Should I Retire The Banana?

[@MattsOffRoadRecovery]

Banana, Morrvair, The Heavy Wrecker. I'm sure you've all noticed the Banana isn't going out on recoveries as much. What do you all think I should do with it?

[@janielperez6704]

Giveaway? :)

[@leonkaczor2405]

Always great to have a spare. Keep it for backup.

[@Manning26]

It was the only machine that could rescue Ed's Suzuki, so maybe it still has its niche for jobs in tight spaces?

[@johnsinapi1003]

Sell it to me I live in west Jordan it won't leave Utah

[@webfreakz]

Keep it as a backup vehicle for the morrvair

[@newjerseyhun]

I was the one stuck in the RV! Thank you so much for getting me out Matt and Tom!!! Such nice people, didn't even charge me when I asked what I owed! Long time viewer first time recoveree

[@kylepifer9509]

From Kyle to Kyle you did a good job filming 😅

[@DMB81496]

👏👏

[@MosierSocialSolutions]

I’ve always wondered what the cost of these recoveries are. That’s incredible they do this just to do it

[@EtherGaming604]

​@@MosierSocialSolutions I figure they do it for content these days. With how well their videos do they're probably making 10x what they made pre-youtube. Now they can give back and use the recoveries for content. I'm sure they still charge occasionally though but that's just a guess

[@newjerseyhun]

@@MosierSocialSolutions he quoted me $100 at first but didn't charge at the end

[@edzimdahl1158]

Can't retire the banana, it's an icon, there's lots of rescue jobs that its perfect for, or those times there's numerous rescues all at once, or as a chase or support vehicle when the morvaire or heavy wrecker go out

[@longreach207]

Hell Matt could easily use The Banana to block for his buddies running an illegal interstate beer heist 🤣

[@forbeshutton5487]

At the least it's a good scout or pre-runner, and since the wrecker doesn't have enough seating it has a place as crew vehicle.

[@dennispalmer6007]

Or to bring gas, or customers keys.

[@Snakecggg]

Just a click bait title, been a lot of those lately sadly.

[@hitekredneck109]

It all depends on how strong of an asset it is to the business.

[@ncurry5144]

I love how that old vet is out all the time enjoying the trails and not afraid to break anything on that nice Jeep. Parts can be replaced but we only get one life! That guy is living it up!

[@jooseppiluna5717]

Knowing that Matt's past is as a derby driver who went by "Junky" and Tom's past is being a nuclear engineer makes perfect sense of their dynamics in the shop

[@chriskulpa4056]

I was thinking the same thing. No wonder why Tom is always trying to be precise and use acurate mah-suring tools and Matt's just like, close enuf

[@christopherweise438]

Yin and Yang.

[@repentandbelieveinJesusChrist3]

Repent to Jesus Christ ““Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭7‬:‭24‬ ‭NIV‬‬ U

[@jennamcpherson4358]

In one of his (or Fab Rats?) older derby videos there was a sign on Matt's truck that said "Corvair Junky".

[@jamesbizs]

@@repentandbelieveinJesusChrist3go to hell

[@grumpymunchkin2959]

I now understand Tom’s stress when Matt does guesstimate engineering.

[@athienit]

That does give a lot of insight. Tom's used to working in situations where micrometers are important and now with guesstimeters

[@TrevorDennis100]

Those were some very impressive qualifications. The next time Matt needs to advertise for new staff, the ad will include, 'Must have genius IQ'.

[@jdau2b]

That’s right there’s no almost in ‘nuke life’

[@throttlebottle5906]

@@jdau2b yes and that's why there's never been any nuclear accidents... oh wait... 🤣 it's all guestimation engineering, also known as ALPHA and BETA testing. given time problems will arise, insert multiple Murphy's Law's here

[@calebbyers]

I was actually pretty surprised by his background. Now Matt will have to answer the question: how much do you pay Tom to get him to work for you when he could easially have a very high paying career elsewhere?

