Rather than highjack dude's thread about what trails a stock Rubi can handle, I thought it would be thoughtful to just ask the question in my own. So here it is. I see yall referrin to trails as 1, 2, 3, 4......and all that. I know the level of difficulty increases with the number...that's kinda easy to comprehend. But the trails around me that are LEGAL ain't like that. Now....Durahmtown may be different, I don't know. I haven't been there yet. BUt the FEW I have been to rate their trails as an "A" trail, "B" trail and "C" trail....and that's it. There ain't no "D" and on and on. Is the numbering system more mainstream? Are we really that backwoods down here????

 

Maybe in the south they figure most people know their "ABC'S " by the time they can drive. Counting to "10" comes later on!!!!!


Just kiddin, The Moab Trails were rated 1-5 intil the last 2 years when they changed to a 1-10 rating system. The problem is the trails that are the most difficult (Pritchet-golden spike-behind the rocks) are rated 7&8's. What the hell is a 10!!@
here are the ratings explanation according to red rock 4 wheelers who sponsor the Easter Jeep Safari in Moab.

The following ratings are for Moab area roads in dry conditions. The effect of snow or rain varies greatly depending upon the altitude of the roads and the type of soil the bed consists of. Driver Beware!

1: County dirt road maintained for high clearance 2WD and 4WD use in adverse conditions.
2: County dirt road with infrequent or light maintenance after rain or snow, 2WD high clearance with low gears, otherwise light duty 4WD.
3: Road with frequent use, but seldom maintained. Dirt, sand and slick rock surfaces, with mud holes possible (note: maybe impassable when wet due to soil composition.). 4WD recommended under most circumstances due to ruts or wash erosion.
4: Road surface consisting of loose rock, dirt, and sand with some slickrock surfaces. Erosion, washes, gulches and rock steps no higher than 12". 4WD is recommended with good ground clearance and driving skills. Aggressive tires and limited slip would be a plus. Water and mud is possible.

5: Road surfaces are rutted, rocky and sandy with steps not exceeding 14", with considerable slickrock surfaces. Water not exceeding 12" with some mud possible. Good vehicle approach and departure angles are helpful. Tall tires (33" plus) and traction added device (lockers, limited slips) is recommended. Above average driving skills are desirable.
6: Roads are difficult with considerable erosion damage repaired just enough to be passable. Water in excess of 12" is possible with mud conditions. Steps not exceeding 24". Tall tires (33" plus) with traction added devices (lockers, limited slips) are recommended. A winch would be a plus. Enhanced suspension travel and ground clearance are helpful. Excellent driving skills are recommended.

7: Trail consists of rock; sand and considerable slickrock with many steps exceeding 24". Steep inclines and declines are prevalent. Enhanced off road equipment is required including locking devices (front & rear), tall tires, maximum vehicle ground clearance, and tow hooks. A winch is desirable. Excellent driving skills are required. Vehicle mechanical or body damage is likely. Roll over possibilities exist.

8: Extreme trail similar to #7 except a bit more extreme. Excellent driving skills are required. Vehicle damage is likely. Equipment or mechanical damage is probable.

9: Extreme and beyond, similar to #8. Vehicle damage is likely. Excellent driving skills are required. Roll over is very common. Winches, spare parts and tools are recommended. Be prepared to spend the night on the trail. Beyond the capability of most modified stock vehicles.
10: Let the carnage begin! Buggy territory. Street driven 4X4’s should not attempt this trail. Modified factory vehicles will not be able to complete this trail.

 

thanks for posting very informative

 

PERFECT!!! That's what I was lookin for. Thankya!

 

And that's why I ultimately bought an X rather than a Rubi. As I've said elsewhere here, I bought the Wrangler to take me interesting places so I can engage in other activities like backpacking and camping. The wheeling is not, itself, and endgame for me and I can't imagine taking my Jeep on anything beyond a Level 4 trail. More likely is 1s and 2s with the occasional 3.

I'm glad I have the 3.73 gears and the Trac-Lock diff, but I see those things more as insurance than as devices to do anything approaching hard core.

Props to everyone who does want to do the hard core stuff, but it's just not where my interest lies. This description of trail ratings confirms that for me.

 

Like I said in the other post be wary of the number system. It's main flaw is that no two trails are alike and it can be like comparing apples to oranges. In Maob "slick rock" is lsandstone and grips like sandpaper. Here in the Sierras "slickrock" is granite and can be like ice. Plus alot of trails are harder one way than the other. Going uphill, obsatcles can be harder. Like stairsteps and waterfalls , harder going up than going down. Also trails will change from year to year. I've been on trails in succesive years where it was harder in the spots that were easy the year before, and easy in what used to be the tough spots. Also trails are usually much tougher in the beginning of the season than near the end. Obstacles get worn down, rock stackers have been busy, a bypass has been created. Also a trail can be rated on running all of the hard core lines. The Rubicon Trail with all the bypasses can be run with a full size or a stock Rubicon (maybe even not a Rubicon).
The best rule of thumb is to ask around and find some one who has been there recently and can tell you its condition. And also drivers skill is the number one factor. I have seen old guys run stock on trails with modded rigs and not hold anyone back.

 

I'm in the same boat... dirt roads, fire roads, low-maintenance roads, etc. that take me somewhere - that's what I have my Jeep for... rock crawling, extreme mud, etc. is cool for the guys who are into the hardcore stuff, but it's not for me... just need to get these SR/As off and put on a 32" A/T (thinking about the Pro Comp All Terrain) and I'll be good... anyways, glad to know there are some other JKers out there who are like me...

 

didn't mean anything negative by the term "hardcore"... i'm amazed by the extent to which the people on here build up their JKs and the things that they're able to do and places they're able to go with them... but it sure as hell costs a lot of dough to get into that kind of Jeeping, which is probably why I'm more interested in finding trails that I can get the stocker out on and access some pretty cool places... I'm also incredibly impressed by the balls that it must take to get your $20k-$30k vehicle (plus mod costs) out on those rocks and risk pretty substantial damage... again, though, not for everyone... one of my favorite things about the Jeep is that it's pretty affordable (bought mine used for a great price) and quite capable, even when stock, so it can take me to some pretty cool places without thousands of dollars put into lifts, lockers, gears, oversized tires, etc.

guess it's really just one of those "to each his own" kind of deals...

now, of course, that's not to say that if I were in a financial situation that allowed a little more spending on the JK that I wouldn't be out there with you guys ... and I've gotta say, toad, that of all the Jeeps I've seen on this forum, yours is way up there on my favorite list! well modded but not over the top, very capable from the pics I've seen of you guys out at moab and such, and, best of all, Rescue Green! gives me and my Rescue Green X something to strive for... but, until I win the lottery or get a hefty raise, I'll be out having some stock fun wherever I can find it...

 

Stock JK Rubicons are very capable offroad. I think you will be surprised how well they do on the trail.

 

X2 We like to explore ghost towns, old mine sites, and check out mountain trails. A little fishing and gold prospecting along the way enhances the experience. And, of course, the camera is a must!