RUBICON 2021

[Rox Crusher]

July 12 - 16 2021

We are looking for another 3 - 4 capable and experienced rigs to join us for this trip. Capable means at least 33” tall tires (taller definitely better), suspension lift, recovery points, locker(s), and winch highly recommended.

The general plan is to get on the trail Monday the 12th and take a very relaxing and flexible approach so that we can finish no later than Friday. This trip is about a laid back experience not trying to set any land speed records.

Me personally, I will be leaving Denver Thursday night or Friday morning with my boys, staying the night somewhere on the way over. We will head back Saturday morning. So if you want to caravan I’m up for that.

Participants so far;
Gunnibronco - Chad
Some random Jeep dude that Chad found to show us the way
Moab Mike - Mike
Rox Crusher - Jeff

If you can join us please post up in this thread.

[Eck]

I really want to do this trip. I’ll start looking at my schedule and let you know for sure soon.


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[ZOSO]

Sadly I dont see this happening for me at this time. This year looks to keep me limited to supercel west and right now that may even be a maybe.

[pgilbeau]

This is a bucket list trail for me and I would really like to do it. I am going to have to check my schedule and see if I can. Which side are you planning to start from?

[Gunnibronco]

This is a bucket list trail for me and I would really like to do it. I am going to have to check my schedule and see if I can. Which side are you planning to start from?

From what my friend says, you can run it either way. The "normal" way is to enter at Loon Lake. Going in that way you are less likely to run into a group coming the other direction.

So I think that is the plan.

[dbasile]

Have to look at schedule, I want to run this trail bad. I was truly disappointed when the last one was canceled. I just recieved a promotion which may make getting time off hard.

[Rox Crusher]

This one isn’t getting cancelled

[Rox Crusher]

I just recieved a promotion which may make getting time off hard.

Same thing happened to me last year but not going to let work get in the way this year

[Gunnibronco]

I'm working a newish job that is preventing me from getting much done on my truck. I won't miss the trail run, but working 10 to 12 hour days, 5 or 6 days a week, my rig might not be ready and tested.

[pgilbeau]

Still trying to work out whether I can make this since I just started with a new company (Same job, new contract). Anyway, was just wondering if there is any plans for a place to park tow rigs and trailers.

[Gunnibronco]

Still trying to work out whether I can make this since I just started with a new company (Same job, new contract). Anyway, was just wondering if there is any plans for a place to park tow rigs and trailers.

I don't think there is a plan yet specifically.

I don't know how it works to leave a truck and trailer at the Tahoma end of the trail. Maybe one or two can be left there. It would help if there is a rig that can't make the drive home.

I have room for a couple rigs and trailers. I think I can find a place to park a couple more as well.

[Eck]

Still trying to work out whether I can make this since I just started with a new company (Same job, new contract). Anyway, was just wondering if there is any plans for a place to park tow rigs and trailers.

I don't think there is a plan yet specifically.

I don't know how it works to leave a truck and trailer at the Tahoma end of the trail. Maybe one or two can be left there. It would help if there is a rig that can't make the drive home.

I have room for a couple rigs and trailers. I think I can find a place to park a couple more as well.

What is the complexity of the trail? Or I guess my better question is whether there are a good deal of bypasses? If I can work this out- I think I’ll probably drive the Bronco out there so I’ll probably want to be conservative so I can drive it home.

Also- is this a multi day, camp out along the trail a couple nights thing? I guess a quick overview of the on-trail expectations would be cool. What is the fuel situation if we are staying multi days, etc.?


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[Gunnibronco]

What is the complexity of the trail? Or I guess my better question is whether there are a good deal of bypasses? If I can work this out- I think I’ll probably drive the Bronco out there so I’ll probably want to be conservative so I can drive it home.

Also- is this a multi day, camp out along the trail a couple nights thing? I guess a quick overview of the on-trail expectations would be cool. What is the fuel situation if we are staying multi days, etc.?


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From what I understand it's doable on 33's. There are some obstacles that can't be bypassed. The key is knowing when to ask for a winch and not pushing too hard.

We are planning 2 overnights on the trail, if I understand correctly.

I have not heard of any fuel issues running the trail. I'll ask the next time I can.

[pgilbeau]

Here's a video with some info, thought I posted if before: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BsjvhXU ... L&index=30

Its looking pretty good that I should be able to get the time off depending on what the final schedule looks like for trip.

[Rox Crusher]

Here's a video with some info, thought I posted if before: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BsjvhXU ... L&index=30

Its looking pretty good that I should be able to get the time off depending on what the final schedule looks like for trip.

Glad it’s coming together for you and thanks for the excellent video. The comments and replies in the video were very useful for me.

[Rox Crusher]

Eck, so far it looks like it’s going to be a small group.

The general plan is to start the trail on Monday morning, a casual pace and camping two nights (one night in two different locations) so we can enjoy the scenery and campfire life. My boys will probably want to fish and swim at the camp sites.

This would have us exiting trail on Wednesday.

