The First Day Curse returns... I damaged my truck. :-(

UTAH PART ONE: If you've followed my channel for long, you've seen something go wrong on the first day of nearly all my weeklong adventures. This trip was no exception and turned out to be worst of the first day curse.
Despite the truck (and more) sustaining damage within hours of first getting off pavement, I went on to explore some incredible scenery, geology, historical sites, and more over the course of my week in Utah. There are several more episodes to come...stay tuned!
(Due apparently to pilot error, drone footage between ~13:48 and 16:00 is out of focus...it's not your connection or your device, it was my screw-up.)
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Some of the gear I use:
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Alldogs Offroad/Koni 2" lift kit:
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ASFIR 4x4 skid plates:
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MAXTRAX MKII recovery boards:
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InDeflate air down/air up solution:
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My 12V fridge:
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Diode Dynamics SS3 LED pods
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Claymore 3 Face camp light:
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Camp Chef Mountaineer Stove:
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My cheap camp knife
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12V heated blanket
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Breakfast thanks to Grizzlies:
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MUSIC CREDITS All music fully licensed via artlist.io
The Age of Kings - by Zac Nelson
The Children of the Woods - by Linus Johnsson
Leaving Home - by Oran Loyfer
Middle - by Roman P
Chemicals - by Thomas Lavine
Exotic World - by Angel Salazar

[@travdurland5676]

Utah in April is a dice roll when it comes to the wind. I've had trips where it's calm, quiet and beautiful. Then there's been trips where it's constant wind, sand in everything & beautiful. On a side note, a great way to meet your neighbors while camping is when you run through their campsite chasing your tent as it's flying 30 feet in the air. You know they're good neighbors when they join the chase. As far as the truck body damage goes, chick's dig scars, and honor lives forever. Thanks for another great video & bringing back some great memories.

[@Flyfeesh]

If you’re ever out in Utah again, in southwest Utah specifically. I’m a backcountry (sometimes softroading, sometimes 4x4) guide and could point you in the direction of some wonderful, non national park places to take your rig!

[@CoachEzFit]

As a fellow explorer, I appreciate how you share your location without giving too much away. Half the fun is finding these unique places on your own. Keep exploring!

[@softroadingthewest]

Thank you for saying that. Some viewers get a little salty that I don't include more specifics, but every single place I checked out in this video, I found myself by simply spending some time studying maps & satellite imagery. It's infinitely more rewarding to make one's own discoveries and have the homework pay off. :-)

[@swidahooverlanding2867]

@@softroadingthewest I have a bunch that follow me around on Google Earth all the time. I figure if they can figure it out they will appreciate it as much as I do.

[@acoupleofscrewsloose]

@Coach EzFit, we totally feel the same way.

[@acoupleofscrewsloose]

@@softroadingthewest we do the same thing. Research and explore. If people really want to respect these places they should put the effort into the work that goes into finding them. Those who are too lazy to do the research don’t deserve to go to these amazing places.

[@tomlorenzen4062]

@@acoupleofscrewsloose not amatter of lazy, sometimes we are unfamiliar with areas and/ or technology to find them. But for KZbinrs to act like these areas are so sacred that they can't divulge them, on unless you join and pay me. Sorry.

[@Mannix007]

I love the, "Oh..come on!" comment when you got to that amazing campsite. Exactly what I was thinking!

[@ruizjulian1]

Ouch, sorry to hear about the damage. Makes the adventure even more memorable no matter how unfortunate. Absolutely beautiful scenery though! Love watching your videos, keep up the great work

[@nederlander9321]

Don't feel bad, it happens. Brand new Toyota truck a few years back. Offroad, wasn't used to the longer wheelbase, took a corner too tight on a rock with resulting major scrape and dent to the lower door. The truck had 112 miles on it. I just about cried.

[@jamesn.449]

The first dent is always the one that hurts the most.

[@oldmillrd8153]

A lot of my friends ask me why I keep going down, from Washington St, to Utah. You just showed why. Some of the best scenery and camping in the US is just off road. Many of the these places if located in any other State would be a National or State park. It is such an incredible state. Really looking forward to the rest of your Utah adventure.

