Breakdowns & Recoveries Almost Ended Our Texas Adventure

[@TrailRecon]

Contact Merus to sign up for the TrailRecon Challenge or Extreme Challenge: merusadventure.com/trailreconchallenge/

[@betuel75]

I like how you’re keeping your Jeep stock looking on the outside, not roof top tent, KC lights, etc. Looks clean.

[@GrayGhostDog1]

He has a pair of KC Flex Era 4’s on the front bumper…

[@Rangerxpcrew]

Texas and off-road, I never thought they would have great stuff to wheel in. Thanks for enlightening my mind. Beautiful area there.

[@TheNotSoOrdinaryCarGuy]

There’s not a whole lot of public land here in Texas, but there are several really awesome off-road parks that have trails of every variety. I moved from the Nevada/Arizona region to central TX back in 2014 and it was an adjustment getting used to not having as an abundance of public trails but am totally grateful for the places that it does have. And adventure can still be had when going to these unique places and making the most of what’s here.

[@RedGladiatorRubicon]

Always a great day when a new @TrailRecon video is posted!

[@steve337]

Great story! Your videos have transitioned over the years from “look at the Jeep on the trail”, to folding that into a story, tour, adventure for the viewer. Great job! Jake really enjoyed it too.

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you so much! Telling a story is something I've been working on a lot lately, it's not easy and I'm still learning.

[@arrowheadoverland]

I agree 100%. The story aspect is a game changer. It adds so much to the final video but adds so much to the videoing and editing process as well. I first learned about “telling a story” from Clay of X Overland at the last expo in Flagstaff. My favorite part of this video was at the beginning when you included different shots of the cables after talking about their history. I’ve been fascinated about the history of logging recently and came across cables in my latest video as well.

[@corksauve4949]

Loving this video! If you want to keep the petrified wood in the canyon I would put some signs up to encourage people not to take or move it. As soon as the word gets out people will come from all over and collect it. And it's worth saving.

[@as6882]

A preventive maintenance for the locker issue is potting the sensors. The rear is notorious for diff fluid getting inside the sensor killing them. Potting the sensor will ensure the sensor stays dry. I’ve done it to mine, super easy and cost maybe 40$ in material. Potting is cheaper than the zautomotive harness and will keep the locker functioning just like factory and will last. Thanks for the great adventures!

[@muddyjake]

What a great place! I think that will be my Spring trip for 2023. Thanks Brad!

[@christoavdmerwe]

Very eventful trip. Nice to see another South African making boerewors. Very popular to make on the skottel as well. Thx for sharing 🤗

[@robertyoung8289]

Your 392 called and said we don't need no stinking lockers! 😀

[@merusadventure]

The 392 is super impressive with no lockers!

[@MrT24-c4e]

its a Jeep, cooking, and camping show all in one :)

[@merusadventure]

Brad does such a great job with his videos!

[@txredkim867]

Welcome back to Texas Brad...

[@robertquackenbush5547]

You always show beautiful scenery that I've never seen before in the states that you wheel in and I thank you for sharing it because I only seen the scenery driving the highways as a otr driver

[@TheDon8771]

Mine is a 2014 sport s too. As long as you know your rig n pick your lines you don’t need a rubicon. Build it for you and what you do.

[@shaynelhta]

I been on trips with groups of new machines that could barely make it 1/4 mile without something wrong. Sometimes parts just break.

[@destinedemperor7999]

Dont forget the trusty 1/2 breaker bar for changing flat tires. And the the roof top tent does make the jeeps top heavy shows when the jeep descends down the rocky trail...cheers.

[@carlosnsosa99]

Love these videos if the wheelin and the cooking and eating and camping 🏕️ and scenery it’s just so awes and I get to live through you guys

[@JeepJL]

I keep a zautomotive Z Locker OEM in my glove box just for this occasion. Sure it’ll get fixed under warranty, but the Z Locker is plug-and-play, easily removable, and you get to have useable lockers until the repair can be made.

