MetalCloak Helps INEOS Grenadier Complete Rubicon Trail for the First Time

A MetalCloak-equipped INEOS Grenadier has completed the Rubicon Trail, becoming the first INEOS Grenadier to complete one of the most challenging and respected off-road routes, company officials stated in a press release.

The historic run was led by MetalCloak media director Scott Becker, a lifelong off-road and motorsports veteran whose experience on the Rubicon Trail made him uniquely qualified for the attempt, noted the release. Becker first traversed the Rubicon Trail in 1976 and has since completed it more than 150 times, giving him an intimate understanding of the trail’s granite slabs, technical obstacles, tight lines, deep holes and constantly changing conditions.

“This trail never gives anything away,” said Becker. “No matter how many times you’ve run it, the Rubicon demands respect. Being able to navigate the first Grenadier through this legendary trail in a MetalCloak-equipped vehicle is something I’ll never forget.”

Why Underbody Protection Mattered on the Rubicon

While MetalCloak is known for its suspension systems, the Grenadier’s Rubicon completion also highlighted the importance of complete underbody and rocker protection. As one of the few companies developing off-road systems for the INEOS Grenadier platform, MetalCloak equipped the vehicle with products designed to work together as a complete capability package, the company said.

The full-bodied, full-width Grenadier completed the Rubicon on 33-inch tires with a 2.5-inch lift in an era when 38-inch and taller tires have become increasingly common on trail builds. With less tire height than many modern Rubicon rigs, the Grenadier depended on its MetalCloak Rocker Rails and UnderCloak Skid Plate Systems to protect critical areas and help the vehicle work through difficult granite obstacles without compromising the run.

The Team Behind the Run

The run was completed by a small, experienced team. Justin McMurray, off-road veteran and director of engineering at MetalCloak, ran lead in a fully cloaked Gladiator and handled spotting and rock rolling when needed. Aaron Colacchia, CEO of MetalCloak, drove tail gunner in MetalCloak’s 2018 JL Wrangler. Jamie Owens documented the run as cameraman, while Mike Upchurch, known throughout the off-road community as “MetalCloak Mike,” was there at the start to send the team off through Gatekeeper and the Bowl.

“The Rubicon Trail has always been one of the ultimate proving grounds for off-road engineering,” said Matson Breakey, co-founder of MetalCloak. “Seeing a MetalCloak-equipped Grenadier complete the trail for the first time is a powerful validation of the platform, the driver, the team and the products we build. This is exactly why MetalCloak exists — to help capable vehicles become truly trail-proven.”

The first INEOS Grenadier to conquer the Rubicon Trail did so on 33-inch Patagonia A/T Pro tires from Milestar, Sahara wheels from Nomad, Rugged Radios communication equipment, and MetalCloak’s 2.5-inch Game-Changer Suspension, Rocker Rails, and UnderCloak Skid Plate System. Everything else on the Grenadier was stock, and no winch line was pulled.