Recovery Turns Into Destroying My Truck

Got a call for a Jeep Gladiator stuck on Rose Garden Hill late at night. So I decided to go in with the Scrambler and get the people out and assess the situation for later repairs. Once there I seen the ball joints had come out from the axle u joint breaking(common failure). But the steering knuckle hadn't broken so that was good. The following morning we gathered up parts and headed up Onion Creek towards Rose Garden Hill. We got up to the vehicle and began repairs. Once back together we got them turned around on the hill and headed down. I got a little carried away playing in the water, I even had a warning from the truck when I swamped the distributor. It started back up and was running good and I should've listened to myself and calmed down. At the final crossing I hit it a little hard and heard the motor stop. I knew what I had done but I thought I had clutched it soon enough and not damaged it. I was wrong. After pulling the plugs and draining the water, we started it and you can hear at least 1 maybe 2 rods are bent. It was a total idiot move on my part and I made a fool out of myself, luckily it's all on camera so you all can laugh at me. Thank you everyone for watching and supporting us.
Shirts, hats, hoodies and stickers available at www.trailmater.com
#trailmater #moab #offroadrecovery #wheeling #offroadwrecker

[@wam7484]

You can tell Rory's a pro because he chose to destroy his truck on the way out -- after the recovery.

[@rossmagwood1381]

@@PadmeAmidalaN you can drive it with bent rods just not for long

[@DARANGULAFILM]

Most viewers would agree that for all the successful recoveries you have undertaken, you have earned licence for that one unguarded moment of levity.

[@hitekredneck109]

Seriously eh? Considering the amount of extreme offloading these guys do on the regular, I agree with you 💯!! We dont do anything near as extreme and it's never a matter of if but always a matter of when. You are right......this one was long earned🤙🤙

[@dynoreed7235]

Well said.

[@skeetermcswagger0U812]

......then this happens after 2 'completely necessary' front digs...😮

[@Paul_Lane]

The fact you were able to keep a positive attitude when you were probably not too happy is a testament to the kind of guy you are and the guys of your team are. I hope that someone in the motor industry hooks you guys up. A lot of KZbinrs would expect something for free or would have asked for it. You on the other hand said you weren’t expecting anyone to give you anything. That is again a testament to your character. Thanks for sharing your experiences the good and bad ones.

[@moparman1962]

People like Rory...if they are smart or good judges of character or have common sense...because he's Rory.

[@mwb3984]

Well, this is my favorite one. You keep moving the bar up time and time again. Fantastic scenery. Trail repairs. And drama. A perfect example of why this is a great, real-world channel. You guys are the best

[@moparman1962]

Trail Mater is the cat's meow as far as off-road vehicle rescue, trail riding/driving and towing topic focus goes.

[@richardthomas1743]

You guys do better trail side repairs than some shops can do on a life in their Garage!

[@lewisgarland4025]

Wonder if those big ass spacers had anything to do with the failure?

[@mrwinston_thepug]

probably faster too 😂

[@jeffclark2725]

Well said@@mrwinston_thepug

[@Krawlergarage]

Agreed.

[@davestevens4263]

Don’t be fooled it’s all photo shop , editing, slide of hand & some magic … ha ha hey there the best & I just said it !

[@aaronplacke]

i know i'm not the only one that flinched when seans hammer flew up near the camera

[@888johnmac]

nope , i leaned back as well

[@johnbradfield8167]

Wonder if Shawn can make a nose splint,glad he didn't have to. Anyway,I moved back from my phone and sneezed.

[@rhymeswithteeth]

Well, if the hammer had taken out Mike's front teeth, it would make it easier for him to suck his busted thumb. lol.

[@DoctorHayduke]

That's some real trust between friends, with that grinder so close.

[@rallyman_4]

And stuff gets hot when getting angle ground! My singed fingers know it .. stuff also doesn't cool down as fast as expected!!

[@chuckh.2227]

Thank you for showing everyone what a hydro-locked engine sounds like so we wouldn't have to do it ourselves

[@charlesr9110]

I'd love to see "Rory's guide to jeep upgrades based on what we've fixed in the field"

[@brianrydzeski6108]

Me too. I want to buy an LJ.

[@bradywilliams2666]

@@prototribal4659 This is my theory. lol

[@scottstone4948]

No one uses just Chevy. Usually a 14 bolt and 60 from an F250

[@scottstone4948]

By no one, i mean it is not common.

[@cherylrichards3868]

Hope you new engine comes soon❤❤❤

[@davidweidner1675]

Well, Shawn knows how to harvest and replace an engine in less than a day.

