Getting stuck in the mud in Death Valley

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jonnyrig

climber
Mar 7, 2015 - 07:48am PT
People have wrapped rope or tow straps around a spinning wheel to get out. It's not a great method, but sometimes it's what ya got. In a lot o cases, there's nothing to anchor to, in which case you're stuck making some kind of dead-man. Course, if you don't have a winch you'd better be creative. Cable come-alongs are cheap and actually work pretty well. Shovels are simply a requirement.
I forgot to mention up-thread that I always have an excess of drinking water.
kstarr

climber
Mar 7, 2015 - 10:11am PT
I usually disregard these types of threads that have digressed into pissing matches, but I just wanted to throw some thoughts into the “conversation”.

To the OP, I say, nice work being self reliant and getting yourself out of bad situation. I will be putting that into my bag of tricks for the future, but I do hope though that you made an attempt to clean up the mess that was left behind.

To the Haters that say this is no big deal. That is a values judgement that doesn’t really have merit other than what you think is right or wrong. One click of a search engine with “OHV desert impacts” can bring up pages of documents that explain in depth to the contrary.

To be clear, I am not anti OHV. I love exploring in my truck and have been stuck in the mud and snow on occasion. This is more about the general attitude of people and their perceived “right” to do something whether it’s legal or not. Legality doesn’t justify it- it just makes it unpunishable. Just ask the oil and gas industry about that.
apogee

climber
Technically expert, safe belayer, can lead if easy
Mar 7, 2015 - 10:22am PT
Nicely stated, kstarr.
Ward Trotter

Trad climber
Mar 7, 2015 - 11:50am PT
It's also possible that if you have something sturdy a few feet high (like another vehicle or a boulder,etc,) between the stuck vehicle and the bollard you can arrange somewhat of a parbuckling advantage on the wench line, depending on the relative elevation of the bollard to the vehicle. But It's probably clear you did not have that particular advantage out there that day.
Next time.


ms55401

Trad climber
minneapolis, mn
Mar 7, 2015 - 05:25pm PT
I usually disregard these types of threads that have digressed into pissing matches, but I just wanted to throw some thoughts into the “conversation”.

To the OP, I say, nice work being self reliant and getting yourself out of bad situation. I will be putting that into my bag of tricks for the future, but I do hope though that you made an attempt to clean up the mess that was left behind.

To the Haters that say this is no big deal. That is a values judgement that doesn’t really have merit other than what you think is right or wrong. One click of a search engine with “OHV desert impacts” can bring up pages of documents that explain in depth to the contrary.

To be clear, I am not anti OHV. I love exploring in my truck and have been stuck in the mud and snow on occasion. This is more about the general attitude of people and their perceived “right” to do something whether it’s legal or not. Legality doesn’t justify it- it just makes it unpunishable. Just ask the oil and gas industry about that.

I agree. But I wouldn't ascribe bad intent to the guy. I've seen obvious bad intent here in my part of the country.

More than idly curious: how does one go about lifting a truck to gain ground clearance? I have a garden-variety truck that could use some vertical enhancement (not for rock crawling, just to keep from high-centering on some crappy roads)
Toker Villain

Big Wall climber
Toquerville, Utah
Mar 7, 2015 - 05:39pm PT
Get a lift kit and have it installed.
Toker Villain

Big Wall climber
Toquerville, Utah
Mar 8, 2015 - 01:41pm PT
Still have it. Not much (garage door height).

My best full size 4X4 is an F250 with a 453 front and back end conversion and a six banger. No high end but it could creep over a boulder.

Does anybody else go offroading with multiple shovels, a 16lb san angelo bar, powder and safety fuse, compressor and tire patches, and ramp rails? I really enjoy exploring old cat tracks in and around southern Utah, and there are plenty,..
George Bell

Trad climber
Colorado
Mar 11, 2015 - 08:56am PT
Good thing you brought that winch!!

Reminds me of the time we almost got stuck in a rental car on the highway in Death Valley. This photo was taken a few miles south of Furnace Creek en route to Badwater ...


dave729

Trad climber
Western America
Mar 11, 2015 - 11:16am PT
The softer the mud the bigger the bollard rule applies.

Try youtube and search for 'ground anchor', 'earth anchor' ,
'pul-pal foldable land anchor'etc.
A faster alternative to digging bollards. Many good ideas, basically a boat
anchor but for winching stuck vehicles. Some have a gas powered winch
attachment so you don't need one on the vehicle -Lewis Winch-.









jonnyrig

climber
Mar 11, 2015 - 02:04pm PT
I'm thinking with a little rock around, and some equalization skills, you'd be good to go.

[Click to View YouTube Video]
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