[@BuntUndStereo]

The first time I remember seeing Tom on the channel he was the camp cook, grilling chicken for the crew. Then he startet working for Matt full time and turned out to be a great welder and fabricator. Now I learn he's been a physicist and nuclear engineer all along. Tom seems like a modest person and all-around nice bloke with two degrees to back up his snarky comments. Kudos! It's a pleasure to see him on the channel!

[@morran71]

The Banana is what brought me to this channel from the beginning. It needs to stay part of the MORR recovery fleet.

[@sanktimadzistri]

100% agree :)

[@Skiridr22]

Me too I would be sad if she goes into retirement

[@repentandbelieveinJesusChrist3]

Repent to Jesus Christ ““Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭7‬:‭24‬ ‭NIV‬‬ I

[@1oldskoolluvr]

@@repentandbelieveinJesusChrist3 no offence , but why are you here?

[@AFloridaSon]

I love the wrecker, and I can't blame Matt for preferring it, but one of the best things about MORR is watching Matt's brain figure out how to use the smaller vehicles to get out the much bigger vehicles.

[@likeablecloud2454]

Or he builds a new and improved banana

[@tannerpaisley-ve6dq]

Don't retire anything unless you talk 2me

[@Kantar53]

@@likeablecloud2454didn’t he just do that in the last year? Bigger tires and stroked engine?

[@likeablecloud2454]

@@Kantar53 yes but if he wants to retire the banana isn't it better to just make a new and better one to replace it?

[@INoahGuy914]

Agree with you, but I’m sure his job has been a whole lot easier daily 😅lol

[@TheAusGamer1000]

I think a lot of people love XJs because they're like underdogs, they're small and they've got the ol reliable but ancient 4.0, they've got a bunch of known issues that mostly aren't severe but kind of add character and charm in a way. They'll make you proud one day, doing something that you didn't think anything with 4 wheels could do, let alone the little rig. Next day they'll puke out their fluids and start making a new noise, but everyone thats had one has a story about how it brought them home running on 3 cylinders with a dented driveshaft and a trans with no oil in it. Absolutely gotta love em.

[@dustcommander100]

The Banana is in its prime and has a lot more to offer. Front axle just upgraded and it has continued to perform. Do not retire it!

[@Skiridr22]

Agree 💯

[@rhondamoore1682]

I For One would be So Sad but She is Your Car!! I Just Love Them ALL Sadly I've Been this way since I was a little girl. My Daddy would take me with him and Mom so I could cry and tell the old Car Goodbye and then Start the process ALL Over again with the New car 😂

[@blackboxmedia4953]

I’m an XJ guy and The banana is what brought me to this channel! Keep it in the fleet FOREVER! Even if just for a fun car / MOR support vehicle. That thing is a legend.

[@christopherweise438]

Totally. That's the rig that started it all. It belongs in the off road HOF. Plus.....there are some tight spots that the Wrecker and Morrvair won't fit.

[@thomasmiddlebrooks5169]

I could tell Tom was an engineer. The way he problem solves, talks, and thinks. I knew he was educated. Matt and Tom balance each other out. Matt is very talented with lots of intuition and a can do attitude and Tom is very precise and calculated. Great attributes for a team.

[@joepilimai4604]

Tom. Literal rocket scientist bringing Matt’s dreams to reality.

[@Farm_fab]

The closest Tom might get to nuclear engineering today, is changing the battery in an ionizing smoke detector.😁

[@doncyr3332]

Do we call him DR. Tom now?

[@AndrewAMartin]

​@@doncyr3332 No, he has a Master's in Physics, not a PhD. He didn't say, but it's safe to assume the Nuclear Engineering degree is a Bachelor's degree. So you could call him Master Tom...

[@jackmcclure6354]

If only he wasn’t always yelling

[@jeffpower6473]

I still miss Trevor but yeah I see Matt’s wisdom in bringing Tom on the team.

[@ronwatson4135]

The Banana is on the same pedestal as Trail Mater, tested and proven. She is the Flag Ship of the show. I think she has earned her leisure time.

[@richardhill4862]

The Banana is the most likely the best support vehicle; when you running more that one team it becomes pretty important. Nice job!

[@randywilliams5337]

Toms credentials are very impressive to say the least. I think you're lucky to have him on your team.

