Wheeling The Hardest Trail At Rausch Creek! My Jeep Gets Some Body Damage

Рет қаралды 172,944

5 жыл бұрын

A few weeks ago during my trip to Rausch Creek Offroad Park, I decided to try Crucible! Crucible is a new trail, and is said to be the hardest trail at the park.
This trail has no bypasses, no side exits, no way out other than to finish the trail... It’s knarly.
Most of you know that I finished my Junkyard 1 ton swap, and I really wanted to test the new axles out.
So I decided to push my Jeep Wrangler and see how it could do! As you can tell, It’s a very tight trail, and the further you go on the trail, the bigger the rocks get.
The first major obstacle is a very off-camber hill, with a tree on the passenger side, and a large rock right in the middle. It’s hard to see on the GoPro, but the rock is huge (enough for me to highcenter with 40s). You can’t drive up the hill towards driver side due to the off camber hill. This is a challenging spot, I think some momentum would be the key instead of crawling the rock. However too much speed and you’ll end up rolling your Jeep.
After pinning myself to the tree, we decided to try to winch the Jeep to the side via a snatch block to the rear bumper. The winch pull location was less than ideal, however it was the only tree suitable for a heavy load. Once we started winching, it was actually working!! The Jeep moved off the tree about a foot, untils the angle from the winch line pull was too much, the bumper frayed the synthetic line and SNAP!
We tied a new knot in the line and proceeded to winch forward, ultimately damaging the hardtop and getting a good amount of body damage on the rear quarter panel.
Halfway through the trail, a huge storm rolled in (hence the sudden change in lighting), so we sped it up and finished off the trail.
Overall it was an awesome trail, and was a fun, challenging experience in my Jeep. If your looking to test your Jeep, and don’t mind some damage then try it out next time your there! Or at least walk it to see the awesome size of the rocks.
Thanks for watching! Stay tuned for some body repair videos, a winch line replacement video and a video of Cassie and I testing out our new Jeep Gladiator on the trails! Make sure to give the video a thumbs up and subscribe for more!
Possible new top: amzn.to/2JPrzcb
Replacement winch line: amzn.to/2XY1dKl
Corner armor options: amzn.to/32MvoI2
amzn.to/2SnGwX3

Пікірлер: 552

@JeepGearGadgets 5 жыл бұрын

The LJ soft top looks worse than the torn up hard top... Might as well replace both right?!

@JKGearandGadgets 5 жыл бұрын

I mean, I’m down 🤘

@jacman619 5 жыл бұрын

Looks like you just got the green light Ben! 👍😁

@JKGearandGadgets 5 жыл бұрын

Cass.... I accidentally broke the gladiator axles on the way to work this morning.... and all tires got a sidewall slash. Might as well do one tons and 42s right??

@joshuatiffany5594 5 жыл бұрын

Hey man. I have some questions for you. Can I get a cell # or email?

@jacman619 5 жыл бұрын

Might as well check with her to see if a Hemi swap for the Gladiator is ok too! 😀 Good luck with that Ben. 👍 I enjoy your videos you two and thanks for sharing your adventures!

@andyfrancis5277 5 жыл бұрын

Too many spotters for sure, especially the undecided ones...passenger...no no..driver..no no straight. Overall, I'd say the Jeep did one hell of a job, cameras never do justice but I could tell that was some serious wheelin. Thumbs up to you and the Jeep, my junk would never do it.

@bradbrabson4475 5 жыл бұрын

So many lessons learned the hard way in one video. Spotting, winching, line choice. Driving in fear of damage usually leads to more.

@JKGearandGadgets 5 жыл бұрын

I wouldn’t say lessons learned the hard way. Spotting was crowded yes, winching was setup with the only available option, and line choice was very limited in that spot, the only factor I could have changed was the speed over that one spot, and I’m not entirely confident that a little bump wouldn’t have lead to a rollover. I’ve been wheeling for a long time, and I think any Jeep JKU will have similar struggles on this trail.

@joeybarrentine5714 5 жыл бұрын

That trail ain't no joke. Those aren't dents they are trail tattoos

@1111Overland 5 жыл бұрын

Love the video. Thanks for being willing to share the damage. Some people don’t want to show weakness, thinking that it implies they are not good at GP, but I think this shows the exact opposite. Shows strength and a willingness to constantly improve. Good lesson for all of us. Look forward to seeing what you do with hardtop versus soft top!

