Extricating Montana

[rames14]

Living in the Rocky Mountains, footing for the truck and Montana is usually not a problem. You don’t sink in rock. But a recent experience in the desert made me realize that this tip could save someone a thousand dollar tow bill. We have been boondocking in the desert with some other MOC friends. We got into an area near Joshua Tree where we helped pull a Motorhome out of the sand. That took two four wheel drive vehicles strapped together. Well, several days later we found ourselves in the desert outside of Death Valley in the same predicament. The Ram was buried to the wheels and the front jacks were touching sand. The ground was so soft we couldn’t pull it out with another truck, even after digging out. Faced with the prospect of having a tow truck drive an hour into the desert, I came up with another idea. I decided to unhitch from the Montana and get the truck out. We put pads under the landing gear and raised up to unhitch. Needed to unpin the hitch head because it would not unlatch. Getting the truck out was fairly easy. Now, with the truck free, my next idea was to get some wood under the truck tires to spread out the load so it didn’t sink in. My thought was some 8’ plywood ripped down the center. However, it was Sunday evening and we were a couple hours from a lumber store. However, the ghost town of Ballarat was nearby (20 miles). Went down to see if they had anything we could use. It just so happened they had a stack of military landing strip pieces used for constructing temporary landing strips (corrugated metal x 8’ long). Borrowed 4 pieces and back to the Montana. Placed two on each side leading back to the Montana. Backed the truck under Montana, got the second truck in front and connected the tow strap. Out she came. If you are going to boondock, things will happen. It helps if you have a buddy (thanks Arkware) along. Having a positive attitude and not panicking is also a good thing. Carrying a shovel and tow straps is a good idea. I am sure plywood wood have worked, anything to distribute the load. I hope this saves someone from having to call for a very expensive tow. Always an adventure.

[mlh]

The soil in some parts of Ohio is the same. I’ve seen million dollar motor homes sunk up to the axles both front and back. When the soil west of Canton is wet it has no bottom. It’s beautiful loam soil but don’t get on it’s when it’s wet.
The low lands of South Carolina is like grease on concrete when it’s wet or worse.
Lynwood

[Daryles]

I now keep some short 2x4s in the basement. They also double as leveling blocks.

Truck stuck in mud 2 x 4 fix
https://youtu.be/NSRxhvufvmw

[rames14]

I am not sure the additional weight of the Montana would have held up with the two by fours. But it is an interesting alternative. We actually needed to get the mats under the Montana tires also.

[DQDick]

Folks seldom realize the power of loose sand. I flipped the wrong switch once at Q (AC knob instead of 4 wheel knob) and when down in a wash with a group of other pickups. Realized what I'd done, got out and used my entrenching tool to get me some room to back up. Put it in 4 wheel and pulled right out. On my way to the big tent I heard a woman tell her husband he was getting one of those shovels.

[R.S.O'Donnell]

Originally Posted by DQDick

Folks seldom realize the power of loose sand. I flipped the wrong switch once at Q (AC knob instead of 4 wheel knob) and when down in a wash with a group of other pickups. Realized what I'd done, got out and used my entrenching tool to get me some room to back up. Put it in 4 wheel and pulled right out. On my way to the big tent I heard a woman tell her husband he was getting one of those shovels.

Oh so very true!!!

In my "previous life" we buried a 6x6 deuce and a half so deep on Sicily drop zone we ended up having to flag down a Sheridan tank to get it out. Nothing with tires was going to work and anything to hook to was too far away.

[twindman]

Seems like the 2x4s could cause damage. The video of the front tire, looked like the shocks were in danger of being hit with the wood. Possibility of damage that might cost more than a tow.

[Rondo]

Well Ron, another good story to tell the grandkids while you're sitting in front of the fireplace or campfire when you're old and grey! Wait a minute that could be now! LOL Glad you got out safe and sound. You got lucky with the portable landing strip pieces relatively close.

[Montana Man]

We used to take the toy hauler out to Pismo dunes in Ca. Getting stuck was a common occurrence. In fact it was part time entertainment watching folks dig their way out. The trick is airing down tires, parking on wooden pads, and jacking down onto large pads. If windy, skirting the trailer with wind blocks to keep the sand from being blown out from under your foundation. Digging the Monty out of the mud looks like a miserable experience.