[@TrailRecon]

Might be something I will consider in the future, but for now, I just want Jeep to get it sorted.

[@texasrubicon392]

Was just going to suggest this. Brad- since the sensor is on backorder, might want to do this until they do.

[@denali2m4]

Use of the Z Locker harness on aftermarket e-lockers voids the locker warranty. I presume it causes the same issue with OE lockers. There is a voltage drop, which will cause the locker to not fully engage or result in reduced pressure on the locking collar, thereby allowing the engagement teeth to slip. Eventually, it will cause the locker to fail.

[@scottfulton9457]

@@texasrubicon392 ZAuotmotive is on back order now too due to its popularity since Jeeps chips have been on back order for so long and Jeeps only other recommendation was to replace the axel.

[@tonyawallace864]

What is the part number for the sensor and where is it located. We’d like to order one before we need it. Thanks!

[@dougg8280]

Yep, got the same thing on my 2020 JLU with its locker. I have been finding many "Jeep things". Frustrating. All part of that legendary Jeep reliability.

[@ezmerelda4450]

I had the same locker sensor go bad after a regear. Keep in mind that Zautomotive makes a bypass harness to take care of it. I ordered 2, front and back to avoid issues in the future

[@Colonel1Bravo]

Do you have anymore information that you can provide on this. Thank you

[@victorpacheco5421]

Awesome,I'm inspired. I bought my first wrangler because of Trail Recon & Epic Family Road Trip. I have had Cherokees in the past.

[@tomsbigtrucks]

Seems like there is a lot of electronic pitfalls in your 392 hope you’ll give us a full review… that looks like a great spot!

[@rshutterbug47]

Wow Brad We Moved To Texas Around A year & A half Ago & Have Really Started To Miss G.J. Colo & The South West & I Was Surfing UTube & WA-LA Up Pops Your Ch . & I Went To It So Fast That I Couldn't Believe I Really Did See Texas On The Intro & Told My Wife Even If It's Not It Will Still Be Good So What Ever, But It Was & It's Not That Far It's Like 7 Hre From Lufkin SO WE WILL GO,& For 2 or 3 Weeks & Make it Real Worth Worth While, Thats So Awesome, & Can't Wate Tell We Can Go & Thank Both Of You For That Video It Was Totally FANTASTIC GOD BLESS & HE DOES ,THIS IS THE 3rd, Time Just Today, GOD IS GREAT !!!!! ☆☆☆☆☆ 👍👍👍👍👍 LOVED IT

[@janhbhugo5085]

I had some Boerewors today ! Nothing quite like it ! With some Pap !

[@merusadventure]

Nice!!

[@patonlashlee]

That Gladiator looking good right about now

[@DanDuprea]

Excellent video Brad! Good to see you're doing some challenging off roading again. This is easily your best video this year.

[@bkrgi]

You know it's real when the boss man has to be towed out. Awesome playground that they have created there.

[@DirkvanReenen]

yeah that was bit sad for me but still all fun and part of the adventure.

[@wolverines2024]

Welcome to Texas- I actually live just south of Lubbock and I have never checked the 4x4 trails at Palo Duro Canyon

[@bradmorrison265]

Great video Brad, thanks so much for your time and effort in making it and I’ll see you at Merus in a month. Also, a few years ago while going to Colorado, I had the same locker issue with my 2020 JLUR. It was a sensor in the rear end and the Jeep dealership near me ended up replacing the entire rear end under warranty.

[@robertfox4524]

I was getting anxious just watching you guys on some of those steep drops...

[@brunnie]

Looks like a fun place to wheel. Thanks for the trip. Until next time... Travel safe.

[@greatwhitejeep]

I was raised in the area not been back in 20 years have goose bumps. Spent many years exploring on foot and bike now I can drive sign me up.

[@LivingTheDreamUSA]

Cool trail, Brad. You guys got a little flexi; it looked like a lot of fun! Sorry to hear about those lockers. You did awesome without!

[@scotth364]

Looks like the biggest challenge is the bugs of Texas 😂

[@keithonstott7352]

Thanks!

