Trailmater: Origins

I decided to have a sit down talk with my buddy Greg who used to own my tow truck. We originally built it for him as a rock crawler. This is some of the back story of where it came from and how it got to where it is. We also had to run out to Lockhart Basin to weld a tierod together on a Rivian truck. Thank you everyone for watching and supporting us.
Merchandise available at www.trailmater.com
Trailmater Trail Rope by Yankum Ropes:
#trailmater #moab #offroadrecovery #wheeling #offroadwrecker #premierpowerwelder #buntrailwelder #bfgoodrich

[@MattsOffRoadRecovery]

Been waiting for this. It’s awesome that you had the pictures in it’s different forms.

[@Tjay0716]

Take lessons Mormon man

[@AJNpa80]

It's Matt, of course he's from the Beehive state, but he's not just "A", he's "The" MORRman. And compared to most folks he's MORR Man. I really appreciate he makes content everyone can enjoy, just good actions, no need for sermons, the people having a good time working hard with each other and laughing will bring more good to the world. Though I'm as secular as they come I've always had an appreciation for Mormon culture. Main line Mormons (not trying to stereotype here) were more likely to support church state separation especially at the federal level as their history can remember persecution. Every year more and more people forget we are a Nation with a majority of people that are quasi Christian (somewhere on the Christian spectrum). This is distinctly different from a Christian Nation. All kinds of folks can practice their different faith in different ways without interference, and with protection from the state. But if people forget, and one group gets to thinking they are the power, which denomination? It doesn't take long before people start widling down the subtle differences. Historically no one has persecuted Christians like slightly different Christians. Just like the Sunni and the Shia.

[@AJNpa80]

Didn't mean to bring religion into it just didn't like the tone of that. A man's religion is his own business and regardless what he believes he lives a good example publicly. A great example. If I could make myself believe or suspend my disbelief I'd be on the next Greyhound to Salt Lake. They know how to live. We all have our David Koreshs and Jim Jones and and and... Can't judge a people by their wildest excommunicated members.

[@Ry_Guy]

​@@AJNpa80Enough nonsense, we're here for offroad videos, not politics and religion. Take it elsewhere.

[@AJNpa80]

@Ry_Guy Obviously. When I see someone rubbing dirt on someones religion to mark them out I get to writing speeches. And if I'm on the commode, the words start flowing. Perhaps I jumped a little high. Re-reading the comment that set me off, I guess it was 50 50 if there was venom in it. Felt like it was poisonous the 1st time round. All them words of mine were saying leave religion out of it when the subject isn't religion. Suppose I feel a little silly as I started from an impulse of "leave religion out of it" and ended up extolling the virtues of church state separation.

[@P52Ranch]

Story time with Rory is always good. Then we get a trail repair. Another great day with Trail Mater.

[@Clawson_customs]

I think everyone loves that truck I know I sure do and it is pretty cool to see in real life also

[@donwilliams3626]

The back story is priceless. If TrailMater could talk the stories she will tell: past, present, and future are gems in the rough. Lilli will grow up behind the wheel and share another generation of tales to build the biggest, baddest legends of Moab!

[@jonmcfarland3832]

You are living the dream, helping others when no one else can help. You are the lifeguard of the trail. I always enjoy your videos.

[@phatdaddy1955]

The lifeguard of the trail??? Yeah, that's just about the perfect description! Well done!

[@Ashley_Schaeffer]

Definitely a dream job! Getting paid to wheel! Plus Rory makes it look soo easy!

[@AFloridaSon]

This is the story we've all been wanting to hear.

[@huf67]

The story that I wanted to hear was how my wife, Morgan Fairchild, and I hit the lottery..... Yeah, that's the ticket.

[@section3253]

Thank you for staying the same, even as your subscriber count grows. Other channels are not doing that, and the reason to watch them is gone.

[@The_Samsquantch]

This is so true. Some channels chased the $$ too far beyond their means with these massive editing teams and the like to where they need to do things outside their original content.

[@idontknow2293]

So true. $$$$ always ruins the things that matter most. 😢

[@cdodge2996]

​@@idontknow2293 Not to mention the click bait titles and bs suspense about how everyone dies just for a video where they sit around and drink coffee

[@travisshenefield2537]

The birth, concept, design, and then service to date of Trail Mater. I 👍 it!! Thanks Rory

[@TheBibliofilus]

It's impressive that the original hood survived when the winch malfunctioned and Rory flipped it over forwards!

[@donalddarbonne779]

I like that "there's a difference between adventure and risking your life". My dad put it slightly different. He said, " there's a fine line between bravery and stupidity."😅

[@Fix_It_Again_Tony]

I've always preferred "discretion is the better part of valor", but the sentiment is the same.

[@kb9oak749]

Line? What line?

[@roberthevern6169]

​@@kb9oak749That line that instinct says 'might' be there, the blur says scr*w it!!

