What not to do with a brand new 4Runner

[4est Runner]

While driving through Manti-LaSal National Forest looking for a campsite, my wife and I had stopped at an intersection on the forest road to decide which way we should go. While checking our paper map and OnXOffroad a man with an Airedale dog started waving at us and walked over. He and his girlfriend had gotten stuck in a mud hole and needed help. He told us where he was stuck and that his girlfriend was still at the vehicle with a couple of Forest Rangers. When we found the vehicle it was sunk up to its rocker panels in mud. The 4Runner still had a temporary tag on it. I was able to install my recovery receiver and shackle into their receiver, hook up my winch and pull them out. The couple was very appreciative and I told them, Now you know where it won't go. I believe being prepared and using caution are key to Overlanding and Off-roading, especially when you're traveling alone. Stay safe and remember Adventure is Necessary!

 

[Rctonnie]

While driving through Manti-LaSal National Forest looking for a campsite, my wife and I had stopped at an intersection on the forest road to decide which way we should go. While checking our paper map and OnXOffroad a man with an Airedale dog started waving at us and walked over. He and his girlfriend had gotten stuck in a mud hole and needed help. He told us where he was stuck and that his girlfriend was still at the vehicle with a couple of Forest Rangers. When we found the vehicle it was sunk up to its rocker panels in mud. The 4Runner still had a temporary tag on it. I was able to install my recovery receiver and shackle into their receiver, hook up my winch and pull them out. The couple was very appreciative and I told them, Now you know where it won't go. I believe being prepared and using caution are key to Overlanding and Off-roading, especially when you're traveling alone. Stay safe and remember Adventure is Necessary!

Great save. I"m gonna be that one in the mud I just know it.

 

[rgallant]

Good Job, but man even from that pic it looks like a pretty iffy route.

 

[trail_runn4r]

While driving through Manti-LaSal National Forest looking for a campsite, my wife and I had stopped at an intersection on the forest road to decide which way we should go. While checking our paper map and OnXOffroad a man with an Airedale dog started waving at us and walked over. He and his girlfriend had gotten stuck in a mud hole and needed help. He told us where he was stuck and that his girlfriend was still at the vehicle with a couple of Forest Rangers. When we found the vehicle it was sunk up to its rocker panels in mud. The 4Runner still had a temporary tag on it. I was able to install my recovery receiver and shackle into their receiver, hook up my winch and pull them out. The couple was very appreciative and I told them, Now you know where it won't go. I believe being prepared and using caution are key to Overlanding and Off-roading, especially when you're traveling alone. Stay safe and remember Adventure is Necessary!

Good for them having you around and I'm sure they will remember this moment next time!

 

[Alanymarce]

...When we found the vehicle it was sunk up to its rocker panels in mud. ...

Hmm - obviously a language barrier - to me rocker panels are the panels on either side of the "rocker box" on the top of engine where the valve rockers are.... : )

 

[MegaBug]

Looks like a classic example of ” s**t happens ” It think this sort of thing could happen to any of us. The main lesson is be prepared to help yourself get out of the situation by carrying essential recovery gear. Having someone come along to help is a bonus, but even then you would ideally use your own gear.
We were all there once, I know I have been bailed out similarly. This is how we learn. Hard learned lessons stick with you.

 

[FishinCrzy]

I learned a long time ago that four wheel drive is best used to back out of a situation when the front tires start pushing mud. Axe me how I know! Several years checking cotton in the S.C. Low Country will give you some perspective of mud, sand, wet clay, ditches with sharp cut saplings, spring heads, sub-soil furrows, oh, and walking miles in hot sun and high humidity and god-awful gnats. Carpenters motto: Measure twice cut once is a very similar process. Getting stuck alone is to be avoided.

 

[Old Tanker]

Kudos to them for taking a new vehicle off road.

 

[grubworm]

if water and mud dont make it into the cab... it doesnt count

 

[Old Tanker]

if water and mud dont make it into the cab... it doesnt count

View attachment 201051

If only they had a snorkel...

 

[Road]

Hmm - obviously a language barrier - to me rocker panels are the panels on either side of the "rocker box" on the top of engine where the valve rockers are.... : )

.
Yep, I know what you mean. So many things mean something very different on another continent.

In North America, rocker panels are generally the panel beneath a vehicles side doors.

Rocker Panels: What Are They And Where Are They?

Learn more about your vehicle's rocker panels, why they are prone to corrosion, and what are the best replacement options for your damaged or rusted ones.

www.carid.com

 

[huachuca]

Not sure why anyone would drive across a meadow and especially that close to a body of water but good on ya for helping them out. Stuff can happen anywhere.

This past weekend, we were camped in Pisgah NF with the grand kid and took a ride up the Blue Ridge Parkway to check out the falls in Linville Gorge. Along the way we noticed a well dressed elderly couple standing outside their new Audi on one of the unofficial gravel pull offs. They didn't appear to be sightseeing so I pulled over and asked if they were having problems. Cliff notes version - They were trying to turn around and high centered on a rock. No cell service and no one had stopped in over an hour. I got them off with no damage by putting a few blocks under the front wheels.

 

[nuclear_runner]

Not a ton of context in the pictures but I have to wonder where they were trying to go... Just trying to camp near the water? Def bumping winch up my list of things for solo travel...

 

[FishinCrzy]

Not sure why anyone would drive across a meadow and especially that close to a body of water but good on ya for helping them out. Stuff can happen anywhere.

This past weekend, we were camped in Pisgah NF with the grand kid and took a ride up the Blue Ridge Parkway to check out the falls in Linville Gorge. Along the way we noticed a well dressed elderly couple standing outside their new Audi on one of the unofficial gravel pull offs. They didn't appear to be sightseeing so I pulled over and asked if they were having problems. Cliff notes version - They were trying to turn around and high centered on a rock. No cell service and no one had stopped in over an hour. I got them off with no damage by putting a few blocks under the front wheels.

In the background of the picture it looks kind of like it could be a dam, of sorts. Could be an old livestock pond and the silt is ass deep and water table is just under the surface if it is. Measure twice, cut onest.

 

[nuclear_runner]

Follow up question for people who know more about recovery: would traction boards get you out of this situation or is towing/winching out the only option when you're this stuck?

 

[Wandererr]

Follow up question for people who know more about recovery: would traction boards get you out of this situation or is towing/winching out the only option when you're this stuck?

They'd be better then nothing but traction boards are a great add on to a vehicle with a winch rather then a replacement for the winch