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you so much! Truly appreciate your support!

[@drewengles4477]

now that looks like a heck of a fun trail and long weekend with your jeeping buddies!

[@merusadventure]

It’s really fun, had a blast with Brad -Dirk

[@mikebiron7339]

Luv the area, the land, trails, etc. Kept waiting for Bob Hansler to show up. LOL Someday, I'll be trying these trails!

[@dbasiliere]

Fun video, good trailing... I loved the food you guys had. Makes me hungry.

[@TrailRecon]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@madman432000]

How about some action with the modified JK. Haven't seen that in a long time.

[@RanchoTexano]

2 of 2 on Jeep breakdowns. Would’ve loved to see the Bronco at Merus!

[@tjmckay1487]

I'll be doing the Extreme Challenge in my 2007 FJ Cruiser. Has Long Travel Rear, Ext Travel Front Struts, No sway bars, 35s, Rear Locker, A-Trac, and the fenders have been cut/removed. I'm very excited to get after it. Going on February 24th to test it out.

[@TrailRecon]

Have fun man and I hope you have a good time out there!

[@douglasvamateurradioandmore]

Now I want to build out a 4x4. My dad and I have been talking about finding and old small truck and doing an engine swap.

[@erikcele1604]

What a wonderfull and cool plase!

[@countrykid-lc5yv]

Just an absolutely great video! May sound odd but the breakdowns and recovery are good for those just beginning their adventures to see. Its not always a perfect easy day on the trails!

[@merusadventure]

That’s so true, the breakdowns and things going wrong a big part of the adventure and they make the best stories!

[@TrailRecon]

As the saying goes, smooth seas don't make for great sailors! Some of my best adventures where when things didn't go according to plan and we had to overcome adversity.

[@stoutmasta]

Seems like a great trail to have taken the OG silver Trail Recon Jeep.

[@spartywarriors]

Hi Brad. Maybe time to get a Tazer mini and Z Automot8ve OEM locker bypass harness. New axle will not fix the engineering flaw. Only a band aid. It will probably fail again. I carry an extra as I am waiting for the front to fail soon. 2 minute install. I'm sure you know all this already. Thanks for your and Regena's content. Really enjoy it!

[@commbubba1990]

The sensors can be replaced now without requiring a whole new axle.

[@spartywarriors]

Finally. Thanks for the info. Is this a fairly new change? Is it a 6 to 8 week wait? Thanks again!

[@TrailRecon]

I know they sell that, but I'm going to let the warranty cove it. They told me it's only the ring and pinion that have to be removed for the sensor replacement.

[@Lewdagify]

Hey Brad, I’m the guy that said hello to you randomly when i was there and ran into you. Thanks for such an awesome suggestion!

[@anthonymissirlis3710]

loving the content , and the educational/suggestions stuff in the vlogs . congrats on 500k+ subs

[@TrailRecon]

Thanks so much!

[@MystikSquash]

Awesome edit!! I’m definitely taking notes 📝. Merus is such an amazing place.

[@jayparker3615]

Time for that locker sensor bypass.

[@TrailRecon]

I know it's an option, but I'm going to let Jeep sort it out.

[@shivalama6229]

offroad camping ohssss i like very mutch

[@e5toro7008]

In Texas of all places. Who would have thought? Gonna have to see for myself.

[@celinabrown6191]

How about I come with you

[@e5toro7008]

@@celinabrown6191 the more the merrier.

[@celinabrown6191]

@@e5toro7008 send your email and let talk better on Google chat dear

[@johnnylgulledge6899]

Exciting just watching this!

[@dirtytreadzoff-road2923]

What a great place

[@garyflhpi]

I LOVE IT!!!

[@scottymac5174]

I remember your early days and you used to push your old blue jeep through some serious stuff.

[@superdutyohv3401]

This was one of the most epic adventures, the trail really put a beating on both Jeep’s and brought out weaknesses. All part of the fun and learning!

[@951media]

Great adventure. Jeep needs to fix that fuel tank pickup issue stat! Unacceptable. Hope the lockers get worked out quickly as well.

