Elephant Hill Strikes Again... And Again

We got a call for a Jeep Grand Cherokee on Elephant Hill with a broken front suspension part. We headed out to check it out. With the front end being mostly plastic we couldn't safely carry it out. So we got it moved so traffic could continue on and we ordered parts. The next day Mike and Shawn headed in to replace the parts as I headed up on the mountain by Old LaSal to get a truck and trailer out. After replacing the front cv shaft on the truck and getting it unstuck I headed down the mountain. On the way I got a call for another jeep with clutch issues further into Elephant Hill. So I called and let Shawn and Mike know about it after they got the one jeep back together to go find the next. So I went to the shop and loaded the buggy up and headed in to help them. By the time I had got there they were at the base of the big climb. So I helped another disabled rig make it up then helped them. It was an eventful couple days but everything went pretty smooth. Thank you everyone for watching and supporting us.
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#trailmater #offroadrecovery #offroadwrecker #moab #wheeling #jeep

[@grey-adventures]

Looks like the Trailhawk got mauled by a Diamond Billed Rock Pecker. 😅

[@MC-re2ry]

Like my dad told me. "Son, we make our living off of people trying to do things with their equipment that they shouldn't. Don't make fun of them. They're our bread and butter."

[@tonydowd8566]

Rescuing stupid people makes the world go round.

[@davidsmith5879]

How your going to know your limits if you don't push them alittle

[@michaelrobbins9679]

Damn chicken. Errrr trail hawks....

[@berniedmj1]

Aka job security

[@donnlongstreet5110]

In the Fire Department, we called them "Job Security", lol.

[@michaelholden5131]

Rory and Shawn communicating by indian sign language shows the real talent of this crew.

[@dustcommander100]

Me watch many time. Hope Shawn do sign language. Hope my comment not offend, though. Many people too serious!

[@RandomGuy-qm3mg]

Sweet Baby Jesus that Trail Hawk driver was nuts!

[@TheSecretOfNem]

No kidding, eh? Foot must be made out of lead.

[@larryjohns8823]

SLOW is not a word he understands...

[@toddwilliams5905]

Trail Roach

[@davidmore190]

Trail tampon

[@Stratos53100]

Yeah, The Trail Hawk should come w a warning..Rock Crawling Not Suggested, Those along w the new Wrangler 4xE hybrids are gutless....the 4xE is like a rattle trap brand new off the car haulers, i work at a major car rental facility, you can hear them coming from a very long distance and they sound like a dumpster filled with loose metal and debris literally thrashing around in a circle. Couldnt pay me to own one of those things.

[@wallygreer4931]

This is the greatest off road recovery channel on KZbin! You should be called Off Road Mobile Repair Shop, I swear there ain't hardly anything you guys can't fix/replace/weld etc. to get'm going!👍👍👍👍👍

[@caldwellbrett6]

I honestly wholeheartedly think with every fiber of my being, that Rory don't understand just how important he really is to his community and these broke down motorists. He's irreplaceable to us all. Thank you Rory! Your are definitely a hero in your own class.

[@Reuben-]

That time lapse was pretty cool. Both over the town and outside the shop.

[@scuss2]

I agree! Big shout out to the Editor(s).

[@thedave513]

Mechanical miracles all over the place! Nothing like a three-fer for a Thursday. Thanks gentlemen.

[@desertdweller4951]

Holy cow, Team TrailMater is #1 in off road recovery/ repair. Fantastic day of fun in the sun for Rory, Shawn, and Mike. Almost like you planned it 😅

[@AtrueAries]

Or they expected it too! lol 😂

[@marvicty]

Rory, Shawn and Mike are real American heroes

[@Trump2024M]

Can you imagine those three in the Real American Hero commercial😂😂

[@SkillMasters-vy2lo]

Good

[@seanschmidt0682]

Rory, you sound like you're under the weather... you know, you'll get better faster if you rest! Take it easy!

[@scuss2]

Sounded hoarse, maybe a sore throat or a serious case of seasonal allergies. Cinco De Mayo weekend Moab may have snow, Rory better let Cris take care of him like rub his chest with vapor rub and some hot herbal tea with honey in it. My mother used to say to me when I was young "if you're too sick to go to work or school, then you're too sick to go out and play".

