Unbelievable Overland Disasters in Arizona

What's the worst disaster you've ever had on an adventure? I've been in Arizona for the 2024 Centerforce Adventure run for the last couple days and in this leg of the adventure we continue our exploring up into the Hualapai mountains to visit some interesting historical sites and tackles some fun difficult trails. Along the way, I take some time and talk with some of the folks in our group about what their worst adventure ever.
Be sure to check out Part 1 from this trip: • The WORST Overland Adv...
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[@GT_KREW]

Getting left behind definitely sucks, especially if you didn’t really those folks. I’ve only been on the trail a few times but always with a club, they always vouch not to leave anyone behind regardless of what is planned. I saw a few damaged vehicles but never left another behind 🤙🏿🤙🏿🤙🏿

[@adventureswithcorrine]

Yep. I love Arizona too. We have four seasons, just like the rest of the US: Sugaro season, Cedar season 1, Ponderosa season, Cedar Season 2. The difference is that you have to tour the state to experience the seasons! That's not a bug, it's a feature 😎. Thanks to you and a few others on YT, along with OnX Maps, I know exactly where to go to experience the season I want!

[@pjfan173]

Can’t thank you enough for taking the time to record and produce this adventure and take us along for the ride.

[@jonathonsmith7694]

That Toyotas girls story was kinda sad, the group left? Not one person could help besides her friend?

[@landonwebster9004]

As a fellow Veteran and Purple Heart recipient (wounded in Afghanistan in 2008), I always will be appreciative of all military medical personnel. As a Light Infantry Platoon Sergeant when I was hit, were it not for my platoon medic, I would not be here today. So great to see what you are doing with your Gladiator "Doc" and what you want that Jeep to represent. I myself have a modified '22 Gladiator named "Sarge" that would look great parked next to Doc ☺ Great stuff!

[@JohnMurphy-dw6ml]

That water coming out of that spring is at least 50+ degrees all year long. That’s how those fish can survive in the cold temperatures.

[@dalekarraker6851]

I enjoyed how you turned your "bummer" experience on your wind-flattened campout to a positive memory with some laughs with your son. Reminded me of the time in about 1970/71 I was hunting with my dad and brother near Young, AZ and it rained and rained and rained for more than three straight days. Everything was soaked and we were tired and muddy and grumpy. We gave up and went home. My dad must have called home when we stopped for gas ( Idon't remember) because when we got home my mother had hot tomato soup and toasted cheese sandwiches ready for us. Tasted SO good and everything was fine after that. To this very day tomato soup and toasted cheese saandwich is my favorite comfort food and I always think of my mom and dad when I have it. Thanks for taking us all along.

[@mikebiron7339]

Hats off to the guys with the full sized trucks. WOW. Still figuring out some life changes, but will see you out on the trails soon with my XJ.

[@chadgraber4575]

Awesome video as usual, Brad. When I left active duty my goal was to live a nearly permanent overland lifestyle. Your channel was and is one of my main inspirations. Love it. Cheers.

[@billbarker3715]

Nice to see and hear from Marco.

[@karelesterhuizen7117]

Just loved your journey as always, Brad, thank you.

[@christopherharris6005]

Awesome video as always Brad. This was an epic adventure full of awesome people and a bunch of awesome looking rig.

[@taurota1554]

Outstanding and awesome as always.Thanks for sharing and taking us along

[@JS-ov9jb]

Constantly impressed with this channel. You're a great person and inspire many. Stay safe. BEAT NAVY!

[@blueduster74]

My worst wasn’t on the trail. A broken trans mount is the worst thing on the trail, the ole Ramcharger has always saved its problems for the road there or back. 2013 Sarah and I did Moab for our honeymoon, Vista, CA to Moab and back, 4 days of wheeling. Turned into 3, the radiator I’d had rebuilt the year before ruptured just outside Mesquite, NV the night of the drive up. It was 2pm the next day before the CarQuest got a radiator in. The rest of the drive there was plagued by a failed reman NAPA starter and heater valve that froze shut. I long since converted the truck to a NV4500 so we were able to roll it down a hill in St George, left it running in Green river for our gas stop. But a pre winter storm rolled in while we were in St George and we had to change from our SoCal t-shirts and shorts to jeans, flannels and jackets. Sarah had to use a blanket too as we went through the storm all up the I-15 and across the I-70. Then the wipers failed. The old nylon bushings Dodge used forever. Changed the starter the next morning at the Moab KOA, which they were not happy about. They don’t want you working on vehicles there. Rest of the stay went well, no issues. Trip home was fine until we were near Baker. Traffic jam back up in the 110* heat was too much for the cheap parts store radiator. We spent the last night of our honeymoon at that now closed Baker (Sarah calls it Bates) hotel. No parts stores in Baker, my father in law brought us a radiator the next morning from SD. I discovered after we got home I’d broken my frame, likely on Steelbender. So that was a major fix before we went again in 2014. I did that at home in my driveway, plated and reinforced, still going 10 yrs later.