@angelmvniz 2 жыл бұрын

One thing I admire is your absolute respect for nature. Others (not everyone) would have chainsaw the tree out of the way. Instead you choose to tore up your hardtop (which is very expensive) rather than cut the tree. Bravo senor!

@RyanRKJ 5 жыл бұрын

You sir are no joke. Subscribed. I would not run anything but a buggy on a trail like that.

@mikem5831 5 жыл бұрын

looked like fun. After taking the top off when Dakota drops down you can tell just how big the rocks were there.

@williamj.barnhartjr.3108 5 жыл бұрын

I just found your channel I normally don't watch the newer Jeep stuff but I like you thanks for sharing can't wait to see what's next. God Bless you and your family.

@prestoc3034 4 жыл бұрын

Nice Jeep you got there! About 14 years ago, I tried to drive a honda three wheeler on a part of a trial almost like that one, and it was somewhat downhill that I went for about a quarter mile...(lol) I ended up walking by my three wheeler while carefully throttling it over the big rocks, back to where I started. I will never forget that day.

@jimschmidt4089 5 жыл бұрын

That trail was intense! Hats off to you for completing it. You've built a heck of a rig that's very capable. As always looking forward to your next "Learning DIY" video!

@Travcity1 5 жыл бұрын

That was crazy. Some of the best video on you tube. Great job. Great attitude. I personally would have never done that trail, at least not with a newer Jeep.

@omitthelies 5 жыл бұрын

I love your attitude at the end of the video towards the damage. It's true, it's a Jeep and you can repair it. All part of the sport...thumbs up!

@michaelmurray2592 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you for sharing this video with us Ben. I believe you can fix that damage on your Jeep. Keep the videos coming brother!

@607703 5 жыл бұрын

I got 3 dents on my roof by my rain gutter from pivoting the Jeep off a big tree almost like what you did. It sucks but it happens when you want to wheel and have fun. Especially when wheeling in Forest wooded areas just like you said! Great job with knowing when to stop and evaluate your options and stuff.

@chillyc1368 5 жыл бұрын

Whoa! Lots of respect for tackling that gnarly trail.

@Coyote-Baba-Yaga 5 жыл бұрын

I would have been cutting a lot of trees out of the way LOL

@ecranch7331 5 жыл бұрын

That's the kinda crap that gets us kicked off the trails

@Crawlerjamie 5 жыл бұрын

Love the good quality crawling footage. Love watching this almost as much as driving it. More of this 🤘🏻

@petemiller519 4 жыл бұрын

Amazing how capable your Jeep is. That's one hell of a trail. I would definitely sit that one out. Cheers.

@lawrencemason9091 5 жыл бұрын

Dakota: "Just buy a Gladiator now" Ben: "So I bought this Gladiator...."

@JKGearandGadgets 5 жыл бұрын

Hahahaha I thought it was funny, not the reason I bought it. But when I was editing the footage I had to include it 😂

@toddhoffmaster6057 5 жыл бұрын

I just subscribed to your channel 2 reasons - excellent attitude and because your Jeep is freakin awesome. So not a mall cruiser.

@scottkreiger424 2 жыл бұрын

I’ve watched this video a couple times but my almost 3 year old wants to watch over and over. He seems to love your videos (this one in particular).

@nwatkins176 4 жыл бұрын

We walked that trail last Sunday, it is way harder then it looks on video. Sucks about the damage, but good job trying it.

@ekuryluk 5 жыл бұрын

We were at RC 3 weeks ago, drove by the entrance to Crucible. There was no way I was going through there with my little 35s on a 2” lift. The exit looked like giant shark teeth. Glad you had fun on it and have a positive attitude about the damage.

@micahb5659 5 жыл бұрын

big props for the stick. i drive a 94 yota 4runner with a 5 speed off road. loved that trail

@spinuck9180 5 жыл бұрын

Great vid. As you said the pics and vids never do the trails justice. That trail definitely looks intense. Glad you're in good spirits after the damage to the JK. Look forward to the next vid!

@evintacy7272 5 жыл бұрын

I wish I could help you pull that out for ya Ben,,, Body Man slash painter is what I do every day!!! Awesome video Ben can't wait for next one !!

@larrythebostonredneck7093 5 жыл бұрын

Good Job, enjoyed every dent. You got my thumbs-Up!

@masterchief586 4 жыл бұрын

Looks like you have a few badges of honor brother, happy wheein'.

