Wheeling The Hardest Trail At Rausch Creek! My Jeep Gets Some Body Damage
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 6 ก.ย. 2024
- 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
The LJ soft top looks worse than the torn up hard top... Might as well replace both right?!
I mean, I’m down 🤘
Looks like you just got the green light Ben! 👍😁
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??
Hey man. I have some questions for you. Can I get a cell # or email?
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!
So many lessons learned the hard way in one video. Spotting, winching, line choice. Driving in fear of damage usually leads to more.
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.
That trail ain't no joke. Those aren't dents they are trail tattoos
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.
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!
looked like fun. After taking the top off when Dakota drops down you can tell just how big the rocks were there.
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.
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!
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.
You sir are no joke. Subscribed.
I would not run anything but a buggy on a trail like that.
We walked that trail last Sunday, it is way harder then it looks on video. Sucks about the damage, but good job trying it.
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!
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
If you don't plan on carrying alot of stuff in the cargo area or if you're just going to fold down the rear seats for cargo space, I would go with the fast back.
I have a hardtop, and I want a soft top for summer. I'll switch them back and forth for the seasons. I think this will allow the soft top to last even longer if it is never exposed to Ohio winters.
I love the fastback design and look, but I hate that I just bought the rear cargo rack not too long ago. That won’t be compatible. We will see
Dakota: "Just buy a Gladiator now"
Ben: "So I bought this Gladiator...."
Hahahaha I thought it was funny, not the reason I bought it. But when I was editing the footage I had to include it 😂
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.
Amazing how capable your Jeep is. That's one hell of a trail. I would definitely sit that one out. Cheers.
I would have been cutting a lot of trees out of the way LOL
That's the kinda crap that gets us kicked off the trails
big props for the stick. i drive a 94 yota 4runner with a 5 speed off road. loved that trail
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.
Never gets old watching this a 3rd time. Right now I'm trying to find any vids you have on aftermarket brakes.
Sadly I don’t have any. My recommendation is the crown (RT) big brake setup, or powerstop kit, or the powerstop big brake kit
@@JKGearandGadgets LOL! I just found it - May 3, 2019 JK 1-ton swap video
All those guys that build a truck and never get it dirty and call themselves off roaders? Not you!!! Your the real deal.
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).
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.
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 ✌
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!
I pinstriped my JLUR on a trail soon after I got it. My dad always said if it can be fixed, it's not a problem.
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.
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.
x2 on everything said.
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
nate taubitz I literally have a big sticker on the tailgate of my truck that says “ beat not babied” lol
I snapped my winch line the exact way. 4 Wheel Parts warranty covered a replacement however they let me throw in the difference and I ordered a Bubba Rope winch line. If you get a second check one out. I really like mine.
I just subscribed to your channel 2 reasons - excellent attitude and because your Jeep is freakin awesome. So not a mall cruiser.
Looks like you have a few badges of honor brother, happy wheein'.
Man any time rocks are involved a short wheelbase is best, but this was put the bad in badass
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!
Dude, I love your Jeep! Bummer on the damage, but way to push your rig. That’s what you built it for.
Go with Bestop's NX Glide Black Twill - Just installed it, it's perfect and no zipper window's are a gamechanger.
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
Whoa! Lots of respect for tackling that gnarly trail.
Bloody hell is all I can say. Frikn couldn’t get the smile off my face
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!
Seen a lot of black trail vids. This is the first red I’ve seen. Oh my word!! Wow!!
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.
That trail looked brutal,but I would have no problem going on it ,in your Jeep lol
I was thinking about going to Uwharrie this weekend. Maybe I should! Too bad about the damage but I am looking for to the fix videos.
I used Light bar brackets to make my limb risers and they also make good a pillar armor
The only issue I have found with the soft tops with plastic door surrounds is that when you hit on them, they break the plastic when you hit a tree. I would try that trail in a heart beat :)
when you had the triangle winch setup, you can kick it in 2wd and let the rear tires spin a bit and it'll help it slide around.
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
I think part of your trouble was your spotter. Rausch Creek loves windshield frames and hard tops. I know from experience.
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.
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!
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.
Don’t think I would try it but I give you props for doing it nice rig by the way
Wow that that Jeep is a BEAST!!!
Ever find out what caused the check engine light?
I forgot to mention it, mostly because it wasn’t a big deal. It was a low idle code, most likely from winching.
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.
Thanks for the video. The trail looks fun, reminds me of SOB @ AOAA.
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!
That was a hardcore trail. No I wouldn't try it! Great job.
Good thing you guys got out before that rain soaked those rocks....solid vid
and your final cost for replacing and or repairing from the RED trail? Memories are priceless!!
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.
You're a nut, homie. I ain't doing any blacks and reds in my Sport. Gotta live vicariously through you. Great watch
I've never been in that trail (i'm on measly 35's) but I know about how off camber everything in the NE property is! Serious pucker factor. Lol even a lot of those blues up on that first hill when you come in (they're all number 30 something) get sketchy. Especially the one with "Tummy tuck" at the top.
I might give a trail like that a try, but my Jeep rolled off the lot 50 years ago and the rust isn't going away on its own.
I will probably be in Uwharrie this weekend also.