[@donalddarbonne779]

When the tire says All Terain, but the suspension says all parking lots. Bahaha!

[@Stratos53100]

Trails with light sand and mud, No Rocks... Anything else requires a lift kit and better tires. The Grand Cherokee was lucky to get in & out of there with the bumpers in tact

[@hikingphotog]

Where's the suspension say that? Guess the other trailhawk that was with him on the original run, plus every single return trip couldn't handle it either? Where's all the hate when a stock wrangler breaks down doing some lite offroading? Same clearances, just different driving styles and creature comforts. And are you suggesting that 90% of the trail to that point was paved road? He nearly completed the trail if it weren't for the mistake that caused the breakage.

[@palooka6115]

It is just a BLAST to watch yall own the terrain with your driving skills, while Mike does the same with his videography ! Not to mention all of the mechanical skills. Marvelous simply Marvelous.

[@LaDonnashielded-kc7zm]

Great trail mater views as always Mike💥 Shawn and Rory with the front digs💚❣️

[@davestevens4263]

Dont be impressed by the digs , just showing off !lol thats one of the things that caught my eye when i started watching at 27k subs .

[@scuss2]

@@davestevens4263 Kinda me too. It was on same Elephant Hill trail. Rory and Shawn went to get a white jeep Cherokee, all that was holding the front end was a steering linkage. So they removed it and winched the front axle up on the mater trailer then had to back up to the Jeep and pull it up and set the front end on the axle. I didn't know why the front wheels were turning but the rears were not in that switchback turn. Thinking My 4 x 4 can't do that. So, if I want to learn more about that rig I had better subscribe and hit the black bell. I have learned a lot of terminology and the How Too's. Long 4 years watching every video and watching his channel grow. It's not just a recovery with Rory and crew it's a Science.

[@johnpence8529]

Still the best off road recovery video channel. Hats off to everybody. Love the action shots and the dialog. Great editing and always interesting.

[@winstonsmith8441]

That Jeep driver has a heavy foot!

[@kjsgarden]

Yeah, I was giving him the benefit of the doubt at first when he said he accelerated too much, until he pointed out “I hit there, and there… and yeah, there, too” Uhhh… how fast were you going when you touched down on that first rock?? Yeesh!!! lol

[@nuttinbedder2do70]

He didn't get those 3 trail badges from jellying it down the trail. He got them from jamming it down the trails.😂😂😂

[@FearlessTrailhawk]

​@@kjsgardeni have the incident on video...he panic throttled when he saw traffic behind him, and yes, he did have a heavy foot on the trails...it was hard to reign him in!

[@tompaoletti690]

Rule number 1. AIR DOWN!!! Great video!

[@grahamstretch6863]

Well we knew Rory was good, but driving a vehicle through there without a clutch takes a special kind of skill! I’ve driven on highway with a failed hydraulic clutch system, so starting in gear and clutchless up and down shifting, not a real problem, in my car, one I’ve done thousands of miles in, and even that was not totally straightforward, jumping in an unfamiliar vehicle and driving it through some of the toughest terrain clutchless, wow! I doff my cap to you Rory!

[@Keinandrew3]

Man it's beautiful out there

[@jasonwernli422]

The dude in the Trailhawk needs to learn throttle and brake control...

[@blameTECHIE]

was hoping someone had already said this

[@mediocreman2]

I was starting to wonder if the throttle on that was very sensitive, because some of those electronic throttles can be. Otherwise he's a really jumpy driver.

[@damageman]

Yeah something was off, wonder if the throttle or brake was acting strange

[@FearlessTrailhawk]

I was the white WK2 that was wheeling with him. Your not wrong, was constantly reminding him to take it slow. He's still learning, and this was just one of those lessons he learned the hard way. We all were newbs at some point.

[@FearlessTrailhawk]

​@@mediocreman2He is a really jumpy driver...atleast he was. I'm sure this incident has tempered his throttle input.