[@bgee461]

It's the greatest combo when someone like that actually loves wrenching AND gets to do it for work too!! Look forward to his own build series

[@MyLifeThai371]

I thought of Dolph Lundgren being a nuclear physicist.

[@cm-oo1td]

I think tom is over qualified to tell us what the weather is like 😂

[@pretzelhunt]

even Ed was overqualified!

[@michaelmcdonald1620]

lmao for real

[@MrJrcruiser]

😂😂

[@EnufIsTooMuch]

Yup! Also Lizzy and Ed and (fill in name here!).

[@KJsProjects]

Tom can tell us Why the weather is.

[@cortjampole9391]

Plz don’t retire the banana. It made you who you are today. The premier XJ owner. You and the banana changed the landscape of XJ value. Crawl on to the rescue brother. We’ll be watching.

[@DeeJones285]

I love how, as soon as I put any of your videos on my 5 month old daughter will stop whatever she’s doing and just stare at the TV and watch until she either falls asleep or the video is over. Thank you Matt. Keep the content coming.

[@jameseroh6544]

The banana is an integral part of Matt's toolbox. So many times, multiple tools/ vehicles are used to complete a recovery.

[@pjdegiorgio8998]

I don’t think people realize how truly amazing of a driver Matt is like truly he’s talented

[@moparrtman6970]

It was the only vehicle to get to the Golden Nugget! Imagine taking the Morrvair and Heavy Wrecker through that forest to recover the Golden Nugget! You never know when you may need it again. Imo it’s just another tool in your towing arsenal. Keep it on the team! 🍌💪🏼🔥

[@pipisugbo]

Really enjoyed the time with just Matt and Tom in the banana chatting. The big production videos are fun, but these classic type are great.

[@grahamquigley8818]

No! Make it the crew vehicle. The wrecker is a 2 seater and yet, there's always more people in need of a ride. :)

[@uruzzo]

NO - NO - NO - No Don't do it because that jeep is very well loved by all of us watching this You-Tube and needs to still be part of the Matt's recovery family. You can only squeeze 3 people in the wrecker so the banana could be along to hold the dogs and anyone that needs a ride.

[@marvindebot3264]

he won't he needs it for the tight trails where the Morvair won't fit.

[@NoirCordis]

Possibly only 2 in the wrecker now it is getting a console in

[@kathrynlitchfield7140]

Love to know Tom’s background. The q&a element while driving was fun! I also hope that adding the “what’s in the tank” element will help keep you from being rescued by your customers…😂

[@yenzen9112]

Gotta say Tom Tom has been such a great addition to the channel. These two make a good duo together.

[@ChrisCEdwards07]

Toms a flippen genius! I love that hes experienced his career and has decided to do what makes him happy! I cant think of many jobs more fun than Matt and teams job!

[@HarryHouspants]

Please keep the Banana, it still has great utility as others have mentioned. Also, the Banana brought me to this channel and although I wouldn't leave if the Banana went away, it would not feel the same. Even as a view from the other side of the US, the Banana also holds a special place in my heart. The enormous growth in my interest in Utah, off-roading, recovery, and any of those combined can mostly be traced back to watching the Banana. Side note: with the awesome people around you, yours and their amazing attitudes and KNOWLEDGE, and your amazing contributions to the community, would you consider hosting/organizing a youth offroad learning experience?

[@tdunn1907]

Tom Tom, I had no idea about your background but my respect for you has grown even more. I am but a humble electrician and now, knowing that about you, the last couple years of videos all make sense to me.

[@TerminusVox]

I think you should "re-tire" the banana whenever the tires wear out. It's way too useful to just park it!

[@donnac.1609]

The Banana is the head of your recovery "fleet" and the inspiration to go for more.....And needs to keep on doing what it has always done! Always a good reminder to go back to the basics of recovery! I have always enjoyed how the Banana can work in so many dif recoveries!

[@Chris_the_Muso]

The dogs having an absolute ball following in front. 🥰 Oh, and 1972, eight years old and I really wanted one of those RC cars that had the radio remote and could do almost anything for Christmas. What I got was a battery box with a two wire to a car that you had to reverse to turn left. The disappointment was real LOL.