[@monette44]

"knock knock knockin' heaven's door..." Sorry Rory.... Thanks for the scenery Mike! Love the new kicks Shaun! 😉

[@Westerntraveler]

That's a professional!! Breaks truck and still drives it on to the trailer

[@douglaskinder9385]

You could tell it was bothering rory way more than he was letting on

[@Bobbywolf64]

Yea that is a painful one. Poor timing too with all the events planned. Rory's got this though, it'll be healthy again very quickly.

[@benjurqunov]

But why does it bother Rory to deny special homosexual rights ? He's no mexican !

[@doers8154]

Your comment makes no sense lmfao

[@randonsheley3469]

I could see the heartbreak on your face Rory. I felt it too man...

[@belindakt]

OHH -NOO.... we all eventually get to pay the band if we're gonna dance. Trust me when I say I am feeling your pain. However, I'll be here, waiting for the next chapter with a better than ever mater! Thanks for taking us along!!

[@hepdog17]

The out of cab and below frame camera shots are top notch!

[@_zzpza]

It's painful when you know you've just made a stupid mistake. I can't imagine how painful it is to make a mistake like that and then share it with 198,000 people. Well done for owning your mistakes. You live and learn. Hope you get it all sorted quickly enough. Might be worth adding some baffles or inner fender wells if you have the time to reduce the chance of it happening again.

[@vk2aafhamradio]

This is why Aussies use snorkels!

[@ab2230]

Will be watching for the folk-gineered solution

[@ZombieKillerRex]

Thanks Mike, a million great shots! Mechanical, scenery, and trails, you're like, everything everywhere all at once!

[@shanes_bs2659]

And Shawn too!

[@johnbradfield8167]

All y'all.

[@ZombieKillerRex]

@@johnbradfield8167 yea

[@ZombieKillerRex]

Shawn is priceless

[@rocklanderoffroad]

While this was unfortunate and I knew what was coming, I had a childish grin watching the entire video and have been here myself!!!

[@cummins198389]

Oh the joys of growing up but staying young at heart! Our toys only get more expensive as we get older and that’s ok. I loved the “smoking by the gas can” comment 😂😂😂 Glad to know it wasn’t leaking too bad at that time too! You gents are awesome! Thank you for what y’all do for us that play down there and need assistance and those of us that watch and haven’t need ya yet!!

[@rudiekeyser2495]

True words 😂😂

[@rodpasichnyk9140]

Mike gets the best shots on KZbin!

[@LaDonnashielded-kc7zm]

📢TRAIL MATER💚❣️ 200k here we come!!!

[@harveystephens6115]

Bring it on!!!!!!!

[@ericcalahan]

My heart broke a little, especially at the end with the “Thanks…for…watching.” 😢 can’t wait to see what you put back in tho!

[@briansouthworth737]

The under carriage camera shots really shows the mechanical workings . .Good Job Mike

[@UncleJerrys]

someone get this man a big block! If you think about it.. the cooler the motor.. the cooler the videos 😁

[@williamglaser6577]

Thanks for takin us along on this adventure, spectatular scenery. Bummer about your engine, thanks again for no crappy music.

[@bradley-eblesisor]

Amen to all that, especially the no crappy background music. Who ever says otherwise is dang butt munch! 😮

[@jasonmaxfield4205]

Trail Mater will live again, and good call shutting her down when you did😊

[@mtnbikehead]

Oopsie, you owned it. Stuff happens when having fun. Glad you have it running again

[@jcar1417]

Rory I am glad to see you keep up on vehicle maintenance especially washing it so often.

[@brockryan3405]

It takes commitment to wash the INSIDE of the motor too!

[@rallyman_4]

@@brockryan3405 been there !! Went on an event and found I hadn't replaced all the rubber plugs in the firewall!

[@Hat6000]

I'll bet Rory was one of those kids that loved to splash through the rain puddles with his new rubbers. The Moab car wash is a bonus to that trail, but it might be nice to have a snorkle if you are going to do it regularly with such enthusiasm. Loved those spires, a little sculpting and you could have a colossal statue of a human figure! Another enjoyable Trail mater adventure, but sorry for the poor old motor. I know the TM crew will soon have it better than ever.

[@brianrydzeski6108]

I think the only snorkel needed is for Trail Mater's Passengers. Or maybe a SCUBA setup.

[@Kalimerakis]

Snorkle? All it needs is a fender to close off the engine bay.