If particpant’s schedules dictate a later start (say Tuesday) I believe that is still possible at this point. Or, if we do start on Monday and want to camp along the trail another night that’s great as well.

I’m hoping we finish the trail on Wednesday so we can take in some other adventures in the area before heading home Friday night / Saturday morning.

https://www.tahoepublicbeaches.org/beaches/sand-harbor/ We are hoping to go to this beach for a day. This website doesn’t do it justice.

[Moab Mike]

https://www.4wheelparts.com/the-dirt/wh ... McQAvD_BwE

This has quite a bit of information to answer some of your questions. Don't miss out! I regret not going on the Mexico run.

[Eck]

Ok- I’ve cleared the dates with the wife which is more important than clearing with work so I think I’m about 90% in and ready to do this. I know the original plan mentioned leaving Thursday which does make it a pretty long trip from a workdays off stand point. I’d prefer to caravan for piece of mind and wondering how flexible leaving even a day later on Friday might be?

Also- I’d be down to camp 3 nights and really enjoy the wilderness. That video was pretty sweet!


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[Rox Crusher]

Ok- I’ve cleared the dates with the wife which is more important than clearing with work so I think I’m about 90% in and ready to do this. I know the original plan mentioned leaving Thursday which does make it a pretty long trip from a workdays off stand point. I’d prefer to caravan for piece of mind and wondering how flexible leaving even a day later on Friday might be?

Also- I’d be down to camp 3 nights and really enjoy the wilderness. That video was pretty sweet!


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Mike, glad to hear !

Leaving Friday would be fine as well.

[pgilbeau]

Any updates? This is only 6 weeks out.

[Rox Crusher]

Still on !

My rig is ready other than a couple small tasks like rear shocks and driveline.

We still have room for a couple more rigs if anyone is feeling adventurous.

[Gunnibronco]

Of course I'm here. I'm more and more hopeful my rig will be ready and tested. I'm actually plated and registered, and might test fire the truck today.

I spoke to my 'random Jeep' friend on Thursday, he's still interested in coming as a guide.

They are paving the entire staging area on the Lake Tahoe end of the trail in late June. There will be no exiting through Tahoma during that time, but it shouldn't affect us.

I'm working on some extra parking for tow rigs and trailers.

[Gunnibronco]

I don't know what everyone's plans for accommodations before & after the trail are.

I have extra rooms and my parents have extra rooms close to my home.

Let me know if you need a place to stay.

[Moab Mike]

It's getting close, see you all soon.

[Gunnibronco]

I have verified with a neighbor that we have enough parking available for tow rigs and trailers.

Made a stop on my route today.

KIMG0063.jpg

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[Moab Mike]

Do we have a full headcount on participants?

I want to make one breakfast and one dinner for the folks who are participating.

Let me know and see you all soon!!!

[Gunnibronco]

Do we have a full headcount on participants?

I want to make one breakfast and one dinner for the folks who are participating.

Let me know and see you all soon!!!

I'm in. Pretty sure my rig will make it too. Fingers crossed.

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[Rox Crusher]

Me and my boys will be leaving Denver on Saturday morning July 10th.

Plan to stay in SLC or general area on Saturday night and then roll into Rubicon trail head Sunday afternoon.

Anyone else from Denver area want to jump in on this adventure ?

[phyler]

How did this go? Hopefully pics to come and everyone made it safely!

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[Gunnibronco]

I didn't take many pictures.

Let's just say the Rubicon is not an easy trail.

The carnage started about 500 yards in. My right hub didn't lock for some reason and I was running without front drive. When I hit the first obstacle "The Gate Keeper" I got stuck and ended up blowing up a rear driveshaft u-joint.

I got pushed out of the way for a big pack of Jeeps from Colorado and started the repair process. I figured out the hub wasn't locking, pulled it off and reinstalled it and the front end started working. I honestly have no idea how I mis-installed the locking hub so it didn't work. I was then able to back off the trail using my front end and fix my rear driveshaft. After the repair, my rig performed very well.

Shortly after my repair, Jeff's rear ARB started leaking. We thought he got it fixed, only to have it start leaking again after about 50 feet. It was leaking inside the rear diff, so basically not fixable on the trail. After a couple winch sessions we knew winching 22 miles wasn't an option.

Mike's FJ was very impressive for a stock vehicle and managed more than I could imagine. His rear quarter has a Rubicon tattoo to prove he was there.

We all realized his truck was going to take a real beating, and Jeff's truck was going to have to be pulled through most the trail. So we only got about 1/2 mile in and out in 6 hours. We made the right call, pulling the plug.

The next day I picked a trail I've known about and we took a blind chance and had a fun trail run that ended in a beautiful camping spot near Lost Lake. We set up camp and enjoyed a stress free couple days relaxing. So it didn't turn out as planned, but it was a great trip anyways. It was great catching up with Jeff and Mike. I'm sure they have some pics to share.

I wouldn't attempt this trail without at least 35's and one locker, two are better. Bigger is better, longer is better. And don't bring anything you don't want to bang up, regardless of how big and bad it is.