[@jamesplymire5342]

😂 I remember those REMOTE-controlled cars than only turn in reverse.

[@robertwazniak9495]

Definitely keep it as a support vehicle for the wrecker. Between hauling extra manpower and the customer it will be handy as a pocket on a shirt.

[@TheBigHeavyKevy]

Ok I haven’t watched yet and I’ll happily eat my words if the episode changes my mind, but… the show was at its best when it was Matt and the banana, and sometimes you weren’t sure if he was going to get it out, and maybe he had to call his friends once and awhile. The heavy wrecker takes all the ‘drama’ out of the show. I’m still watching, and I’m not complaining about where the show is at now, but I kinda have a little place in my heart for the Banana.

[@Rags722]

I'm still waiting to see how he "modifies" the heavy wrecker boom system so he can't damage the customer vehicle on the way out.

[@urs7288]

Keep it - best horse on the show. Manily because it does more than anyone would ever suspect. The heavy wrecker is a fun vehicle but the amazement factor of it pulling someone out is not nearly as big as with good ole banana.

[@flipzout100]

The fuel update with the weather is definitely a go for future recoveries Matt.

[@JimBergman1]

I agree. Weather, fuel and if you've got the keys of the customer vehicle update on every video. The Q&A was great too.

[@RobK-q8fg]

Don't ever get rid of the Banana!! I lover the Morrvair and the Wrecker but when I think of Matt's Off Road Recovery, the Banana pop's into my head first!! Even if it doesn't get used as much it's an AWESOME backup and trail vehicle!! Plus you just did all that work on it!

[@bobbydellaserra441]

Please don't ever stop using the banana. I came to the channel back when the banana was the fleet. I saw a thumbnail of the banana pulling something why bigger the it self and being an xj guy completely in love with these trucks I had to click. Watching you pull out full size pickups, RVs and even pickups attached to trailers in that legendary xj got me hooked to the channel and you and your team. The whole fleet is super cool, but the banana has a special spot in my heart.

[@theadventureawaits]

I feel like Tom is way happier doing this job, as to his previous jobs. He makes a very happy impression, smiling all the time

[@adrian15041994]

As a mathematician who also recently fell in love with a ton of practical stuff, Toms' trajectory is incredibly cool to hear!

[@michaelf8302]

That was an incredible recovery

[@Rags722]

No need to retire anything. Your fleet is like a mechanics tool box. You have multiple tools that can do similar jobs, some better than others but all capable of getting a specific job done. If one of your tools is out of service for any reason, or out on another job, you have back ups. Besides, how often have you needed multiple vehicles on the same job?

[@martinzepeda8298]

Next time a Jeep wants to turn only 1 direction, check the adjustment on the nut on the tie rod, it's on the driver's side. During the rough portion when he lost his brakes it may have shifted so it was getting hung up on the spring mount on the axle. Just a thought. I love your videos.

[@NeoMK]

I mean, I knew Tom was a nerd but wow! I didn't know he was a nuclear super nerd! Very impressive career and education. Props.

[@DougBennettActs6-1]

I can't go with Tom and "nerd." His capabilities and courage take him out of nerd class.

[@NickoBaggins]

​@@DougBennettActs6-1the meaning of nerd has changed over time from an insult to compliment. It basically means someone is really into something and usually implies they have a high level of competence or intelligence. Sure, some people still use it to tease each other, but not with any real malice that I've seen. In that context, he's definitely a nerd (and awesome).

[@ernestpaul2484]

This is my take on the retiring the Banana angle. The Banana AND the Morvair, as vehicles, built this channel. The adventures and escapades of the recoveries you have accomplished with them brought your business attention AND kept it with the KZbin videos. The build of the wrecker was fantastic and yet like the Golden Nugget build it had to come to an end. The Wrecker Games was such a success it has to be kept an annual event. Recoveries with the wrecker have been, and don't get me wrong, sort of "plain Jane and vanilla" due to its capabilities for which it was designed and constructed. I am not saying to ever stage any recovery just for "dramatic effect". I am saying that the recoveries with the Banana and the Morvair were more entertaining and educational. There will always be a time where the wrecker is not the right choice for a particular recovery AND you will always may need to have a "support vehicle" for the wrecker if not for just having extra needed personnel on the ground. With the console installed in the wrecker riding three abreast is not going to be an enjoyable ride of any distance. Riding on the back can become a hazard and unpleasant to say the least. That's my take on retiring the Banana. Back to the video.