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.
I would be terrified and excited at the same time! Awesome trail!
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.
Watching this, literally made me shit😖💩🚽🪠🧻 I'm literally pinching one off right now
You guys need to get sponsored by crocs
Love the good quality crawling footage. Love watching this almost as much as driving it. More of this 🤘🏻
That was not Rock crawling, that was Boulder crawling, crazy trail
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.
That was a gnarly trail. I think you came out better than most would have. Good attitude too...shit happens.
Thats the most extreme rock crawling I’ve ever seen! Awesome!
Lmao Ben taking off all four screws on the taillight 😂😂
Haha in the moment I wasn’t really thinking 😂
The only thing I can say is Holy Crap! and No Way that is CRAZY!
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.
No, me or my YJ have no business being on that trail. Actually, I don't even want to hike that trail. Great video and great mentality! The dent removal video will be cool.
I meant to ask....What did Cassie say about the trail damage? My wife can go either way with that stuff. I never really know what is going to happen LOL.
She wasn’t mad at all. She actually laughed. Cosmetic stuff isn’t too bad.
But she did tell me I was an idiot lol
LOL, that's great! A few bumps and bruises looks cool anyway.
Love seeing those 36hrs of Uwharrie shirts with Scott's name on them.
Man that’s definitely why I always try to take the hard top off before trails. Good times though sucks you had some damage but what you gonna do.
Yes, I would be glad to try that trail...in your Jeep...Oh, is that not what you meant? I messed up my hard top and busted the glass on the same side on my JKU. I think a lesson learned would be to try jacking against the tree, or jacking under the Jeep to take the load off before removing the top. Probably would have limited the damage to the slice which would be easier to fix. Incidentally, I did end up repairing my cracked top. I had a lot of trouble getting the fiberglass to stick to the interior wall. I sanded it to rough it up, but it still did not want to stick. I finally ended up using JB weld for the epoxy. Its a little thicker, so it doesn't work into the fibers as well, but it seemed to be stickier than normal fiberglass epoxy.
Ben, you know I'd be crying if that had been Lola.
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!
Pretty sure someone just found a random license plate and put it on the tree and everyone said “oh look new trail” lol 😂
I’ll be at Uwharrie this weekend with my family, too! Hope to see you
If you see me honk and say hi!!
Will do. I’ll be in a brown 2dr jk
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 !!
Roush creek is awsome. Been there a few times. 4x4 for life.
and thats EXACTLY why i remove my top and doors when i go wheeling! last weekend i was at rausch and did a bit of the red trail called otters, which led to rock creek and tombstone. i rubbed my roll bar on a tree, and if i had the top on, i would have destroyed it! my friend actually broke his roof rack in half and broke the rear right door surround on the same tree i touched! crucible looks like fun! that was on the trails across the road from the parking lot entrance?
Yep! It’s on the other side of the park. And I usually always take off my top, but this time a huge storm was rolling in, hindsight, the interior wet would be a lot easier to fix 😂
Thank you for sharing this video with us Ben. I believe you can fix that damage on your Jeep. Keep the videos coming brother!
Awesome trail. You wheeled it well, yes too many spotters though, always just pick one that you trust tell everyone else to hold that tongue unless it is absolutely imperative to yell a warning...Yes I would love to wheel that trail. My personal guideline is : if doors come off hard top comes off. I don't think I've wheeled with a hard top since about 2014 and it sat in storage that whole time which prompted me to just sell it...which I did....kept the Freedom Tops though. There is certain types of armor that would have saved your panel and others that would have hurt it more. You have to look at other people's builds and ask each one about their armor. Also that A-pillar could be covered with an A-pillar armor without having to do some sort of light bar bracket....I'm sure you know all this. Again , nice job.
Rausch Creek is no joke.
Ben, you have balls the size of the tires on the Jeep!!!
rock crawling seems abysmal and i don’t know why anyone does it but i respect the hell out of you for doing this haha
I feel that way about mud and hill-killing like they do in the east/south. Much rather play in the rocks than deal with the nastiness of cleaning mud for days or the broken parts of 'just hold the skinny peddle down' hill climbs.
Don't think I'd try this in anything but a trailer queen.
Now that’s what I call a real jeeper! It’s awesome how you see trail damage as future fix it yourself video!
You're crying inside Ben, you're crying inside. It's okay, let it out...
When u replace the winch line definitely go synthetic
Ronald C he already had synthetic line.
@@cfltitan interesting well I'm glad alot safer, it looked like cable when I was watching my fault lol I missed it.
Ronald C they're definitely a lot safer when they do break. The other HUGE benefit, that I don't think he was aware of, is they are VERY easy to splice back together right there on the trail. The only down side to synthetic is what happened to him. If they rub on anything abrasive, like a rock or in his case his steel bumper, they fray and snap. That's why they usually all come with that chafe sleeve.
I had to slap some corner armor on as well. The xrc rearcorner guards are pretty easy install with the astro nutcert gun
Good to have multiple snatch blocks. That first hard angle the winch line had , I knew it was going to snap. Way to much of a angle coming out of it.
Hey, at least you take it off road....I put you as a feature channel on Jacked 2 Jeep.