Rubicon tips for 200 series

[Killacaviar]

I there is so much out there to actually prepare yourself for something like the rubicon. Even the trails/places mentioned in your original post couldn’t give anyone enough info to judge your abilities.

It’s not really as simple as I’ve been to MOAB…I’m ready. Here is a quote for someone who runs the rubicon every year. Most recently with his triple locked, drop bracket lifted 200 series on 37s.

“
good quality sliders such as DOM tube style with a wall thickness of 3/16". They should stick out about 5.5" and kick out really help on this trail. Wider tires and wheel offset could help prevent body damage. ARB steel bumper also took some punishment on LX570. Full underbody HD skids are also necessary including rear LCA guards, shock guards, and thicker tube rear LCA. 35" tires recommended. Selectable lockers front and rear(not crawl control).

Spare part list not complete but what I can think at moment is as follows.

Tools as much as you can bring.
Good jack and jack stands if possible,
Spare rear driveshaft
Spare axles for IFS,
Dual batteries plus. you spare in case the main fails. We ran into Bronco on the trails their battery was dead. Their group had to run to town to get a new battery.
Steering TRE
Spare Axles (for IFS). I had RCV axles on 80. so I did not bring spares.
Knuckles studs, knuckles for 80. steering link and drag link.
spare starter
spare alternator
All fluids, engine oil, tranny fluid, gear oils, grease, brake fluid.
Spare gas, depending on your needs. I took 10 gallons. 5 for self and 5 for some else.

More you are prepared in advance fewer issues you will have on the trail. There is no cell service on the trail.”

Preparation, skill and exposure seems to be pretty important.

 

[RET2]

For me going with several others that had run it several times before was the best spare I could have taken. BTW it's only approx 13 miles long but maybe the longest 13 you'll ever do. A spill kit, fire extinguisher and if air locked a line repair kit would be good additions.

 

[Lange]

I have done the Rubicon several times in my built, triple-locked 1995 Grand Cherokee. It is very rocky and tight in quite a few places. Sliders for a 200 would be a must and I would still expect some body damage

Carry lots of spares because either you or someone in your group will probably suffer a break at some point.

It is amazing how many people my group has helped limp out of there because they were unprepared.

 

[highfructose]

Can you mountain bike the rubicon? Maybe with an e bike?

If I had to take a 200…I’d put 0 offset rims with 35” pizza cutters along with a regear and a limited slip rear or locker in the rear…plus full skids, sliders, and bumpers.

 

[Romer]

You need to be prepared for Body damage. It was tight in an 80 and I still got nicked a bit

You need to be proficient at power braking. If you try and use speed to overcome obstacles you will break something

From 2008, after you pass Little Sluice there are a set of trees that we had to have some folks push against the roof to clear

then followed by a Rock Garden Maze

Then on the way from Rubicon Springs, Cadillac hill is pretty tight

It is definitely a Bucket list run. You likely have run many obstacles as hard. It is just 3 days of non stop obstacles and easy to get tired so don't let yourself get dehydrated and lose focus

you will need spots in multiple places so going with a good group is key to succes

Little Sluice

 

[BadReligion]

I run the Rubicon pretty much yearly in a 3x locked 80 on 37"s that doesn't have a single straight body panel left. Even with that set up and not caring 'much' about body damage, it still takes some work to get it through. As mentioned above, Cadillac Hill and Big Sluice have some tight sections, and there are many other sections where an 80 can just squeeze through with an inch or two to spare. While it has been done multiple times (there was a 200 from Florida on last year's Rubicon), I don't think it would be fun in a 200.

At a minimum, you would definitely want to have run the trail before if you are considering taking a 200 on it. I would also go mid week when you can go at a slower pace and give yourself at least 3 nights on the trail. Also, having a pretty competent and well equipped group (recovery gear, spare parts, mechanical know how, good spotters) is key too.

I have found that certain sections have definitely become harder in the last several years, noticeably just past Buck Island Dam heading to the springs, and Big Sluice. Yes, the Rubicon looks paved after some of the Jeep events, but all it takes is another week or two of buggies on 40"s to chew it up and dig those giant holes.

That said, I have nothing but respect for anyone who takes their 100 or 200 on the trail.