How NOT To Do A Recovery 

Your forthrightness toward detractors is appreciated. It is great when a person explains why something should or will not work. Your defense of Matt is another tribute to your true north ethics. Thank you, Rory!

Often times NOT having the right tool for the job makes you think on your feet and develop new creative methods that will definitely come in handy in the future. And it's more fun to watch the struggle 😁👍

That recovery could have gone very badly…..but you found the right solution….well done 👏🏻👏🏻

I don't know what it is about Mike's face, but he looks like the kind of guy you'd love to have a beer with. I know nothing about the guy, but he looks fun.

It makes it easier to do a recovery when you have all the right equipment, but the true test comes when you don't have it and you have to make do with what you have. Again you have passed the test with flying colors! Well done to you and your team!

It isn't what you got, it's how you wiggle it.

I am an old four wheeler with a tiny little, over qualified TJ, 6” lift, locked and caged and so on. If I go out camping for the the weekend (which happens) I simply don’t have the room for all the recovery gear that the experts say I should have. Rory’s words about “work with what you have” are so true. Thanks guys.

I was in the SeaBees, NMCB 62 (Navel Mobil Construction Battalion). The motto of the SeaBees is 'Can Do'. The translation of the motto is 'We've done so much, with so little, for so long, that they expect us to do everything with nothing FOREVER!' You NEED X, You don't HAVE X so you make Y or Z work cause you simply must. Well done Rory, well done. And you didn't even run out of fuel. :D:D:D Stay safe and God Bless.

Hey Rory !!! Well done again with the recovery !!! 🤔🙃🙃😛 Getting close to that 100K Subs.. ""CONGRATS"" to that !!! Keep the videos coming & waiting for the next ""ADVENTURE"" !! 🙃🙃😛🤔🤔🤠😎😎😮

Your recoveries and videography are as awesome as anybodys these days Rory! I love watching you,Matt,Paul from Fabrats,Casey Ladelle,Robbie Layton and the original YT off-road recovery channel Recovery Team. You guys make it look fun when I know from experience it isn’t always fun.

Rory, trying to teach you how to do off road recoveries is even sillier than "trying to teach grandma to blow eggs". Keep up the good work my friend.

As a 4x4 instructor (almost 25y) I have to agree with Rory here. Training should be about giving the mental tools and practices for safe work. It should not be just a "jolly". Problem is sometimes we can't do a proper test as insurance etc won't cover you. Also companies often just want a bit of paper to cover themselves so cheapest training wins. Too many learners at once that kind of thing. The one that drives me potty is the guy who negotiates the route access is the one that doesn't come on the course as he "doesn't need to". So I teach what is safe, what is dodgy (but with thought and care may be ok) and what is outside the course and certificate. He goes and agrees to put his people and equipment in places they should not be and threaten to fire them if they don't do it. It is too easy to be gung-ho and not THINK! /rant

Rory has set an example of how people should be towards each other. All these guys have said it many times, they all specialize in certain recoveries. The important thing is that they can work side by side and get the job done. I enjoy Rory, Matt and paul ..and there crews. Hard working honest guys.

I really like those small mistakes like forgetting a gps, not bringing the wrecker, etc. That's showing Rory is a real human. But it also shows his power to adapt to a different situation. Great work.

"Do we have a tow-strap?" Lol....

This video proves the DRIVER is the most important. Full size truck and no winch - most would have given up. The RAV4 got farther than you expected but sometimes equipment is also important. Great example of using the equipment you have.

Rory, you didn't have to DEFEND A FRIEND and moreover, you didn't have to defend a friend by USING YOURSELF AS AN EXAMPLE as to why sometimes, YOU JUST HAVE TO GET A JOB DONE WITH WHAT YOU HAVE TO WORK WITH, especially if you said you would do it! Could it have been done in a better, safer, more efficient manner, sure BUT that's how you build THAT KNOWLEDGE BASE! * I had a FEELING that you were a real, respectable, honorable, transparent type of individual - thanks for being YOU, possessing qualities that are definitely refreshing to see in this day and age!

Rory is *" NO BRAG - JUST FACTS "* kind of guy and that's what I really appreciate about him.

A great lesson in all aspects of life Rory. "Do the best you can with what you have to work with!"

No recovery is ever "text book". There is always some variable that presents a challenge and you deal with it and finish the job. Love watching you work with Trail Mater. The Man and his Machine.

Rory is just the boss, impressed how he got that out. Nothing phases Rory.Top bloke , I learn so much !

Good video, I like it when you explain your recoveries.