[@backwoodstherapy]

Jesus Christ man that sounds rough. One hell of a honeymoon.

[@davidgarcia2491]

All of the editing, voice overs, camera, and drone footage. When Senior commits to something, he commits! Awesome products.. incredible! I wasn't far from there just last week on the dirt bike... Best channel out there

[@markperza384]

Wow what a great adventure!! Loved the stories. Thanks Brad!!

[@toddrodgers5108]

Great trail adventure with amazing stories. I love the international, and Honcho jeep. I have a 62 willeys overland jeep station wagon. Thank you and Blessings

[@cbh76]

As a fellow Tacoma driver listening to all these Jeep breakdown stories, I was waiting to hear what she had to say. And then she told a story of her old Jeep breaking down haha.

[@billbarker3715]

And the taco had to get pulled out.

[@cbh76]

@@billbarker3715 Jeeps are more capable but Toyotas are more reliable. Choose your fighter haha.

[@RodeTacomaSR]

and i thought she was going to be upset because they left her lol

[@toddhoffmaster6057]

@@RodeTacomaSR I definitely would have been upset. That is not something that you should do to newcomers or anyone for that matter.

[@ascentoffroad]

@@billbarker3715 poor line choice. These things happen.

[@bigtime6837]

Brad my dad and I took the Apache pop up out for a boys weekend when I was 15. Wind was blowing so hard we had to chain it to the truck to keep it from blowing into the river. We couldn’t even get it to the hitch cause we could take it down!!! Great memory we still laugh about 40 years later!!!!

[@overlandv10]

Great video, Brad! Thanks for sharing.

[@rubiconadventurewithscotty3258]

Great story telling, great video angles, great production - this is what Brad does best, Trail Stories of his Adventures Thank you again

[@samerdiabx]

What an absolutely great video!! With the drone shots, sunset, sunrise.. just amazing!

[@Dallas88888]

Your videos are so wonderful to watch. Thank you so much for sharing them.

[@RobertJl9516]

Thanks Brad for another rich and colorful off road video. Enjoyed immensely.

[@nickbrown3386]

The quality of your videos are excellent, thanks for the content Brad.

[@toddhoffmaster6057]

Another great overland series of our great state. Thank you Brad, for taking us on an adventure round the northern parts of AZ.

[@felicelgato59]

Never disappointed my friend, thanks

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you!

[@DocHoliday-to6kp]

You are so good at shooting spectacular scenery.. Thanks for sharing.

[@Jjhdezjr28]

Awesome adventure, great stories along the way, whether they were good or bad. That's what makes it awesome and challenging. Like that older gladiator 😊

[@frankjacoby9460]

Great personal stories, sharing adventure mishaps are always easier among friends 👍🏼

[@user-vi3lx5mn9f]

A Fantastic Video. Love the comraderie the never give up attitude!!!! And the Love for Off Roading!!!!! Great to see Marcos!!! A Beautiful group of people. If I ever get a jeep, your the BEST people to travel with!!!!!!!

[@reneepowell8541]

Couldn't agree more Brad, challenges add to the adventure and make for great stories. Some folks call it Type 2 fun...maybe not all that fun when it is happening but in retrospect you look back and smile at the memory. Like my Dad used to say, it's just "great being out". Take care!

[@gofasters1]

Great video and adventure.

[@TealOxAdv]

Love the stories and scenery.

[@gustavovilla45]

I really enjoyed the detailed expression of the journey on the trails. Maybe one day I will venture on one. God bless

[@joet068]

That was an amazing experience. I enjoyed all the sights. 😊

[@tombuckley4600]

Loved the video Brad, your new intro is cool, great trail, cool rigs, Trent’s International is killer, DOC looks awesome and with Marco there I’m sure y’all ate good. I loved that big camping area, Arizona is beautiful, while everyone had a story about their bad trips, everyone still fights the fight. Great video as usual.

[@chrissolomon8868]

Another awesome adventure....just loved the narration ,felt so happy as if iam with you guys in this adventure...keep up the awesome adventure ❤ love from india

[@lukedeloye6101]

🔥🔥 as always great video and hope to be able to do some trails with yall

[@Ace-vn2ch]

Thanks for sharing

[@garymoore3446]

Great video!

