Getting a broken Jeep Out of Hex River | Hardline Hex Episode 3

Added: 2026-05-17

[00:00:00]In this episode of Cape Route Rally, the Jeep Boys find a way back to camp the hard way. We get lost, we fix things, and close off one incredibly memorable weekend.

[00:00:18]Cape Root Rally is presented by Tire Life Solutions is powered by Motors Ford Deep River, >> Patriot Tires, Dirty Life, Cooper Tires. Join us on a journey through southern Africa's toughest terrain.

[00:01:03]>> Morning. Morning. Morning. I hope you all slept well. Thanks Matt for last night. That was uh awesome. I think everyone enjoyed it.

[00:01:11]We can see it's not for just come and make a bri. It comes with the effort.

[00:01:14]Thanks for that. We really appreciate it. The idea now for this morning is uh you're going to tow the jeep out. I think Hans's got a plan for you. Plan B.

[00:01:24]Then uh we're going to do the the rest of the the J route and then when we done we take the Ashefeld back to uh Toast River. We can have a brekie or a lunch or whatever. And then from there we've got a rally stage to Gecko Rock and that's it. So, have fun. Enjoy.

[00:01:44]>> If you're wondering if the trail pod managed to get to and from the site, wonder no more. This versatile home in a trailer went where few cars would dare.

[00:01:55]And because of it, our mountain experience under the African sky was five stars and more.

[00:02:01]>> It's the morning of day three at Hardline Hex. Uh yesterday was a next level day. We've had a few breakages.

[00:02:07]Unfortunately, Matt's Jeep has uh has thrown a belt. Uh not sure if it's a defective belt or a pulley. So, they've arranged for a new Jeep to come through and replace it. So, the Jeep team, it's the the camaraderie amongst the team is next level. They're sticking together.

[00:02:23]It's going to be led by the the Jeep and the Trail Pod. After that, we've got two Jeeps towing Matt's Jeep all the way to the collection point where they're going to unload Matt's Jeep, put into the new Jeep, and then come join us for the rest of Jout.

[00:02:43]Nothing is as it seems.

[00:02:46]>> Oh. Oh.

[00:02:50]>> You think you're just going to leave and go on your way? That's how it goes down in Cape Route Rally. So, Matt, after delivering an amazing meal for all of us last night, truly appreciative of that.

[00:03:01]Food was just topnotch. Now needs to get towed out. Um, and another Jeep courtesy of Jeep South Africa. Big up to them for sending a car at such short notice to replace the one he's in. It's something small. It's just a fan belt, but he can't continue. And just 50 m from the camp, he has debeed.

[00:03:23]And it's funny because we were joking yesterday and we were saying, you've got every conceivable extra on your car, but you don't have a set of beadlocks.

[00:03:32]So, I think when he gets home, other than a fan belt, a set of Dirty Life beadlocks will be coming to a Jeep near you.

[00:03:59]While the Jeep crew got cracking, the rest of the drivers got ready for the J route. While slightly less challenging than the ascent, focus was still needed.

[00:04:13]landing flick. Y >> there you had >> one third one. One drive.

[00:04:34]>> Yeah, man.

[00:04:42]Yeah.

[00:04:49]>> Yes.

[00:04:56]>> While the rest of the guys were having fun on the J route, Matt and the crew were working overtime.

[00:05:03]>> As soon as it tensions, you drop the handbrake cuz you don't want to roll back while he's going forward. So you rather he pulls you out of your handbrake than the other way around.

[00:05:33]And the front's fronting in >> Matt. So, we've been at this now 2 and 1 half hours.

[00:05:50]>> Yeah.

[00:05:51]>> How you feeling? We've grown about 20 m, but >> no, the guys have >> done miracles to get this up here. So, big up them, >> the Jeep lads.

[00:06:04]>> With grit and determination, finally, the Jeep lads made it to the top of the mountain. Even after hours of struggle, it was clear nothing was going to stop these guys from getting back to base camp.