Rory has demonstrated his ability to think. When given a task you figure it out and get it done. Do not accept failure.

You said it perfectly "You got to do what you got to do!"

I read Matt's response below. You guys are both humble and a little hard on yourselves. Not every recovery is going to be picture perfect. The difference is that you and Matt still persevere and get the job done. We average Joes out here are thinking, "Another job well done." Don't worry about the 0.1% who don't even know what a 10mm socket is.

A Rory recovery will always include: an education, excitement, humor and some really awesome scenery. On a side note, the 'keyboard recovery experts' give the rest of us something else to laugh about, I'll leave that statement as is. Keep Trail Mater (and the Dodge), the posse and those cameras rolling! Thank you for taking the time to film and share these adventures with us.

It has always amazed me how so many people who have absolutely no experience in something, feel like they are entitled to critique professionals doing their job. Thank you for the video Rory! Much love and respect, and God bless you and yours.

The Internet is full of recovery experts LOL great job Rory Big respect from the UK

At one point, I thought you would be calling for the wrecker. Great job getting that out.

Rory, your expertise is worth at least 12 tools. Sand anchors are simplicity it self, and effective.

Just another day at the office the ability for you to adapt and overcome is what makes you and your team a awesome recovery company and it comes from years of experience thank you Rory for everything you share and as always be safe 👍

Yep - the problem with the older RAV4s is that thy used to put a "4WD" badge on them when they were really AWD. And that 3rd gen didn't have much computer help with the AWD either. Thing is that even if you _have_ a 4WD vehicle, really soft, sandy places like that are going to trap most stock 4WDs too. I think there is a lot of misconceptions about what all the various drive systems are capable of - probably because the manufacturers all love showing their vehicles practically doing anything and going anywhere in the commercials and promotional pictures.

I know exactly what you mean by accomplishing the job with the tools you have available. I spent 20 years in the Army as a wrecker operator running the M936A2 5t 6x6, M984 10t 8x8, and M88 tracked recovery vehicles. If you think tourists can do a good job getting stuck or breaking things, you ought to see the damage an 18 year old Private can do!!! Keep up the good work, love your channel!!

I was beginning to picture 2 stuck vehicles for a minute. Well done.

Your out of the box problem solving skills once again shine brightly. Excellent job!

Looked good to me, this is how progress is made and we learn. Self reliance in skills and decisions with the ability to adapt to the situation.

Loved your explanation Rory. The “backseat” experts have all the right answers from 1000 miles away.

Even if you have the information from the vehicle stuck and all the tools to do it... sometime it just ain't enough. You need human enguinty and creative ideas with the tools you have. It's mainly called using your brain. I've never had the right tools for any job growing up with dad. But we made it work. Keeping doing it Rory

A good carpenter never blames his tools!

You are NOT cheating by having a Swiss army truck. You are "prepared". I admire that. Matt has a different set of skills. I admire that too. It is amazing what he can do with the little he carries with him. Instructors of any kind do NOT live in the real world.

You know how to think on your feet, alot don't. Thats why I like watching you.👍👍👍👍

It was FUN and INTERESTING and WHYNOT !!! Always worth watchin'

This reminds me of a time I was in central Nevada in the middle of nowhere and pulled someone out with my truck. Everything went great pulling it out. Then...it rained. Everything got so slick that we ended up camping out until the next afternoon. No cell signal and no food with 1 water bottle. Good times! 😂🤣

Not every situation is in a book. Augment and innovate. Thats life.

Wow! An awesome recovery, Rory. I really admire Matt and the way his mind works. He is all ways seeking a solution. Just like you showed us in this vido. Good job again!

I would like to share this post with several different (related) bloggers as it pertains to all of them. First your productions are much more entertaining and interesting than anything on network TV. You offer REAL content, not staged bull crap like ALL the others (TV shows). You promote great family values and set a fine example for others to follow. You help others in need and share valuable information with us. You invite us into your lives and show us things we would never see or experience. So, THANK YOU all for what you do, it is appreciated.

I've been towing for many years and he's 100% right you work with what you have

RORY ! It's ALL Your Fault. Now, every time I see a cool old truck I think about what it would take to make it a cool Off-Road Recovery vehicle. The major problem is we got a very few rocks here in Georgia. We would need a few alterations for the mud holes here.

I have a 1994 Rav 4..possibly one if the first ones ever made...its Awd but has a central diff lock and that little suckers goes anywhere..just aswell as I live 1500 ft up a clay road mountain ⛰ ..the new ones aren't nearly as good..mine has 350,OO0 clicks on it and she still goes great.... But love watching your truck just idle over anything.