[@phelandeluna5439]

I love that old Gladiator!

[@homerfeltheim12345]

Great video. Reminds me why I love living in Arizona

[@dougfarrell9268]

Hi Brad. I always watch your videos. Just when I think you have it nailed you set the bar higher. The scenery was beautiful and you really capture the sense of adventure and comeradery of wheeling with friends. I will miss you and Regena in Flagstaff next week. Take care.

[@RanchoTexano]

Another great adventure video! Btw the little pig-like animal with teeth is a Javelina pronounced Hav-a-lee-na 😂

[@jimandvalstravelchannel]

Great video Brad!

[@jimandvalstravelchannel]

Brad, do you think an F550, with 4” lift and 43” single-track military tires will go up to Mariana Mine? Truck is long with crew cab and camper on it -think EarthRoamer.

[@tomassanesson902]

Soo amazing awesome trail

[@skeeterbug9875]

Thanks!

[@ironhorse9216]

A Helen Keller quote as an introduction to an off-road driving video? 😂

[@weshawkins7165]

What a great channel and a great wheeling trip. I’m in Northern California an hour from the Rubicon and Sierra Trek trail. I’m using out in my 88 Cherokee with my metal detectors and prospecting gear.

[@zmotorpro]

Thanks for the ride along Brad! Excellent video. Did you have to use your front locker at all for that trail run? Just curious. Looks like the gladiator did well there.

[@TrailRecon]

I don't recall using my front locker, but had we been climbing instead of descending, it might have got some use.

[@amateurshooter6054]

Thanks Brad

[@carlosnsosa99]

Love these videos and wish I could join you on one of these trips

[@user-gb1yq7zg9q]

Enjoy all your videos, I would love to see a more detailed video of your build, like what skid plates you chose, what wheel offset you went with, fender liners you use, items like these and how they have been working for you. Hope to see you on the trail sometime. Take care

[@rionstretton8133]

Awesome new subscriber great channel. From Australia

[@Thomzombie303]

amazing sunset

[@mikebishop4346]

I’ve been watching your channel for awhile and I’m going to say that was pretty impressive trail and you guys made it look not easy but like real seasoned 4 wheelers . Great video

[@vernvartdal6479]

I've never had a "worst" adventure. If I had to pick one it would be the first time on black bear pass not seeing a boulder sticking out below the window line and turning too tight to it causing a pretty bad gash to the passenger door and a little touch on the rear door. We got to the bottom, I put a black bear pass sticker on it that remains in place today and has started many conversations within the community, usually including laughter. We've had some pretty technical recoveries which I consider fun and success, not worst. I suppose I won the wheels off award once (nothing to do with 4x4). We don't talk about that one...

[@teddonley9594]

Every Toyota fan just blamed the driver lol

[@jeepinintexas6215]

Somehow, I just knew that Tacoma was going to have issues going through that section.

[@teddonley9594]

@@jeepinintexas6215 I really don't have a problem with the Toyotas. They are great on fire roads and dirt roads.

[@LexusGX460-OFF-ROAD]

every hi-center is driver error

[@teddonley9594]

@LexusGX460-OFF-ROAD Ladies and Gentlemen, I present the Toyota fan. 😆 I'm just yanking your chain don't get upset.

[@ascentoffroad]

Because it was.

[@BiO811HazarD]

Your comments on the wildlife got me wondering. What do you all do to stay safe in bear country? Do you leave food in your vehicles overnight or do you use bear cans? I have a soft top wrangler and leaving food in there worries me a bit.

[@australiantruckspotting8883]

The old International is a beast and I love the Cherokee Comanche. We never got those in Australia, unfortunately.

[@blakekelley8579]

Great video. Thanks for taking us along. I loved the aerial drone shots as well. CRAZY QUESTION - How do you steer the drone when you are in your Jeep? AWESOME

[@NeverlandAdventures_]

Great adventure. My JT Sport S would have to bypass the rock section lol.

[@backwoodstherapy]

Maybe not. I'm on a Sport S JLU, 3" lift on 35s and while I've not done super hard wheeling, I haven't found a trail yet I've had to take a bypass on. I do have it regeared to 4.88s and it has the rear limited slip, however.

[@jimstanford9899]

There used to be goldfish in China Garden Spring in Darwin Wash. The road has been washed out by last year's rains and the remnants of Hurricane Hillary so I don't know if they survived. Fantastic trip!

[@dman900dl]

I was going to mention that. I haven’t been there for a few years. But I bet the fish are OK; I suspect they’ve been there for decades.