[00:06:21]Back on the J route, the drivers were enjoying some challenging 4x4ing in a location unknown to most of us.

[00:06:32]And although a few bumpers were damaged in the making of this video, and we got lost multiple times, the smiles and laughs continued as the group drank in the adventure. According to some, the J route was supposed to be easy, but between getting lost and bashing bumpers, the drive home was anything but.

[00:07:06]The rim bended the density here, it's a rock. They just bend it back a bit.

[00:07:13]Okay, so now the plan is we're going down to the farmhouse and we are uh then some guys maybe want to inflate tires.

[00:07:20]So then from there we'll go the gravel road around to river for some fuel and whoever wants minor repairs and maybe something to eat. And then we're off to Gecko Rock for uh also grade five, maybe grade five plus trail. We're going to see what it looks like after the weather, after the rain is flooded. So yeah. Uh let's go. Let's go. Let's go.

[00:07:42]Go go go go go.

[00:07:56]Today we had an interesting day. We went up to the dam. We drove a fun little section. We got lost twice. We found ourselves again. And as we got to the bottom, we saw all the jeeps. Not this Jeep, but the other Jeeps. Yes.

[00:08:09]Unfortunately, the Jeep 41 after climbing all the obstacles and making it to the top of Hardline Hex, it got a snapped fan belt, which essentially eliminated the vehicle. There was nothing we could do. We didn't have any spare fan belts laying around.

[00:08:24]>> Chief Warranty claim, "Can I help you?"

[00:08:26]>> Yeah.

[00:08:28]you know, we kind of didn't have much choice but to tow the vehicle down to the campsite because it had all the cooking gear in it and um you know, we'd got these fantastic steaks from Ryan Boon for the guys.

[00:08:42]>> Wow.

[00:08:43]>> So, we couldn't leave the the the 41 on the trail, so the Raptor towed it down to the campsite.

[00:08:51]>> Two Jeeps getting towed by a Raptor.

[00:08:54]That's terrible.

[00:08:55]>> Just to be clear, the Raptor didn't tow both Jeeps. Uh, but I'm sure Anthony will say otherwise. Um, we had good morning so far. Um, basically did uh the rest of the X trail. Um, found a little cool obstacle.

[00:09:09]Um, and yeah, the rest of the trail wasn't that difficult. Um, but now we're packing up to head to Gecko Rock. Um, yeah, just got a the jimny on the trailer. Um, but yeah, otherwise we're good to go. No Cape Route rally would be complete without helping some friends along the way.

[00:09:31]This time it was a forklift that had fallen off a truck.

[00:09:42]Nice one.

[00:09:46]>> Oh, you didn't see that one coming.

[00:09:49]>> Sidewall completely annihilated. Look, this is not a puncture. There's no rocks or anything involved there. That's a tire failing. In fairness, the tires are pretty well used. So, um, surprised I made it this far in life after the abuse I've given it. So, yeah, it is what it is. We got a spare. We'll get it sorted out. And go.

[00:10:13]>> Problem. Flat tire. It's torn sidewall.

[00:10:16]You can't plug it. We need to change it.

[00:10:18]We don't have a jack that's long enough.

[00:10:20]So, we're going to drive the vehicle up on my one tire, which should lift it up, and we should get enough flex to lift.

[00:10:27]And then we can take off the tire. And then we'll change it. Then we're good to go. Then we go forward for again.

[00:10:35]>> Like that. Just like that.

[00:10:55]master.

[00:11:03]>> How was that for a tire change? Hey After a quick freshen up at Gecko Rock, it was time for the boys to men trail.

[00:11:32]This trail hadn't been explored for years, so once again, we had to carve our way through overgrown sections. Get lost. Find a way or make a way through some incredible landscapes.

[00:12:05]>> One.

[00:12:07]Louie, YOU'RE NOT THE DIRECTOR. ONE, TWO, THREE.

[00:12:14]>> NICE.