I love watching you tactfully explain your work to these keyboard geniuses...unfortunately only a couple will actually hear what you're trying to convey!

I totally agree with what you are saying while standing at your bumper.. that is a lot of the problems with these courses, they give you everything but in reality, it's just what's in your vehicle and your surroundings.. I have been a tow truck driver and heavy haulage operator here in Australia for 30 years and am still amazed at what they are trying to teach people without using common sense and the items you have .... then again common sense is not something many people have these days as they are spoon fed all the info and things they need .... To have all the recovery items needed it will cost you thousands of $$ and most of the time you will NEVER use 1/3 of it. Then again also people should NOT be taking certain vehicles off the bitumen at all ever!! Rory, I love watching your channel and Matt's also.. keep up the great work you do.

WOW u the man.great recovery The best tool is between ur ear's and you excelled to the max.A lot of people wouldn't have been able to get it done.use what u got on hand love it

You don’t need to explain your self! We know u are a master of your craft!! That’s why Matt and the boys call you! Love ur stuff wrecker or not!

Rory, thanks for the comments about the "armchair quarterbacks" - I've been down that road. You are correct, and thank you for bringing up the subject. Good job, guys.

Excellent example of how to use the wrong tool the right way lol. Great job. Sometimes you just have to improvise and get it done.

Hats off to that Rav4 driver for being adventurous. Only this time was a loss.

I am happy to admit I would have no idea how to get that out of there. Kudos to you and Mike.

When it comes to adapt and over come you have proven yourself time and time again, ,,,,,,,,, I have nothing but the most respect for you and how you do it!

Your exactly right Rory, Very well put!! No 2 jobs, Scenarios, or Required tools are totally alike. Just to many unknown variables to teach without field experience. We all can see your experience level, & if there is a will there is a way! #BuiltByBo

i was skeptical seeing the heavy cummins headed out to do a recovery. Glad it worked out.

Well said Rory use the tools you have on hand and make do with what you have

Great job gentlemen!! Dogs are gonna bark. That's what they do. I got stuck hunting bear this spring. Took me about 4 hours to get out. Had to dig a trench to allow water to drain, then add rocks and finally ratchet strap some logs( small diameter) to the rear tires. Made it! A lot of things I tried, wasn't my idea. Others had tried before me. Thank you!

That’s what the saying stuck in a ditch looks like. Thanks to Rory driving skills 👍🏾👍🏾

“Mostly bottomless”. Is statement of the day!!!! 100% right on the money about how things work in a real world situation!!! I work in the oilfield and sometimes you gotta work with what you have. Another great video, I learn something every one

Wow- now this is a change of scenery. I assume a grass fire followed by a flood ? Sure made for a real challenge. I could hear in your laugh upon first arrival this was way more than the customer told you! Lololol!

Pretty impressive that the Rav4 managed to get that far.

Excellent job Rory

Great job.Rory you are the man.. I could warch and listen to you all day long. Take care from Québec Canada

The same could be said about most industries/ professions. You can’t always apply some boilerplate solution to any given problem. There are too many variables at play in most situations that after the fact it’s easy to say “what if you had done it this way”. At the end of the day the experience of making do with what you got only helps you learn how to adapt and overcome. I wouldn’t dream of attempting a fraction of the tasks you tackle but I love watching your process. Alls well that ends well. 👍

Very seldom does anything go as initially anticipated. There’s always to many unforeseen variables that only experience can adapt to and remedy the situation. You’re experience is at times genius.

Another recovery completed without risk to people and minimal harm to the vehicle recovered.

Experience, always finds a way! After 30+ years in a standard retail job, my new position in retail merchandising is easy. That being said, Im not qualified to tell you, or Matt and his crew how to do recoveries. But Id bet $$ you guys would be lost in my retail world! Stay safe out there, and continue doing an A1 job!

Only thing worse would have been attacked by a flock of rockpeckers! Manly men doing heroic deeds. Great stuff.

Nothing takes the place of Experience !! Good pull Rory !!

Rory and Mike you made a great recovery with the Dodge and it's what you had to recover this vehicle. It's amazing to me that that little car got as far as it did! A winch would definitely have been helpful. And you're right about Matt and his team what they have to do to recover some of the vehicles they do! Soon Matt and Paul will have amazing wreckers to do any job! Good job 👍

If there is the slightest negative thing to be said, someone in the comment section will make it. I have nothing but respect for you Rory, and Matt too. Both of you are top notch professionals in your field of work. Thank you for making these videos!

