Overland Trip Gone Wrong | Turned Recovery!

I got stuck in some snow, broke my driveshaft, and I was 40 miles from the nearest person. Scary situation, but ended up working out ok. I know now what to do differently. Incredibly thankful to my friend Jimmy for driving 3.5 hours to come and get me out.
00:00 Intro
01:06 First Dirt
09:16 First Snow
11:24 Getting Stuck
16:06 Driveshaft Breaks
17:41 Explaining the Situation
20:23 Video of Driveshaft
22:57 Recovery Starts
27:42 Driving Out

[@FernandosWildlifeAdventures]

Great video. I’m originally from Ukiah. I definitely miss fishing Lake Pillsbury and seeing the elk out there. I heard a rumor that they were going to shut it down. I guess it never happened thankfully

[@Sdukes001]

Love the full size Cummins but those jeep’s are impressive on what they can do.

[@EpicAdventuresOffroad]

They sure are. Definitely needed the help too. Haha

[@EtherealReality]

Snow spray right into the camera was hilarious. Some of those road washouts are NARROW!

[@timjchick]

I grew up in Maine and had plenty of adventures in the snow. One time we thought the best way to get through some deep snow was to go faster. My jeep floated up on top of the snow with all 4 tires off the ground. We had to shovel all the snow out from under the jeep until the tires were back on the ground. We then shoveled out about 20’ behind the jeep so we could get a running start and we were able to back out the way we came in. Good times. Lol

[@EpicAdventuresOffroad]

So what you’re saying is: if you go in the snow, bring a good shovel? 😆 sounds like fun. I’ll have to keep that technique in mind for my next snow adventure.

[@timjchick]

@@EpicAdventuresOffroad yes. A good shovel is a must-have snow accessory. Lol

[@gorillahd9247]

Great video and a cool adventure. @5:50 my butt puckered...

[@EpicAdventuresOffroad]

Oh yeah! That spot was sketchy for sure. Thanks for watching!

[@zackster04]

Sorry I wasn't able to join this time...looks like I missed all the fun! Glad you made it out safe

[@EpicAdventuresOffroad]

Sorry you missed out! Would have been great to have you along. Thanks for watching!

[@issaccarrizales1989]

Man how lucky can you get that broken front driveshaft didn't cause anymore damage. Upgrade to free spin locking hubs. New to the channel I'm enjoying the content I have a 2005 Dodge diesel myself which I'm making it into an overland rig.

[@PSBEadventures]

Enjoyed the video man. Cool spots up in those hills for sure! Chromoly shaft upgrade maybe? Looks like the channel is growing man! Keep up the good work!

[@EpicAdventuresOffroad]

Thanks man, it’s been growing pretty well! And I had a local driveline shop rebuild the driveshaft with a thicker wall tubing, but I also know how to do things a little differently now, so I won’t be beating on the truck to get it out of a hole like that. I found out later I also twisted the slip yoke, and cracked the ring gear in the front diff when all that went down. Hard trip on the truck for sure. But some important lessons were learned and I’ll be doing things a little smarter in the future. 👍

[@PSBEadventures]

@@EpicAdventuresOffroad I hear that, wow, cracked the ring gear! Yeah, that engine is heavy with endless torque, that combined definitely finds the weak spot! Finally about riding weather out this way! Can't wait! MABDR mid April! Coming up! Keep rolling man

[@offroadnut]

I love having an older truck that I'm not afraid to scratch up. Makes wheeling so much less stressful. LOL

[@EpicAdventuresOffroad]

Yeah! That sure is a nice peace of mind. This truck is my daily, and pretty nice, so I try not to beat it up too badly lol. Thanks for watching!

[@brianegeberg8497]

I always have a snow shovel and max tracks for these situations too. Since you're solo however you should have passed on this without a winch and recovery gear......learning the hard way usually sticks pretty well though......unbolting those stupid front driveshaft torx heads on the front diff is a PITA from my personal experience.....replace them for easier removal next time....