[@luddtechnologies8795]

Morning Rory. It’s great to see Trail Mater again. Now that we have the real backstory, Trail Mater need a legend created about how he emerged from Hells Revenge after being attacked by Rockpeckers overnight.

[@thecapturban]

What we need is Pixar to get on this😂 Js childrens book?!🤔

[@ljprep6250]

@@thecapturban NO! Disney would make her into a woke child conversion therapy vehicle, fix her dents, and paint her pink. NOBODY wants that.

[@Kanoee64]

@@ljprep6250 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@daneclark3161]

@@ljprep6250- Drinking the KoolAid…

[@karld001]

This is a story of a good truck having a good life, to becoming a great truck, having a great life!

[@bjolley8686]

Great history of Trailmater. Don’t ever paint it or it will cease to be Trailmater. I mean, it is the star of the channel. I’m amazed at how Rory can tow a dead vehicle and make obstacles look simple that others struggle with in very capable rigs. Go Rory. Go Trailmater🎉❤❤

[@cliffsangelsphotography]

Rory, Trail Mater is a dream come true. Same with all your other vehicles. There's a lot of love and soul in your builds, especially with Mike and Shawn there for support 🇺🇸

[@tedfisk1211]

Trail Mater is an excellent truck and hopefully someday I will see it in person. It is iconic and people see it out on the trail and know that Rory is going to rescue or recover some one.

[@jamesbigham9036]

Good morning Rory I love seeing the origin of TrailMater seeing you stick to Greg's vision of the truck is a great thing. I definitely agree the best motivation is when someone says you can't do something and you prove them wrong.

[@MarkoMygun]

There will never be another Trail Mater and you gotta love the OFF Road Trailer that he built to. The 2 of them together are a force to be reconned with. Thanks for the video Rory and Crew.

[@skipwilson7626]

Appreciate the deeper information about the history on the rig. Automobile geeks really love this stuff. Thanks.

[@ottawa875]

Greg is certainly a man of few words! Thanks for the background of the ultimate off road recovery machine!

[@brucestephens2157]

Thanks Greg for being a key part of Trail mater’s conception.

[@desertdweller4951]

Great video Rory. The Mater is so unique and increadable as to never be duplicated. Fantastic story about it's beginning. It seems fate brought you two guy's together for a very special reason. Blessing like Lilly can not be ignored, she's a sweerheart.

[@ggalland1]

Thank you for sharing the story. We even got a recovery thrown in for good measure. I totally agree with you.....I would NEVER get rid it. Way to many memories and stories with it. Also, thank you Lilli for saying Hello. Stay safe and again, thank you for sharing

[@barnetts9812]

"The biggest motivation I had was being told it wouldn't". Mannn, I dig that!! Also happened in my life. Thank you for sharing.

[@Kentucky921]

When you have a vehicle close to perfection ya never give up on it or get rid of it, keep up the great work Rory!!

[@docwhiskey1412]

I said it after the first video of TM that I saw... and it still holds true today... TrailMater is the the coolest, most awesome, MAD MAX, Rat Rod wrecker I have ever seen.... Thanks for sharing, and double thanks for taking us along for the ride!!!

[@klaasbloem]

Thanks Greg for making Trail Mater possible!!

[@41dodgee300]

For the love of an inanimate object makes these adventures such a great story!! All of us in the 4x4 community enjoy the process!

[@jamesnella52]

Always good to see Lilly hanging with Pops. Like me some Trail Mater history.

[@EL-Dude-A-Rino-0.69]

I'm looking forward to the day Lilly is making recoveries in Trailmater!

[@marvincarter870]

Wow thanks for updating us Rory and where and how you acquired Trail Mater. Nice to meet Greg the original owner of Mater. Good job on the recovery repair as always!

[@michaelwedin5474]

Rory is so impressive with the way he does things. I love his attitude!

[@donalddarbonne779]

Trailm8r has become a national treasure.

[@trivialone11]

Thanks Rory & Greg, great back story! Please keep rolling Trail Mater...Let her EAT! Boycott the Lot Queen.

[@mikecrawford7352]

I wouldn’t change it. I think it’s great like it is. It’s full of character and has a great history. Keep it running and scabbing it back together when it breaks. If you were to build another one I wouldn’t even try to make something similar. I would go with a totally different look. Trail Mater is the best.

[@ChrisZBr0wn]

The editing on this was fantastic. Intermingling the story of Mater with the recovery felt like a documentary level film. Props the the editor for sure!

[@ellioteddy1983]

That is too cool Rory!! Love what you guys do! Thanks Gregg for selling the rock crawler! And thank you Rory again for doing what you do and entertaining all of us!! And to those that talk shit!! You do it!!! Thank Rory! Would so like to meet you and your crew one day soon!