[@emer07jiffy]

I agree, but i think the Banana Should Be a support vehicle to the Wrecker, Morvair is Fine by itself, with the age of the banana and the constant failures they had, with axles i think its better suited for support work

[@ernestpaul2484]

@@emer07jiffy The "age" of the Banana has really nothing to do with its abilities to carry out various roles. I have an 20 year old 03' Z71 Tahoe with 328,000+ miles on the odometer and as long as I keep the maintenance up on it I imagine I'll get another couple of hundred thousand miles out of it. It is my daily driver, tow vehicle and play in the Gamelands here in NC. It is slightly mod'd, nothing extreme as I am now disabled and getting in and out of it is a little bit of a PITA. The thing is I know what has been done to it and what can be expected of it and what may fail in the future. The Banana is way more built than my Tahoe as it is a "tool for the business" as opposed to me having to make trips to WallyWorld, the VA and such at 64 years old. But yeah, it seems we both agree it needs to stay.

[@emer07jiffy]

@Ernest Paul the tahoes are great actually, im a mopar guy, i drive a 08 ram in the same situation as your tahoe, i work on mopars and ive seen some crazy stuff, the banana itself isnt bad because of age, its not bad at all really, it just seems the banana struggles at the bigger jobs, and manages it, from a content standpoint he should keep it, from a buisness standpoint it seems like it should be more of a support vehicle and for smaller jobs like the razors?

[@ernestpaul2484]

@@emer07jiffy I am 64. I grew up in a garage of Mopars, from little fire breathing 273's to 440's with a coupe of Hemis thrown in. I stayed rather loyal to the camp with a few Chevys in the mix, but after my 97' Dakota and the wife's 98' Durango computers went south I was done with them. I ended up in a money crunch when my heart decided to start to play games and sold my two 86' and 87' Ramchargers along with my 88' 3/4 ton PowerRam. I would like to get the PowerRam back and I know where it is sitting right. Back to the Banana. It will and should continue to be of use for the business in whatever role it is regulated to. I have this thing about whatever built a following and brought in money to get something going should not be put out to pasture. Sort of like when NASCAR screwed over the fan base in the South, particularly N. Carolina, to set up camp in Texas and California.

[@emer07jiffy]

@Ernest Paul oh i agree with you, they shouldn't just throw it out, still use it, just in less intensive jobs, also happy birthday dont know when that was , i lost my grandfather when he turned 61. He also sold a power ram and bought this 08 ram i now drive, to pay medical bills, which i am now looking for, ive been looking for 5 years now, it had about 15k on it and was pristine

[@yayinternets]

I had the suspicion that Tom was highly overqualified but humble. What a great addition! He’s really added a lot to the whole team, and fits in great, especially with Matt.

[@ricosanto6533]

I’m a 72 yr old from Melbourne Australia and I just love watching all the episodes. All you guys especially Matt seem genuinely glad to be helping people. Keep up the good work and hope to see “Ed” back on the recoveries giving his weather updates.

[@Dlutheran]

He hurt his neck so maybe in a few weeks he might be back in the videos

[@toddwilliams5905]

@@Dlutheran He said a few months, a few weeks ago. You Tube time is distorted.

[@Dlutheran]

@@toddwilliams5905 oh ok

[@jameshealy4594]

Not often I see someone else from Melbourne on a US channel! Don't have much to add, other than hi there neighbour.

[@ischmidt]

@@Dlutheran In the last video he said the neck brace should come off "on the 7th". I don't know how far behind KZbin is, but I would assume that means May 7th.

[@tdunn1907]

Matt, I've got to say that I love that you let the dogs run and be dogs when you're doing recoveries. A lot of dogs that ride along on recoveries in a big dangerous city like Phoenix never get to hop out and run alongside. Keep up the good work my friend.

