OK, so I get it: start a YouTube channel, cause mayhem, shout and scream, crash things, smash things, set things on fire — and you become a YouTube star. Lots of “dudes” and even more hollering. That’s the formula YouTuber Westen Champlin has used to rise to the top of YouTube’s algorithm-driven recommendations.

After paying just $3,000 for a neglected wrecker, Weston and his team discovered flat tyres, an oil leak and an engine that refused to start. After investigating the rocker adjustments and giving the old diesel some attention, the engine finally roared into life.

The surprises continued. The truck’s twin winches, extending boom and wheel-lift system all worked, turning the forgotten machine into a surprisingly capable recovery rig.

Then came the perfect test. Weston deliberately drove a rusty four-wheel-drive Bronco into a muddy hole, where it quickly became stuck and began overheating. With the Bronco buried on its axles, the newly revived tow truck was called into action.

The result? Saltine pulled it free.

For just $3,000, Weston had bought a working tow truck — and plenty of future off-road adventures.