[@Lewythefly]

"What you doin over there? Smokin by the gas can?" 😂😂😂😂😂

[@rudiekeyser2495]

Rory,!! I blame Mike and Shawn for letting the little boy play our beloved Mater dead. This is first for me to see Mater dead. Rory you became a little boy again and that is life. Enjoy and have a good one. Cheers Cape town 🇿🇦👌💥😳🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲

[@chrisprattt]

The RODS in the BLOCK, go KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK…. All through the town🤣🤦‍♂️ sorry ol girl broke but she’ll be better then ever👊💪🥳🥰

[@nickidewet7711]

😂

[@micah6855]

Decisions were made, let’s not quibble over good or bad😂

[@inqufox1750]

If anyone deserves a new motor and have it gifted to them its Rory seriously super wholesome and the amount of stuff he can teach you and the enjoyment he brings is just S tier stuff i hope you get a good motor for the wrecker and may it be blessed with tens of thousands of recoveries if not millions of recoveries!

[@bluetyphoon2100]

Respect for putting your failures on the internet too. I cursed you up and down when you had the warning when you almost flooded it the first time! Made for a great video and lesson. Maybe expensive too.

[@Krunkle78]

Just got home from getting all my top teeth ripped out 😞😞 took some pain meds now laying here watching you amazing people's while I feel like someone punched me in the face 20 times.. another great vid! Tell Mike to stop breaking things 😂😂😂😂

[@vernowen2083]

Did that to my vehicle in Washington state one day. The puddle was deeper than I thought. Drove home without an air filter. Killed the battery trying to restart it and we ended up pushing it to the top of the slope and dropping the clutch halfway down the hill to get it started again. Have not repeated that mistake in the last 48 years.

[@asplenic16180]

engage safety squints 8:25!! *thumbs-up!!* 😆 Another AWESOME example of the ability of the TM crew!! TY'all aren't just capable of mind-boggling extractions, but also solid trail repairs!!

[@wadenulton9243]

Kinda funny watching you guys count puddles. You count them like I count dry spots! Keep up the good work Rory!

[@ivanolsen8596]

Did you notice the only bridge went over a DRY creek? Hilarious!

[@09dave1952]

Rory! I thought you were the adult in the room! I was wrong, you're like the rest of us. I'm 70 and my 18 year old brain gets me in trouble too. I'm afraid I might have been splashing through there too, it looked like a lot of fun.

[@johnguilfoyle3073]

What you have to remember is that while Splashy Splashy is always fun with a slight risk of some water splashing near the air intake, the combination of an open air filter on top of a carburetor is basically a shop vac sucking in whatever air or liquid is around.

[@thomasfletcher760]

Same thing with fuel injection 🤦 ( yes , I doodered it )

[@dposcuro]

I think the biggest culprit here, well....besides the funcessive speed, is the lack of any splash protection on the inside of the engine bay. Yeah, splash guards get in the way, but....they do prevent shit like this from happening. Especially when running an open element filter.

[@novavroomvroom3435]

Nah... it was time for a new VROOM VROOM....!!!!

[@josemartinezfumado3240]

These shots from the underneath part of the truck while climbing are awesome....there you see how It has to be done, gently and steady....

[@Starman1016Adventures]

Sitting here working watching you guys enjoy the outdoors 💪🤘🤘

[@johnguilfoyle3073]

It's interesting that we get the warning "Don't Do What We Do" while Rory is grinding without Safety Gargles. But... because of the great quality cameras, we can read the "Warning Wear Safety Goggles" stamped into the side of the Ball Joint Press.

[@rhymeswithteeth]

Yeah, that was hilarious. Also Rory wasn't wearing any protective gloves but, even worse, Shawn wasn't wearing any gloves with his hands less than two inches from the blade. These guys are bad a$$.

[@johnmccann1234]

so sad that T-mater has suffered broken parts, but we all know you had a good time breaking it. Long live being a kid!

[@davebanks7435]

Shawns bunch of little trailmaters........I nearly fell off my chair laughing so hard! Magic clip guys- all the best with the repairs and have TM back up at at it asap :)

[@rallyman_4]

Exactly!! This is why I went through all the comments (to here)..🤣 you beat me to typing that though!😃. Mike, Shawn and Rory and the 3 trucks = new nursery story? .. Scrambler, Old Blue and Trail Mater, but splashing around like kids having fun. Hope they get the trail back on the mend as fast as Mike's thumb. I have broken bones before but took months to heal and in 2 cases it will never be the same again!