[@blueman5924]

it’s unique. it’s task built and tested. it’s got “hero” status. can’t mess with that. 👍👍

[@bradmeacham6982]

Trail Mater is a prime example of a vehicle with true "automotive soul". Long live Trail Mater!!

[@richwood8650]

Thank you Rory and Greg. I love story time. Especially when it's about a special build!

[@GruesomeJeans]

Not that it matters what any internet dork thinks, I think you have done an amazing job with Mater. It is such a capable shop on wheels that is a 1 of 1 unique vehicle, it really is the most versatile offroad wrecker! One day I'd like to see Mater try out a different kind of terrain, here in the PNW it's a lot of muddy gross weather but some of the trails here would really put Mater and Rory to the test!

[@jaynelson5793]

Ahhh. Trailmater baby pictures.

[@jbjeep8324]

💚💚💚 That's just how I feel about my rig, never going anywhere, it will sit in the yard and be art if I ever roll it bad again. =) Love Trail Mater, a purely classic and iconic truck.

[@stever1082]

All that was missing from that recovery was the man-buns!!

[@Offroad-ed3iu]

"Once upon a time" with Rory and the original owner of Trail Mater, priceless. Thank you for this, guys!

[@clevehighbull5514]

This is what I have been waiting for. Trailmater the people’s champion.

[@jefferymeyers2737]

My father said with a fire wrench and welder he could build anything. Trailmater is everything I would have hoped to build .

[@maxbialystock254]

When you realize the rooftop solar panel is in the shade. Rivian. When you absolutely positively don't want to make it home tonight

[@DeeRebel44]

I agree you should never paint or change TrailMater . Trailmator is trailmater you don't want to screw with that." And now for the rest of the story". We've always heard you were building a rock crawler for friend and when he wanted to sell the truck you bought it and made TrailMater. We all knew that much, but thank you for telling us the rest of the story.

[@charlesreed3846]

Don't ever change the truck. It wouldn't be Trailmater You and the truck have given us some fantastic adventures to watch.The gorgeous scenery doesn't hurt either

[@mr_mongo7228]

Everyone loves Mater and the adventures you share!

[@martykitson3442]

Trailmater is a one of a kind, never change the color it wouldn't be trailmater There is nothing like someone telling you it won't work to make you make it work 😁

[@dozhan_NZ]

Great content Rory! Was not, did not expect this at all. It speaks volumes towards the man that you are, and how you value/cherish memories & friendship.

[@markreetz1001]

Great story. What you got there isn't a truck or a rig or a wrecker. It's a monument! It's an affirmation. It's a testament. You don't get rid of a monument. You don't "unaffirm" weeks and months and years of planning, testing, confirming, and redoing all that has gone into Trailmater!! You have other wreckers and vehicles, but you are identified with Trailmater. Love the 'mater!

[@robertpirtle3638]

Great story. I believe in my heart. If it was today. They wouldn’t have done that to a square body like that. Lol

[@dirtdart81]

Everything on that truck, from axels to dents, is hard earned and its beautiful

[@kenmurray4232]

Can't paint TrailMater. Every dent has a story. Even the hood dents from when Greg had it. Thanks for bringing Greg in to talk with you about the origins. Hi Lillie

[@jes7336]

Thanks for sharing this story with all of us Rory! She's not a "looker", but she more than makes up for that with her functionality. Of course the operator has a lot to do with that, and you're the best Rory! I always look forward to your videos. Never a dull moment with Rory, Shawn, and Mike. Keep up the good work guys!

[@The_Samsquantch]

That truck has an amazing and rich history Rory. I love that you are keeping it to its roots. Love this shop talk episode and the story behind that Chevy.

[@JDZiemba1773]

...the Trail Mater is an icon....

[@Terry2theGremlin]

Like I said on Facebook stay true!!! This is only the start of your wild ride . Keep being the best Dad ,lover and friend to those close to you.

[@marvicty]

Best thing about Trailmater is that it just flat out works!!!. Super simple suspension design, leafs in all four corners.......... AWESOME!!!!!

[@shanevonharten3100]

Shes a member of the family and you cant change that. Awsome rig with a history to match

[@jesseleesamples]

I swear every square body Chevy has a backstory like this. Every one I’ve ever owned always had an awesome story behind it. They’re like driving time capsules. They’re just so tough that they don’t need to be buried to last forever lol

[@georgebecht6357]

You can never get rid of Trailmater, it's like your child, you created it. If you ever decided to part with it, I would love to be it's adopted parent. I would love it like my own children.

[@Burke_Motorsports]

Loved the format of this one. Hearing the history and got one take away. Do not tell Rory it cannot be done.

[@ClintonCombsTPR]

Trailmater has a soul.

