new baby is due on the 16 of June..

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Permalink Reply by sbechtold on April 19, 2009 at 7:11am

I've been through many times. If you are worried about scratches and dents then you don't want to take your FJC through the Rubicon. You will have some sort of damage to your FJC when you emerge on the Tahoe side of the trail. If you are OK will a little damage, then you will need the following items as a minimal setup.

- rock sliders
- skid plates
- bumpers (stock bumpers just come apart on the Rubicon)
- a single locker or lower gears in the transfer case
- 33" tires
- hi lift Jack easily accessible
- front and rear hooks or strap attachment points
- a strap (no chains or metal hooks)
- working fire extinguisher
- first aid kit
- personal toilet

I strongly recommend that you run the trail with someone that has been on the trail before and is capable of spotting you. It's very easy to get off the trail in a couple of places and having someone with knowledge of the trail will help. Go do it and have fun!

Here is a link to Del Albright's FOTR website. http://www.delalbright.com/Rubicon/mods.htm There is a lot of good information on Del's site that will help you prepare for your trip.

If you want to do a fun run where people are always helpful check out the Rubithon event put on by TLCA (http://www.rubithon.com). I will be on this run along with a bunch of others and it's always a good time.

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Permalink Reply by cypilk on April 19, 2009 at 11:41am

I plan to do this in the future.

Someday . . .

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Permalink Reply by ray gates on April 19, 2009 at 3:07pm

Like everyone else has said be ready for some body damage if you slip up at all. I did it with my FJ in 2007 and had no body damage but I did have CV Boots damaged by the sway bar coming unhinged and ripping the boots. But in 2008 going up Cadillac Hill I did finally get a little too confident and well I now have damage....ha ha.. I am going again in June so hopefully will do better. It is a great time up there but is a little nerve racking....(very nerve racking) according to my wife...
You can have all the latest gear on your truck but without a knowledgeable spotter you are on your own... They can save your rig or not.. Have fun.

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Permalink Reply by CA Annie on May 4, 2009 at 9:10am

bump for 5andstorm

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Permalink Reply by 5AND5TORM on May 4, 2009 at 9:27am

Thank you Annie, I wish I had been around this weekend to enjoy some of that beer.

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Permalink Reply by CA Annie on May 4, 2009 at 9:31am

Yeah, it'll be a while before we get another bottle THAT big again...

Maybe next Christmas ;)

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Permalink Reply by Romanski on May 5, 2009 at 9:36am

We've been through the Rubicon in our FJ Cruiser twice. The first time I got one scratch on the rear quarter panel, one ding on the rear door, front bumperletts torn off, bottom of the bumper damaged (you won't have this issue with the ARB), scratched rims, missing center caps (Mojave Teflon wheels), and an AWESOME time.

I had the following mods:

33" AT tires
AllPro front skid
TrailGear sliders.
OME suspension/lift

I would really invest in quality mud tires! For me the biggest problem and most of the damage came from tire grip issues (sliding). The second time we went through I had BFG KM2s and the cruiser walked through with no drama.

Like others have said, expect damage, go with someone who's experienced, bring a toilet, straps, shackles, garbage bags, lots of beer and you'll have a GREAT TIME! I would also recommend going with someone as a passenger first time, that way you can get a feel for the Rubicon. Pictures don't really do the trail justice, it's something you need to see and feel.

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