[@TrevorDennis100]

'You don't want a bunch of little Trail Maters running about.' @19:32 That was a proper splutter my coffee all over the keyboard moment. Least ways, it would have been if I'd actually been drinking coffee... Hilarious! 🤣🤣🤣

[@matthewhatton3637]

It's like watching a little mobile pit crew in action 🤙

[@deandennis2838]

Dang, that was one absolutely terrible rod knock. That’s the price for having fun. Been there, done that! It’s all worth it. I’m praying that you find a newer better engine than before. The video of you swapping it out will be awesome as are all your videos!! Take care y’all. Dean

[@LaDonnashielded-kc7zm]

Rory I know you're replacing the 350!!! Might even be on its way!

[@judih.8754]

​@@LaDonnashielded-kc7zmthat's a Big block!

[@LaDonnashielded-kc7zm]

@@judih.8754 you're right I stand corrected I meant 454

[@tolnmeissner4704]

Thanks for proof that you're just a kid just like me and I'm 59 God bless you Rock

[@carlward]

I honestly couldn't believe the puddle driving. Poor old Trail Mater 😢 But kudos to you for showing us. A lot of guys would have left that footage in the trash file 😅

[@johnlindemeier7419]

Mike has the best and most hilarious commentary! You guys are the only KZbinrs that make me truly laugh out loud.

[@JaniceParrish-uz5ts]

Your videos are like watching an action adventure movie. You even throw in the comedy parts and the scenery is spectacular. I am sorry about your motor, but you were having so much fun! You guys do an amazing job and it is a pleasure to watch what you do. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@redeyetrucker520]

I really appreciate all of those special shots that you take off the canyons, they're just breathtaking views that I hope to see with my own eyes one day.

[@NCMTNBOY]

Sounds like one of those rock peckers climbed inside your motor. Putting a motor in is just more content. Nice job as always.

[@getdirtywithvern]

Your ability to do these trail fixes never ceases to amaze me! Your mechanical Kung Fu is stronger than mine. I bow to you sir!

[@savagenomore]

I have the same exact reaction every time I tear up my truck and it's always when I'm being a kid and loving what I'm doing even though I know there could be catastrophic consequences....

[@jacobmckay3754]

I’m usually a “silent” viewer for the most part and I did not see I in the comments already, so here goes… I’ve never seen the windshield of trailmater so clean! 😂 You guys are are most enjoyable to watch. Keep up the great work guys.

[@shanew.8784]

I am always amazed at the number of people in the backcountry in moab that are so unprepared to fix their own vehicle, rory fixes and rescues vehicles but honestly probably saves more than one life every year, go prepared people, impact, ball joint press, spare parts all standard, time for a snorkel 😅

[@tome584]

How can you not be happy where you’re at you got water and you got such beautiful country and good vehicles some makings for happiness keep on going

[@ericmiller8432]

"This is why you don't splash through puddles people." and then... Sorry about the bad luck but it makes for a great video. I really needed the laugh today. Thanks!

[@moparman1962]

Damn Rory can drive on trails, rocks, obstacles and mud! Sean killed it in the Jeep too! Leaf springs don't make cheap or incapable machines. 👍

[@Mike_Gray68]

Rory, you are awesome. Even though you just destroyed the engine, you are still able to sit there and crack jokes and laugh. If it was me I would be finding a hole to hide in and start crying.

[@raymondcollins9637]

Sorry about your motor but you still have the best videos. Good job on the recovery.

[@aalevie]

I love this video. I like seeing the fails with the wins. I have absolutely water-locked an engine before. It’s a bad day.

[@brandonmaloney7131]

Just a Dine Welder From St George Steel watching everyday. You, Matt And Paul are the best. Keep it up.

[@bwray5054]

I respect a person who shows, owns, and laughs at their own silly/foolish (you choose) and fun mishaps.

[@Boosted750]

I think it would be cool if you did a longer weekend episode like MORR for just shop shenanigans, rig rebuilding, and new rig builds. Now is a great time to start! I enjoy watching you guys work in the shop and build those cool rigs, then we can watch the weekday episodes to watch them go to work!

[@hitekredneck109]

I second that!!! I'm just waiting for the concrete guys to pour the pad for my new garage and watching these guys makes me more impatient lol!! At the same time,they keep me motivated!

[@trailrunnah8886]

I third that! I enjoy the shop videos, I always tune in Sunday night to watch Matt's.

[@jeffpreskitt741]

4th fo sho!!

[@Daniel-S1]

I can tell you what my manager told me (when I confessed to making a foolish mistake) - it just proves you are human like the rest of us + thanks from England.