[@johnhart125]

Trailmater is a badass for sure

[@Brutaga]

Trailmater is an absolute best/beast. It has such a fabulous presence that I really love it

[@redwrangler7985]

Mater is one of my favorite trucks! Its stance and profile are unmistakably unique. The evolution has created awesomeness!

[@judih.8754]

Well that's the origin story I've been waiting to hear. Thanks Rory.

[@greg-judyjones8974]

All thats missing is bourbon and cigars!! 😂 TM is a one of a kind, and does things very few others are capable of. Thanks for sharing it’s origin. Love how you have kept TM true to it’s heritage. Kudos Rory and crew. 👍🏻🥃

[@thebanjoman1963]

Changing your truck is like "Changing your Friend". The minute you do it won't be your friend anymore. Every ripple has a story. Don't change it. A lot of work and memories are in it. Don't change a thing.

[@Merv-Bob]

She's a beaut -Clark- Rory. Make her better not different. Cheers, Mark

[@BETTERTOMARROW]

The OG off-road wrecker 👍

[@damonmcnab5588]

Best looking truck in the fleet, Have a great day Rory

[@SDbeermug72]

Thanks for the story on Trailmater. One amazing truck,and one amazing driver. Great meeting you back in Sept. (I was the old fart in the wheelchair) 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@redmondjp]

I think a lot of your viewers would like to know more about your path from the original leaf springs, to what you have now. That topic (how to get a softer ride) seems to be a major one on the truck forums. I know that I would like to hear more about how you ended up where you are now.

[@1999Valkyrie]

Painting Trail Mater would be like re-painting the Mona Lisa!

[@8marcrara11]

Thanks for the great content and viewing, enjoyed in Australia 👍🇦🇺

[@unknown-eu5ed]

You've probably got one of the best jobs in the world. And you didn't even plan it. Amazing.

[@steinhummer]

I still own my very first motorbike, a single cylinder BMW from the early 50s. I take care for her but still ride her like I stole her. She became a part of me, just like the truck became a part of you, Rory. Wish both of you lots of good years to come.

[@bobtucker8875]

Rory what a very interesting 🤔 story. I've been watching over two years an never knew all this. Thanks 👍 for sharing guys ☺️.

[@BaltimoreShipspotting]

Lilly is the best thing you every made. Trail Mater is the second best thing you ever made.

[@belindakt]

Well,some of the cars &trucks out there have souls, and some of us can sense a joining with our vehicles. Rory & mater are a perfect example. Thanks for taking us along!

[@ricoolivier]

Even if TM runs for another 50 years, it would have put less strain on earth resources, and would have been a more positive influence, than any Rivian! IMHO... Definitely puts a smile on my face as it hauls broken vehicles, at idle no less, over obstacles only goats can climb...

[@bonacker9762]

Awesome story, great friends, and good times had by all....!

[@calholli]

I love this type of video.. with the history and the evolution weaved together. It's funny how the coolest things just kind happen that way and fall together; and were never planned or even thought of going that far. :) great stuff

[@NachoMama863]

1982 was a fantastic year.

[@deborahabc4117]

I love trail mater, it's a roving warrior to save the people. It's perfect and doesn't need painting.

[@michelleleeginger5225]

Love Mater, I'm glad you're not going to change her❤

[@oldvarmit]

Trail Mater is like fine wine. It gets better with age. 👍

[@maxironpaw]

Grat change of pace video. Thanks for sharing Mater's origins and thanks to Greg, too!

[@katreniaclark]

Hiya Lilly Great story time with Rory. Great recovery of the rivian. Got to keep TrailMater as he is......

[@HardwayRanch]

Thanks for letting me hang out in the shop and enjoy the BS session. Just need a warm stove and a drink during a heavy rain to make it perfect.

[@rayanderson4119]

I got to visit Trail Mater this summer. I talked briefly to Shawn (Mike and Rory were nowhere around). When I touched it, it was like this aura around it. Thank you, Rory, for this back story. I love Trail Mater. You *have to* keep him growing and improving. It's such an awesome rig that goes places most people wouldn't think of even walking.

[@TheRoostersGarage]

I love how you kept his truck and added on

[@DrJaneLuciferian]

Trailmater is a beautiful work of engineering art. I love that machine

[@timoldenburg2249]

Hi Lilly. You’re such a sweetheart ❤

[@bartwoolever4622]

The only thing in the future I would like to see is your daughter taking towmater over. I love see the joy and fun you two have together.

[@NarleyAdventures]

👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻😄, so other than a Rat Buggy there was no plan…..and it slowly morphed into what it is today, the iconic Trail Mater. Great story and excellent rig !!!

[@karenpalmer2195]

Trailmater has a personality and paint would be an affront to that personality.

[@Watchmikework]

Hi Rory, thanks for sharing this origin story! So cool to see the pics of it in its original state, and how it has evolved over the years. Love Trailmater - I could watch her all day ❤❤