[00:12:38]Just as the sun was setting, we found our final stop for the day. And to crown things off, one last final night drive back to Gecko Rock.

[00:13:13]And just like that, the toughest part of Hardline Hex was done and it was time for some reflection. As always, our journeys turn into adventure with Cape Root Rally. This one has been no different. Hardline Hex has delivered on all frontiers. We've had an amazing group of guys, awesome camaraderie, all helping each other out. We've had some fantastic rigs on the show this time from a tiny little Jimny to a cult rolling with 20-in tractor tires. So, there's been action, action, and action.

[00:13:50]wish.

[00:13:51]>> I'm so thankful that I've been on yet another Cape route rally. I think the Raptor has surprised everyone.

[00:14:02]>> But then again, so have so many of the other vehicles.

[00:14:05]>> We're on top of that rock and as well.

[00:14:07]Oh my word.

[00:14:08]>> Once again, thank you to all of you watching us. Thank you to our supporters and most importantly, thank you to the sponsors helping us put together these great shows.

[00:14:18]>> Now he's got it going. making it look easy.

[00:14:22]These guys are built differently.

[00:14:26]>> Yeah. Know guys, thanks. It was a leer weekend. I think it started off interesting on when was it on Thursday afternoon up in the sand dunes where all the idies got stuck and it was quite interesting coming down that particular route. And then we obviously had the lamb spit which was lacer. And then yesterday we did the um hex river which was parts was quite hectic and entertaining that much. And then last night I think the ko was lacer last night. The last nice day was Lea. Yeah, it was an amazing experience. Um, definitely definitely will do it again.

[00:14:54]Yeah, it was my first one as well. Um, I've heard I've heard the stories from obviously got killed challenge my dad did and finally getting to experience it myself is quite cool.

[00:15:04]>> Amazing. It's a it's skateboard rally. I had a really good time. There some cars just blew my mind. The uni that cold some of the Jeep builds is just insane.

[00:15:13]The Suzuki I also think that was pretty impressive.

[00:15:26]this next level. There's something else.

[00:15:38]at a lack of time. X is always nice. No matter when you do it, it's and if you do everything, it is always challenging.

[00:15:45]>> My weekend was excellent. A great driver in a good car. So, yeah, first time doing Hex. Enjoyed it very much. Always heard about it. So, this time I had a chance to experience it for myself. So, great trip.

[00:15:56]>> Very interesting. Came as passenger to Peach and Mario, but then ended up driving. So, found myself halfway down a trail that I should not have been taking a caravan. I basically I bought my Jimny which is called Peach after Princess Peach uh from Super Mario. Yeah, I'm I'm actually quite surprised that I made it without any major breakages or anything and only Yeah, only took I think two bypasses the whole trip. So, yeah, I'll definitely be back to do the the trails that I skipped.

[00:16:27]>> Absolutely loved it. Uh, I must say watching it on TV verse, uh, wheeling it, very, very different. Like watching it on screen just flattens it out.

[00:16:36]Darren drove like an absolute machine.

[00:16:38]And I mean, I didn't really get to get taken up the hill. I had to walk up the hill. I did a lot of naving and stuff like that. So, my my feet are a bit sore. I flexed my suspension a little bit on the legs. They didn't do that on the And it's long and hot, but I absolutely loved it. We'll definitely do it again.

[00:16:54]>> Yeah, it was good. It was good.

[00:16:56]Different to the last one. More up my alley. So, the rock crawling, the trails, fantastic, man. Epic, epic, epic.

[00:17:02]>> No, for sure. It was lack of terrain.

[00:17:04]Really enjoyed it. We were looking forward to being challenged. So, day one really didn't disappoint when we got to that hill and uh we managed to find a way up and um yeah, I mean, Green Goblin and Hunts did a really good job. They just go, you just point them in the right direction and there's there's not nothing stopping them. like he says, epic that first day, but the second day up in that mountains, a trail that that's made for us rock crawling, those type of things, that's what we live for.