[@kathym6603]

Utah just won a least-stressed-out state contest!!

[@UnderAchievrLP]

A good PDR(paintless dent repair) might be able to help straighten out the dented side of the truck. Battle scars add personality. The advantage of a vinyl wrap is being able to simple recover the damaged section of bodywork with a fresh sheet.

[@scottyocum7652]

Sorry about the truck damage Donald. But, you made lemonade out of lemons on this video, even with a crusty zoom. Continued journeys mercies Amigo. Thanks for the great video as is your norm.

[@kingofbaja5b]

20:13 awesome nature

[@rael6_4wd]

Ugh!… The dangers of venturing out into the desert in early spring. I can’t tell you how many trips I’ve spent hiding in my vehicle. When that desert wind really starts blowing, there is NOTHING you can do in it that is fun. I hope it changes completely for the remainder of your trip. Really looking forward to the next videos. Especially when you meet up with Jared.

[@softroadingthewest]

I managed to use the topography to find refuge from the wind a couple of times, and then on the Friday & Saturday I was with Jared, the wind almost went away completely (and then I was a little too hot, LOL). The wind definitely impacted my experience but overall the whole thing was amazing, zero regrets.

[@thomas194907]

wow !!! utah is spectacular...just love it

[@virginiarocks]

Wow. The scenery is just something else! Sorry about the damage 😢

[@elflordsjourneys]

That was some rad offroading, bummer about the truck damage, bound to happen sooner or later. I've been to all the parks in Utah, you should see them sooner than later as they get more crowded every year it seems.😀

[@Alex_556]

These scratches are in fact just cosmetics and didn't prevent you to move along. Last week I explored very south-west Oregon corner and on my way back home the axle shaft bearing of my Nissan disintegrated. Thanks God it happened just 20 mls from Eugene not in the mountains were I was wandering. Spent the night in the truck, called towing to Nissan Eugene in the morning, but was told there that the damage was far more excessive plus they don't have parts so it'd take weeks and $$$$. So I had to leave the truck overnight on the dealer's lot (where it was robbed, but that's another story), returned with a trailer following morning and towed it back home 100+ miles north. Still waiting for a new shaft get delivered... So, while your truck is able to move, you're good!

[@EpicAdventuresOffroad]

Man, sorry to see that happen to the rig. I know how frustrating that is. And the camera gear to boot! That’s a huge fear of mine with all this expensive gear… love the videos though, and looking forward to the rest of the series.

[@Gusgreek24]

That stuff can be repaired or replaced bro! At least ur safe and no one's hurt. Great video content 👍

[@softroadingthewest]

For sure, as far as vehicle mishaps go, if no one's hurt and I can keep on truckin' I can't complain too much. :-)

[@vincentsmalley3073]

Hats off !! You never see any video in the wind on how brutal it can be , Drone was fantastic !!

[@michaelbandeko3519]

As a veteran of some 50 years taking pictures in the desert, invest in Pelican or Nanuk cases for your camera gear. I do usually have one sacrificial camera for quick shots.

[@billkipper3264]

The wind has been so crazy that a mountain range about twenty miles to the south of where I live in Colorado had it's snow cover tinged red from all the dust blowing in from the desert.

[@Dennis-1367]

I like the new styling of the fonts. You just keep improving, the cinematography is quite professional now.

[@stephaniesimmons-ashorobi3314]

The scenery is fantastic

[@929cbr_rr]

Your channel deserves a thousand times more subs and ten thousand times more views. Some of the best, most creative off road video shooting and editing on youtube. And you didn't didn't "damage your Frontier", you "added some character marks".

[@davetee3589]

Thanks for not geotagging that precious trail and view point, I'm planning to camp there this Autumn.

[@andrewinaustintx]

Glorious scenery - many thanks for sharing it with us - especially the drone footage.

[@imhidingintheshop8889]

Sorry about the truck brother, beautiful work as always!

