Matt’s Off-Road Recovery - The Backstory on this YouTube Sensation

We join the King of Sand Hollow Matt Wetzel, owner of Matt’s Off-Road Recovery and social media phenomena for an in-depth discussion on how he got started, his most memorable rescues, and his new wrecker.

[@Gone_Gpn]

You spoke, we listened. If you get to the 2-minute mark and the horn beep annoys the heck out of you, we’ve re-posted this video here…beepless! kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZnjQfmCqp7hkb5I

[@TheStealthbob]

sadly I wish I saw this before I endured the beeps

[@christopher9626]

@@TheStealthbob Me too, that was beyond annoying.

[@Tacodave1679]

After you deleted every comment talking about it

[@TheStealthbob]

@@Tacodave1679 I think we can drop the torches and pitchforks, he got more views from new viewers and made a change. Let's support the channels that support each other. I apologize if I was part of the mob....

[@Gone_Gpn]

@@Tacodave1679 Nope, didn't delete any comments.

[@davidbeattie4294]

Matt's answer to the question "what were you thinking" is why I enjoy his channel. People put themselves in truly silly situations. Matt shows up day or nite and just gets them out. He never talks down to these folks. In fact he goes out of his way to put them at ease in what might be a very stressful situation. The MORR crew shows up and gets the job done with courtesy and humor. And then they go back to the shop and build outrageous off road vehicles. Doesn't get any better.

[@Gone_Gpn]

Agreed, David, and it has been fun watching them spin the needle on the social media side...albeit unintentionally at first

[@philwildcroft1764]

My favourite "Matt doesn't judge" moment was the stoned didgeridoo players in the old bus.

[@mediocreman2]

He doesn't talk bad about them on camera. But yeah off camera guarantee he's said a few things.

[@chalillito]

. mm

[@mikehoncho9344]

It could always be better, especially with more eye candy and peanut mnm's

[@Stef4n1988]

Dear creator of this video, the sound with the up popping subscribe button is a real pain in the ass. Unfortunately I had to watch the whole video because Matt is such a cool guy

[@themadeguy7523]

Damn , pushed my buttons

[@frankhage1734]

Me too. Consider using a dull, faint cowbell. You can always add more cowbell.

[@Gone_Gpn]

Thanks for the feedback, and our apologies. We had many similar comments and re-posted w/o the annoying beep.

[@tannergibson1066]

Came here to say this, if it weren't for Matt talking I was going to down vote and move on.

[@bravotwozero8119]

Agree. Made me not want to subscribe.

[@MrGarfield4]

The world needs more people like Matt!

[@RealJeep]

If pleading no contest to insurance fraud makes you a good person, then yes we do.

[@guitardzan5641]

@@RealJeep Some years ago, I was in a courtroom watching a friend plead No Contest in a State Farm fraud case. The people at State Farm were well aware that John, the owner of a small towing and auto body shop, had screwed up his paperwork for several years because he didn't have an accountant or anything like that and he didn't really know what he was doing. John made restitution and pled No Contest because he just couldn't continue the fight. He just couldn't afford it. State Farm knew John had no intention of defrauding them but they insisted on him pleading guilty anyway. What's the deal with Matt? I don't know and neither do you. But things are seldom as black and white as they seem at first glance. And, Matt has certainly earned an EXCELLENT REPUTATION otherwise.

[@Kevin---kx3jy]

Plenty of them (us) out there. We just don’t have KZbin channels. I’ve met Matt in person and he’s definitely a genuine guy, but he’s also just like me and the friends I’ve kept over my 47 years.

[@guitardzan5641]

@@Kevin---kx3jy Yep.....That's just the way it is.....

[@OntarioBearHunter]

@@RealJeep I.thought first question he asked recovery clients was " do you have Triple A?"

[@blackboxxj9647]

Matt and his crew are some honest, humble, down-to-earth people who are awesome at what they do and have fun while doing it. This is what makes his channel so great. They have definitely earned and deserve every bit of success they've had and will continue to have.

[@cmcer1995]

I am glad to see Matt and Lizzy at the show. That was a great interview and seeing the World Largest Off-Road Recovery Wrecker mostly completed was a real treat. You would never think a KZbin about Off Road Recoveries would be so popular, but it is Matt and his Team that make the difference. Just a good quality clean channel with wholesome people performing a great service to those in need. And he uses his exposure to over a million people to also support local charities as well.