@bluejeangirl30 3 жыл бұрын

I would be terrified and excited at the same time! Awesome trail!

@toddgibbs1321 5 жыл бұрын

Dude, I love your Jeep! Bummer on the damage, but way to push your rig. That’s what you built it for.

@fordracerforever 5 жыл бұрын

Now that’s what I call a real jeeper! It’s awesome how you see trail damage as future fix it yourself video!

@marcspaz 5 жыл бұрын

Outstanding! You did a great job. I was shocked when that winch line popped. And yes, video footage does ZERO justice to show the size of the rocks or the steep angles. I love Rausch Creek, but I am not prepped for Reds. I have a JKUR on a 3.5" Game Changer and 35's. Black trails are it for me. Maybe legit 38's with some fresh gears and I might try it. We'll see what Santa brings me this year. LOL

@2K11FJ 4 жыл бұрын

DUDE you were SAVAGE on that trail. Great work.

@duketamalco7865 5 жыл бұрын

Awesome job on the trail! Great video

@bawrenches 5 жыл бұрын

I love your channel. I’m a die hard jeeper and your content is awesome

@RubiconUnlimited 5 жыл бұрын

Wow that trail exit was nuts. Great job either way!

@apangelinan 5 жыл бұрын

That was absolutely insane, Way to navigate through and making it out without having to be towed or carried out on a stretcher. :-) Nice riding.

@dcsoccerplaya 5 жыл бұрын

Love the positive attitude bro! I go wheeling all the time at Rausch! Definitely not doing the Crucible! Yikes!

@jnightrod 5 жыл бұрын

That’s a bad ass rig. Trying to get mine to the point where the only thing I have to worry about is body damage. Nice vid.

@JoseGonzalez-xb8lg 5 жыл бұрын

Wow that that Jeep is a BEAST!!!

@ifp123 4 жыл бұрын

Never gets old watching this a 3rd time. Right now I'm trying to find any vids you have on aftermarket brakes.

@JKGearandGadgets 4 жыл бұрын

Sadly I don’t have any. My recommendation is the crown (RT) big brake setup, or powerstop kit, or the powerstop big brake kit

@ifp123 4 жыл бұрын

@@JKGearandGadgets LOL! I just found it - May 3, 2019 JK 1-ton swap video

@BlueCollarBachelor 5 жыл бұрын

Learn to splice your own winch rope. You can buy Amsteel Blue for $2 a foot. Keep your length down so you get more pull off your drum (60 ft or so) and use an extension if you have to reach out. It's super easy to splice rope. Chicks dig body damage. It'll buff out. Good luck!

@BiggerBetterFaster 3 жыл бұрын

a 2nd on learning to splice rope, a bic pen and black tape are always in my glovebox, and the repair takes longer to dig out the peices, then to do the splice and the splice end up stronger then the rest of the rope. nice run through some cool rocks though

@tommegargee1277 5 жыл бұрын

Roush creek is awsome. Been there a few times. 4x4 for life.

@JohnBamban 5 жыл бұрын

Good video bro.... this is how I went to a soft top AND corner armor.. I'd definitely do that trail.. looked rad

@GunNut37086 4 жыл бұрын

That was a gnarly trail. I think you came out better than most would have. Good attitude too...shit happens.

@megarza18 5 жыл бұрын

Loved your content and overall attitude, jeeps get hurt sometimes, its part of the fun, i myself never repair dents on my TJ

@corgily 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the video. The trail looks fun, reminds me of SOB @ AOAA.

@ap1986 5 жыл бұрын

This is why I haven't done any crazy trails yet. All my buddies call me a mall crawler ever since I upgraded from my JK. But look man, I just got this damn jeep and I'm not ready for body damage yet lmao. But great vid!

@peternorthrup6274 2 жыл бұрын

All those guys that build a truck and never get it dirty and call themselves off roaders? Not you!!! Your the real deal.

@alphas2win 3 жыл бұрын

Seen a lot of black trail vids. This is the first red I’ve seen. Oh my word!! Wow!!

@nachovalenti 5 жыл бұрын

Great video and thanks for sharing.

@vb7913 2 жыл бұрын

Thats the most extreme rock crawling I’ve ever seen! Awesome!