[@MichaelThomas-wb2xu]

Looks like Rory gets to drive to work, while Mike has to walk to work! (Great job of filming BTW!)

[@scuss2]

Mike summons the Rock Pecker to come give him a lift. Pun intended.!

[@nickwulf]

I think I'd want to spend a day working with Mike out of the whole crew I just dig his sense of humor, get a little chuckle from him every episode. Thanks Mike

[@cojones8518]

Mike's a braver man than me. I get a special feeling when a truck is coming down a hill and there's no where to get out of it's way if the brakes fail.

[@shawnp6653]

Love the office sceneary Rory, Shawn, & Mike.

[@Bob-Whiting]

Two lower ball joints for only hal... er... TWICE the trail breakage! I hope they charge extra for that 'cause I WANT one! lolin' out loud!

[@bryp88]

Shawn's brave letting Mike run the hammer!

[@davebenson1504]

😂🤣😂

[@dennispalmer6007]

Looks like you guys aren’t lacking for work. It’s good you have an awesome crew to step in to help get the jobs done. Hope you’re feeling better soon Rory.

[@kevbev1524]

New Jeeps aren't the old Jeeps. It's crazy how phones and vehicles are smarter than the operators.😢

[@ljprep6250]

You mean that Fiat SUV with broken A-arms and 4 inch ground clearance? ;)

[@CORNDODGER]

OH SO RIGHT

[@TheSecretOfNem]

Doesn't take much nowadays.

[@37903eral]

That's a perfect quote. If you don't mind, I'm going to use that.😊

[@quackhead7492]

The old jeep was crap also you have always had to build it to be worth a crap

[@davevanderwiele194]

I love the caveman jack stands 👍😎Rory

[@Keinandrew3]

Hope u get feeling better rory

[@jimderrick846]

Oh wow. That was quite the busy day with plenty of moving parts 😂😂😂. Great work Trailmater

[@larryflanigan2761]

yet another amazing tail from the adventures of Trail Mater. Thanks Rory, Mike & Shawn

[@freshseeker]

Man, people need to realize that the roads at needles district are not for overlanding or stockish vehicles. The roads there are hell for even the most capable vehicle.

[@wynottgivemore9274]

Shhhh!😁

[@nuttinbedder2do70]

I have always wondered what the septic vehicle is that they take up there to clean the pit toilets? I have eaten lunch with BLM officers on that trail. They were driving a stock full-size Chevy with a four-wheeler in the back. It requires driving skills first and for most.

[@FearlessTrailhawk]

Elephant Hill is fine for stock vehicles...let me guess you think all trails require 40s, tons and double locked? He was doing fine until he took a bad line with too much panic throttle. I don't know a single wrangler owner that upgraded their rigs that aren't constantly fixing broken parts.

[@redrockitinerant7776]

​@@FearlessTrailhawk ​People who don't get out and do these trails just don't know what it takes. The Trailhawk looked like it had very low clearance compared to many vehicles in these videos, but it has the same clearance as my son's Xterra, which did just fine on this trail. I was in a Sequoia which also did great, although with 5 more inches of clearance. Elephant Hill is a fun trail, and if it's done right, many stock vehicles can do it.

[@FearlessTrailhawk]

@@redrockitinerant7776 The WL's air ride was wigging out after the trail fix and was locked into 'normal ride height' until he got up on top and then it finally let him lift it up the remaining 2" for the offroad mode, so he was dragging a bit more than normal for that climb in this video.

[@Keinandrew3]

Thanks for the video guys

[@regnepinak9864]

So much work behind the scenes with excellent filming, editing and explaining what you are doing to fix all broken parts.

[@HikerTV]

They had all those parts in STOCK! And I'm sure not cheap. Sounds like a known issue whether you're killing it or not on the trails. Great job on all the Stellantis recoveries. Cheers.

[@roberthevern6169]

Some people's kids, I swear. But, it keeps the team busy, so yay!

[@robinbare4624]

Drove an Isuzu Trooper from SW of Portland to NW of Seattle with no clutch, city traffic an all . Quite the adventure. Looks like the rocks were more fun than stop lights. You guys are the best,!!!!!

