Rubithon 2009

[jeshua]

I would love to do this! I just have no idea if I can do it this year, and will have to hold off on signing up for it.

[caddo]

JDEMELLO previously said:

I hate telling people they can't go because they don't have this or that. But depending on the size of the group, which right now looks like a minum of 5 vehicales. Its sometimes nesseary to set up requirements to be in this particular group.

To answer your question "no" a stock FJ while it could make it through it would leave the owner with a very beaten and battered FJ, not to mention others in the group might not invite you over for a beer at the end of the day, after sitting behind you all day on the trail. I have seen near stock FJ's do the Rubicon but the people behind the wheels were very capable drivers.

Off the top of my head (I want to talk to Sol and who ever else is going to help with this first) but I think a min of 33in tires rock sliders, factory rear locker and decent off road knowledge and ability is a must. A front high clearance bumper is almost a must as well. A low front end like the stock bumper or an aftermarket bumper with out a suspension lift will have you hitting every rock on the trail with your bumper.

I think the trail teams had one or two stock FJ's go through the trail last year but even they had at min 32in BFG AT tires.

I need to have a chat with Sol and figure out some time frames before I plan too much.

This is good info.

I got very confused with the Rubithon requirement because on the website there's a posted requirement list (that I have no intention on meeting most of them) for all rigs but then people talk about "FJ Friendly" run which to me may or may not be the subset of this other requirement.

One of those days when the FJ is not my daily driver I might actually think about lifting it, until then at least I know I cant take the FJ to Rubithon event

[DustPark]

2 days would be good with us. I'm in and still planning for this.

[lemony]

Count me in for the FJ Sol and Jason run. I had to miss rubithon last year due to mother in law's wedding in washington, so I have an all access pass this year for time served.

[Mtbcoach]

caddo previously said:

This is good info.

I got very confused with the Rubithon requirement because on the website there's a posted requirement list (that I have no intention on meeting most of them) for all rigs but then people talk about "FJ Friendly" run which to me may or may not be the subset of this other requirement.

One of those days when the FJ is not my daily driver I might actually think about lifting it, until then at least I know I cant take the FJ to Rubithon event

The "requirements" for Rubithon are universal, not excluding any vehicle. Thus, minimum's would exclude a stock FJC and trust me in that 33" tires are minimally marginal (or would that be marginally minimal)...

[MoabFJ]

I put on a brand new set of steelies and 285/70/17 Dynapro M/T's on last year to meet the 33" minimum. Inspecting the damage afterwards, all of the steelies are gashed and dented, and 2 of the tires sport sidewall cuts deep enough to earn retirement.
The front skid plate was so badly tweaked it sheared off 2 bolt heads and took Tony (boss) and I jumping on it to bend it back into re-installable shape. I also finished off my plastic rear bumper cover (thank you gorilla tape).

Just an FYI for anyone who has not made this run before and is worried about "scratches". We were told last year "you will get body damage", while this was not true for the most of our group, I think it is a very good attitude to start with.

[Chris Sandstorm FJ]

Mark is right on.

Try to imagine sneaking past a sharp boulder the size of a VW bug only to have to weave through 5 more in the next 100 feet, wet roots sliding you into rocks and that is putting it mildly, then completely in full tilt and your tilt o meter pressing way passed 30 degrees, all day long. I think we hit almost 40 degrees a few times.

Once you are on trail, there is no turning back..

[Boss73]

MoabFJ previously said:

The front skid plate was so badly tweaked it sheared off 2 bolt heads and took Tony (boss) and I jumping on it to bend it back into re-installable shape.

That what I call using your A$$ !! WE do have video of that wonderful fix..

Before we tried it we had Annie roll over it with the truck a couple of time but it did not seem to matter.



I did this run Last year with my club.. I did not take my FJC (No lift = no ruibicon yet) and the fact that we did the run straight through in one day all the way to the Springs.. Like everyone else said this is RUBICON and there is a reason why its one of the coolest trails out there. Be prepared to be on your game the entire time. But like anything that is worth doing, do it right the first time.. SO for all you people that want to go this year Start researching now to get prepared.. Also Bring yoru own toilet!! I simply cannot stress this enough. There is nothting worse than walking around a corner and seeing toilet paper all over the place and the ground yucky !!!

Man now I wish the wifey would pop out the kid a couple of weeks earily...
Oh well I will have to life through all of you on this one I guess...

[Chris Sandstorm FJ]

Brining your own crapper is mandatory not an option, it is one of the check features before you start the trail. You are not allowed to dump in the open or dig holes.

Sorry for the soap box post previously, just had dinner, feeling better...haha

[Kaster]

I'm in for this. I will be camping there as well. My rig will be built up by then