@susada 3 жыл бұрын

Good thing you guys got out before that rain soaked those rocks....solid vid

@OutbackOutlaw 5 жыл бұрын

Bloody hell is all I can say. Frikn couldn’t get the smile off my face

@paul1933 5 жыл бұрын

Nice Jeep!! My zj is older than time but gets the job done

@702cyco 5 жыл бұрын

Man, that looks fun!!! Being in Nevada we dont have a lot of stuff like that.. Well tree opsticals, rain or the mud.. we rate trails on a 1 threw 10 scale. Hard to tell on video but that looked like a 5 or 6.. fun stuff tho!!! As always enjoyed your video and cant wait for the next one!!

@DarkMagnetarX 4 жыл бұрын

Looking forward to seeing you repair the rail/dent. I bought a used JK and when I removed the hard top the first time I found that the rail was dented like yours.

@scottfletcher199 5 жыл бұрын

Great Video as usual! I hate you were damaged. Glad you weren't hurt though.

@606curvekillas7 5 жыл бұрын

Don’t think I would try it but I give you props for doing it nice rig by the way

@DaysofPainandVictory 5 жыл бұрын

gnarly trail, great job!

@fourlowadventures3921 5 жыл бұрын

Definitely looking forward to the repair video haha. I actually have the same damage on my Jeep. Right at the top corner of the windshield and the back corner by the tail light. I do got body armor on it now though but it's still bent up underneath.

@manuelrivera6621 5 жыл бұрын

Hi this is RedRex1 really cool video awesome Offroad rock crawling at rauschcreek crucible trail is no joke you will break a lot of beautiful Offroad component and equipment. so remember if anyone does crucible it will be nice and expensive . thanks Ben nice video , and hope to you at Rauschcreek on the trails oneday.

@rooseveltbroome8021 5 жыл бұрын

Wow bro! That trail was hard! I love the crocs on the trails. Lol! Nice upgrade though.

@sinjin667 5 жыл бұрын

WOW Ben , Sorry for the Damage , Looked like fun though .

@erikdahl3171 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the video! Take my TJ on 35's on some blacks, but avoid the reds. Will continue to do so since I have to drive it home after! Just ordered a low mileage JKU Rubicon Hardrock, so thanks for all the mod video's on your JK as well!

@charleswithey5282 5 жыл бұрын

Awesome video!! Yes I would run that trail. Great attitude you have also. It's just a Jeep and expect damage and have fun!!!!

@carlosjaramillo8991 4 жыл бұрын

Love seeing those 36hrs of Uwharrie shirts with Scott's name on them.

@grmjoker5546 4 жыл бұрын

Man any time rocks are involved a short wheelbase is best, but this was put the bad in badass

@justinhall5580 5 жыл бұрын

That was a hardcore trail. No I wouldn't try it! Great job.

@lror 5 жыл бұрын

Battle scars are cool 😎 Turning into it (passanger) would have kicked your rear away from the tree. But as you said hindsight is 20/20. Great driving all up, peace from Aussie land ✌

@JKGearandGadgets 5 жыл бұрын

I was afraid to turn passenger more because it got more offcamber that way. But who knows, I might try that next time, with the top off lol!

@Georgia4Low 5 жыл бұрын

WHAT A GNARLY TRAIL RIDE MAN!!!!!

@vgullotta 5 жыл бұрын

Check out SMD SunFlash for your hard top repair. The stuff is amazing! No catalyst needed, you just make the repair in your garage with the door closed, and then when you think you have it nice enough, you just move it out into the sunlight and it cures in like 30 seconds. I have used it a few times and am always impressed with how fast it cures as soon as the sunlight hits it. You can also use a blacklight to cure it as well I believe. Just wear a respirator mask so you don't inhale those fumes, they're probably not great for you lol

@jamesonmiller9567 5 жыл бұрын

Great video! Those scraps and dents just give the Jeep more character - those are real badges of honor, lol. You've got to come check out Windrock some time!

@little_orange_az 5 жыл бұрын

I’ll be at Uwharrie this weekend with my family, too! Hope to see you

@JKGearandGadgets 5 жыл бұрын

If you see me honk and say hi!!

@little_orange_az 5 жыл бұрын

Will do. I’ll be in a brown 2dr jk

@tristoned84 4 жыл бұрын

Love your videos. Keep it up, man. Can't get enough. Also, cut the tree down.

@tamraaugostino7031 4 жыл бұрын

Bad A$$ - Great job. We watched someone get stuck and after an hour of them trying to get winched out, we left and continued our trail riding. That trail is for those who know what they are doing and don't mind the bumps, scrapes and major damage that will occur.