[@sickjohnson]

Wow...now that was a full show guys! Nice.

[@alvahgilson1501]

Love the scenery of Utah. Very diverse state. Keep making great videos guys..

[@Steve-od6hi]

Rory was Kermit the frog on this go round, Great video, lots of hard and successful work. KUDOS to all!

[@bwame]

The dude with the Grand Cherokee definitely has the right attitude! Ignoring all the issues which have plagued the newer Fiat Grand Cherokees it looks like a good overlanding rig for mild trails. With a Wrangler if he wants to stay with a Jeep or even a 4Runner for more moderate trails I think he would have even more fun. I would be hesitant to take that Grand Cherokee on anything with rocks with its ground clearance, at least not without full skids but even then it would be scrap city. Nice recovery Rory & team! Moab's best.

[@hikingphotog]

Its got the same stock clearance as a wrangler, so why take a wrangler for clearance? Maybe he enjoys the creature comforts? The 4xe was a new driver and made some mistakes, something quite a lot of wrangler drivers do, but they don't get heat for it for some reason.

[@kathyparsons2934]

Love the longer video. That means more smiles, more laughs, and more scenery ❤❤❤ Thanks

[@michaelenewold9225]

When they fix the clutch Roaddogs probably better get a starter to have on hand when that one gives up. She's got a damn good battery too. Great work guys, love the scenery!

[@toddwilliams5905]

The Overloaders are here.

[@bn3645]

The time lapse bits were nice. Good video.

[@Karengarrett-qz1vv]

Rory sounds like you are losing your voice. I hope you are okay. These people need your service. You Shawn and Mike are like a good harmony. Always working together.

[@Strider1954]

Good work guys, I liked seeing the driver pitch in. but....Trail Pigeon?!? lol

[@ROgletree]

I’m impressed at the trail repairs you guys are able to perform. Y’all are the best.

[@benjohnson1082]

5:08 Rory’s pause and look said it all. PRICELESS

[@jefflaufer3205]

There's a lot of concrete out on that road, and I'm surprised to see that. ❤

[@todds9503]

Thanks for filming 👍✌️

[@EKAdventures51]

JUST AMAZING RECOVERIES , THANKS Trail Mater, always an enjoyable video of a recovery of broken Jeeps, the green rope :)

[@storminnorman4620]

Awesome Keep up the good work. Very enjoyable channel. Thanks

[@bst0125]

All seriousness aside, I keep waiting for Mike to say, "Ok is that good! Can I ride now" 😳. Y'all do some amazing stuff! Love the channel! Keep on keeping on y'all!!!

[@Fletcher-li3bd]

Talented but humble crew. These guys are AWESOME!!!!!!!

[@WYO3]

I never saw any elephants.😎

[@DukeDave1]

Yes Mike. If you like your coffee crisp you're Canadian 😇

[@sumosteve665]

Excellent work my friends.

[@Introverted_Outlander]

I gotta say mad props for this grand Cherokee owner for taking a brand new WL out on hard trails and not being afraid to scratch it up. I’ve got a 2020 Jeep grand Cherokee WK2; I’m pretty careful of damage, even my rig was over $55000 new, those new ones can reach 80 grand.

[@hikingphotog]

It was my understanding a new Wrangler isn't any cheaper... and if you are buying it to use it, why not use it.

[@twodogsyyc6729]

Wow Beyond words watching that TrailHawk out there. Some people have no clue. Truly more money than brains. You guys take care of yourselves and stay safe.

[@Coolhansolo]

For that kind of money in that hawk you could have a really built up rig !!

[@psychologicaltirefire8190]

Elephant Hill isn't even that hard. Those Trailhawks are more than capable enough to run them. That guy just needed to take it easy on the throttle. There was another white grand cherokee with him. That guy has a yt channel himself and he did it just fine. He's probably posted the video from his side already.