[00:17:30]>> Pulling a dead weight, getting him out of there was hectic. So, you put a lot of strain on on both cars. So, we managed to snatch, we managed to win, we managed to everything. So, it took us almost 2 and 1 half hours to get out that mountain. So, but it's good, but we did it. So, yeah, we're happy.

[00:17:44]>> How was your weekend?

[00:17:45]>> Great. Tiring. We got bags under me eyes and sunburnt, but absolutely amazing.

[00:17:51]And yeah, it brought back memories. I used to do this in the UK when I was a youngster, you know, when he was a baby in the car, you know, so that's probably where it's come from.

[00:17:59]>> It was fantastic. I think from one day to the next, there was, you know, something new every day. But the vehicles, the Jeeps handled the trails well, you know. Luckily, I was with my my my Jeep South Africa team, Hans and Neil and uh Darren and Kevin, who really came to the party and they rose to the challenge. They towed the vehicle out, worked as a team, got us out of there.

[00:18:21]Once we got down back at the farmhouse, we were surprised to have the original Rubicon 2025 Wrangler sitting at the farmhouse ready and waiting thanks to Jeep South Africa. It was incredible to get to the end and just have that support from Jeep South Africa. So, thanks Jeep.

[00:18:51]Hardline Hex, guys. What a wild ride.

[00:18:54]Louie, your top highlights.

[00:18:57]Yeah, there's a couple. Uh the first night uh really live up to expectations. It was It was It was definitely a wild ride.

[00:19:09]>> Only way now is reverse. done.

[00:19:13]>> We were lucky. We got in bed about 2:00.

[00:19:16]>> Yeah.

[00:19:17]>> So, not that bad.

[00:19:19]>> Jace, your highlight for you?

[00:19:21]>> Oh, the Jeep boys, you know, they um they had a complete breakdown of a car.

[00:19:25]They brought in they brought in a brand new replacement car and uh and they spent about 2 and 1 half hours winching up one of the most epic hills on on Hex.

[00:19:35]It was uh and the teamwork was just just next level. And you know, that's the interesting thing is sometimes you see an older car and you'd put your money on that car breaking down or that driver not um you know, performing to a top level, but it just goes to show Cape Route Rally is going to surprise you every single time. You don't know what's going to happen.

[00:19:54]>> And something as small as a little fan belt on a car with only 13,000 km, who could have called that?

[00:20:01]>> Yeah. No one see that one coming.

[00:20:03]>> Yeah. And that's not driver error. It's just simply a a failure that can happen to any vehicle.

[00:20:08]>> Yeah.

[00:20:09]>> But yeah, this time I would say we probably ate the best we've eaten.

[00:20:14]>> Yes.

[00:20:14]>> Oh, yes.

[00:20:15]>> I think we had the nicest bunch of people. We had beautiful trails. And if this is what 2026 is going to look like, we're on to a winner.

[00:20:25]>> Yeah, this is awesome.

[00:20:26]>> Absolutely.

[00:20:27]>> Live fast, drive hard. We'll see you on the next collectible car edition.

[00:20:42]Well, looks like there was a gremlin last night. I drove here and parked. No issues. Just doesn't want doesn't want to start this morning.

[00:20:52]Looks like the fuel pump isn't kicking in. So, I'm checking the fuses now. So, let's see if it works.

[00:21:18]I get the stock is you.

[00:21:30]Thanks so much for joining us on our journey up and over the Hardline Hex. We hope you enjoyed sharing these moments with us as much as we enjoy making them.

[00:21:41]We really do live in an incredible country. Live fast, drive hard.

[00:22:11]Cape Root Rally is presented by Tire Life Solutions.

[00:22:21]is powered by motors for deep river.

[00:22:26]>> Patriot tires.

[00:22:30]Dirty life.

[00:22:34]Cooper tires. Join us on a journey through Southern Africa's toughest terrain.