Who Am I and How Did Desert Sandworm Begin?
A few years ago, I would never have guessed I’d be on this ‘influencer’ journey. I grew up around trucks, atv’s, and camping so trails weren’t new to me. My “Desert Sandworm” journey started with a Mustang in 2023 that I named the Silver Bullet, and now I am on a much different path than the sports car scene.
I’m Tyler – off-road enthusiasts, dog dad, and the creator behind Desert Sandworm. People often ask about the name, and it’s so simple, it’s silly. I traded my Mustang in on a 2024 GMC Canyon Elevation in the color Desert Sand Metallic. All I did was remove the word metallic and add in the word worm, thus, Desert Sandworm was born. It just felt natural because I knew an off-road build was where I was headed. I was excited to be back in a truck and ready to tackle everything from rock crawling to weekend camping. I just started recording the progress of the build and then transitioned to recording my camping treats. Everything just flowed and it was easy to record and ‘work’ when I was doing something I really enjoyed.
My channel has now morphed into something more and it has me super excited for the future. I have met so many new friends through events, campouts, and social media. My small journey of growing a YouTube has moved me to starting my own business and organizing my own events!
My Biggest Challenges on This Path.
I started all this funding myself. Not everything is as it seems on social media. I am no rich guy able to purchase everything at once, it takes work, and what you don’t see is the parts purchased one by one sitting in my garage until I have everything, I need to actually complete a process. For example, the suspension, wheels, and tires on the truck took me 8 months to complete. I purchased the suspension first, wheels a few months later, and then the tires. After that, I had to wait until I had the money to pay a shop to install everything. I found out really quick, it takes a little bit of money to create content people want to view to grow a channel or business. There were a few times I wanted to quit, and felt like I was in a hole I couldn’t get out of. But I met so many of you and made great friends along the way I just couldn’t do it. So many have reached out and really showed me that my videos actually help, whether it’s installing a product, or simply giving the push they need to get out and enjoy the outdoors.
The Unforgettable Moment.
I struggle picking an unforgettable moment because each trip leaves me with unforgettable memories. One of my favorite trips was early this year. My dog, Duke, and I headed west towards Arizona to visit my younger brother I hadn’t seen in a few years. It was 15 hours one way of just me and my dog, man’s best friend.
Once we arrived in Arizona, we got to see my brother and his dog, but the real memory was being able to take my brother wheeling in a truck for the first time. We were able to head out to the desert and find some real trails for the Desert Sandworm. It was the first time for my brother to wheel in a truck, and it was my first time seeing a giant cactus out in the wild.
This is one of those trips that left me with good memories at every corner.
Victories That Matter
Since starting my YouTube channel, I have had victories, big and small. Some of the smaller ones are as simple as being sponsored with some free light bulbs for my truck. Some of the bigger ones are trying to start my own business, a line of off-road car cleaning chemicals.
One that really stands out is a partnership I worked so hard for. After multiple emails, months of meetings, and almost being told no, I finally landed a deal with a local Ford Dealership, Bill Knight Ford. This partnership wasn’t just about me though. As much as I am a Ford guy, I really wanted my audience to get as much value out of this as I did. Thus, I purchased and added a Bronco, Sandstorm, to the channel. The Bronco, itself, was a win because I always wanted one, but the deal I made was even better. Through this purchase I was able to get them to agree to give my audience the X-Plan pricing on Ford Broncos and Rangers! This is a discount below the MSRP! I also was able to make an agreement for my audience and friends to receive 10% off at the shop I use, Silo Hill Custom, and when purchasing a vehicle, you’re entered to win $3,000 credit at Silo Hill Customs to go towards any parts you want! Code: Sandstorm.
To date, that is my biggest when. My next will be what I am working on now, Worm Spit. A chemical line made specifically for overlanding and off-road rigs! When you put your mind to it, work hard, and stay positive, the victories will come!
Advice for New Off-Roaders and Builders.
Start where you are. You don’t need a $90k build to get out there and explore. Heck, you don’t even need 4wd. Choose your camp locations wisely, recovery gear over light bars, and pack smart. You don’t need the fanciest gear to camp and enjoy nature. I started with a $100 ground tent and a cheap cooler, that’s all you need.
I chose a base model truck for my build specifically to show my audience you don’t need some crazy rig to get to those secluded locations. My truck gets me everywhere I need to get, and I have even seen Subarus take on obstacles I wouldn’t even do with my truck.
Overall, ignore the hype and clout. Do it for the experience and memories. People on social media will come and go, but those friendships built around the campfire will last forever.
A Life Perspective That Stuck with Me.
I am not a superstitious person, but there is one thing I have learned through various events in my life. It may sound silly, but I strongly believe a positive attitude really helps everything work out just fine. That doesn’t mean I don’t still get down sometimes, but I keep in mind that things work out and I can’t shut down because of the losses I might encounter. If it doesn’t work out this time it doesn’t mean it won’t work out a week, months, or year from now.
I am a strong believer in being the best person I can be while keeping a positive outlook on life. When you’re always beating yourself up it’s hard to see the good things in life and makes it harder to be the best version of yourself.
What’s Next for Desert Sandworm?
Glad you asked. I have two events I’m putting together for the end of the year! The first one will be October 3rd-5th in the Ozarks of Arkansas, this is Sandworm’s Fiddle Run, named after the truck. The next event is November 21st-23rd at Fidler’s Bend in Colcord, Ok, this is Sandstorm’s Ridge Run, named after the Bronco.
Both events will feature camping and off-road trails. Sandworm’s Fiddle Run will feature an event raffle with multiple prizes donated from various companies like Morimoto, C6 Outdoors, Rugged Radios, and more! Sandstorm’s Ridge Run will feature vendors, businesses, food trucks, and content creators, where booths will be set up and products will be on display to view or purchase.
I am super excited about these since they will be my first events I am putting on, and if you’re interested check them out under the Events tab.
