I Need Rubicon Advice..

underthehood · 10-22-07, 10:54 PM

I was hoping y'all could share some of your do's and dont's about the Rubicon. I got the pass from the Mrs. and i want to plan a trip. She wants to stay home with the kids so it will be me and some buddies. Some insight to a safe trip would be nice and possibly beneficial to other members as well. good times of the year, buddy system, camping, is it doable in one day so you dont have to camp?, is it better to go with a big group or just a couple of friends, does it tend to be crowded ?????? i would rather be safe than sorry.
thanx in advance for any input.

woooody · 10-23-07, 10:57 AM

Check rubicon.com

Ideally, you would be best off hooking up with the TLCA Rubithon the 3rd week of June. It'll be the 20th Anniversary, and it's the first group run of the season.

Time wise -- Depends on the rain -- locals usually shoot for Memorial Day, but the last few years have been too wet for that early. Latest is Sept/Oct -- After that you're snow wheeling. Late Sept gets cold at night.

There are locals that snow wheel, but I'm not sure that would be my first choice for a rookie on the 'Con.

While people can make it through in a day, you really have to plan spending the night on the trail -- Usually, people drive from Loon to Buck, camp over night, and either go to the springs and Camp, or continue on out. It's a long set of days doing it in two days. The thing is, once you're there, you want to stop and soak in the surroundings.

If you decide to go solo, you want at least one other rig that has done the trail You can get lost. There are a few spots that are tough to negotiate, and even more difficult at night.

If you go later in the summer, you also need to keep in mind that Jeep Jamboree (Jeeps only) and Jeepers jamboree (open to all) are issued parade permits, which effectively closes the trail for two weekends. If you do Jeeper Jamboree, I think the cost is ~$260. TLCA's Rubithon is $100.

A good source of info is also on pirate4x4 -- go to the forums, and then there is a rubicon trail page.

Last thing -- Are you going to bring the TRD FJC, or do you have another rig? If you bring the FJC, prepare yourself for body damage, a lot of spotting, and high stress levels. It will absolutely take you 3 days to run the whole trail in the FJC.

NorCalSam · 10-23-07, 11:21 AM

The best advise I could give you would be to first go with someone else that has gone before etc. This way you can really see (because pics do not do justice) what you are getting into. And it would be ideal to go with someone that has the same type of rig that you are taking or planning on taking thru.
Go with a small group or with someone else so that you have more then just one rig. Make sure you bring a good spotter and that you are skilled enough for this type of trail. Do a little resurch on the parts of your truck that are week links etc. Have spare parts on hand but don’t over pack.
The trail should take 2 to 3 days. I ran the trail with in my 80 with a 2.5” lift and 33” and it was way out of its element. With a 4 rig group we left Loon Lake at about 9:30 and made it to Rubicon Springs by about 5:30. The next day we drove out. The trail is very crowded so plan on leaving on a Thursday or Friday. The trail is very hard and stressful with a very good posiblety of body damage so the last thing you need is a group of drunk aholes pushing you or having to try and get out of there way or get stuck behind someone etc.

The trail is ever changing etc. so time of year?

Tire pressure with 33s and a small lift is key you need to get good traction but don’t sacrifice ground clearance….And yes a ½” dose matter on the Con I ran 18 – 19 psi.

And lastly, have fun

NorCalSam · 10-23-07, 11:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by woooody

If you decide to go solo, you want at least one other rig that has done the trail You can get lost. There are a few spots that are tough to negotiate, and even more difficult at night.
.

Forgot about that one. Ditto that

TRT2 · 10-23-07, 12:32 PM

most importantly, are you ready to damage your 07 FJ Cruiser. If you cannot stomach damage, I suggest running one of the many other Sierra type trails.

The Rubicon Trail is not world renowned because it is easy... It will not be forgiving to your truck.

As Wooooody notes, you should expect and be prepared for damage.

rmirandayopo · 10-23-07, 03:29 PM

I wrote (tried to) an article about it, as a newbie as well in that trail...
http://tlcwagons.org/Norcal_Wagons/T...t.%C2%A0_.html

I will wait for the 20th anniversary of Rubithon in 2008, the best spotters and people will show up... planning is key, research as much as you can...