[@guitardzan5641]

Years ago, I worked for a tow company....We did street recovery/accidents/etc, as well as Mountain Recovery and Beach Recovery............ I don't remember any of it being much fun. These videos work so well because of the crew chemistry........THESE people ARE having fun and bringing us along. That is what makes this a growing channel.

[@snowdiann]

I am a faithful watcher of matt's off-road

[@robertquackenbush5547]

So am i

[@guitardzan5641]

I ain't the faithful type......I snuck off and watched some Fab Rats.

[@robertquackenbush5547]

I watch both channels

[@rickcooper6817]

Thanks for covering Matt's rig at the show. You guys rock!

[@Gone_Gpn]

You bet, and thanks for the feedback, it was great hanging out with Matt.

[@michaelgomez3044]

No thanks for covering Lizzy's butt with your logo.

[@terrallputnam7979]

I watch Matt's Off-road Recovery every day. My favorite is the Morrvair. I look forward to seeing the heavy wrecker in action.

[@Gone_Gpn]

Thanks, Terrill

[@ronwatson4135]

Matt is the *Mad Scientist* Rory is the *Can Do Man* and Paul is the *Gladiator*

[@fredgomez4142]

That’s the biggest smile I’ve seen on Matt ever. Can’t wait for first call for the wrecker.

[@vangoodwin7335]

Without any plans on it Matt and his crew with friends have two rigs and a motorcycle at SEMA, Thanks for covering the world's biggest wrecker I can't wait to see you with Robbie on Ed's Golden Nugget along with his old Rokon. All good people doing great things. Absolutely love his creation in the Morrvair. You are in my prayers Hoka Hey

[@Gone_Gpn]

Great feedback, thanks Van

[@NoNORADon911]

Harbor Freight Ads on truck = cringe

[@RealMrNails]

@@NoNORADon911 (Cringing at seeing your username) Calm down, they make a fantastic winch (that Matt has been raving about before they ever sponsored him). How do you make your money?

[@AFloridaSon]

@@RealMrNails Exactly. Fab Rats also praises them.

[@guitardzan5641]

@@NoNORADon911 Harbor Freight Ads on truck = SPONSORSHIP Next, you'll be hatin' on NASCAR.

[@petereldredge6204]

I feel it’s the overall niceness of Matt, his family and crew is what makes his channel successful.

[@g.fortin3228]

I'm a HUGE FAN of Matt's Off-Road Recovery. Never miss a video !! If I'm busy one week, I'll catch up the next ! He's a genuine good person too ! They don't get much better than Matt. And Lizzy is quite the welder now sh'e done a lot on that wrecker.

[@abuubaydullah1]

Matt is a humble guy and shares the successwith all his crew 😇

[@Koi-br1st]

Happy to see you Matt at SEMA , you deserve all the recognition you deserve .You make this world a smaller place and wear your heart of your sleeve for everyone to see. Cliff Please Stay Healthy.. Wrecker looks great at the show

[@Devildog-eo2tz]

Matt, his crew and friends are simply amazing! 💪💪💪🔥🔥

[@Gone_Gpn]

Agreed!

[@JF32304]

His entire team is simply fantastic. Trevor, Rudy, Lizzy, Ed, Jaime, hefe, Tucker, I know I forgot some... Really great crew.

[@danthomson1182]

Long time subcriber of Matt and i personally love his humble awkward personality, even with how long hes been doing this and his million plus subscribers hes still humble and seems like he doesnt feel like he deserves the attention for just doing what he does. Super cool dude. Cant wait to meet him one day.

[@davewest307]

I have been watching Matt for years. Im glad he mentioned the off-road recovery groups. I have got to help a few people on those groups over the years.

[@botfoblhrp]

i remember when Matt started, he has come soooo far . and in a wonderful way. This is one special person. i think his crew has grown in a wonderful way because of him also.

[@kdgckg]

One of the most interesting things is seeing Matt stack stones to prevent damage to his customer's vehicles…

[@Gone_Gpn]

And that's one of the reasons we wanted to feature him...just a great guy

[@jdmather5755]

That’s the way it’s been done for thousands of years. 😂 Edit: Judging from some of the comments - not everyone has watched all of the MORR videos. Running joke on the channel.

[@ronlifts]

@@jdmather5755 People have been stacking stones on off road trails, to prevent damage to the underbody of their CARS, for THOUSANDS OF YEARS????