[@x3thelast]

Spotted you on base with the 392 pulling a different trailer. New video for it? TRAIL RECON! 🤘

[@pete101ize]

Awesome as usual! But after this video and several others I've seen I'm glad my Gladiator is an Overland model and not the Rubicon. The price was less to buy and I'll feel more confident with Eaton e-lockers and I need lower gears than 4:10 anyway. Gotta admit, you learn a lot from great videos like the ones you put out.

[@211Gus]

Good way to spend an hour at work 😁

[@kb6lcw99]

Morning CMC, time to PT before breakfast. MGySgt sends!

[@TrailRecon]

Oorah! Have a great workout!

[@scfreeman8]

DROP ZONE! Awesome driving!

[@ap.3679]

Love this!!

[@drunkengoblin]

I will gladly welcome to Texas ! Glad you enjoyed it . 🤠

[@moepassley6780]

Looked awesome.

[@Icantseeme]

Ohhh no Jeep problems!

[@ianpowers1571]

Loved my time at Merus! I stopped there traveling from New York to San Diego and that was my first real introduction to wheeling. Fantastic views and great people!

[@DirkvanReenen]

Glad you enjoyed it here Ian. Hope to see you back!

[@mitchellanderson7369]

Brad you should think about picking up a kinetic rope for when you need to help a friend in a sticky situation.

[@garretlewis4103]

Scenery was awesome. If we ever did it, it would have to be the easy version. I am sure you are a little frustrated when you pay the big money for a vehicle and it doesn’t work like it is supposed to. Hopefully you will get it fixed soon.

[@braamraubenheimer4946]

Awesome trip ! I'm watching from South Africa, can't go camping without boerewors 😁👌

[@douglasvamateurradioandmore]

Only about 14 hours from my house in AZ. I just might drop by next time I'm in the area.

[@pamelaschilling9464]

Very cool

[@foleyhund3860]

Ok...watched this. Looks like great fun. Just thought I'd add a bit of technique. When wheeling steep downhill add a bit of throttle and ride the brakes for speed control. The throttle will prevent brake lockup and assist in steering and directional control. Not an expert, just been doing this since the '70s. Enjoy the videos!

[@slowpokewrangler8752]

Brad, you why Dirk's jeep broke? You guys talked it up too much. You know Jeeps are made to keep you humbler. Another great video. Going to try and go out there.👍

[@merusadventure]

Hahahah! That’s exactly right!!

[@RinconPilot]

Haha, Brad jinxed him!

[@TrailRecon]

LOL! Yep, I think I might have

[@merusadventure]

Hahahah! We spoke about that!

[@justacarfan]

Love the sound on those 392’s

[@ZacTexC]

Nice! I’ve been there several times to hike the lighthouse, but didn’t know about this trail. I try to make this stop when I visit my home town in Texas.

[@Maximus_CaliforniaAdventures]

Wow looks like a great fun trail can't wait to do it

[@TrailRecon]

I could have stayed out there a few more days, love wheeling and exploring out there!

[@onestunner22]

I seen those icons on my dash earlier this year too. Oh such a familiar sight. It’s was a easy fix. It happens at the worst time always. It happened to me just before I drove out to Moab and Colorado. Still love the Jeep and had a blast on the trip.

[@stevenm.hollis4429]

Very nice! Very cool!

[@jamesmeadrs9309]

That’s why I’m getting an auto locker.

[@samvigil9835]

Should have just taken old faithful, the JK would have gotten you through easy peasy! There's a small chance I can come out to the summit next month! I hope to, would love to meet you and play on my new tires.

[@railfanoverlander]

I will have to head down there with my bronco.

[@TrailRecon]

You'll love it! I took the Bronco on the last trip and had a blast.

[@thegospelhomestead]

Cool vid😁 keep it up brad!