Rory, your knowledge got it out, the Dodge was the tool. good job 👍. Gotta say though, the little RAV4 did pretty well under the circumstances. Moral of the story, “TrailMater never leave the shop without it”

I get hate on my channel for recoveries a lot of times. Mostly for people suggesting things that I already do or have. Didn't see a bumper fall off so good job.

Right on Rory! Creativity and the ability to think on your feet are essential components of your success.

Rory I personally don't know shit about recovery and everything you and Matt do works out so all the content is good.

Kudos for the resourcefulness and the successful recovery, notwithstanding the "lack of proper equipment", and hats off to RAV4 for managing to reach that far with its "limited" AWD and the conventional tires!

"we're gunna be very touristy & go at it..." yup.. but you know the area better 😆 🤣 😂 you must got alot of rain earlier that week

I agree you can't always have everything that would simplify the job at hand, So be resourceful and be CAREFUL and don't let anyone get hurt. Rigging of any type can fail, sometimes with painful consequences. Remember MURPHY was a optimist! Keep up the great work!

Well done. You got it out and without a scratch. That's what matters. Gooday from Australia.

I’m of the opinion that what Rory doesn’t know about recoveries, isn’t worth knowing. 😊 A recovery well done guys, with what you had at hand, you’s done a top job. 😊👍👍🦘🇦🇺🦘

Mad respect for that little RAV4! 👍

Oh the tools the tools which one to use 😉. This recovery shows it is the operation and operator who controls the flow and outcomes. Every moment presents 😂 a new choice and adjusting to attain success 🤠. Oh who will be another man's best results attained person. You have proven to be the choice for operator of the tools which you have and use. Thanks 👍 for showing

Good video. Considering the bad information you were given, things worked out. The owner of the Rav 4 learned a lesson too.

He's not wrong. I taught light duty in WA and everything was laid out. Its great stuff to learn but on asphalt. Off road is a whole new animal. I can and have done some amazing things from the right hand lane but am new to off road recovery. You have to kinda have a 'knack' for it and some natural ability. Im thinking more Casey Ladell than Rory... Rory is nuts!!

AWD and 4-wheel drive: I had an XJ 4.0 4x4 with sticks on the floor, followed by a Subaru Forester wagon with an automatic and AWD. I'm Canadian so snow is no big deal. The Subie was good in town and capable in snowstorms (with snow tires) but I wouldn't take it out in the really heavy stuff. The XJ never ran into anything we couldn't handle, like punching into a three foot high snow drift and gnashing through what was left of it. The Subie would have high-centred with everything spinning and nothing connecting. There definitely is a difference and you need to know about it. Once again, Rory knows his stuff and he's happy to share it. Thanks, man. Cheers from E. Ontario!

Fun to watch you go from quiet guy to lovin the camera. Great stuff keep it up.

You do you, man. You know it’s funny I’m in a rental 4Runner and was at Arches yesterday and was thinking about taking the dirt road trail back out to the highway but I didn’t want to be “that guy”.

Don't let a world full of arm chair quarterbacks discourage you or even get your attention Rory. Anybody can judge from the comfort of a couch. I installed heavy, awkward and very expensive equipment for almost 2 decades. We at least has a little bit of structure. Kudos for winning on this recovery. Not gonna lie, I was on the edge of my seat. :) You won and that is what counts. By the way, still grinning about Swiss Army Truck. :) Keep 'Em Coming !!!

Every recovery is different, with different challenges. I enjoy watching all of them. I learn something from them. Thanks for sharing.

Friday Nights excursions, Artwork and video evidence of the adventure. Priceless!!!

It makes me wonder about the mindset of people going off road in a vehicle more apt to handle all weather conditions. Unless you are a teenager joyriding in your parents car you would think a person would get to a point where this road keeps getting a bit more challenging and I'm getting further away from civilization, maybe I better turn around. Great job Rory. I appreciate your tutelage and trouble shooting skills. With such a wide viewing audience and no end to armchair quarterbacks with keyboard courage, there will always be critics. Just know there are plenty out here who appreciate what you put out there.

Adapt and overcome, Good job Rory!!

That one was different and somewhat entertaining, ha ha, well done for getting it out.

Finally a "Rubber billed Pipe-pecker" has been seen... Right up there with "Have Rav-4 will travel!"... Fantastic as always with sharp humor!!!

Very nicely done, there are always multiple ways to get the job done and you always seem to be safe and not damage peoples property, great job.