[@kazihossain4344]

@@JT_70 carts and buggies my friend, ever since the wheel was invented people have been rolling things and stacking things to clear the things that roll

[@frankhage1734]

@@ronlifts Yup. A team of oxen could easily rip the axles off their cars ("carriages/carts") before roman times. People stacking stones or carving rock to aid travel is prehistoric. "Car" is just teenage hip speak for (train) carriage.

[@rshutterbug47]

That was a cool video. Matt is just Matt and I think he will always be.

[@Gone_Gpn]

Just a regular guy like of of us doing his thing.

[@MakersTeleMark]

Matt has saved so many people, trained so many people, and his heart is bigger than the new wrecker, the banana, and the nugget combined. You should be more Matt in life. It would not serve you wrong to do so. We don't need church, we need more Matt. And tell Lizzy to wear her seatbelt please. And tell Matt to wear a welding mask Frrrk.

[@marvindebot3264]

Disregarding safety is the one time I get angry with Matt.

[@MikeB-gf6dj]

@@marvindebot3264 Ditto.

[@StormAngelWolf]

I worked the most inaccessible terrain on border projects in Kuwait; still I would cringe watching some of mat's rescues. I mean we do heavy construction in the most unforgiving conditions. This guy is the real deal 1000%.

[@donparker1823]

Matt saved my bacon one time out in a desert wash at night in a thunderstorm. I was in a new truck with 2,000 miles on it. Really a great crew.

[@Ramn8tr]

Matt’s non-judgmental approach to life is a breath of fresh air.

[@LT-hg7fc]

Great interview......great questions. I see so many people do these kind of interviews and it never flows as well as this one does.

[@Gone_Gpn]

LT, thanks for the good words, Matt is an easy guy to talk with.

[@drwho135]

Really enjoyed you covering Matt. A suggestion. Tone down the Subscribe slider. 5 times in this video is a bit much. The Jeep horn was a nice touch too but... not 5 times over the middle of your interview.

[@jamesgriffin1376]

i agree. super annoying

[@Gone_Gpn]

Thanks for the feedback, and our humble apologies. We had many similar comments and re-posted w/o the annoying beep.

[@javierpreciadojr413]

Gotta sub to Matt's off road recovery, they do builds, recoveries, and just go out and have a good time. Very family oriented.

[@jimparr5412]

I am really looking forward to seeing this beast in action!

[@toddhiggins6318]

The story behind the golden nugget makes it my personal favorite of SEMA 2022

[@christinaeckley7146]

Matt would be an awesome man to have as a friend! If I'm ever on his side of the us I'm going to stop by. I live in a totally different atmosphere in Charleston SC. We have nasty mud here and swamps.only sand we have is growing up on beach and using grandad's Buick to pl out tourist but I was pulling off of concrete. Brutal force always works. Can't wait to see this rig on recovery.

[@Gone_Gpn]

Thanks for the feedback, Christina

[@christinaeckley7146]

Actually I'm Johnny. I use my wife's facebook because I'm not able to get into mine.

[@davidfarmer1666]

Matt telling it like it is... This was great with Matt sharing his vision for the Off Road Wreck. Telling everyone unfamiliar with Matt's Off Road Recovery what his goals are for his business and for the wrecker. This presentation and SEMA will help to increase the subscribers to the channel and increase Matt's ability to help others. Great channel, staff and service.

[@Gone_Gpn]

Thanks for the feedback, David

[@bobharris6095]

Matt is the best! He and his crew are just great folks! Lizzy was hanging out in the background. I was hoping he would introduce her as that young woman did most of the welding on that big beast! Kudos to her! Can't wait to see that truck out on the South Utah trails!

[@Gone_Gpn]

Thanks for the feedback.

[@rodney1818]

In my opinion the rolled over Jeep Liberty was my favorite episode

[@joseurena7116]

I absolutely love Matt's videos, they have grown in quality so much and invested in new equipment worth watching. Thanks for this interview is great to see them behind rescue-camera !

[@Gone_Gpn]

Our pleasure! Thanks for the input.

[@wowguy3562]

The one I've been very impressed with is Lizzy, that young lady is learning so much about welding and fabrication. Matt is awesome, he helps so many people and especially the community around him

[@michaelhuffman6853]

Most enjoyable you tube to watch!

[@karlschwaber9568]

I enjoy Matt's channel immensely.I found the scenery so beautiful that I had to go there last year and I am going again this year.

[@hidel308]

Matt inspires creativity on so many levels.

[@rodneyjohnston6280]

We love you Matt you are awesome keep up the good work your videos make me smile and laugh

[@lloydporter1610]

I can’t wait to watch you use the big rig .I haven’t heard a name for it yet .maybe big banana.very good interview.

