Yep, I ran most of it in 2010, there are bypasses
CK5
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Rubicon July 2023
- Thread starter mrk5
- Start date
I can't tell you how it's now.
Last time I went through with a k5 on 35s locked front and rear and I broke it bad and that was in 2004.
Lots has changed since.
I hope I get the time to do something with my suburban by next year, I would like to go.
It's doable on 35s and lockers. Definitely want rock sliders. I seen people in very well built rigs struggle threw but the problem was between the steering wheel and the seat. And then I have also seen crew cab short bed SAS OBS on 37s go threw with nothing but some rock rash on the wheels. Expect some body damage but it's not necessarily going happen. The trail changes all the time.
Just keep us posted on the days. It's a 8 to 9 hr drive to the spillway from where I'm at. I'd probably just take a Friday and Monday off. Still need to talk to wife and make sure she does not have other things planned already vacation wise. But as of now I am in.
I was tentatively planning to hit the trail on a Monday. It's gonna be a 2 day drive to get there. I was figuring on driving out Saturday and Sunday.
It would be one of the last 3 weekends of June. I don't think I'll have firm dates until the first of the year.
Considering the wheelbase and the front locker I would consider hydro assist a necessity unless you have a selectable front locker. Avoiding body damage is a challenge with a SWB let alone a LWB however possible. If you have saddle tank(s) you need to be cautious through the rocky areas and I would expect your rear bumper to get some action.
If you drive to the trailhead I would recommend carrying a gas can to top off at loon (or carry on the trail) especially the phat block rigs. I usually fill up at fresh pond (31 gallon tank) add 5 gallons at the trailhead and I’ll add another 5 back at the trailhead coming off the trail. The small block rigs that trailer in don’t require anything other than a full tank normally.
Recovery points, gear, spares and tools are important things to consider.
There’s no cell coverage on the rubicon (besides cell phone tree) therefore radios are a necessity.
It’s a long trail with exit points at either end therefore a properly prepared rig that is maintained is also very important. $hit happens out of our control however spending the time on the basic maintenance goes a long way.
I’m sure I’m missing some points but that should cover most of it.
I don’t think the Last week of June works for me. I’ll be in Mexico for my 10th anniversary.
I’d like to plan a smaller group run for another time. Maybe a few of the local brothers could meet up sometime.
I’d like to plan a smaller group run for another time. Maybe a few of the local brothers could meet up sometime.
I think mid-June was discussed. Regardless, there’s a handful of us locals that could run another time.
Starting the trail from the west end, where is the last place to get fuel?
Pollack pines is the closest grocery store and Fresh Pond is the closest gas station. Fresh pond is 35 ish miles from the trailhead, takes roughly an hour.
I’m in late -mid june !
So do we need to plan on 1 night on the trail or 2? Running the traditional route. I'm a mover on the trail, not really pokey (ask @kgblazerfive).
Last time I went was two nights but we camped right before big sluce
I always camp at least 1 night, it's a busy trail, sometimes your not moving very fast or at all...I always camped at buck island lake or the campsite at the top of big sluice.
The first time I did it we got on the trail late and camped at Ellis Creek that night and Buck the 2nd.
I also did one year camping at Little Sluice and Buck.
I also did one year camping at Little Sluice and Buck.
Plan on your plans being flexible
You never know how things go on the trail, could go smooth and only need one night or be stuck for a while and need 3 nights.
But typically 2 nights is a safe assumption.
Two night minimum and I prefer to wheel to Buck and setup camp. What’s this traditional route you speak of?
The map I posted.
Spending a couple nights on the trail is fun because you can usually go down to Sluice and watch the drunk buggy guys gettin stupid. I remember one year a big group was meeting at the springs for a wedding also. There was a lot of traffic, but it was a lot of fun watching. There's no shortage of stupid fun things to do!
