Something I have never experienced or even heard of. Long story, but maybe it will save someone else time and concern.
Driving across TX panhandle on I-40 into NM on a very hot day, 100+. Pulled into rest area about 15-20 miles west of Santa Rosa, NM. Used the restroom, walked the dog, got back into the truck to leave.
Put in drive, hit throttle, would not budge. Put in reverse, would not budge. First thought was transmission out. But realized the truck was trying to pull, but trailer would not move. Seemed the brakes were locked. Enough throttle that I was concerned about straining the transmission and would not move.
Thought I had accidentally pulled out the disconnect switch while messing aroung in bed of truck. Nope, it was OK. Pulled it out and re-inserted just to make sure. Same no-go. All wiring looked ok at disconnect switch and behind wheels, no obvious breaks or shorts.
Disconnected trailer harness and threw the battery disconnect switch to remove all brake power. Still no-go. Could brakes have gotten too hot and somehow seized???
After 6 PM and getting a little worried. Called the roadside assistance associated with my extended warranty policy. Will not get into that but they were very little help. Only number they could give me for RV repair service there was no answer.
Called information for sheriff department. Called number and no answer.
Called information for Santa Rosa police department. Lady gave me 3 numbers for RV service but did not know if any would be open.
About that time a rest area worker came by. Ask him if he knew of any RV service facility. HE DID! Called someone on his cell phone, gave it to me, and I explained my problem.
Disconnect switch, he said.
Nope. Done tried that. And also remove power. Still no go.
"By any chance are you parked on the right side of the pavement where the big trucks park?" he asked.
Yes.
"You are stuck to the asphalt"
What!!
"You are stuck to the asphalt. Put the truck in gear and gun it"
I already tried that and no go.
"Trust me. I have been out there on more $200-300 service calls for nothing more than stuck tires than I can count. It is downhill backwards. (he obviously knew the place) Put it in reverse and gun it"
I didn't feel real good about it, but he seemed familiar with the problem. Put it in reverse, hit the throttle pretty hard, and after a moment's hesitation, it started rolling backward.
"Give my buddy a little tip and have a good trip", he said.
I gave the guy a twenty, he was happy, we were happy, and on the road again.
The tires had settled slightly into the pavement, barely noticeable. And apparently the tires and asphalt were hot enough to have stuck to each other. I did notice as I was walking around that the pavement was somewhat rippled and a little soft in some spots along the right side, but did not really think much about it. Not unusual for asphalt.
Someone was looking out for us. What are the odds that guy would have walked by at that moment after 6 PM, knew just who to call, and the guy on the phone knew the problem and solution?
So if you are ever driving west I-40 on a hot day and stop at the rest area west of Santa Rosa, park on the left side, not the right side.