[@ChainsawFPV]

Love Matts channel! Great group of people. Was a pleasure watching this truck getting built.

[@luckydogx2]

Yes. I know about Matt's Off Road Recovery. It's just the best channel on KZbin.

[@joshguntercreative194]

Matt’s Off-Road Recovery has one of the best KZbin channels super positive upbeat, rad family can't say enough positive things about what they do.

[@joedpayne]

I love Matt and his crew!!

[@billchessell8213]

Darn good interview of Matt. Usually interviews of Matt are a down grade from Matt talking alone. This was better, I really enjoyed it! Thanks!

[@Gone_Gpn]

Thanks for the feedback, Bill, glad you enjoyed it!

[@MrMcSnuffyFluffy]

His most intense situation happens to be the first video I watched on his channel. Hooked ever since.

[@lenny9926]

Last year I went to see Matt's off road recovery San Jose to Zoin national forest 1700 miles. Matt and crew were great to meet and are as nice in person as you see them 😀. Hello from the high desert 🏜 of Phelan California.

[@jimmiecoffelt1956]

Matt is great at what he does

[@supercalcium]

Thank you for sharing this video Matt and his crew are what we need in this crazy moments we are living, they have peace.

[@MrSdemino]

Matts off road is so popular because Matt and friends are down to earth real people and fame has not changed that!

[@dioad1739]

Thanks for covering Matt and interviewing him I can’t wait for the off road wrecker Olympics with Matt, Paul, Rory and hopefully Merlin it’s going to be epic.

[@Gone_Gpn]

thanks

[@mrmosk2011]

I like Matt’s videos because Matt and his team are always positive, respecting and try to help. The videos were never felt to be the important part of the story. Some KZbinrs tries too hard on the video making part and the story became just a reason for the videos.

[@antonioporra7210]

Well done Matt and team, Love from South Africa. Can't wait to see Lizzy driving the big guy.

[@mygarden365]

Thank You for this interview with Matt,one of my first go to videos to watch,great site.

[@garyb4929]

Great interview with Matt. That bunch is great to watch. Thanks for sharing.

[@michaelpistone8235]

Congrats to Matt for the Harbor Freight sponsor stuff. Their Badland Apex winch is one of the best for the price and you can see Matt really push it and it keeps on working. Hope everyone subscribes to Matt's off-road recovery channel and Fab Rats as well.

[@billyweston949]

O thing but amazing people at Matt’s fantastic crew

[@alberthuynh]

Great coverage. Love Matt, his channel and his crew. Thanks for the fun interview

[@wizerd5150]

matt is my hero for following his dream !

[@smokypipe3547]

Nice to give Rory a plug, class act Matt

[@gorillaman08zx]

The difference between your vehicle and most of the other ones there is yours will be able to actually do what it looks like it’s able to do. Great job Matt

[@Gone_Gpn]

Thanks Gorillaman

[@HM-fn2xe]

Love Matt’s channel, couldn’t finish this video.

[@Gone_Gpn]

Appreciate the input...the beep! Due to yours and other comments we have uploaded this video again "without the horn." A link can be found in the pinned comment at the top of this thread.

[@davesanders9203]

Gone-Gpn is a great reporter. All of Matts KZbin videos "prepped" him for this event!

[@philreeves1178]

We love Matts Off Road recovery !

[@professornuke7562]

The lovely Lizzie hangin' out on the rear wheel. Welds, dances, rides horses and plays the piano very well indeed.

[@Gone_Gpn]

Right!

[@f87115]

See Matt, or yellow I click :) best human on the planet :)

[@OldThomMerton]

That's funny . . . that Wrangler episode on Boulder Mt. was the first video I saw from Matt 😂🤣 I've been a subscriber ever since.

[@TimHughes93]

I’ve been following the heavywrecker series for a while can’t wait to see this thing in action the build process is amazing. And if this was a flat bed no boon on it I’d dial this SOB

[@godngunclinger]

❤‍🔥LIZZY on that tire was TOO CUTE!!!❣

[@Everything.On.Wheels519]

The cell tower jeep recovery was the first one that came to mind!

[@Rotorcraft]

Me too. Also, was the first one I watched.

[@rinaldocatria4386]

Coolest thing at SEMA IMO.. NOT JUST FOR SHOW like so much of the stuff there. you win hands down. Looking forward to see it in action.

