The trail rating guidelines apply to all, this is the only way to make things fair. In the past, if a trail leader wants to take on the responsibility of a driver and rig that fall outside the rig requirements, then this has been allowed.
Here's a hypothetical: I have a 6" lifted rig, 32" tires and an LS out back. I've wheeled in Moab for several years and have run many of the H and D rated trails waaay before I ran a "set up " rig. 30" tires, 2" lift, Spike, Moab Rim, PSM........you get the picture. And I now run these regularly in my current setup. I know my rig's capabilities and the terrain. I want to squeeze in on a run with the Pritchett group. The trail leader must make the call..... more than likely, I'll be running Pritchett that day.
Another XJer shows up to the event for their first time in Moab, open diffs, a freshly installed, yet to be wheeled 8" lift and 35" tires and wants to squeeze in on Pritchett too.......the trail leader is gonna probably say sorry, not gonna happen.
Also, may I say that a "set up" rig does not a good wheeler make.
Maybe nothing bad will happen, but the leaders must look out for the entire group, not just one rig.
Bottom line..... there is some flexiblity, but if exceptions are made, they will be on a case by case basis and the trail leader will have the deciding vote. We expect these decision to be respected, in the interest of all who attend that run, and the entire event.
Hope this clears things up and I hope to wheel with you next week.....we may even see each other on a "baby trail"