[@jakebruenderman2481]

Get well soon Rory

[@barrybazza176]

What's not to love...working in that fabulous scenic environment...it's every Boys/ Mans Adventure playground 👍 Not One Diamond Billed Rock Pecker spotted on this trip though 🌵

[@wesgraham9588]

👍 thx Guys

[@jasonlavery6449]

Thank you guys. What you do is awesome. Best office in the world

[@phillipcole3068]

Great video, guys. The time laps of the office put this video on another level for me. Get well, Rory. I know you musta felt like garbage, and you still managed all of these recoveries. Your trail repair was outstanding. I hope the customer valued your skill and effort as well. 👍

[@Cncjunkie]

Hope you feel better Rory

[@gabrielgullette6695]

Great job with editing and filming. Liked the time lapses

[@byrdman1807]

That was an impressive piece of driving to get a clutchless vehicle up the trail. Great work!

[@wynottgivemore9274]

Coffee crisp wow I would never of thought that you guys didn't have them, my condolences 😊🇨🇦🇺🇸

[@kokyo2]

front dig never get s old 👌

[@holderoftheshares1257]

Trail mater is so badass just gets the job done.

[@stanleybridge]

Trailmater crew…thanks for the recoveries!

[@albertdehn8381]

Thanks for sharing 😀👍

[@robertglasser6924]

Great camera work !

[@Kevin-go2dw]

For a Jeep with a damaged clutch, I was impressed at how well it did. Almost made it out on its own.

[@jburnes88]

Should be there next week, first time in a couple years. Hopefully, won't NEED to call you guys. Thanks for the enjoyable vids. Makes work a lot more tolerable.

[@JeffKuhnhenn]

As usual, a great job replacing the suspenion on that jeep out in the middle of nowhere. Great mechanical skills and anything you guys can't do. Also the great job of filming, the best I have ever seen. Keep up the excellent work you re a pleasure to watch. Wish I was along with you on your rescues.

[@grannyt6819]

You guys are so competent with trail repairs and ingenuity. Excellent. You always make me laugh with your shenanigans and humor. Thank you.

[@lonnyford1186]

Mine that gold. Enjoyed it

[@steven.h0629]

That last one with locked clutch was a great challenge 👍😎✊

[@khcopter]

That was the most impressive video!! love your trail repairs!! And your scenery is not too bad either!!

[@Introverted_Outlander]

Rory just a note on Jeep WK2 and the new WL like that one there is a neutral button on the mode selector switch that you hit with a pin to put the vehicle in neutral for towing, so it won’t destroy the electronic rear differential and transfer case. It doesn’t appear as though he has air suspension or if he does, he hasn’t moved it to Offroad to to give more ground clearance. Some of the early sales of the WL they didn’t have the air suspension parts so they were sold without it.

[@brettnipps7205]

Sean and Mike really shine in this video. Thanks Rory for your content.

[@johnlippiatt8200]

One of your best thanks for sharing.👍

[@stephenpoe2037]

Very Very Very Busy ! And your Voice is trying to leave the area ! Thanks for sharing !

[@TerryPitman]

Shawn looks super cool driving Trail Mater

[@ronaldbrown7780]

Yes iove the scenery ❤

[@paulcooper9135]

Thanks for sharing 🇨🇦

[@jaredgrubb3654]

Amazing work!!!

[@garyonnen7634]

Good fun, and great views. Thanks.

[@aaronmorales5671]

Thanks for entertaining us❤

[@scuss2]

I had to watch and re watch time stamp 11:22. Cool to see fog move into a valley and the time lapse or fast forward the video was cool. The stars were having a star show.

[@kidwelldavid6136]

Well done men, Rory you sound sick, I hope you get to feeling better soon.

[@driver-xx2pl]

Great work guys, well done.

[@guntherkaufmann6068]

Perfekt working Rory and the Team. Greetings from Bavaria in Germany

[@philipstaite4775]

Thank you for making this available in HD. Spectacular "office" scenery you have there...

[@kenmurray4232]

Nice repairs & recoveries by everybody. It is nice to see you are starting the busy season being busy. I don't recall many recoveries from Elephant Hill so it was refreshing to see a different piece of your heaven. What Shawn said was the perfect answer. Thanks for sharing

[@cheatcanyon1]

Great job! You guys are Pros!

[@jordantrujillo293]

Thanks for the video!