[@vineslinger]

It's funny but I finally found out the story behind the Wrecker. Hi Matt. I know you'll read this too. I started watching when you did the Golden Nugget for Ed. After following the Nugget I started watching everyone who was involved. I was watching Paul before that though. The Wrecker is cool.

[@akghound]

Awesome interview! Awesome rig!

[@earlbucklin8323]

great interview .......... thanks

[@Gone_Gpn]

Thanks for the input and good words, Earl👍

[@AdiBumbul]

Matt is the Chip Foose of the off-road world!! Mark my words!

[@anotherdave5107]

Finally a MORR focused video!

[@michaelguerin56]

Nice looking setup. Weight is everything on sand. The company here in New Zealand which does the Farewell Spit tours (top of the South Island) tried out a surplus Unimog 1100 as an alternative to their surplus Bedford RL trucks which had passenger cabins mounted in place of their original decks . The Unimog was too heavy, so they stripped down the RLs and rebuilt them, one by one, with later Bedford TK drive lines and custom-built bus bodies. There is a Low Gear TV episode on this story.

[@anthonysadventures8062]

boulder mountian is my favorite episode that he talks about its a must watch.

[@wmose3694]

god that stupid buzzing to subscribe banner just killed this that is about as good a way to drive people away as i can think of

[@GimbleOnDew]

Always wonder what the editors are thinking, because if I did subscribe it would be even more anoying

[@wmose3694]

@@GimbleOnDew i did not even finish the video after the second one fired off i hit pause made the comment and left i only was watching thinking huh wounder what i might learn but the not knowing what color the banana was a bit of a flag for o look another person who dose not do their homework when doing an interview

[@Gone_Gpn]

Sorry about that W Mose. Due to yours and other comments we have uploaded this video again without the horn. A link can be found in the pinned comment at the top of this thread.

[@barrybarry5803]

Excellent Interview!

[@Gone_Gpn]

Thanks for the good words...easy to do with Matt.

[@hollyandersen3886]

Wow! That turned out so nice!

[@Gone_Gpn]

Agreed

[@drones7838]

I wait every Sunday for the wreckers upload of course I watch all the other uploads but I like Sunday’s upload

[@rtlamb]

Matt and his crew make the very BEST Tonka trucks!!

[@michaeldemetriou1399]

That wrecker looks perfect for it's job.

[@enriquejrvaldes9718]

Matt I wanna see those monster wrecker in action🙏😁 I'm so excited😆🙌👍

[@AntiPattern328]

When you're talking Matt, you're talking about The Best!!

[@johnharris1543]

I learnt a lot about the reasons why you are building this vehicle. Good interview.

[@Gone_Gpn]

Thanks, John

[@davetyler5597]

Great interview Matt

[@Gone_Gpn]

Thanks for the feedback, Dave

[@DC-rl4rp]

🇺🇸and the 🌎 ❤️Matt and His Crew👊👊👊

[@MikeB-gf6dj]

👊You're not wrong there. Speaking from the rest of the 🌎 There are people every where that do. Including me one of a good few kiwis that do too. Cheers from NZ 🇳🇿

[@Masterryman]

Nice interview, thnx

[@piratewazza]

Hey Matt your an intelligent man, yes I know you know lol, your probably the second guy out of all of KZbin stuff I watch that pronounces BILSTEIN shocks correctly, I'm an ex manager from New Zealand's largest automotive parts wholesaler who sold the brand, PS all of my personal vehicles have them, simply the best quality, congrats on such an epic build, love your channel 👍

[@dixiemae5042]

Yes. I worked on the JPO-MRAP program in Shank Afghanistan

[@pollyanne27]

Great interview! Good questions and timing. Appreciate the audio quality too with only one mic. Ignore the comments about the subscription horn. You've created great content!

[@Gone_Gpn]

Thanks for the input, we appreciate the good words.

[@wbball15]

Wetzel is the Wonder of Washington County

[@stimberlake9015]

Matt is awesome. Would have been cool to mention all the charity stuff he does. Great video.

[@Gone_Gpn]

Thanks for the input and good point, we slipped up on that one.

[@henrycarlson7514]

Thank You

[@glennbayley5863]

Matt's off-road at sima very cool Matt you and your crew fitted in perfectly at seam. I would have liked to have seen and heard from the team that it as wall .

[@Gone_Gpn]

Maybe we'll grab the entire crew next time we are in Sand Hollow. Thanks for the feedback

[@leifsoderman5065]

Good on you Matt