@deputyluke7511 4 жыл бұрын

that doesn't look like a trail at all, but for Jeep you can call anywhere you want to go a trail lol. this was fun to watch. I couldn't believe the rock climbing you were doing. incredible!

@WranglerAddiction 5 жыл бұрын

Great video , that’s a tough trail .

@jeepzentoks542 5 жыл бұрын

Wow, amazing Job.

@Brother_Lander 5 жыл бұрын

You're a nut, homie. I ain't doing any blacks and reds in my Sport. Gotta live vicariously through you. Great watch

@martinlohrmann8250 4 жыл бұрын

That trail looked brutal,but I would have no problem going on it ,in your Jeep lol

@smitty_1 4 жыл бұрын

We've run that trail many times, you did pretty well. Gotta expect some damage or stay out. A spotter makes or breaks your day. You a had a team of them, whew. I always say if you haven't made it through yourself (or better yet, dont even own a rig) don't spot someone else. Those guys seem to vaporize when your wedged against a tree or on your side. It's a fun trail in the rain. A few more trips through and you'll find the lines without a spotter. We run 5- 7 rigs through and sometimes without stopping. Ps. When wrenching off the side a little tire rotation takes a lot of stress off the line. A snatch block back to the rear would have saved your line and some paint. Enjoyed your vid, thanks.

@mikehoffman3690 5 жыл бұрын

Them b some BIG rocks. Narly trail!!

@robertlambrecht6535 Жыл бұрын

Watching this, literally made me shit😖💩🚽🪠🧻 I'm literally pinching one off right now

@carlosamador4476 5 жыл бұрын

Ur jeep is a BEAST!

@Doctoberfest 5 жыл бұрын

Okay if you are going to go soft top I definitely recommend thinking long and hard about how often you want to run completely topless. I purchased my 2014 with a best top fast back and at first it was awesome, until I wanted to start taking my top completely off. I'm pale af so sun protection is awesome just taking the back windows out. The top is split so I can store the windows in the top itself. Which is nice for rain. It's kind of a pain jumping up and down constantly to undo zippers, velcro and straps. When I want to go topless it's a pita to take off completely, and then I generally have to leave it at home which sucks for those does with mixed sun and rain. With the weather we're having I'm having to leave the top on. I'm def thinking about going to OEM style soft top. Being able to fold it back relatively easily and throwing it back up when it's going to rain would be nice. Majority of the time the effort to take the fast back top off outweighs the benefits. I might get a cheap uses OEM to try out for a season and see how I feel.

@jetskill99 4 жыл бұрын

lol at off road parks, that’s what I love about living in Colorado, great national forest trails

@ntaubitz 5 жыл бұрын

I'm one of those 2dr guys. I think on this trail I'd say a 2dr would eat it up. 4dr has proven to be a monster at hill climbs, but rock gardens I think the 2dr is still king. Like to see it beat not babied tho.

@toddhoffmaster6057 5 жыл бұрын

x2 on everything said.

@tilleo 5 жыл бұрын

Yeah I remember my 2dr mostly stock destroying modified 4drs on the trail. I did end up buying a 4dr because dat extra space though. Once I have extra money to have more than one vehicle Ill get a 2dr or a gladiator we see

@Beandiptheredneck 5 жыл бұрын

nate taubitz I literally have a big sticker on the tailgate of my truck that says “ beat not babied” lol

@gasser55t 4 жыл бұрын

And rock gardens are why I keep my short wheelbase TJ LoL. But the short wheelbase is scary climbing vertical. That looks like an awesome trail.

@terminaloffroad1615 5 жыл бұрын

The only thing I can say is Holy Crap! and No Way that is CRAZY!

@johnkraft5640 4 жыл бұрын

and your final cost for replacing and or repairing from the RED trail? Memories are priceless!!

@jesusdelatorre4871 4 жыл бұрын

Damn respect! 😂🤘🏼 bad ass video

@jameslangford6901 5 жыл бұрын

Yes I would try that trail in your jeep. 😃 I do think if you had side armor with the tube sliders you would have been fine. Oh I would be PISSED if that was my hard top of I had one.

@handoverfest1 3 жыл бұрын

Awesome driving!!! I would have not made it past 10 yards since my newly purchased Gladiator Mojave is stock currently. Riding that trail one must have 40s or higher with at the minimum 4 inch lift.