90 pics selection
http://www.yopo4x4.com/index.php?mod...&id=23&eid=177

search this forum for Rubithon pics, I posted a link with more than 300 photos there...
you can also research youtube for videos...

that will give you some idea...the real stuff will be there waiting for you...

underthehood · 10-23-07, 10:27 PM

WOW, what a great response. Its nice to have support like this. YES i am prepared for body damage. i already have both sides all scratched up and not afraid of some dents. i bought this FJ with family in mind and the obvious draw to its stylish looks. i had no idea it wheeled as good as it does. i have devoted it to taking me places i have never been. i will test its limits and mine as well. sounds like the RUBITHON is the ticket. it just seems too long to wait. i guess i'll have to settle for the Miller Jeep Trail and its surrounding trails for now. did that earlier in the year and had a blast. it seemed mild in respects to the ability of my FJ. I'll keep my eyes and ears out for events close to me in the mean time, like SURF AND TURF. SEE YA THERE. If i do decide conquer the Rubicon prior to next June sounds like some experienced buddies and 3-5 days will do the trick. and of course the appropriate gear and tools. thanx again for the advice and will keep checking this thread for continued support.

underthehood · 10-23-07, 10:46 PM

a quick thanx to RMIRANDAYOPO for the links. looks like you guys had a blast even with the casualties. way to be prepared.

Cruiserdrew · 10-23-07, 11:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by underthehood

a quick thanx to RMIRANDAYOPO for the links. looks like you guys had a blast even with the casualties. way to be prepared.

It was a blast, but the kind of damage we had was expected and normal. While the FJCs can go through, you will break and damage stuff, so go with the right mind set. I second the notion that you go through in a group with the TLCA. I lead the wagon run this year and we had 2 FJCs from the Trail Team, and they were a good addition to our group.

Without the gatekeeper, it's easy to get lulled by the first 2 miles or so of the trail. By then, you're pretty deep, and you better have an exit plan if things go bad. It can and does happen. I've broken a rear axle in there, and seen lots of other major parts sheared off, mangled, and fawked beyond repair. You sure you want to take a new $30k vehicle through there? Not that it can't be done, but you may have to live with the dents for a long time.

FJ40_owner · 10-31-07, 01:21 PM

Oh and the UHF repeater used in the Rubicon has been removed for the season.

10-22-07, 10:54 PM	#1
underthehood IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: santa barbara,ca TLCA# 17696 Posts: 79	I Need Rubicon Advice.. I was hoping y'all could share some of your do's and dont's about the Rubicon. I got the pass from the Mrs. and i want to plan a trip. She wants to stay home with the kids so it will be me and some buddies. Some insight to a safe trip would be nice and possibly beneficial to other members as well. good times of the year, buddy system, camping, is it doable in one day so you dont have to camp?, is it better to go with a big group or just a couple of friends, does it tend to be crowded ?????? i would rather be safe than sorry. thanx in advance for any input. __________________ '07 FJ Cruiser TRD Bud Built skids.(ALL) All Pro rear bumper and trailing arms, Demello sliders and High Lift jack mounts, Demello front bumper with t-max 9k winch(synthetic), TRD cold air intake, 305/70r16 BFG MT'S, 2.5 inch leveling kit(no tire rub), Inchworm e-locker cover

10-23-07, 10:57 AM	#2
woooody IH8MUD Addict Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Vallejo, Ca TLCA# 7704 Posts: 856	Check rubicon.com Ideally, you would be best off hooking up with the TLCA Rubithon the 3rd week of June. It'll be the 20th Anniversary, and it's the first group run of the season. Time wise -- Depends on the rain -- locals usually shoot for Memorial Day, but the last few years have been too wet for that early. Latest is Sept/Oct -- After that you're snow wheeling. Late Sept gets cold at night. There are locals that snow wheel, but I'm not sure that would be my first choice for a rookie on the 'Con. While people can make it through in a day, you really have to plan spending the night on the trail -- Usually, people drive from Loon to Buck, camp over night, and either go to the springs and Camp, or continue on out. It's a long set of days doing it in two days. The thing is, once you're there, you want to stop and soak in the surroundings. If you decide to go solo, you want at least one other rig that has done the trail You can get lost. There are a few spots that are tough to negotiate, and even more difficult at night. If you go later in the summer, you also need to keep in mind that Jeep Jamboree (Jeeps only) and Jeepers jamboree (open to all) are issued parade permits, which effectively closes the trail for two weekends. If you do Jeeper Jamboree, I think the cost is ~$260. TLCA's Rubithon is $100. A good source of info is also on pirate4x4 -- go to the forums, and then there is a rubicon trail page. Last thing -- Are you going to bring the TRD FJC, or do you have another rig? If you bring the FJC, prepare yourself for body damage, a lot of spotting, and high stress levels. It will absolutely take you 3 days to run the whole trail in the FJC. __________________ Ross Woody TLCA #7704 72 FJ40 with some mods... (now sporting ORION #342) 07 TRD FJC

