I ran the Rubicon a couple years back and would like to run it again but I am more interested in Dusy. How long did it take to run that trail? Which trail was technically harder and which trail did you enjoy most?
We took 4 days and spent an entire day at ershim lake. We arrived there late in the day and spent two nights there. Dusy is a true jeep trail so when your weaving through the woods and you are off camber you must also maneuver tight turns which makes it pretty interesting in countless areas on the trail at least for an 80. There are sections which are big like on the bigger section of rubicon but most of it is not. Technically, dusy requires excellent spatial awareness due to the tightness and a well setup rig for the few bigger sections. You will get beat up by the long days of constant crawling, and near constant concentration so I highly recommend spending a whole day at ershim lake. I thought rubicon was fun but extremely crowded and very dusty. More like rush hour. Dusy was extremely remote and had a very special feel to it like few people get to go and see what you are experiencing. This makes it an epic sort of trip. A word of warning though, the length of the trail will wear out anyone not truly hard core so pick your passengers carefully.
I have learned the passenger selection rule the hard way. The first time I went on the Rubicon I took a buddy that had zero experience wheeling. I thought it would be a fun experience for him. WRONG!!! I quickly realized I needed his help to spot me and his spotting skills were worse then a blind German that didn't speak a word of English. he got me into horrible spots that could have been easily avoided with proper direction. I often had to put him in the driver seat and direct him through a spot. I would tell him to look at nothing but me and do exactly as I said. I remember kissing the pavement when we excited the trail. I have never taken him wheeling again. Now when I wheel I bring the family and try to run trails to don't require major spotting. I tend to get a little snappy with my wife when she spots me and that NEVER ends well. I don't mind a long trail over multiple days. My family loves to camp. it's the required co-pilot help that becomes the issue. Other than Dusy being longer, do you fell it required more co-pilot navigation/spotting on the trail or less then the rubicon?
You need a spotter for sure. It's more challenging than rubicon technically due to the tightness of the trail. You should go with a solid group of wheeling buddies and bring spares and extra fuel. Have a spot device, sat phone, or some other way to send for an emergency assist if it's needed. It's remote!
All our trucks were solo occupied and I'm not sure it's a family trip sort of destination... It's a marathon. Imagine rubicon run backwards then forwards the backwards again, all in a row. Will your wife and kids last?
I have run the rubicon many times and the dusy once. When thinking about the dusy it is good to let go of what your "idea" of a difficult trail is. Technically I don't think the dusy is that hard. It is the remoteness that will cause you major problems. Know the guys you are going with, that is your "team" that will pull you through. It is long, difficult and remote. You really have no choices to go for help halfway through. You will need to bring everything you need to pull through.
I can say that I had the misfortune of breaking down about 3 miles to the end of the trail. Thank god it was only 3 miles to pavement because if it were in the middle I probably would of had to leave my rig there and it was late in the season and snowing. I owe it big to Brett and the other guys for pulling me through (literally). Tires pumped up and being yanked through the end of the trail in the pitch dark was not a fun task. I don't want to ever do that again.
This trail convinced me to sell my fj40 and build up my 80 series. I decided I just needed something more reliable if I was going to take on trips like this.
Looking forward to heading back in October. This trail got in my blood and I think of it often. It is truly an amazing place.
I will most likely remove my 80 roof rack, yes it is that narrow. There are a few spots where you are rubbing through the trees. Just be ready to get a few dents and don't worry about it. That's my plan.
What sort of off road experience do you have? I'd expect anyone tackling this trail to have quite a bit. This trail is not easy by any means. I don't recall getting any body damage from Rubicon but I crumpled some of my roof and rail and removed any remaining flairs on this trail. I have a small dent in a door as well. You will get body damage(.)
I am putting truck bed liner on my flare lines and hood/roof as well prior to this trip. Also, rock lights.
Well Dom, I will only have my 80 with 285s and 2 inch lift, well armored though, you are welcome to ride shotgun. I hope to get some new tires before then.