[@EpicAdventuresOffroad]

I learned a lot on that trip. VERY thankful for good friends who are willing to help me when I’m learning, lol. Good call on the bolts. They were a giant pain.

[@hanford_adventures]

Ballsy for a big ol diesel! At the 6:11 mark

[@EpicAdventuresOffroad]

It was a little narrow, that’s for sure. Ground was nice and solid though.

[@codycreager4428]

Should have a set of snow chains buddy

[@MechanicPreece]

Curious as to the radio or CB setup in your truck as well as the red handheld radio used? Needing communication in my rigs has been something I’ve put off for far to long

[@EpicAdventuresOffroad]

The radio in the truck is a president bill CB radio. It’s worked well, but if I did it over again I would go with a GMRS radio. That seems to be where comms are going now days. The hand held is just a little baofeng, nothing special.

[@MechanicPreece]

@@EpicAdventuresOffroad Ok thanks. I’ve been looking into the midland MXT275 but I also like the idea of carrying handhelds also for situations like this video where someone without one can be communicated with.

[@HTSS8]

Ring gear and driveshaft break. Did someone tell you the tires too big for stock gears? And realized most of the "4x4" trucks are not true 4x4, proper true posi each axle. One rear wheel spinning.

[@blueduster74]

As I watch this I suspect that shaft was already on the way out. Unless you are tuned quite a bit that shaft wouldn’t just twist up like that in that snow. I’ve wheeled NV, UT and CO snow trips in full size rigs, never seen that.

[@EpicAdventuresOffroad]

You could be correct. But I will say that the front driveshaft has just been rebuilt fully within 10k miles of that trip, so I’m pretty sure it was solid, but you never know. I was pretty surprised that it broke as well.

[@grossmeister1181]

@@EpicAdventuresOffroad How can you "rebuild" that? Did you check the material itself for weakness? Seems pretty difficult and expensive to me?

[@EpicAdventuresOffroad]

@@grossmeister1181 you can take it to any driveline shop and they will retube or replace any damaged or worn parts. I say that, but I ended up replacing mine with a Tom woods driveshaft since I do a lot of time offroad.

[@grossmeister1181]

@@EpicAdventuresOffroad Sure, but I bet they will only replace the "typical" wear items?! Not the shaft itself? Seems hard to test for strength, not?

[@ladiesman2359]

What’s up man! I’ve been diggin the channel. Just wondering where you buy your overland parts from? I’m needing a setup now !

[@joshbailey7725]

Love your videos dude! is this old truck from Just Diesels?

[@EpicAdventuresOffroad]

Thanks man! And it is VERY similar but it’s not the same one. The guy I bought it from was going for that same look though I’m pretty sure.

[@petersannicolas8949]

Thats when a winch comes in handy bro and a spare drive line

[@EpicAdventuresOffroad]

That sure would have been nice. But it all worked out in the end. I have a winch on the truck now, as well as an inreach for those hairy situations.

[@migueldangelo4601]

Very nice Video new to your channel Need to know what type of rack is in your truck for the Roof Top Tent please Let me know thanks be safe out there

[@jakebaker301]

Paint match that front bumper, looks great man!

[@EpicAdventuresOffroad]

I actually had them hit it with a textured black powder coat when I bought it so that I could easily touch up when I scrape it. I love the look of color match. I just know I’ll be beating on it a bit and would hate to tear up nice paint. 👍

[@jakebaker301]

@@EpicAdventuresOffroad the black looks fine also man, the rest of the truck is my favorite color offered on the 3rd gen so I think it would tie together well. Sorry to see about the drive shaft. Check out Tom Woods or Adams for the best quality and the best customer service. With my Jeep build phases I’ve used several companies but those two are hands down the best around and if you ever blow one up they both will overnight a replacement to you with reasonable lead time. Careful rocking that trans back and forth like you were, could have been much worse! Love the content!