[@xchick10]

I'm so impressed by you video building and story telling. Gorgeous footage and excellent mix of shots, talking, etc.

[@brandonroach2097]

Some ankle weights attached to bungee cords will hold things down surprisingly well.

[@richardk1499]

Wind is getting worse everywhere. You survived!

[@richardburguillos3118]

Ouch that’s gotta hurt… your first off-roading damage? Definitely didn’t look like “soft” roading damage… thanks for taking us along. Beautiful country.

[@softroadingthewest]

On this truck, aside from pinstripes, yes, first real damage. The Forester was pretty battered up, though nothing quite like this.

[@zackdemundo]

Some of the best videography you’ve ever done! Impressive. “I’m glad I wasn’t in a tent.” If that was about the same time I was in southern Nevada, I was in that windstorm in a tent. It nearly collapsed it a few times. It was my two person “backup tent.” I didn’t have the rain fly on, which was probably good in retrospect. It would been ripped away. Sorry about the dents and scrapes.

[@utahjohnnymontana3373]

At least you drove out and didn't have to call Matt's for recovery. Great scenery, Utah is on the bucket list for sure.

[@davidviner5783]

An exceptional video. You captured the landscapes perfectly. Superb videography. My only criticism is that the video is too short!

[@Sergiop4x]

That fine dirt will absolutely destroy cameras/lenses. I'd never do that again.

[@monkeywrenchedphotography1876]

I thought something really went wrong!! A little dent just shows that you actually use the truck . Couldn’t tell ya how many lenses I’ve ruined in Utah but it’s the price we pay, internal zoom weather sealed will help

[@UTADV]

Great work here. Thanks for keeping the nav details under your hat, so to speak. Utah will always leave a mark in its travelers, one way or another.

[@OutandBackOregon]

Wow! Just when I thought Utah was secretly one really big conglomerate national park, you find all the spots that aren't! Looking forward to more of this series! Sorry bout your truck man, but it adds character anyway!

[@Danger_jake]

70% of the Utah is public land. Of that 70%, only 3.7% belongs to the national park service.

[@dezfan]

Absolutely beautiful area. Trail damage sucks, but it’s just part of the cost of being an explorer. Looking forward to the rest of the trip.

[@acoupleofscrewsloose]

Ouch! You really did ding your truck up. Looks like it may be easy to get fixed. We are down there right now and the landscape is magnificent. You have captured it beautifully. We arrived on the 17th and found a spectacular small canyon to tent camp our first night. We settled in bed and the wind picked up. No biggie. THEN gusts of 50+ mph wind started to slam into us and we were literally inside our tent holding it up for an hour. There was a short lull and I jumped into the truck and drove it right next to the tent to help block the wind. It worked pretty good but the next morning we saw that we accumulated a bunch of sand inside the tent. Our friends warned us about the wind but sheeesh, that was crazy! The next 3 days were windy but not as bad as our first night.

[@midnightadventureswa]

Good morning Donald thanks for Sharing your video and now you got your badge of honor denting the side of the vehicle that which now you can make another video on how to fix it thanks for sharing looking forward to the next video

[@KirbyLouis]

that damage slightly moderate, but majorly characteristic... your truck looks even more like you actually get out there, unlike people with a 60k+ overt overland tacomas who dont go past a trailhead.

[@mikejohnson8822]

By FAR and AWAY your best so far both in terms of both adventure and video editing ! Bravo !

[@dlansburg2673]

Another great video,sorry bout the damage.I spent about 10 days in Utah this past winter ,looking forward to returning

[@strictlybeats]

Great video this week. Sorry about the truck - people will always say its part of the adventure, but it always hurts bad. Look forward to seeing more in Utah.

[@broinsocali]

That will buff right out. I thought you did some real damage. Glad it was just some dents. I plan on visiting Utah parks one day.

[@calebtucker3166]

As always great content. So sorry about your truck. Maybe it's time for some fender guards made from tube steel.

[@preacherman85379]

It sucks about the damage but its “only” cosmetic, at least you could continue your trip.