10-23-07, 11:21 AM	#3
NorCalSam IH8MUD Addict Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Grass Valley CA Posts: 688	The best advise I could give you would be to first go with someone else that has gone before etc. This way you can really see (because pics do not do justice) what you are getting into. And it would be ideal to go with someone that has the same type of rig that you are taking or planning on taking thru. Go with a small group or with someone else so that you have more then just one rig. Make sure you bring a good spotter and that you are skilled enough for this type of trail. Do a little resurch on the parts of your truck that are week links etc. Have spare parts on hand but don’t over pack. The trail should take 2 to 3 days. I ran the trail with in my 80 with a 2.5” lift and 33” and it was way out of its element. With a 4 rig group we left Loon Lake at about 9:30 and made it to Rubicon Springs by about 5:30. The next day we drove out. The trail is very crowded so plan on leaving on a Thursday or Friday. The trail is very hard and stressful with a very good posiblety of body damage so the last thing you need is a group of drunk aholes pushing you or having to try and get out of there way or get stuck behind someone etc. The trail is ever changing etc. so time of year? Tire pressure with 33s and a small lift is key you need to get good traction but don’t sacrifice ground clearance….And yes a ½” dose matter on the Con I ran 18 – 19 psi. And lastly, have fun __________________ Snorked & Locked with CDL 94 FZJ80 \ F.O.R 4" Lift kit \ 315 Toyo Mts , 4.88 gears \ Inti Roof Rack with Lightforce 170s \ ARB front with Warn 12000 \ Labs Rear \ Hanna Sliders \ Slee skid plates, Rear lower control arms, and tie-rods \ Landtank CC plates \ NAV system \ CB & 2 Meter Radio \ Diff Breather \ Con tested, Expedition ready

10-23-07, 12:32 PM	#5
TRT2 IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Dec 2002 Posts: 1,154	most importantly, are you ready to damage your 07 FJ Cruiser. If you cannot stomach damage, I suggest running one of the many other Sierra type trails. The Rubicon Trail is not world renowned because it is easy... It will not be forgiving to your truck. As Wooooody notes, you should expect and be prepared for damage. __________________ Tony Twiddy #5049

10-23-07, 10:27 PM	#7
underthehood IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: santa barbara,ca TLCA# 17696 Posts: 79	WOW, what a great response. Its nice to have support like this. YES i am prepared for body damage. i already have both sides all scratched up and not afraid of some dents. i bought this FJ with family in mind and the obvious draw to its stylish looks. i had no idea it wheeled as good as it does. i have devoted it to taking me places i have never been. i will test its limits and mine as well. sounds like the RUBITHON is the ticket. it just seems too long to wait. i guess i'll have to settle for the Miller Jeep Trail and its surrounding trails for now. did that earlier in the year and had a blast. it seemed mild in respects to the ability of my FJ. I'll keep my eyes and ears out for events close to me in the mean time, like SURF AND TURF. SEE YA THERE. If i do decide conquer the Rubicon prior to next June sounds like some experienced buddies and 3-5 days will do the trick. and of course the appropriate gear and tools. thanx again for the advice and will keep checking this thread for continued support. __________________ '07 FJ Cruiser TRD Bud Built skids.(ALL) All Pro rear bumper and trailing arms, Demello sliders and High Lift jack mounts, Demello front bumper with t-max 9k winch(synthetic), TRD cold air intake, 305/70r16 BFG MT'S, 2.5 inch leveling kit(no tire rub), Inchworm e-locker cover

10-23-07, 03:29 PM	#6
rmirandayopo IH8MUD Regular Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Costa Mesa Posts: 258	I wrote (tried to) an article about it, as a newbie as well in that trail... http://tlcwagons.org/Norcal_Wagons/T...t.%C2%A0_.html I will wait for the 20th anniversary of Rubithon in 2008, the best spotters and people will show up... planning is key, research as much as you can... 90 pics selection http://www.yopo4x4.com/index.php?mod...&id=23&eid=177 search this forum for Rubithon pics, I posted a link with more than 300 photos there... you can also research youtube for videos... that will give you some idea...the real stuff will be there waiting for you...

10-23-07, 10:46 PM	#8
underthehood IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: santa barbara,ca TLCA# 17696 Posts: 79	a quick thanx to RMIRANDAYOPO for the links. looks like you guys had a blast even with the casualties. way to be prepared. __________________ '07 FJ Cruiser TRD Bud Built skids.(ALL) All Pro rear bumper and trailing arms, Demello sliders and High Lift jack mounts, Demello front bumper with t-max 9k winch(synthetic), TRD cold air intake, 305/70r16 BFG MT'S, 2.5 inch leveling kit(no tire rub), Inchworm e-locker cover

10-31-07, 01:21 PM	#10
FJ40_owner IH8MUD Addict Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: El Dorado County CA TLCA# 16294 Posts: 546	Oh and the UHF repeater used in the Rubicon has been removed for the season. __________________ Third generation Californian! If you don't like it here, leave. And take your fat wife and screeming kids with you.

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