[@Jon-zt4px]

My heart sank when i heard that rod knock. I bet the rebuild video will be awesome. Good luck guys an keep up the good work

[@yurgon]

my heart sank when I saw oil was coming out of the side .... I heard that same noise when my buddy's blazer II threw a connecting rod through the side of the block ... instant junk. He was still able to drive that V6 home though. Wow was it nasty sounding. I have to assume this happened because of the hydro lock occurring from the puddle. I also assume that motor was no spring chicken and likely towards the end of it's life cycle bearings and metals stresses.

[@markjacobsen605]

Any time one of my tools dies, I get sad. This made me sad. And I am genuinely sorry for your loss. Brighter days ahead for the "pride and joy" of your life.

[@joshuarobinson7522]

Sorry that happened, you guys rock! And GM if you are reading this show some love!

[@MultiVogon]

Rory's feeble little final 'thanks for watching' was just the

[@renaissancemang1]

Rory: who woulda thought that one needs a snorkel in the desert? Sorry about the big block, and thank you for allowing this arm chair adventurer to share in your exploits. You, Sean, and Mike are having fun out in the desert and making a living doing it. Kudos to you, and here's hoping you get that big block, Trail Mater, on the road soon!

[@davidmahan4160]

Oh well, these things happen. I look forward to you breathing new life into Trailmater, Rory. 😊👍

[@galenbywater2936]

Rory, you seem to be genuine in your jovial response to destroying your motor in that hydro lock. Things like that happen to the best of us. You really seem to be a nice fellow, salt of the earth type. Keep on making goid videos and enjoying life.

[@TheBnbonthebeach]

I would never laugh at you in a mean way I would laugh with you. Keep up the great work.

[@kenmurray4232]

For the amount of work that engine has done, nobody can blame it for giving up. A little water fun is still fun. Looking forward to see what goes back in the old girl. Thanks for sharing

[@jeffh8803]

I enjoyed the prominent "Always wear safety goggles" stamped on that part.

[@Christian76S]

Properly hydro-locked, well done Rory 🤣

[@peterrathbone5202]

Ah, man... At least your office is much better than my literally an office... Not even a direct view out of a window. Keep up the good work & great videos. Love em!

[@maxironpaw]

Two words for you, Rory: Silent auction for a bent rod.

[@BigBlueMotors]

That's what happens when you take Trailmater through the carwash too many times. Thanks for the laughs and Mike's camera shots.

[@motivatedpeon]

I'm giving it a like, not because I like the harm done to trailmater, but I'm excited to see what new engine goes in.

[@BobbieJeanM]

Monsoon season is sooo much fun…till it’s not. 🤦🏼‍♀️😝😢 Loved watching this one and hope you can find the engine you want quickly! Maybe Paul has something that would work in his stash of junked vehicles? 🤷🏼‍♀️💕

[@andyc280081973]

Kudos to you for not using a click bait title!

[@KingCovfefe]

Ouch! I'm sure that was extra painful since you even had a warning shot with the first engine shutoff. Just goes to show how even the best are still human! Awesome recovery, and looking forward to seeing trail mater better than ever.

[@jeffclark3932]

Good afternoon mater crew!

[@chrisbee4702]

Uncle Rod knock Rodney came for a visit

[@ghettopenny]

Scenery and camera shots are amazing in this video!

[@williamhutchings3176]

Everyone loves a good knock knock joke until your engine wants to tell one. Lol no but that was a great rescue and it looked like you were having fun playing in the water.

[@Steve-od6hi]

Beautiful scenery. Great repair on site, loved it ALL!

[@larrymcgarage2152]

You guys have the best recovery channel.

[@MargaretHess-mq3oe]

Another great recovery ! You guys don’t need fake props, nature provides the very best. Trail Mater takes a beating and keeps on ticking.

[@grumpygrumpgrump136]

I don't know much about engines, but I believe that's a nod rocking for sure.

[@kimberlyvaughan3430]

Nice safety announcements, haha. Hopefully Mater will be back in service soon. At least no one got hurt. And mike is not wearing Dad shoes. Hahaha 😂

[@albertorozco5981]

I wouldnt want to be caught there when flash floods hit. Imagine trying to cross all those water ways 😲

[@PoorWays]

Ouch! I felt that Rory! You're still a king of practical innovation, can't wait to watch you do heart surgery on Trailmater!

[@caseyrenner7024]

you have the technology to build it bigger, stronger ,Faster!! Trailmater deserves it!🤘 That engine Has done a lot of good jobs! Winters coming, great winter project to rebuild it as a backup Engine