[@johnkruton9708]

Keep the Banana as a tool in your box. She brought me to your channel on that long drive to the mountain top for the sideways Chevy? The honesty and surprises you show along with your courtesy and even temperament is why I watch. I’ll keep watching too.

[@kentuckywindage222]

Keep the Banana for tight spots and good ole backup! That Cherokee is Iconic for your channel. 🎉Keep the Banana going🎉

[@SpaceGalleria]

👏 round of applause for Kyle

[@paulhunter1735]

The Banana is like a part of the family now man you gotta keep it and keep it in good shape. It deserves to be where it is doing jobs like it always has.

[@edwardsimmons3721]

It always amazes me the level of schooling that someone has and they abandoned their field to do something different. Great stuff.

[@richarda996]

It’s called burn out. You just get tired of it and want to do something different.

[@marvindebot3264]

Thank you TOM! I've mentioned your background to people in the comments and they've laughed at me. A couple of people I know have worked with you in the past.

[@renebronkhorst5487]

The thing is, the Banana is not giving issues or being a liability to the fleet, its not worth retiring it if it is still a valuable tool in your toolbox even as a support aka troop carrier or anchor. Additionally it’s a bit narrower for those atv trails

[@stevenbaker8184]

Here and I thought the Banana was perfectly capable, given it's past performance. It's always done what was asked of it.

[@braaaaaains]

The banana is a great 'tight' trail recovery vehicle. I get that it's losing some of it's gumption out on the rocks compared to the others, but in the tight scrub mountain-trails out here that thing would be a godsend.

[@neilc6302]

LIZZY SAYING "THE BANANA" -is reason enough to keep it 😃

[@bucky716]

Great to see all the dogs along for the recovery! Seems like it's been a while.

[@Anonymous-it5jw]

Thanks for taking the 3 dogs and giving them the opportunity to run free and scout ahead. With them around, you probably don't have many problems with snakes, and letting them run free shows the world you are a true dog lover. I'll bet they can even find gasoline, when you run out of gas in the middle of nowhere.

[@joshhamel5853]

Good to see Lady and Max out with you again. Now we just need Trevor, Tucker, and Skeeter back too

[@johnathonfontenot8187]

Where has Trevor been?

[@roberthudson1959]

@@johnathonfontenot8187 He found employment that both was closer to home and offered more stable hours. Hour-long commutes and getting called in just as dinner hits the table both get old VERY quickly.

[@zachmattison1294]

I'm just happy to see max out on a recovery again

[@williamcassidy685]

Each of the three vehicles you’ve been running all have jobs that are suited for each vehicle. And I think I heard you saying you’re building that Suzuki samurai to do side-by-side recoveries. So I think you have a well-rounded fleet of vehicles that if one breaks you always have a vehicle able to do the job.The only thing you need now is a fueling station set up at the yard and with that hopefully you never run out of fuel again.

[@DougBennettActs6-1]

Love the idea of a Bulk tank at the yard. I believe it is time for this and will pay for itself in fuel costs quickly. They could put a refrigerator beside it and buy food in bulk, another big savings in time and money. A small ice chest in each vehicle would be wise too. I wonder if they could mount a seat ice chest on the back of the wreaker with a seat belt?

[@dmelson7502]

​​@@DougBennettActs6-1 I see the video now- the vehicle slowly rolls to a stop, Matt looks at Tom. Tom looks at Matt. Here's where Jamie edits in the footage of them driving past the bulk tank.....

[@DougBennettActs6-1]

@@dmelson7502 Lizzy has to check equipment I think daily. With bulk tank in yard, equipment check would be done while the filling the vehicle tanks.

[@terrygardner3031]

Just because you have one more rig doesn't mean that you have enough to do all the work you have. I can remember multiple times that you were forced to use secondary rigs to get the job done as one or another rig was down with broken parts. In addition it gives you a chance to work on Jamie's rig, Lizzy's rig and the bombie snow cat.

[@ATLOffroad]

Thanks for bringing the dogs. It’s great to see all of them living their best life again.