[@scottl.2163]

Sorry, I can’t resist “javelin”😂😂😂😂

[@maxcharlesburrell5977]

I enjoy watching your channel and the places you go. I would love to do what you do but financially unable to do what you and your friends do. I live my fantasy thru what you guys do. Thank you very much. There is only on thing I would like to mention to you. In some of your videos you mentioned javelinas. The J in this case sounds like an H as in HAS.

[@j.b.708]

the best memories come from the craziest trips.

[@claytonkinnikin3451]

Awesome video as always. Just a heads up the "J" is silent in Javelina. Those suckers are mean to. Keep up the good work, happy trails.

[@rwadecarter9806]

Worst? Helicopter. floods. then there are the waterfalls. Lost in Central Mexico. oh,, and those are the Fun Great ones!

[@HaroldCundal]

Man, that M-715 is a beautiful rig! 😍

[@therealtimmymctimface]

Thanks! It’s mine.

[@HaroldCundal]

Love it!

[@crazy-eyewoodguy4489]

Quoting AJR (a band) 100 bad days makes 100 good stories. 100 good stories makes me interesting at parties! If you think of it that way. it makes the bad day a little easier to take 😉

[@anthonyarmijo]

Great follow up video Brad. Nice to see you changed to a Gazelle tent to try out. I've done that trail once before and it's a blast, a good mix of terrain. There are some great hidden campsites around there as well in the small canyons. Doc is looking amazing, but I still think you should have gone with 37s. Just my personal opinion but perfect overall size for highway and off road use. Especially when on 37s when aired down.

[@TrailRecon]

Appreciate it! I'm happy with the Gazelle. I'm not saying I'm never putting 37 on Doc, but for now I honestly don't feel the need to.

[@anthonyarmijo]

Nice I was also thinking of getting a Gazelle tent. Being I'm a Veteran also I kinda like sleeping on the ground in a tent. Much better than just a mummy bag, Pancho for a half tent or lean-to, and a gas mask as a pillow lol

[@GeorgiaJackson1986]

Hank said bork bork!

[@jeepinintexas6215]

Damn! $4.49 for gas. Guess its still cheaper than California though.

[@J.Young808]

And Honolulu, $4.59-$5.09 for regular

[@jeepinintexas6215]

@@J.Young808 lol, $3.20 here in DFW area Texas. It was under $3 2 weeks ago.

[@JasonSmithKingazjay]

As someone who has hiked the Hualapais as many times as I have, it is very common to run into a mountain lion! 😂 and a couple of bobcats.

[@lyndonhamby7432]

Brad looks like the 35s did great 👍🏻👍🏻🇺🇸

[@user-qn4sw1ky2m]

Been to that mansion a million times and never tried going down the trail...to see if it was any easier..

[@NaturesChild]

Nice adventure! I noticed Jason of Autoedits at the end. Was this your first time on the trail with him?

[@alfa8822]

Good video. You never showed the damage to your right rear from the tree encounter.

[@jvrotter]

Great video. What kind of tent are you using. Looks pretty cool

[@cbh76]

Looks like a Gazelle T4. Could be the smaller T3 though.

[@explor360]

Probably the T3 as the T4 is longer than the bed of the Gladiator when packed up unless he wants to carry it diagonally

[@deadspeed6679]

What front bumper is on that MJ!!

[@JTheMoneyable]

Hey @trailrecon what mudflaps are those on the Gladiator? they look perfect for what I want for my truck. Thanks in advance!

[@user-yg7rj7kn9x]

$4.49 for gas - the pleasure of wheeling anywhere that is NOT California :)

[@jeepinintexas6215]

Lol that is still high for 87 octane. It's $3.22 here in Texas.

[@user-yg7rj7kn9x]

@@jeepinintexas6215 $6.49 Chevron in Sacramento. count your Texan blessings :) :)

[@backwoodstherapy]

​@@jeepinintexas6215yeah I'm in TN and filled up today for $3.29 I think. I read this thinking "does he think $4.50 a gallon is cheap?" It's all relative, I guess.

[@castleadventures117]

I need to move to TX or TN lol

[@jeepinintexas6215]

​@@castleadventures117please don't, there's already too many people coming here and traffic sucks because of it.

[@GT_KREW]

Quick question, have you always used regular gas and is there a difference if you use premium? TIA

[@louissantoscoy6461]

Are there any trips planned to Colorado or the sierras? We prefer the pines more than cactus.

[@vanquish_engineering]

What psi do you air down to, 20? I'm surprised at both non-bead and 35. I run with 35's, but plan on 38's with 5:13 and Dana 60's. Curious your thoughts, and, Semper Fi doc 😊

[@AustinH7]

I routinely air down to 13-15 with non beadlock wheels. Never had any issues.