[@EpicAdventuresOffroad]

@@jakebaker301 thanks for the info’ I’ll check those guys out. I did find a local rock crawling shop that said they could fix it, and go up to a 3” diameter tubing with a thicker wall to help it hold up.

[@jdirt1982]

Is there a walk around video of your truck ??? I can't nt find one....

[@EpicAdventuresOffroad]

Not yet! Hopefully in the next couple weeks.

[@HateNolly92]

Fairly new to the channel. Loving the content so far! Love the truck! I've got a 3rd gen 2500 (5.7 unfortunately) I'm doing an overland build on. What is your current set up? Suspension, shocks, wheels, tires, etc.?

[@EpicAdventuresOffroad]

Hey, thank you for watching! I am actually planning to do a walk around video very soon, and that should answer all your questions. So stay tuned! Good luck on your build!

[@HateNolly92]

@@EpicAdventuresOffroad Looking forward to it! Thank you!!!

[@campingselvagem9476]

hello friend! what year is the truck

[@EpicAdventuresOffroad]

It’s a 2008. Thanks for watching!

[@robertlyon6978]

Those wide tires are nobody's friend in snow!

[@EpicAdventuresOffroad]

Yeah, probably would have worked a little better if I had aired down first as well.

[@christianniem844]

How does an fairly new looking Dodge break a drive shaft ? you were not even running it hard. Granted I agree lots of bad decisions I cant understand when you stopped why you continued to try and go up hill forward when you clearly should have been trying to back down hill. I know its easy for me to say that from here in front of my computer. I would never buy a Dodge product that should not have broken even with the mistakes made. I am glad you made it out ok. I am still subscribed and liked your video it takes balls to go out by your self.

[@EpicAdventuresOffroad]

37's, 600 Horsepower, and rocking it from Drive to Reverse in 4 low.. Recipe for disaster no matter what vehicle you drive. Thanks for watching even though you hate dodges... lol

[@stevejustinshane]

What bumper is that

[@EpicAdventuresOffroad]

Chassis Unlimited Octane

[@mjbine]

is there a video that show all the equipment you are using? thx

[@EpicAdventuresOffroad]

I don’t have one yet, but that’s on the list of uploads in the near future! Thanks for watching!

[@KCDustRemover]

What watch was that?

[@EpicAdventuresOffroad]

It’s the Garmin Fenix 5

[@samuelspurgeon8680]

What’s your wheel and tire set up along with offset?

[@EpicAdventuresOffroad]

I don’t remember the exact offset, I think it’s 5.75 but not totally sure. If you look on Carli’s website you can see the exact offset and wheel combos they recommend for each suspension setup. That was the guideline I followed.

[@HaugenDustin]

Why were you continuing to try go forward? Would have been easier to follow your tracks out. Btw: Drone footage is great.

[@EpicAdventuresOffroad]

Hard to tell from the video, but it was at a decent decline. When I tried to go backwards, I had no traction at all. I assumed that using gravity to my advantage would work better. But maybe not. And thank you!

[@rickreasoner8664]

Do you see yourself doing more Solo Adventures or travel with a buddy to get each other out of trouble?

[@EpicAdventuresOffroad]

Normally I will be going with a buddy. But I still plan to do some solo adventures. Just need to get a winch on the truck and have a Garmin Inreach or something similar so I can let someone know if I’m in trouble even if there’s no cell service.

[@rickreasoner8664]

@@EpicAdventuresOffroad Sounds like you’ve got it covered under those conditions.

[@blueduster74]

The disadvantage of a heavy rig.

[@Kevintherubiconjeep]

Still an adventure. Not one to soon for get I bet. I think anyone that adventures has been where you were.

[@EpicAdventuresOffroad]

That’s a great viewpoint. You feel a bit dumb when you make mistakes like this, but I try to look at the bright side- I learned some lessons, and know better what not to do in the future. Thanks for watching!

[@Kevintherubiconjeep]

@@EpicAdventuresOffroad For sure. I was also thinking how many might see this and it could pop up in the back of their mind when they get close to this situation. Could help people for sure.