[@brucefrye2292]

Wind is the sculpter of all the scenery there, so sometimes you're in the middle of the sculpting.

[@softroadingthewest]

Haha, that's well put. :-)

[@nevv8581]

Thank you for another great vid! Sorry about the truck, I’m glad you are still smiling.

[@stephaniesimmons-ashorobi3314]

Sorry you got damaged. But yet and still this vid is awesome.

[@joycejohnson1396]

Thanks for sharing and I am glad you are safe.

[@judyzito6282]

Amazing adventure you had. Beautiful scenery indeed. I myself could never do what you do, so glad I can live vicariously through your endeavors. Love watching your shows. I’ve learned so much already. Great job! 👍🏻 Sorry about your truck.

[@solosaga5091]

Damage. Hmmph. Bummer. Hate that Brother. Looks like you had a wonderful experience otherwise. Looking fwd to more episodes! Btw, at 17:36, the cliff to the left looks like a Longhorn Steer Head.

[@softroadingthewest]

Ha! It DOES look like a longhorn! Never would have caught that. As you know I've never wrung my hands too much over getting my rigs scratched up. This obviously took things to a new level but after the initial shock wore off, I went back to focusing on the nonstop awesome that is Utah and did indeed have a wonderful experience that far exceeded my expectations. I wish I could have swung two week for that amount of driving & gas to get down there and back. Maybe next time. :-)

[@ventureoffroading]

Sorry to see the damage to your truck and camera. I would venture everyone who travels to remote and rugged places experiences that sot of thing now and then. I know we have. My wife and I love you channel and this video really got us excited about our next trip. As soon as possible, we’re off for 6 weeks to desert southwest. I hope we fine areas like those in this video. Thanks again for making this content.

[@dougsfan9984]

Ouch!!! Sorry for the damage Donald. Hopefully insurance takes care of that.

[@nickhanlin8614]

Thoroughly enjoyed the music in this video!

[@Scrambler85]

Definitely adding this one to my must see list. Excellent video, very nicely done. This is a thumbs up 👍

[@gringo3009]

Sucks about your truck. Wind is the worst. Thanks for sharing. Love Utah.

[@danthompson1467]

Your blessed to be able to go do this . I’m having a anxiety attack watching and I’m not kidding . Your getting to see amazing things . unreal thank you for sharing I would never be able to see anything like it . Be careful but live all you can small things can change that take away your freedom to do what you love to do . God bless you on your travels

[@virginiarocks]

Wow. This is stunning scenery! Sorry about the damage to the truck 😔

[@stu_ut5181]

I love seeing people experience Utah for their first few times. I’m lucky enough to have called Utah my home for my entire life. If you think the change in landscape is dramatic there, you should really consider doing Cathedral Valley in Capitol Reef. It goes In and out of the park. Once at the campground (unfortunately you have to camp in a designated spot if in the park) you can drive no more than 1 mile and it transitions from the towering sand stone cathedrals to Thousand Lake Mountain (Inside the Fish Lake National Forest) where you have High Mountain Sage, Aspens, Pine, Streams, and Lakes. The geography in the area is truly astounding and one of a kind. I hope to run into you on the trail some day!

[@sk8xaq]

When without, drone it out. Your video was eye-popping regardless of what happened to your zoom lens. Great job persevering and making it to those beautiful sights/sites. I hope that your positive vibe reflects that you feel it was all absolutely worth facing down the First Day Curse, even thought the passenger side of the Frontier now resembles 20:48. That wondrous landscape left it's thumbprint, and I hope you wear it proudly. Thanks for sharing. Your ambitiousness is definitely admirable, and now it's also more obvious. Cheers!

[@softroadingthewest]

Zero regrets, it was an amazing trip. :-)

[@NarleyAdventures]

👍👍👍👍👍, Sometimes you just have shut it down till the conditions improve. Me using a tent would have to spend the night "sleeping" in the drivers seat. That was some pretty rugged terrain.

