FG's in Action

[Howard70]

FIDO gets stuck!

Allan:

Great job. I admire the way you kept your wits about you, didn't get rushed, and methodically worked away at the problem. I think that is the key to successful recoveries where nothing gets broke. Patience, work, and good spirits! The Rubicon must have been a mixed blessing - relief to get out, but just a bit of disappointment that you were almost finished with a self-recovery!

Thanks for taking the time to document your efforts and share them with us.

Howard

 

[Czechsix]

Good stuff Allan! Nice video.

With the later model truck, if I had gotten into that kind of stuck, it would have been a winch exercise immediately. With the tires buried to that level and that bentonite, the duonic more than likely wouldn't have even been able to spin the tires.

It would have been interesting if you had a front LS...might have helped.

 

[Howard70]

With the later model truck, if I had gotten into that kind of stuck, it would have been a winch exercise immediately. With the tires buried to that level and that bentonite, the duonic more than likely wouldn't have even been able to spin the tires.

Czechsix:

I agree - a winch would make that recovery in a Duoinc truck much quicker. Before getting the PullPal mounted on Prima Terra, I'd thought about the strategy I'd try if I was stuck like Fideo and couldn't find an anchor. My plan was to dig, dig, dig and get each tire on the forward end of a Maxtrax (possibly jacking the axle to get the trax under the tire if I couldn't back onto it) and then back to the aft end of the trax without coming off. Next dig, dig, dig pathways forward from the point furthest reached for the wheels on each side, the differentials, and the transfercase. Then use the 48" of the Maxtrax to accelerate the duonic and get a bit of momentum for a run with the pathways in place. As soon as wheels spun - stop & repeat!

We do carry a full-sized shovel which I find helps in the mud as you can move material from a further distance. However, just thinking about all that digging, blisters, etc., convinced me that the PullPal would be worth it - especially since, like Allen, we like to travel solo in some pretty remote settings.

Howard

 

[Czechsix]

So does this mean a group buy on a Kubota mini-track hoe as the ultimate trail recovery tool?

IN!

Seriously, though, the Maxtrax...multiple ones, would be a great help. Maybe combined with that new folding traction mat that was just highlighted.

 

[Howard70]

So does this mean a group buy on a Kubota mini-track hoe as the ultimate trail recovery tool?

Well, helpful at least. But ultimate? Here's a link to the ultimate recovery tool!

http://www.militaryfactory.com/imageviewer/ac/pic-detail.asp?aircraft_id=715&sCurrentPic=pic7


Howard

 

[yabanja]

Good stuff Allan! Nice video.

With the later model truck, if I had gotten into that kind of stuck, it would have been a winch exercise immediately. With the tires buried to that level and that bentonite, the duonic more than likely wouldn't have even been able to spin the tires.

It would have been interesting if you had a front LS...might have helped.

Actually, my problem was not a traction problem....initially. If you watch the video you will hear the truck bog down and almost stall when I first lost momentum. In low range 2nd gear!!! I still had traction-I was just pushing too much dirt with the axles and transfer case. If I had stopped when I first got bogged and assessed the situation prior to backing up I might have saved myself some hassle.

Allan

 

[yabanja]

Well, helpful at least. But ultimate? Here's a link to the ultimate recovery tool!

http://www.militaryfactory.com/imageviewer/ac/pic-detail.asp?aircraft_id=715&sCurrentPic=pic7


Howard

If you are going to dream... Dream Big!!!

Allan

 

[Czechsix]

Well, helpful at least. But ultimate? Here's a link to the ultimate recovery tool!

http://www.militaryfactory.com/imageviewer/ac/pic-detail.asp?aircraft_id=715&sCurrentPic=pic7




Howard

I want to see you trailer that out to OvEx '16, Howard.

Y - I'm curious as to what your clearance is for your transfer? I wonder how it compares with the newer models with aftermarket suspensions and wheels/tires.

 

[SkiFreak]

I'm curious as to what your clearance is for your transfer? I wonder how it compares with the newer models with aftermarket suspensions and wheels/tires.

Given that asked... with the coil conversion that my truck has, I have 460mm under the transfer case (18") and 260mm under the diffs (10 1/4") with the 19.5"/Toyo M608 singles fitted.

 

[Amesz00]

FIDO gets stuck!

[video=vimeo;130061838]https://vimeo.com/130061838[/video]

Is there a video attachment? I can't see it

 

[SkiFreak]

Works fine for me, but here is the direct link...
https://vimeo.com/130061838

 

[Amesz00]

Works fine for me, but here is the direct link...
https://vimeo.com/130061838

Cheers, got it now.
Nice vid Allan.

 

[dlh62c]

Allen, good job getting free.

One of the foremost rules of driving offroad is knowing what your driving into. Sometimes the smartest move is to backtrack around. It doesn't hurt to carry some cash in case you need recovery help. Carrying all the recovery gear helps, but nobody ever discusses the possibility of getting hurt in the process.

We're all getting older, there's the possibility of having a stroke or a heart attack during the effort. Having had a broken leg, I can tell you from experience if you don't have a cell phone in your pocket you'll be hard pressed to reach it.

 

[Czechsix]

Very good points, dlh.

Especially the health warnings. One other major thing to remind yourself when this sort of thing happens - don't rush. I personally like the UK way of doing things: Have a breakdown, brew up a cup of tea, sit back, and think about it awhile before doing anything.

I'll also add that doing recoveries, especially digging and winch recoveries, can be much more dangerous than they seem at first glance. It really helps to gradually build up experience, practicing and figuring out rigging and digging. For those of us that are complete neophytes, a solid class or three in recovery techniques wouldn't hurt either.

 

[yabanja]

Allen, good job getting free.

One of the foremost rules of driving offroad is knowing what your driving into. Sometimes the smartest move is to backtrack around. It doesn't hurt to carry some cash in case you need recovery help. Carrying all the recovery gear helps, but nobody ever discusses the possibility of getting hurt in the process.

We're all getting older, there's the possibility of having a stroke or a heart attack during the effort. Having had a broken leg, I can tell you from experience if you don't have a cell phone in your pocket you'll be hard pressed to reach it.

Sound advice... However I will not let fear rule my life. I am at home in the desert, in fact I feel more comfortable there than in the city. I agree that the most important thing is to not get yourself into anything you aren't prepared to deal with. I was fully aware of what I was getting into, and prepared to camp out for multiple weeks. Also a logical, patient plan for recovery is important. The point of this trip was to determine the limits of the vehicle and determine if it was going to be a feasible platform for multinational travel. I found the limits! And the answer to the second question is a resounding YES!! Now on to the 50 line item list of remaining modifications!

Allan