[@professornuke7562]

It gripes my gizzard that people reported Matt being cruel making them run! See little Peanut wanting to get out of the window so she can go for a rip? That's a happy doggy right there. I guess they're going to have a massive moult soon, especially the Borders. Please Ed, stop over feeding them! Don't let the big soulful brown eyes fool you!

[@imagseer]

It's one of your icons so it really deserves to stay and promote the business. Sometimes it can still save the day. Maybe also take it to schools and shows to educate everyone about what you do, why you do it and how it's a load fun.

[@life_ontheranch]

That’s a nice diesel wrangler, he’s put a lot of money into that excited to see it back on the rocks. Glad everyone came out all right.

[@Santicabjolsky]

The banana is the icon of this channel, is the symbol of this channel. You can’t sell it neither give it away. She is the coolest XJ in the world. And honestly I miss seen her around, and I was happy to hear that you are falling in love with her again.

[@SooksVI]

The Banana can always serve as a mascot even if it's not used as often.

[@davidcoxon1914]

Tom's credentials impressed me. Having started as an electrical engineer and ending up with a degree in digital technology I spent my career in IT because the engineering was too theoretical and I like making things. My hobbies 4WDing, photography and metal and timber fabrication - all self taught.

[@Gedit]

When it comes to affairs of the heart, and old Jeeps in particular, I totally get Matt's renewed love for the Banana. When I had 90s-vintage Cherokees (for pulling boats or just messing around) I'd often choose them over the "newer" cars that I had available. If you love your Jeeps, they love you back.

[@waterloo123100]

Still have my two ZJ’s as well. Cheap to own and better built then a new vehicle

[@jonboi2527]

I still use my 86 4runner tho it's not a jeep but she never let me down

[@codered7453]

Keep the Jeep! The whole reason that I and probably alot of other people started watching your show was seeing the Jeep and hearing that Straight 6 sing. I'm also a nuclear/mechanical engineer (only a bachelor's in nuclear chemistry and modern physics but I have my masters in mechanical engineering. I love my ZJ and enjoy living vicariously through you guys. Great video with the Banana!!

[@keithmalmberg8395]

Each vehicle is set up to do jobs of different types. You may want to keep the Banana for ATVs out in tight trails and when you want to take visitors out in a support vehicle. While it may no longer be the main rescue vehicle, it still gets the job done.

[@flyguy8362]

No. It's the best recovery vehicle you have. Love watching the banana getting it done. ❤

[@cbrown182]

The banana is always my favorite. It's the original MORR vehicle from when I started to watch :)

[@mattsstuff1268]

Matt, I know exactly what you meant regarding the "Right in Reverse" R/C cars and got a good laugh from that. I bet you didn't realize you were training for your future profession when you were a kid. 🙂 BTW, the Banana is the coolest recovery vehicle you have. Anybody can recover a rental car with a V8 heavy wrecker on 40" tires, but pulling a diesel truck or stuck RV out of the sand with a 4.0L XJ at a fraction of the weight - that's an achievement! I love it when the customer says "You're going to pull me out with THAT?".

[@NotAMartian-1]

Don’t retire the banana, long time viewers like myself enjoy watching it pull out rv’s. That’s what brought me here and will keep me here, the wrecker and morvair are just bonus content

[@toaster3822]

Mechanical Engineer in training here, working as a project engineer - big respect to your career Tom! I always just assumed you were a mechanical engineer by the way you handle things! Loved to hear the background!

[@jdhiv4]

I'm sure you guys are always watching but those dogs are greatly trained to keep up with you and avoid the trucks, I love it and I love them!

[@bryank7133]

Matt, grab yourself 3 of those inexpensive round metal lap counters, slap some velcro on it, and stick it on the dash or roll bar. Each time you get in the vehicle to drive off after disconnecting the customer's vehicle, give it a click. Make clicking the counter part of your filmed recoveries, and the comments section will never let you miss one.

[@phantom714]

Keep the Banana going, it's purpose built and gets the job done surprisingly well. You don't need to run it every day but it's an awesome piece to have when you need it, besides that, you've just recently rebuilt it from one end to the other!

