RUBICON TRAIL, California — A MetalCloak-equipped INEOS Grenadier has successfully completed the legendary Rubicon Trail, becoming the first INEOS Grenadier to conquer one of the most challenging and respected off-road routes in the world.
The historic run was led by MetalCloak-sponsored driver Scott Becker, a lifelong off-road and motorsports veteran whose experience on the Rubicon Trail made him uniquely qualified for the attempt.
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 guide the first Grenadier through this legendary trail in a MetalCloak-equipped vehicle is something I’ll never forget.”
The completion represents a landmark moment for the INEOS Grenadier platform and another milestone in MetalCloak’s history of off-road innovation. It also demonstrates the importance of pairing an experienced driver with purpose-built suspension and protection systems designed for serious off-road terrain.
A Historic First for the INEOS Grenadier
The Rubicon Trail is not a place where reputation alone matters. It is one of the most respected proving grounds in off-road, known for massive granite slabs, tight technical lines, deep holes, ledges, off-camber climbs, and terrain that punishes both vehicles and drivers.
Completing the Rubicon in any vehicle is an accomplishment. Completing it in the first INEOS Grenadier to successfully make the full run adds another level of significance.
From Loon Lake to Tahoma Road, the Grenadier had to work through the same obstacles that have challenged generations of Jeep owners, rock crawlers, overlanders, and off-road builders. The trail demanded patience, spotting, precision, communication, and equipment that could handle repeated contact with unforgiving granite.
Built for More Than Suspension
MetalCloak is widely known for its game-changing, industry-leading suspension systems, but the Grenadier’s Rubicon completion highlighted something equally important: the value of complete underbody and rocker protection.
As one of the few companies developing serious off-road systems for the INEOS Grenadier platform, MetalCloak equipped the vehicle with products designed to work together as a complete capability package. The Grenadier relied on MetalCloak suspension components, Rocker Rails, and UnderCloak Skid Plate Systems throughout the trail.
That combination became especially important because this Grenadier was not a heavily modified rock crawler on oversized tires. It completed the Rubicon on 33-inch Patagonia A/T Pro tires provided by Milestar, Sahara wheels from Nomad, and a 2.5-inch MetalCloak lift. Rugged Radios provided the communications equipment that helped keep the team connected throughout the run.
Aside from the MetalCloak suspension, Rocker Rails, UnderCloak Skid Plate Systems, the Milestar tires, Nomad wheels, and Rugged Radios communication setup, the Grenadier remained completely stock.
That matters.
In an era when 38-inch (and larger) tires have become increasingly common on serious trail builds, completing the Rubicon on 33-inch tires is a remarkable accomplishment. With less tire height than many modern Rubicon rigs, the Grenadier depended heavily 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.
On the trail, those protection systems did exactly what they were designed to do: absorb repeated contact, protect vulnerable areas, and give Becker and the team the confidence to keep moving through obstacles that demanded both precision and durability.
“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 Complete Build Package
The first INEOS Grenadier to complete the Rubicon Trail did so with a focused list of upgrades designed to improve capability, protection, traction, and communication without turning the vehicle into a one-purpose trail machine.
The MetalCloak suspension system helped provide the lift, articulation, stability, and control needed for the Grenadier to work through the Rubicon’s granite obstacles.
The MetalCloak Rocker Rails protected the lower body and rocker areas from repeated contact in tight, technical sections where the trail forced the vehicle onto the rocks.
The MetalCloak UnderCloak Skid Plate Systems protected critical underbody areas as the Grenadier worked over ledges, shelves, and breakover points that would challenge any vehicle on 33-inch tires.
The 33-inch Patagonia A/T Pro tires, provided by Milestar, gave the Grenadier the traction needed for granite, dirt, rock, and mixed trail conditions while keeping the build grounded in a realistic, everyday-drivable tire size.
The Sahara wheels from Nomad completed the trail-ready wheel and tire package, giving the Grenadier the stance and durability needed for the Rubicon without requiring oversized tires or extreme modifications.
Rugged Radios communication equipment helped keep the team connected on the trail, allowing Becker, the spotters, and the support crew to coordinate through technical obstacles and changing trail conditions.
Together, those upgrades formed a practical, purposeful package. The Grenadier did not need to be transformed into a dedicated rock buggy to complete the Rubicon. It needed the right suspension, the right protection, the right tires and wheels, reliable communication, and a driver who knew the trail.
