Stranded Tesla Cybertruck on Rubicon Trail Rescued [Latest: Removed from Difficult Terrain]
In a daring attempt to test the limits of the latest electric vehicle from Tesla, the Cybertruck, an individual named Roger Davis embarked on a journey to conquer the Rubicon Trail in California. However, the journey proved to be more challenging than expected, with the Cybertruck getting stuck and requiring multiple days of recovery efforts[1][2][3][4].
The Rubicon Trail, a famed off-road proving ground, is known for its difficulty, often compared to the Nürburgring but for four-wheel-drive vehicles. Davis, along with a Jeep Wrangler that helped spot and assist through obstacles, attempted the trail with the Cybertruck, which was kitted out with upgrades like rock sliders, skid plates, a 12,000-pound winch, and overland camping equipment from Cybertruck Co.[1]
However, the trail was a severe test for the Cybertruck. It suffered broken tie rods and a damaged steering rack, leaving it immobilized on Cadillac Hill, a notoriously tough section of the trail[2][4]. Recovery efforts took multiple days and involved winching the truck off the trail, repairing or replacing damaged components like tie rods and the steering rack on location[1][2][3].
The Cybertruck, despite its off-road features, was not designed or tested for the extreme conditions of the Rubicon Trail[3]. This was evident in the pictures that gained traction in local Facebook groups, showing the same spot on Cadillac Hill where the Cybertruck was stuck for several days[1][2].
Some observers criticized Davis' decision to attempt the trail with the Cybertruck, with @the_unsinkable_craigory claiming it was wildly irresponsible and that it did not belong on the trail[4]. However, Davis acknowledged that conquering the trail with a Cybertruck requires a skilled team with recovery equipment and spares, and even then, the truck was severely tested.
By Wednesday, the Cybertruck was parked at Rubicon Springs with critically low battery charge[1]. But they were able to charge it enough to hit the trail again. Eventually, the Cybertruck made it out, with the owner posting a photo of himself, someone else, and the Cybertruck at a Rubicon trailhead, saying, "We made it out today."[1]
Despite the challenges faced, the Cybertruck did manage to complete the trail, albeit with visible damage. The incident serves as a reminder that while the Tesla Cybertruck has some off-road capabilities, extreme conditions like the Rubicon Trail require experienced support and vehicle preparation to recover from incidents on such a grueling route[1][2][3][4].
[1] https://www.thedrive.com/news/37164/tesla-cybertruck-stuck-on-californias-rubicon-trail [2] https://www.thedrive.com/news/37251/tesla-cybertruck-stuck-on-rubicon-trail-for-days-after-breaking-tie-rod [3] https://www.autoblog.com/2023/03/24/tesla-cybertruck-rubicon-trail-stuck/ [4] https://twitter.com/the_unsinkable_craigory/status/1637204108274891776
- The Rubicon Trail, notoriously tough on four-wheel-drive vehicles, posed a severe test for the Cybertruck, as it was designed primarily for street use and lacks extensive off-road testing.
- During the journey, the Cybertruck, equipped with gadgets like rock sliders and a winch, experienced broken tie rods and a damaged steering rack, making it immobile on Cadillac Hill.
- Despite the challenges, the Cybertruck, an electric-vehicle spearheading the shift towards cleaner transportation and lifestyle, successfully completed the Rubicon Trail with visible damage, highlighting the importance of proper vehicle preparation and experience for extreme off-road conditions.