[@JeffCanyon]

Afternoon Brad, Is Trail Recon going to be a Expo West this week? Thanks Jeff

[@davidanthony7864]

Brad, did you change your camera? The resolution isn't very good. Just wondering if it's a new camera or my internet. Either way, still a great video! Love watching!

[@tylerbarrick749]

Do you have one interviewing folks about their favorite gear? 😊

[@erinhowell6569]

What bed cap is that? I'm trying to find something like that for my RAM 1500. Any suggestions?

[@J.Young808]

I think he has a build video where he states which bed cap he is running

[@harleymichael281]

Hi Brad, You said that your group would be heading north from your location on Yavapai Ranch road at the end of video. Did you find your self intersecting with Williamson family road exiting Seligman?

[@befoot]

I know that area well and last bit looked like camp wood road....I'll have to ask Jesse next time i see him

[@ssb83221]

Is there any way to get a copy of the route you took through the Owyhee Canyonlands? I'd love to make that drive.

[@johnehlen2493]

What size were the tires on that Tacoma?

[@AustinH7]

Hey Brad quick question, I’m looking at getting a gladiator to maybe replace my 2 door JK. Just curious how the gladiator handles heavy cross winds on the highway? My JK is almost dangerous to drive on windy highways.

[@pjfan173]

I just bought a 2023 gladiator rubicon and on my first highway trip of about 200 miles it was crazy windy. Besides being incredibly noisy, like 94 decimals, its handling was really really good. I will definitely use my noise cancelling AirPods.

[@markmills2798]

Hey Brad! How is the Gladiator feeling on the 35s still? Also for a guy picking up a Jeep soon. Would you (or anyone here) recommend 35s for a daily Jeep? Or stick with 33s?

[@markmills2798]

Disclaimer I made the comment before I made it to the point in the video where you mentioned the 35s performing haha

[@backwoodstherapy]

​@@markmills2798it all depends on what you want out of your jeep. I got my JLU Sport and was like "I'll be happy with some 33s and some new rims and that's it." Spoiler: it was not it. I'm currently on a teraflex 3" lift, 35s (same exact tire as Brad), Rubicon rock rails, wheel spacers (upgrading to a non-stock wheel in a month or so), 4.88 gears, Fox 2.0 steering stabilizer, Rancho shocks, adjustable front track bar, and more. You'll always have the itch to go bigger. Get the next upgrade. I still want a steel bumper and winch. I'm considering 37" KO2s on my next setup of tires. My Ridge Grapplers are wearing well, probably not even half gone with 20k miles on them, but that E load rating is _harsh._ Wish I had gone with C or D rated tire. Sidewall is very stiff, and it's worse in the cold (tire compound plays a big part here). Overall, I think 35s are a good choice for daily driving and weekend trail running. Just avoid the E rated tires. My two cents.

[@backwoodstherapy]

​@@markmills2798my advice is buy quality parts. Teraflex is a good brand that won't break the bank. If you're going to go with 3" or less lift, a lift that includes springs, sway bar end links, bump stops, and lower control arms is all you need (plus shocks). An adjustable track bar for the front is highly recommended if you go more than an inch and a half on a lift kit (recenters your axle). Get extended front lower control arms. I repeat: _get extended front lower control arms._ Adjustable are great, but even an inexpensive non-adjustable set (like the kind that comes with the teraflex sport 2.5" lift) makes a _huge_ difference in driveability. Don't cheap out, and do it right the first time. Again, you don't have to buy a $5000 lift when a $700 lift is all you need. But a $300 spacer lift probably won't give you the performance you're looking for, either. Also, keep in mind that when a lift says it's "2.5 inches" or "3.5 inches", that's based on a _rubicon_ suspension, which already sits an inch higher than a Sport or Sahara. So a 2.5" suspension lift kit (springs, not spacers) will actually give 3.5" of lift on a non-rubicon. I have the teraflex 2.5" lift paired with a 0.5" puck spacer (to compensate for steel bumpers, eventually) and that combo actually lifted me a full 4" over stock. Sorry for the rambling, hope I helped.

[@vinuezaer]

I see I don't have to take my mud guards off when wheeling. Good to know

[@offgridmangogrower]

The scout caught my attention….what Cummins is in it…?

[@user-qn4sw1ky2m]

Town is called Seligman

[@hfk1001]

Great video as always. Going to nit-pick on that quote though: it's nonsense. Got the same vibe from the quote in the last TR video, although I can't recall exactly what it said.

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you and regarding the quotes, I suppose we can agree to disagree.

[@Yungpinkyring]

🔥