[@isaacfortner]

Wow, I had no idea Tom was a nuclear physicist. I had much the same dilemma as him, where nuke was interesting to me, but I liked working with my hands. I got my masters in mechanical engineering. Definitely the right choice if you enjoy hands on work.

[@06colkurtz]

Tom, I worked at Hanford for 4 years doing physical security system. Have been an aerospace engineer for 40 years. Rockets, radars, satellites, software, hardware. Spent 10 years running around in the desert in tanks. Lots of wrench time LOL. Enjoy watching your adventures. F=MA brother

[@S8BB]

I remember watching when it was just the banana, the dogs, and ed. Miss those recoveries. I also remember asking at that time if you’d ever consider a big truck like a power wagon and you said it was too big for the trails. Now there’s the morrvair and wreaker 😂😂 so much too big

[@340jd]

Great to see Max and Lady out on a recovery. I do miss seeing them regularly.

[@byronoverstreet9739]

i've seen the tangerine have to be put to use a few times when either the morvair was down and the banana was out on another recovery and vise versa. also when you were out of town.... the banana is a great backup or when you need to divide and conquer.

[@batmanlives6456]

Very impressive Tom !!! And you are so humble and a realist with sooo much practicality… Please don’t retire the Banana She’s such a capable rig !!!

[@Ligers81]

I personally like the banana. So I'd say to keep it and keep using it. Its a great back up vehicle!

[@giovannicintolo89]

Being in love with the Banana is reason enough to keep it around. It gets the job done, and while you might not call on it as much, it's still the smallest rig in the fleet and can get into some tight spots.

[@nrgyzr2012]

Hey Matt! I love watching your videos and I just wanted you to know something. I am 60 years old and I have pancreatic cancer. And believe it or not it's on my bucket list to meet you, your family and all your crew. Hopefully I can make it out into your neck of the woods eventually. Love you guys! Keep rockin'!!

[@martinbroenkow4497]

probably one of the best episodes ever! a little q&a with a technical recovery

[@I.no.ah.guy57]

As an "engineer" myself, listening to Tom saying he loves working with his hands rather than theoretical stuff is exactly how i feel. I love building and fixing whatever i can, and it got me into cars, ive been a passenger vehicle mechanic for about 8 years now and i love it. But knowing Tom was a nuclear engineer and physicist is crazy! Definitely a good member of the team! I love watching you guys and it inspires me to build cars like you guys do, even though i dont have a shop or any money... yet lol

[@say1033]

Every video I live vicariously through these videos. It's been a few years in the working, but I'm closer and closer to convincing my wife to move to Arizona/Utah area. Been playing in the mud in Texas for way too long.

[@thesquirrel905]

How you been liking all this rain and mud the past few weeks. 😂

[@chillyfingers123]

Nothing personal but we're full up here😅

[@thesquirrel905]

@@chillyfingers123 if it rains anymore here in BlueBell country we’re gonna be overflowing again.

[@joemcintyre2090]

Haven't seen Ol Max for awhile. The Banana has sure taken a beating over the years, it's a testament to unibody durability. A lot of welding has been done to keep it together for sure.

[@lockedin60]

Matt, The escapade with the Rubicon that would not turn left is like taking one step forward and then two steps backward. You made it work. At least on the camera you showed a heck of a lot of patience. But I know in reality that no one person can "make you mad". You bring that all on yourself. It is a choice or a mindset. Something I need to remind myself more of. Like your attitude when it is cold!

[@aRemter1996]

Honestly, I first started watching these videos because it showed how well the small banana (giggity) did for its size. It's like the icon to your channel personally. I'd keep it.

[@DiegoDiazRocks]

I remember being so excited to have an r/c car that could finally turn with a servo, now it was finally like a real car... But no, apparently it was a decade of training in the 80s for this moment. Amazing driving Matt!

[@samcleveland7665]

Love the personalities of this crew! Don’t change a thing!

[@jamesmadison6838]

Keep the Banana! Sometimes you need multiple vehicles on one recovery and sometimes multiple recoveries at once. It’s another tool in your tool box!