The Idiot Pause

Lots of rain around these parts and I decided I couldn't wait a second longer to get the trailer out from in front of the house. Hadn't rained all day so I came home and decided to give it a go. Pulled it through the low part of the acreage just fine. Got up the hill and...... did the "idiot pause". Neighbor across the drive tried to pull me out but we both have the standard passenger tires and in 1 year old grass that used to be a garden = no grip

Luckily I have about 10 good ol boy students with 4wd that will come over and help their teacher out.

It's just started raining like a SOB again and is going to last all weekend.

Anyone have thoughts on if tire chains would help?

I do have a tow straps, recovery strap and a tow chain in the barn.

I usually boycott the lake, eating out, shopping on a real holiday (Memorial Day) but my WWII grandpa would have called me an idiot if I didn't get it unstuck. He had a way of making a person see things for what they are. RIP

 

Living in Louisiana I learned not to do that....eventually.

 

Tires are "slicks" now

 

Looks like some MaxTraxx are in your future.

 

Yeah. I need something else for what I do with the truck and who I am. I was actually pissed off driving to work today hearing all the 'sales' going on. I was even pissed off at the Discount Tire 10% off advertisement. Pride and stupidity get in my way of common sense. Really probably nothing would have helped except for not 'pausing'.

 

And a call to the boys at Southern Style Off-road for the hidden winch bumper and winch hehehe

 

If your recovery strap is a snatch strap, use that. So the truck pulling can get a running start and doesn’t get stuck too. Doesn’t look too bad, should pull right out.

 

This ^ but also, air those stock tires down to about 22 lbs. before you try the strap. Those Michelins are actually pretty capable aired down. I mean, that's what you've got; airing down will make 'em more useful so, after you get a tug, if you keep up momentum, they'll likely keep going.

Anticipating the next question: I've also had enough experience now to trust that you can drive 'em on pavement aired down that much, to a gas station to air back up, if you don't have a compressor.

 

Thank you. Everyone needs a good reminder of not being an idiot after doing idiotic things. I appreciate the advice!!!

 

Yup, but I’d go down to 15-18 psi

 

I teach HVAC and do HVAC on nights and weekends. I use RIGID tools, but this little Ryobi thing has been kick ass. Goes with me everywhere. Inflates tubes, tires, fast, slow, etc. I did get 4 free 4Mah batteries from a buddy. https://www.homedepot.com/p/RYOBI-1...C-_-NavPLPHorizontal1_rr-_-NA-_-203060297-_-N

 

Do you mean, because the tread is now caked with mud?

I've used MaxTrax with aired down Michelins several times, and they work great.

(Also, as I gained experience airing down... and not pausing , I've not had to rely as often on MaxTrax.)

 

Got it out!!! With the help of some long straps, lots of blankets (safety) and my dad's Ford........ He's a Navy Vet and this was like his Christmas present. He got to tell me stories about how the Marines used to get tanks stuck and how their commander would always yell at them and that I should always back out in reverse.

I'll get the camper with my neighbor's tractor when and if it ever dries out. The lake rose about 4 feet in the last few days. Wonderful Missouri weather. At least my father-in-law in Central/West KS is getting some rain. Appreciate y'all

 

Good you got it out! Yeah, reverse = lowest gear, plus puts the movers in "front". My grandfather taught us the same trick, growing up.

 

Yeah my Dad use to say "Can't leave the mule in the ditch."

hope no one took a picture of the Ford pullin' a Tundra out, hard to live that down.

 

Is that Rampart Range Rd?

 

Been there with the stock tires. They become very slick

 

Come to Louisiana, the bigger, the stucker. I go to Colorado to go off-road.