[@StraightPretzel]

Awesome video as always. And what a collection of patches. Where do u buy them or get them? Thx for putting up videos weekly ❤

[@alexweckwerth5155]

Glad I could help get yall out of the canyon, I would love to join on a adventure sometime and see what else the trx can do

[@dolguldur4706]

It can do a lot...just dont forget to carry as much gas in the back if you want to bring it home 🤘🏻😂

[@merusadventure]

Thank you again, that really helped us out! Hope to see you back at Merus soon!

[@livinthelife6056]

Loved the Ram pulling two jeeps out ! Made my day Power wagon owner 😁

[@justacarfan]

@@merusadventureIt’s a great park you have there. Congrats.

[@derekheuring2984]

@@livinthelife6056 Same here! We get a lot of flak from Jeep owners but at the end of the day it took a Ram to get them out. I work with a guy who just traded his Gladiator in on a Power Wagon and he loves it!

[@tomlievsay3245]

Brad when you are camping and cooking try useing Rice Bran oil, it is better than oillive oil and also takes more heat, very healthy. Tom L. OLE Drifter

[@TrailRecon]

Thanks, will have to check it out.

[@tomlievsay3245]

Brad I worked for Agriculture Reseach and we worked five years stabilising Rice bran. after that we could extract the oil and make food product out of it, give it a try and have Marco try it with his Scottle.

[@jaygonzales7198]

awesome times

[@tmchase7]

Great rigs, great trails, great scenery, great company, great food.....ahhhh gotta love the content, thanks!

[@TrailRecon]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@darksideemt]

I was driving to Ark for Rendezvous last week when my rear locker light started flashing. Mine is getting fixed tomorrow morning. Just so you know Matt said there is an after market fix for the issue which I will do after I'm out of warranty. Still can't wait to get up to Merus for a weekend it's about 6-7 hours from me.

[@philgriswold2133]

Great area and some beautiful scenery that is different is so many ways than what we see in the Southeast. Disappointing that the 8 year old Jeep had an issue, but unacceptable that Jeep has a common issue with the speed sensor, or whatever it was, but doesn't have a part for 6-8 weeks .If it's a common problem, there should be plenty of spares. Add to that what seems to be a design flaw where you run out of gas in a vehicle that was build to be used on extreme angles. I'm guessing that the new 392 Rubicon is a $70-80K vehicle before the dealer puts their ridiculous 15-20% dealer markup on it. Jeep/Chrysler should be embarrassed. You're a nicer guy than me, I would have been much harder on Jeep. By the way, great video.

[@thetrailoutthere]

They should really consider placing scavenger pumps in the fuel tank on jeeps and other offroad vehicles to prevent them from starving the engine of fuel at extreme angles. Kinda a like a dry sump oil system.

[@ajfarson]

There was a ghost in your soundtrack. I was distracted by the woman's voice periodically saying "beautiful!" 😄 Great video, thanks for taking so much time to record and edit great content.

[@DrGuang]

Brad, I hate to say it as I love Jeeps too, but they're junk. Chrysler is junk and all the vehicles they make is junk. Glad you were able to recover your 392! Safe travels and I am thankful I switched from a jeep to a Toyota FJ Cruiser. Best decision I've ever made.

[@christhenyah]

I loved it...I wish we had something like this here in Kenya.....

[@genaroolvera2240]

Amo los videos Trail Recon

[@GATORADDAM]

Amazing! I'm watching this from camp near Moab all the way from Florida. Cell booster doing it's thing. Haha.

[@TrailRecon]

Right on!

[@bwame]

Another awesome video! The km3s look so damn good. I am on my second set on my 4Runner . I am not into mudding but it is unavoidable at times here in the SE. When you need MTs you really need MTs. My old ko2s were super awesome but would turn into slicks way too quickly on tough, wet, muddy trails. For some reason seeing the km3s from this perspective makes them look even better!

[@V8AmericanMuscleCar]

Km3 is not aggressive for MT tire but it is amazing in the mud, even better than some way more aggressive tires. Also, road friendly. You gonna love it.

[@maxvoltolina9159]

You should go off-roading with mat’s off recovery team on KZbin in Utah once