Forum Discussion

Oldcoyote's avatar
Oldcoyote
Explorer
Jan 22, 2019

Help moving camper thru mud

Here is my 24 ft camper

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/cvcccg3aq4804id/AAA3SY9V7NJONwJuOqQXhD8ca?dl=0

I hope the picture works. I need to move this camper to a new location and could use some advice. I have never towed it before. It probably
weighs around 4800 lbs. The Sequoia tow vehicle is a 4WD.I only need to move it about 75 yards to dry land where a 2WD truck will take over.


We have had constant rain here in Georgia and the 50 or so yards in front of the camper is muddy and slick. The wheels of the camper are not down in the mud. The camper is on a very slight incline with the back about 18 - 24 inches lower than the front. It is about a two hour drive to the camper. I will wait until there has been no rain for about one week before trying to move the camper.


My plan is to chock all 4 wheels, jack the trailer up and hook up the Sequoia. Then remove chocks from all except the two back wheels. Put the Sequoia in low range 4WD. I have two traction boards (and a shovel) and will use them if wheels slip a lot. Sequoia tires will have 30 lbs and I can reduce that if necessary as I have a compressor.


If the 4WD can't find traction, I may try locking the center differential.


A 2WD truck used a few days ago promptly got stuck well before reaching the camper. The Sequoia pulled him out using 4WD High range.


Forgive the length of this but I am in uncharted territory. Suggestions will be much appreciated.
Seeking Advice
  • jkwilson's avatar
    jkwilson
    Explorer III
    Jan 22, 2019
    ZINGERLITE wrote:
    jkwilson wrote:
    Just use a tractor.


    I don't think your average person has access to a tractor lol. I suppose you could rent one from the local tool rental?



    The average person at my house does!

    A tractor, if available, would be a better choice than a tow truck. But adding planking to keep the trailer wheels up out of the mud is important because the force applied to the tongue if the wheels sink could be extreme.
  • Veebyes's avatar
    Veebyes
    Explorer II
    Jan 22, 2019
    This is why I carry at least 4 2X10 boards for the trailer. The primary use is levelling however they have come in handy for getting out of a sticky situation that those plastic lego thingys would be useless for.

    A 12 ton bottle jack & plenty of blocks of wood for use with that comes in handy too.

    I'd try to get it out on my own. I like a challenge like that. Lift the trailer. Get some boards under its wheels to get it out of the holes they have created. Wait for the ground to dry as much as possible. Possibly use both vehicles in tandem to pull it out.

    Did something similar to that once with a 32' 12,000# inboard boat. Getting the boat out of the water the trailer went off the end of the ramp onto soft bottom. It took boat in gear almost wide open, TV pulling with all its might & a Bob Cat pulling the TV to get up & onto the ramp. I imagine we were quite a sight to see.
  • okhmbldr's avatar
    okhmbldr
    Explorer
    Jan 22, 2019
    4 wheel drive LOW is your friend!
    Your towing capacity is plenty for this trailer. If you wait a week as stated, you should have no problem pulling that trailer 50 yards. Just try to go as straight as you can without turning the wheel too sharply. I've done it before and you will be amazed at how well the 4WD works. Go for it!
  • twodownzero's avatar
    twodownzero
    Explorer
    Jan 23, 2019
    You should be locking all the differentials you have before even trying to move it. I don't know why you would save the center differential; that's like waiting to put a truck into 4wd until you're stuck. By then it's too late.

    Whether you'll be able to move your trailer depends a lot on the incline, the ground, and other factors that we can't assess from here. If your feet are sinking in the mud, you probably won't be able to get it up much of an incline.
  • doxiemom11's avatar
    doxiemom11
    Explorer II
    Jan 23, 2019
    A tow truck winched our 36' motorhome from being buried up to the axles in mud to dry ground, probably 50'. It was sitting on top of the grass - no mud visible and not raining when we tried to move it - sunk right in . I'd just call a tow company - tell them size, weight of what you have and they should be able to get it moved for you. If not possible, I'd try the plywood
  • All_I_could_aff's avatar
    All_I_could_aff
    Explorer
    Jan 23, 2019
    Jack up the trailer, wood under the trailer tires, and at least a few feet ahead of them. 4low, lock every diff locker available, set up video camera, open beer, yell “watch this” and then send it.
  • valhalla360's avatar
    valhalla360
    Navigator
    Jan 23, 2019
    I can't pull the picture up but from the description, if by traction boards, you mean the offroad aluminum ones to get you unstuck...your original plan should be fine.

    If it's only 50yds, you could also look at picking up a 200' anchor line (1/2 or 5/8" should be enough). Secure it well to the 2wd on dry ground (you don't want it coming off under tension). Then have the 2wd take up the slack and apply some force before the 4wd starts. The anchor line will be cheaper and easier than several sheets of plywood. (don't try jerking it out)
  • time2roll's avatar
    time2roll
    Nomad
    Jan 23, 2019
    Oldcoyote wrote:
    If I use plywood how thick? I would cut 4X8 sheets to 2X4 for ease of handling.

    I presume OSB not strong enough.
    I would be inclined to cut to 16" wide and 8' long to yield 3 boards per sheet. Not sure how soft the mud is to need 3/8, 1/2 or 5/8 etc. OSB should be fine. Hopefully this is just single use so if the wood is a bit damaged you don't care.

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