[@heathercockrell7074]

Great video and capturing the beauty of what Utah has to offer! You are in my home state. I was just in Oregon two weeks ago and couldn't help but think how awesome it would be to have you and Jason show me the ropes in Oregon! I am excited to see what's to come with your Utah adventures! Sorry about the damage to your truck, that is such a bummer.

[@johndej]

Sorry about your truck and camera damage! As a photographer, I can relate to what happened to your lens. I thought I heard a solid click when putting my camera on a tripod. Nope! Messed up the camera and the lens. Anyway, thanks for sharing your adventure! I always enjoy your content.

[@sagebrushbob2321]

I feel your pain. Spent last weekend traveling far SW Owyhee County with SW Idaho Overlanding. Both sides of my Taco have permanent claw marks down the full length of the truck from broken juniper stubs and mahogany brush. 110 miles of tight two-track. Lost all my drone footage due to pilot error, accidently left all my tarp poles at the far end of the trail, and I still haven't got all the mud off. Good times!

[@softroadingthewest]

Heh, there's always something isn't there?? All part of the adventure I guess. :-)

[@swidahooverlanding2867]

The good news is that those poles may still be there the next trip in...

[@sagebrushbob2321]

@@swidahooverlanding2867 : Yes. I noticed that not too many people are dum... uh... adventurous enough to go that far back into the wilderness. Lets do it again next year!

[@swidahooverlanding2867]

@@sagebrushbob2321 It's on the books...

[@captainwrongway]

I'm hoping to go help you look next year..

[@nickolasmiller2808]

Epic video, as always. Makes me want to go explore Utah. Bummer about the damage. Glad you're safe, that's always the important thing. I'm looking forward to the next video.

[@uritaub5441]

Amazing scenery. Great you met with Jared, who is doing softrowd Utah the family way.

[@misskc94]

Stellar views and exquisite captures of your first 24 hrs. Can’t wait for episode two.

[@adventuresintruckland]

I think this is your best video, to date. Informative, valuably experiential and cinematic! I loved this...and am so jealous! These are some of the places I am greatly looking forward to exploring. Can't wait for the next part!

[@mdgruener]

18:35 - *INSERT R2-D2 scared whistle * "The sand people are easily startled, but they'll soon be back, and in greater numbers."

[@softroadingthewest]

LOL

[@EmileVoyer]

Very nice video ! Sorry for the damage but if you ask me, i would let it as it is (if the door still work properly). It tells a story of adventures and real offroading ! 🤘

[@softroadingthewest]

Yep, the door works, and I probably won't fix the dents. I have one spot where I lost some paint and have bare metal exposed, I'll probably just cover that and call it good.

[@mikemorgan4670]

Really nice video, anticipating future episodes from this trip. Sorry about your truck, ouch. Little bit more than pinstripping!!

[@dominica2765]

Sorry for your damages thanks for the video be blessed

[@Sthilboy56]

A few battle scars are ok it’s mechanical problems or damage you don’t want , looks great out there 👍

[@softroadingthewest]

Indeed! I could keep on driving! The dents are kinda growing on me. :-)

[@pala4833]

Condolences. Some beautiful shots in there. I like the two cairns in the foreground. It made a nice optical illusion. And that box canyon, so gorgeous. Your rig has its own undulating forms now!!

[@softroadingthewest]

LOLOL!! First my custom emblem up front, now my own unique custom undulating body panels! We'll see how much of an "influencer" I really am if other Frontier owners go out and hammer some dents into their rear passenger side fenders. :-)

[@StacySalmans]

The wind has been nuts this spring. Bummer about the damage. Awesome overlook. Great start to the series.

[@softroadingthewest]

Thanks Stacy!

[@dizzle215]

Great editing and commentary. Really liked the soundtrack as well. Safe travels!

[@bobdemichele1542]

Great Video. You have to love Utah. Just got back but did not export as much as you did. Thanks for sharing and drive safe.

[@thebiglimey]

Utah is a spectacular place and you did an amazing job of capturing it, just a pain about the lens and the dings to the truck. Can't wait for the next episode, assuming I'm not loading up my Frontier for my own adventure!