Day One: Into the Granite
The two-day journey began before dawn as Becker met videographer Jameson Owens and made the drive to the trailhead at Loon Lake.
At the trailhead, the team connected with trail companions Justin McMurray and Aaron Colacchia, along with a brief visit from MetalCloak’s Mike Upchurch, better known throughout the off-road community as “MetalCloak Mike.”
With tires aired down, gear secured, and Rugged Radios communications dialed in, the team departed Loon Lake and officially began the Grenadier’s Rubicon attempt.
The opening day delivered exactly what the Rubicon is known for: relentless technical terrain. Massive granite boulders, ledges, tight lines, and obstacle after obstacle tested both the vehicle and the crew.
Throughout the day, the MetalCloak suspension system helped provide the articulation, stability, and control needed to work through the terrain, while the MetalCloak Rocker Rails and UnderCloak Skid Plate Systems provided critical protection against the trail’s unforgiving granite.
As the sun began to drop behind the Sierra peaks, the team successfully rolled into Rubicon Springs. After a long day on the trail, the crew cooled off with a swim in the Rubicon River and celebrated a successful first day.
That evening, dark clouds gathered over camp. Thunder rolled through the mountains and lightning illuminated the sky as the team moved beneath the cover of the cook crew building, set up a propane fire pit, enjoyed dinner, and reflected on the obstacles they had conquered.
So far, the Grenadier had answered every challenge.
Day Two: Cadillac Hill and the Final Push
After a rainy night in the High Sierra backcountry, the group woke to a cool mountain morning, packed camp, and prepared for the final leg of the journey.
Before departing Rubicon Springs, the crew paused for a group photo, capturing a moment that would soon become part of the Grenadier’s off-road history.
The climb up Cadillac Hill immediately reminded everyone that the Rubicon still had challenges to offer. Tight twists through dense trees demanded precision driving, while washed-out sections created deep holes and difficult lines that required patience, spotting, and careful navigation.
Slowly but steadily, the group advanced toward Observation Point, a familiar milestone for Rubicon veterans and a sign that the finish was finally within reach.
But the trail was not finished yet.
Several difficult sections remained, including Dollar Hole, where massive boulders create towering shelves and deep cavities capable of stopping even highly capable vehicles.
Once again, the MetalCloak-equipped Grenadier rose to the challenge. Becker and the team carefully worked through the obstacle, maintaining momentum and composure as spotters guided the vehicle through the technical terrain.
Soon after, the hardest sections were behind them.
The group emerged onto Tahoma Road, and the MetalCloak-equipped INEOS Grenadier officially completed the Rubicon Trail.
History had been made.
A New Chapter for the INEOS Grenadier — and Another Milestone for MetalCloak
For the INEOS Grenadier platform, the run marks a major real-world milestone on one of the most respected proving grounds in off-road.
For MetalCloak, it adds another trail-tested achievement to the company’s record of developing suspension and protection systems that help modern 4x4s perform in demanding terrain.
The accomplishment showcased what can happen when an experienced driver, a dedicated support crew, a capable vehicle, and purpose-built equipment come together with a shared goal.
The first INEOS Grenadier to conquer the Rubicon Trail did so on 33-inch Milestar Patagonia A/T Pro tires, Nomad Sahara wheels, a 2.5-inch MetalCloak lift, MetalCloak suspension, MetalCloak Rocker Rails, MetalCloak UnderCloak Skid Plate Systems, and Rugged Radios communication equipment.
Everything else on the Grenadier remained stock.
That may be the most important part of the story. The first Grenadier to complete the Rubicon did not rely on extreme tire size or excessive modification. It completed the trail through driver experience, teamwork, smart equipment choices, and the right protection in the places that mattered most.
About MetalCloak
MetalCloak is an American manufacturer of premium off-road suspension systems, body armor, steering components, and vehicle protection products for Jeep, Bronco, Toyota, INEOS Grenadier, and other 4x4 platforms.
Based near Sacramento, California, just 90 minutes from the Rubicon Trail, MetalCloak designs, manufactures, and tests products for real-world off-road performance, with a focus on durability, articulation, protection, and trail-proven capability.
MetalCloak is known throughout the off-road industry for engineering-focused product development, trail-tested innovation, and suspension systems designed to help modern 4x4 vehicles perform at a higher level on demanding terrain.
Watch the Full Video here: https://youtu.be/PFS2FNth9PI?si=9FNqmI-itE-fFIrJ
For more information about Metalcloak's Grenadier products and development, visit https://metalcloak.com/ineos-grenadier
