Thanks for commiserating with me, and for all the suggestions. I really, REALLY wish I had parked at the top of the driveway and gotten the tractor out. The way the truck handled the hills on the way to my house gave me the false impression it would be OK on my driveway. That's not a mistake I'll make again. This really was like a slow-moving train wreck, or maybe it just seemed that way to me. The fender and bed damage didn't surprise me at all, (they are just made out of beer cans and plastic, you know) but I was shocked when I saw how the axle had been pushed back. I'll probably be spending the day clearing what I can off the driveway so I can have this embarrassing yard ornament hauled out of here ASAP.
Norsky, I'm in total agreement with you. I was in 4H on the roads leading to my house, and it was definitely needed. It occurred to me last night as I was not sleeping that I should have put it back in 2wd when it was all downhill in front of me. That's probably why I couldn't get control of it when it started to slide. I let off the brake expecting it to start rolling and straighten up, but it didn't. Probably because the wheels were being driven slower than I was sliding, which is as good as locked up. I've had the same thing happen with my tractor when I'm making the first snow-clearing run down the driveway. The tractor is 2wd with a locking trans-axle, and I've learned that when it starts to slide downhill on the snow, the way to get control of it is to give it more throttle, rather than get on the brake.
Regarding chains, I know what they are and I've even owned a set in the past and had to use them a few times, but I don't own any for this truck. With the possible exception of a firetruck (and I'm not even certain that was here), I've NEVER seen anyone using them around here and I'd probably have to order them to get some. If I hadn't had to make the trip to the airport yesterday, I would have happily joined all the other smart people around here and stayed home. I admit it, I had a momentary lapse of good judgment and now the truck is a mess. Thankfully it happened within walking distance of the house, and the only person involved was me. I'm fine, the trees are fine, the truck is insured, and I'll be spending some quality time with my insurance agent.
Jumbojet, I'll keep your offer in mind regarding a replacement bed. I'll probably stick with the pickup style bed since it fits the camper so well. We'll see what's available locally, and if necessary I'll get the truck axle/suspension repaired and drive up there without the bed to pick one up. If you don't mind, PM me the shop's contact info and I'll give them a call.
Gary: Yes, I've considered the possibility of it being totaled as well. I think it's going to depend on whether the rear axle has been damaged or not. I also can't tell if the frame has been tweaked or not. We'll see.
Thank you all. I'll let you know how this turns out.
:):)