[@kowalski161]

Great shots and fantastic camera work! Your cool rig looks "complete" now...it's expected to acquire bruises on treks like this. Don't sweat the damages... glad you're ok. Thanks for the awesome content.

[@rayred74]

Stunning scenery. Sorry to hear about damage

[@BackroadExploration]

Wow! I loved this episode. So beautiful! Still bummed about the truck. It’s wild I’ve been to many of the places you visited but some I must have just went around. Example that incredible box canyon I’ve never been down that trail. The desert is magic and you caught so much of it in this first episode.

[@softroadingthewest]

I was blown away by how much there is to see - and I bypassed SO SO much. I feel like I could've easily spent a month within the same area and still not seen it all. One more reason to come back down!

[@OpieDogie]

Looks like it may be time for a new flatbed for your truck. I can certainly see an aluminum flatbed on that truck with side boxes containing recovery gear in one or two, camping gear in another, etc., etc.

[@Fish_InChips]

Now you'll never feel bad about scuffing up the truck!

[@offroadxplorer]

Sorry to see the damage you took to share the incredible scenery with us.

[@mattbooker8496]

Sorry about your rig. Great video!

[@slamboy66]

We have the wind bad here also in Southern Nevada. I keep ear plugs in my tent for windy nights.

[@warrenscorner]

Utah is awesome! I wish it wasn’t so far away. We really enjoyed our drive down 191 on our way to the Grand Canyon last October. We were actually more awe struck by the drive into the Needles entrance to Canyonlands than seeing the Grand Canyon. Sounds kinda crazy doesn’t it? When people ask me how I liked the Grand Canyon I tell them it was ok. Arches and Canyonlands was way better.

[@OverlandAdventureTimes]

Stunning! Can't wait until we get to head that direction!

[@softroadingthewest]

Loooong haul and $O MUCH GA$ but it exceeded all my expectations in every way...you won't regret getting down there!

[@OverlandAdventureTimes]

@@softroadingthewest we were planning this year, buuuut life got in the way. So hopefully 2023 will be it! But yeah, the thought of the gas bill is not pleasant.🥺

[@TheCabrooster11]

Really bad luck on treeing the truck and hopefully the camera lens will be fixable. So far it’s been great to see the beautiful places in Utah you’ve travelled through.

[@brackeng1294]

Beautiful scenery. I love what you are doing. Keep it up!

[@MugOfPaul]

I really think a good paintless dent repair tech could straighten out most of your damage. Buff out the less deep scratches and a little primer/paint over any exposed bare metal. You’ll be good! If you go the PDR route, make a video of it… they are fascinating to watch work!

[@louiskudlak2241]

Great episode buddy in gods country, it’s a 4wd and we all have natures marks on them, loving the channel, cheers Donald from Western Australia 🇦🇺

[@kingfish4488]

Great video except for your curse. Do you bring extra fuel? Your in a great place in your life to be able to explore as much as you do. Thanks for sharing your travels.

[@softroadingthewest]

I carry an extra 6 gallons. I am indeed fortunate to be able to do this, but the KZbin channel is a big part of how I make my living and now I can't NOT go explore & film if I want to keep the bills paid, LOL. :-)

[@walterbright1396]

First let me say what beautiful shots you captured. I have been all over UT at least where a Grand Marquis will get me and I long to get to the back country you have been exploring here. Aren’t you a bit afraid by yourself that something important might break unexpectedly out there? I was all my myself one evening and had dropped my keys on a trail (I thought I locked them in the trunk) in Island in the Sky on night and was dreading the ride by mtn bike to Moab as it would be long but at least on paved roads. Out there where you were? Luckily I found them about 300 yds down the trail and was on my way but it makes you think about what can and sometimes does happen.

[@samueljlarson]

Great footage and I love your attitude / approach! Making me want to start documenting my truck camping trips too!

[@gobear83]

I would look at the marks on your truck as a badge of honour …great video. Keep them coming

[@softroadingthewest]

I'd say there's a good chance they will remain as such. :-)

[@TonyLockhart]

Nicely done-great episode. Sorry about the damage to your rig.