What is the future for Project TraiLex? The good folks at Lexus have told us we can keep it a while longer--as long as we continue to 'wheel it and show it off at various runs. Sounds like a deal to us! We may still try to lock up the front diff and change the gearing if products become available. We've had a blast building and driving it. The looks it gets on the trail and the street are priceless. The only problem is after being spoiled by all this luxury in a vehicle that can still conquer a reasonably rough trail, our personal trail ride(s) are feeling pretty crude and uncomfortable! It will be hard to give it up.
This beats the Four Seasons...
This beats the Four Seasons any day! Luxury camping at the water's edge. Fishing anyone? Halfway, so another point to TraiLex. Score: 'Lex 3, 'Con 1/2.
Squeeze! 'Wheeling a rig the...
Squeeze! 'Wheeling a rig the size of the Lexus over the 'Con can be a tight fit at times. Sure is fun, though.
Yes, we took the high road...
Yes, we took the high road leaving Buck Island, and TraiLex walked right up the rockclimb leading to this breakover. Yep, we tested all the factory skidplates as well as the scrape-ability of everything else under the rig during the trip. Things look ugly under there, but nothing broke. Worst wound: the gas tank now holds about four gallons less.
Made it down the Big Sluice...
Made it down the Big Sluice with no problem, if you don't count the new dent in the right rear door! (More patina, gotta have both sides match. And OK, another 1/2 point to the trail.) Here we cross the bridge spanning the Rubicon River and head for Cadillac Hill.
Sort of an unofficial end...
Sort of an unofficial end of the rough part of the trail, everybody takes a photo of their rig at the Overview. So, like sheep, we clicked away. Unlike sheep, how many others have photographed their Lexus at this spot after successfully crossing the Rubicon? In the final tally, the Lexus whipped the Rubicon without breaking a sweat. Sure, it got a couple of dents, but that's driver error. And some underbody scrapes, but it still drove home straight and true at 80 mph. Nothing broke, it never needed a tow strap--much less the use of its Warn winch--and it still feels tight and ready for the next obstacle. Still think a Lexus can't 'wheel?
You could get spoiled looking...
You could get spoiled looking at a view like this while sitting in the comfort of the TraiLex.