I was recently informed that Fordyce is probably tougher than Rubicon.

The following was copied from the Jamboree site. Cannot paste links.

If you have a new vehicle and fear denting it, don't come.
Odds are you will take dents home with you.
* All Vehicles must be Registered *

The Rubicon Trail is rated a 10 which is one of the toughest trails. If you fear denting your vehicle please do not participate. Odds are you will take a dent home.

NO Oversized vehicles allowed - Broncos, Blazers, RamChargers, and Station Wagons. Unimogs are allowed.

No Motor Bikes, Trailers, Dune Buggies, ATV (side by side) or Quads allowed.

Minimum Suggestions for running the Rubicon Trail.

Roll Bar or factory installed hard top
3.5" Lift and 33" Off-Road Tires
Functional parking brake or micro-lock
Tow Strap or Rope (recommended rated at 2 times the vehicle weight)
First Aid Kit
Hi-Lift Jack
Spare tire with diameter within 3 inches of existing tires (no temporary spares)
Fire Extinguisher with gauge indicating good/full, appropriately secured
Seat Belts for all passengers
Battery Hold Downs (no bungie cords)
Skid Plates
Remove all Hub-Caps and Steps
Must have functioning low range in transfer case

Jamboree Pre-departure Maintenance Checklist:

Check Engine Oil
Check Transmission Oil
Check Brake Fluid
Check Radiator Coolant
Check Fan Belts
Check Hoses
Check Air Filter
Check SEAT BELTS
Check Tires for wear or damage
Tighten drive shaft u-bolts
Check and tighten lug bolts
Check for CRACKS IN FRAME
Check brake pads & shoes
Check for loose bolts or nuts throughout vehicle
Grease all fittings (u-joints, steering)
Check gear oils: transfer case/differentials
Check Shocks and Springs
Double check winch and cable


A tent, sleeping bag, air mattress, change of clothing, jacket for evening, swimsuit and towel, camera and film, fishing gear, lotion and insect repellant, rubber-soled shoes, one flashlight per person, sunscreen, and a cool box full of your favorite beverages. We suggest a good tarp.
Your weekend will be spent in the high elevations of the Sierra Nevada's. The weather is unpredictable; no matter how warm it may be by day, the nights can get cold and thunderstorms are not an uncommon companion. Rubicon Springs will provide opportunities for fishing, swimming, hiking, sunbathing, and relaxation.

 

thanks for the info!

 

I run both tails all the time.

Fordyce is tougher than Rubicon. Tougher obstacles, more obstacles, and crazy water crossings. Google "Fordyce water crossings" and check out some of the you tube videos.

Best time to run Fordyce for the first time is with the Sierra trek. The water flow is cut 70% for the trek and will have people standing by to help you over the tough stuff.

Rubicon is also tough but offers more bypasses and the majority of the obstacles aren't as difficult as what you'll run into on Fordyce.

The Jamboree Site has a list of "neccessities" and all safety equipment should be taken.

Keeping in mind that Jeep runs it's stock vehicles (Liberty, Grand Cherokee, Commander) through the Rubicon to earn their trail rated badge, it's doable in a stock vehicle.

I see "stockers" running through Rubicon all the time. Granted they spin their wheels a little more, drag their pumpkins a little more, but get through just fine.

If you've got some lift and a 32" or larger tire you'll be fine. Some type of locker will make it almost easy!!! It is a long trail so pack a lot of snacks, sun screen, and bug spray.

Best to run it with an experienced group for your first trip so you can follow their lines.

It's a great trip and if you enjoy fishing and relaxing take an extra day. If you want less "local" traffic run it mid week.

 

I've heard that Chrysler uses only one specific side area of the actual Rubicon trail to test their stock vehicles. And it's only the Wrangler Rubicon model that actually passes the test in this area. The Jeep Patriot also has the same "Trail Rated" badge as the Liberty and Grand Cherokee but in no way could ever make it through the Rubicon trail without receiving considerable damage. I know because I owned a Jeep Patriot for a couple weeks before trading it in on my Unlimited Rubicon.

 

No one said they don't stack rocks or use by passes to get them through!!!

Back in August the Jeep engineers ran some 2011 Grand Cherokee's all the way through for product testing. They work with Jeepers Jamboree to guide them through. This testing goes on every year.

It's not uncommon to see "masked" vehicles on the trail in the summer.

 

Interesting. They must take all the bypasses. I just don't see how stacking rocks will help a Grand Cherokee or Liberty through some of these obstacles. It would be fun to see.

And the Jeep Patriots must get their trail rated badges from a different trail. Probably a much easier one.

 

Ah, the Big Sluice. Difficult yes, doable in a stock vehicle, yes. Damage free?
Depends on your skills and how much you stack!

 

GOOD MOVE!

 

Probably going August???? Me and "The Guy with the LJ" so far!

 

Yeah i wish i would have just gone straight to the Rubicon without even dealing with the Patriot. Oh well, you live you learn!

LOL! "The Guy with the White LJ". I posted vids from Logandale with everyone and forgotten Don's name so I just listed that instead. Now it's kind of stuck.